J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1979. 48:1554-1561.
© 1979 American Society of Animal Science
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Recent Developments in Predicting Forage Quality1

R. F. Barnes2 and G. C. Marten3

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705 and St. Paul, MN 55101

Abstract

The quest for simple, quick, reliable and inexpensive methods for laboratory prediction of forage quality continues. The laboratory method generally accepted as superior for the prediction of ruminant in vivo digestibility is the in vitro rumen fermentation technique. Until new methods become reliable, use of acid detergent fiber to predict digestibility and neutral detergent fiber (cell walls) to predict intake potential of legume, grass, and mixed forages appears to be the most feasible approach for routine testing of farmer-produced forages that will be fed or marketed. The most promising new procedure being tested is infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The potential exists for this procedure to predict animal nutritive responses directly, without first predicting chemical composition.

Footnotes

1 This paper represents an invitational presentation, requested by the ADSA-ASAS Joint Committee on Pastures and Forages, made at the Joint American Dairy Science Association - American Society of Animal Sciences Meetings, Michigan State University, East Lansing July 9 to 12, 1978.

2 Staff Scientist, National Program Staff, Agricultural Research, Science and Education Administration, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705.

3 Supervisory Research Agronomist, Agricultural Research, Science and Education Administration, U. S. Department of Agriculture, St. Paul, MN 55101.






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Copyright © 1979 by the American Society of Animal Science.