Influence of drying technique on chemical composition and ruminal degradability of subtropical L.

The experiment investigated the influence of forage drying methods on the dry-matter digestibility of foliage from varieties (ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 01514 and CIMMYT100/01). These leaves were harvested at week 20 of growth and either oven- or shade-dried and analysed for chemical components and rumen degradability. Three rumen fistulated lactating Holstein cows (430 ± 18 kg live weight) were used to evaluate ruminal degradation kinetics using and procedures.

Milk production and blood metabolites of dairy cattle as influenced by thermal-humidity index.

The effects of high thermal stress on serum protein metabolites, milk production of transition dairy cows in semi-arid areas in South Africa were evaluated. Forty, ± 8 months pregnant, Jersey heifers (± 26 months) in zero grazing management were selected during summer from two semi-arid communal areas. Summer thermal-humidity index (THI) of the areas were THI-1 (72-83: extreme caution) and THI-2 (75-87: danger).