Effects of using slow-release urea and resistant starch in feed block on in vitro gas production kinetics and degradability
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Abstract
Slow-release urea is an important alternative for nitrogen supplementation in ruminant diets, as it provides a continuous release of nitrogen in line with the ruminal microflora’s energy expenditure. At the same time, resistant starch, such as heat- and moisture-modified cassava starch, enables the animals to utilize carbohydrates more efficiently. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of slow-release urea (SRU) in combination with resistant starch in a feed block on gas production kinetics and in vitro digestibility. A completely randomized design (CRD) was conducted in six groups, supplemented with slow-release urea (Menogen®) at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15% and modified cassava starch at 5% in all groups. The 15% SRU group exhibited the highest value of the immediately soluble component (a), whereas the insoluble part (b) was lowest in this group. The gas production rate (c) was highest in the 9% SRU group. All three parameters differed significantly among treatments (P<0.05). In addition, the potential gas production (a + b) was highest at 6% SRU, and cumulative gas production at 120 h was greatest in the 9% SRU group. Regarding in vitro digestibility, dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were all highest in the 15% SRU group, with significant differences observed among treatments (P<0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of 15% SRU in combination with resistant starch in the feed block significantly enhanced in vitro ruminal fermentation and degradability.
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