Observations on the Use of Chromic Oxide for Estimating the Fecal Output of Dairy Animals

Abstract
Results of 3 trials indicate that periods of from 3 to 7 days may be required for Cr2O3 to reach a stable level in the feces. Mean recovery rates of Cr2O3 from totally collected feces and from combined 6 AM and 6 PM fecal samples for Trials 1, 2 and 3 respectively, were 89.4 and 89.7%; 97.5 and 96.4%; 90.0 and 89.7%. Average daily fecal DM outgo estimated from the Cr2O3 concentration of the combined 6 AM and 6 PM samples, had an error of about 12%.