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Study of a Nylon Bag Technique for In Vivo Estimation of Forage Digestibility¹

Washington Agriculture Experiment Stations

Abstract

A nylon-bag technique for in vivo estimation of forage dry matter digestibility is described. A uniformity trial with an alfalfa hay indicated very good repeatability with this procedure.

An increase in percent dry matter digestibility of orchardgrass and sudangrass was found with each 24-hr, increase in length of time that the material remained in the rumen. Alfalfa and Ladino clover had a much higher digestibility for the first 24-hr. period than the grasses. Digestibility of alfalfa increased slightly through the 48- and 72-hr. periods. Digestibility of Ladino clover tended to level-off after the 48-hr. period.

Fineness of grind of the samples did not affect percent digestibility. Generally, larger sample size resulted in lower digestibility for comparable periods of time in the rumen. These differences tended to disappear as length of time in the rumen increased.

The dietary regimen of the fistulated animal appeared to influence digestibility of the forage samples.

¹ Scientific Paper No. 2091, Washington Agricultural Experiment Stations Project 1550.

² Associate Agronomist and Animal Scientist, respectively, Irrigation Experiment Station, Prosser, Washington. The authors wish to acknowledge the suggestions of T. S. Russell, Station Statistician; I. A. Dyer, Animal Scientist; T. H. Blosser, Dairy Scientist; and B. E. Conrad, formerly Research Assistant in Agronomy, Washington State University, Pullman.