[The applicable merit of untreated, HCl-treated and partly-hydrolysed straw meal in the feeding regimen of piglets after early weaning. 4. Histological findings in the digestive epithelium of the piglet]. / Untersuchungen zur Einsatzwürdigkeit von unbehandeltem, HCl-behandeltem und teilhydrolysiertem Strohmehl im Fütterungsregime für Ferkel nach frühem Absetztermin. 4. Mitteilung. Histologische Befunde am Verdauungsepithel der Ferkel.

In studies with piglets of the country race the applicability of variously treated straw materials was tested in comparison with conventional concentrate feeding (I) after an early weaning date (30th-35th day of life) over an 8-week period (1st-8th week of keeping). In the rations containing 10% straw (straw-concentrate mixtures), untreated (II), HCl treated (III: HCl treatment without steaming) and partly hydrolyzed straw meal (IV: HCl treatment with subsequent steaming) were used in the feeding. Samples were taken of 4 killed animals each in the 2nd and 8th weeks of keeping for the qualitative histologic assessment of palatum durum, oesophagus and stomach, duodenum and caecum, colon ascendens, colon descendens and rectum. Although significantly lower pH values in the stomach were registered after the feeding of feed mixtures III and IV due to increased acidity (pH value decrease by 1.3 to 1.5 units) in comparison to the values in I and II, the lamina epithelialis of the palatum durum remained intact in all groups and without any signs of cauterization. Equally, considerable changes in the comparison of the feeding groups could not be detected in the structures of the oesophagus and the stomach walls or in the qualitative histologic assessment of the duodenum and the caecum. However, there were clearly distinguishable group specifics with regard to the formation of lymphoreticular tissue in the stomach and for the colon ascendens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The merit of using untreated, HCl-treated amd partly-hydrolyzed straw meal in the feeding regime for piglets after early weaning. 3. Parameters of protein, fat, carbohydrates and mineral metabolism in the blood serum of the piglet]. / Untersuchungen zur Einsatzwürdigkeit von unbehandeltem, HCl-behandeltem und teilhydrolysiertem Strohmehl im Fütterungsregime für Ferkel nach frühem Absetztermin. 3. Mitteilung. Parameter des Protein-, Fett-, Kohlenhydrat- und mineralischen Stoffwechsels im Blutserum der Ferkel.

In parallel studies with piglets of the country race the applicability of variously treated straw materials was tested in comparison with the conventional feeding of concentrate (I) after an early weaning date (30th-35th day of life) over a feeding period of 8 weeks (1st-8th week of keeping). In the rations containing 10% straw (concentrate-straw mixtures), untreated (II), HCl treated (III:HCl treatment without steaming) and partly hydrolyzed straw meal (IV:HCl treatment with subsequent steaming) were tested. In the 2nd and 8th weeks of keeping blood samples were taken from 4 animals of each group and selected parameters of the protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism were subsequently ascertained from the blood serum. About half of the total of the 13 selected parameters showed reactions of the intermediary metabolism of the test groups caused by the feeding. With the parameters on the whole varying in the normal physiologic range, a decrease in the blood urea and creatinine concentration and an increase in the blood glucose level were detected after the use of the concentrate-straw mixtures (III and IV) in comparison with the sole feeding of concentrate (I) and partly also in comparison with untreated straw meal (II), their intensity varying in dependence on feeding and test duration. Particularly towards the end of the experiment, an increase of the activity of alkaline phosphatase was also characteristic, which was in negative correlation with the P content of the serum and in positive correlation with growth performance. The physiologic parameters are discussed in connection with the higher growth performance at reduced concentrate expenditure achieved in III and IV in comparison to I and II.

[The feeding of differently treated straw materials to piglets after various weaning times. 2. Fatty acids in the large intestine and parameters of protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism in the blood serum during the feeding of untreated, HCl-treated and partly-hydrolysed straw meal]. / Untersuchungen zur Fütterung verschieden behandelter Strohmaterialien an Ferkel nach traditionellem Absetztermin. 2. Mitteilung. Fettsäuren im Dickdarmbereich und Parameter des Protein-, Fett-, Kohlenhydrat- und mineralischen Stoffwechsels im Blutserum bei Fütterung von unbehandeltem, HCl-behandeltem und teilhydrolysiertem Strohmehl.

