Animal Science · 1972 · 84 citations · 26 references
AgricultureAnimal SciencesNutritional SciencesAnimal NutritionMacronutrient MetabolismRuminant NutritionCarbohydrate NutritionDigestion Of MacronutrientsDigestive PhysiologyFeed CompositionNutrient DigestibilityNutrient DigestionCellulose DigestibilityDietary Fiber Effects On Macronutrient DigestionDigestible Energy EvaluationDigestible Energy SystemsDry Matter ContentFatty AcidsFeedstuffs Carbohydrate CompositionVolatile Fatty Acids
SUMMARY 1. Six pigs, four with caecal cannulae, were given diets containing 8% or 26% cellulose. Cannulation did not affect the digestibility of dry matter or cellulose. 2. Digestibility of cellulose, though variable, was higher for the 8%-cellulose diet. 3. Pigs on the 26%-cellulose diet had larger amounts of digesta in the caecum, and lower caecal retention times, than pigs on the 8%-cellulose diet. 4. Measurements of production rates of volatile fatty acids in the caecum indicated that only 2·7% and 1·9% of the apparent digestible energy of the 26%- and 8%-cellulose diets respectively came from the acids, and it was concluded that the caecum played only a small role in the breakdown of feed substances.
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