不同精料补饲水平对藏绵羊瘤胃内环境参数的影响

选择1.2岁左右藏绵羊30只,随机分3组,采用单因子分组设计,以青干草为基础日粮,按每只150,300,450 g/d 3种精料水平补饲,研究不同精料补饲水平对藏绵羊瘤胃代谢参数变化规律的影响。结果表明;随精料补饲水平提高,藏绵羊瘤胃液pH值下降,NH3-N浓度、NH3-N浓度平均值、总挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)浓度显著增加(P<0.05)。在本试验条件下,从藏绵羊瘤胃内环境的稳定方面考虑,藏绵羊每日补饲精料300 g效果最佳。     

日粮精粗比对育肥藏羊瘤胃组织形态及微生物菌群的影响

本试验旨在研究日粮精粗比对育肥藏羊瘤胃组织形态及微生物菌群的影响。选择210只早期断奶藏羔羊,随机分成7组,每组30只,分别对其饲喂精粗比为20∶80(A)、30∶70(B)、40∶60(C)、50∶50(D)、60∶40(E)、70∶30(F)和80∶20(G)的基础日粮,预饲期10 d,试验期90 d。试验结束后,每组随机选择3只试验羊屠宰,采集瘤胃组织及瘤胃液样品。试验采用冷冻切片观察瘤胃组织发育情况,测定瘤胃肌肉层、角化层厚度,乳头长度、宽度和密度;采用16S rDNA基因测序测定瘤胃微生物,分析瘤胃细菌丰度和多样性指数。结果表明:1)日粮精粗比可对瘤胃组织形态造成显著影响(P<0.05)。当精粗比例为50∶50时,藏羊瘤胃角化层厚度、瘤胃乳头密度和高度显著高于其余各组(P<0.05);精粗比例为30∶70时,瘤胃肌层厚度显著高于其余各组(P<0.05)。2)本试验7组共产生299个OTUs(operational taxonomic units),其中共有OTUs 259个,占比86.7%,独有OTUs 40个,其中F和G组分别含独有OTUs 14和8个;试验F组香浓指数、Ace指数和Chao1指数均显著高于其余各组,而辛普森指数显著低于其余各组(P<0.05);各组间细菌多样性差异显著(P<0.05)。3)门水平下,随着精粗比例上升厚壁菌门相对丰度有降低趋势,且A组显著高于其余各组(P<0.05);科水平下,毛螺菌科相对丰度与精粗比例呈负相关,E组普雷沃氏菌科相对丰度较高(P<0.05)。综合瘤胃组织表型和细菌菌群多样性可知:随着日粮中精料水平的提高,瘤胃组织形态发生改变,且在一定程度上抑制瘤胃乳头及角化层的发育;但日粮中精料比例的增加(70∶30)可丰富瘤胃中细菌多样性。     

Effect of ruminal dosing of mechanical stimulating brush on rumination time, ruminal passage rate and rumen fermentation status in Holstein steers fed a concentrate diet

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of ruminal dosing of a mechanical stimulating brush on rumination time, ruminal passage rate and rumen fermentation status in steers fed a concentrate diet at maintenance level. Animals were dosed three Rumen Faibu (RF) per head through the rumen fistulae (RF treatment) and not dosed (control) in a change‐over design. The organic cell wall content of the concentrate diet was 12.7% of dry matter. Daily time spent on rumination was very short in both treatments with 24 min in RF treatment and 15 min in control. The turnover rate of ruminal fluid in RF treatment was higher than that in control. There were no differences in ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration between RF treatment and control. Acetic and butyric acid concentrations were not different between the treatments. Propionic acid concentration tended to be higher in the animals on RF treatment than in control animals. The RF dosing in Holstein steers fed a low fiber diet did not affect the rumination time, but increased rumen digesta passage rate and ruminal propionic acid production.     

