Authors: Aderinboye R. Y, C. F. I. Onwuka, O. M. Arigbede, A. B. J. Aina, O. O. Oduguwa, A. A. Taiwo
© 201 1Nigerian Society for Animal Production Nigerian Journal of Animal Production
Abstract
Rumen degradation characteristics of Panicum maximum and Gmelina arborea forages in response to monensin supplementation were studied in a 2 x 4 factorial experiment using an Ntdama jistulated
steer. Monensin had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the soluble fraction ‘a’ of nutrients but showed reductions (P<0.05) in the degradable fractions ‘b ‘ of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergentjibre and acid detergentfibre at 30 and 45 mglkg DM supplementation levels relative to the control. These reductions were within the range of 45.76 – 49.52,37.88 – 43.57,44.60 – 45.31 and 45.18 – 46. 85%jo,. DM, CP, NDF and ADF, respectively. The potential degradation ‘p’ of DM, NDF, and ADF reduced (P<0.05) at 30 and 45 mg/kg DM while ‘p’ for CP reduced at 45 mglkg DM Forage type had significant effect (P<0.05) on nutrient degradation with Panicum maximum having lower nutrient degradation characteristics values than those of Gmelina arborea. While monensin reduced nutrient degradation from Panicum maximum at 30 and 45 mglkg DM, reduction in nutrients degradation from Gmel ina arborea 11US observed only at 45 mglkg DM. Comparatively, at similar levels of 15, 30 and 45 mg of monensin/kg DM, Panicum maximum had lower (P<0.05) degradation values to those observed for
Gmelina arborea. The reduction effea of monensin on nutrient degradation from both forages suggests an inhibition of microbial digestion. This could increase rumenfill, reduce ruminal outflow rate and possibly increase- the proportion of un-degradable proteins leaving the rumen for the lower tract. The particular level of monensin supplementation at which such reductions would occur depends on forage type.