The objective of this trial was simulate and validate the ruminal degradation of carbohydrates and the flow of microbial nitrogen, estimated from samples of esophageal extrusa and supplements, using an in vitro gas production technique. In vivo estimates were obtained from five Holstein x Zebu steers averaging 304 kg of body weight and 24 months of age that were grazing on five paddocks of Brachiaria decumbens (0.34 ha). The supplements fed to the steers (4 kg/animal/day) contained: grounded corn, whole soybean, urea, ammonium sulfate, and mineral salt and the following crude protein levels: 12, 16, 20, or 24% on as-fed basis. Statistical analyses were performed as a 4 x 4 Latin square design with 21-days periods. The fifth animal was not supplemented and was used only for descriptive comparisons. Data were obtained by regression of values predicted in vitro on values observed in vivo. Use of digestion rates obtained in vitro resulted in under- and over-estimation of the ruminal degradation of fiber (FC) and nonfiber (NFC) carbohydrates with overall biases of -25.27% and +33.58%, respectively. No significant relationship was found between predicted versus observed values for microbial efficiency showing lack of relationship between predicted and observed values for the abomasum flow of microbial nitrogen. Results showed that the ruminal incubation of feeds separately underestimates the digestion rate of FC.
degradation rate; fiber carbohydrates; nonfiber carbohydrates; microbial efficiency; signalgrass
