Life Sciences Commons^™

Using Ripple Effects Maps To Identify Story Threads: A Framework To Link Private To Public Value, Jane E. Haskell, Barbara A. Baker, Melissa D. Olfert, Sarah E. Colby, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Kendra K. Kattelmann, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Extension professionals must demonstrate organizational value to garner public awareness and support. Measuring and communicating outcomes that have public value can be challenging. In this study, Ripple Effects Mapping incorporating the Community Capitals Framework was used to evaluate a childhood obesity prevention study, iCook 4-H, of youth-adult pairs in Maine. The objective was to describe the process of generating impact statements through story threads about program benefits to the participants and the potential benefits to nonparticipants, such as family members, friends, and other community members. Extension professionals can use storylines, or story threads, as a qualitative research technique to generate …

A Multi-Year Examination Of Gardening Experience And Fruit And Vegetable Intake During College., Daniel Staub, Sarah E. Colby, Melissa D. Olfert, Kendra Kattelmann, Wenjun Zhou, Tanya M. Horacek, Geoffrey Greene, Ivana Radosavljevic, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Anne E. Matthews

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Gardening has been positively associated with fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption based on short-term studies among children, but long-term data among adolescents and young adults are lacking. This investigation sought to elucidate the association between gardening experience and FV intake among college students over a two-year period. Students (N = 593) from eight universities were assessed at the end of their freshman (Y1) and sophomore (Y2) years during the springs of 2016 and 2017, respectively. At each time point, participants completed the NCI FV Screener and questions related to gardening experience and FV-related attitudes and behaviors. Students were then …

Incorporating Technology Into The Icook 4-H Program, A Cooking Intervention For Adults And Children: Randomized Controlled Trial, Sarah Colby, Lauren Moret, Melissa D. Olfert, Kendra Kattelmann, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Kristin Riggsbee, Magen Payne, Ainsley Ellington, Cary Springer, Chelsea Allison, Sanearlda Wiggens, Rochelle Butler, Douglas Mathews, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Families who cook, eat, and play together have been found to have more positive health outcomes. Interventions are needed that effectively increase these health-related behaviors. Technology is often incorporated in health-related interventions but is not always independently assessed.
Objective: The objective of this study was to describe challenges and facilitators to incorporating technology into the iCook 4-H intervention program.
Methods: Dyads (n=228) composed of children (mean 9.4, SD 0.7 years old) and an adult primary meal preparer (mean 39.0, SD 8 years) were randomly assigned to a control (n=77) or treatment group (n=151). All treatment group dyads participated in …

Cooking And Meal Planning As Predictors Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake And Bmi In First-Year College Students, Andrea Hanson, Kendra K. Kattelmann, Lacey A. Mccormack, Wenjun Zhou, Onika N. Brown, Tanya M. Horacek, Karla P. Shelnutt, Tandalayo Kidd, Audrey Opoku-Acheampong, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Melissa D. Olfert, Sarah E. Colby

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

The objective was to determine if cooking skills and meal planning behaviors are associated with greater fruit and vegetable intake and lower body mass index (BMI) in first-year college students who are at risk for excessive weight gain. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data from a multi-state research project aimed at preventing weight gain in first-year college students. Cooking type, frequency and confidence, self-instruction for healthful mealtime behavior intention, self-regulation of healthful mealtime behavior, and cup equivalents of fruits and vegetables (FV) were measured using validated surveys. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. First-year students (n …

Redesign, Field-Testing, And Validation Of The Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports (Paces) Audit., Tanya M. Horacek, Elif Dede Yildirim, Dean Seidman, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Sarah E. Colby, Adrienne A. White, Karla P. Shelnutt, Melissa D. Olfert, Anne E. Matthews, Kristin Riggsbee, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Jesse Stabile Morrell, Kendra Kattelmann

