Abstract
The clearance rate of digesta from the reticulo-rumen may limit feed intake and thus production in ruminants. The longer the retention time in the rumen the better the cell wall carbohydrates are digested. However, a fast rate of passage of indigestible feed particles to the lower digestive tract is essential for maximal feed intake. The feeding level, type of diet and the physical characteristics of the feed particles affect the rate of passage from the rumen. The rate of passage has mostly been determined by external marker techniques. Because of physico-chemical characteristics these markers do not always accurately represent the behaviour of feed.particles. An alternative method, the rumen evacuation technique, may describe better the kinetic characteristics of cell walls. In this study marker and rumen evacuation techniques were compared in the determination of the passage rate and retention times.
Published Version
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