Authors: Khuc Thi Hue Do Thi Thanh Van Eva Spörndly Inger Ledin Ewa Wredle
Publish Date: 2011/11/12
Volume: 44, Issue: 2, Pages: 267-276
Abstract
The objective of the experiment was to study different adaptation strategies to avoid HCN intoxication when feeding fresh cassava foliage to sheep Twentyfour Phan Rang lambs initial weight = 196 kg at 55 months of age were used in the study The four experimental diets contained guinea grass Panicum maximum supplemented with concentrate at 15 of body weight BW as dry matter DM control or supplemented with fresh cassava foliage FCF that was introduced into the diet with an adaptation period of 0 FCF0 7 FCF7 or 21 FCF21 days before reaching the target feeding level of 2 of BW The average intake of FCF expressed as DM was not different amongst the supplemented treatments and ranged from 14 to 15 of BW but gradually increased during the first 7 days without any adaptation The hydrogen cyanide consumed varied from 51 to 54 mg/kg BW and no difference between treatments with cassava foliage in the diet was found The live weight gain was significantly higher in the treatments control and FCF7 compared to FCF21 No significant differences in heart rate respiration rate and rumen movement were found between diets The thiocyanate concentration in the urine of the lambs increased concomitantly with the increase in fresh cassava foliage offered during the first part of the experiment In conclusion an adaptation period of approximately 7 days seems to be favourable in combined diets where cassava foliage is offered in quantities up to 2 of BW This level of intake could enhance the intake and LWG of the lambs without any documented effects on heart rate respiration rate or rumen movements
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