• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.102-109
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• 2021

In this study, the effect of forage sources in the total mixed ration (TMR) on in vitro goat rumen fermentation was investigated. Rice straw (RS), Italian ryegrass (IRG), timothy (TIM), and alfalfa (ALF) were used as forage sources. Each forage source was mixed with a commercial goat concentrate diet in the ratio of 1:1. Total 4 TMR were prepared. Rumen simulated in vitro fermentation using goat rumen fluid collected from the slaughterhouse was conducted until 72^th. For fermentation parameters, gas production (GP), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) were examined. All assays were performed at 24^th, 48^th, and 72^th h of incubation individually. Contents of crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrate were greater in the order of RS < IRG < TIM < ALF. Significant treatment effects were found in valerate and NH₃-N at 24^th h of incubation (p<0.05). ALF showed the greatest contents of them and RS was the lowest. At 48^th incubation, a significant effect was detected at GP (p<0.05) and RS was greater than others. However, GP of RS was lower than others at 72^th. Significant effects on Total VFA, butyrate, and valerate productions were found at 72^th h of incubation (p<0.05). ALF showed the greatest production. Methane production from all treatments was not significantly different for each incubation time (p>0.05). The present study provided primary information on how goat rumen fermentation responds to different nutrient contents and forage sources of TMR. And the information could be used for the design or optimizing economical diet formulation for goats.