title: Feeding, evaluating, and controlling rumen function.
abstract: Achieving optimal rumen function requires an understanding of feeds and systems of nutritional evaluation. Key influences on optimal function include achieving good dry matter intake. The function of feeds in the rumen depends on other factors including chemical composition, rate of passage, degradation rate of the feed, availability of other substrates and cofactors, and individual animal variation. This article discusses carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism in the rumen, and provides practical means of evaluation of rations in the field. Conditions under which rumen function is suboptimal (ie, acidosis and bloat) are discussed, and methods for control examined.
authors.affiliation: SBScibus, PO Box 660, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia; Dairy Science Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Brownlow Loop Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia. Electronic address: ianl@sbscibus.com.au.
authors.forename: Ian J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Lean
authors.affiliation: SBScibus, PO Box 660, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia; Dairy Science Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Brownlow Loop Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia.
authors.forename: Helen M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Golder
authors.affiliation: USDA-ARS, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, 1925 Linden Drive West, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism*; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003612:Dairying / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D012417:Rumen / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology
keywords: Acidosis; Carbohydrates; Evaluating nutrition; Proteins; Rumen function