Forage growth analysis, forage digestion analysis and ruminant growth analysis as related using simple equations

The present study was conducted, using simple equations, to suggest relationships among forage growth analysis, forage digestion analysis and ruminant growth analysis. Forage relative growth rate [RGR] was related to the decrease in dry matter digestibility with forage growth through forage lignification to form indigestible materials. Ruminant RGR was described so as to include forage dry matter digestibility as one of the components. Daily forage intake of the animal, which was one of the components of ruminant RGR, was described using net assimilation rate and leaf area of the forage that were components of forage absolute growth rate. Ruminant RGR was also related to production and utilization characteristics of forages and metabolic characteristics of ruminants. Thus, the present study using simple equations suggested that there were relationships among forage growth analysis, forage digestion analysis and ruminant growth analysis.