瘤胃源酵母的分离筛选及对不同底物发酵能力影响

本实验旨在分离筛选瘤胃源酵母,研究其对不同饲料底物的发酵特性。实验以山羊及奶牛瘤胃液为菌源,利用酵母选择性培养基,通过分离筛选、生长曲线测定和26S rDNA鉴定,获得1株生长速度较快的Meyerozyma属酵母菌株。在此基础上,采用体外发酵技术,分别以羊草与精料混合物、马铃薯淀粉和玉米淀粉为底物,以奶牛瘤胃液为接种物,研究该酵母菌株对瘤胃微生物体外发酵参数的影响。结果表明,在以羊草和精料混合物为底物时,添加瘤胃源酵母显著降低了发酵液pH和乳酸浓度(P<0.001),显著提高了丙酸浓度和干物质消失率(P<0.05);以玉米淀粉为底物时,添加该酵母菌显著降低了发酵液pH和乳酸浓度(P<0.001);以马铃薯淀粉为底物时,显著降低了pH(P<0.05),提高了丙酸浓度(P<0.05);但在上述3种底物条件下,添加酵母菌对发酵液中总产气量、氨态氮、乙酸、丁酸、异丁酸、戊酸和异戊酸浓度无显著影响(P>0.05)。采用Real-time PCR测定结果表明,添加该酵母菌可显著提高以羊草和马铃薯淀粉为底物时发酵液中总菌16S rDNA的挎贝数(P<0.05)。结果说明,本研究分离获取的瘤胃源酵母可提高瘤胃微生物对羊草精料混合物的降解能力,降低羊草精料混合物组和玉米淀粉组发酵液中乳酸浓度,提示该菌株可能具有提高日粮消化利用效率、促进丙酸生成和瘤胃细菌生长的作用。     

高精料日粮对山羊瘤胃和盲肠发酵及生物胺生成与吸收的影响研究

本实验旨在探究饲喂高精料日粮对山羊瘤胃和盲肠发酵、生物胺生成与吸收的影响研究。试验选用6头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的雄性波杂山羊,随机分成低精料组与高精料组,实验期24 d。结果显示,与低精料组相比,饲喂高精料日粮的山羊瘤胃液中总挥发性脂肪酸、乙酸、丙酸、丁酸、戊酸、总支链脂肪酸、酪胺、腐胺、组胺、甲胺和色胺浓度显著性增加(P<0.05),而瘤胃pH和乙丙比显著降低(P<0.05);饲喂高精料日粮的山羊盲肠内容物中的乙酸、丙酸、总挥发性脂肪酸浓度和上述5种生物胺浓度显著增加(P<0.05);同时,瘤胃和盲肠静脉血中的上述5种生物胺的浓度显著提高(P<0.05)。相关性分析结果表明,瘤胃液中酪胺、腐胺、甲胺和色胺浓度与瘤胃静脉血所对应的生物胺浓度呈显著正相关(P<0.05),且盲肠内容物中酪胺、腐胺、甲胺和色胺与盲肠静脉血中对应的生物胺的浓度呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。结果说明,饲喂高精料日粮促进了山羊瘤胃和盲肠发酵,提高了瘤胃与盲肠内容物中生物胺浓度,暗示高精料日粮可能提高消化道上皮的通透性,促进消化道上皮对生物胺的吸收。     

The effects of high levels of rumen degradable protein on rumen pH and histamine concentrations in dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the supplementation of crude protein (CP) results in rumen acidosis and increased histamine concentrations in dairy cows. Six ruminally fistulated, non-pregnant dry cows were fed three experimental rations in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The CP contents in the low-CP, the high rumen undegradable protein (high-RUP) and the high rumen degradable protein (high-RDP) rations were 112, 259 and 266 g/kg dry matter (DM) respectively. The cows were fed 7.7 kg DM of the concentrates and 2.7 kg DM of rice straw. High levels of RDP in the ration significantly increased the ammonia, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and histamine concentrations in the rumen fluid. However, supplemental CP, whether degradable or undegradable, did not significantly affect the pH of rumen fluid. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration was higher in both high-RDP and high-RUP in relation to cows fed the low-CP ration. The rise in ruminal histamine concentrations was physiologically non-relevant, most likely because rumen pH was not affected by supplemental CP at the installed level of DM intake. Therefore, it can be concluded that the issue of supplemental CP, rumen pH and ruminal histamine concentrations has not yet been settled. Further research is warranted to understand these relationships.     

