Growth performance of growing heifers fed acacia [Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.] pod meal as assessed from in vitro rumen fluid methane and carbon dioxide production

Date

4-2013

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Major Course

Major in Animal Science

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Amado A. Angeles

Abstract

Abstract: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) production through in vitro gas production technique was determined to evaluate growth performance of growing heifers. Eighteen growing heifers were fed with diets: 1.) 70% Napier - 30% Rice bran-Copra meal (RBC) combination, 2) 70% Napier - 15% Rice bran-Copra meal - 15% Acacia pod meal (RCA) combination and 3) 70% Napier - 30% Acacia pod meal (APM) from which growth parameters were measured. CO2 and CH4 production was measured using dual portable gas analyser. Based from the feeding trial, APM inclusion decreased (P < 0.05) Average daily gain and lowered (P < 0.01) Feed conversion ratio. Average daily feed intake showed no significant differences. APM inclusion at 15% and 30% in the diets increased (P < 0.05) total gas production as compared to RBC. Through the in vitro gas (total, CO2 and CH4) production analyses, insignificant (P > 0.05) differences of total gas, CH4 and CO2 and CH4/CO2 ratio were observed. Rumen fluid total gas, CH4 and CO2 production potential could not determine the effect of APM on the repressive growth performance of growing heifers. Hence, gas production potential was not a reflective measure of growth performance of animals.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2013 A3 /D43

Document Type

Thesis

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