Supplement strategies for ruminants and management of feeding to maximize utilization of roughages

Principles of supplementation are discussed in respect of both, their posit ive and negative effects on roughage digestion and utilization by ruminants . It is pointed out that negative effects mainly occur when excessively pro cessed concentrate is given in large quantities two times per day. This low ers rumen pH which in turn depresses cellulose digestion and intake of cell ulosic feeds, leading to problems of acidosis and secondary ketosis due to off-feed conditions. To a large extent, such problems can be overcome by li mited processing and feeding the concentrate mixed with the roughage. Supplements can also have positive effects by alleviating deficiencies such as nitrogen or by providing easily fermentable fiber to increase microbes for attachment to roughages. Supplements can increase microbial protein pro duction and undegraded protein supply. It is emphasized that proper use and management of supplements can make the difference between profit and loss for small farmers. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.