Alfalfa stem tissues: rate and extent of cell-wall thinning during ruminal degradation

• Published in: NJAS - Wageningen journal of life sciences Vol. 49; no. 1; pp. 3 - 13
• Main Authors: Jung, H.G., Engels, F.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ireland Ltd 2001; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: alfalfa; cell wall; degradation; Medicago sativa L; stem tissue; degradation; alfalfa; cell wall; Medicago sativa L; stem tissue

Alfalfa stem internodes of advanced maturity were used to examine the variability among tissues for rate and extent of cell-wall degradation by rumen microorganisms. Thin sections (100 μm) were incubated with rumen fluid in vitro for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The degradation of tissue ce...