Factors affecting fibre utilisation in ruminant feeds

Ruminant animals can digest fibre via microbial fermentation to obtain useful energy needed for various biological functions. In dairy cows, dietary fibre improves milk fat by increasing the amount of rumen acetate which acts as a precursor of milk fat synthesis. In fattening animals, dietary fibre helps control fat deposition in the carcasses and improves the marbling score sought by the consumer. The response of animals to fibre nutrition may, however, vary depending on several factors. Feed