Preparation of feed

Degree of fineness

Roughage: If the particles size of the feed becomes too fine (smooth), then digestibility of the fed animal is then decrease while total consumption will probably rise. The result of feeding roughage, which is of small particle size will then change in concentration of acetic and propiomic acid produce in the rumen which also led to the consequent decreasing in “milk – fat percentage” probable due to increase rate of passage.

Grain: If the particles sizes are too small, the level of digestion then becomes limited as well as the level of palatability.

Level of feeding: Increase level of feeding result in the decrease of digestibility. However in the case of animals that are kept solely for the purpose of meat, milk or work, levels of feeding well above the requirement for maintenance are more needed for production.

Nutrient balance: When multiple feeds are fed in a ration, one feed amongst the multiple feed may then influence the digestibility of others; cases such as this results to “associative effect” in the long run.

For examples, protein may increase the breakdown of the higher and more complex carbohydrate because of its favourable effect upon the rumen micro – organism.