体外法研究生石膏对瘤胃发酵、甲烷生成及微生态的影响

通过体外产气法研究了生石膏对瘤胃发酵、甲烷生成及微生态的影响。按单因子试验设计,在底物中分别按其干物质的0(对照组)、1.25%(低水平组)、2.5%(高水平组)添加生石膏,每个组设4个重复,进行24h体外发酵培养。结果显示,随生石膏添加水平升高,乙酸与总挥发性脂肪酸浓度、乙酸与丙酸的浓度比、12和24h产气量、氢的生成量及甲烷菌数量显著(P0.05)或极显著(P0.01)降低,而丙酸占总挥发性脂肪酸的比例与原虫数量极显著(P0.01)升高;生石膏添加会显著(P0.05)或显著(P0.01)降低12和24h甲烷产量,而高水平添加会显著(P0.05)降低丙酸浓度与乙酸占总挥发性脂肪酸的比例。结果表明,生石膏可通过减少氢的供应量和抑制甲烷菌生长而降低体外甲烷产量,同时会促进原虫增殖,致使2种添加水平的相对甲烷抑制潜势没有显著(P0.05)差异。     

水热处理对黄豆秸秆体外发酵、甲烷生成及微生物的影响北大核心CSCD

本试验旨在研究水热处理对黄豆秸秆体外发酵、甲烷生成及微生物的影响。黄豆秸秆经水热处理后,利用全自动体外模拟瘤胃发酵系统发酵72 h,评估化学成分变化、降解特性、发酵参数、产气参数及微生物区系。结果表明:水热处理降低黄豆秸秆中性洗涤纤维(P<0.001)、酸性洗涤纤维(P<0.001)及半纤维素(P<0.001)含量,提高中性洗涤可溶物(P<0.001)、水溶性碳水化合物(P<0.001)、阿拉伯糖(P<0.001)及半乳糖(P<0.001)含量;水热处理提高黄豆秸秆干物质消失率(P<0.001)和发酵液挥发性脂肪酸浓度(P<0.05),降低乙酸/丙酸(P<0.001)、甲烷(P<0.001)与氢气产量(P<0.001)及真菌(P<0.01)、产琥珀酸丝状杆菌(P<0.05)和产甲烷菌(P<0.05)数量。结果显示:水热处理可破坏黄豆秸秆纤维素-半纤维素-木质素结构,增加中性洗涤可溶物含量,促进瘤胃降解,并减少真菌和产甲烷菌的数量,降低甲烷产量。     

The effects of dietary medium-chain fatty acids on ruminal methanogenesis and fermentation in vitro and in vivo: A meta-analysis

The efficacy of methane (CH₄) suppression using medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) remains inconclusive, despite a number of studies on this topic are available. We thus carried out a meta-analysis to integrate the published data on different concentrations and types of MCFA such as lauric acid and myristic acid, which investigated ruminal methanogenesis and fermentation in in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro MCFA sources were classified either as pure MCFA (lauric acid, myristic acid and their combinations) or as natural MCFA-rich oils (canola oil enriched with lauric acids, coconut oil, krabok oil and palm kernel oil). The MCFA sources used in the in vivo studies were coconut oil, lauric acid, myristic acid and the combination of lauric and myristic acids. A total of 41 studies (20 in vitro and 21 in vivo studies) were compiled in our database, which included the data on CH₄ emission, digestibility, ruminal fermentation products and microbial populations. The results showed that the amount of CH₄ production per unit of digested organic matter decreased linearly under in vitro conditions (p < .01) and tended to decrease quadratically under in vivo conditions (p < .07) with increasing doses of MCFA. Populations of protozoa (p < .01) in both in vitro and in vivo responded negatively in a linear manner, whereas Archaea population diminished quadratically (p = .04) only in the in vitro conditions with increasing doses of MCFA. Increasing dietary MCFA concentrations also reduced the fibre digestibility linearly (p < .05) in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. CH₄ production for different sources of MCFA decreased in following order: coconut oil > lauric acid > myristic acid > mixed lauric and myristic acids > palm kernel oil > canola oil enriched with lauric acids > krabok oil. It can be concluded that the effect of MCFA on ruminal methanogenesis depends on the amount and type of MCFA.     

