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Ten novel breeding lines of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) suitable to be grown in the Pacific Northwest of the United States were developed and utilized for extrusion processing. Understanding how a particular breeding line performs during food processing and which properties determine its performance can promote the use of quinoa as an ingredient in value‐added products, such as extruded snacks. In this study, extrusion characteristics of the whole seed flours of the novel quinoa breeding lines were evaluated using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder at two temperatures (110°C and 125°C), three screw speeds (200, 350, and 500 rpm), and a moisture content of 18% (w.b.). The expansion ratio (ER) ranged from 1.15 to 2.33 and was negatively influenced by the fat content in the flours. Breeding line 11WAQ‐104.88 (WAQ10) exhibited the greatest potential for use in direct expanded foods as it had the highest ER for all conditions studied. Strong correlations were found between ER and pasting properties of the flours, proving the usefulness of the pasting test for flour quality evaluation before extrusion processing. The results demonstrate the potential of using quinoa for producing direct expanded food products and highlight the importance of selecting specific breeding lines for desired product characteristics. Practical Application: This study provides the extrusion processing characteristics of 10 new quinoa breeding lines. Based on the information gained, it will be easier for the food industry, including breeders as well as processors, to select the right quinoa variety based on their requirements, and may further help to enhance the use of quinoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia hispanica L., commonly known as chia, is a plant-based alternative to seafood and is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. In the Northern Hemisphere, chia flowering is triggered by the fall equinox (12-h light and dark, early October) and the seeds mature after approximately three months. Chia is sensitive to frost and end of season moisture which limits its cultivation to small areas in regions with temperate climate. The U.S. chia import has increased considerably over the years; however, chia is not widely cultivated in the United States. This study used the historical U.S. temperature and precipitation data as a first step to explore the potential of widescale chia cultivation. The 10th percentiles of 25 mm precipitation level as well as soft frost (32 °F: 0 °C) and hard frost (28 °F: −2.2 °C) were tabulated for the months of November and December. The results identified temperature as the main limiting factor for chia cultivation in the United States. The commercial chia variety (harvested in December) can be planted on approximately 10,000 km2 cropland (1,000,000 hectare) in the United States. The future development of early flowering variety (harvested in November) was demonstrated to open an additional 44,000 km2 (4,400,000 hectares) for chia cultivation in the United States. In conclusion, chia cultivation could provide economic benefits to U.S. farmers both by enriching the diversity within crop rotations aimed at reducing pest and pathogen populations and by its high economic value as an alternative specialty crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic large bowel diarrhea is common in dogs and can have a significant impact on their overall health and well being. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a therapeutic food with select dietary plant fibers known to contain antioxidant and polyphenol compounds on clinical signs in dogs with chronic diarrhea. Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted in 31 adult dogs currently experiencing chronic diarrhea from private veterinary practices in the United States. Enrolled dogs were switched to a complete and balanced dry therapeutic food containing whole grains and polyphenol-containing fiber sources for 56 days. Veterinarians evaluated changes from baseline in overall clinical signs, recurrence of clinical signs, and stool parameters at Days 2, 3, 4, 28, and 56. Dog owners evaluated stool consistency daily and nausea/vomiting, quality of life (QoL), and stooling behaviors at Days 1, 14, 28, and 56. