The physical digestion of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) in the foregut of sheep.

Sheep were fed once daily with 300 or 600 g dried perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) or white clover (Trifolium repens). Total rumen contents were sampled once daily at various intervals up to 24 h after feeding for 6 d. Total weight of fresh rumen contents and dry matter (DM), organic matter and particulate matter concentrations were measured and the particle size distribution of rumen contents was analysed using a wet sieving technique. There was a similar exponential loss of DM from the rumen with time after feeding for both perennial ryegrass and white clover. The rate of DM disappearance during the first 3 h after feeding was ten times greater for the higher intake and seven times greater for the lower intake than during the subsequent 21 h. The percentage of particulate material disappearing during the first 3 h was greater for white clover (57%) than for perennial ryegrass (49%). Particle size distribution analysis of rumen contents showed that the most rapid rate of particle size reduction occurred during the first 3 h after feeding. Despite a rapid rate of breakdown there was no increase in the total weight of small particles in the rumen. The rate of reduction in particle size during this period was greater for white clover than perennial ryegrass. Microscopic examination of rumen particles showed a difference in particle geometry between white clover and perennial ryegrass which appeared to be related to anatomical features of the plant.