葡萄籽精油对体外瘤胃发酵和甲烷生成的影响

通过体外培养法研究发酵底物精粗比7∶3条件下,添加100,150和250μL/L葡萄籽精油对瘤胃发酵和甲烷产量的影响。采用气相色谱仪测定甲烷产量,培养24 h后,测定挥发性脂肪酸、pH、氨态氮浓度和原虫数。结果发现,添加葡萄籽精油100μL/L和150μL/L与对照组相比提高累计产气量、发酵液pH值(P<0.05)、乙酸摩尔比例,降低甲烷浓度(P<0.01)、丙酸、丁酸、戊酸和支链挥发性脂肪酸摩尔比例。葡萄籽精油添加量为150μL/L降低氨态氮浓度及瘤胃原虫数,添加100μL/L葡萄籽精油提高总挥发性脂肪酸。试验表明,适宜添加量的葡萄籽精油可以改变瘤胃发酵模式,增加丙酸乙酸比例,抑制甲烷生成。     

Effect of supplementation of rice bran and fumarate alone or in combination on in vitro rumen fermentation,methanogenesis and methanogens

This study investigated the effect of fumarate (FUM) and rice bran (RB), alone and together, on in vitro rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and methanogens. In vitro incubation was performed with six media that were either unsupplemented (control) or supplemented with 10% RB, 5 mmol/L FUM, 10% RB + 5 mmol/L FUM, 10 mmol/L FUM, or 10% RB + 10 mmol/L FUM. Methane (CH₄) production, dry matter digestibility, CH₄ per digested dry matter, total short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, proportion of SCFA, acetate : proprionate ratio, production of NH₃‐N, and population density of rumen microbes were determined. Supplementation with 10% RB + 10 mmol/L FUM yielded a 36% decrease in CH₄ production compared to the control. Supplementation of FUM, in the presence or absence of RB, provided increases in total SCFA production and propionate proportion up to 61% and 31%, respectively. Total bacteria, methanogens and protozoa populations were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the 10% RB + 10 mmol/L FUM supplementation. The effect of anti‐methanogenesis of FUM was enhanced by the addition of RB. Notably, the CH₄ production attenuation was achieved by 10% RB + 10 mmol/L FUM without reduction of digestibility or of ruminal fermentation.     

竹叶提取物对肉牛生产性能、瘤胃发酵特征及微生物数量的影响

试验研究竹叶提取物对肉牛生产性能、瘤胃发酵特征及微生物数量的影响.选取24头6月龄、体重(259.30±12.17) kg的西门塔尔杂交公牛,随机分为4组,每组6个重复.各组肉牛日粮中分别添加0(对照组)、40、80、120 g/d竹叶提取物,试验期180 d.结果 显示,80 g/d组肉牛的平均日增重和平均干物质采食...     

Effect of the administration of young leaves of Quercus pyrenaica on rumen fermentation in relation to oak tannin toxicosis in cattle

Three experiments were conducted to study the effect of the administration of young leaves of Quercus pyrenaica (OL) on in vivo ruminal fermentation in relation to oak tannin toxicosis in cattle. In Experiment 1, six bulls were fed up to 5 kg fresh matter (FM) of OL per animal and day for 14 days. In Experiment 2, another six bulls were first subjected to severe feed restriction for 8 days and then fed a higher amount of OL (approximately 10 kg FM daily) for 3 days. In Experiment 3, three bulls received the same amount of OL as in Experiment 1 for 6 days, but adding a severe feed restriction as in Experiment 2. In situ DM disappearance of grass hay and OL, and pH and ammonia and volatile fatty acid concentrations were recorded throughout the three assays. Daily administration of up to 5 kg OL did not considerably affect ruminal fermentation, unless it was preceded by a severe feed restriction period. Administration of 10 kg OL preceded by undernutrition triggered a critical reduction in rumen fermentation activity concomitantly with an acute intoxication. Interestingly, some results differ from those observed previously in vitro, which highlights the importance of validating in vitro data with in vivo measurements, given the complexity of extrapolation in ruminants.     

