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Physical Parameters of Fiber Affecting Passage from the Rumen

University of Vermont, Burlington 05405

ABSTRACT

Our objective was to review the factors that affect fiber passage from the rumen. Rumen residence time and passage from the rumen are important in control of intake, digestibility, protein metabolism, and protein escape. Physical factors associated with particle size and particle specific gravity affect passage from the rumen. Although particles of 5 cm may pass through the reticulo-omasal orifice, most particles leaving the rumen are smaller than 1 mm. Polypropylene ribbon cut into 7-cm lengths, introduced into the rumen, markedly reduced intake and were ruminated to fine particle size before being passed. Materials with specific gravity less than 1.0 are ruminated extensively and are passed slowly. As specific gravity of plastic particles increase, rumination of particles is decreased and passage is increased. Particles with specific gravities between 1.17 and 1.42 pass most rapidly. Increasing specific gravities further results in a decline in passage and a further lowering of rumination of particles. Natural hay and fresh forages are hydrated in the rumen, which causes functional specific gravity to increase. Some factors that affect rate of change of functional specific gravity of forages have been investigated. Small particle size, autoclaved rumen fluid, buffer solutions, and specific salts increased the rate of change of functional specific gravity of particles. Understanding of these factors may enable us to make better decisions in managing ruminant productions systems.

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