In feeding experiments with piglets of the country species variously treated straw materials were used in concentrate--straw meal mixtures after the traditional weaning date (49th day of life) and studies were made of the fermentation of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the large intestine (colon) and of the concentration of selected parameters of the protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism in the blood serum of the animals. The concentrate--straw mixtures with a 10% straw quota contained untreated (II), HCl treated (HCl treatment without steaming, without (III) and with neutralization, IV) as well as partly hydrolysed straw meal (HCl treatment with subsequent steaming, without (V) and with neutralization with CaCO3, VI) were tested in comparison with sole feeding of concentrate (I) and its combination with wheat bran (VII). With regard to the fermentation processes in the large intestine in a comparison of the feeding groups (I-VII) the highest concentration and production quota of VFA was registered in I and the lowest in II. The straw treatment variants (III, IV, V and VI) took a medium position with regard to this and did not differ from each other. After their application of a significant increase in the molar acetate quota was ascertained in comparison with the sole feeding of concentrate (I), which was also characteristic of the other crude fibre sources (II and VII) and was reflected in the extension of the C2: C3 relation. Only few of the total of 15 selected parameters in the blood serum showed reactions of the intermediary metabolism of the test groups caused by feeding. The decrease of the urea concentration in the serum after the feeding of the treated straw materials (III, IV, V and VI) is particularly remarkable. In general, the urea concentration in the serum was negatively related to growth performance of the test groups. The use of HCl treated straw materials (III-VI) proved to be advantageous in comparison to the sole feeding of concentrate (I) and the use of other crude fibre sources (untreated straw meal (II) and wheat bran, VII) in the feeding regime of the keeping stage 'weaned pigs'.

[The use of partly-hydrolyzed straw meal in the feeding of weaned piglets. 3. The concentration of several parameters of protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism in the blood serum during the use of rations with different portions of partly-hydrolyzed straw meal]. / Untersuchungen zum Einsatz von teilhydrolysiertem Strohmehl in der Fütterung von Absetzferkeln. 3. Mitteilung. Konzentration einiger Parameter des Protein-, Fett-, Kohlenhydrat- und mineralischen Stoffwechsels im Blutserum bei Einsatz von Rationen mit unterschiedlichem Anteil an teilhydrolysiertem Strohmehl.

Rations containing varied quotas of partly hydrolysed straw meal (PHS) were provided in mixtures of concentrate and straw meal, and selected parameters of the protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism were registered in the blood serum at intervals (2nd and 8th week of keeping) in studies with weaned piglets of the country species. In a parallel experiment the straw hydrolysis product was provided without or after neutralization (with CaCO3) in quotas of 5, 10 and 15% in the mixed feed in comparison to the sole feeding of concentrate. Only some out of the total of 16 parameters ascertained in the blood serum showed reactions of the intermediary metabolism in the test groups caused by feeding. In general, straw crude fibre integration decreased the cholesterol level in the blood serum. Urea concentration in the blood decreased with the growing quota of PHS in the feed mixture. Deviations from the norm of various metabolites, which were mainly reflected in the period near weaning (2nd week of keeping) in an increased concentration of free glycerol and urea in the blood serum, could predominantly be registered after the sole feeding of concentrate. On the whole, there were thus certain interactions with growth performance, which clearly advocate the use of quotas of 10% of the hydrolysed straw product in the feed mixture.

[The use of a partly-hydrolysed straw meal for the feeding of weaned piglets. 1. Increased production and feed expense as well as nutrient digestibility and buffer capacity in rations with various high portions of partly-hydrolysed straw meal]. / Untersuchungen zum Einsatz von teilhydrolysiertem Strohmehl in der Fütterung von Absetzferkeln. 1. Mitteilung. Zunahmeleistung und Futteraufwand sowie Nährstoffverdaulichkeit und Pufferkapazität bei Rationen mit unterschiedlich hohem Anteil an teilhydrolysiertem Strohmehl.

