Author
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Mertens, David |
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Submitted to: Nutrition Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 8/21/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Carbohydrates are important in dairy rations because they provide the majority of energy for cows. They vary tremendously in physical and chemical properties and their effects on animal digestion and feed intake. Thus, analysis of carbohydrates is a critical element in ration formulation. It is especially important to measure the insoluble fibrous carbohydrates which have much different nutritive value from the soluble carbohydrates such as sugars, starches and pectins. The amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) method solves most of the problems associated with fiber analysis and can be a useful tool for ration formulation. Because aNDF separates feeds into fiber and nonfiber, it identifies the major differences among feeds and allows them to be described on a single continuum. Fiber digests slowly and yields acetic acid during ruminal fermentation. Nonfibrous carbohydrates ferment rapidly and yield propionic acid during fermentation which causes animals to fatten. Because fiber and nonfiber are inversely related, fiber can be used to assess the carbohydrate balance in animal diets. The aNDF content of feeds, when adjusted for differences in filling effect and physical effectiveness, can be used to determine the maximum and minimum fiber in dairy rations. It provides an excellent tool for evaluating the carbohydrate and energy characteristics of feeds and rations. |
