The effect of mechanical processing of feeds on the mastication and rumination of steers.

Abstract

Numerous data are available in the literature regarding the effects which various methods of preparation of concentrates and roughages have on the utilization of these feeds by cattle. The conditions under which the different trials have been conducted are so variable from the standpoint of the type of animal, indices used, and the degree of control of the many factors involved that it is difficult to draw conclusions from the results reported. If mechanical processing of feeds is of any value other than increasing palatability or decreasing waste, it would appear that it must certainly save the animal some energy in the comminution of the feed by reducing the amount of work required in the processes of mastication and rumination. If this be true, the energy required for the so-called work of digestion would be reduced and the metabolizable energy so conserved should be available for production purposes.