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed-effects model with Day as a fixed-effect. Results: Assessments of overall clinical response and stool parameters indicated that diarrhea improved significantly within 1 day of initiating the therapeutic food. Veterinarians reported that 68% of dogs had complete resolution of their clinical signs by Day 56 and the remaining 32% experienced improvement (P < 0.05), with no cases of recurrence. Veterinarians also reported improvement in stool consistency (P < 0.001) and reductions of blood and mucus in stool (P < 0.001). Significant improvements in nausea/vomiting, stooling behaviors, and quality of life (QoL) were reported by dog owners after 28 days and were sustained through day 56 (P < 0.05). The therapeutic food was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions: In dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhea, the therapeutic food rapidly improved stool consistency, resolved clinical signs, and improved stooling behaviors and QoL. Therapeutic foods supplemented with fiber sources rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds contribute to rapid resolution of chronic diarrhea without recurrence and may contribute to long term health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A more sustainable dairy cow diet was designed that minimizes use of feed components digestible by monogastric animals by increasing the quantity of forages. Objectives This study determined if feeding lactating cows the more sustainable, low-starch and high-fiber (LSHF) diet was associated with changes in raw milk microbiota composition and somatic cell count (SCC). Methods In a crossover design, 76 lactating Holstein cows were assigned to an LSHF diet or a high-starch and low-fiber (HSLF) diet, similar to common dairy cow diets in the United States, for 10 wk then placed on the opposite diet for 10 wk. The LSHF diet contained greater quantities of forages, beet pulp, and corn distillers' grain, but contained less canola meal and no high-moisture corn compared with the HSLF diet. Raw milk samples were collected from each cow 4–5 d before intervention and 5 wk into each diet treatment. Within 4 d, additional milk samples were collected for measurement of SCC using Fossmatic 7. The microbial community was determined by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene V4-V5 region and analyzing sequences with QIIME2. After quality filtering, 53 cows remained. Results Raw milk microbial communities differed by diet and time. Taxa associated with fiber consumption, such as Lachnospiraceae , Lactobacillus , Bacteroides , and Methanobrevibacter , were enriched with the LSHF diet. Meanwhile, taxa associated with mastitis, such as Pseudomonas , Stenotrophomonas , and Enterobacteriaceae , were enriched with the HSLF diet. Relatedly, an interaction of diet and time was found to impact SCC. Conclusions In raw milk, consumption of an LSHF diet compared with an HSLF diet was associated with changes in abundance of microbes previously associated with fiber consumption, udder health, and milk spoilage. Further research is needed to determine if an LSHF diet indeed leads to lower rates of mastitis and milk spoilage, which could benefit the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dietary fiber and whole grains are inversely associated with lung cancer incidence in both sexes. • Dietary carbohydrates and fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains may protect against lung cancer. • Dietary carbohydrates of higher glycemic index are associated with an increased lung cancer risk. • Refined carbohydrates from soft drinks are positively associated with lung cancer risk. Inconsistent findings have been reported on the link between dietary carbohydrates and lung cancer. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the role of dietary carbohydrates on lung cancer risk. The prospective study is based on the PLCO trial, which recruited 113,096 eligible participants across the United States. Participants had to have completed baseline and diet history questionnaires. The incidence of lung cancer was acquired through self-report and medical record follow-up. A multivariable logistic model adjusted for confounders was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of dietary carbohydrates, fiber, whole grains, glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) for lung cancer. Similar methods were applied in analyzing the carbohydrates and fiber from different food sources. Multinomial logistic models were used for sensitivity analysis with lung cancer subtypes as outcomes. Dietary carbohydrates and GL were inversely associated with lung cancer incidence in the PLCO population. Among various carbohydrates, 30-g daily consumption of dietary fiber was related to a lower risk of lung cancer (fourth vs first quartile OR: 0.62, 95 % CI: 0.54−0.72) compared with 8.8-g. Furthermore, consuming whole grains 2.3 servings per day as opposed to 0.3 servings per day was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer (OR: 0.73, 95 % CI: 0.64−0.83). A higher risk of lung cancer was seen for the consumption of high-GI food (OR: 1.19, 95 % CI: 1.05–1.35) and refined carbohydrates from soft drinks (OR: 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.04–1.46). Carbohydrates and fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains are associated with lower lung cancer risk. Refined carbohydrates from processed food, such as soft drinks, appear to increase risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D and fiber intake are nutritional factors that could affect the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), potentially