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A comparison of three laboratory techniques for the estimation of the digestibility of feedstuffs for ruminants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

H. M. Omed ,
R. F. E. Axford ,
A. G. Chamberlain  and
D. I. Givens
H. M. Omed
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University College of North Wales, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
R. F. E. Axford
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University College of North Wales, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
A. G. Chamberlain
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University College of North Wales, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
D. I. Givens
Affiliation:
ADAS, Research and Development Service, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9RQ, UK
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Summary

Three in vitro methods, one enzymic and two microbial, were applied satisfactorily to the determination of the dry matter digestibility of forages, but failed when applied to a variety of concentrate feeds. The microbial methods had the advantage that the proportion of weight lost from forages during the in vitro process approximated closely with their determined in vivo digestibilities.

The microbial method based on sheep faeces was as effective as that using rumen liquor in digesting ruminant feedstuff's in vitro. Since sheep faeces are readily obtained from intact animals, the faeces liquor method would seem to have a distinct advantage in use.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 113 , Issue 1 , August 1989 , pp. 35 - 39
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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References

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