Showing papers by "L. O. Fiems published in 2004"
TL;DR: Several characteristics of EH were different between years, such as dry matter digestibility, net energy value for lactation and fermentable organic matter content, including protein digested in the small intestine and rumen degraded protein balance.
Abstract: Chemical composition, digestibility, nutritive value and intake of hay from an agri-environmental management (EH) were compared with those from hay (Lolium perenne) from an intensive management (IH). IH was of low to moderate quality because of unfavourable weather conditions. EH was harvested mid-June of 2000 (EH1) and 2001 (EH2) on the same sward that had not received mineral fertilizer for 10 years. The EH was characterized by a species-rich botanical composition. On average, it had lower contents of protein (32%), NDF (9%) and ash (35%), and a higher concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (117%) than IH. Digestibility of dry and organic matter, determined with sheep, was not different between IH and EH and averaged 59 and 63%, respectively. Crude fibre and NDF digestibility were lower in EH (58 and 57%, respectively) than in IH (70 and 69%, respectively). Net energy value for lactation did not differ between IH and EH and amounted to 4.78 MJ per kg DM. True protein digested in the small intestine and rumen degraded protein balance were lower in EH (63 and -60 g per kg DM) than in IH (71 and -33 g per kg DM). Intake of hay was investigated in Holstein-Friesian heifers and Belgian Blue double-muscled heifers (mean BW 280 +/- 22 kg and 269 +/- 21 kg, respectively), and in Belgian Blue non-lactating and non-pregnant double-muscled cows (initial BW 642 +/- 82 kg), using a cross-over design. Hay was freely available. It was supplemented with 1 kg concentrate daily. Dry matter intake from hay was higher for EH than for IH in heifers (4% and 13%, respectively in Holstein-Friesian and Belgian Blue heifers) and in cows (22%). Hay from an agri-environmental management may be used for low-performing animals, as energy intake only exceeded maintenance requirements by 20 to 35%. Several characteristics of EH were different between years, such as dry matter digestibility, net energy value for lactation and fermentable organic matter content.
14 citations
TL;DR: For 10 batches of fresh grass, 11 of grass silage and 7 of grass hay, rumen degradation kinetics (soluble, potentially degradable and undegradable fraction and the degradation rate) of the organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), as well as the digestibility of rumen escape protein in the intestines (EPdi) were measured with 3 or 4 cows with cannulae in the rumen and duodenum.
9 citations
TL;DR: Based on data originating from 6 experiments with 4 treatments of varying physical structure supply in each experiment, a standard for physical structure requirement was derived for Belgian Blue bulls and 0.60/kg DM can be advised for total mixed rations, with pelleted concentrates.
Abstract: Based on data originating from 6 experiments with 4 treatments of varying physical structure supply in each experiment, a standard for physical structure requirement was derived for Belgian Blue bulls. The data related to the growthand fi nishing period (± 340-660 kg) of 306 doublemuscled bulls. As a standard for minimal physical structure requirement 0.60/kg DM can be advised for total mixed rations, with pelleted concentrates. For non-pelleted concentrates (ground or unground) this standard can also be used, but for non-mixed rations a somewhat higher structural value should be aimed at.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary protein level on animal performance, and carcass and meat quality, in culled Belgian Blue cows, with an initial age and live weight (LW) of 1791 ± 660 days and 659 ± 96 kg, respectively.
3 citations
TL;DR: To determine if beef bulls adjust their chewing pattern to avoid ruminal acidosis, the chewing behaviour of double-muscled (dm) and non-dm bulls was studied with a concentrate based diet, with and without maize silage.
Abstract: To determine if beef bulls adjust their chewing pattern to avoid ruminal acidosis, the chewing behaviour of double-muscled (dm) and non-dm bulls was studied with a concentrate based diet, with and without maize silage. Conformation (dm or not) did not infl uence the chewing behaviour. Daily rumination time was more strongly affected by the roughage portion than the daily eating time. Removing the maize silage induced a shift towards more rumination during the night. Conclusively, bulls did not adjust their chewing pattern to the acidotic rumen load.
1 citations