Papaya (Carica papaya) leaf methanolic extract modulates in vitro rumen methanogenesis and rumen biohydrogenation

Papaya leaf methanolic extract (PLE) at concentrations of 0 (CON), 5 (LLE), 10 (MLE) and 15 (HLE) mg/250 mg dry matter (DM) with 30 mL buffered rumen fluid were incubated for 24 h to identify its effect on in vitro ruminal methanogenesis and ruminal biohydrogenation (BH). Total gas production was not affected (P > 0.05) by addition of PLE compared to the CON at 24 h of incubation. Methane (CH₄) production (mL/250 mg DM) decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of PLE. Acetate to propionate ratio was lower (P <0.05) in MLE (2.02) and HLE (1.93) compared to the CON (2.28). Supplementation of the diet with PLE significantly (P <0.05) decreased the rate of BH of C18:1n‐9 (oleic acid; OA), C18:2n‐6 (linoleic acid; LA), C18:3n‐3 (linolenic acid; LNA) and C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) compared to CON after 24 h incubation, which resulted in higher concentrations of BH intermediates such as C18:1 t11 (vaccenic acid; VA), c9t11 conjugated LA (CLA) (rumenic acid; RA) and t10c12 CLA. Real‐time PCR analysis indicated that the total bacteria, total protozoa, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and methanogen population in HLE decreased (P <0.05) compared to CON, but the total bacteria and B. fibrisolvens population were higher (P < 0.05) in CON compared to the PLE treatment groups.     

Effect of nisin and monensin on rumen fermentation in the artificial rumen

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of nisin and monensin on rumen fermentation of diets containing hay and barley (80:20%) in artificial rumen (Rusitec system). The Rusitec system consisted of four fermentation vessels (V1, V2, V3, V4): V1 was without additives (control), V2 received daily 2 mg of nisin, V3 involved 5 mg of monensin and V4 combination of 2 mg of nisin with 5 mg of monensin. After an adaptation period (7 days), the fermentation parameters were determined for six consecutive days. Compared to control diet, the addition of nisin resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) of hemicellulose degradation, acetate, propionate (mmol.day-1) production and energetic efficiency of VFA (E), decrease of butyrate production. Nisin had no effect on dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), cellulose and detergent fiber degradation, production of total gas, methane and efficiency of microbial synthesis. The addition of monensin resulted in an decrease of DM, OM (P < 0.05), cellulose, hemicellulose, detergent fiber degradation (P < 0.001), total gas, methane and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) production. Monensin also significantly decreased acetate, butyrate, L-lactate (mmol.day-1) production and it increased propionate production (P > 0.001) and efficiency of microbial synthesis. The combined effect of nisin and monensin in V4 was similar to the effect of monensin in V3 compared to control. Then, the effect of additive monensin was dominant over nisin. In conclusion, our results indicate that nisin was less effective than monensin on some fermentation parameters (important for the improvement of the efficiency of utilization of the diet by ruminants) in artificial rumen.     

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine compounds on rumen fermentation,methanogenesis and microbial flora in vitro

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine compounds (TCMC) on rumen fermentation, methane emission and populations of ruminal microbes using an in vitro gas production technique. Cablin patchouli herb (CPH), Atractylodes rhizome (AR), Amur Cork-tree (AC) and Cypsum were mixed with the weight ratios of 1:1:1:0.5 and 1:1:1:1 to make up TCMC1 and TCMC2, respectively. Both TCMC were added at level of 25 g/kg of substrate dry matter. In vitro gas production was recorded and methane concentration was determined at 12 and 24 h of incubation. After 24 h, the incubation was terminated and the inoculants were measured for pH, ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids (VFA). Total deoxyribonucleic acid of ruminal microbes was extracted from the inocula, and populations were determined by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Populations of total rumen methanogens, protozoa, total fungi, Ruminococcus albus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens were expressed as a proportion of total rumen bacterial 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid. Compared with the control, the 2 TCMC decreased (P ≤ 0.05) total VFA concentration, acetate molar proportion, acetate to propionate ratio, gas and methane productions at 12 and 24 h, hydrogen (H) produced and consumed, and methanogens and total fungi populations, while the 2 TCMC increased (P ≤ 0.05) propionate molar proportion. Traditional Chinese medicine compound 1 also decreased (P ≤ 0.05) R. flavefaciens population. From the present study, it is inferred that there is an effect of the TCMC in suppressing methanogenesis, probably mediated via indirect mode by channeling H₂ utilized for methanogenesis to synthesis of propionate and direct action against the rumen microbes involved in methane formation. In addition, the relative methane reduction potential (RMRP) of TCMC2 was superior to that of TCMC1.     