纤维素酶对粗饲料人工瘤胃pH、氨态氮及产气量的影响

本试验分别以棉籽壳、苜蓿、小麦秸秆、玉米青贮、玉米秸秆为底物,采用人工瘤胃技术,研究不同水平纤维素酶对人工瘤胃pH、氨态氮浓度及产气量的影响。对照组未添加纤维素酶,试验1、2和3组分别添加纤维素酶140、280、420IU/mL。结果表明,不同水平纤维素酶的人工瘤胃pH无显著变化(P>0.05),氨态氮浓度变化不显著(P>0.05),但人工瘤胃最大产气量显著提高(P<0.05)。     

瘤胃中乳酸的代谢及其调控机制

有关瘤胃酸中毒发生机制研究表明,瘤胃乳酸的累积可能对酸中毒诱导起重要作用,而高精料日粮下瘤胃乳酸累积主要取决于瘤胃乳酸产生菌和乳酸利用菌间的平衡程度。本文综述了瘤胃微生物对乳酸的代谢机制,包括主要乳酸产生菌[溶纤维丁酸弧菌(Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens)、牛链球菌(Streptococcus bovis)、乳酸杆菌(Lactobacillus)]和主要乳酸利用菌[反刍兽新月单胞菌(Selenomonus ruminantium)、埃氏巨型球菌(Megasphaera elsdenii)],并简要概述了酸中毒的调控方法,旨在为反刍动物瘤胃酸中毒的乳酸中毒机制深入解析提供参考。     

复方中草药添加剂对南江黄羊瘤胃代谢和细菌数量的影响

对8只10月龄南江黄羊母羊(平均体重30.16 kg),安装永久性瘤胃瘘管。采用对比试验设计,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ组、试验Ⅱ组和试验Ⅲ组在精料中分别添加1%、2%、3%中草药。采集瘤胃液测定pH值、氨氮浓度和细菌数量。试验结果表明:试羊瘤胃液平均pH值在6.44⁷.10范围内变动。随中草药添加水平的提高,pH值上升(P<0.01)。瘤胃液平均氨氮质量浓度的变化范围为12.737.10范围内变动。随中草药添加水平的提高,pH值上升(P<0.01)。瘤胃液平均氨氮质量浓度的变化范围为12.73³9.84 mg/100mL,随中草药添加水平的提高,氨氮浓度增加(P<0.01)。添加中草药后,瘤胃中乳酸杆菌和淀粉分解菌数量增加,差异显著(P<0.05),但中草药添加水平对细菌数量无显著影响。以上结果说明,复方中草药添加剂可以改善瘤胃发酵功能,并促进乳酸杆菌和淀粉分解菌数量增加。     

低淀粉饲粮条件下不同瘤胃降解淀粉水平对体外瘤胃发酵的影响

本试验旨在研究玉米作为淀粉来源的低淀粉饲粮条件下不同瘤胃降解淀粉(RDS)水平对体外瘤胃发酵的影响。以3头安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的健康荷斯坦奶牛作为瘤胃液供体,各组分别以不同RDS水平饲粮作为发酵底物,体外产气法测定培养48 h时产气量和瘤胃发酵参数以及24 h时瘤胃微生物区系变化。结果表明:1)随着饲粮RDS水平的提高,体外培养48 h时产气量、潜在产气部分和产气速率呈线性升高(P0.05),快速发酵部分产气量呈线性下降(P0.05),干物质消失率呈线性升高(P0.05);2)随着饲粮RDS水平的提高,体外培养48 h时发酵液微生物蛋白、乙酸、丙酸、丁酸和总挥发性脂肪酸浓度呈线性升高(P0.05),pH和氨态氮浓度没有显著变化(P0.05);3)随着饲粮RDS水平的提高,体外培养24 h时发酵液中白色瘤胃球菌和嗜淀粉瘤胃杆菌的相对数量呈线性升高(P0.05),黄色瘤胃球菌、琥珀酸丝状杆菌、溶纤维丁酸弧菌、牛链球菌和溶淀粉琥珀酸单胞菌的相对数量没有显著变化(P0.05)。综合考虑,低淀粉饲粮条件下提高RDS水平有利于瘤胃发酵。     

