DETERMINATION OF NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF TOTAL MIXED RATIONS IN THE RUMEN USING IN VITRO METHOD

Abstract

The digestibility rate is a crucial indicator of nutrient utilization in dairy cow diets. We can accurately determine ruminant feed digestibility in an artificial rumen using in vitro fermentation. This involves incubating a feed sample with liquid rumen under anaerobic conditions using a buffer solution that simulates rumen saliva. After approximately 48 hours of fermentation, the remaining dry matter was measured, followed by the quantification of digested cellulose, produced gases, and volatile fatty acids. Commercial complete rations (TMR) were used in the experiment to ensure uniform consumption in both quantitative and qualitative terms. The research aimed to determine the digestibility rate and kinetics of dry matter and nutrient components in TMR samples designed for milk production in different lactation stages. The results showed significant differences in the composition of the mixtures and the same indicators after incubation through eight different time intervals. The research confirmed that digestibility analysis with the ANKOM incubator provided accurate, reproducible, and cost-effective results. Collaborative studies also yielded desirable results despite differences in fermentation 
factors.