The objective was to evaluate the estimate of digestion and microbial production by using indigestible neutral and acid detergent fiber (iNDF and iADF respectively) and to compare microbial production estimated by purine bases in the omasum and urinary excretion of purine derivatives. Four rumen and ileum fistulated Holstein-Zebu heifers with average initial 220 kg LW was maintained in confined regime fed diet based on Tifton (Cynodon spp.) hay, offered ad libitum and 1kg of concentrate (27% CP). The experiment lasted 60 days: seven for adaptation to the diet (before the first period); three 15 day-experimental periods and four days of interval among periods. Total collection of feces, omasum and ileum digesta sampling, rumen contents sampling for bacterial isolation and sampling of urine spot were performed. For the determination of omasal and ileal flow, iNDF and iADF were used as markers. Rumen enviromment was favourable for microbial growth, showing pH values between 6.7 to 6.9 and NH3-N values from 10.3 to 14.1 mg/dL. Recovery of iADF did not differ from 100% and produced similar estimation for fecal excretion and total digestion, when compared to total fecal sampling, differently of iNDF. Estimation of microbial production through quantification of purine derivative in urine spot samples was not similar to the obtained by invasive procedure through omasal microbial matter. Thus, it is recommended to use iADF for partial and total digestion estimation and urinary excretion of purine derivative for microbial production estimation.
tifton bermudagrass hay; purine derivative; acid detergent fiber; neutral detergent fiber; markers; omasum
