Effect of KOROPASS, an extruded jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis)-derived supplement, on productivity and economic performance of beef cattle

AIM: This study evaluated the effect of feeding a graded amount of extruded jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) on nutritional status, production performances, and economic performance of beef cattle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The supplement called “KOROPASS” was prepared from the extruded jack bean (according to the extrusion heating process). Sixteen male Friesian-Holstein crossbred cattle were divided into four groups and fed on KOROPASS as per the regimen: R(0) (total mixed ration [TMR] without KOROPASS), R(1) (TMR supplemented with 3% KOROPASS), R(2) (TMR supplemented with 6% KOROPASS), and R(3) (TMR supplemented with 9% KOROPASS). The in vivo experiment lasted 44 days. TMR contained 12% crude protein and 60% total digestible nutrient. The consumption and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and total protein (TP), feed efficiency, average daily gain, and income over feed cost (IOFC) were evaluated. RESULTS: KOROPASS supplementation significantly increased (p<0.05) beef cattle consumption of DM (from 7.83 [R(0)] to 8.33 [R(1)], 8.91 [R(2)], and 9.69 kg/day [R(3)]), OM (from 6.72 to 7.17, 7.69, and 8.38 kg/day, respectively), and TP (from 892 to 1020, 1182, and 1406 g/day, respectively). The elevated levels of KOROPASS significantly increased (p<0.05) digestibility in terms of the levels of DM (from 42.9 [R(0)] to 50.6 [R(1)], 58.0 [R(2)], and 63.6% [R(3)]), OM (from 54.3 to 59.6, 66.3, and 70.6%, respectively), and TP (from 65.0 to 67.1, 75.0, and 80.7%, respectively). Dietary supplementation of KOROPASS significantly increased (p<0.05) metabolizable protein, average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency of beef cattle. Finally, dietary KOROPASS supplementation, especially at 9%, resulted in the highest (p<0.05) IOFC value of beef cattle. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation of KOROPASS improved feed utility, as reflected by the increase in consumption and digestibility of DM, OM, and TP. Further, KOROPASS supplementation improved feed efficiency, growth, and economic performance of beef cattle. The findings indicate the potential value of KOROPASS as a feed supplement for beef cattle.