DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY ABRAKA CAMPUS,

ABRAKA, DELTA STATE

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

ALADUMAKA STEPHEN AFAMEFUNA

FAG/18/19/255089

COURSE

ANS 502

ASSIGNMENT

WRITE A TERM PAPER ON DRY MATTER INTAKE IN RUMINANT

LECTURER

DR. P. O. AKPORHUARHO

DATE: 21/03/2023
INTRODUCTION

Dry matter (DM) is a key component of the diets of ruminant animals. Ruminants,
such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are unique in their ability to digest fibrous plant
material through a complex process of fermentation in the rumen. This process is
dependent on the intake of adequate amounts of DM, which provides the necessary
nutrients to support growth, production, and reproduction. This term paper will
discuss the role of DM in the rearing of ruminant animals, including its
importance, sources, and management.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF RUMINANTS
Ruminants are unique among animals in their digestive anatomy and physiology,
which allows them to efficiently digest and utilize plant material. The digestive
system of ruminants includes four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum,
and abomasum.

Right-sided view of ruminant digestive tract.

Left-sided view of ruminant digestive tract.

 Interior lining of the rumen, revealing papillae in an
8-week-old calf.

“Honeycomb” interior lining of the reticulum in an 8-

week-old calf

Interior lining of the omasum, revealing the “many

piles” tissue folds in an 8-week-old calf.
 Interior lining of the abomasum, the “true stomach,”
in an 8-week-old calf.

The rumen Is the largest compartment and contains billions of microorganisms that
break down plant material through fermentation. The reticulum works in
conjunction with the rumen to sort and mix the ingested feed, while the omasum
absorbs water and electrolytes from the digesta. The abomasum is the true stomach
of the ruminant, similar to the stomach of non-ruminant animals, and it secretes
enzymes and acids to break down protein and other nutrients.
Dry matter intake (DMI) is a critical factor in ruminant nutrition, and it is closely
related to the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system. The rumen is
particularly important in regulating DMI, as it serves as a fermentation vat where
microorganisms break down plant fibers and convert them into usable energy
sources for the animal. The microbes require a steady supply of dry matter to
maintain their population and function effectively.
The amount of dry matter consumed by ruminants is influenced by several factors,
including the composition and quality of the feed, the animal’s body weight, age,
and production level, and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
To maintain optimal DMI, ruminants need to consume adequate amounts of feed
with a consistent dry matter content.
In terms of dry matter utilization, ruminants have the ability to extract more
nutrients from plant material than non-ruminant animals, due to the fermentation
process in the rumen. The microorganisms in the rumen break down complex plant
fibers and convert them into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are absorbed into
the bloodstream and used as a source of energy for the animal. The VFAs are also
used to synthesize glucose, amino acids, and other nutrients needed by the animal
NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF RUMINANTS
Ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, have unique nutritional requirements
due to their specialized digestive system. Here are the key nutritional requirements
of ruminants and how these requirements can be met through dry matter intake:
1. Energy: Ruminants require a source of energy to maintain bodily functions,
grow, and produce milk or meat. The primary source of energy for
ruminants is carbohydrates, which they obtain from plant cell walls in
forages and grains. To meet their energy requirements, ruminants need to
consume a sufficient amount of dry matter.
2. Protein: Ruminants need protein to build and repair tissues, produce milk or
meat, and support immune function. They can obtain protein from plant and
microbial sources, such as legumes, grasses, and rumen microorganisms.
The amount and quality of protein in the diet can affect ruminant
performance.
3. Minerals: Ruminants require minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, and potassium, to maintain bone health, muscle function, and
other physiological processes. These minerals can be found in forages,
grains, and mineral supplements.
4. Vitamins: Ruminants also require vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, E, and K,
to maintain normal growth and health. These vitamins can be found in
forages and grains, as well as supplements.
Dry matter intake is critical for ruminants to meet their nutritional requirements.
Dry matter intake refers to the amount of feed consumed by ruminants that
contains no water. The amount of dry matter intake required by ruminants depends
on their age, weight, stage of production, and other factors.
To ensure adequate dry matter intake, ruminants should have access to high-quality
forages and/or grains. Forages, such as hay or pasture, are typically the primary
source of dry matter for ruminants. The quality of forages can vary depending on
factors such as maturity, species, and harvesting method. Grains, such as corn or
barley, can also be fed to ruminants to provide additional energy and protein.
In addition to forages and grains, ruminants may require mineral or vitamin
supplements to meet their nutritional requirements. These supplements can be
provided in the form of free-choice minerals or mixed into the feed.
Overall, meeting the nutritional requirements of ruminants through dry matter
intake requires a balanced and diverse diet that provides adequate amounts of
energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins.

