**Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan, New Delhi-110012, India
Himachal Pradesh Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Palampur-176 061, India
*Present address : Indian Veterinary Research Institute Regional Station, Palampur 176 061, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
Rumen available carbohydrate (RAC) content, microbial mass, microbial protein synthesis and mol ATP production in 9 grass and 5 legume species were estimated. The RAC content in grasses and legumes averaged 62.47 and 68.63% respectively and the corresponding values for microbial protein synthesis were 15.61 and 17, 16 g/100g DM. The values for ATP production (moles/100 g DM) ranged from 1.41 In Green leaf desmodium to 3.28 in shaftal. Higher RAC content and consequent higher microbial N yields In legumes appeared to be responsible for their comparatively higher nutritive value. The RAC was significantly affected by the fibre composition of the diet, especially the llgnln content and the cell wall digestibility.
