SHORT COMMUNICATION
The effects of lucerne hay particle size on chewing
activity and rumen fermentation in dry cows
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National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology,
China Agricultural University,
Beijing 100094, P.R. China
Publication date: 2007-09-17
Corresponding author
S. L. Li
National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology,
China Agricultural University,
Beijing 100094, P.R. China
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2007;16(Suppl. 2):249-254
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ABSTRACT
Three cannulated, multiparous dry cows were randomly assigned to a 3×3 Latin square experiment
to evaluate the effects of different lucerne hay particle size on eating behaviour, chewing activity,
and rumen fermentation based on measurements of the Penn State Particle Separator. During each
of the 21-d periods, animals were offered one of three total mixed rations, which were chemically
identical but included lucerne hay of different length (2, 4, 8 cm). Results showed that increasing
lucerne hay particle size decreased intake of DM and NDF, increased chewing activities, rumen pH
and ammonia concentration, and decreased the concentration of VFA.