Specification
"A prepared feed for a ruminant and a method for preparing the feed
and a digestion enhancing forage material"
The present invention relates to a prepared feed for a ruminant, and to a method for
preparing the feed, and the invention also relates to a daily feed ration for a
ruminant. The invention also relates to a digestion enhancing forage material.
The term "forage" as used throughout this specification is to be understood to mean
any edible fibrous crop material, including, for example, silages, such as grass or
maize, hays, such as cereal, legume or grass hays and the like, straws, such as
cereal, legume or canola/rape straws, corn stalks and stovers, and any other edible
stalky material.
Weight gain in ruminants such as calves, cattle, sheep and goats, and milk yield
from ruminants, such as cows, sheep and goats, are a function of a number of
aspects of the feed as fed to the ruminant. Nutritional value of the feed is of
fundamental importance to providing weight gain and milk yield, and in particular, to
increasing weight gain and milk yield, as well as improving meat and milk
composition. However, unless the ruminant can convert the nutritional value of the
feed to weight gain or milk yield efficiently, the benefits of much of the nutritional
value of a feed is lost. In fact, it has been found that many feeds which are high in
nutritional value do not to the extent to which they should convert to weight gain and
milk yield in ruminants. This, thus, is a serious problem, since ingredients which are
high in nutritional value tend to be the more expensive, and thus, if a ruminant is not
adequately converting the nutritional value of ingredients to weight and milk gain, the
nutritional value of the feed has to be further increased in order to obtain a desired
weight gain or milk yield. This adds significantly to the cost of feeds, and in turn
significantly increases the cost per unit of meat or unit of milk produced by a
ruminant. This is undesirable and is unsustainable in the long term.
There is therefore a need for a prepared feed for a ruminant, and a method for
producing such a prepared feed which addresses this problem.
The present invention is directed towards providing such a prepared feed and a
method for producing the prepared feed. The invention is also directed towards a
daily feed ration for a ruminant, and the invention is also directed towards a digestion
enhancing forage material, and to a method for feeding an animal.
According to the invention there is provided a prepared feed for a ruminant produced
by mixing a plurality of ingredients, the prepared feed comprising forage material,
and at least some of the forage material acting to enhance digestion of the prepared
feed by the ruminant, the proportion of the digestion enhancing forage material in the
prepared feed being such that the prepared feed has:
a primary saturation extent in the range of 675mls water per litre of prepared
feed to 735mls water per litre of prepared feed,
an uncompressed specific gravity in the range of 200gms per litre to 280gms
per litre, and
a first compression specific gravity in the range of 180gms per litre to 300gms
per litre when subjected to a first downward compressive force of 2.41kg in a
vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
In one embodiment of the invention the prepared feed has a second compression
specific gravity in the range of 270gms per litre to 430gms per litre when subjected
to a second downward compressive force of 7.41kg in the vertical cylindrical
container of internal diameter of 75mm.
It is also preferable that the uncompressed specific gravity of the prepared feed after
wetting thereof resulting from the test to determine the primary saturation extent of
the prepared feed should lie in the range of 590gms per litre to 660gms per litre.
The primary saturation extent of the prepared feed is determined by taking a
representative sample of the prepared feed and placing a volume of one litre of the
representative sample of the prepared feed in a vertically oriented graduated
cylindrical container of internal diameter of 100mm and length of 290mm. The one
litre volume of the sample is determined by filling the graduated cylinder to the one
litre level of the container. The graduated container is filled to the one litre level with
the sample of the prepared feed without any compressing, compacting or aerating of
the sample in the container with the sample retaining its normal consistency. Water
is then gradually added to the container to the one litre level thereof, with air being
released from the sample as the water is being added. The water is maintained at
the one litre level in the container until bubbling of released air from the sample of
prepared feed ceases. Finally, the volume of water added to the container is
recorded. The recorded volume of water added to the container is deemed to be the
primary saturation extent of the prepared feed in millilitres water per litre prepared
feed.
The uncompressed specific gravity of the prepared feed is determined by taking a
representative sample of the prepared feed, and filling a vertically oriented
graduated cylindrical container of internal diameter of 75mm and length of 374mm
with the sample to the one litre level without any compressing, compacting or
aerating of the sample in the container with the sample retaining its normal
consistency. The sample in the container is weighed to produce the uncompressed
specific gravity in gms per litre.
The first compression specific gravity of the prepared feed is determined using the
same sample in the vertically oriented graduated cylindrical container of internal
diameter of 75mm and of length of 374mm which was used for determining the
uncompressed specific gravity of the prepared feed. With the sample occupying the
container up to the one litre level without any compressing, compacting or aerating
of the sample with the sample retaining its normal consistency. A piston which is
vertically slideable in the container is placed in the container over the sample, and a
weight is placed on the piston such that the combined weight of the piston and the
weight is equal to a first compression weight of 2.41 kg. The force of the first weight
acting on the sample in the container compresses the sample within the container.
The compressed volume of the sample is determined, and since the weight of the
sample is already known, the first compression specific gravity is expressed in gms
per litre based on the compressed volume of the sample under the first compression
weight.
The second compression specific gravity is determined from the sample in the
container from which the first compression specific gravity is determined by adding
an additional weight to the piston, so that the combined weight of the piston and the
weights is equal to a second compression weight of 7.41kg. The compressed
volume of the sample under the second weight is determined, and the second
compression specific gravity is expressed in gms per litre based on the compressed
volume of the sample under the second compression weight.
The uncompressed specific gravity of the wetted prepared feed is determined from
the sample of the prepared feed from which the primary saturation extent is
determined. The water is drained from the sample, which is then weighed, and since
the volume of the sample is already known, the uncompressed specific gravity of the
wetted prepared feed is expressed in gms per litre of the wetted sample of the
prepared feed.
Preferably, the uncompressed specific gravity of the prepared feed lies in the range
of 210gms per litre to 260gms per litre. Advantageously, the uncompressed specific
gravity of the prepared feed is of the order of 230gms per litre.
Preferably, the first compression specific gravity of the prepared feed lies in the
range of 220gms per litre to 290gms per litre. Advantageously, the first compression
specific gravity of the prepared feed is of the order of 270gms per litre.
