The Type of Forage Substrate Preparation Included as Substrate in a RUSITEC System Affects the Ruminal Microbiota and Fermentation Characteristics.

ABSTRACT: In vitro fermentation systems such as the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) are frequently used to assess dietary manipulations in livestock, thereby limiting the use of live animals. Despite being in use for nearly 40 years, improvements are continually sought in these systems to better reflect and mimic natural processes in ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of forage preparation, i.e., frozen minced (FM) and freeze-dried and ground (FDG), on the ruminal microbiota and on fermentation characteristics when included as a substrate in a RUSITEC system. A completely randomized design experiment was performed over a 15-day period, with 7 days of adaptation and an 8-day experimental period. Fermentation parameters (total gas, CH₄, and volatile fatt

SUBMITTER: Duarte AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5397515 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature