Effects of dietary replacement of maize grain with popcorn waste products on nutrient digestibility and performance by lambs

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary replacement of maize with popcorn waste (PW) on the intake, nutrient digestibility and growth performance of lambs. Diets replacing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% maize with PW were formulated and fed ad libitum to 40 South African Mutton Merino lambs (25.0 ± 0.45 kg live-weight). The diets had similar intake and nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Lambs fed the 25 and 50% PW diets had higher intakes of crude protein (CP), metabolizable energy and ether extract compared to the other diets. Growth rate was highest (226 g/d) on the 25% diet and lowest (109 g/d) on the 75% PW diet. Best feed conversion ratio (FCR), of 5.1 (kg feed/kg live weight) was obtained with the 0% PW diet. Improved digestibility of CP and EE occurred in the 25 and 75% PW diets. Higher intake of nitrogen (N) and N retention were obtained in the 25 and 50% PW diets. Dietary replacement of >75% of maize resulted in poor animal performance (ADG < 150 g/d and FCR >7.00). It was concluded that PW can replace up to 50% of the maize in diets for growing lambs.

Correlation between Chemical Composition, Water Holding Capacity and Flavonoids Content of Maize Verities Harvested at Buxedeni Village of KwaNongoma in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

“…This indicates that yellow maize absorbed less glucose to make fibre resulting in the less fibre content which could be due to the structural component of the plant than other varieties. Nkosi et al [23] reported 29.9% fibre on white maize, this finding agrees with results of this study. Govender et al [22] reported 5.44% fibre on white maize which is lower than results of the present study.…”

“…The lower protein content in yellow compared to white maize is in agreement with the results obtained by Cantaluppi et al [21]. Govender et al and Nkosi et al [22,23] reported 10.22% and 10.10% protein on white maize, respectively which are higher than the values determined in the present study.…”

The Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Different Level of Carbohydrate Sources Addition on Tofu Waste Industry Fermentation

“…The raw materials generally associated with industrial-waste processing industry are the primary raw materials of agricultural origin. Nkosi et al (2010), feed cost and animal competition with humans for feed item, strongly suggest that alternative energy sources such as food by-product is used partially or totally to replace cereals in livestock diet to reduce and enhance cheaper meat production.…”