Proposed Use of Adjusted Intake Based on Forage Particle Length for Calculation of Roughage Indexes

Abstract

Effects of forage intake and particle length on chewing time were investigated. Two ratios of forage to concentrate, 33:67 and 50:50, and three lengths of forage particles were compared in two 3 x 3 Latin squares repeated a second year. Distribution of forage particle length was determined with an oscillating screen particle separator. Weighted mean particle lengths, .31, .43, and .51 cm, were measured for the three forages.