Method for increasing rate and extent of fiber digestion in ruminants

A method for increasing fiber digestion of a forage by a ruminant, the method comprising:

• providing a forage for a ruminant, wherein the forage comprises an ammonia level of 0.0-1.4% of dry matter (crude protein equivalent/% dry matter);
• administering a treatment to the forage, the treatment comprising, applying an alkali at a dosage of 0.25%-0.75% of dry matter (wt/wt) during a mixing of the forage;
• applying an aqueous solution of at least one exogenous carbohydrase enzyme during the mixing of the forage, the at least one exogenous carbohydrase enzyme comprising at least 70% active carbohydrase enzyme;
• and completing the mixing of the forage;
• and feeding the forage to the ruminant 0-5 minutes after completing the mixing of the forage, wherein the mixing of the forage during the application of the alkali lasts for 3-5 minutes before the applying of the at least one exogenous carbohydrase enzyme, and wherein the mixing of the forage during the application of the at least one exogenous carbohydrase enzyme lasts for 3-5 minutes.