Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion dried leftover food (DLF) in the ration of crossbred calves (Balady x Friesian), on their growth performance, rumen function and blood parameters through a comparative feeding trial. Fifteen male crossbred calves (258±1 kg), were randomly assigned into three similar groups (five in each) and fed the tested rations for 16 weeks, as an experimental period. The tested rations were formulated from concentrate feed mixture (CFM) that partially substituted by 0, 20 and 40% of DLF for CFM1, CFM2 and CFM3, respectively, plus bagasse as a roughage portion for formulate the experimental rations R1 (control), R2 and R3 as tested one, respectively. Results showed that most nutrient digestibility coefficients and feeding values were improved with the higher level of DLF (40%) in ration, than R2 and R1 (control). NH3-N and pH values in rumen liquor were decreased with increasing the level of DLF up to 40% (R3) in rations. The vice versa trend was found among dietary treatments respecting TVFA´s concentrations in the rumen. Insignificant differences among tested rations in respect of most blood metabolites were found. Total body weight gain and daily gain were significantly higher only with (R3) than those of R1 (control). Economic efficiency was improved by feeding ration that contained 40% DLF (R3) in comparison with R1. This study concluded that considerably to use dry leftover food up to 40% level could be recommended for formulation the rations of crossbred cow calves.

IntroductionThis study investigated the effects of using sun-dried Azolla (Azolla pinnata) meal (SDAM) protein to replace sunflower meal protein in the diets of Zaraibi goats dams on nutrient digestibility, milk yield, composition, and economics.MethodA total of 15 Zaraibi goats (32.23 ± 0.2 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups, R1, R2, and R3 which were fed based on average milk production. The basal ration was a concentrated feed mixture containing 0, 10, and 20% SDAM which replaced 0, 25, and 50% of sunflower meal protein in the respective groups.ResultsNutrient digestibility and feeding values were improved with R3 goats, which had the highest level of azolla (20%) R3 versus R2 and R1 goats. The total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration in the in-rumen liquor was elevated by increasing the level of azolla up to 20% in R3 goats. The results revealed significantly higher (P<0.05) mean milk yield in the SDAM groups in comparison to R1 (1184, 1131 and 1034 respectively). The beneficial effects of the tested groups were observed in milk composition, milk fat, milk protein, and non- fats solids. Whereas the milk fat yield was higher in the SDAM group in comparison with the control group (40.84, 37.20, and 33.92). Ration inclusion of SDAM improved economic feed efficiency (relative feed cost and relative daily profit) and had a significant effect on the yield of milk constituents. In general, using up to a level of 20% SDAM in place of sunflower meal for feeding lactating Zaraibi goats improved milk production, milk fat yield, and cost-benefit ratio.DiscussionThis study recommended that, inclusion of sun-dried azolla meal up to 20%, as an unconventional feed for Zaraibi dairy goats and offspring, improved milk production and economically feed efficiency.

his experiment was conducted to study the nutritional and economical evaluation of inclusion of hotels leftover food in growing lambs rations. Fifteen crossbred lambs (Ossimi × Finnish) with 23.5±0.3 kg average live body weight of, and 7 months of age were distributed into 3 similar groups (5 lambs each) and randomly assigned to 3 experimental rations. The experimental rations were formulated from concentrate feed mixture (CFM) that partially substituted by 0, 25 and 50% of dried leftover food (DLF) for CFM1, CFM2 and CFM3, respectively, plus corn silage. The experiment lasted 120 days. Results indicated that most nutrient digestibilities were markedly improved with increasing level of DLF in ration. Feeding values expressed as DCP did not significantly differ among the experimental rations, while TDN values were significantly improved with increasing the level of DLF. Ruminal pH values were significantly decreased with increasing DLF level at 3 hrs post feeding, however, concentrations of ruminal NH 3 N and TVFA´s were not affected by inclusion of DLF. No significant differences were observed in blood constituents among the experimental groups. Moreover, improving in average daily gain and the lowest feed cost to get one kg gain were observed with ration containing 50% DLF (R3), recording 10.97% and 12.44%, respectively. At the same time, the positive percentage of DLF gave the highest economic efficiency. It was concluded that inclusion of DLF in growing crossbred lambs' rations up to 50% in CFM improved their performance.