In vitro evaluation of ruminal digestibility and fermentation characteristics of local feedstuff-based beef cattle ration

Abstract

Background: Consumption of local feedstuff  Neptunia plena L. Benth and  Leersia hexandra Swartz as a ration by the animal subject is expected to promote cost efficiency and production, as well as provide essential nutrition needs. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), ammonia (NH 3) production, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) in beef cattle.  Methods: Feed and rumen inoculum samples were prepared and analyzed for their proximate contents. There were five treatment groups based on the diet received by beef cattle, namely: T 1 (Leersia hexandra Swartz 100 %); T 2 (Neptunia plena L. Benth 100%); T 3 (Leersia hexandra Swartz  15% + (Neptunia plena L. Benth 15% + 70 % Other Feedstuffs); T 4 (Leersia hexandra Swartz  20% + (Neptunia plena L. Benth 20% + 60% Other Feedstuffs); T 5 (Leersia hexandra Swartz  25% + (Neptunia plena L. Benth 25% + 50% Other Feedstuffs).  In vitro approaches were used to determine the DMD, OMD, NH 3 production, and VFA in beef cattle. The data were analyzed using ANOVA at a significance level of 95%, and a Duncan Multiple Range Test.  Results: The results showed that the highest DMD (P<0.05) was derived from T  5 (56.47%), followed by T  4 (56.45%) and T  3 (55.90%). T  5=62.40% significantly (P<0.05) generated the highest OMD followed by T  4=61.95% and T  3=60.82%. This treatment had the highest NH  3 value, namely 5.02 mM, compared with T  3=4.55 mM, T  4=4.50 mM, T  2=4.22 mM, and T  1=3.99 mM. Furthermore, T 5 had the highest VFA (P<0.05) compared with T  4, T  3, T  2, and T  1 with the value of 150.5, 133.0, 130.5, 130.0, and 123.5 mM, respectively.  Conclusions: The local feedstuff-based ration contributed to beef cattle production.