Inhibition of ruminal cellulose fermentation by extracts of the perrenial legume cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer)

The relation of plant metabolites that inhibit the fermentation of plant structural polysaccharides to the variable digestibility of cicer milkvetch by ruminal microorganisms is discussed. Water extracted and unextracted cicer milkvetch neutral detergent fiber were fermented in vitro. Cellulose fermentation was inhibited by mixed ruminal microflora and ruminal cellulolyticbacteria. It was found that the presence of a water-soluble agent causes the inhibition of cicer milkvetch ruminal digestion.