SHORT COMMUNICATION
The effects of lucerne hay particle size on chewing activity and rumen fermentation in dry cows
T. Sun 1
,
 
,
 
M. He 1
,
 
 
 
 
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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
 
KEYWORDS
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.
ISSN:1230-1388
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