Preferably, the second compression specific gravity of the prepared feed lies in the
range of 280gms per litre to 340gms per litre. Advantageously, the second
compression specific gravity of the prepared feed is in the order of 330gms per litre.
Preferably, the uncompressed specific gravity of the wetted prepared feed lies in the
range of 600gms per litre to 640gms per litre. Advantageously, the uncompressed
specific gravity of the wetted prepared feed is in the order of 630gms per litre.
Preferably, the primary saturation extent of the prepared feed lies in the range of
675mls water per litre of prepared feed to 725mls water per litre prepared feed.
Advantageously, the primary saturation extent of the prepared feed is in the order of
700ml water per litre of prepared feed.
It is preferable that the length of fibres of the forage material of the prepared feed
should not exceed 100mm.
Preferably, the length of the fibres of the forage material of the prepared feed lie in
the range of 25mm to 90mm, and advantageously, in the range of 30mm to 80mm.
In one embodiment of the invention the length of some of the fibres of the forage
material of the prepared feed lie in the range of 30mm to 50mm, and preferably, the
length of the fibres of the forage material of the prepared feed lies in the range of
30mm to 50mm.
In another embodiment of the invention the length of some of the fibres of the forage
material of the prepared feed lie in the range of 50mm to 80mm, and preferably, the
length of the fibres of the forage material of the prepared feed lies in the range of
50mm to 80mm.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention the length of some of the fibres of the
forage material of the prepared feed lies in the range of 25mm to 50mm.
Where the prepared feed is prepared for feeding to fully grown ruminants, in
particular, cows, cattle and the like with relatively large muzzles, the lengths of the
fibres of the forage material of the prepared feed will be of the longer range, while in
prepared feeds for smaller ruminants, for example, calves, sheep, goats and the like,
with relatively small muzzles, the length of the fibres of the forage material of the
prepared feed will be of the shorter ranges.
Preferably, the digestion enhancing forage material constitutes in the range of
100gms per kg of prepared feed to 550gms per kg of prepared feed.
In order to determine if the prepared feed comprises the digestion enhancing forage
material to an amount within the appropriate range, a representative sample of the
prepared feed is subjected to a winnowing procedure. In the winnowing procedure
the representative sample of the prepared feed is allowed to drop vertically through a
horizontally directed airstream produced by means of a 200mm axial flow fan
delivering 0.225M3 air per second. The lighter elements of the sample material are
deflected outwardly from the vertical path by the horizontal airstream. The material
from the sample which is only deflected outwardly a distance of not more than
100mm from the vertical path by the horizontal airstream is discounted as being
unsuitable (too heavy) to constitute digestion enhancing forage material. Material
which is deflected distances greater than 700mm from the vertical path by the
horizontal airstream is also discounted, since it is considered to be too light to
constitute digestion enhancing forage material. The material which is deflected from
the vertical path by the horizontal airstream distances within the range of 100mm to
700mm of the vertical path is collected in a sieve as being of weight or other suitable
characteristic which could constitute digestion enhancing forage material. The sieve
is perforated with perforations of 19mm diameter to allow non-fibrous material and
fibrous material of length 19mm and less to pass therethrough. Before undertaking
further characterisation of the collected material, the collected material is lightly
sieved in the sieve, and the proportion of the representative sample of the prepared
feed which is constituted by the collected sample is then determined. If the
proportion of the representative sample of the prepared feed which is constituted by
the collected sample is within the required range, then the collected sample is
subjected to further tests, which will be described below, in order to confirm that the
material of the collected sample is digestion enhancing forage material.
The primary saturation extent of the collected sample collected during the winnowing
procedure is determined in a similar manner as is the primary saturation extent of
the prepared feed determined. An appropriate sized sample is taken from the
collected sample which is collected during the winnowing procedure and the primary
saturation extent of that sample is determined.
Preferably, the primary saturation extent of the digestion enhancing forage material
lies in the range of 680mls per litre of digestion enhancing forage material to 820mls
per litre of digestion enhancing forage material.
Advantageously, the primary saturation extent of the digestion enhancing forage
material lies in the range of 720mls water per litre of digestion enhancing forage
material to 800mls water per litre of digestion enhancing forage material. Ideally, the
primary saturation extent of the digestion enhancing forage material is of the order of
760mls water per litre of digestion enhancing forage material.
The uncompressed specific gravity of the collected sample collected during the
winnowing procedure is determined in a similar manner as the uncompressed
specific gravity of the prepared feed is determined. An appropriately sized sample of
the collected sample collected during the winnowing procedure is taken for
determining the uncompressed specific gravity of the collected sample.
Preferably, the uncompressed specific gravity of the digestion enhancing forage
material lies in the range of 100gms per litre to 220gms per litre.
Advantageously, the uncompressed specific gravity of the digestion enhancing
forage material lies in the range of 100gms per litre to 180gms per litre. Ideally, the
uncompressed specific gravity of the digestion enhancing forage material is in the
order of 130gms per litre.
The first and second compression specific gravities of the collected sample collected
during the winnowing procedure are determined in a similar manner as the first and
second compression specific gravities of the prepared feed are determined. An
appropriately sized sample is taken from the collected sample obtained during the
winnowing procedure for determining the first and second compression specific
gravities of the collected sample.
Preferably, the digestion enhancing forage material has a first compression specific
gravity in the range of 140gms per litre to 290gms per litre when the digestion
enhancing forage material is subjected to the first downward compressive force of
2.41kg in the vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of
75mm.
Preferably, the digestion enhancing forage material has a second compression
specific gravity in the range of 150gms per litre to 500gms per litre when the
digestion enhancing forage material is subjected to the second downward
compressive force of 7.41 kg in the vertically oriented cylindrical container having an
internal diameter of 75mm.
Advantageously, the first compression specific gravity of the digestion enhancing
forage material lies in the range of 160gms per litre to 240gms per litre. Ideally, the
first compression specific gravity of the digestion enhancing forage material is in the
order of 180gms per litre.
