In vitro digestion of bacterial and plant fructans and effects on ammonia accumulation in cow and sheep rumen fluids

One of the problems encountered with the pasture plants perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) as a food source for ruminants is their relatively low levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) as compared to protein. As a consequence, a significant proportion of dietary protein is metabolized to meet energy requirements and large amounts of ammonia are produced, which need to be excreted. This represents a loss of N and a wastage of energy. Increasing the level of dietary carbohydrate is one of the means currently being explored to correct this protein/carbohydrate imbalance in pasture plants.