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

This paper describes the redesign, field-testing, and convergent validity of a practical tool-Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports (PACES) audit. Methods. The audit includes two parts: (1) PACES-Programs, which is comprised of questions regarding populations served, fees, programs (recreation/fitness classes and intramurals), proximity, adequacy of facilities, and marketing, and (2) PACES-Facilities, which is comprised of questions regarding built environment (aesthetics, bike racks, stairs, and universal design), recreation equipment, staff, amenities, and access. Each item criterion is specifically scored using a five-point, semantic-differential scale ranging from limited to extensive environmental support. A few questions utilize select all that apply for a summed …

Cooking Frequency Associated With Dietary Quality In Icook-4h Youth Participants At Baseline, Amber D. Ford, Sarah E. Colby, Marissa Mcelrone, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Melissa D. Olfert, Kendra K. Kattelmann, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Increased intakes of ready-made and fast foods paralleled with decreased homemade food consumption have been associated with increased rates of obesity. Researchers have shown associations between cooking self-efficacy (SE) and cooking frequency (CF) with dietary quality and weight status. Some cooking interventions have shown positive associations with dietary outcomes, such as increased fruit and vegetable intake and decreased fast food consumption. There is still much unknown about SE and CF, especially among youth.
Objective: Determine baseline SE and CF and the associations with dietary quality and body mass index (BMI) of youth enrolled in iCook 4H.
Methods: Youth (n=228, …

The Icook 4-Hstudy: Report On Physical Activity And Sedentary Time In Youth Participating In A Multicomponent Program Promoting Family Cooking, Eating, And Playing Together, Kendra K. Kattelmann, Jessica R. Meendering, Emily J. Hofer, Chase M. Merfeld, Melissa D. Olfert, Rebecca L. Hagedorn, Sarah E. Colby, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Jonathan Moyer, Douglas R. Mathews, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective: To report physical activity and sedentary time outcomes of youth in iCook 4-H.
Study Design and Setting: iCook 4-H was a 5-state, randomized, control−treatment, family-based childhood obesity prevention intervention promoting cooking, eating, and playing together.
Participants and Intervention: Youth aged 9−10 years and the main preparer of their meals participated in the 12-week program followed by monthly newsletters and biyearly booster sessions until 24 months.
Main Outcome Measure(s): A total of 155 youth were fitted with an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer, which they wore for 7 days at baseline and 4, 12, and 24 months to measure mean daily minutes …

Dissemination Using Infographic Reports Depicting Program Impact Of A Community-Based Research Program: Eb4cast In Icook 4-H, Melissa D. Olfert, Rebecca L. Hagedorn, Makenzi L. Barr, Sarah E. Colby, Kendra Kattelmann, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective: To evaluate barriers to dissemination and implementation and perceptions of the Evidence- Based Forecast Capture, Assemble, Sustain, Timelessness (eB4CAST) dissemination infographic tool as part of iCook 4-H dissemination.
Design: Online surveys and phone interviews.
Participants: Experts (n = 35) in community research completed the survey; 13 completed the interview.
Main Outcomes Measure: Experts’ perceptions of eB4CASTreports used for iCook 4-H dissemination.
Analysis: Frequency and thematic analysis.
Results: Survey respondents agreed (85%) that the eB4CAST infographic provided a clear understanding of iCook 4-H and relevant information (83%). Statistics included in the infographic were reported as easily understood (66%). Respondents (83%) …

Development And Testing Of Program Evaluation Instruments For The Icook 4-H Curriculum, Douglas R. Mathews, Zachary J. Kunicki, Sarah E. Colby, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Kendra Kattelmann, Melissa D. Olfert, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective: To develop and test the validity of program outcome evaluation instruments for cooking, eating, and playing together for obesity prevention during iCook 4-H.
Design: Instrument development for both youth and adults through pre-post testing of items newly constructed and compiled to address key curriculum constructs. Testing occurred throughout program intervention and dissemination to determine dimensionality, internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and validity.
Setting: A 5-state out-of-school program in cooperative extension and other community sites.
Participants: Youths aged 9−10 years; adults were main food preparers; the first phase involved 214 dyads and the second phase, 74 dyads.
Main Outcome Measure(s): …

