Principle Insoluble fiber in feed is determined as neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Neutral detergent solution recovers its main components cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Procedure • Weigh oven-dry glass crucible (Wt) • Add 0.5–1 g sample (Ws) in 600 ml Berzelius beaker • Add 100 ml of neutral detergent solution and 0.5 g sodium sulfite (Na2SO3)…
The dried feed sample is dissolved with petrol ether and then the ether is evaporated in the Soxhlet apparatus. The residues are crude fat. In the Animal Nutrition Laboratory at ICARDA a Soxtherm apparatus from Gerhardt GmbH is used. The procedure described below follows the instruction for this specific Soxhlet apparatus. In the laboratory the…
1. Principle The sample after defatting is sequentially treated with boiling dilute sulphuric acid, and with boiling potassium hydroxide solution. The loss in mass resulting from incineration corresponds to the mass of crude fiber. 2. Scope The method described is applicable for determination of feeds with a crude fiber content Higher than 1%. If sample…
1. Principle For determination of nitrogen the sample is digested using sulphuric acid in the presence Of a catalyst to convert sample nitrogen to ammonium sulphate. The acid solution is made Alkaline with sodium hydroxide solution. The ammonia is distilled and collected in an excess of boric acid solution, followed by titration with sulphuric acid…
1. Principle Ash is determined gravimetrically as the residue after incineration at 550 °C. 2. Scope This procedure is applicable for determination of ash in feed ingredients and feeds. This method cannot be used for mineral mixtures. 3. Responsibilities Laboratory Analysts shall perform the analysis as per this method. It is the responsibility of the…
Laboratory Neatness Clean and neat work areas avoid risk of damage to clothing and books and injury from spilled chemicals. Neatness also reduces fire hazard. Laboratory Conduct Fooling around in the laboratory can be hazardous. Keep the lab in its proper place and fun and games in their place. Working with Glassware Remove frozen glass…
6.1.1 Individual suckling The natural way for a calf to feed is to suckle the dam after she is milked, the farmer having made sure that the dam is not milked dry. This is the most hygienic way as the calf gets milk directly from mother, clean and at body temperature. 6.1.2 Foster mother or…
6.1.1 Aim of calf feeding The aim of calf feeding should be to reduce the mortality (death) rate while maintaining a growth rate of at least 400 g/day. For bigger breeds (Friesian and Ayrshire) the aim should be to wean calves at 12 weeks at approximately 80 kg body weight. The primary concern in rearing…
Calf nutrition is crucial for supporting growth, health, and development during the early stages of life. Proper nutrition during the calf’s first few months lays the foundation for future productivity and performance. Here’s an overview of key considerations in calf nutrition: 1. Colostrum Feeding: Importance: Colostrum, the first milk produced by the dam after calving,…
Introduction to ruminant nutrition involves understanding the unique digestive physiology and dietary requirements of animals belonging to the ruminant group, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. Ruminants have a specialized stomach called the rumen, where microbial fermentation of fibrous feedstuffs occurs. This fermentation process allows ruminants to effectively utilize fibrous plant materials as a…
Conservation of forages is crucial for ensuring a stable and sufficient supply of high-quality feed for commercial livestock production operations, particularly during periods of scarcity such as winter or drought. Here are common methods used for conserving forages: 1. Haymaking: Description: Haymaking involves cutting forage crops at optimal maturity, drying them to reduce moisture content,…