In studies with weaned piglets of the land race the usability of partly hydrolysed straw meal (PSM) in concentrate - straw meal mixtures was tested over a period of 56 days (42nd-98th day of life; 1st-8th week of feeding. The hydrolysed straw product was there tested in a parallel experiment each without and after neutralization (by means of CaCO3) in quotas of 5, 10 and 15% as supplement to the concentrate feed (based on dry matter) in comparison to a sole concentrate feeding. Daily weight gain and feed and energy expenditure as well as nutrient digestibility and the buffer effect of the PSM rations were ascertained. Measured by weight gain, feed intake and concentrate- and energy expenditure related weight gain, a 10% quota of partly hydrolysed straw meal in a period near weaning (1st-4th week of feeding) had the highest effect and was far superior to traditional concentrate feeding. Lower quotas of PSM in this period did not show a sufficient dietetic effect (diarrhea symptoms), higher reduced the effect on the performance parameters. In the period more remote from weaning (5th-8th week of feeding) the effect of the straw meal integration was generally reduced, a quota of about 5% proved optimal. The registered higher daily weight gains in the total test period (1st-8th week of feeding in which concentrate - straw meal mixtures (relative 106-130%) were closely related to the daily intake of digestibility organic matter. The decrease in digestibility of organic matter in the total ration remained small with the use of the well fermentable crude fibre from the hydrolysed straw product and the balance was overcompensated by higher feed intake. A pH-value decrease of the feed mixtures and a physiologically suitable influence on the pH-value in the stomachs of the test animals could be ascertained due to the buffer capacity of the hydrolysed straw products used. With regard to this, the non-buffered hydrolysed straw product had a higher effect, which was, among other things, reflected in higher performances.

[The use of a partly-hydrolysed straw meal in the feeding of weaned piglets. 2. Concentration and production of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine by the use of test rations with various portions of straw]. / Untersuchungen zum Einsatz von teilhydrolysiertem Strohmehl in der Fütterung von Absetzferkeln. 2. Mitteilung. Konzentration und Produktion flüchtiger Fettsäuren im Dickdarmbereich bein Einsatz von Prüfrationen mit unterschiedlich hohem Strohanteil.

The ad libitum influence of various quotas of partly hydrolysed straw meal (PHSM) on the fermentation and production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the colon in the measuring periods 2nd and 8th weeks of keeping was checked within a feeding experiment with weaned piglets of the country species (42nd-98th day of life; 1st-8th week of keeping). The straw hydrolysis product was fed in a parallel experiment without or after neutralization with CaCO3 in quotas of, 5, 10 and 15% related to dry matter in comparison to the feeding of sole concentrate feed. The measuring in the 2nd week of keeping (adaptation phase) was blurred by the diarrhea in the groups with regard to the concentration, production and molar proportion of VFA. The concentration and production quota of VFA was diminished and the C2:C3 relation as well as the molar quota of branched-chain fatty acids increased in the comparison of the groups above all under the feeding conditions of the sole use of concentrate and--less distinctly--of quotas of 5% PHSM (insufficient dietetic effect) in the feed mixture. Measuring in the 8th week, in which diarrhea did not play a role in any of the groups, showed a significant, ration specific influence on the fermentation pattern of VFA. With the increasing quota of PHSM in the feed mixture (x) a significantly positive relation with the molar acetate quota (y) could be calculated (y = 52.6 + 0.36x;r = 0.50). The C2:C3 relation after sole concentrate feeding rose to 2.6:1 at a 15% PHSM integration. In this, the molar increase of acetate was predominantly linked with a decrease of the butyrate and valerate quotas. A falling tendency of the molar iso-acid quota in the colon digesta was registered with the growing straw quota in the feed mixture. The daily production quota of VFA varied in the measuring period in the 8th week of keeping between 400 and 800 mmol/animal.d without an ascertainable influence of the crude fibre quota of the straw. In comparative calculations with other test results, however, a significant positive correlation between the daily intake of digestible organic matter and the production of VFA in the large intestine could be proved.

[The use of partly-hydrolyzed and untreated straw meal in the feeding of breeding sows. 5. Concentration, production and absorption of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine]. / Untersuchungen zum Einsatz von teilhydrolysiertem und unbehandeltem Strohmehl in der Fütterung von Zuchtsauen. 5. Mitteilung. Konzentration, Produktion und Resorption flüchtiger Fettsäuren im Dickdarmbereich.

