Nitrogen Studies with Lambs Fed Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) as Hay, Low-Moisture and High-Moisture Silages

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Abstract
Balance trials and a rumen and blood study were conducted to evaluate nitrogen utilization in feeder lambs fed alfalfa preserved as hay, low-moisture and high-moisture silages. Utilization of nitrogen by lambs fed hay was greater than that from fermented forages as shown by higher dry matter and nitrogen digestibilities and nitrogen balance. Utilization of nitrogen from high moisture silage was intermediate and from low moisture silage the lowest. Considerable nutrient changes were observed in alfalfa during the fermentation process. Total nitrogen content changed to a more soluble and nonprotein nitrogen form. Soluble nitrogen as a percentage of total nitrogen changed from 32% for hay to 52% and 71% for low- and high-moisture silages, respectively. Soluble carbohydrate percentage decreased from 7.2% for hay to less than 3% for the fermented forages. Rumen ammonia and blood urea values were significantly higher (P<.05) in hay-fed lambs than in lambs fed silages. Values for blood urea and plasma alpha-amino nitrogen and rumen ammonia were affected by the intake, digestibility and the amount of readily available nitrogen and energy in the forages. Copyright © 1971. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1971 by American Society of Animal Science.

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