The influence of various levels of supplemental starch and degradable intake protein on prairie hay intake and digestion by beef steers

摘要

A study was conducted to determine theeffect of varying the amount of supplementaldegradable intake protein (DIP) and starch onprairie hay intake and digestibility. In general,DIP increased forage intake, whereas starchdecreased intake. Diet digestibility also improvedwith increasing DIP; however, the effectof starch on digestion depended on the level offeeding. Digestible dry matter intake (whichestimates total energy input) responded dramaticallyto DIP but not to starch. These resultsillustrate the positive effect of DIP on forageintake and digestibility; however, supplyingadditional starch within a DIP level appeared tohave minimal effect on altering total energysupply.