Supplementation of Dairy Calf Diets with Enzymes. II. Effect on Nutrient Utilization and on Composition of Rumen Fluid

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Abstract
The apparent nitrogen and energy digestibilities and nitrogen retention were determined for a hay and concentrate ration with and without bacterial protease concentrate supplementation, using 6- to 7-month-old steers. Samples of rumen fluid were analyzed for VFA, total nitrogen, soluble nitrogen, NPN and ammonia nitrogen at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hr. after feeding each ration. Enzyme supplementation significantly increased apparent nitrogen and energy digestibility. There was no apparent effect on total concentration or on the ratios of VFA in rumen fluid. Protein nitrogen concentration was significantly higher for the supplemented ration at 0, 2, 4 and 6 hr. after feeding, but lower at 1 hr. after feeding. Non-ammonia NPN concentration was significantly higher at 1 hr. after feeding for the supplemented ration than for the control. There were no significant differences between rations in ruminal ammonia concentration. Copyright © 1965. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1965 by American Society of Animal Science