Digestion of forage components by pine and meadow voles

Abstract

A Van Soest analysis of feed and fecal samples from 24 digestion trials with pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) and 18 digestion trials with meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) was used to examine the digestive capabilities of these species and the effect of feed constituents on fiber digestion. The neutral detergent soluble fraction of feeds and forages (NDS) was the most readily available for voles. Percent neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility was variable and inversely related (P = 0.0001) to the percent NDF of the diets for both pine and meadow voles. NDF digestibility was not related (P > 0.30) to the percentage of lignin in the NDF or acid detergent fiber (ADF). NDF digestion accounted for 15 and 21% of the dry matter digested by pine voles and meadow voles, respectively, on a high fiber diet (40% NDF).