Forages, Fiber and the Rumen
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20034990Keywords:
forage fiber, ruminal fermentation, diet, microbial protein, energy intakeAbstract
The goal of formulating diets for carbohydrates is to provide low fill, highly fermentable diets that result in consistant ruminal fermentation over time.
Forage fiber content of diets limit feed intake of high producing cows.
Rapidly fermented starch sources can decrease feed intake and efficiency of microbial protein production.
Forages with highly digestible NDF with a high ruminal turnover rate are most valuable for high producing cows.
Consideration of carbohydrate digestion characteristics when formulating diets is important to maximize energy intake and microbial protein production.
