A 100-Year Review: Carbohydrates—Characterization, digestion, and utilization

Abstract

Our knowledge of the role of carbohydrates in dairy cattle nutrition has advanced substantially in the 100 years of the publication of the Journal of Dairy Science. In this review, we trace the history of scientific investigation and discovery from crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, and “unidentified factors” to our present analytical schemes and understanding of ruminal and whole-animal utilization and effects of dietary carbohydrates. Historically, advances in research and new feeding standards occurred in parallel with and fostered by new methods of analysis. The 100 years of research reviewed here has bequeathed to us an impressive legacy of information, which we will continue to grow.