This book addresses various aspects of in vitro digestibility: • Application of meta-analyses and machine learning methods to predict methane production; • Methane production of sainfoin and alfalfa; • In vitro evaluation of different dietary methane mitigation strategies; • Rumen methanogenesis, rumen fermentation, and microbial community response; • The role of condensed tannins in the in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics; • Fermentation pattern of several carbohydrate sources; • Additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects of plant extracts; • In vitro rumen degradation and fermentation characteristics of silage and hay; • In vitro digestibility, in situ degradability, and rumen fermentation of camelina co-products; • Ruminal fermentation parameters and microbial matters to odd- and branched-chain fatty acids; • Comparison of fecal versus rumen inocula for the estimation of NDF digestibility; • Rumen inoculum collected from cows at slaughter or from a continuous fermenter; • Seaweeds as ingredients of ruminant diets; • Rumen in vitro fermentation and in situ degradation kinetics of forage Brassica crops; • In vitro digestibility and rumen degradability of vetch varieties; • Intestinal digestibility in vitro of Vicia sativa varieties; • Ruminal in vitro protein degradation and apparent digestibility of Pisum sativum; • In vitro digestibility studies using equine fecal inoculum; • Effects of gas production recording system and pig fecal inoculum volume on kinetics; • In vitro methods of assessing protein quality for poultry; and • In vitro techniques using the DaisyII incubator.

An indispensable resource for the dairy farmer or veterinarian, the researcher, teacher, or advanced student, this book puts the cutting–edge science of raising dairy calves into an accessible, usable form. Geared to those with a basic understanding of principles of animal nutrition and husbandry, the volume gives a comprehensive account of all aspects of calf rearing, from the rudiments of anatomy and development through the practicalities of feeding and housing. The Development, Nutrition and Management of the Young Calf begins with an overview of how the calf′s digestive system develops, highlighting the period of transition from preruminant to ruminant digestion. Here the authors provide information essential to understanding nutritional needs and restrictions during the liquid–feeding phase in the young calf as well as those factors that govern the development of a functional rumen. Major emphasis is given to the energy and protein requirements of the young calf, with attention to the effects of environmental temperature on energy requirements. The authors also review the adequacy of current National Research Council recommendations on the energy and protein requirements of young calves. They discuss the management, nutrition, and care of the pregnant cow as well as calving management necessary to deliver a healthy calf. Other topics include liquid–feeding systems, formulation and use of milk replacers and starter feeds, the weaning process, housing principles, and the interactions of nutrition and disease