Impact of Inoculum Source for in vitro and in situ Digestion Procedures Performed on Corn Residue and Grass Samples

Authors

Hannah C. Hamilton, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jana L. Harding, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jim C. MacDonald Donald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

2017 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. University of Nebraska Extension MP104. Lincoln, NE.

Comments

© 2016 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the effects of inoculum source at time of incubation on neutral detergent fiber digestibility, dry matter digestibility, and organic matter digestibility of corn residue samples. Digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was greater for both grass and corn residue when inoculum source came from steers consuming a high corn residue diet. Digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were not different between grass and corn residue. It is not necessary to maintain two sets of donors for in vitro or in situ procedures involving corn residue. However, donor diet affects neutral detergent fiber digestibility estimates of residue samples. Therefore, when trying to assess energy values using in situ or in vitro techniques, a set of standards with established in vivo digestibility values should be used for adjustment when steers are maintained on a mixed diet.