Abstract

Eight rumen-fistulated wethers were used to examine the effects of PM (16:00 h) versus AM (08:00 h) allocation of spring herbage from pasture on aspects of ruminal metabolism that lead to increased utilisation of nutrients. The experimental period consisted of two phases; adaptation to diets and intensive sampling. During the adaptation phase, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia concentrations were greater for the PM group, whereas the ratio of non-glucogenic to glucogenic VFA did not differ. These results suggest greater fermentation from forage that had similar concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, and water soluble carbohydrates, but greater organic matter digestibility (84.1 vs. 82.3%). During the intensive sampling phase, the mean total VFA and ammonia concentrations did not differ among groups, but the 24-hour pattern varied considerably for all variables measured. Unseasonal weather conditions during the trial were associated with smaller differences in water soluble carbohydrate accumulation than expected. Based on our results, at least four hours of sunshine were needed to obtain diurnal differences greater than 20 g per kg herbage DM. The implication of these findings on the implementation of nutritional management strategies warrants further investigation.

RE, Vibart, JL Burke, and D Pacheco

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 71, Invercargill, 234-239, 2011