Author : Charurat Chinajariyawong

Summary : Utilization of palm kernel cake (PKC) as the principal feed for ruminants was investigated in four studies. The study on the nutritive value showed that PKC-solvent extracted (PKC-S) and PKC-expeller pressed (PKC-E) contained similar amounts of OM, CP, CF and ADL. PKC-E had higher DM, EE and GE but lower NFE, NDF, ADF and shell contents. Amounts of Ca, P, Cu, and Zn were similar in both types of PKC, but Na was higher and Mg was lower in PKC S.Ruminal pH, NH3-N concentration, molar proportions of VFA and passage rates of liquid and small digesta particles in cattle fed either PKC-S or PKC-E were similar. Total VFA concentration wa shigher in cattle fed PKC-S. Effective DM and OM degradabilities were lower in animals fed PKC-S but degradation rates were similar. PKC-E contained more soluble fractions than PKC-S. CP of PKC-S was more soluble but its effective degradability and degradation rate were similar to that PKC-E. The study on the effects of formaldehyde treatments on CP degradability of both types of PKC showed that CP degradability decreased with increasing levels of formaldehyde. Acid-pepsin digestibility showed no difference in CP digestibility among untreated and formaldehyde-treated PKC up to 2.5g /100g CP.