In 2 experiments with a total of 28 breeding sows of the country species studies were made of the fermentation, production and absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the large intestine after feeding variously treated straw materials in concentrate--straw meal mixtures. Experiment 1 ascertained that supplements of untreated (I), HCl treated (II) and partly hydrolysed straw meal (III, treatment with subsequent steaming) caused a decrease of the VFA concentration as well as considerable molar changes of the VFA in the caecal and colonal digesta in comparison of the sole feeding with concentrate (IV). The straw fibre integration increased the molar acetate quota at the expense decreased propionate and butyrate fermentation. Considering the straw meal variants this effects was least distinct after the feeding of partly hydrolysed straw meal (III). In experiment 2, which comprised the simultaneous ascertainment of VFA production in the feeding variants I and III and which was based on a representative number of animals per test group (n = 10), there were significant differences between the production quotas (I = 992; III = 1,300 mmol/animal.d) and in the absorption quotas of VFA (I = 63; II = 78%). The digestible energy from the VFA in the large intestine amounted to 711 kJ/d (I) and 1,183 kJ/d (III). The derived higher net energy gain from the hydrolysed straw product (III) was calculated at 590 kJ (40EFUpig/kg DM) and discussed together with results of feed value increase from the digestibility experiments.

[Use of partly hydrolyzed and untreated straw meal in the feeding of breeding sows. 4. Influence on embryonic mortality and fertility]. / Untersuchungen zum Einsatz von teilhydrolysiertem und unbehandeltem Strohmehl in der Fütterung von Zuchtsauen. 4. Mitteilung. Einfluss auf die embryonale Mortalität und Fruchtbarkeitsleistung.

The influence of a supplement of variously treated straw materials to a ration to dry concentrate (= 1), (untreated = 2, steamed = 3, HCl-treated = 4 and partly hydrolysed = 5) during gestation on fertility and rearing performance, the embryonic survival quota of fertilized ova as well as on some selected metabolites in the blood serum was studied in 3 experiments. The integration of untreated straw meal resulted in significantly diminished performances in comparison to test groups 1 and 5 in all tested parameters of fertility and rearing performance (weight of litter). The best results were achieved in all experiments with rations of concentrate and partly hydrolysed straw meal. The individual test groups the following performance values (number of piglets born alive, weight of litter in kg) were achieved: 1 = 9.3, 12.3; 2 = 6.5, 8.2; 3 = 7.5, 9.6; 4 = 8.6, 12,4; 5 = 10.6, 14.4). Ration specific reactions could only be proved for the parameters glucose and urea out of the metabolites (insulin, glucose, cholesterol, urea tri-iodine thyronine and thyroxine).

[Use of partially hydrolyzed and untreated straw meal in the feeding of breeding sows. 3. Nutrient digestibility, feed passage time and mineral balance with the addition of variously treated straw materials compared to concentrate feeding alone]. / Untersuchungen zum Einsatz von teilhydrolysiertem und unbehandeltem Strohmehl in der Fütterung von Zuchtsauen. 3. Mitteilung. Nährstoffverdaulichkeit, Futterdurchgangszeit und Mineralstoffbilanz bei Zusatz verschieden behandelter Strohmaterialien im Vergleich zur alleinigen Konzentratfütterung.

In studies with 16 breeding sows of the country species the feed value of straw materials and their fitness for use were ascertained in a long-term experiment. On the feeding basis of a concentrate ration (IV) untreated (I), HCl treated (II = HCl treatment without steaming) and partly hydrolysed straw meal (III = HCl treatment with subsequent steaming) were tested. In the course of the experiment and at a nutrient level of 1 (maintenance requirement), the digestibility of the organic matter of the ration and that of some major and trace elements, N and mineral balances as well as feed passage rate and water excretion in faeces were ascertained at selected measuring times. The following mean results were achieved: The integration of all straw materials tested lead to a significant reduction of the digestibility of the organic matter of the total ration, the least negative effect was caused by partly hydrolysed straw meal (III). The fractions crude protein, crude fibre and N-free extracts were mainly affected. Straw meal integration had a gravidity-conditioned influence on the daily N balance. Increased N excretion in faeces could only be compensated by non-pregnant animals by a decreased N excretion in urine. The mineral balance (Ca, P, Na, Cu and Mn) remained largely uninfluenced by the straw supplement. The feed passage rate was reduced by the use of all straw meal variants to ca. 50% of the value measured after the sole feeding of concentrate (IV). Feed passage rate and water excretion in faeces were approximately reciprocal. The digestibility of the organic matter of the straw materials ascertained according to the difference method amounted to 7.4 (I), 18.1 (II) and 27.9% (III); that of the N-free extracts in the same sequence to 10.0, 22.0 and 34.9%. The calculated energetic feed value was for I = 70.7, for II = 154.9 and for III = 240.7 EFUpig/kg DM.