胍基乙酸对锦江黄牛瘤胃体外发酵参数的影响

为研究饲料中添加胍基乙酸对牛瘤胃体外发酵参数的影响,试验选取3只身体健康、2岁左右、体重为(200~250)kg、安装瘤胃瘘管的锦江黄牛供采集瘤胃液。采取体外产气法对添加不同水平胍基乙酸(0.1%、0.2%、0.3%、0.4%)体外发酵培养,测定24 h培养液中pH、氨态氮(NH3-N)、挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)、微生物蛋白(MCP)浓度及干物质消化率等瘤胃发酵指标。结果表明:(1)随着胍基乙酸添加量的增加,0.4%添加组产气量显著提高40.82%(P<0.05)。胍基乙酸添加组的pH显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05),但均在正常范围内;NH3-N浓度随着添加剂量的增加呈先降低后升高趋势,其中0.1%、0.2%添加组显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05),分别降低了10.55%、15.29%。瘤胃微生物蛋白含量随着胍基乙酸添加量的增加而增加,0.4%添加组显著提高了1.41%(P<0.05)。干物质消化率(IVDMD)随着胍基乙酸添加量的增加先增加后减少,其中0.4%添加组显著提高了11.24%(P<0.05)。(2)胍基乙酸组挥发性脂肪酸总量、乙酸、丙酸、丁酸有上升趋势,并且0.4%添加组显著高于空白对照组(P<0.05),其中TVFA提高了6.58%,丙酸含量提高了9.08%。但是乙酸/丙酸各组无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上所述,胍基乙酸添加可以促进瘤胃发酵功能。     

Effects of replacing dietary starch with neutral detergent–soluble fibre on ruminal fermentation,microbial synthesis and populations of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria using the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC)

A rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) apparatus with eight 800 ml fermenters was used to investigate the effects of replacing dietary starch with neutral detergent–soluble fibre (NDSF) by inclusion of sugar beet pulp in diets on ruminal fermentation, microbial synthesis and populations of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria. Experimental diets contained 12.7, 16.4, 20.1 or 23.8% NDSF substituted for starch on a dry matter basis. The experiment was conducted over two independent 15‐day incubation periods with the last 8 days used for data collection. There was a tendency that 16.4% NDSF in the diet increased the apparent disappearance of organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Increasing dietary NDSF level increased carboxymethylcellulase and xylanase activity in the solid fraction and apparent disappearance of acid detergent fibre (ADF) but reduced the 16S rDNA copy numbers of Ruminococcus albus in both liquid and solid fractions and R. flavefaciens in the solid fraction. The apparent disappearance of dietary nitrogen (N) was reduced by 29.6% with increased dietary NDSF. Substituting NDSF for starch appeared to increase the ratios of acetate/propionate and methane/volatile fatty acids (VFA) (mol/mol). Replacing dietary starch with NDSF reduced the daily production of ammonia‐N and increased the growth of the solid‐associated microbial pellets (SAM). Total microbial N flow and efficiency of microbial synthesis (EMS), expressed as g microbial N/kg OM fermented, tended to increase with increased dietary NDSF, but the numerical increase did not continue as dietary NDSF exceeded 20.1% of diet DM. Results suggested that substituting NDSF for starch up to 16.4% of diet DM increased digestion of nutrients (except for N) and microbial synthesis, and further increases (from 16.4% to 23.8%) in dietary NDSF did not repress microbial synthesis but did significantly reduce digestion of dietary N.     

Effect of ensiling persimmon peel and grape pomace as tannin-rich byproduct feeds on their chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ensiling fruit byproducts on their chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation. Persimmon peel (PP), white grape pomace (WGP), and red grape pomace (RGP) were ensiled for 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Fresh and ensiled PP, WGP, and RGP were used for in vitro rumen fermentation with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG). The non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) content of the byproducts decreased after ensiling, especially for PP. The total tannin content was not changed after ensiling for up to 4 weeks for all byproducts. However, the soluble tannin content in PP decreased but that in grape pomaces was unaffected by ensiling. Gas production, total volatile fatty acid concentration, and methane production by in vitro rumen fermentation for PP and WGP were reduced by ensiling, and increased by adding PEG, except for gas production from the PP silage. These results indicated that changes in the fractions of carbohydrate and tannins during the ensiling process were different between PP and grape pomace. Even though the insolubilization of tannins in PP during ensiling reduced its inhibitory effect on ruminal fermentability, the ensiling PP seemed to remain the ability to mitigate methanogenesis in the rumen.     

