In sacco dry matter and nitrogen degradation and their relationship with in vitro dry matter digestibility of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) as influenced by height of plant at cutting

Abstract

In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) as well as in sacco rumen dry matter degradability (DMD) and nitrogen degradability (ND) studies of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were carried out using a 3 3 factorial experiment arranged in a randomised complete block design with 3 replications. The treatments were 3 levels of nitrogen (N) fertiliser (0, 46, bacterium Synergistes jonesii is known to degrade these compounds and inoculation of the bacterium into the rumen protects cattle against mimosine and DHP toxicity. We report on the development, production, and storage of an in vitro, fermentor-based, mixed bacterial inoculum, which includes S. jonesii, for administration to cattle. This technique may be applicable to the production and delivery of other live, anaerobic, bacterial inocula for use in animal agriculture.