Effects of Level of Chromolaena odorata in Complete Feed on Intake and Rumen Fermentation of Cattle: Pellet Diets

Abstract

Chromolaena odorata (CO) is a potential cheap protein source for livestock in dryland areas of Indonesia due to it is abundant availability and high crude protein content (21-36 %). However, it could hampers livestock productivity as it contains various secondary metabolic compounds which possibly act as antinutritional agents. Pelleting is one of the physical treatments aimed at diminishing these anti-nutrition associated effets. The present experiment designed to assess the efficacy of incremental level of CO in pellet diet for fattened cattle.  Four growing Bali bulls (aged ±2 y.o) were allotted into four dietary treatments using Latin Square Experimental Design principles. The treatments were pellet diet containing 10% CO (COP10) or 20% CO (COP20) or 30% CO (COP30) or 40% CO (COP40).  The pellet was offered at 2% liveweight, while kume grass (Sorghum plumosum) were offered ad libitum. The treatment diets were iso in crude protein (18%) and metabolisable energy (12 MJ) content. Variables measured were intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial crude protein (MCP) supply. The results showed that level of CO in pellet diet significantly reduced feedintake but not nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation and rumen MCP supply.   It might be concluded that inclusion of CO as protein source up to 40% in the pellet diet for fattened cattle but care should be taken since there was a tendency toward a decline in feed intake.