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The estimation of the nutritive value of feeds as energy sources for ruminants and the derivation of feeding systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

K. L. Blaxter  and
A. W. Boyne
K. L. Blaxter
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
A. W. Boyne
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
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Summary

The results of 80 calorimetric experiments with sheep and cattle, mostly conducted in Scotland, were analysed using a generalization of the Mitscherlich equation R = B(l–exp(–pG))–l, where R is daily energy retention and G daily gross energy intake, both scaled by dividing by the fasting metabolism. The relations between gross energy and metabolizable energy were also examined. Methods of fitting the Mitscherlich equation and the errors associated with it are presented.

It is shown that the gross energy of the organic matter of feed can be estimated from proximate principles with an error of ±2·3% (coefficient of variation) and that provided different classes of feed are distinguished, the metabolizable energy of organic matter can be estimated from gross energy and crude fibre content with an error of ±6·9%. Parameters of the primary equation made with cattle agreed with those made with sheep and there was no evidence of non-proportionality of responses on substitution of feeds in mixtures.

The efficiency of utilization of gross energy for maintenance and for body gain of energy was related to the metabolizability of gross energy and, in addition, to fibre or to protein content. Prediction equations are presented which describe these relationships.

It is shown that the primary equation can be manipulated to express a number of biological concepts and that its two parameters B and p can be simply derived from estimates of the two efficiency terms for maintenance and production.

The results are discussed in relation to the design of feeding systems for ruminant animals and to the derivation of optima in their feeding.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 90 , Issue 1 , February 1978 , pp. 47 - 68
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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References

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