Nutrient Utilization in Bulls Fed Fermented Rations Containing Palm Decanter Cake and Bacillus subtilis

W. Meenongyai; K. Wongpanit; T. Phrmma; P. Tiprak; U. Traithilen; P. Phongkaew; P. Khejornsart; N. Waramit; A. Sonsi; S. Apon; R. I. Rabbi

doi:10.5398/tasj.2027.50.1.54

W. Meenongyai ⁽¹⁾ , K. Wongpanit ⁽¹⁾ , T. Phrmma ⁽¹⁾ , P. Tiprak ⁽¹⁾ , U. Traithilen ⁽¹⁾ , P. Phongkaew ⁽¹⁾ , P. Khejornsart ⁽¹⁾ , N. Waramit ⁽²⁾ , A. Sonsi ⁽³⁾ , S. Apon ⁽⁴⁾ , R. I. Rabbi ⁽⁴⁾

(1) Faculty of Natural Resources and Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Thailand,

(2) School of integrated Science, Kasetsart University, Thailand,

(3) Sakon Nakhon Animal Nutrition Research and Development Center, Department of Livestock Development, Thailand,

(4) Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2027.50.1.54

Issue
Vol. 50 No. 1 (2027): Tropical Animal Science Journal (Issue in Progress)

Submitted
June 6, 2026

Accepted
September 3, 2026

Published
October 12, 2026

Keywords:

agro-industrial by-product, beef cattle, nutrient utilization, probiotic

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Abstract

Palm decanter cake (PDC) is an agro-industrial by-product with potential as an alternative feed resource for ruminants, although its relatively high fiber content may limit nutrient utilization. Incorporating PDC with probiotic Bacillus subtilis (PB) in fermented total mixed rations (FTMR) may provide a practical strategy for utilizing this by-product in beef cattle diets. This study evaluated animal responses to FTMR dietary regimens containing PDC and PB, with emphasis on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, microbial populations, and serum metabolites in beef cattle. Five Angus-crossbred bulls (initial body weight 477 ± 44 kg) were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Dietary treatments consisted of a control FTMR without PDC or PB and four FTMR diets containing 10% or 20% PDC on a DM basis, supplemented with either 0.05% or 0.10% probiotic B. subtilis. Feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, microbial populations, and serum metabolites were determined. Dietary treatments did not affect dry matter intake, ruminal pH, NH3-N concentration, total volatile fatty acids, microbial populations, or serum metabolites (p>0.05). Ether extract intake differed among dietary regimens (p<0.05), with greater values in cattle receiving the diets containing 20% PDC with either PB level. Among the dietary regimens evaluated, the complete diet containing 20% PDC and 0.10% PB resulted in the greatest apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (p<0.05). Sampling time significantly influenced rumen fermentation parameters, microbial populations, and serum metabolites (p<0.05), reflecting normal postprandial changes after feeding. The digestibility response was attributable to the complete dietary regimen. The independent effects of PDC and PB and their interaction could not be isolated in this design. These results suggest that PDC can be included at up to 20% of dietary dry matter in FTMR containing B. subtilis as an alternative feed resource for beef cattle.

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