Blood Metabolites, Feed Utilization and Performance in Thai Native X Lowline Angus Crossbred Cattle Fed Cassava Byproducts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of dried Cassava top Fermented Cassava pulp (CtFCp) on growth performance, digestibility, ruminal parameters, and blood metabolites in Thai native x low-line Angus crossbred cattle. Twelve females of Thai native x lowline angus crossbred cattle were assigned an Initial Body Weight of 99.50±9.83 kg IBW. Dietary treatments were assigned in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD(, with three treatments of four replications, each containing four calves and a 90-day feeding trial. Feeding treatments were (1) 100% concentrate (Control), (2) 100% Concentrate +50% dried Cassava top Fermented Cassava pulp (CtFCp-50), and (3) 100% concentrate + dried Cassava top Fermented Cassava pulp fed freely (CtFCp-ad libitum). The variance analysis was used to assess the data and the treatment mean was compared using the Ducan Multiple Ranging Test (DMRT). The results demonstrated that Average Daily Gain (ADG) was significantly increased by groups fed CtFCp-50 and CtFCp-ad libitum compared to control (p<0.05). The total feed intake between groups was unchanged (p>0.05) but %BW (p<0.001). In addition, the average feed intake of %BW (p<0.001). Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) revealed that groups CtFCp-50 and CtFCp-ad libitum were greater than control (p<0.01). Acetic acid (C₂) and propionic acid (C₃) were not affected during the 90-d of each group (p>0.05). Meanwhile, the proportion of C₂/C₃ in the groups Control and CtFCp-ad libitum was greater than CtFCp-50 at 45 days (p<0.05), but at 90 days was not different (p>0.05). In conclusion, CtFCp-50 and CtFCp-ad libitum are suitable roughage direct supplies for cattle that could improve feed effectiveness, growth performance, and digestibility.