The Prediction of Digestibility for Feeds for Which There are Only Proximate Composition Data

Equations have been presented for estimating the digestion coefficients of crude protein, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, and ether extract and the content of total digestible nutrients in feeds for which few or no digestibility data are available. The percentage composition of crude protein, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, and ether extract are used as predicting factors. The present equations should be distinguished from those given in a previous publication which were designed for use with feeds on which sufficient digestibility data are available. As present equations do not yield as precise estimates, the former equations should be used whenever they apply.