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Digestibility of whole crops



Dear foragers!

Whole-crop silage of maize and cereals has become increasingly popular as 
feed to dairy cows in Denmark. But there is a lack of reliable methods for 
determining digestibility and energy concentration of these forages. 

For the last 25 years we have relied on in vitro digestion in rumen fluid 
according to Tilley and Terry. For most parts the method has worked fairly 
well for silage, but not for herbage. We have tried to improve the method, by 
standardizing the way whole crops are sampled before drying and grinding, and 
how rumen fluid is collected from the fistulated animals.

Would you please share your experience of methods for digesting whole crops 
and which methods that are preferrable for herbage as well as silage. If you 
have recent published references regarding methodology for digestion of whole 
crops, I also would be greatful.

Sincerely, 

Christer Ohlsson


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Christer Ohlsson, Senior scientist
Department of Forage Crops and Potatoes
Research Centre Foulum
P.O. Box 21
DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark

Phone: +45-89991833
Fax:   +45-89991839
Present E-mail: CO%AFGK%Plante1@Foulum.min.dk
New E-mail (from 25 April, 1996): CMO@AFGK.SP.DK
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