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Effects of Physically Effective Neutral Detergent Fiber Content on Intake, Digestibility, and Chewing Activity in
Mi Rae Oh1, Heeok Hong2, Hong Liang Li1
1Korea Nokyong Research Center, Division of Food Bio Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
|August 5, 2016
Summary
Increasing physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) in total mixed rations (TMR) boosts weight gain and digestibility in fattening heifers. Higher peNDF content also enhances chewing activity and feed conversion efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Feed Science
Background:
- Physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) is crucial for ruminant digestion and chewing behavior.
- Optimizing peNDF in total mixed rations (TMR) can influence feed efficiency and animal performance.
- Hanwoo heifers are a significant beef cattle breed in Korea, making their nutritional management important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying peNDF levels in TMR on the performance of fattening Hanwoo heifers.
- To assess the effects of peNDF on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, and chewing activity.
- To determine the optimal peNDF content for improving feed efficiency and body weight gain.
Main Methods:
- A replicated 3x3 Latin square design was employed with 12 fattening Hanwoo heifers.
- Three diets with high (T1), medium (T2), and low (T3) peNDF content were formulated by adjusting TMR mixing times.
- peNDF content was calculated using the Penn State Particle Separator and dietary NDF.
Main Results:
- Dry matter intake remained unaffected by peNDF levels.
- Total weight gain was significantly higher in the high peNDF group (T1) compared to T2 and T3.
- Feed conversion ratio improved with increasing peNDF, and digestibility of major nutrients (DM, CP, CF, NDF, ADF) linearly increased with higher peNDF content.
- Chewing activity (eating, ruminating, total chews) showed a linear increase with elevated peNDF levels.
Conclusions:
- peNDF content significantly influences the digestibility and chewing activity of fattening Hanwoo heifers.
- Increasing peNDF in TMR is recommended for enhancing feed efficiency, digestibility, body weight gain, and overall performance.
- TMR formulation should consider peNDF levels to optimize production outcomes in beef heifers.
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