Digestible, Metabolizable and Net Energy Values of Corn Grain and Dehydrated Alfalfa in Sheep

The digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy for maintenance and production (NEm+p) values of dehydrated alfalfa and corn were determined in a metabolic and energy retention study with lambs. Twenty-one diets consisting of varying proportions (5% increments from 0% to 100% for each ingredient) of dehydrated alfalfa and corn were used. Crude protein, ether extract and nitrogen-free extract digestibility curvilinearly increased, and crude fiber curvilinearly decreased with increased levels of corn in the ration. There were no interactional (non-linear, non-additive, curvilinear or associative) effects for DE, ME and NEm+pvalues with the various ratios of concentrate to roughage. A linear relationship between energy (DE, ME and NEm+p) and ration composition indicated that the energy values of corn and dehydrated alfalfa were additive and that no interactional effects were evident with the change in ration composition. The caloric value (DE, ME and NEm+p) of the diet increased with increased levels of corn in the diet; and likewise, energy retention increased with increased levels of corn in the diet.