The Digestibility of Nutrients in the Diet and Nitrogen Balance in Fattened Bulls

Abstract

Introduction. The development of effective methods to enhance the utilization of high-quality protein feeds plays a vital role in calf fattening. One such method involves the use of non-protein nitrogenous compounds in mixed feeds, which can release a significant amount of nutrients.
Aim. To study the digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance in calves fed a feed additive of NCG-N-carbamyl glutamate.
Мaterials and methods. Two groups of 8-month-old calves were formed using the paired method: a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group received a feed additive at a rate of 5 grams per head within a total mixed ration. Feed intake, leftovers, digestibility coefficients, and excretion of feces and urine were monitored according to standard procedures.
Results. We observed changes in the digestibility of dietary nutrients: dry matter and crude protein increased by 3.61% and 6.92%, respectively. In addition, there was a tendency for increased digestibility of organic matter by 0.41%, crude fat by 0.56%, crude fiber by 0.65%, and biological extractive substances by 0.46%. Feeding the additive led to a rise in nitrogen intake by 6.05 grams and a decrease in nitrogen excretion by 5.15 grams, resulting in a statistically significant increase in nitrogen retention by 8.53 grams.
Conclusions. The feed additive contributed to improved digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen utilization, positively affecting the calves' live weight gain.

To cite: Tsygankov E.M., Menkova A.A. The Digestibility of Nutrients in the Diet and Nitrogen Balance in Fattened Bulls. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):5-14. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-5-14