Ration digestibilities and ruminal characteristics in steers fed chickpeas

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ruminant Nutrition
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Corn and soybean meal are traditional feed components for cattle.
• Exploring alternative feed ingredients like chickpeas is crucial for sustainable livestock production.
• Chickpeas offer potential nutritional benefits for ruminants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the nutritional value of chickpeas as a substitute for corn and soybean meal in Holstein steer diets.
• To assess the impact of chickpea inclusion on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance.
• To analyze ruminal fermentation parameters in steers fed chickpea-based diets.

Main Methods:

• A 5-day digestion trial involving 24 Holstein steers.
• Formulation of total mixed diets with varying percentages of chickpeas (0%, 50%, 100%) replacing corn and soybean meal.
• Measurement of feed intake, nutrient digestibilities (DM, NDF, ADF, protein, fat, ash), nitrogen balance, and ruminal fermentation parameters.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in dry matter intake or overall nutrient digestibility (DM, NDF, ADF, gross energy) were observed.
• Steers fed 100% chickpeas showed significantly greater digestibility of protein, fat, and ash compared to those fed 0% chickpeas.
• Inclusion of chickpeas led to lower fecal nitrogen, higher absorbed nitrogen, reduced ruminal acetate, and an increased propionate proportion.

Conclusions:

• Chickpeas can effectively replace corn and soybean meal in Holstein steer diets without compromising overall nutrient digestibility.
• Chickpea-based diets enhance protein, fat, and ash utilization and improve nitrogen retention in steers.
• Incorporating chickpeas into steer diets positively modulates ruminal fermentation, favoring propionate production.