Advantageously, the second compression specific gravity of the digestion enhancing
forage material lies in the range of 200gms per litre to 300gms per litre. Ideally, the
second compression specific gravity of the digestion enhancing forage material is in
the order of 230gms per litre.
The uncompressed specific gravity of the wetted collected sample collected during
the winnowing procedure is determined in a similar manner as the uncompressed
specific gravity of the wetted prepared feed is determined. The specific gravity of the
wetted sample of the collected sample collected during the winnowing procedure,
which was wetted in order to determine the primary saturation extent of the collected
sample is used for determining the uncompressed specific gravity thereof.
Preferably, the uncompressed specific gravity of the digestion enhancing forage
material of the prepared feed after wetting thereof resulting from a test to determine
the primary saturation extent of the digestion enhancing forage material lies in the
range of 530gms per litre to 740gms per litre.
Advantageously, the uncompressed specific gravity of the wetted digestion
enhancing forage material lies in the range of 600gms per litre to 680gms per litre.
Ideally, the uncompressed specific gravity of the wetted digestion enhancing forage
material is in the order of 640gms per litre.
If the primary saturation extent of the collected sample falls outside the relevant
required ranges of the primary saturation extent for the digestion enhancing forage
material, the prepared feed may be deemed not to comprise an adequate amount of
digestion enhancing forage material.
If the uncompressed specific gravity of the collected sample falls outside the relevant
required ranges of the uncompressed specific gravity for the digestion enhancing
forage material, the prepared feed may be deemed not to comprise an adequate
amount of digestion enhancing forage material.
If the first compression specific gravity of the collected sample falls outside the
relevant required ranges of the first compression specific gravity for the digestion
enhancing forage material, the prepared feed may be deemed not to comprise an
adequate amount of digestion enhancing forage material.
If the second compression specific gravity of the collected sample falls outside the
relevant required ranges of the second compression specific gravity for the digestion
enhancing forage material, the prepared feed may be deemed not to comprise an
adequate amount of digestion enhancing forage material.
If the uncompressed wetted specific gravity of the collected sample falls outside the
relevant required ranges of the uncompressed wetted specific gravity for the
digestion enhancing forage material, the prepared feed may be deemed not to
comprise an adequate amount of digestion enhancing forage material.
The proportion of the prepared feed which constitutes the digestion enhancing
forage material is deemed to be the proportion of the representative sample of the
prepared feed constituted by the collected sample which is collected during the
winnowing procedure provided that the primary saturation extent of the collected
sample lies in the range of 680mls to 820mls water per litre of the collected sample,
and preferably that the uncompressed specific gravity of the collected sample lies in
the range of 100gms per litre to 220gms per litre, and advantageously that the first
compression specific gravity of the collected sample lies in the range of 140gms per
litre to 290gms per litre.
The prepared feed is preferable when the digestion enhancing forage material
complies with the narrower ranges of the primary saturation extent, the
uncompressed specific gravity and the first compression specific gravity. Indeed, the
prepared feed produces even better results when the second compression specific
gravity of the digestion enhancing forage material lies in the range of 150gms per
litre to 500gms per litre, and it is preferable that the second compression specific
gravity should lie in the range of 160gms/litre to 240gms/litre. Furthermore, the
prepared feed produces even better results when the uncompressed specific gravity
of the wetted digestion enhancing forage material lies in the range 530gms per litre
to 740gms per litre, and preferably, lies in the range of 600gms per litre to 680gms
per litre.
Preferably, the digestion enhancing forage material constitutes in the range of
180gms per kg of prepared feed to 240gms per kg of prepared feed. Ideally, the
digestion enhancing forage material constitutes in the order of 210gms per kg of
prepared feed. However, it will be appreciated that the proportion of the digestion
enhancing forage material in the prepared feed may vary to some extent from one
class type of ruminant to another.
Preferably, the digestion enhancing forage material is stalky material.
It has been found that the digestion enhancing forage material when it is of good
structural form, and in particular, when it is of good structural stalky form,
significantly contributes to producing the digestion enhancing forage material to be
within the desired range of uncompressed specific gravity, first compression specific
gravity and second compression specific gravity, as well as providing that the
digestion enhancing forage material is within the desired range of primary saturation
extent and wetted uncompressed specific gravity. Additionally, by producing the
digestion enhancing forage material to be within the desired ranges of
uncompressed specific gravity, first compression specific gravity, second
compression specific gravity and primary saturation extent and uncompressed
wetted specific gravity in general provides the prepared feed to be within the desired
ranges of primary saturation extent, uncompressed specific gravity, first compression
specific gravity and second compression specific gravity and wetted uncompressed
specific gravity.
Ideally, the digestion enhancing forage material is derived from one or more of the
following forage ingredients:
cereal straws
legume straws
canola/rape straws
cereal hays
legume hays
grass hays
corn stalks/stover
other suitable stalky materials according to local availability.
Preferably, the length of the fibres of the digestion enhancing forage material of the
prepared feed lie in the range of 25mm to 90mm, and advantageously, in the range
of 30mm to 80mm.
In one embodiment of the invention the length of some of the fibres of the digestion
enhancing forage material of the prepared feed lie in the range of 30mm to 50mm,
and preferably, the length of the fibres of the forage material of the prepared feed
lies in the range of 30mm to 50mm.
In another embodiment of the invention the length of some of the fibres of the
digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed lie in the range of 50mm to
80mm, and preferably, the length of the fibres of the digestion enhancing forage
material of the prepared feed lies in the range of 50mm to 80mm.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention the length of some of the fibres of the
digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed lies in the range of 25mm
to 50mm.
Where the prepared feed is prepared for feeding to fully grown ruminants, in
particular, cows, cattle and the like with relatively large muzzles, the lengths of the
fibres of the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed will be of the
longer range, while in prepared feeds for smaller ruminants, for example, calves,
sheep, goats and the like, with relatively small muzzles, the length of the fibres of the
digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed will be of the shorter
ranges.
In one embodiment of the invention the prepared feed is adapted for feeding to a
lactating cow, and in an alternative embodiment of the invention the prepared feed is
adapted for feeding to a dry cow. In a further alternative embodiment of the
invention the prepared feed is adapted for feeding to a beef producing animal.
