Utilization of cellulose by pigs and its effects on caecal function

SUMMARY 1. Six pigs, four with caecal cannulae, were given diets containing 8% or 26% cellulose. Cannulation did not affect the digestibility of dry matter or cellulose. 2. Digestibility of cellulose, though variable, was higher for the 8%-cellulose diet. 3. Pigs on the 26%-cellulose diet had larger amounts of digesta in the caecum, and lower caecal retention times, than pigs on the 8%-cellulose diet. 4. Measurements of production rates of volatile fatty acids in the caecum indicated that only 2·7% and 1·9% of the apparent digestible energy of the 26%- and 8%-cellulose diets respectively came from the acids, and it was concluded that the caecum played only a small role in the breakdown of feed substances.