Effects of Particle Size Difference in Two Different Sweet Bran Products on Total Tract Digestibility and Rumen pH

Authors

Emily K. Hoefling, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Anna Kobza, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jessica L. Miller, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Maggie E. Youngers, Cargill Branded Feeds
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jim C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2026

Citation

2026 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, pages 56-59, MP-121, University of Nebraska Extension, 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Board of Regents, University of Nebraska. Used by permission

Abstract

Summary with Implications

Seven ruminally fistulated heifers were utilized in a 6 x 7 row-column design to evaluate two different Sweet Bran particle size products (1.8 or 2.5 mm) included at 13%, 18%, or 23% of the diet (DM) on total tract digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters. The treatment design was a 2 x 3 factorial. Rumen pH was reduced and organic matter digestibility tended to be reduced with the small particle size when Sweet Bran was included at 13% of the diet. Both NDF digestibility and dietary digestible energy concentration tended to improve with the larger particle size. The large particle size of Sweet Bran appears to aid in improving diet digestibility and moderating rumen pH, which is more marked with low dietary inclusions (less than 18%).