Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
ANKARA UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI, cilt.55, sa.3, ss.177-182, 2008 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study, some blood and rumen metabolites and digestibility of sorghum and other feedstuffs were determined. Four Akkaraman rams weighing 55 kg were fed barley (1200g barley +800 g clover), corn (1200 g + 800 g clover), sorghum (1200 g + 800 g clover), and low quality clover (1200 g) in a 4x4 Latin square design experiment. Each period consisted of 10-day of an adaptation phase and 14-day of a sample collection phase. Blood and rumen samples were collected at the end of sample collection periods. One-way ANOVA with Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used in data analyses. pH values were 6.62, 6.80, 6.74, and 7.22 and NH3 levels were; 4.38, 3.12, 9.61 and 14.46 mg/dL for rams fed for sorghum, barley, corn and clover, respectively (p<0.05 for both). Nitrogen levels of blood serum were determined were 14.90, 8.55 10.00 and 18.70 rng/dL respectively, in the same order (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum glucose and total protein levels. Apparent digestibilities were 83.06, 85.33, 69.01, and 59.34% for OM and 73.92, 67.92, 31.92, and 63.52 for CP in rams fed sorghum, barley, corn and clover, respectively (p<0.05 for both). There was no difference in digestibility of NDF, ADF and crude ash. In conclusion, due to presence of tannin, sorghum may not be suitable alternative to other grains as sole grain Source for small ruminants.