Forage intake and dry matter digestibility were determined in
animals maintained in individual metabolic cages. Each isolation unit
contained 4 to 6 cages. The base of each metabolic cage had an iron
mesh floor. Separation of urine and faeces occurred automatically. The
urine flowed to the bottom of the tray where it was collected in flasks.
The faeces of each animal and the spilt food were trapped by the fine
wire mesh of the tray, and were collected and a sample stored for
chemical analysis (A.O.A.C., 1985).