Utilization of Aspen Trees as Ruminant Feed Component

When traditional roughages are in short supply or high in price, other fibrous feed sources for ruminants should be considered if available at a competitive price. One such fibrous material shown to have potential as a ruminant feed is the aspen tree (Populus tremuloids Michx.) harvested in its entire form to include bark, leaves and trunk. The aspen tree is the most widespread tree species in North America and the least utilized. Estimates exceed 6 million acres of mature trees in an area which would include the Black Hills (58,000 acres), the Great Lakes region and the Rock Mountain region. Since the tree responds to harvest by thirtyfold reproduction from the remaining stump and root, it becomes a highly renewable source of fiber. Previously, when aspen wood was properly supplemented to correct nutrient deficiencies such as protein, the final mixed ration was a satisfactory replacement for 80% alfalfa in growing rations for cattle (A.S. Series 76-19). The objective of this experiment was to further explore the use of aspen as the roughage portion of both growing and finishing rations. An attempt was also made to determine if chicken manure could partially replace soybean meal as a protein supplement in a ration having aspen as a major component

Effect of a Bacterial Silage Inoculant on Quality, Preservation and Utilization of Corn Silage by Beef Steers

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of treating corn forage with a microbial silage inoculant (Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product). Response to inoculation was compared with untreated forage in terms of chemical fermentation characteristics, preservation of dry matter and digestibility by beed steers

Effect of Silage Additives on the Quality and Utilization of Corn Stover Silage by Lambs

The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of treating corn stover forage with a microbial silage inoculant (Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product), a source ammoniacal nitrogen (Pro-Sil) and a mixture of organic acids (80% propionic and 20% acetic acid). Response to these additives was compared with untreated forage in terms of chemical fermentation charcteristics, digestibility of major constituents and utilization of nitrogen by lambs

Effect of Silage Additives on the Quality and Utilization of Corn Silage by Lambs

The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of treating corn forage with a viable microbial inoculant, a source of ammoniacal nitrogen and a mixture of propionic and acetic acid. Response to these additives was compared with untreated forage in terms of chemical fermentation characteristics, digestibility of silage nutrients and nitrogen utilization by lambs

Corn Stover Residue and Alfalfa Products for Wintering Beef Steers

Alfalfa hay, dehydrated alfalfa meal and alfalfa press-cake could be used as supplements to corn stover. Alfalfa press-cake is a by-product of Pro-Xan1, a leaf protein concentrate extracted from green-chopped alfalfa. Pro-Can contains the high protein and xanthophyll fraction desirable in poultry rations. According to Enochian2, xanthophyll from Pro-Xan is utilized 1.7 times more efficiently in poultry rations than xanthophyll from dehydrated alfalfa. If the high fiber, press-cake by-product of the Pro-Xan process can be utilized in ruminants as efficiently as dehydrated alfalfa, the press-cake may be a suitable substitute for the dehydrated alfalfa. The objective of this study was to conduct a feeding trial where each of the alfalfa products was compared in rations containing stover silage and ground stover stacks for wintering beef cattle. These studies were then complimented with two digestion-nitrogen valance trials

Effect of Additives on Ensiled High-Moisture Ear Corn Quality and Utilization by Lambs

The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of adding a microbial inoculant (L. acidophilus) and a nitrogren-containing compound either separately or in combination to high-moisture corn. Measures of treatment effects included chemical quality parameters, preservation of stored dry matter and utilization of nutrients by lambs

Silage Making and Silage Additives

Silage formation should be considered a self-preservation of a feedstuff by fermentation of some of its nutrients by enzymes present in and/or organisms already present on the feedstuff. The resulting product has been defined as a feedstuff resulting from anaerobic fermentation of moist forage or other feedstuff and by preservation with the formation of acids. Even under ideal conditions of silage formation, nutrient losses will occur during the fermentation process. The discussion which follows will include suggestions and criteria for making high quality silage with minimum loss of nutrients

Aspen Material as a Feed Ingredient in Ruminant Rations

Aspen (Populus tremuloides), covering in excess of 58,000 acres in the Black Hills area and over 3 million acres in the Upper Great Lakes area, has not been harvested in sufficient amounts to perpetuate growth. Periodic harvesting is not only necessary to assure an aspen stand but younger trees are needed as a source of food for grouse, deer and other wildlife. Although aspen serves as a source of fiber for paper, lumber, insulation and other industrial uses, it is presently not used for these purposes in the Black Hills region. In all regions where aspen grows whether or not it has other uses, substantial stands have reached maturity (60 to 70 years old) and will die without production of replacement trees if harvesting programs are not initiated. South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is beginning such a program. In 1974 they were faced with the problem of utilization of harvested aspen trees. The purpose of this study was to determine the level at which the harvested aspen material could be fed to ruminants if corrected for know nutrient deficiencies such as protein and vitamin A. Of the hardwoods, aspen wood appears to have potential as a ruminant feed because of its low lignification (encrustation of fibers) and lack of known toxic constituents

Winter Feeding of Pregnant Stock Cows Utilizing Aspen Tree Fiber

The entire aspen tree (except roots) fiber was used successfully as a major component of wintering rations for pregnant stock cows. It was necessary to correct aspen for deficiencies in protein, phosphorus and vitamin A. The stock cows were only in fair to good condition going into the winter feeding period, and their condition remained fairly constant for all feeding groups with normal or below normal animal death losses. Normal, healthy calves were produced in all feeding groups as indicated by birth and weaning weights. Conception was not affected by feed type, although more open cows were present in the hay-fed group