Department of Feed and Fodder Technology, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Hyderabad-500 030, India.
Online published on 29 December, 2011.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) heads (capitueum after removal of seeds) were ground (12mm) and fed to four permanently flstulated crossbred bulls as sole ration to assess the nutritive value and rumen fermentation pattern. The DM intake was only 92% of the recommended level. Sunflower heads contained 3.30% DCF and 63.67% TDN in crossbred bulls. AM the experimental animals were on positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances. All the nitrogen fractions. peaked at 2 h post-feeding and declined later. pH was lower at 2 h post-feeding but TVFA peaked at 4h post-feeding. The concentrations of different rumen metabolites were optimvm indicating normal rumen fermentation Indicating that sunflower heads as sole ration can meet the maintenance requirement of crossbred bulls.
