Chemical characteristics and nutritive values of three oat varieties for ruminants

Non-Peer ReviewedThe objectives of this study were to determine the magnitude of differences among oat varieties of in terms of detailed chemical and nutritional characteristics (including: 1) chemical composition, 2) total digestible nutrient (TDN) and energy values at maintenance and production level for both dairy and beef cattle, 3) protein and carbohydrate subfractions, 4) in situ degradation kinetics of components, and 5) nutrient supply/availability) and provide detailed feeding values for ruminants. Six oat samples comprised of 3 cultivars (CDC Dancer, Derby and CDC SO-I) grown over two years (2005 and 2006) were obtained from the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. The samples were analyzed for DM, CP, EE, GE, starch, ash, NDF, ADF, ADL, NDICP, ADICP, SCP and NPN. Total digestible nutrient (TDN) and energy values (TDN1x, DE3x, ME3x, NEL3x, DE4x, ME4x, NEL4x of dairy, ME, NEm and NEg of beef) at maintenance and production levels for both dairy and beef cattle were determined using NRC-2001 and NRC-1996 chemical approaches. Protein and carbohydrate fractions were determined using the CNCPS system. Rumen degradation kinetics (DM, CP and starch) were determined in situ. The nutrient supply/availability will be estimated using the DVE/OEB system and NRC-2001 model. Detailed chemical composition, TDN and energy values and CNCPS protein and carbohydrate fractions are reported here. The information obtained from this study will be useful for oat breeders and feed industry