It is important that ruminants keep
enough fiber or roughage in their
systems to maintain a “mat” on the
rumen to aid in nutrient absorption. If
food passes through their digestive tract
too fast (like it can in the early spring
when forage is high in nitrogen —
crude protein — and moisture) they will
not reap all the potential benefits. Some
roughage is needed at this time to help
balance this out. Residual forages that
were maintained from the previous year
help to keep this in balance.