The invention also provides a digestion enhancing forage material for a prepared
feed for a ruminant, the digestion enhancing forage material having:
a primary saturation extent in the range of 680mls water per litre of prepared
feed to 820mls water per litre of prepared feed,
an uncompressed specific gravity in the range of 100gms per litre to 220gms
per litre, and
a first compression specific gravity in the range of 140gms per litre to 290gms
per litre when subjected to a first downward compressive force of 2.41kg in a
vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
The invention also provides a method for producing a prepared feed for a ruminant,
the method comprising mixing a plurality of ingredients of which at least one of the
ingredients comprises forage material, and at least some of the forage material acts
to enhance digestion of the prepared feed by the ruminant, the proportion of the
digestion enhancing forage material in the prepared feed being such that the
prepared feed has:
a primary saturation extent in the range of 675mls water per litre of prepared
feed to 735mls water per litre of prepared feed,
an uncompressed specific gravity in the range of 200gms per litre to 280gms
per litre, and
a first compression specific gravity in the range of 180gms per litre to 300gms
per litre when subjected to a first downward compressive force of 2.41kg in a
vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
In one embodiment of the invention the ingredients are mixed in a mixing apparatus
comprising a container defining a hollow interior region having a mixing rotor
rotatable therein about a substantially horizontally extending rotational axis, the
mixing rotor comprising at least one mixing paddle carried on an arm extending
radially therefrom, the mixing paddle extending in a general axial direction relative to
the rotational axis of the rotor.
In one embodiment of the invention the ingredients are subjected to a mixing cycle of
not more than 320 revolutions of the mixing rotor in the mixing apparatus during
mixing thereof. Preferably, the ingredients are subjected to a mixing cycle in the
range of 80 revolutions to 320 revolutions of the mixing rotor in the mixing apparatus
during mixing thereof. Advantageously, the ingredients are subjected to a mixing
cycle in the range of 100 revolutions to 140 revolutions of the mixing rotor in the
mixing apparatus during mixing thereof.
Preferably, at least some of the forage material is chopped during mixing thereof to
produce the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed.
In one embodiment of the invention the mixing apparatus comprises a chopping
means for reducing the length of fibrous materials during mixing thereof.
Ideally, the ingredients of the prepared feed are mixed in a mixing apparatus of the
type disclosed in PCT Published Application Specification No. WO 96/32836 of the
present applicant.
The invention also provides a daily feed ration for a ruminant comprising not more
than 45gms dry matter of the prepared feed according to the invention per kg live
weight of the ruminant. Preferably, the daily feed ration for the ruminant lies in the
range of 20gms to 40gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg live weight of the
ruminant. Advantageously, the daily feed ration for a ruminant lies in the range of
25gms to 30gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg live weight of a ruminant of
live weight in the range 100kg to 300kg. Advantageously, the daily feed ration for a
ruminant is of the order of 25gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg live weight
of a ruminant of live weight in the range of 100kg to 300kg.
In another embodiment of the invention the daily feed ration for a ruminant
comprises in the range of 20gms to 25gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg
live weight of a ruminant of live weight in the range of 300kg to 500kg.
Advantageously, the daily feed ration for a ruminant comprises in the order of
22.5gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg of live weight of a ruminant of live
weight in the range of 300kg to 500kg.
In another embodiment of the invention the daily feed ration for a ruminant
comprises in the range of 30gms to 40gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg of
live weight of a lactating ruminant. Advantageously, the daily feed ration comprises
30gms to 40gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg of live weight of a lactating
ruminant of live weight in the range of 550kg to 650kg. Preferably, the daily feed
ration comprises in the order of 35gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg of live
weight of a lactating ruminant of live weight in the range of 550kg to 650kg.
In a further embodiment of the invention the daily feed ration for a ruminant
comprises in the range of 20gms to 30gms dry matter of the prepared feed per kg
live weight of the ruminant of a beef producing ruminant of live weight in the range of
400kg to 500kg. Preferably, the daily feed ration comprises in the range of 25gms
dry matter per kg of live weight of the ruminant of a beef producing ruminant of live
weight in the range of 400kg to 500kg.
The invention also provides a method for feeding a ruminant comprising feeding the
daily feed ration according to the invention to the ruminant per day.
The advantages of the prepared feed according to the invention are many. It has
been found that the prepared feed according to the invention optimises the period
during which nutritional ingredients are retained in the rumen of the ruminant. This,
thus, maximises the conversion of the nutritional ingredients to intermediary products
in the rumen which subsequently promote weight gain or milk yield, as the case may
be. Such nutritional ingredients tend to be particulate type ingredients and typically
are relatively small dense particles, which can be discharged relatively rapidly from
the rumen after ingestion when a ruminant is fed prior art feeds. It is important that
such nutritional ingredients as well as other nutritional ingredients are retained in the
rumen for the necessary period of time until they have been fully converted to the
intermediary products which promote weight gain or milk yield, as the case may be.
It has been found that the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed
is a bulky type of material and forms a three-dimensional uniform homogenous low
density open matrix without stratification within the rumen liquor within the rumen.
This low density open matrix of the digestion enhancing forage material entraps and
retains the smaller nutritional particulate ingredients and smaller fibre ingredients
within the liquor of the rumen, and thereby prevents their premature discharge from
the rumen.
Additionally, the fact that the digestion enhancing forage material forms a
homogenous low density open matrix which extends throughout the rumen liquor
within the rumen, both rumination rates and extents of the ruminant are increased,
thereby increasing saliva production, which in turn maintains the pH of the rumen
liquor at a pH at or above 6.0 for longer periods of time, thereby further improving
conversion of the nutritional ingredients to the intermediary products. Furthermore,
by virtue of the fact that the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed
forms a uniform homogenous low density open matrix without stratification within the
rumen facilitates further mixing of the prepared feed within the rumen which is
effected by rumen movements, which are initiated in the reticulum at the front of the
rumen. Since the smaller nutritional particulate ingredients and the smaller fibre
ingredients, as well as other nutritional ingredients are retained entrapped within the
low density open matrix formed by the digestion enhancing forage material, as the
prepared feed is being mixed in the rumen within the rumen liquor, the entrapped
nutritional particles and other materials, as well as the small fibre ingredients remain
entrapped within the low density open matrix, and are continuously being exposed to
enzymes and microflora in the rumen liquor so that conversion of the nutritional
ingredients by the enzymes and the microflora to the intermediary products which
subsequently promote weight gain or milk yield, as the case may be, is maximised.