by reducing insulin resistance. Therefore, we hypothesized that the influence of vitamin D on T2D might depend on fiber intake. This study investigated the association between vitamin D status and T2D according to fiber intake. The present study analyzed data from 9,656 American adults (≥20 years old) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010. The serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was used as a biomarker for vitamin D status. The T2D classification was based on two criteria: T2Da was identified using only self-reported questionnaire data and T2Db was identified based on both survey and laboratory data. The deficient vitamin D status (<50 nmol/L) was used as the reference group. After controlling for sociodemographic, behavioral, and dietary factors, the odds ratios (ORs) were 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58, 0.90) for T2Da and 0.60 (0.50, 0.80) for T2Db in the sufficient vitamin D status (≥75 nmol/L). Furthermore, the total vitamin D concentration exhibited dose-dependent associations with lower OR values for T2Da (P for trend = .005) and T2Db (P for trend <.001). Among participants with high-fiber intake, the OR values for T2Db were 0.60 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.90) at suboptimal vitamin D status and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.77) at sufficient vitamin D status. Moreover, the significant dose-dependent association persisted in the high-fiber-intake subgroup (P for trend = .004). Therefore, combining vitamin D plus high-fiber intake would help reduce the prevalence of diabetes, although the interaction analysis results were not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional foods of indigenous people are a potential untapped source for providing nutritious dietary options in the modern world. The rising popularity of indigenous foods such as amaranth in recent years suggests that these foods can become a popular part of a healthy diet in the United States. Traditional knowledge of indigenous people can form the basis for using wild food resources. This research provides data on 50 plant species common to the central United States that are abundant sources of dietary protein and flber, and used traditionally by Native American tribes. Many species show promise with high amounts of protein and flber being found in lamb's quarters, nettles, grass seeds, and buffalo gourd seeds. These results honor traditional knowledge. In addition, many of these species could be cultivated using techniques similar to those existing for commercial grains and vegetables. Seeds and/or greens of these wild plants could easily be incorporated into the diets of many more people, improving modern diets, and the nutritional quality of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of cool temperature due to late planting and low light due to shading on sucrose metabolism in cotton fiber were investigated with two cotton cultivars (Kemian 1, cool temperature-tolerant and Sumian 15, cool temperature-sensitive) at two planting dates (the optimized planting date 25 April and the late planting date 10 June) along with two shading levels of crop relative light rate ( CRLR ) 100% and 60% in 2010 and 2011. Compared with the optimized planting date with CRLR 100% (OPD), the acid invertase (AI) activity was little affected in the optimized planting date with CRLR 60% (OPD- CRLR 60%). The sucrose synthase (SuSy) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activities were decreased, which would reduce sucrose degradation and recycle, hindering the synthesis of cellulose. However, the sucrose concentration was decreased, which might be because of lower sucrose import from the leaf. The transcript levels of sucrose synthase gene ( Susy ) and sucrose phosphate synthase gene ( SPS ) isoforms were decreased. Comparison between the two cultivars, SPS1 was the largest down-regulated isoform in Kemian 1, but SPS 2 was the largest down-regulated isoform in Sumian 15. Also, the SPS activity was more sensitive to low light for Kemian 1 than Sumian 15. Although SuSy and AI activities were much higher in the late planting date with CRLR 100% (LPD) than OPD, sucrose concentration was still high. Therefore, a lot of sucrose could not be fluently used in cellulose synthesis, leading to the decrease of cellulose concentration. The transcript levels of the three SPS isoforms increased for both cultivars. The expressions of Sus yA, Sus yB, and Sus yC were increased for Kemian 1, but the expressions of Sus yD, Sus yA, Sus yB, and Sus yC were significantly decreased for Sumian 15. In the late planting date with CRLR 60%, no interaction effect between cool temperature and low light was observed in the concentrations of cellulose and sucrose, the activities of SPS and AI and the expression of SPS 3, but was found in the transcript levels of Susy B and SPS 2 for both cultivars. Also, the interaction effect was observed in the transcript levels of Sus yA, Sus yC, Sus yD