In Vitro Ruminal VFA Concentrations from Rice Straw and Sugarcane Bagase Based Diets with Different NFC Sources

Abstract

Information concerning with ruminal nutrient availability of feed could help in balancing ruminant ration. Rice straw and sugarcane bagase are known as fiber sources, and molasses is known as non fiber carbohydrate (NFC) source for ruminant. The banana plant root meal (BPRM) is postulated to replace the portion of molasses in a ruminant diet because of its NFC content. This study determined the in vitro ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) from ammoniated rice straw and sugarcane based diets supplemented with molasses and BPRM, respectively, as NFC sources. In the experiment, two diets of rice straw based diets suppelemented with molasses (RSM) and BPRM (RSB) respectively, and two diets of ammoniated sugarcane bagase based diets supplemented with molasses (SGM) and BPRM (SGB) were tested their in vitro ruminal VFA concentrations using a technique of batch culture. Result of the in vitro test showed that there was no significant different in ruminal concentrations of total VFA, acetic, propionic, butyric, isobutyric, isovaleric, and n-valeric among experimental diets. The portions of molasses and BPRM could be replaced each other in the diet, and likewise for rice straw and sugarcane bagase. This is valuable indicative in attempt for sustaining ruminant feed availability.