What is roughage?

• A. High Protein Plants
• B. High Fiber Plants
• C. High Energy Concentrates
• D. Vitamins and Minerals

Answer: (B)

Roughage is feed that is high in fiber and provides bulk for the digestive system. It's made from plant materials with a lot of structural carbohydrates like cellulose, which require chewing and stimulate saliva, helping keep the gut functioning, especially in ruminants. Because of the high fiber, roughage is usually less energy-dense than concentrates, but it supports digestion, rumination, and steady gut motility. Common examples are hay, silage, pasture, and straw. While some roughages can be fairly high in protein (like alfalfa), the defining trait is the high fiber content and the resulting bulk, not protein or calories. And concentrates are designed to supply energy, while vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, not bulk feed.