Dietary Supplementation Of Rice Bran Crude Lecithin Affect Feed Digestion, Blood And Rumen Profile In Crossbred Calves

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of rice bran crude lecithin (RBCL) on nutrient digestion and balance, performance, methanogenesis, blood and rumen profile. Eighteen crossbred calves were randomly divided into three groups; RBCL-0, RBCL-8 and RBCL-12 and fed wheat straw based diet with concentrate mixture containing 0, 8 and 12 % RBCL respectively. The dry matter, organic matter and crude protein intake were comparable but tended to decrease with the RBCL levels. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, total carbohydrate and gross energy tended to decrease while crude protein and ether extract digestibility tended to increase were with RBCL levels. The fibre fractions (NDF and ADF) digestibility was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in RBCL supplemented groups in comparison to control group. The body weight gain and average daily gain tended to decrease with increasing the level of rice bran crude lecithin. The percent of nitrogen and calcium retention tended to decrease, while phosphorus retention was significantly (P < 0.01) lower with inclusion level of RBCL. The methane production (L/d, L/kgW0.75) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in RBCL-12 followed by RBCL-8 as compared to RBCL-0 group. Serum biochemical did not show significant difference among dietary treatment groups. The cholesterol and blood urea concentration was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in RBCL-12 group as compared to control group. The rumen metabolites and microbiota showed reduction in RBCL-8 group as compare to RBCL-0 group without reach to significant (P < 0.05) level. It can be concluded, that detrimental effect of present levels (8 and 12%) of RBCL was seen in the performance of crossbred calves, which was associated with decreased fibre digestibility and fermentation in rumen. Beside this, RBCL is helpful in methane mitigation for cleaner production and can be a cheap source of energy in place of corn for ruminant. Further studies in large number of livestock are warranted to explore the potential of RBCL in the ruminant ration.