FROM HAY TO HARMONY: UNVEILING THE NUTRITIONAL DYNAMICS OF UREA-SUPPLEMENTED AND CASSAVA-ENRICHED DIETS

Abstract

Ruminants, distinguished by their remarkable capacity to derive nutrients from fibrous feeds, play a crucial role in addressing the nutritional challenges prevalent in developing tropical regions. In these areas, optimizing natural resource utilization is imperative, and the unique digestive capabilities of ruminants present a promising avenue. The majority of organic matter (OM) in tropical forage exists as cell wall carbohydrates, predominantly cellulose and hemicellulose. However, the rumen degradation of these carbohydrates, being slower and less extensive compared to sucrose or starch, poses challenges for efficient nutrient extraction (Van Soest, 1994). The nutritional landscape of mature tropical grasses is further complicated by the typically low nitrogen (N) content, constraining the growth and activity of cellulolytic bacteria. As a result, N supplementation becomes a key strategy to enhance the intake and digestibility of low-quality forage (Paterson et al., 1994). Nevertheless, the intricate dynamics of fibre-degrading micro-organisms involve dependencies on additional substrates such as sugars and branched-chain volatile fatty acids (Van Soest, 1994).An intriguing paradox arises when considering the impact of supplementation with rich-starch feeds. While these feeds offer potential substrates for fibre-degrading micro-organisms, their inclusion tends to depress forage intake and digestibility in ruminants (Paterson et al., 1994). This presents a complex interplay between nutrient availability, microbial activity, and forage utilization in ruminant digestion. This review delves into the intricate balance of nutrient dynamics in ruminants, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities associated with fibrous feed utilization in tropical environments. Insights from foundational works by Van Soest (1994) and Paterson et al. (1994) guide the exploration of the complex interrelationships within the rumen ecosystem. The synthesis aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing nutrient acquisition in ruminants, providing a foundation for optimized feeding strategies in tropical agriculture.