and SPS 1 in Sumian 15, but was not found in Kemian 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fast-progressing neurodegenerative disease with a median survival time from diagnosis of 1.5–3 years. The cause of ALS is unknown, but inflammation may play a role. Fiber has been shown to lower inflammatory markers, and a high fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of ALS in a case-control study; however, prospective studies are lacking. We explored the relation between dietary intake of fiber and the risk of ALS in 5 large prospective cohort studies comprising over 1,050,000 US citizens who contributed 1,133 ALS cases during a mean of 15 years of follow-up (1980–2008). Cox proportional hazards models were used within each cohort, and cohort-specific estimates were subsequently pooled using a random-effects model. We found that intakes of total fiber, cereal fiber, vegetable fiber, and fruit fiber were not associated with ALS risk when comparing the highest quintile of intake with the lowest (for total fiber, pooled multivariable relative risk (RR) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80, 1.24; for cereal fiber, RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.94, 1.37; for vegetable fiber, RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.77, 1.23; and for fruit fiber, RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.29). These findings do not support the hypothesis that fiber intake is a major determinant of ALS risk. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Constipation in children is defined on the basis of several clusters of symptoms, and these symptoms are likely to persist into adulthood. The aim of this review article is to summarize the current literature on the use of dietary fiber and whole grains as treatments for childhood constipation. Current recommendations for fiber intake in children vary substantially among organizations, suggesting that the function of fiber in children is not fully understood. Additionally, no formal definition of 'whole grain' exists, which further complicates the interpretation of the literature. Few randomized controlled trials have examined the effect of dietary fiber supplementation in children with constipation. Currently, no randomized controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of whole grains in treating childhood constipation. This is an area that warrants further attention. Increasing the intake of dietary fiber and/or whole grain has the potential to relieve childhood constipation; however, additional randomized controlled trials are necessary to make a formal recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Increased consumption of fiber has been associated with better diet quality and lower risk for chronic diseases. Most preschool-age children in the US do not meet the recommended intake level of fiber, however, many daycare administrators struggle with the decision to provide high-fiber foods because children may not eat them. This study was a prospective community-based trial designed to explore whether children would like and eat high-fiber snacks that were served at daycare. We provided novel high-fiber snack foods to 2–5year olds participating in two day-care centers (n =41). Overall liking ratings were obtained using a three-level age-appropriate likert-scale. Snack consumption was measured using the plate-waste method. Results showed that children consumed normal amounts of energy from snacks. There was no association between mean energy consumed from snacks in the groups of children who liked and those who were neutral or did not like the snack, indicating that liking did not influence consumption or that intakes did not vary enough between the two groups to detect a significant difference. The implication of our study is that fiber intake in young children could potentially be increased by serving high-fiber snacks at daycare centers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examined the association of whole grain consumption with body weight measures and prevalence of overweight/obesity in a recent, nationally representative sample of adults. A secondary analysis of 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data was conducted using adults 19 to 50 years of age (y) (n = 7,039) and 51+ y (n = 6,237). Participants were categorized by whole grain consumption: ≥ 0 to <0.6, ≥ 0.6 to <1.5, ≥ 1.5 to <3.0, and ≥ 3.0 servings/day. Main outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and prevalence of overweight/obesity. Sample weights were applied and the number and percentages of adults in whole grain consumption groups were determined. Least-square means and standard errors were calculated for body weight measures. Two regression models were developed and compared. Model 1 covariates included age, gender, ethnicity, and total energy intake; Model 2 was extended to include cereal fiber. Trend analysis was conducted to test for differences between least-square means. Significance was set at P ≤ .05. Adults 19-50 and 51+ y consumed a mean of 0.63 and 0.77 servings of whole grains/day, respectively. A significant trend was observed in both age groups for increased consumption of whole grains with lower BMI, WC, and percentage overweight/obese (Model 1); however, a significant trend was not observed when cereal fiber was added as a covariate (Model 2). Results confirm overall whole grain intake well below recommendations, and adults who consumed the most servings of whole grains had lower body weight measures. Results also suggest that fiber in whole grain foods may mediate associations with weight measures in adults. Intake of whole grain foods should be encouraged by health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four trials were conducted to compare the concentrations of cottonseed hulls (CSH) and chopped hay in textured starters on calf body weight gain, intake, and efficiency. Holstein bull calves (initially 3 and 4 d old in studies 1, 2, and 3, and 59 to 60 d old in study 4) were fed ad libitum starters (geometric mean particle size of approximately 2,000 22mim; equal at 18% crude protein as-fed; digestible energy concentration declined with increasing roughage). All calves were weaned at 31 to 32 d of age. Calves were housed in individual pens bedded with straw within an unheated, curtain-sided nursery for d 0 to 56 and then grouped in pens of 6 calves for d 56 to 84. Study 1 compared textured starters containing A) 0% or B) 5% CSH for the first 56 d. On d 56 (through d 84), calves fed diet A were switched to diet C, which contained 0% CSH and 5% chopped hay; calves fed diet B were switched to diet D, which contained 5% CSH and 5% hay. Study 2 compared textured starters fed from 0 to 84 d that contained A) 0% CSH and 0% chopped hay, B) 5% CSH, C) 10% CSH, or D) 5% chopped hay. Study 3 compared textured starters fed from 0 to 56 d that contained A) 0%, B) 2.5%, and C) 5% chopped hay. Study 4 compared textured starters fed from d 56 to 84 that contained A) 5% and B) 15% chopped hay. In study 1, calves fed the diet with 5% CSH consumed less starter and were less efficient from 28 to 56 d than calves fed 0% CSH. Calves fed the diet with 0% CSH tended to have a greater average daily gain (ADG) and empty body weight ADG (EBWADG) from 28 to 84 d than calves fed the starter with 5% CSH. In study 2, EBWADG declined linearly from 0 to 28 d, and both ADG and EBWADG decreased from 28 to 56 d as CSH percentage increased in the starter. Both ADG and EBWADG responded quadratically to CSH percentage in the starter from 56 to 84 d, with calves fed the starter containing 10% CSH having the slowest ADG and EBWADG. Calves between 56 and 84 d that were fed starters with 5% roughage appeared more efficient than calves fed starters with 0 or 10% roughage. In study 3, ADG, EBWADG, starter intake, and efficiency declined linearly as hay percentage increased in the starter from 28 to 56 d. In study 4, ADG, EBWADG, and starter intake were less for calves fed starters with 15 vs. 5% hay. In conclusion, adding low-energy fibrous feeds to starters with adequate coarseness (approximately 2,000 µm) reduced ADG in weaned calves less than 3 mo old bedded on straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Agroterrorism is the deliberate tampering with and/or contamination of the food supply with the intent of adversely affecting the social, economic, physical, and psychological well-being of society. Testimony before the Government Affairs Committee of the U.S. Senate has suggested that agriculture is an area that has received comparatively little attention with regard to terrorism. Methods: In February of 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education developed a workshop on agroterrorism designed to engage local community leaders in a process to prepare for and respond to a terrorist event involving the food supply. The workshop was an effective collaboration between NIOSH Agricultural Centers, the state department of health (Texas), a school of public health, and the Texas Agricultural Research and Extension Centers in five urban and rural locations with substantial agricultural production. In order to reach a diverse and geographically widespread audience, the workshop was conducted by synchronous two-way interactive televideo (nine geographic sites). The audience of 155 participants was comprised of numerous stakeholders. The workshop format involved separate modules addressing food and fiber, livestock and poultry, food distribution, and emergency preparedness, with participants developing priorities for future consideration within their communities to address all phases of an event from preparedness to follow-up debriefing. There were 13 additional individuals (for a total of 168) who participated in the workshop subsequently through use of a video. Results: Workshop evaluation components included pre- and post-workshop objective assessment of factual information presented (tests), and follow-up for implementation of priorities developed