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Conservation of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Forage and its Utilization by Ruminants
Abstract:
The chemical composition of a long maturing rice variety (84259) forage cut 15 cm above the ground at different days after transplanting (OAT) showed that crude protein content decreased from 25.2 percent at 30 OAT to 7. 7 percent at 80 OAT. On the other hand, crude fiber and nitrogen-free extract increased as the plant matured. The changes were similar to those reported for tropical pasture grasses.
The result of the study on conservation of rice forage as silage pretreated with molasses (5 and 10%) and corn grit (10 and 20%) showed that rice forage cut at 50-80 OAT can be successfully ensiled without pre-treatment. Ensi ling at an earl ier stage of 40 OAT is acceptable either with addition of molasses (5 and 10%) or corn grit (10 and 20%) as reflected by low pH and good levels of crude protein.
Results of the feed ing trial using growing goats fed with rice forage hay (RFH) and rice forage si lage (RFS) combined with stargrass showed that these diets could barely provide enough nutrients for maintenance even with concentrate supplementation. Palatability of RFS appeared to be one of the problems associated with the feeding experiment. The RFS used in the goat experiment was of low quality as reflected by the high pH (5.8).
Supplementation of RFH at 20 percent of the estimated dry matter (OM) intake to grazing-lactating cows did not induce any observable and significant changes in total milk production and peak milk production in terms of actual and fat-corrected milk yield. This may be due to the high levels of dry matter available in the pasture (17.4 to 34.0% OM) which could satisfy the requirements of grazing-lactating cows, including the concentrate offered. The intake of RFH supplementation was very low ( 450+ 160 g/head/day). Likewise, no significant effect of RFH supplementation on milk fat content and occurrence of post-partum estrus was detected.