Effects of Ethanol, Heat, and Lipid Treatment of Soybean Meal on Nitrogen Utilization by Ruminants

Abstract

Ruminant nitrogen utilization of soybean meal treated with 1) 70% ethanol at 23 or 78°C, 2) 10% coconut oil or tallow, or 3) a combination of 70% ethanol at 78°C and coconut oil or tallow was evaluated. Nitrogen solubility was lowest for soybean meal treated with ethanol at 78°C, ethanol plus coconut oil and ethanol plus tallow. In situ nitrogen disappearance was lowest for soybean meal treated with ethanol at 78°C, ethanol plus coconut oil, and ethanol plus tallow. Rates of nitrogen disappearance between 3 and 12 h were lowest for soybean meal treated with ethanol at 78°C, ethanol plus coconut oil, and ethanol plus tallow. Nitrogen retained by lambs was greater for lambs fed soybean meal treated with ethanol at 78°C than for those fed untreated soybean meal. Ruminal ammonia 4 h postfeeding was lowest for lambs fed soybean meal treated with ethanol at 78°C, ethanol plus coconut oil, and coconut oil. These data indicate that the 78°C ethanol treatment improved nitrogen utilization. © 1987, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.