HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Van Slyke, C. G. Articles by Perry, T. W. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Van Slyke, C. G. Articles by Perry, T. W.

Effect of Dehydrated Alfalfa Products on the Utilization of Urea Nitrogen in Beef Cattle^{1, 2,}

Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana 49707

Abstract

The addition of dehydrated alfalfa stem fraction meal (DAS) to a high-urea semipurified diet resulted in a nonsignificant effect on dietary nitrogen retention and on absorbed nitrogen retention. No differences in dry matter digestibility, digestible energy, rumen ammonia, blood urea and plasma free amino acids were observed. When the addition of dehydrated alfalfa meal (DEHY) was compared to the addition of DAS to a high-urea semipurified diet, no differences were noted in nitrogen retention or any of the other parameters. In a feeding trial steers fed a natural protein supplement gained significantly (P<.05) faster than those fed a Purdue 64 high-urea supplement containing DAS, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or one-half DEHY and one-half DDGS. Those fed supplements containing either DEHY or DAS gained at comparable rates (1.18 vs. 1.14 kg/day), but the difference in gain between those fed the natural supplement and those fed DEHY was nonsignificant, whereas that between the natural supplement and DAS was significant (P<.05).

¹ Department of Animal Sciences Journal No. 4247, Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Dehydrated alfalfa stem fraction was furnished by George O. Kohler. U.S.D.A./A.R.S., Western Utilization Research and Development Division, Albany. California.

³ These data are from a thesis submitted by the senior author to the Graduate School. Purdue University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.