The rumen is not a 'black box' : manipulation of ruminal fermentation : feed science

Increasing efficiency in the feeding system is an important contributing factor to farm profitability. Feed efficiency is a complex function of nutrient intake in relation to growth performance potential. Since roughly 80% of the total tract digestible organic matter (OM) intake is fermented in the rumen, an understanding of the principles of fermentation processes and the limits of the rumen function is key to optimising feed efficiency.