Net Energy of Grains for Dairy Goats Differed with Processing Methods and Grain Types

This study investigates how different grains and their processing methods (dry-rolled corn, dry-rolled wheat, and steam-flaked corn) affect the net energy (NE) and nutrient metabolism in dairy goats. Results indicate that while dry-rolled wheat and steam-flaked corn improve starch digestion and rumen fermentation, they also increase heat and gas energy loss, leading to no significant improvement in NE compared to dry-rolled corn. The findings suggest that overly refined grain processing may not enhance energy efficiency in goat diets.

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