The Icook 4-H Study: An Intervention And Dissemination Test Of A Youth/Adult Out-Of-School Program, Adrienne A. White, Sarah E. Colby, Lisa Frabzen-Castle, Kendra Kattelmann, Melissa D. Olfert, Tara A. Gould, Rebecca L. Hagedorn, Douglas R. Mathews, Jonathan Moyer, Kimberly Wilson, Kathryn Yerxa

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective: To describe outcomes from intervention and dissemination of iCook 4-H.
Design: Five-state, community-based participatory research and a randomized, controlled trial followed by a 5-state, nonrandomized dissemination test of the iCook 4-H curriculum with control and treatment groups.
Setting: Community and university sites.
Participants: Youths aged 9−10 years and their adult food preparer; 228 dyads in the intervention and 74 dyads in dissemination.
Intervention(s): Theoretical frameworks were Social Cognitive Theory and the experiential 4-H learning model. Six 2-hour, biweekly sessions on cooking, eating, and playing together followed by monthly newsletters and boosters until 24 months, expanded to 8 sessions for …

Ripple Effect Mapping Outcomes Of A Childhood Obesity Prevention Program From Youth And Adult Dyads Using A Qualitative Approach: Icook 4-H, Melissa D. Olfert, Sina J. King, Rebecca L. Hagedorn, Barbara A. Baker, Sarah E. Colby, Kendra K. Kattelmann, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective: To describe the impact of the iCook 4-H intervention study based on data gathered through ripple effect mapping focus groups through an explorative approach.
Design: Youth–adult dyads responded about ways in which iCook had affected the individual, family, and community. Three questions were asked: (1) What were people doing differently as a result of iCook? (2) Who benefited from iCook and how? (3) Were there changes in the way community groups and institutions did things as a result of iCook?
Setting: Ripple effect mapping sessions took place across 5 states (Maine, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia).
Participants: …

Development Of The Icook 4-H Curriculum For Youth And Adults: Cooking, Eating, And Playing Together For Childhood Obesity Prevention, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Sarah E. Colby, Kendra K. Kattelmann, Melissa D. Olfert, Douglas Mathews, Katheryn Yerxa, Barbara Baker, Michelle Krehbiel, Tracy Lehrke, Kimberly Wilson, Amber Ford, Trina Aguirre, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

The objective was to describe the development process of a curriculum (iCook 4-H) targeted to low-income, rural, and/or diverse youths and their adult primary meal preparer to promote cooking, eating, and playing together. Lessons learned highlighted the importance of grounding the curriculum in Social Cognitive Theory and applying the experiential 4-H learning model using a multiphased, community-based participatory approach with cyclical development and evaluation, and key modifications made for dissemination and distribution. Findings across 4 testing phases over 6 years and 5 states demonstrated the time-intensive, cyclical process that required flexibility with fidelity to form a hands-on, interactive curriculum.

Development And Validation Of The Vending Evaluation For Nutrient-Density (Vend)Ing Audit., Tanya M Horacek, Elif Dede Yildirim, Melissa Matthews Schreiber, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Sarah E. Colby, Adrienne A White, Karla P. Shelnutt, Melissa D. Olfert, Anne E Mathews, Kristin Riggsbee, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Jesse Morrell, Kendra Kattelmann

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: This paper describes the development and validation of the Vending Evaluation for Nutrient-Density (VEND)ingaudit to comprehensively evaluate vended products based upon healthfulness, price and promotion, and machine accessibility. Methods: A novel vending nutrient-density score was created to determine the healthfulness of vended snack/beverage products. Field tested in United States colleges, VENDing audit (∑nutrient-density + 10 × % healthy products) and Support sub-scores (price + promotion + accessibility) were calculated for snack/beverage machines. Higher scores indicate more healthful vending options and supports for choosing healthfully. Nutrition Environment Measures Survey-Vending (NEMS-V) was used to validate the nutrient-density score for a sub-sample …

