The possibility of in vitro multi-enzymatic method application for the assessment of the influence of thermal treatments on organic matter digestibility of feed for ruminants

Abstract

In vitro multi-enzymatic method is a two-step procedure that uses exogenous enzymes for incubation of feed that aim to imitate digestive processes in the animal. It is used for determination of organic matter digestibility (OMD) of various feedstuffs and complete mixtures used in ruminant nutrition. The aim of the present work was to determine whether this in vitro multi-enzymatic method can be applied for the assessment of the influence of thermal treatments on OMD of feed for ruminants. Samples of corn and complete mixture for cows (based on corn) were subjected to pelleting, steam flaking, micronization and extrusion. Statistical analysis of the results did not show significant increase of corn and complete mixture OMD after various thermal treatments compared to untreated samples, which can be explained by high digestibility of corn itself (exceeds 90%). Based on obtained results it can be concluded that applied in vitro method is not suitable for the assessment of the influence of thermal treatments on OMD of corn and corn based mixture, while future research should be broadened to analysis of samples with lower OMD, such as sorghum, oats and barley.

Properties of different silage maize hybrids

“…lignocellulosic fibre of forage maize may limit digestibility and fodder intake of ruminants. Thus, the best estimates of silage maize suitability for ruminant nutrition can be obtained through forage analysis (Kokić et al, 2018;Kruse et al, 2008).…”

Quality parameters of maize hybrids intended for silage production

“…Because variations in silage quality might affect overall animal performance, maize's nutrient and fiber content should be as desirable as feasible. Given that a high lignocellulosic fiber content in forage maize might result in restricted digestibility and fodder intake in ruminants, forage analysis is the best method for determining if silage maize is suitable for ruminant nutrition (Kokić et al, 2018;Kruse et al, 2008).…”