不同瘤胃细菌培养物添加水平对奶牛瘤胃发酵及BCP含量的影响

本文旨在研究不同剂量的瘤胃细菌培养物对荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃发酵及菌体蛋白(BCP)含量的影响。试验采用单因素试验设计,选用4头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管,体况相近的荷斯坦奶牛,取其瘤胃液混匀,添加不同剂量的瘤胃细菌培养物进行体外培养,分别为:对照组(0 CUF/g),试验Ⅰ组(添加量为3%,4.4×108CUF/g),试验Ⅱ组(添加量为5%,7.8×108CUF/g),试验Ⅲ组(添加量为10%,1.2×109CUF/g),每组分别设2、4、8、12、24、36、48 h 7个指标测定时间点,每个时间点3个重复。结果表明:(1)添加瘤胃细菌培养物使瘤胃液pH有所降低,但始终在6.5～7.0,对瘤胃内环境无不良影响;(2)添加3%的瘤胃细菌培养物显著降低氨态氮(NH3-N)的含量(P<0.05),显著增加了培养液BCP的浓度(P<0.05);(3)添加3%的瘤胃细菌培养物可一定程度增加总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)和乙酸浓度,但对其他各挥发性脂肪酸及乙酸/丙酸比值无显著影响。由此可见,添加3%剂量的瘤胃细菌培养物可改变瘤胃的发酵环境,提高BCP浓度。     

Contribution of different rumen microbial groups to gas,short‐chain fatty acid and ammonium production from different diets—an approach in an in vitro fermentation system

In this study, the relative contribution of different microbial groups to ruminal metabolism was investigated for different diets. The rumen microbial cultures included whole rumen fluid, fungi + protozoa, bacteria + protozoa, protozoa and bacteria + fungi and were established by physical and chemical methods. Gas production, short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonium production were measured at 24 hr in in vitro incubations using the Hohenheim gas test (HGT) procedure. Seven donor animal diets with different concentrate‐to‐roughage ratios (C:R: 10:90, 30:70, 50:50, 70:30, 70:30BC (BC = NaHCO₃), 90:10 and 90:10BC) and five HGT diets (C:R: 10:90, 30:70, 50:50, 70:30 and 90:10) were formulated. Incubations in the HGT were always based on inoculum from sheep diets with the respective C:R ratio. Gas and ammonium production increased (p < 0.001) as a result of a gradual increase in concentrate proportion of the diets. In general, SCFA production followed the same trend. Whole rumen fluid and bacteria + fungi produced approximately 50% higher gas volume than protozoa and fungi + protozoa fractions, whereas gas production with bacteria + protozoa was at an intermediate level. Coculture of protozoa either with bacteria or with fungi produced more ammonium. Populations without bacteria were characterized by a particularly high acetate/propionate ratio. Although an interaction between microbial group and diet was observed for several variables, no clear direction could be established. Manipulating rumen fluid by selectively suppressing specific rumen microbial groups may be a helpful tool in elucidating their role in nutrient degradation and turnover in vitro.     

