Using a Modified In-Vitro Procedure to Measure Corn Bran Buoyancy

Authors

Crystal D. Buckner, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
James C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Joshua R. Benton, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1-1-2007

Comments

Published in 2007 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2006 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

An in vitro procedure was modified to estimate rumen buoyancy of corn bran and fiber types. Inoculum was obtained from two beef heifers and mixed with McDougall’s buffer then distributed to the in vitro tubes for 30 hours incubation at 100 °F. Fibrous material formed a matte layer which was measured to describe buoyancy. Tubes contained 6g of a feedlot-type diet with 7.5% fiber type (alfalfa hay, grass hay, corn silage, or corn stalks), with no replacement or 25% replacement of the remaining corn with corn bran. Buoyancy declined over time. Alfalfa hay had the most positive effect on buoyancy of corn bran. This new method offers promise for describing rumen buoyancy.