Pasture quality in terms of soluble carbohydrates and volatile fatty acid production

L.R. Kingsbury

Lincoln College, Canterbury

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1965, 25: 119-136

Studies of autumn-saved perennial ryegrass in Canterbury have shown it to have a composition of proximate constituents and coefficients of digestibility similar to those of young spring pasture. These saved pastures can contain up to 20% soluble carbohydrate.

Rumen contents of fistulated grazing sheep were sampled regularly. A repeatable diurnal pattern of levels of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and proportions of individual fatty acids was established. The mean concentration of VFA and the mean proportion of propionic acid can be predicted accurately from three 9 a.m. samples. The application of this technique for predicting energy available to grazing animals is discussed.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000