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Digestibility studies with cows given whole and rolled cereal grains

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

M. Nordin and
R. C. Campling
M. Nordin
Affiliation:
Wye College, University of London, Ashford, Kent TN25 5AH
R. C. Campling
Affiliation:
Wye College, University of London, Ashford, Kent TN25 5AH
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Summary

The susceptibility of whole and rolled cereal and legume seeds to microbial attack within the rumen of cows was examined by incubating seeds in nylon bags in the rumen for 24,48 and 72 hr. With whole, intact seeds the husked cereal grains were less susceptible than naked grains and legume seeds. Inter-varietal differences were observed with maize, oats and barley. Breaking the cereal grains before incubation considerably increased the losses of dry matter. Digestibility trials with non-lactating cows confirmed that barley, sorghum, wheat and oats were poorly digested when given whole, and considerable variation was recorded between individual cows in their ability to digest whole grains. Rolling the grains before feeding made the greatest improvement in digestibility with sorghum, wheat and barley and the least with oats.

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Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 23 , Issue 3 , December 1976, pp. 305 - 315
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1976

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References

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