The Digestibility of Nutrients in the Diet and Nitrogen Balance in Fattened Bulls
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-5-14Keywords:
fattening steers, feed additive, dry matter, crude protein, nitrogen, live weight, biological extractive substancesDownloads
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.
Conclusion. The feed additive contributed to improved digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen utilization, positively affecting the calves' live weight gain.
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