Energy disappearance in hindgut of sheep.

Digestibility and disappearance of energy in the large intestine of sheep fed 75% concentrates was investigated with Cerium-141 as an unabsorbed reference substance. Cecal fermentation increased acetic acid and decreased propionic acid compared with ruminal fermentation. This situation was associated with cellulose disappearance in the lower gut and accounted for 26% of total cellulose disappearance from the entire alimentary tract. Energy disappearance in the hindgut accounted for 13% of energy disappearance in the gastrointestinal tract.