[The rearing of female twin cattle using only feed pellets in comparison with straw pellets plus a concentrate mixture. 2. Weight gain and feed consumption as well as rumen fermentation in the 1st half of the 2d year of life]. / Untersuchunden zur Aufzucht weiblicher Rinderzwillinge bei Einsatz von Alleinfutterpellets im Vergleich zu Strohpellets plus Konzentratmischung. 2. Mitteilung. Zunahmeleistung und Futteraufwand sowie Pansenfermentationsverhältnisse in der ersten Hälfte des 2. Lebensjahres.

In investigations with 30 young cows (twin cattle) the applicability of straw materials as sole roughage was tested during the first half of their second year of life (183 feeding days). In the course of the experiment sole feed pellets (I) and partly pelleted rations of dried feed (straw pellets plus loose wheat and loose wheat straw resp.; II) were used. Approximately 72% of the dry matter intake was provided from straw materials in both groups and on an average of the test period. Weight gain and feed expenditure were ascertained and at the end of the test period also the parameters of rumen fermentation and of the concentration of some metabolism parameters in the blood serum. With feed supply being restrictive (2.2 kg dry matter/100 kg live weight), a high dry matter intake from straw (1.6 kg/100 kg live weight or 4.8 kg/animal and day resp.) and average weight gains of between 574 (I) and 582 g (II) were achieved. The standard expenditure of energy (kEFUcattle) and protein stated in the GDR feed evaluation system for this period of development was undercut by 27 (II) and 29 (I)% and 12 (II) and 18 (I)% resp. On average the expenditure of kEFUcattle/kg weight gain was 4.75 (I) and 4.98 (II) and that of digestible crude protein/kg weight gain 679 (I) and 733 g (II). Compared to standard values the expenditure of energy and feed expenditure from concentrates was 80%. Rumen fermentation conditions corresponded to those of a high cellulolytic activity (C2: C3 ratio of greater than 4: 1). The only significant differences between the groups at the time of sampling were to be observed in the total concentration of volatile fatty acids and in the pH-value in the rumen. The absolute (1/animal) and relative (1/kg dry matter intake) volume of rumen fluid varied between 65 and 70 and between 10.5 and 12.5 1. The ascertained concentration of selected metabolism parameters were within the physiologic standard range.

[Rearing of female cattle twins using complete feed pellets in comparison to straw pellets plus concentrate mixture. 1. Weight gain performance and feed expenditure as well as rumen fermentation conditions during the 4th-12th months of life]. / Untersuchungen zur Aufzucht weiblicher Rinderzwillinge bei Einsatz von Alleinfutterpellets im Vergleich zu Strohpellets plus Konzentratmischung. 1. Mitteilung. Zunahmeleistung und Futteraufwand sowie Pansenfermentationsverhältnisse vom 4.-12. Lebensmonat.

The investigations with young female cattle (twin cattle, n = 30) the applicability of straw as sole roughage after the end of the suckling period was tested. Completely (I) and partly (II) pelleted rations of dried feed with a straw component of 65% each in the total rations were used. Feed intake, development of body weight, feed expenditure as well as indexes of rumen fermentation and of the concentration of some metabolism parameters in the blood serum were measured. In the complete test period (between 5th and 12th months of life, 243 days) there were not any significant differences between the groups in all registrations. Average daily weight gains of 570 g were achieved with an overall high dry matter (2.6 kg/100 kg live weight) and roughage (straw) intake (1.6 kg dry matter/100 kg live weight). The standard expenditure of energy and protein given for the stage of development was differentiatedly undercut. The energy expenditure being below the standard (ca. 10%), the total energy expenditure (kEFUcattle) was by 20 (II) and 25% (I) below standard expenditure. Energy expenditure aimed at weight gain reached very satisfactory values with 3.68 (I) and 3.79 kEFUcattle/kg weight gain (II). Protein expenditure fell short of the standard for the development stage by 14 (II) and 20% (I) resp. All parameters ascertained of the rumen and intermediate metabolism were in the physiologic standard range, as is characteristic of feeding regimes with a relatively high quota of roughage.