By virtue of the fact that the pH of the rumen liquor is maintained at or above 6.0 for
longer periods of time by the increased rate and extent of rumination, the action of
the enzymes and microflora in the rumen liquor on the nutritional ingredients is
optimised.
By virtue of the fact that the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared
feed according to the invention facilitates better and more complete digestion of the
prepared feed, less methane gas is produced by the ruminant per unit of weight gain
or milk yield, and furthermore, less manure is produced by the ruminant per unit of
weight gain or milk yield.
By providing the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed to be of
an uncompressed specific gravity in the range of 100gms per litre to 220gms per
litre, and preferably, in the range of 100gms per litre to 180gms per litre, it has been
found that the digestion enhancing forage material is relatively bulky, and thus bulks
out the prepared feed. Thus, once the prepared feed is homogenously mixed, the
uncompressed specific gravity of the prepared feed lies in the range of 200gms per
litre to 280gms per litre. This thus facilitates the formation of the prepared feed into
the low density open matrix by the digestion enhancing forage material, which
extends throughout the contents of the rumen with the remaining ingredients of the
prepared feed retained within the matrix.
By producing the prepared feed with the digestion enhancing forage material having
a first compression specific gravity in the range of 140gms per litre to 290gms per
litre, and preferably, in the range of 160gms per litre to 240gms per litre and a
second compression specific gravity in the range of 150gms per litre to 500gms per
litre, and preferably, in the range of 200gms per litre to 300gms per litre, a prepared
feed with a particularly bulky digestion enhancing forage material is produced, which
in turn further bulks out the prepared feed, so that the first and second compression
specific gravities of the prepared feed lie in the ranges 180gms per litre to 300gms
per litre and 270gms per litre to 430gms per litre, respectively, and preferably, in the
respective ranges of 220gms per litre to 290gms per litre and 280gms per litre to
340gms per litre. This, thus, further enhances the formation of the homogenous low
density open matrix of the digestion enhancing forage material throughout the
contents of the rumen with the other ingredients of the prepared feed dispersed
throughout and retained entrapped in the low density open matrix.
By producing the prepared feed with the digestive enhancing forage material having
a primary saturation extent in the range of 680mls water per litre of digestion
enhancing forage material to 820mls water per litre of digestion enhancing forage
material and preferably, in the range of 720mls to 800mls water per litre of digestion
enhancing forage material further improves the bulk of the digestion enhancing
forage material, and in turn the bulking of the prepared feed, and results in the
prepared feed having a primary saturation extent in the range of 675mls water per
litre of prepared feed to 725mls water per litre of prepared feed. This in turn ensures
that the homogenous low density open matrix of the digestion enhancing forage
material extends throughout the contents of the rumen with the other ingredients of
the prepared feed dispersed and retained within the matrix.
The digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed is ideally stalky
material, and is provided ideally by the stalky parts of silage, hay, straw and the like,
and preferably, the lengths of the stalky material should not exceed 100mm, and
preferably, should lie within the range 25mm to 90mm, and advantageously, within
the range 30mm to 80mm for a fully grown lactating or dry cow or beef cattle.
However, for smaller ruminants of smaller muzzle size, the length of the stalky
material of the digestion enhancing forage material would typically be in the range of
25mm to 50mm. The stalky material should also be of good structural integrity in
order to optimise the formation of the low density open matrix of the digestion
enhancing forage material throughout the rumen liquor within the rumen, and ideally,
the structure of the stalky materia! should be such that deformation of the material
during mixing of the prepared feed should be minimised, and ideally, the stems of
the stalky material should not have collapsed. A measure of the structural integrity
of the stalky material of the digestion enhancing forage material is obtained by
determining the first and second compression specific gravities of the digestion
enhancing forage material, as well as by determining the first and second
compression specific gravities of the prepared feed. The higher the values of the
first and second compression specific gravities of the digestion enhancing forage
materials and the prepared feed are, the poorer will be the structural integrity of the
stalky material of the digestion enhancing forage material. The lower the values of
the first and second compression specific gravities of the digestion enhancing forage
material and the prepared feed are, the better will be the structural integrity of the
digestion enhancing forage material. However, the first and second compression
specific gravities of the digestion enhancing forage material and in turn the prepared
feed are subject to the predefined lower limit values so that the structural integrity of
the stalky material is not such which would prevent deformation of the stalky material
in the rumen as the normal digestion process progresses within the rumen.
Originally it was believed that the digestion enhancing forage material of the
prepared feed formed a mat which floated on the surface of the rumen liquor within
the rumen, thus retaining the nutritional ingredients floating on the surface of the
rumen liquor and in turn preventing premature discharge of the nutritional ingredients
from the rumen and initiating rumination events. However, further investigations
have revealed that the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed
according to the invention actually forms the three-dimensional uniform homogenous
low density open matrix which extends throughout the contents within the rumen,
thus retaining the nutritional ingredients and other fibrous ingredients of the prepared
feed dispersed throughout and retained within the matrix for maximising exposure of
the nutritional ingredients and the other fibrous materials to the rumen liquor, and in
particular, to enzymes and microflora within the rumen liquor. The discovery that the
digestive enhancing forage material formed the homogenous low density open
matrix throughout the rumen liquor within the rumen was made as a result of
investigating the digestive process to which the prepared feed according to the
invention was subjected within the rumen in greater depth, and in particular, by
observing the digestive process to which the prepared feed according to the
invention was subjected within the rumen of fistulated cows.
