Long term bias (LTB) of internal markers indigestible dry matter (iDM), and indigestible neutral (iNDF) and acid (iADF) detergent fiber in a digestion assay with ruminants was evaluated. Twenty castrated male ovines were managed in metabolic crates. A completely randomized block design with five treatments (concentrate rations) and four blocks was used. Diets were isonitrogenous diets (10% of crude protein) were formulated to containing 60% of coastcross hay and 40% of concentrate, in dry matter basis. The concentrates were based on corn grain, soybean meal and coffee hulls, in different levels (0, 6.25, 12.5, 18.75, and 25%), as fed-basis. The markers contents in feeds, orts, and feces were estimated by a 144 hours in situ rumen incubation procedure. The relationship between markers intake and fecal excretion was accomplished by a simple linear regression model adjustment, independently of the effects of block and treatment. The total iDM and iNDF recovery (P>.30), with LTB free, was observed. The iADF had +25.45 g/day LTB (P<.06).
indigestible acid detergent fiber; indigestible dry matter; indigestible neutral detergent fiber