[Comparative studies of the digestibility of wheat straw pellets with different proportions of concentrated feed in sheep and bulls. 2. Rumen fermentation studies]. / Vergleichende Untersuchungen an Schafen und Bullen zur Verdauung von Weizenstrohpellets mit unterschiedlichem Konzentratanteil. 2. Mitteilung. Untersuchungen zur Pansenfermentation.

4 sheep (wethers) and 4 bulls (130-140 kg live weight) received pellets of straw and concentrated feed of the charges 1-5 produced from the same wheat straw. The quota of wheat coarse meal in the pellets was, in the sequence 1 to 5:31.4; 29.7; 15.3; 11.5 and 7.8% (charge 5 contained in addition to this 7.4% dried sugar beet). The crude fibre content in the DM, in the same sequence, was as follows: 25.9; 28.1; 28.7; 31.7 and 34.4%. The total content of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen fluid of the sheep was between 96.6 and 97.8 mmol/l (all 5 charges) and in the rumen fluid of the bulls between 83.4 and 90.5 m mol/l. There were no significant differences between the groups. The molar acetic acid content after the feeding of charge 1 (poorer in crude fibre) was 67.4% (sheep) and 68.0% (bulls) and rose with the increasing crude fibre content in the case of charge 5 to 70.5% and 72.2% resp. The content of propionic acid did not rise in the pelleted rations with the growing cereal quota and, identically for sheep and bulls, amounted to 17.7 mol% and 17.8 mol% on an average of the 5 rations. The molar butyric acid content decreased significantly with both species with the growing crude fibre content of the pelleted charges. The sum of the VFA with branched chains (isobutyric acid, valeric acid and isovaleric acid) increased significantly in both species with the growing quota of cereal coarse meal in the pellet charges. In the bulls, however, the increase was distinctly steeper, which is probably connected with the significantly higher pH-value and a higher proteolysis rate in the rumen fluid of the bulls (charges 1 to 2) in comparison with the sheep.

[The influence of different straw-based ration type on fermentation and production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen of lactating cows. 3. Rumenal fermentation processes and milk yield criteria after using a low-fiber straw pellet batch as basal ration component and a fully pelleted straw-based ration]. / Untersuchungen über den Einfluss unterschiedlicher Rations-typen auf Strohbasis auf die Fermentation und die Produktionsrate flüchtiger Fettsäuren im Pansen laktierender Kühe. 3. Mitteilung. Pansenfermenationsprozesse und Milchleistungskriterien nach Einsatz einer rohfaserarmen Strohpelletcharge als Grundrationskomponente sowie einer gesamtpelletierten Ration auf Strohbasis.

Lactating Black-Pied (DSR) cows were used to study, over a period of 100 days, the influence of different basal ration types (I-treated wheat straw pellets, low-fibre; II- monodiet pellets containing 48% of wheat straw; III = conventional rations based on fresh forage and arable root crops) on the molar fermentation pattern and the daily rate of VFA production and some milk yield criteria. Ration types I and II results in almost equal fermentation patterns of the VFA; as against the conventional ration types (III) a significantly higher molar acetate propertion as well as a highly significantly decreased molar proportion of iso-acids were found. The daily rated of VFA production relativated to energy intake were as follows (in the order of the ration types mentioned): 4.9, 4.2 and 5.0, and 3.3, 2.5 and 3.3 moles per 1,000 anergetic feed equivalents (cattle) after 30 and 100 days of feeding, respectively. In both trials, only about 80% of the relative VFA production of the straw pellet-concentrate (I) and conventional (III) ration types were found when feeding fully pelleted diets (II). On account of the relatively wide variation of the experimental results no statistically secured findings were obtained as to the milk yield criteria, but ration type II produced some 200 and 300 kg milk less thant ration types I and III, respectively, during the 100-day experimental period.

