Effects of starch fermentation products on roughage digestion

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Abstract
The potential benefits of high-energy supplements, such as cereal grains, for grazing ruminants are commonly eroded by an accompanying depression in the digestion and intake of the basal herbage (McCullough, 1959). Low ruminal pH (< 6·0) induced by the rapid rate of production of the acids of starch fermentation, and competition between cellulolytie and amylolytic bacteria for limited nutrients, are known to be responsible for inhibition of cellulolysis (Terry, Tilley & Outen, 1969; Stewart, 1977; el Shazly, Dehority & Johnson, 1961). However, there are reports of reduced roughage digestion when nutrients appear to be non-limiting and pH is maintained above 6·0 (Gilchristet al.1979; Henninget al.1980). The possibility remains that intermediates or end products of starch digestion have specific inhibitory effects on the numbers of cellulolytie organisms or on the activity of their extracellular cellulases.

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