Health & Nutritional Sciences Free Communication Day: Spring 2019 Plan B Abstracts, Viola Davies, Jonathan Shaeffer, Amy Hommes, Zachary Fehringer, Andrew Cheney, Alli Delay, Alyssa Finke, Kaitlin Reece, Jacob Elfmann, Maggan Froseth, Kala Nurnberg, Keith Thompson, David Andersen, Samantha Kratovil, Makenna Meier, Lezlie Pommer, Amanda Nack

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

This document contains Plan B abstracts presented by graduate students at the Health and Nutritional Sciences Free Communication Day, held on April 30th 2019.

Abstract titles include:

• Effect of supervised aquatic therapy and supervised land-based therapy on chronic low back pain.
• The College Football Recruiting Process and Ways to Improve It
• The Effects of Probiotics on Depression and Anxiety
• Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy versus Physical Therapy: Best Intervention to Improve Outcomes in Patients with Meniscal Tears?
• Does the inclusion of mental health education programs have an effect on the help seeking behavior of collegiate student-athletes?
• Establishing a Sustainable Nutrition Education Program …

Relationship Of Weight-Related Eating Behaviors And Weight-Loss Of Participants In A Proprietary Weight-Loss Program, Megan Tschakert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study is to evaluate weight-related eating behaviors of participants with clinically significant weight loss (CSWL) in a proprietary weight loss program. A crosssectional sample of participants (n=1,454) enrolled in a proprietary weight-loss program that includes meal replacements and health coaching were queried for weight-related eating behaviors (using Weight Related Eating Questionnaire) of routine restraint (RR), compensatory restraint (CR), susceptibility to external cues (SEC), and emotional eating (EE) in relation to CSWL (defined as having achieved a weight loss greater than 10% of starting weight). Participants were dichotomized into those with CSWL (n=973) and with no CSWL …

Eat Smart, Play Hard The Oyate Way: Impact Of A Culturally Tailored Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum On Elementary Youth, Abbey Hillestad

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To assess changes in nutrition and physical activity (PA) knowledge and behavior in elementary-age participants from school districts with high American Indian enrollment after completion of a culturally tailored education curriculum.
Design: Pre-post intervention study assessing knowledge and behavior using quantitative methods. Participants: A total of 248 participants (Kindergarten through 5th grade, n=248) throughout 13 elementary classrooms in tribal communities participated in Eat Smart. Play Hard.: The Oyate Way. Intervention(s): Baseline and post intervention data from a culturally tailored nutrition and PA knowledge and behavior curriculum.
Main Outcome Measure(s): Dependent variables were nutrition and PA knowledge, and nutrition and …

Physical Activity Environments In Rural Communities: Exploring The Relationship Between Community Perceptions And The Environment, Elizabeth M. Bye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To assess the physical activity environment, community perceptions of the physical activity environment, and the relationship between these variables in rural and/or underserved communities with high obesity prevalence.
Methods: The Rural Active Living Assessment (RALA) was used to assess the programs and policies (PPA), town-wide amenities (TWA), and street segments (SSA) of the physical activity environment and the Rural Active Living Perceived Environmental Support Scale (RALPESS) was used to assess community perception of the physical activity environment within eleven rural and/or underserved communities. Each section of the RALA and RALPESS are further broken down into additional subsections in order …

Effects Of Resistant Starch Type 4 On Gut Microbiota Derived Medium And Long Chain Fatty Acids And Bile Acids, Elizabeth Nagel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The human gastrointestinal tract is populated by a diverse and mutualistic microbial flora that has profound effect on human health. Identification and characterization of microbial-metabolites produced in response to human dietary intakes may provide insights into host-microbiota interactions to better understand the role of the microbiota in human health and diseases. However, much of this interaction is poorly understood as many metabolites remain unidentified or understudied at the present time. Starch is ubiquitously present in human diet and is a major energy source to all living cells. Resistant starch (RS) is the starch portion that is not absorbed in the …

