Effect of different levels of sago palm pith on nutrient utilization in Thai native cattle fed with plicatulum hay (Paspalum plicatulum Michx.) and soybean meal.

The effects of different levels of sago palm pith as energy source on nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation characteristics of Thai native cattle were investigated. Four rumen-fistulated bulls with average body weight (BW) of 263± 10 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4x4 Latin Square Design. Plicatulum hay (Paspalum plicatulum Michx.) was offered to each animal ad libitum with 0.50 kg/h/d of soybean meal. The dietary treatments were sago palm pith supplementation at the rate of 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% of BW (T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). The results showed that the total DMI (49.77, 52.61 and 52.83 g/BWkg0.75/d, respectively) and OMI (46.40, 49.30 and 49.74 g/BWkg0.75/d, respectively) were not significantly different between T2, T3 and T4, but all were significantly (P<0.05) higher than T1 (41.56 and 38.47 g/ BWkg0.75/d, respectively). Apparent digestibility of DM and OM were lowest in T1 (43.63 and 48.03%, respectively), followed by T2 (51.86 and 55.29%, respectively), and T3 (55.48 and 59.07%, respectively) and highest in T4 (62.91 and 66.23%, respectively). Higher rumen NH3-N and BUN levels were found in the T1 (7.14 and 15.74 mg/dl, respectively) compared to the other treatments, while rumen pH and blood glucose levels were within normal range. Under the conditions of this study, different levels of sago palm pith as a supplementary energy source resulted in a positive effect on nutrient utilization of Thai native cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]