by conference participants. Statistically significant improvement was noted in knowledge acquisition. The six-month follow-up demonstrated implementation of preparedness planning priorities. Conclusions: This is an effective method of reaching a geographically widespread and diverse audience of community members who will be on the "front lines" of an agroterrorism event. An attempt was made to enhance communication and collaboration among involved groups for effectively detecting and addressing such an event. This workshop can serve as a model for use in other communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: BackgroundThe few randomized community trials in middle-income populations that tried to modify multiple dietary risk factors for cancer only demonstrated small changes. This trial sought to decrease the percent of calories derived from fat and to increase fruit, vegetable, and fiber intake among low-income women served by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Maryland.: MethodsWe conducted six-month intervention programs for 1055 women at ten WIC sites; 1011 women served as controls. Intervention participants were invited to five interactive nutrition sessions and were sent written materials. Controls received usual care. Women were surveyed at baseline, two months post intervention, and one year later. All analyses conducted used an intention-to-treat paradigm.: ResultsMean differences (intervention–control) in change from baseline were for percent calories from fat −1.62 ± 0.33% (P < 0.0001), for consumption of fruits and vegetables 0.40 ± 0.11 servings (P = 0.0003), and for fiber intake 1.01 ± 0.31 grams (P = 0.001). These differences in change were related in a dose-response relationship to the number of sessions women attended and remained significant one year post-intervention for the first two outcomes.: ConclusionsMultiple dietary improvements can be achieved in a low-income population with an effective, multi-faceted intervention program. The changes in this trial exceeded those in previous community trials conducted in higher SES populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Longer retention of forages with increased fiber concentrations may be a compensatory digestive strategy in horses. We investigated the digestive characteristics of bermudagrass hay, a prominent warm-season grass in the southeast United States that has greater fiber concentrations than other common forages fed to horses. The morphological structure and photosynthetic pathway of warm-season grasses differ from cool-season grasses and legumes which may have important impacts on equine digestion and digesta transit through the gastrointestinal tract. The retention time of Coastal bermudagrass was longer than alfalfa or orchardgrass hay. The digestibility of Coastal bermudagrass decreased with increasing maturity, but the fiber digestibility of alfalfa and orchardgrass was similar to the earliest maturity of Coastal bermudagrass hay. The chemical composition of the plant cell wall influences diet digestibility and is a major difference between warm-season and cool-season forages. The increased retention time of Coastal bermudagrass allows for microbial fermentation to occur longer, adapting to more difficult-to-digest plant cell walls in warm-season forages. The decrease in diet digestibility when horses consume warm-season forages can be reduced by feeding early maturity forage, by harvesting hay at an earlier stage of growth or managing pastures in a vegetative state. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and other warm-season grasses are known for their increased fiber concentrations and reduced digestibility relative to cool-season grasses and legumes. This study investigated the digestive characteristics and passage kinetics of three maturities of Coastal bermudagrass hay. A 5 × 5 Latin square design experiment was used to compare the digestion of five hays: alfalfa (Medicago sativa, ALF), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata, ORCH), and Coastal bermudagrass harvested at 4 (CB 4), 6 (CB 6), and 8 weeks of regrowth (CB 8). Horses were fed cobalt-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Co-EDTA) and ytterbium (Yb) labeled neutral detergent fiber (NDF) before an 84-h total fecal collection to determine digesta retention time. Dry matter digestibility was greatest for ALF (62.1%) and least for CB 6 (36.0%) and CB 8 diets (36.8%, SEM = 2.1; p < 0.05). Mean retention time was longer (p < 0.05) for Coastal bermudagrass (particulate 31.3 h, liquid 25.3 h) compared with ORCH and ALF (28.0 h, SEM = 0.88 h; 20.7 h, SEM = 0.70 h). Further evaluation of digesta passage kinetics through mathematical modeling indicated ALF had distinct parameters compared to the other diets. Differences in digestive variables between forage types are likely a consequence of fiber physiochemical properties, warranting further investigation on forage fiber and digestive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]