Estimating the production of faeces by ruminants from faecal marker concentration curves.
The use of faecal marker concentration curves, in conjunction with compartmental analysis, is examined as a method for predicting faecal output in ruminants. Formulae for faecal production are derived for the various multicompartment models currently used to interpret marker concentration data. A comparison of observed and model-derived estimates of faecal dry matter production using three different markers is given for sheep consuming hay or a mixed diet.
France
J
J
AFRC Institute for Grassland and Animal Production, Berkshire, U.K.
Dhanoa
M S
MS
Siddons
R C
RC
Thornley
J H
JH
Poppi
D P
DP
D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D005243:Feces; D008954:Models, Biological; D012418:Ruminants / Q000502:physiology*; D012756:Sheep