Effect of different liquid cultures of live yeast strains on performance,ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in lambs

Three yeast strains, Kluyveromyces marximanus NRRL-3234 (KM), Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC-42 (SC) and Saccharomyces uvarum ATCC-9080 (SU), and a mixed culture (1:1:1 ratio) were evaluated for their value as probiotics in lamb feeding in two experiment. In experiment I and II, 20 and 30 pre-weaner lambs were fed for 63 and 60 days in two and three equal groups respectively. All lambs were offered ad libitum a creep mixture and Zizyphus nummularia leaves, and yeasts were dosed orally. In experiment I, one group received no yeast, the other of the mixed culture (1.5–2 × 10¹⁰ live cells/ml). In experiment II, yeast cultivation was modified yielding 1.5–2 × 10¹³ live cells/ml. Lambs of the three experimental groups received 1 ml/kg live weight of one of the individual yeasts. Feed intake did not differ among groups of both experiments with the exception of SC-supplemented lambs in experiment II which showed a trend to higher intakes per kg metabolic body weight and in percentage of body weight when compared with KM- and SU-supplemented lambs. Supplementation of the mixed yeast culture had no effect on intakes of digestible crude protein and metabolisable energy, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation characteristics (pH, ammonia, volatile fatty acid concentration, protozoa count) and urinary allantoin as an indicator of microbial protein synthesis. The same was true for comparisons in experiment II except ciliate protozoa counts, which showed a trend to be the highest with SU and the lowest with SC. The results of present study show that the response of lambs to supplemented live yeast cultures is inconsistent, as it lacked to have an effect in the present study, and that differences among strains were small, even when supplemented at a much higher live cell count.     

Performance,rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of dairy calves fed starter mixtures supplemented with herbal plants,essential oils or monensin

This study evaluated the supplementation effects of three herbal plants (thyme [THY], eucalyptus [EUC] and celery [CEL]), a commercial phytogenic additive ?containing essential oils (PFA‐EO, Digestarom^® P.E.P.) and monensin (MON) in calf starter on performance, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites during pre‐ (days 3–55) and post‐weaning (days 56–70). Sixty‐six Holstein dairy calves (3 days of age, 41.2 ± 3 kg of BW) were allocated to one of six starters supplemented with: (i) no additives (CON), (ii) MON (30 mg/kg), (iii) THY (23 g/kg), (iv) CEL (23 g/kg), (v) EUC (23 g/kg) and (vi) PFA‐EO (3 g/kg). All the calves were offered starters ad libitum plus 6 L of whole milk daily. Starter intake tended to be the highest in calves fed PFA‐EO and THY; intermediate in calves fed CON, MON and EUC; and the lowest in those fed CEL. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) remained unaffected by dietary treatments during the pre‐weaning. During the post‐weaning period, ADG and FE ?were greatest in calves fed EUC followed by those fed CON, MON, PFA‐EO and THY, and then in those fed CEL. No differences were observed among the treatments in skeletal growth, faecal score, rumen pH or ammonia‐N concentration. Compared to calves fed CON and MON, those fed the herbal plants or PFA‐EO tended to recorded higher molar proportions of acetate and butyrate, and the acetate: propionate ratio. Blood malondialdehyde level did not differ among treatments, but calves on CON had the highest glucose concentration, and those fed PFA‐EO recorded the highest value for β‐hydroxyl butyrate on day 70. In conclusion, the results indicate that the three herbs and PFA‐EO are capable of modulating some of the rumen fermentation parameters and blood metabolites as well as eucalyptus could potentially be a better alternative to monensin for improving post‐weaning performance.     

莫能菌素对肉牛育肥期瘤胃发酵和日粮主要成分消化率的影响

采用单因子试验设计,以青贮和大麦为基础日粮,在基础日粮中分别添加莫能菌素0、1000和1400mg(20%预混料),研究肉牛育肥期日粮中添加莫能菌素对瘤胃pH值、NH3-N、VFA和日粮主要成分消化率的影响。研究结果表明:各组牛瘤胃液pH值差异不显著(P>0.05);添加莫能菌素1000mg组NH3-N浓度显著低于添加莫能菌素1400mg组和对照组(P<0.05);添加莫能菌素1000mg显著提高了TVFA和丙酸浓度(P<0.05),降低乙酸/丙酸比值(P<0.05);添加莫能菌素1000mg显著提高日粮粗蛋白的消化率(P<0.05),但对其它主要成分消化率有降低趋势,且差异不显著(P>0.05)。根据试验结果推断肉牛育肥期日粮莫能菌素的添加水平为1000mg(20%预混料)为佳。     

Effects of substituting kraft pulp with corn silage on dry matter intake,ruminal mat formation,rumen fermentation,and rumination activity in non‐lactating cows

