The Rationale of Various Energy Systems for Ruminants

Abstract

SEVERAL different net energy systems are available for current use. They are not the ultimate in feed evaluation but serve a very practical need for feed selection, ration balancing and performance prediction. The differences among the several net energy systems are largely differences of interpretation rather than differences in scientific validity. A detailed study of factors which influence the energy value of particular feedstuffs will be much more productive than extensive research comparing the scientific superiority of one system vs. another.