Optimising rumen environment for cellulose digestion.
1995
Orskov E.R.
The most common constraints in the rumen ecosystem which prevent fermentation of cellulosic feeds from accruing as at maximal low rate are: deficiencies of N and to a lesser extent S; number of bacteria in solution in the rumen pH. The latter occurs almost exclusively with high concentrate feeding which is seldom economical in less industrialised countries. Deficiency of N is common and can be alleviated by adding a source of NH3-yielding material, usually urea. This can be added in the form of molasses blocks for rangeland and in other suitable packages for stabled animals. The number of bacteria in solution can be enhanced by feeding small amounts of easily digestible fibre where poor quality roughages are used. Examples are brans, sugar beet pulp, grass and leaves from MPT. Antimicrobial factors contained in some MPT can in small quantities have a positive effect on the rumen ecosystem, they can also be complexed by protein and other phenolic binding agents. An optimal rumen environment generally ensures maximal microbial yield and energy utilisation.
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