[The effect of types of rations on a straw basis on fermentation and volatile fatty acid production in the rumen of lactating cows. 2. Ruminal fermentation and milk yield criteria after use of a high-fiber straw pellet batch as a basic ration component]. / Untersuchungen über den Einfluss unterschiedlicher Rations-typen auf Strohbasis auf die Fermentation und die Produktion flüchtiger Fettsäuren im Pansen laktierender Kühe. 1. Mitteilung Pansenfermentationsprozesse und Milchleistungskriterien nach Einsatz einer rohfaserreichen Strohpelletcharge als Grundrationskomponente.

Lactating Black-Pied (DSR) cows were used to study, over a period of 100 days, the influence of different basal ration types (experimental group - straw pellets; control group - dried forage + fodder root crops) on fermentation response and daily production rate of volatile fatty acids (VFA) as well as on some criteria of milk yield. Whilst only slight differences were found between the experimental groups in the molar proportions of VFA, the straw pellet-concentrate ration resulted in a lower VFA production as compared to the conventional ration. The control group's VFA production relativated to energy intake, was found to be of the same level (4.1, 4.3 and 3.9 Mol/1 kilo energetic feed equivalents/cattle) after 30, 60 and 100 days of feeding, respectively. The corresponding values in the experimental group declined from 3.3 to 2.3 and 1.9 Mol/1 kilo EF/cattle when feeding a high-fibre straw-pellet batch as basal ration component. The VFA production rates rather diverging between both groups were not found to have a uniform effect on the milk synthesis processes. Both the daily and the first 100-day milk yields did not differ between the groups but within the range of statistical error. Statistically secured positive correlations were found to exist between concentration and production of VFA which, however, depend on the basal ration type and revealed a relatively wide deviation.

[Variations in the pattern of ruminal volatile free fatty acids, acetoacetate and glucose in the blood plasma of lactating cows after a period of fasting and renewed feeding]. / Veränderungen der flüchtigen Fettsäuren im Pansensaft sowie der freien Fettsäuren, des Azetoazetats und der Glukose im Blutplasma laktierender Kühe nach Hunger und erneuter Nahrungszufuhr

3 lactating cows were fasted for 4 days and then again received food. The trial was performed to investigate the effect of fasting on the concentration and molar proportion of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, on the concentration of free fatty acids and glucose in blood plasma and on the acetoacetate concentration in the blood. Fasting produced a considerable decrease in the total concentration of volatile fatty acids. Processes of ruminal fermentation were characterized, during the fasting period, by a continuous increase in the molar proportions of acetic acid, isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid whereas a significant decline observed to occur in the molar proportions of propionic acid and butyric acid. The reciprocal behaviour of acetate and propionate under conditions of fasting lead to a linear increase in the C2 to C3 ratio from 4.4 : 1 to 9,6 : 1. With renewed food supply all fermentation data returned to normal levels. The concentrations of blood glucose declined after 24 hrs of fasting, remained at the same level for the following 2 days and rose again to normal values on the 4th day of fasting. The concentration of acetoacetate decreased significantly on the first day of fasting to values that were 4 times as high as the initial value. The concentration of free fatty acids in blood plasma increased tremendously to a value 40 times as high as that observed at the beginning of the fasting period. It proved to be a good indicator for the energy requirements of the organism.

[Effect of different types of rations on various characteristics of ruminal and intermediary metabolism in sheep. 1. Formation of volatile fatty acids]. / Einfluss verschiedener Rationstypen auf einige Parameter des Pansen- und Intermediärstoffwechsels beim Scaf

Studies on Ruminal Physiology were made with 15 growing female Merino sheep to investigate the influence of different types of rations on the fermentation of volatile fatty acids. The rations were constructed of green feed, straw and concentrates (type 1) or chemically treated straw pellets + concentrates (type 2). One ration (type 3) consisted of concentrates only. With regard to the total concentration of acids ration 3 was significantly superior to the 2 other types of rations. Moreover, ration 3 produced a specific fermentation pattern of the volatile fatty acids. This was characterized by a significant reduction in the molar proportion of acetate compared with ration 1 and 2 and a significant increase in the level of propionic and valeric acid relative to ration 1. Differences in the fermentation pattern between rations 1 and 2 were mainly limited to differences in the absolute and molar proportions of propionate where the straw pellet rations in each case produced the significant higher values. The acetate to propionate ratio was narrowed in the order of ration 1-3 (4.1 :1, 3.1:1, 2.6-2.9 :1). Statistically wellestablished negative correlations were found to exist between the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and the pH values which were established simultaneously.