The effect of using different wheat straw cultivars in feeding Lori sheep on digestibility, gas production and fermentation and blood parameters in vitro and in vivo

Introduction: Agricultural residues include the materials that remain after harvesting and extracting the main products from the crop, these residues are made of roughage and they have allocated a significant amount of animal feed resources. Straw is regarded as one of the most vital sources of productive organic matter globally and serves as a primary source of animal feed in numerous countries, particularly in arid regions. In these areas, fodder scarcity presents a significant challenge and is a major limiting factor in animal husbandry. Research findings indicate that the nutritional value of cereal straw is influenced by various factors, including differences among cultivars, soil fertility and growing conditions, crop rotation and agricultural practices, fertilization and harvest time and maturity. The primary reason for variations in the nutritional value of straw lines in the ratio of stem to leaf, as well as the quality and nutritional content of different straw components, particularly the stem and leaf. Different wheat varieties have varying fiber content and digestibility. For instance, some wheat varieties bred for higher yield or disease resistance may produce straw with slightly lower digestibility and protein content. Wheat grown in nutrient-rich soils with good water management typically results in straw with higher mineral content (e.g., potassium, calcium, phosphorus) and slightly improved protein content. Conversely, in nutrient-poor soils, the straw tends to have lower nutritional value. Wheat grown in well-managed crop rotations may have better straw quality compared to wheat grown in monoculture systems. In crop rotation, the straw may have higher nutrient levels due to improved soil health, organic matter, and nutrient cycling. Wheat straw from crops fertilized with nitrogen (N) may have slightly better crude protein levels, as nitrogen boosts protein synthesis in plants. However, excessive nitrogen can lead to high fiber content and reduced digestibility. The nutritive value of wheat straw tends to decline as the plant matures. Young wheat straw (from early harvests) is more digestible and has slightly higher protein content compared to mature, fully lignified straw, which is higher in fiber and lower in nutritional value. So, This experiment was performed to investigate the chemical composition and nutritional value of different straw varieties of promising wheat cultivars in comparison with Chamran cultivar in feeding of Lori sheep.
Materials and methods: In this experiment, straw samples from various wheat cultivars were collected, air-dried, and cut into 2-3 cm pieces before being stored in bags for use in different treatments. Then, chemical compounds and including gas production parameters of 17 cultivars of wheat straw varieties were measured, Then 3 wheat straw cultivars that showed the best results were selected along with Chamran cultivar as control groups in a completely randomized design using 16 male Lori sheep (23± 2 kg) were examined. Also, In the present trial, nutrient digestibility, ruminal parameters and blood metabolites were measured too.
Results and discussion: The results showed that the highest amount of crude protein and gas production were related to cultivars S-91-11, S-91-14 and S-91-6 (P <0.05), but did not show a significant difference compared to Chamran cultivar. Three straw cultivars (S-91-11, S-91-14 and S-91-6) had the highest amount of crude protein and the lowest amount of cell wall components compared to other straw cultivars (P <0.05). Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, insoluble fibers in acidic and neutral detergents, ammonia nitrogen and ruminal pH and blood parameters were not affected by selected wheat straw cultivars in experimental diets. The lack of significant differences in protein digestibility across various straw varieties suggests that dietary variations do not influence protein digestion. One key factor influencing nutrient digestibility in the digestive tract is the size of the bacterial population; therefore, the absence of significant differences in microbial populations logically explains the observed similarities in nutrient digestibility.
The average concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen under the experimental diets falls within the desired range of 8.5 to 30 mg per 100 ml of rumen fluid. Elevated ruminal ammonia levels enhance microbial activity and fiber digestibility, while a decrease in ammonia concentration serves as a limiting factor for microbial growth in the rumen.
Introduction: Agricultural residues include the materials that remain after harvesting and extracting the main products from the crop, these residues are made of roughage and they have allocated a significant amount of animal feed resources.Straw is regarded as one of the most vital sources of productive organic matter globally and serves as a primary source of animal feed in numerous countries, particularly in arid regions. In these areas, fodder scarcity presents a significant challenge and is a major limiting factor in animal husbandry. Research findings indicate that the nutritional value of cereal straw is influenced by various factors, including differences among cultivars. The primary reason for variations in the nutritional value of straw lies in the ratio of stem to leaf, as well as the quality and nutritional content of different straw components, particularly the stem and leaf. So, This experiment was performed to investigate the chemical composition and nutritional value of different straw varieties of promising wheat cultivars in comparison with Chamran cultivar in feedin of Lori sheep.
Materials and methods: In this experiment, straw samples from various wheat cultivars were collected, air-dried, and cut into 2-3 cm pieces before being stored in bags for use in different treatments. Then, chemical compounds and including gas production parameters of 17 cultivars of wheat straw varieties were measured, Then 3 wheat straw cultivars that showed the best results were selected along with Chamran cultivar as control groups in a completely randomized design using 16 male Lori sheep (23± 2 kg) were examined. Also, In the present trial, nutrient digestibility, ruminal parameters and blood metabolites were measured too.
Results and discussion: The results showed that the highest amount of crude protein and gas production were related to cultivars S-91-11, S-91-14 and S-91-6 (P <0.05), but did not show a significant difference compared to Chamran cultivar. Three straw cultivars (S-91-11, S-91-14 and S-91-6) had the highest amount of crude protein and the lowest amount of cell wall components compared to other straw cultivars (P <0.05). Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, insoluble fibers in acidic and neutral detergents, ammonia nitrogen and ruminal pH and blood parameters were not affected by selected wheat straw cultivars in experimental diets.
Conclusion: In general, according to the results of gas production parameters and measurement of chemical compounds, wheat straw cultivars S-91-11, S-91-6, S-91-14, showed better results than wheat straw of other cultivars and are recommended.
Keywords: Gas production, Blood parameters, Digestibility, Wheat straw, Lori sheep
Conclusion: In general, according to the results of gas production parameters and measurement of chemical compounds, wheat straw cultivars S-91-11, S-91-6, S-91-14, showed better results than wheat straw of other cultivars and are recommended.