Abstract
Masticate was collected by ruminal evacuation of four steers grazing intermediate wheatgrass ( Thinopyrum intermedium Host) pasture during dormant and active plant growth periods. Masticate was either lyophilized, or oven dried (60 °C) after the material was spread either 1 cm deep on two (1935 cm 2) trays or spread 3 cm deep on a pan (1290 cm 2). In vitro organic matter (OM) disappearance differed ( P < 0.05) among all drying methods for dormant forage; however, differences ( P < 0.10) were not of a similar magnitude for actively growing forage. The rates (polyester bag procedures) of OM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation were not altered ( P > 0.10) by the drying method; however, the extent of OM and NDF digested was altered ( P < 0.05) by the drying method. Current data suggest that detrimental effects may be minimized by proper handling during oven drying. Lower temperatures, as well as increasing the surface area of samples allowing for rapid drying may minimize the effect of heat damage on the digestibility of the forage.
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