Influence of Particle Size on Determination of Fibrous Feed Components

The response of assessment of cell wall and cell wall components to altered particle size of a diverse group of forage samples was investigated. Particle size of forages was altered by dry sieving and grinding through screens of varied sizes. Plant cell wall and cell wall components were measured on forages by the Van Soest detergent system. There was a general decline of cell wall concentration as particle size decreased. This decline could not be attributed to a consistent change of cell wall components or maturity of the forage. Additionally, loss of small particles through the pores of the crucible could not account for the decline of cell wall concentration with decreasing particle size. One should be aware of potential problems with comparisons involving fiber measured on samples of varied particle sizes.