In vitro digestion of fresh alfalfa under different conditions of ruminal pH

Abstract

As expected, low rumen pH decreased alfalfa digestion. However, limits to ruminal digestion activity differed from those usually proposed for TMR diets. It is apparent that different relationships between rumen pH and NDFD exist when cows graze fresh alfalfa or grasses. Moreover, our results suggest the convenience to complement the data obtained through ivGP, DMD and NDFD. While ivGP and DMD seem to be more useful at early digestion times, NDFD may be a good predictor of final digestion.