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Fermentation, Nitrogen Utilization. Digestibility and Palatability of Broiler Litter Ensiled with High Moisture Corn Grain¹

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University³, Blacksburg 24061

Abstract

Ground corn grain (26.3% moisture) was ensiled alone and in a 2 to 1 ratio with ground litter (18.7% moisture). The pH of the ensiled high moisture corn grain was lower (P<.01) than that of the ensiled corn-litter mixture. Lactic and acetic acid levels were similar for the two fermented materials. Ensiling the corn-litter mixture resulted in markedly reduced total bacteria and coliform numbers. Crude protein content of the ensiled corn-litter mixture was 20.1%, dry basis, compared to 9.4% for ensiled corn grain.

Twenty-four wethers were used in a digestibility and nitrogen balance trial and 12 steers were individually fed in two palatability trials. The four rations tested in both studies contained: 1) unsupplemented ensiled corn; 2) ensiled corn supplemented with dry heat processed litter (260 C at a depth of 1.3 cm for 30 min); 3) ensiled corn supplemented with soybean meal; or 4) the ensiled corn-litter mixture.

Nitrogen retention was lowest (P<.01) for the lambs fed the unsupplemented ration and was higher (P<.01) for those fed soybean meal than for those fed the litter-containing rations. Coefficients of apparent digestibility were usually lower (P<.01) for the unsupplemented ensiled corn ration than for rations containing litter or soybean meal. Apparent digestibility of crude protein was lower (P<.01) for both litter-containing rations than for the soybean meal supplemented ration, but the other digestion coefficients were not significantly different among the supplemented rations. Dry matter intakes tended to be higher for cattle fed processed or ensiled litter than for those fed the soybean meal supplemented ration.

¹ The broiler litter was obtained from Rocco Feeds,Inc., Harrisonburg, VA.

² Present address: Missouri Farmers Association,Inc., Columbia, MO. 65201.

³ Department of Animal Science.

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