| Title | Effects of Flourensia cernua ingestion on intake, digesta kinetics, and ruminal fermentation of sheep consuming tobosa |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1996 |
| Authors | King D., Estell RE, Fredrickson E.L., Havstad K, Wallace J.D., Murray L.W |
| Journal | Journal of Range Management |
| Volume | 49 |
| Pagination | 325-330 |
| Date Published | 1996 |
| Abstract | Tarbush (Flourensia cernua DC.) contributes substantially to the Chihuahuan Desert shrub biomass, but is browsed sparingly by livestock. This study was designed to assess nutritional benefits and/or toxicosis of ingestion of pre-bloom tarbush leaves by sheep fed a low quality native grass diet Sixteen ruminally cannulated sheep (46 kg) housed in individual pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments for 28 days. Treatments were ground tobosa grass (Pleuraphis mutica Buckl.) substituted with 0,10, 20, or 30% (dry matter basis) whole tarbush leaves (19% CP). At 20 and 30% of the diet, tarbush increased (P = 0.0049) dry matter intake during week 3, and sheep consuming 30% tarbush tended to increase dry matter intake during week 2 (P = 0.0559). Dietary tarbush did not affect any variable associated with ruminal fluid kinetics, particulate digesta kinetics, or in situ degradation rates of tobosa dry matter or neutral detergent fiber (P>.05). Molar butyrate proportions (P - 0.0032) and total volatile fatty acid concentrations (P = .0064) were greater for the 30% tarbush treatments. Ruminal ammonia was greater (P<.0029) at 6,8, and 12 hours postfeeding for the 30% tarbrush treatment. Sheep lost body weight regardless of treatment; however, sheep not fed tarbush tended (P = 0.0945) to lose more weight Serum clinical profiles (day 0,7,15, and 21) confirmed nutritional stress but did not suggest toxicosis. |
| URL | /files/bibliography/496.pdf |
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Science-based management strategies for sustainability of agriculture and other land uses
