ADDING NPN AND SODIUM BICARBONATE TO CORN SILAGE DIETS TO I lPROVE THE .NUTRITIVE VALVE AND RUMEN FERMENTATION lN RUMINANTS

Abstract

Twelve fistulated Ossimi rams were used to investigate the effect of ur.ea and sodium bicarbonate supplementation to corn silage O)l digestibility, nitrogen balance, feed intake, nutritive value, some rumen fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia-nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids); rate of solid and fluid passage fl"om the rumen and in situ disappearance rate. Also chemical composition, silage quality and in vitro.

dry matter and organic matter disappearance rate were detelmined .

. . Four experimental rations were offered as follow:

1- CS (corn silage without additives).

2- UCS (CS +I cyo urea).

3- CS + 1 % NaHC01.

4- UCS + 1 % NaHC0 3 .

•Urea was added at ensiling. One kg of urea was dissolved in litter . . I . of: water, and sprayed on 99 kg of the chopped corn, plant. Sodium

bicarbonate was added after ensiling and before feeding.

Changes in the chemical composition due to ensilage:

Dry matter content was increased compared to that determined at ensilage. Also CP, CF, EE and ash contents were increased.

An opposite response was observed with NFE.