IMPACT OF DRY MATTER INTAKE IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

DM is the total amount of feed that remains after removing the water content. It
consists of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals, and vitamins. Ruminants
require DM to support their energy and nutrient needs, which are essential for
growth, milk production, and reproduction. The intake of adequate amounts of DM
is crucial for maintaining rumen health and function. Insufficient intake of DM can
lead to decreased rumen motility, decreased microbial activity, and an increased
risk of metabolic disorders such as acidosis.
Here are some of the Impacts of DMI on animal performance:
1. Growth: Adequate DMI is essential for animal growth. Animals that
consume enough nutrients to meet their growth requirements will gain
weight faster and reach their target weight more quickly.
2. Milk production: DMI is a crucial factor that influences milk production in
dairy cows. High DMI can increase milk yield, while low DMI can decrease
milk yield.
3. Reproduction: DMI can also affect animal reproductive performance.
Adequate DMI is necessary for the proper functioning of the reproductive
system. Low DMI can lead to decreased fertility, while high DMI can lead to
increased fertility in some cases.
4. Body condition: DMI affects an animal’s body condition, which is the
amount of fat and muscle that an animal has. Body condition is essential for
animal health and productivity. Low DMI can result in poor body condition,
while high DMI can result in excessive body fat.
5. Health: Adequate DMI is necessary for maintaining animal health. Animals
that do not consume enough nutrients are more susceptible to disease, and
their immune system may be compromised
6. Digestibility: The digestibility of nutrients is an essential aspect of ruminant
nutrition, and dry matter content influences it. The lower the dry matter
content of a feed, the higher the moisture content, and the less digestible the
nutrients. Thus, knowing the dry matter content of feed helps determine the
digestibility of the nutrients and how much the animal will consume.
 7. Feed Intake: Dry matter content also influences feed intake. Ruminants
have a limited capacity to consume feed due to their large rumen. Therefore,
high dry matter content feeds provide more nutrients per unit of feed intake,
allowing the animal to meet its nutritional requirements with less feed.

Sources of Dry Matter for Ruminant Animals

Ruminants can obtain DM from a variety of sources, including forages,
concentrates, and by-products. Forages are the primary source of DM for
ruminants, and they include pasture, hay, silage, and crop residues. Forages
provide fiber, which is essential for rumen health and function. Concentrates, such
as grains, provide energy and protein, and they are often used to supplement
forages. By-products, such as distillers grains, soybean meal, and beet pulp, are
also commonly used as a source of DM. Ruminant animals obtain their dry matter
from a variety of sources, including:
1. Forage: Forages are the most common source of dry matter for ruminant
animals, and they provide fiber, energy, and protein. Forages can include
grasses, legumes, and silage.
2. Concentrates: Concentrates are feedstuffs that are high in energy and low in
fiber, such as grains, oilseeds, and by-products of the food industry.
Concentrates are often added to the diet to provide additional energy and
protein.
3. By-products: By-products of the food industry, such as soybean meal,
cottonseed meal, and distillers grains, are often used in ruminant diets. These
by-products are often high in protein and energy and can be a cost-effective
source of dry matter.
4. Hay and Straw: Hay and straw are dried forages that are often used as a
source of dry matter in ruminant diets. These feedstuffs are typically lower
in energy and protein than other sources but can be a good source of fiber.
5. Grazing: Grazing on pasture or range is a common practice for ruminant
animals, and it provides a source of dry matter in the form of forages.
Grazing allows animals to select their diet and may provide a more natural
feeding pattern.
6. TMR: Total mixed ration (TMR) is a feeding method where all of the
feedstuffs are combined into a single mix and fed to the animals. TMRs are
 often used in feedlot settings and allow for precise control over the diet’s
nutrient composition.