精料补饲水平对暖季放牧牦牛瘤胃发酵和菌群结构的影响

为了研究精料补饲水平对暖季放牧牦牛瘤胃发酵和菌群结构的影响,试验选取体重相近、体况良好的公牦牛48头,随机分为4组,每组12头,以放牧为对照组,3个补饲组分别补饲0.5（Ⅰ）、1.5（Ⅱ）和2.5 kg·d^-1（Ⅲ）精料。预试期10 d,正式期60 d。结果表明：1）随着精料补饲水平的提高,瘤胃液pH值,乙酸浓度和乙酸/丙酸值呈线性和二次降低（P<0.05）;瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸、丙酸、丁酸、异丁酸、戊酸和异戊酸浓度呈线性和二次提高（P<0.05）;其中补饲Ⅱ和Ⅲ组的微生物蛋白浓度显著高于其他两组（P<0.05）。2）4组共产生3138个OTU,其中共有OTU为1337个,占总OTU数目的42.61%,对照组与补饲Ⅲ组独有OTU分别为183和106个;瘤胃液细菌的物种数、Chao1指数和香农（Shannon）指数随精料补饲的提高呈线性和二次降低（P<0.05）。3）在门水平上,瘤胃拟杆菌门（Bacteroidetes）相对丰度呈线性和二次提高（P<0.05）;而厚壁菌门（Firmicutes）相对丰度随精料补饲水平提高呈线性和二次降低（P<0.05）;放线菌门（Actinobacteria）相对丰度随精料补饲水平的提高呈线性提高（P<0.05）。在属水平上,随精料补饲水平的提高,瘤胃普雷沃菌属_1（Prevotella_1）、克里斯滕森菌科_R-7（Christensenellaceae_R-7）及普雷沃氏菌科_UCG-001（Prevotellaceae_UCG-001）相对丰度呈线性和二次提高（P<0.05）;而解琥珀酸菌属（Succiniclasticum）和瘤胃球菌科_UCG-005（Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005）相对丰度随着精料补饲水平的提高呈线性和二次降低（P<0.05）。综上所述,适宜提高精料补饲水平能够促进暖季放牧牦牛瘤胃发酵,提高瘤胃部分淀粉相关降解菌的丰度。     

The effect of dietary Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on micro‐organism community,enzyme activities and fatty acid profile in the rumen liquid of goats

Microalgae might be considered as an alternative source of fat and/or protein for ruminant's diets. However, changes in populations of ruminal micro‐organisms associated with biohydrogenation process, methane and ammonia production in response to microalgae dietary supplementation have not been well characterized. Thus, 16 cross‐bred goats were divided into two groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group had no microalgae while those of the treated group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrate (chlor). On the 30th experimental day, samples of rumen fluid were collected for microbial DNA extraction, fatty acid profile and enzyme activity analyses. The results showed that the chlor diet compared with the control increased significantly the populations of Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium and Methanogens bacteria and protozoa in the rumen of goats. A significant reduction in the cellulase activity and in the abundance of Ruminococcus albus, and a significant increase in the protease activity and in the abundance of Clostridium sticklandii in the rumen liquid of goats fed with the chlor diet, compared with the control, were found. Chlorella vulgaris supplementation promoted the formation of trans C_18:1, trans‐11 C_18:1 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), while the proportions of C_18:0 and long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) reduced significantly in the rumen liquid of goats. This shift in ruminal biohydrogenation pathway was accompanied by a significant increase in Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens trans C_18:1‐producing bacteria. In conclusion, the supplementation of diets with microalgae needs further investigation because it enhances the populations of methane‐producing bacteria and protozoa.     

Effects of pistachio by‐products in replacement of alfalfa hay on populations of rumen bacteria involved in biohydrogenation and fermentative parameters in the rumen of sheep

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sundried pistachio by‐products (PBP) as a replacement of alfalfa hay (AH) on blood metabolites, rumen fermentation and populations of rumen bacteria involved in biohydrogenation (BH) in Baluchi sheep. Four adult male Baluchi sheep (41 ± 1.3 kg, BW) fitted with ruminal cannulae were randomly assigned to four experimental diets in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were as follows: (i) control, (ii) 12% PBP (0.33 of AH in basal diet replaced by PBP), (iii) 24% PBP (0.66 of AH in basal diet replaced by PBP) and (iv) 36% PBP (all of AH in basal diet replaced by PBP). The basal diet was 360 g/kg dry matter (DM) alfalfa hay, 160 g/kg DM wheat straw and 480 g/kg DM concentrate. The trial consisted of four periods, each composed of 16 days adaptation and 4 days data collection including measurement of blood metabolites, rumen fermentation and population of bacteria. No differences were observed in rumen pH among the treatments, while rumen ammonia‐N concentrations were decreased (p< 0.05) with increasing PBP by up to 36% DM of the diets. Using of 36% PBP in the diet reduced (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations and the molar proportion of acetate, while the concentration of propionate, butyrate and acetate to propionate ratio were similar to all other treatments. The concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased (p < 0.01) with increasing PBP by up to 36% DM in the diets of sheep. However, other blood metabolites were not affected by the experimental diets. It was concluded that PBP in replacement of AH had no effects on the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus in relation to the control diet.     

