Publication Date
1997
Description
Both physical form and chemical nature of fiber is important to ruminant animals. A recently developed method for determining particle size distribution was used to characterize typical distributions for forages and total mixed rations (TMR) from the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. An effective fiber index (EFI) and modified effective fiber index (MEFI) are proposed which link physical and chemical characteristics. The EFI and MEFI are computed by weighting NDF concentrations by particle size distribution and effectiveness for contribution towards a rumen mat and rumination.
Citation
Buckmaster, D R.; Heinrichs, A J.; Ward, R A.; and Lammers, B P., "Characterizing Effective Fiber with Particle Size and Fiber Concentration Interactions" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 34.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session17/34
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Characterizing Effective Fiber with Particle Size and Fiber Concentration Interactions
Both physical form and chemical nature of fiber is important to ruminant animals. A recently developed method for determining particle size distribution was used to characterize typical distributions for forages and total mixed rations (TMR) from the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. An effective fiber index (EFI) and modified effective fiber index (MEFI) are proposed which link physical and chemical characteristics. The EFI and MEFI are computed by weighting NDF concentrations by particle size distribution and effectiveness for contribution towards a rumen mat and rumination.