Management of Dry Matter in Ruminant Diets

The management of DM in ruminant diets is critical for optimizing animal
performance and health. One of the key factors in managing DM is to ensure that
ruminants have access to adequate amounts of high-quality forage. Forages should
be harvested at the proper stage of maturity and stored correctly to preserve their
quality. In addition, concentrates should be balanced to provide the necessary
nutrients to complement forage intake. Feeding practices, such as feeding
frequency and the amount of feed offered, should also be managed to optimize
rumen health and function. Here are some key management practices for dry
matter in ruminant diets:
1. Monitoring Feed Quality: The quality of feedstuffs varies, and it is
important to monitor the dry matter content of feed to ensure consistency in
the diet. Dry matter content can be measured using a feed moisture tester or
by using laboratory analysis. Monitoring feed quality ensures that the diet is
accurately formulated to meet the animals’ nutritional needs.
2. Balancing Diets: Balancing ruminant diets requires considering the nutrient
requirements of the animals and the availability of feedstuffs. A balanced
diet contains the appropriate amounts of dry matter, energy, protein,
minerals, and vitamins to meet the animal’s needs. Dry matter intake can be
estimated based on the animal’s body weight, age, and production level.
3. Providing Clean Water: Ruminant animals require clean water to maintain
hydration and promote digestion. Water intake can be affected by the dry
matter content of the diet, as animals consuming low dry matter diets may
require more water. Providing clean water ensures that the animals can meet
their water requirements and maintain feed intake.
4. Avoiding Rapid Changes in Diet: Rapid changes in diet can lead to
digestive disturbances and negatively impact animal performance. It is
essential to make dietary changes gradually to allow the animals’ rumen
microbes to adapt to the new diet. Sudden changes in diet can lead to a
reduction in dry matter intake, which can impact animal performance.
5. Feed Processing: Processing feed can improve dry matter intake and
nutrient digestibility. Grinding, pelleting, or chopping feedstuffs can
 improve particle size and reduce sorting, which can lead to more consistent
feed intake and nutrient availability.
FACTORS AFFECTING DRY MATTER INTAKE
Dry matter intake (DMI) is a crucial factor that influences the health and
productivity of ruminant animals. Some of the factors that affect DMI in ruminant
animals include:
1. Feed quality: The quality of the feed plays a critical role in DMI. Poor
quality feed may contain low levels of essential nutrients, which may limit
the animal’s appetite and cause a decrease in DMI.
2. Feed availability: Availability of feed is also important. If there is
insufficient feed available, animals may not be able to consume enough to
meet their nutritional requirements.
3. Feed composition: The composition of feed can also affect DMI. The
inclusion of high levels of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) in the diet can
increase DMI, while high levels of fiber can decrease DMI.
4. Animal factors: Age, breed, sex, and physiological state can all affect DMI.
Young animals have higher nutrient requirements than adult animals and
may have a higher DMI. Pregnant or lactating animals also have higher
nutrient requirements and may have a higher DMI.
5. Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as temperature,
humidity, and ventilation can affect DMI. High temperatures can cause heat
stress, which can decrease DMI, while low temperatures may increase DMI.
6. Management practices: The management practices used in animal
husbandry can also affect DMI. Overcrowding, poor hygiene, and poor
feeding practices can all reduce DMI.
7. Disease or illness: Disease or illness can also reduce DMI. Sick animals
may have a decreased appetite, and they may not be able to consume enough
feed to meet their nutritional requirements.

Conclusion
DM is a critical component of the diets of ruminant animals, and its intake is
essential for supporting growth, production, and reproduction. The management of
DM in ruminant diets is critical for optimizing animal performance and health.
Ruminants require a balanced diet that provides adequate amounts of high-quality
forage, concentrates, and by-products to support their energy and nutrient needs.
Proper management of DM is essential for maintaining rumen health and function,
which is crucial for the overall health and productivity of ruminant animals.