The present study examined the effects of substituting kraft pulp (KP) with corn silage (CS) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal mat and rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumination. Four non‐lactating, rumen‐cannulated Holstein cows were fed a CS diet comprising 36% grass silage (GS) and 64% CS or a KP diet comprising 36% GS, 57% KP, and 7% soybean meal. DMI was significantly lower in cows fed the KP diet than in those fed the CS diet (p < 0.05), whereas rumination time did not significantly differ between the treatments. Dry matter content in the rumen immediately before and 3 h after feeding was significantly higher in cows fed the KP diet than in those fed the CS diet (p < 0.05). The consistency and thickness of the ruminal mat did not significantly differ between the treatments. The ruminal mean retention time of feed particles tended to be longer in cows fed the KP diet than in those fed the CS diet (p < 0.10). The ruminal digestion rate of KP was comparable to that of GS and CS. Because ruminal mat was formed and rumination was stimulated, KP was considered to have the equivalent physical effectiveness as CS.     

Effect of monensin on rumen fermentation and performance of young calves

The effect of monensin on the growth and rumen metabolism of young calves (30 days old initially) was followed in 70-day experiment. Calves diet consisted of a milk substitute (4 1 per day), a concentrate mixture (13 g per 1 kg of live weight per day) and meadow hay ad libitum. Ten calves were fed 0.65 mg of monensin (SPOFA, Czechoslovakia) per 1 kg of live weight per day. Ten calves served as a control. The non-glucogenic/glucogenic ratio of VFA, mol-% acetate and butyrate were significantly lower and propionate higher in monensin-treated calves. Monensin-fed calves gained non significantly more (+ 7.2%) than control calves. A possible mode of action of monensin in young calves is discussed.     

Treatment of tropical forages with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes: effects on chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation

The effects of three treatments of fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum (CEL), xylanase from rumen micro‐organisms (XYL) and a 1:1 mixture of CEL and XYL (MIX) on the in vitro fermentation of two samples of Pennisetum clandestinum (P1 and P2), two samples of Dichanthium aristatum (D1 and D2) and one sample of each Acacia decurrens and Acacia mangium (A1 and A2) were investigated. The first experiment compared the effects of two methods of applying the enzymes to forages, either at the time of incubation or 24 h before, on the in vitro gas production. In general, the 24 h pre‐treatment resulted in higher values of gas production rate, and this application method was chosen for a second study investigating the effects of enzymes on chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of forages. The pre‐treatment with CEL for 24 h reduced (p < 0.05) the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of P1, P2, D1 and D2, and that of MIX reduced the NDF content of P1 and D1, but XYL had no effect on any forage. The CEL treatment increased (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production for all forages (ranging from 8.6% to 22.7%), but in general, no effects of MIX and XYL were observed. For both P. clandestinum samples, CEL treatment reduced (p < 0.05) the molar proportion of acetate and increased (p < 0.05) that of butyrate, but only subtle changes in VFA profile were observed for the rest of forages. Under the conditions of the present experiment, the treatment of tropical forages with CEL stimulated their in vitro ruminal fermentation, but XYL did not produce any positive effect. These results showed clearly that effectiveness of enzymes varied with the incubated forage and further study is warranted to investigate specific, optimal enzyme‐substrate combinations.     

Ruminal fermentation and microbial ecology of buffaloes and cattle fed the same diet

Although buffaloes and cattle are ruminants, their digestive capabilities and rumen microbial compositions are considered to be different. The purpose of this study was to compare the rumen microbial ecology of crossbred water buffaloes and cattle that were fed the same diet. Cattle exhibited a higher fermentation rate than buffaloes. Methane production and methanogen density were lower in buffaloes. Phylogenetic analysis of Fibrobacter succinogenes‐specific 16S ribosomal RNA gene clone library showed that the diversity of groups within a species was significantly different (P < 0.05) between buffalo and cattle and most of the clones were affiliated with group 2 of the species. Population densities of F. succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus and R. flavefaciens were higher until 6 h post‐feeding in cattle; however, buffaloes exhibited different traits. The population of anaerobic fungi decreased at 3 h in cattle compared to buffaloes and was similar at 0 h and 6 h. The diversity profiles of bacteria and fungi were similar in the two species. The present study showed that the profiles of the fermentation process, microbial population and diversity were similar in crossbred water buffaloes and crossbred cattle.