Low-protein teff hay was supplemented with 3% urea and 6% starch to promote growth of the amylolytic bacteria, which liberate branched chain amino acids in the rumen upon lysis. These serve as a source of branched chain volatile fatty acids for the fibrolytic bacteria and thus result in improved fibre digestion. When compared to the diet supplemented with 3% urea only, there was no increase in the numbers of the amylolytic or fibrolytic bacteria, nor any noteworthy change in the food consumption, digestibility or rate of passage. The intended effect was probably not achieved due to the fact that the starch and urea supplement was sprayed onto the hay, resulting in an even distribution throughout. The starch was therefore released slowly, depending on intake and steady-state conditions would have prevailed in which cell lysis would have been minimal.