Nutrient Utilization and Rumen Fermentation Pattern of Cotton Seeds Hulls Based Complete Diets in Crossbred Bulls

Two complete diets containing cotton (Gossypium Sp.) seeds hulls (CSH) at 50% level (diet l)and CSH 35% + lucerne hay 15% (mash) (diet 2) were compared with a conventional diet containing 1.5kg concentrate supplement and chopped sorghum straw ad lib. In a 3 x 3Latin Square design in 3 rumen fistulated crossbred bulls. The DM intake and digestibilities of DM, OM, protein and nitrogen balance were significantly (P<0,05) higher on complete diets as compared to conventional diet. AH animals were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances. DCP (P<0.01) and TDN (P<0.05) contents were higher on complete diets as compared to conventional diet. Concentrations of TVFA and all nitrogen fractions, except NH3-IS, were higher (P<0.01) on complete diets as compared to conventional diet and among complete diets, diet 2, recorded higher values. All nitrogen fractions peaked at 2 h post-feeding and then declined later, while TVFA concentrations peaked at 4 h post-feeding.