Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Duration of Collection Period in Digestibility Trials
Collection period in digestibility trial in ruminants as well as non-ruminants should be:
- 4- 5 days
- 7-10 days — Correct Answer
- 14-21 days
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 7–10 days
The collection period in digestibility trials is 7–10 days for both ruminants and non-ruminants. This duration ensures representative collection of faeces that reflect steady-state digestion of the test feed.
Experimental Periods in Digestibility Trials
| Period | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary/Adjustment period | 10–12 days (ruminants) 7–10 days (horse & swine) |
Animal adapts to test feed; gut clears previous feed |
| Collection period | 7–10 days (all species) | Faeces (and urine in metabolic trial) are quantitatively collected |
Key Notes on Digestibility Trials
- Castrated males are preferred (separate urine and faeces collection)
- In poultry: digestibility determination is difficult → done surgically or chemically
- Internal indicators: Lignin, Silica, AIA
- External indicators: Chromic oxide, Ferric oxide, Mg-ferrite, Cr-EDTA, Cerium
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- 4–5 days → too short; faecal output may not yet stabilise to reflect test diet
- 14–21 days → too long for standard collection period; unnecessarily extends the trial
- None → incorrect; 7–10 days is the standard established collection period
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