Effect of feeding Acacia nilotica pods to sheep on nutrient digestibility,nitrogen balance,ruminal protozoa and rumen enzymes activity

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplying two levels of Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica) pods to rations of sheep on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen liquor parameters (pH, total protozoa count, protein concentration and enzymes activity). Twelve mature rams (50 ± 1.25 kg B.W.) were distributed into three groups, each with four rams. Animals in group one were considered as a control which fed a basal diet, consisting of concentrate mixture and Egyptian clover. The second group and the third one received the same basal diet with supplying the concentrate mixture by 1.5% and 3.0% of A. nilotica pods meal respectively. The experiment lasted for 3 weeks. It was found that supplementation of A. nilotica pods to the concentrate mixture at a rate of 1.5% and 3.0% significantly improved the total feed intake compared to the control. The digestibility of dry matter and crude fibre was significantly reduced with A. nilotica supplements, whereas the digestibility of crude protein was significantly improved. All of nitrogen intake and N‐retained were significantly increased in rams fed on concentrates with 1.5% and 3.0% A.  nilotica pods when compared to the control. The pH of ruminal fluid was not affected by the dietary treatments. Nevertheless, the total rumen protozoa count was significantly decreased in A. nilotica pods supplemented groups. Also, the rumen protein concentration and the ruminal enzymes activity, especially α‐amylase, cellulase and protease, were lower in A. nilotica pods supplemented treatments. In conclusions, inclusion of low levels of A. nilotica pods (1.5% and 3.0%) in the concentrates can be used as a natural protein protectant in ruminants by forming tannin protein complexes in the rumen to maximize the amino acids available in the lower digestive tract. Also, these levels can increase the protein digestibility as well as the N‐retained in the body .     

Effect of a hay and a grain diet on the rate of hydrolysis of ochratoxin A in the rumen of sheep

The hydrolysis of ochratoxin A (OA) and the corresponding formation of its hydrolysis product, alpha ochratoxin (O alpha), by ruminal digesta and in the rumen of hay-fed and grain-fed sheep were compared. Ruminal contents from sheep fed diets with hay or with grain hydrolyzed OA in vitro; the majority of the activity was associated with the particulate fraction of the ruminal contents. The rate of hydrolysis of OA by ruminal fluid that was adjusted to different pH values was not influenced (P greater than .6) by the pH of the samples (pH was from 5.5 to 7.0). Ruminal fluid obtained from hay-fed animals (pH 7.0) was able to hydrolyze OA in vitro and to produce the hydrolyzed product, O alpha, at a much greater rate (fivefold) than ruminal fluid obtained from grain-fed animals (pH 5.5) (P less than .01). Ochratoxin A was administered intraruminally at a concentration of .5 mg/kg of BW to hay-fed and grain-fed sheep. The half-lives for disappearance of OA from the rumen of sheep fed grain (normal feed intake, rumen pH 5.7), fed grain at a low level (30% of normal feed intake, pH 6.5), and fed hay (pH 7.1) were 3.6, 1.3, and .6 h, respectively. The results suggest that OA is hydrolyzed much faster in the rumen of sheep fed hay than in sheep fed grain, presumably because of the different ruminal microbial population, which in turn influenced the rate of hydrolysis of OA.     

