By: Ieng Savoeurn

Abstract

The following study aimed to improve the utilization of available resources and develop a system for fattening Local and Zebu cattle in Cambodia. It is based on two principles: ruminants use their feed efficiently when protozoa are absent from rumen and ensiled cassava foliage has been found to be a source of by-pass protein for ruminants.

Twelve growing cattle (six Local yellow cattle and six Zebu cattle) of mean weight 109.83 Kg (SE±4.83) received a basal diet of ad libitum untreated rice straw or urea/lime treated rice straw, ensiled cassava foliage (1.5%) and rumen supplement (13% urea, 3% di-ammonium phosphate at 300g/head/day). The three treatments arranged according to a 2x3 factorial design, were the basal diet alone (Untreated rice straw + rumen supplement + ensiled cassava foliage)-RS. RS + a single oil drench (cooking oil at 5 ml/KgLW)-RSO, and urea/lime treated rice straw + rumen supplement + ensiled cassava foliage + oil drench)-ULRSO. Rumen samples were taken t the 0th, 26th, 56th, and 84th day related to the day of the oil drench to determine pH, ammonia concentration and protozoa count. Daily feed intake and fortnightly live weights were recorded for three months.

The oil drench reduced large protozoa population (mainly polyplastron and holotrich). However large protozoa population were reduced, it was still non-significantly smaller numbers in non-oil animals for the mean values and the overall biomass in the oil groups throughout 84 day trial was estimated to be constant. Rumen ammonia concentration were significantly higher than to the control groups (P<0.05), but pH didn’t (P>0.05). Feed intake increased in both groups and breeds, but it was not affected by them.

The growth rates were increased no-significantly by the oil drench, 3% urea-2% lime treated rice straw and urea-lime cake or non-urea-lime cake. The mean values of daily live weight gain (LWG) of RS, RSO and ULRSO respectively were 210.8, 218.8 and 241.0 (SE±23.4); and LWG of Local Yellow Cattle and of Zebu Cattle were 201.5 and 245.5 g/day (SE±23.4).

The protozoa were reduced by the oil drench and urea-lime treated rice straw and they also improved digestibility of dry matter-DM, nitrogen-N and organic matter-OM. The N digestibility of RS, RSO and ULRSO respectively were 31.75%, 33.34% and 44.56% (SE±2.03); and N digestibility of Local Yellow Cattle and of Zebu Cattle were 36.75% and 36.36% (SE±2.03).

The results do support for the hypothesis that would like to improve the available resources, urea-lime treated rice straw and rumen ecosystem of cattle.

Institution: Royal Academy of Cambodia

Supervisor: Mr. Chea Neng (Ph.D)​

Degree: Master of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine