Digestion, N-Utilization and Performance of Lactating Cows Fed Chemically or/and Biologically Treated Flax Straw

Abstract

Six male adult Barki sheep (42kg± 1.5kg), three each group were used for digestibility trails. Four lactating cows were arranged in 4x4 Latin square to carry out the lactation experiment. Animals were fed experimental diets containing 1. Flax straw without (FS). 2. Flax straw treated with urea at 4% on DM basis, (UFS). 3. Flax straw treated with Trichodema viride (FFS). 4. Flax straw treated with urea and Trichodema viride (UFFS). The results explained that, FS treatment had significant effect on digestibilities of DM (P < 0.0003), OM (P< 0.0001), CF and CP (P < 0.0004), and EE (P < 0.036), while no significant effect was detected for NFE. Sheep fed diet containing UFFS showed higher (P < 0.0001) digestibility of NDF and cellulose followed by those fed FFS containing diet without significant differences .But they had higher (P < 0.0001) digestibility of ADL and hemicellulose compared to other diets. While, those fed FFS containing diet, had the highest (p < 0.0001) digestibility of ADF (39.76 %). Treatments of flax straw had no significant effect on dry matter intake (DMI). But, it had significant effect (P < 0.0001) on NB and biological value of N (NB/AN). Diet of UFFS was more effective for increasing N-utilization of experimental diets and feeding value expressed as TDN (P < 0.0001) and DCP (P < 0.0007). Diet of UFFS increased milk yield and yields of milk fat, milk protein and 4 % (FCM) yields. No significant influences were observed for milk lactose, SNF, TP, and ash while increased (P < 0.0018) milk TS and fat (%). Treatments of FS had no harmful effects on blood patterns. UFFS diet showed the best economic feed efficiency followed by FFS, FS and UFS diets. It can be concluded from this study that, treatments with urea followed by fungus (T. viride) treatment could be promising for utilization straw for sheep and dairy cows.