Regulation of Food Intake in Ruminants. 1. Pelleted Rations Varying in Energy Concentration

Abstract

Four completely pelleted rations consisting of the following alfalfa meal: ground shelled corn ratios--100:0, 80:20, 60:40, and 40:60--were fed to eight Holstein heifers in two 4 4 Latin-squares and to 40 crossbred lambs in a 67-day continuous feeding trial. Apparent digestibility determined with heifers indicated an increase in dry matter and gross energy digestibility coefficients as the per cent corn was increased in the diet. Daily dry matter consumption decreased as the corn increased, and daily energy consumption was similar for all rations.