Mixing of the ingredients to produce the prepared feed is important, and it is
particularly important that the ingredients are mixed to an extent that a homogenous
mix of all the ingredients, both fibrous and particulate ingredients as well as liquid
ingredients, and non-fibrous ingredients is prepared without under-mixing or over-
mixing of the ingredients. In particular, it is important that over-mixing should be
avoided in order to minimise any danger of deterioration of the structural integrity of
the stalky materials which ultimately form the digestion enhancing forage material of
the prepared feed. In general, many of the ingredients, particularly the fibrous
materials, will be of length greater than the maximum preferred length, and thus, it is
desirable that during mixing of the ingredients, those fibres which are of lengths
greater than the desired length should be chopped. It has been found that by mixing
the ingredients in a mixing apparatus which comprises a paddle type mixing rotor
which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis provides a relatively light
touch mix which minimises the risk of damage to the structural integrity of those
forage ingredients which ultimately form the digestion enhancing forage material of
the prepared feed. Such a mixing apparatus should also include a chopping
function. Ideally, the prepared feed is mixed in a mixing apparatus of the type
disclosed in PCT Published Application Specification No. WO 96/32836 of the
present applicant and is sold under the trade names KEENAN KLASSIK, KEENAN
KOMPACT and KEENAN PACE. In mixing the ingredients in such mixing
apparatus, the appropriate size of mixing apparatus should be used for the batch
size of the prepared feed being mixed. The mixing rotor typically is operated at a
speed in the range of 6rpm to 8rpm, and preferably, at a rotational speed of the
order of 8rpm.
Providing the prepared feed in this manner with a dry matter content in the range of
30% to 70%, preferably in the range of 35% to 60%, and ideally in the range of 40 to
45%, and with substantially none of the stalky material in the prepared feed
exceeding 80mm minimises selective feeding by the ruminant, whereby the ruminant
selectively partakes of the more palatable ingredients of the prepared feed and
excludes the less palatable ingredients, such as the stalky material of the digestion
enhancing forage material. By controlling the dry matter content of the prepared
feed, it becomes more difficult for a ruminant to separate the more palatable
ingredients from the less palatable ingredients, and furthermore, by providing the
stalky material of the digestion enhancing forage material with stalks of length not
exceeding 80mm, it makes it virtually impossible for a ruminant to separate out the
stalky material from the remainder of the prepared feed.
The provision of prepared feed according to the invention as a homogenously mixed
feed optimises rumen function, resulting in an increased yield of intermediary
products per unit feed consumed which promote weight gain and milk yield.
Accordingly, the provision of the prepared feed according to the invention facilitates
significant improvements in weight gain and milk yield without a commensurate
increase in feed intake, and at the same time leads to reduced excretions of waste
materials (faeces and urine) to the environment.
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some
preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with
reference to the following non-limiting examples.
Table 1 sets out four examples of prepared feeds which have been prepared
according to the invention. The ingredients of the prepared feeds of the respective
examples are set forth in the first column of Table 1. The proportions of the
ingredients of the prepared feeds of the respective examples are set forth in the next
four columns as percentage of dry matter by weight of the prepared feeds. The
ingredients of all four examples were mixed in a mixer/feeder wagon of the type
disclosed in PCT Published Application Specification No. WO 96/32836 and sold
under the trade name KEENAN KLASSIK, KEENAN KOMPACT or KEENAN PACE.
The capacities of the mixer/feeder wagons were appropriate to the batch sizes of the
prepared feeds being mixed. The ingredients were loaded into the appropriate
mixer/feeder wagon in the order of the straw first, the dairy blends next and finally
the silages, grass silage being loaded before maize silage. The dairy blends are
concentrates which are high in nutritional and energy values and are of relatively
small particle size. No liquids were added. The prepared feed of each example was
subjected to an appropriate mixing period in the mixer/feeder wagon to produce a
uniform homogenous mix of the prepared feed with approximately 85% to 90% of the
fibres of the forage materials of the prepared feeds being of length not greater than
80mm. This required mixing periods in the range of 80 revolutions of the mixing
rotor to 200 revolutions of the mixing rotor of the mixer/feeder wagon, and more
typically mixing periods in the range of 100 revolutions to 140 revolutions of the
mixing rotor. In all cases the mixing rotor rotated at a speed of between six and
eight revolutions per minute.
The prepared feeds of the four examples were analysed to establish the primary
saturation extent, the uncompressed specific gravity, the first and second
compression specific gravities and the wetted specific gravity of the prepared feeds
of the four examples. The methods for determining the primary saturation extent,
the uncompressed specific gravity, the first and second compression specific
gravities and the wetted specific gravity of the prepared feeds of the four examples
were as already described. The results of the analysis of the prepared feeds of the
four examples are set forth in Table 3. The first line of Table 3 sets out the primary
saturation extent of the prepared feeds in mis water per litre of the prepared feed,
the uncompressed specific gravity of the prepared feeds are set out in the second
line of Table 3 and is given in gms per litre. The first and second compression
specific gravities of the prepared feeds are set out in gms per litre in the third and
fourth lines of Table 3. The wetted specific gravity of the prepared feeds are set out
in line 5 in gms per litre of Table 3.
The proportion of the prepared feeds of Examples 1, 3 and 4 which constitute a
digestion enhancing forage material was determined, and the proportion is set forth
in the last line of Table 4. While the proportion of the prepared feeds of Examples 1,
3 and 4 which is constituted by the digestion enhancing forage material is within the
broad range of 100gms per kg prepared feed to 550gms per kg prepared feed, and
while the proportion of the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed
of Example 2 falls just outside the lower limit of 10Ogms per kg prepared feed of the
broader range, it is believed that the digestion enhancing forage material should
preferably constitute in the range of 180gms per kg prepared feed to 240gms per kg
prepared feed. The reason the proportion of the prepared feed of Examples 1, 3 and
4 which is constituted by the digestion enhancing forage material appears to be in
the high end of the broad range may be partly explained by the fact that the
sampling was carried out in the field, and partly because the prepared feeds of
Examples 1, 3 and 4 are relatively high, being grass silage.
The physical characteristics of the digestion enhancing forage material of the
prepared feeds of Examples 1, 3 and 4 was analysed, and the physical
characteristics, namely, the primary saturation extent, the uncompressed specific
gravity, the first and second compression specific gravities and the wetted specific
gravities of the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feeds of
Examples 1, 3 and 4 are set forth in Table 4 in a similar manner as the physical
characteristics of the prepared feeds of Examples 1 to 4 are set forth in Table 3.