The bio‐surfactant mannosylerythritol lipid acts as a selective antibacterial agent to modulate rumen fermentation

Methyl‐mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL), a new sugar esterified lipid synthesized by Pseudozyma aphidis, was assessed for its functionality in modulating rumen fermentation and microbiota toward more propionate and less methane production. A pure culture study using rumen representatives showed that MEL selectively inhibited the growth of most Gram‐positive bacteria including Streptococcus bovis, ruminococci, and Fibrobacter succinogenes, but not Gram‐negative bacteria such as Megasphaera elsdenii, Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, and Selenomonas ruminantium. A batch culture study revealed that MEL significantly decreased methane production in a dose‐dependent manner with accumulation of hydrogen, while propionate production was enhanced. A continuous culture (Rusitec) study confirmed all of these changes. A feeding study revealed that sheep fed a MEL diet showed an increased proportion of propionate, while proportions of acetate and butyrate were decreased without affecting total VFA level. These changes disappeared after cessation of MEL feeding. Based on these results, dietary application of MEL can favorably modify rumen fermentation in terms of the efficiency of dietary energy utilization.     

Subacute rumen acidosis in lactating cows: an investigation in intensive Italian dairy herds

Subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) represents one of the most important metabolic disorders in intensive dairy farms that affects rumen fermentations, animal welfare, productivity and farm profitability. The aim of the present study was to study the occurrence of SARA in intensive Italian dairy herds and to determine the relationship between diet composition, ruminal pH and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration. Ten commercial dairy herds were investigated; twelve cows in each herd were selected randomly among animal without clinical signs of disease, with good body condition and between 5 and 60 day-in-milk (DIM), to perform rumenocentesis and obtain rumen fluid. Ruminal pH was determined immediately after sampling and concentration of SCFA in ruminal fluid was determined on samples after storage. An other objective of this research was to study in detail the effects of rumenocentesis on animal health: this study could confirm the extreme validity of this technique as ruminal sampling. Results were subject to anova and correlation analysis using SIGMA STAT 2.03. The results indicated the presence of SARA in three herds (more than 33% cows with rumen pH < 5.5), a critical situation (more than 33% cows with rumen pH < 5.8) in five farms and a normal rumen pH condition in two herds. In particular, dairy herds show on average SCFA concentration of 150, 145, 123 mmol/l for low pH, critical pH and normal pH herds respectively. There were not significant differences among diet composition even if herds with SARA showed a light discordance between initially chemistry composition and residual feed. In the affected herds it was not possible to understand the exact causes of SARA. Animal management seems to be one of the most important factors in developing SARA including total mixed ration preparation.     

Effect of several supplemental Chinese herbs additives on rumen fermentation, antioxidant function and nutrient digestibility in sheep

Two experiments were carried out in this study. Experiment 1 was conducted to examine the effects of several supplemental Chinese herbs on antioxidant function and slaughtered body weight in sheep. Results indicated that Fructus Ligustri Lucidi supplementation improved the blood antioxidant function [higher concentration of glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase and lower concentration of malondialdehyde] and slaughtered body weight in sheep (p < 0.05). Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate the effect of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract (FLLE) on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility in sheep. Four levels of FLLE treatments, i.e. 0, 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg dry matter (DM), were used in this part. Addition of FLLE at 300 or 500 mg/kg DM increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration and propionate proportion, decreased ammonia-N concentration in the ruminal fluid, reduced blood urea nitrogen concentration at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after morning feeding (p < 0.05). Addition of FLLE at all dosages had no effect on ruminal pH value and acetate concentration at all sampling time points in sheep (p > 0.05). Dynamic degradation coefficient c of maize DM was significantly increased by supplementing FLLE at 300 or 500 mg/kg DM (p < 0.05). Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract addition had no effect on degradation coefficients a, b, c of DM and nitrogen of soybean meal; a, b of maize DM; a, b, c of maize nitrogen; and a, b, c of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) of Chinese wildrye (p > 0.05). Addition of FLLE at 300 or 500 mg/kg DM increased DM and organic matter digestibility of diet (p < 0.05). Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract addition had no effect on digestibility of diet's NDF, ADF and crude protein (p > 0.05). From the aforementioned results, it is indicated that FLLE improved antioxidant status and slaughtered body weight. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract addition has capability to modulate rumen fermentation, increase the maize degradation rate, total volatile fatty acid concentration and propionate proportion in sheep.