In-Vitro Evaluation of Total Mixed Rations with Different Energy and Protein Levels

Various berseem based total mixed rations (TMRs) with different energy andp rotein levels were evaluated in-vitro for DM, OM, NDF and ADF digestibility TVFA and its fractions and microbial protein synthesis. There were significant differences between the various TMRs for OM digestibility, pH value and NH₃-N, TVFA production. The digestibility of OM was more at medium and higher level of TDN. But at lower TDN level, higher in-vitro NDF digestibitity was noticed. The pH was significantly higher (P<0.05) at 65 per cent TDN as compared to at 55 per cent and 60 per cent. At higher protein levels, the pH was higher, TVFA production also increased with increasing levels of energy and protein. Na-tungstate ppt.-N (Na-TPN), representing microbial protein synthesis was significantly higher at higher levels of protein. The different energy and protein levels, irrespective of each other did not affect in-vitro NH -N in various TMRs. It is concluded that digestibility of various nutrients as well as TVFA and microbial protein synthesis increased with increase in energy and protein levels in TMRs.