The prepared feed of Example 1 was fed to a herd of lactating cows of live weight
generally in the order of 600kg to 650kg. The cows were group fed a daily ration of
approximately 35gms of the prepared feed of Example 1 per kg live weight of the
cow for a period of not less than ninety days.
The prepared feed of Example 2 was fed to a herd of lactating cows of live weight
generally in the order of 600kg to 650kg. The cows were group fed a daily ration of
approximately 35gms of the prepared feed of Example 1 per kg live weight of the
cow for a period of not less than ninety days.
The prepared feed of Example 3 was fed to a herd of lactating cows of live weight
generally in the order of 600kg to 650kg. The cows were group fed a daily ration of
approximately 35gms of the prepared feed of Example 1 per kg live weight of the
cow for a period of not less than ninety days.
The prepared feed of Example 4 was fed to a herd of lactating cows of live weight
generally in the order of 600kg to 650kg. The cows were group fed a daily ration of
approximately 35gms of the prepared feed of Example 1 per kg live weight of the
cow for a period of not less than ninety days.
The performance of the cows of the four herds which were fed with the prepared
feeds of Examples 1 to 4 over the relevant periods was monitored. The performance
characteristics which were monitored are set forth in Table 2. In line 1 of Table 2,
the dry matter intake of the feed in kg per day is set forth for each of Examples 1 to
4. In line 2 of Table 2 the energy corrected milk yield in kg per day per cow from the
respective herds which were fed with the prepared feed of Examples 1 to 4 is set
forth. The feed conversion efficiency based on kg of energy corrected milk in kg per
day per kg of feed per day per cow is set forth in line 3 of Table 2 for each of the
herds which were fed with the prepared feeds of Examples 1 to 4.
Accordingly, from Tables 1 and 2 it can be seen that three of the four herds, namely,
the herds which were fed with the prepared feeds of Examples 1, 3 and 4 were fed
with feed rations containing relatively high levels of grass silage, with only the herd
which was fed with the prepared feed of Example 2 being fed a feed ration high in
maize silage, rather than grass silage. As expected, this herd which was fed the
prepared feed of Example 2 had the highest feed conversion efficiency and the
second highest energy corrected milk yield despite having the lowest feed intake. All
four herds had very acceptable levels of milk production, with the possible exception
of the herd which was fed with the prepared feed of Example 4. The prepared feed
of Example 4 had the lowest forage to concentrate blend ratio.
The relatively modest levels of feed intake (mean, 20.04kg dry matter per day) for all
four herds resulted in good levels of milk production (mean, 27.72kg energy
corrected), indicating that desirable levels of performance can be achieved through
higher feed conversion efficiencies. It was also noted that throughout the periods
during which the herds were being fed with the respective prepared feeds of
Examples 1 to 4, all the herds were relatively stable with respect to body condition,
thus confirming that the levels of milk produced were achieved directly from feed
consumed, and without any significant contribution from mobilised body tissue.
All four prepared feeds of Examples 1 to 4 included a significant amount of cereal
straw which ultimately produced the digestion enhancing forage material. The mean
amount of cereal straw as a percentage of dry matter of the prepared feeds was
1.69%. Thus, by mixing the ingredients in accordance with the method according to
the invention, the prepared feeds were produced with a mean primary saturation
extent of 716.5gms water per litre prepared feed with a low mean uncompressed
specific gravity of 218gms per litre. Furthermore, the prepared feeds of Examples 1
to 4 had low mean first and second compression specific gravities of 250gms per
litre and 341 gms per litre, respectively, and a desirable mean specific gravity when
wetted of 625gms per litre.
The production of the prepared feeds of Examples 1 to 3 with the primary saturation
extent, the uncompressed specific gravity, the first and second compression specific
gravities and the wetted specific gravities result from the fact that the respective
prepared feeds of Examples 1, 3 and 4 comprise the proportions of digestion
enhancing forage material set forth in Table 4 with the primary saturation extent, the
uncompressed specific gravity, the first and second compression specific gravities
and the wetted specific gravities which are also set forth in Table 4.
Thus, the prepared feeds of Examples 1 to 4 which comprise the required amount of
digestion enhancing forage material promote good levels of milk production at
relatively modest levels of feed intake through improved feed conversion efficiency.
Claims
1. A prepared feed for a ruminant produced by mixing a plurality of ingredients,
the prepared feed comprising forage material, and at least some of the forage
material acting to enhance digestion of the prepared feed by the ruminant, the
proportion of the digestion enhancing forage material in the prepared feed being
such that the prepared feed has:
a primary saturation extent in the range of 675mls water per litre of prepared
feed to 735mls water per litre of prepared feed,
an uncompressed specific gravity in the range of 200gms per litre to 280gms
per litre, and
a first compression specific gravity in the range of 180gms per litre to
300gms per litre when subjected to a first downward compressive force of 2.41kg in
a vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
2. A prepared feed as claimed in Claim 1 in which the uncompressed specific
gravity of the prepared feed lies in the range of 210gms per litre to 260gms per litre,
and the first compression specific gravity of the prepared feed lies in the range of
220gms per litre to 290gms per litre.
3. A prepared feed as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the prepared feed has a
second compression specific gravity in the range of 270gms per litre to 430gms per
litre when subjected to a second downward compressive force of 7.41kg in the
vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
4. A prepared feed as claimed in any preceding claim in which the
uncompressed specific gravity of the prepared feed after wetting thereof resulting
from a test to determine the primary saturation extent of the prepared feed lies in the
range of 590gms per litre to 660gms per litre.
5. A prepared feed as claimed in any preceding claim in which the length of
fibres of the forage material of the prepared feed does not exceed 100mm, the
length of some of the fibres of the forage material of the prepared feed lies in the
range of 30mm to 50mm, and the length of some of the fibres of the forage material
of the prepared feed lies in the range of 50mm to 80mm.