The Efficacy Of Protein Supplementation On Attenuating Muscle Atrophy Following Disuse In The Collegiate Population, Leah Kroeger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of a protein supplementation protocol through a period of muscular disuse in maintaining muscle mass, strength, jump force production, and cross-sectional area in the collegiate population. Two groups of healthy collegiate participants underwent two weeks of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS), during which the control group consumed a normal diet and the treatment group received an additional 75 g of protein supplementation. Lean mass, strength, and force production were measured between dietary intakes at baseline and following immobilization. Muscle area was lost between both groups following ULLS (treatment, - 282.8 …

Effect Of Mineral Ions On The Functional Properties Of Starch Films, Aliza Sigdel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Essential minerals are indispensable inorganic micronutrients that modulate vital physiological functions at the molecular level. Their deficiency, though required in small amounts, impairs health significantly. Their supplementation through diet is prudent and carbohydrates standout as favorable choice. Carbohydrates, starches and polysaccharides, exhibit unique chemical structures and functionalities, and interact with mineral ions in several ways. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of mineral ions on the physicochemical properties, tensile strength and in vitro starch digestion of starch-films. Corn starch and potato starch along with Fe2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions have been chosen as model starch …

Level Of Satisfaction Among Food Pantry Clients, Staff/Volunteers, And Directors And Its Association With Client Choice In Food Pantry Layouts, Myranda Dunmire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Food insecurity is an issue in rural communities, particularly among food pantry clients. Food pantries may not provide clients with the opportunity to choose their own foods (client choice), and instead may just give a set amount and type of foods. Client choice is important in regards to client health status as well as perceptions of autonomy and quality of life. Although client choice can be promoted in food pantries, it may be difficult to grasp the process of food pantry transitioning and how well changes such as these may be perceived by clients or food pantry personnel. We …

Development Of A Quantitative Measure Of Community Readiness For Change, Drew Hicks

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Introduction: Recruiting community involvement in public health interventions is often met with varying degrees of success. Attitudes, resources, and leadership all impact a community’s ability to effect change. Being able to assess community readiness for change is vital to the successful adoption of any health or wellness initiative. Past efforts in measuring community readiness have been largely limited. This study reports on the development and validation of a survey measuring community readiness to change for health and wellness in the college campus community.
Objective: To develop an instrument capable of measuring the attitudes and ability of a college campus …

Model School Wellness Policies: Opportunities For Improvement, Maty Skinner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Schools that participate in the US Child Nutrition program are required to have a wellness policy. Many state agencies provide model wellness policies to aid schools in writing wellness policies. However, use of model wellness policies has not been associated with higher quality policies. PURPOSE: Assess the strength and comprehensiveness of model wellness policies and to determine if federal regulations are more likely to be included in model wellness policies than evidence-based, best-practices that are not required per federal regulation. METHODS: Model wellness policies available online through state agency websites in January 2019 were analyzed for comprehensiveness and strength using …

Differences In Running Mechanics And Tibial Plateau Dimensions Between Overweight/Obese And Healthy Weight Children, Claire Sylvestre

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obese (OW/OB) children display increased knee joint loading during running, which may lead to excessive frontal plane motion and moments at the knee joints. The relationship between tibial plateau dimensions and knee vertical loading may explain the loading related injuries OW/OB children experience.
PURPOSE: Compare knee mechanics during running and tibial plateau dimensions between healthy weight (HW) and OW/OB children.
METHODS: Ten HW children and ten OW/OB children aged 9-12 participated in the study. Kinematic and kinetic data were captured as participants ran across a force platform at 3.5m/s. Tibial plateau area and density were collected by …

Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Effects Of Glycemic Status On Body Composition, Bone, And Lipid Profile In Men Aged 20 To 66 Years: A Population-Based Study, Khaleal Almusaylim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are significant public health challenges in the United States. Pre-diabetes and T2D are a multi-factorial disease characterized by genetic or environmental factors or a combination of both. There has been an upward trend over time in the prevalence of both pre-diabetes and T2D. Few epidemiological studies exist regarding the effect of baseline glycemic status on changes in body composition, bone health, and lipid profiles. To fill this critical gap, the purpose of this research was to examine both cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in glycemic status with changes in body composition, bone mass and density, …

A Comparison Between The Efficacy Of Traditional Periodization, Undulating Periodization, And Plyometric Training And Their Lasting Effects On Performance Outcomes In Youth Athletes. A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Andre Mcintyre

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recreational and competitive youth (≤ 16 years old) sport participation over the years has increased in recent years. As a result of increased sport participation an emphasis on sport performance training and more particularly resistance training along with plyometric training have been on the rise. Resistance training and plyometric training can improve sports performance, rehabilitate injuries, prevent injuries, and enhance long-term health in adolescent athletes. Resistance training can be periodized numerous different ways, but the most popular training methods are traditional periodization, undulating periodization, and plyometric training. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined studies that compared traditional periodization, undulating periodization, …

Wellness Policy Awareness Among School Leaders And The Impact On Written Policy Scores, Mariah Reil

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: All schools participating in the National School Lunch Program must possess a written School Wellness Policy (SWP) as mandated by the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act of 2010.1 School officials and leaders play a major role in SWP implementation. It is essential to written SWP implementation that school level officials and leaders in the district are aware of the SWP. However, the association between school leader awareness of SWP and policy quality has not yet been studied.
Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to determine if school leader awareness of a SWP impacts the written SWP quality. …

Perceptions Of Health Coaching And Its Associations With Personality Style And Weight Loss In Meal Replacement Program Participants, Bailey Judith Larson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To determine if personality style is related to perceptions of health coaching and if there is a relationship between perceptions of health coaching and the ability to lose weight. Methods: Data was gathered from approximately 2,000 MR program participants via an electronic survey. The Client Evaluation of Motivational Interviewing scale was used to determine if perceptions of health coaching affect the ability to lose weight. The Ten Item Personality Inventory was used to determine if personality style is associated with the perception of health coaching. Self-reported start weight and current weight were used to calculate percent of starting weight. …

The Role Of A Community Coach In Rural Food Councils In Six Midwestern States, Kaitlyn Tusha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To quantitatively assess perceived coaching confidence of a community coach working with food councils, and to qualitatively determine perceived barriers and facilitators associated with coaching rural food councils.
Design: Two phases were implemented using a mixed methods study design with quantitative (scorecard) and qualitative (key informant interviews) methodologies.
Setting: Six rural, Midwestern states implementing Voices for Food.
Participants: Voices for Food community coaches (n=9) who coached rural food council(s).
Intervention: A component of the broader Voices for Food intervention.
Analysis: Quantitative scorecard data were analyzed with STATA by running paired ttests. Qualitative key information interview data were analyzed with …

Evaluation Of Effects Of Methods Used For Forage Analysis And Dietary Inclusion Of Buffer On Fiber Digestibility And Rumen Fermentation In Diets High In Distillers Grains, Lydia Kehinde Olagunju

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Forage quality is an important factor affecting intake and utilization of forage, thus making it imperative to evaluate the methods used to determine the nutritive values of forage in order to predict animal performance. Additionally, fibrous feeds for ruminants are less subject to competitive demand. The plant cell wall is the largest hindrance to complete digestion of feeds, particularly forages and by-products and to the utilization of the nutrients and energy they contain, necessitating effective strategies for increasing the rate and efficiency of utilization of forage fiber and the energy therein. It is critically important to increase fiber digestion for …