In order to evaluate the feed value of rice straw as influenced by ripening stage, and in situ studies using a rumen fistulated Korean cow and nylon bag technique were conducted.
The results obtained are summarized as follows :
1. The contents of cr...
In order to evaluate the feed value of rice straw as influenced by ripening stage, and in situ studies using a rumen fistulated Korean cow and nylon bag technique were conducted.
The results obtained are summarized as follows :
1. The contents of crude fiber and crude ash were increased, while those of crude protein and crude fat were decreased as the ripening of straw progressed. The content of NDF was not affected by the ripening stage. After the yellow stage hemicellulose was remarkably decreased while cellulose and lignin were increased.
2. Degradation of rice straw NDF in the rumen was most rapid when at the heading stage but degradation of straws after the milky stage were similar each other. Degradation of rice straw ADF, on the other hand, did not show any difference with advancing ripening stage.
3. Considering the change of chemical composition and degradation rate of rice straw in the rumen under the different ripening stage, it can be concluded that the lignification of rice straw was accelerated after the heading stage.