The intake, digestibility and utilization of a low-quality roughage by Brahman cross, buffalo, banteng and Shorthorn steers

Abstract

The intake, digestibility and utilization of a low quality (0.8% nitrogen) sorghum hay was studied in Brahman cross, buffalo, banteng and Shorthorn steers. Comparisons of diet utilization were made after data were adjusted for differences in liveweight and feed intake. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between species in voluntary feed intake, faecal excretion of organic matter, cellulose and energy, and urinary excretion of nitrogen, phosphorus and energy. Utilization of water was least efficient in the buffaloes and most efficient in the banteng.

The concentrations of ammonia and volatile fatty acids in the rumens of Brahman crosses, buffaloes and bantengs were similar, but the Brahman crosses had a higher proportion of butyric and a lower proportion of propionic acid than the other two species. The bantengs had a smaller rumen fluid volume and a slower rumen fluid flow rate but all three species had similar mean marker residence times in the rumen.

The results from this experiment support the view that there are few differences between cattle species in their ability to digest and utilize a low quality roughage when comparisons are made between animals of similar liveweight and feed intake.