Investigation of Ruminants' Digestibility based on the Particle Size of Nutritional Materials

The current study aims to investigate the effect of food particles on ruminants' digestibility. Among the ruminants, the size of the nutritional particles is regarded as one of the most significant factors for the digestibility and absorption of the nutritional materials. Also, the size of the nutritional materials has a significant effect on the chewing process which ultimately leads to the efficiency of nutritional materials metabolism. Moreover, the size of forage particles influence both the concentration of NDF and the food ration on PH related to rumen. Effective physical factors of fibers depend upon the amount of non-structural carbohydrates, the shape of particles, the breakability of particles, as well as the size of the particles. The fiber part of food causes the stimulation of chewing and production of saliva; hence, it creates a favorable environment for the growth of rumen micro-organisms. In addition, large-size nutritional materials cause slower level of speed in passing through reticulorumen; therefore, such reduction provide sufficient ground for rumen's filling up which ultimately leads to reduction in the amount consumable nutritional materials. Whenever soft alfalfa is utilized, digestibility in the rumen is reduced. As a result, alfalfa is transferred to the narrow intestine of the animal. This study aimed to investigate the ruminants' digestibility based on the particle size of nutritional materials.