The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding pomace (peach, apricot) and molasses in different proportions to vetch feed on the digestibility values and relative feed quality of the silage. The forage was wilted before being…
The purpose of this study was to use the in vitro gas production (IVGP) method to assess the relative feeding value, feed quality, and anti-methanogenic capabilities of tree leaves added to Italian ryegrass forage at various proportions. With the addition…
This study evaluated the effects of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the nutritional value of Arundo donax (A. donax). Its ultimate goal was to develop an environmentally friendly animal feed alternative that could be produced sustainably while combatting the spread…
This study assessed the effects of the additions of an essential oil (EO), composed of ricinoleic acid, cardol, cardanol, and apple pomace, on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of alfalfa silages. The experimental treatments consisted of T1) alfalfa (control), T2)…
The objective was to investigate the effect of replacing maize silage (MS) with canola silage (CS) on the chemical composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of total mixed rations (TMR) containing these silages, and on in vitro rumen fermentation and…
Exogenous enzymes and essential oils (EOs) have both improved fibre digestion in ruminants, but the effect on ruminal fermentation and methane emission of combining these additives requires further evaluation. Various EOs were used in combination with an enzyme in an…
The effects of various drying procedures of alfalfa forage were evaluated on chemical composition, in vitro neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and dry matter (DM) digestibility, in situ DM, organic matter and crude protein (CP) degradability. The alfalfa had been harvested…
Estimation of indigestible neutral detergent fibre (iNDF) is necessary for accurate and precise predictions of feed energy values and potential microbial protein from digested NDF in the rumen. Due to lengthy laboratory procedures, iNDF has been estimated using the formula…
A series of in vitro incubations were performed in which a constant substrate (antelope cube) was used and only the inoculum source was varied. With an inoculum obtained from 7 different wild ruminants, gas production rate varied considerably and was…
Different portions (stalks, cobs, plant leaves, and cob leaves) from mature dry maize plants remaining after grain harvest were collected on two occasions, 8 weeks apart. Composition (proportion of plant portions) differed considerably between first and second cutting dates. All…
Laboratory investigation into optimal conditions for the treatment of wheat straw with urea and caustic soda, exclusively or in combination. The effect of treating wheat straw with 55 g urea and 45 g caustic soda (exclusively and in combination)…
The foliage of three Combretum species, C. apiculatum, C. molle and C. zeyheri, as well as that of Colophospermum mopane was collected over a period of two years. The chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and the rumen…
The aim of this study was to quantify the suitability of Boscia foetida as a fodder source for goats. Samples of leaves and twigs were taken in the Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. The concentrations of Ca,…
The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of Atriplex spp. for small stock production. Selected plants were harvested and analysed for crude protein, in vitro digestibility and leaf to stem ratio. Significant differences in nutritional value…
