A. Nizza et C. Di Meo, Determination of apparent digestibility coefficients in 6-, 12- and 18-week-old ostriches, BR POULT SC, 41(4), 2000, pp. 518-520
1. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of a diet consisting of a
concentrate and of alfalfa grass in a 4:1 ratio were measured in 6. 12-and
18-week-old ostriches.
2. These coefficients were measured in 4 animals eating ad libitum using bo
th a total collection method, and internal marker methods with acid deterge
nt lignin (ADL) and with acid insoluble ash (AIA).
3. The ADC of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and
energy were not influenced by the age of the ostriches. The ADC of structur
al carbohydrates, however, were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the 12-and
18-week-old animals.
4. The results obtained by the total collection and ADL methods were simila
r: The AIA method, however; overestimated the values due to the very high m
arker recovery rate (128.0%).