Effect of barley silage particle sizes and two types of grain on feed intake and digestibility of nutrients, rumen characteristics and feeding behaviors in Kermani male sheep

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of two levels of barley silage particle size and two types of grain, barley and maize on feed intake, nutrients digestibility, rumen parameters and feeding behaviors in sheep. Statistical analysis was conducted using the changeover design experiment. Whole-plant barley was harvested at 28±1.5% moisture in 8 and 16 mm theoretical chop lengths for prepering short- and long- silages. Four male kermani sheep with the average weight of 53.38±2.05 kg were used and Experimental diets were: 1) long barley silage and barley grain 2) long barley silage and 20 percent corn grain 3) short barley silage and barley grain 4) short barley silage and 20 percent corn grain. Dry matter intake was influenced by the type of grain and was higher in diets that contain 20 percent corn grain (P<0.05). Rumen pH was affected by barley silage particle sizeand 2 types of grain, at 2 and 4 hours after feeding and was higher in long barley silage and 20 percent corn containing diets (p<0.05). Ammonia nitrogen concentration in rumen and microbial nitrogen and protein synthesis weren't influenced by treatments (p>0.05). Feeding behaviors, were affected by barley silage particle size, but did not affect by grain type. Dry matter intake was increased in 20% corn grain diets, due to increased pH and better rumen environment.