A note on the effect of polyethylene particles on rumen metabolism of strees

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Experiments were carried out to determine the effects of giving 1·36 kg of ‘RuffTabs’, polythene particles of dimension 1·27 × 0·63 × 0·95 cm3 (RT) to castrated male cattle (steers) given an all-concentrate diet, on the outflow of fluid from the rumen, on rumination and on the molar proportions of volatile fatty acids produced in the rumen.RT reduced the flow of fluid from the rumen of steers, given a restricted amount of an all-concentrate diet, from 4·65 to 2·75% rumen volume/hr. RT had no effect on the total time spent daily in ruminating and eating. The molar proportions of volatile fatty acids were unaffected by RT in steers which were given the diet ad libitum but when RT was given to steers offered a restricted allowance of feed there was a highly significant (P < 0·001) reduction in acetic and an increase in butyric, valeric and caproic acids.The feed intake of the steers was unaffected by RT.