| abstract |
A feed composition containing fumaric acid or a salt thereof, a concentrate feed and, if necessary, a roughage is fed to ruminants. The ratio of the concentrate to the roughage is about 90-10/10-90 (% by weight). When fumaric acid or a salt thereof in a granular form such as mean particle diameter of not less than 75 mesh is added to a ration, the proportion of acetic acid and propionic acid among volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the ruminant animal is increased for a sustained time to enhance the efficiency of milk and meat production and improve the quality of meat. The proportion of fumaric acid or a salt thereof is about 0.1 to 10% by weight. The addition of fumaric acid or a salt thereof helps to suppress flatulence which tends to occur on feeding with concentrates. |