6. A prepared feed as claimed in any preceding claim in which the primary
saturation extent of the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed lies
in the range of 680mls water per litre of digestion enhancing forage material to
820mls water per litre of digestion enhancing forage material, the uncompressed
specific gravity of the digestion enhancing forage material lies in the range of
100gms per litre to 220gms per litre, and the first compression specific gravity of the
digestion enhancing forage material lies in the range of 140gms per litre to 290gms
per litre when the digestion enhancing forage material is subjected to the first
downward compressive force of 2.41 kg in the vertically oriented cylindrical container
having an internal diameter of 75mm.
7. A prepared feed as claimed in Claim 6 in which the uncompressed specific
gravity of the digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed after wetting
thereof resulting from a test to determine the primary saturation extent of the
digestion enhancing forage material lies in the range of 530gms per litre to 740gms
per litre.
8. A prepared feed as claimed in any preceding claim in which the digestion
enhancing forage material has a second compression specific gravity in the range of
150gms per litre to 500gms per litre when the digestion enhancing forage material is
subjected to the second downward compressive force of 7.41kg in the vertically
oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
9. A prepared feed as claimed in any preceding claim in which the length of the
fibres of the digestion enhancing forage material does not exceed 100mm, the length
of some of the fibres of the digestion enhancing forage material lies in the range of
30mm to 50mm, and the length of some of the fibres of the digestion enhancing
forage material lies in the range of 50mm to 80mm.
10. A prepared feed as claimed in any preceding claim in which the digestion
enhancing forage material is derived from one or more of the following forage
ingredients:
cereal straws
legume straws
canola/rape straws
cereal hays
legume hays
grass hays
corn stalks/stover
other suitable stalky materials according to local availability.
11. A prepared feed as claimed in any preceding claim in which the digestion
enhancing forage material constitutes in the range of 100gms per kg of prepared
feed to 550gms per kg of prepared feed.
12. A prepared feed as claimed in any preceding claim in which the digestion
enhancing forage material is stalky material.
13. A digestion enhancing forage material for a prepared feed for a ruminant, the
digestion enhancing forage material having:
a primary saturation extent in the range of 680mls water per litre of prepared
feed to 820mls water per litre of prepared feed,
an uncompressed specific gravity in the range of 100gms per litre to 220gms
per litre, and
a first compression specific gravity in the range of 140gms per litre to
290gms per litre when subjected to a first downward compressive force of 2.41 kg in
a vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
14. A digestion enhancing forage material as claimed in Claim 13 in which the
uncompressed specific gravity of the digestion enhancing forage material of the
prepared feed after wetting thereof resulting from a test to determine the primary
saturation extent of the digestion enhancing forage material lies in the range of
530gms per litre to 740gms per litre.
15. A digestion enhancing forage material as claimed in Claim 13 or 14 in
which the digestion enhancing forage material has a second compression specific
gravity in the range of 150gms per litre to 500gms per litre when the digestion
enhancing forage material is subjected to the second downward compressive force
of 7.41 kg in the vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of
75mm.
16. A digestion enhancing forage material as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 15 in
which the length of the fibres of the digestion enhancing forage material does not
exceed 100mm, the length of some of the fibres of the digestion enhancing forage
material lies in the range of 30mm to 50mm, and the length of some of the fibres of
the digestion enhancing forage material lies in the range of 50mm to 80mm.
17. A digestion enhancing forage material as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 16 in
which the digestion enhancing forage material is derived from one or more of the
following forage ingredients:
cereal straws
legume straws
canola/rape straws
cereal hays
legume hays
grass hays
corn stalks/stover
other suitable stalky materials according to local availability.
18. A method for producing a prepared feed for a ruminant, the method
comprising mixing a plurality of ingredients of which at least one of the ingredients
comprises forage material, and at least some of the forage material acts to enhance
digestion of the prepared feed by the ruminant, the proportion of the digestion
enhancing forage material in the prepared feed being such that the prepared feed
has:
a primary saturation extent in the range of 675mls water per litre of prepared
feed to 735mls water per litre of prepared feed,
an uncompressed specific gravity in the range of 200gms per litre to
280gms per litre, and
a first compression specific gravity in the range of 180gms per litre to
300gms per litre when subjected to a first downward compressive force of 2.41kg in
a vertically oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
19. A method as claimed in Claim 18 in which the prepared feed has a second
compression specific gravity in the range of 270gms per litre to 430gms per litre
when subjected to a second downward compressive force of 7.41kg in the vertically
oriented cylindrical container having an internal diameter of 75mm.
20. A daily feed ration for a ruminant comprising not more than 45gms dry matter
of the prepared feed as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 12 per kg live weight of the
ruminant.
A prepared feed for a ruminant is produced by mixing a plurality of ingredients, at least one of which is a forage
material. At least some of the forage material acts to enhance digestion of the prepared feed by the ruminant. The digestion enhancing
forage material typically comprises one or more of hay, straw, silage and other stalky material, and constitutes in the
range of 100gms to 550gms per kg prepared feed. The digestion enhancing forage material of the prepared feed comprises fibres of
length in the range of 30mm to 5mm and has a primary saturation extent in the range of the order of 680mls to 820mls water per
litre of digestion enhancing forage material, an uncompressed specific gravity of the order of 1000gms to 220gms per litre and a
first compression specific gravity of the order of 140gms to 290gms per litre and a second compression specific gravity of the order
of 150gms to 500gms per litre. This produces a prepared feed of primary saturation extent in the range of 675mls to 735mls
water per litre of prepared feed, an uncompressed specific gravity in the range of 200gms to 280gms per litre, a first compression
specific gravity in the range of 180gms to 300gms per litre and a second compression specific gravity in the range of 270gms to
430gms per litre. The first and second compression specific gravities are determined by subjecting the digestion enhancing forage
material and the prepared feed to respective first and second downward forces of 2.41 kg and 7.41 kg in a vertical cylindrical container
of diameter of 75mm. The digestion enhancing forage material forms a uniform homogenous low density open matrix which
extends throughout the rumen liquor within the rumen with particulate and other nutritional ingredients as well as other forage
material dispersed throughout the matrix and retained therein for optimising the dwell time of the nutritional and other fibrous ingredients
within the rumen for in turn maximising the production of intermediary products which subsequently promoting weight
gain and/or milk yield in a ruminant.
