Effects of Rice Straw Supplemented with Urea and Molasses on Intermediary Metabolism of Plasma Glucose and Leucine in Sheep

Abstract

An isotope dilution method using [U-13C]glucose and [1-13C]leucine (Leu) was conducted to evaluate the effects of rice straw supplemented with urea and molasses (RSUM-diet) on plasma glucose and Leu turnover rates in sheep. Nitrogen (N) balance, rumen fermentation characteristics and blood metabolite concentrations were also determined. Four sheep were fed either mixed hay (MH-diet), or a RSUM-diet with a crossover design for two 21 days period. Feed allowance was computed on the basis of metabolizable energy at maintenance level. The isotope dilution method was performed as the primed-continuous infusion on day 21 of each dietary period. Nitrogen intake was lower (p = 0.01) for the RSUM-diet and N digestibility did not differ (p = 0.57) between diets. Concentrations of rumen total volatile fatty acids tended to be higher (p = 0.09) for the RSUM-diet than the MH-diet. Acetate concentration in the rumen did not differ (p = 0.38) between diets, whereas propionate concentration was higher (p = 0.01) for the RSUM-diet compared to the MH-diet. Turnover rates as well as concentrations of plasma glucose and Leu did not differ between diets. It can be concluded that kinetics of plasma glucose and Leu metabolism were comparable between the RSUM-diet and the MH-diet, and rumen fermentation characteristics were improved in sheep fed the RSUM-diet compared to the MH-diet.

Effects of Incremental Urea Supplementation on Rumen Fermentation, Nutrient Digestion, Plasma Metabolites, and Growth Performance in Fattening Lambs

“…In the present study, the levels of plasma metabolites were within or close to the normal range for healthy sheep [5,27], which suggests that all the treatments did not adversely impact these metabolite profiles. As expected and shown in previous study, plasma ammonia and urea concentrations were elevated with the increased supplementation [28]. Ammonia can cause adverse effects ranging from depressed animal performance to death [9].…”

Determinants of rice by-products utilization as feed and their management in Ethiopia: the case of Fogera District

“…Smallholder farmers do not apply better nutritional improvements on rice by-products such as urea treatment due which might be associated with lack of inputs and awareness. However, as rice by-products are usually low in crude protein, it is vital that supplementation of with a protein source and a more easily accessible energy source will improve the performance and production of the animals (Sarnklong et al 2010;Alam et al 2016).…”

Growth Measurments of Male Goat Kids Nourished on Unconventional Rice Straws Ensiled by Corn Steep Liquor and Conventional Rice Straws Ensiled by Urea

“…Moreover, keeping ensiled straws with much nitrogen (N) can held as water-soluble, thus rapidly librated in the rumen and cause nutrient loss at ruminal level. On the other hand, Alam et al (2016) reported that supplementation moderate of nitrogen (N) to dry straws diets improved feed intake, digestive function and ruminal characteristics in ruminants through influencing rumen microbial growth. Recently, Sheikh et al (2017) reviewed that using urea to ensile dry rice straws could be resulted in the low nutrient intake (energy and crude protein) because of low dry matter intake leading to low growth rates and poor reproductive and productive performance.…”