Influence of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Yea-Sacc or Levaferm) on in Sacco dry matter degradability and ruminal parameters of variously fed small ruminants.

Two series of experiments with rumen fistulated castrated male sheep and goats were carried out. In experiment I three sheep each consumed rations rich in concentrate (700 g concentrate, 200 g chopped wheat straw) or roughage (700 g artificially dried ryegrass, 200 g chopped wheat straw per animal per day) and supplemented with 0, 1, 2 or 4 g Yea-Sacc (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; USA) per sheep per day. In experiment II three sheep were fed with 1000 g artificially dried ryegrass and 200 g concentrate, three goats consumed 750 g ryegrass and 150 g concentrate. 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 g Levaferm (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Germany) per animal per day were added. Rations of all animals were supplemented with minerals and vitamins. After 14 days of feeding wheat straw, ammonia treated wheat straw and artificially dried grass (exp. I) or wheat straw and artificially dried grass (exp. II) were incubated in nylon bags in the rumen for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. At the end of the experiments rumen fluid was taken via cannulae and parameters of rumen fermentation were measured. Higher levels of added Yea-Sacc decreased in sacco dry matter degradability of all incubated feeds. Depression was much higher if Yea-Sacc was added to the concentrate ration (overall mean for 24, 48 and 72 h incubation time: 55.1, 47.1, 46.1 and 44.5 for 0, 1, 2 and 4 g Yea-Sacc) than to the roughage diet (58.7, 56.3, 55.0 and 54.1%). Levaferm did not significantly influence the rumen dry matter degradability of incubated feeds (overall mean for 24, 48, and 72 h incubation time: 64.0; 64.9; 64.9 and 64.2% for sheep; 63.0; 63.2; 63.2 and 61.6% for goats, if added with 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 g Levaferm per animal per day). Rumen pH, concentration of volatile fatty acids and molar concentration of fatty acids in rumen fluid were not significantly influenced by added yeasts. More research seems necessary to find out the mode of action of yeast and to quantify and to reproduce the effects of added yeast.     

In situ studies on the time-dependent degradation of recombinant corn DNA and protein in the bovine rumen

An in situ technique was adopted to investigate the time-dependent ruminal degradation of chloroplast compared with recombinant DNA of Bt176 corn using conventional and quantitative PCR assays. In parallel, the Cry1Ab protein content and fragment sizes were determined by ELISA and immunoblotting techniques. Triplicate nylon bags filled with 5 g of each substrate (whole-plant isogenic, whole-plant transgenic, ensiled isogenic, and ensiled transgenic corn) were positioned within the rumen of 5 rumen-cannulated, nonlactating cows and incubated for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 h. To investigate the DNA degradation process, PCR assays were developed to detect fragments of the endogenous highly abundant rubisco gene (173, 896, 1,197, and 1,753 bp) and of the recombinant cry1Ab gene (211, 420, 727, and 1,423 bp). Short fragments of rubisco (<431 bp) and cry1Ab DNA (211 bp) were amplifiable in whole-plant and ensiled corn samples incubated in the rumen for 48 h, whereas the traceability of larger fragments depended on previous processing of the sample (whole-plant or ensiled corn), the length of the target sequence, and concomitantly on the length of time incubated in the rumen. Quantification of rubisco and cry1Ab gene fragments applying real-time PCR assays revealed degradation to <20% of initial 0-h values within 2 h and <0.5% after 48 h of ruminal incubation. Analysis of Cry1Ab protein in whole-plant corn using the ELISA technique revealed a decrease to 28.0% of the initial value within 2 h and to 2.6% within 48 h. The concentration of Cry1Ab protein of ensiled corn was only 10% that of whole-plant corn. Ensiled corn Cry1Ab protein decreased to 10% of initial values after 48 h of ruminal incubation. Using an immunoblotting technique, the full-size Cry1Ab protein was only detectable up to 8 h; thereafter, only fragments of approximately 17 and 34 kDa size were found. In conclusion, ruminal digestion decreased the presence of functional cry1Ab gene fragments. It is unlikely that full-size, functional Cry1Ab protein will be present after 8 h of incubation in the rumen. Therefore, results based on ELISA measurements should be interpreted carefully and verified by another detection method that discriminates between the full-size and fragmented Cry1Ab protein.     

The inhibitory effect of bovine rumen fluid on Salmonella typhimurium.

The possible fate of Salmonella typhimurium in the rumen was investigated by monitoring rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactate concentrations and pH over periods which included regular feeding and 48 h starvation. Preparations were made containing 50 per cent rumen fluid from the cow or VFA solutions, and then inoculated with S typhimurium. Viable counts before and after incubation for 24 h at 37 degrees C were compared. Incubation in broths with high concentrations of VFA and low pH resulted in a marked decrease in salmonella numbers, while lower VFA concentrations had little or no inhibitory effect on growth.     

In Vitro Metabolism of Fumonisin B1 by Ruminal Microflora

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium moniliforme and F. proliferatum. Little is known of its metabolic fate after oral ingestion in ruminants, but these animals are reported to be tolerant towards FB1. The metabolism of this mycotoxin was evaluated following incubation (1 g/ml) in ruminal fluid for up to 72 h, in the presence or absence of alfalfa as a substrate for microbial growth, using a model rumen (sealed flask, anaerobic conditions, exclusion of light, gentle agitation, 39°C). The decrease in FB1 concentration and the production of short-chain fatty acids were determined. FB1 had no effect on SCFA production. After 72 h incubation, FB1 depletion was 12% and 18% in samples with and without alfalfa, respectively. No hydrolysed metabolites (aminopolyols or aminopentol) were detected. These results indicate that FB1 is poorly metabolized in the rumen and suggest that such metabolism is not the cause of the tolerance to this toxin displayed by ruminants.     

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。     

Effect of some electrolytes on in vitro rumen microbial protein synthesis in buffaloes.

In vitro studies were carried out to examine the effect of MnCl2, MgCl2, CoCl2 and CaCl2 on protein synthesis by rumen microorganisms obtained from fistulated buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis). The concentration of the electrolytes in stained rumen fluid (SRF) ranged from 1 to 20, 1 to 20, 0.25 to 5 and 1 to 20 mM, respectively. MnCl2 (15 mM), MgCl2 (10 mM), CoCl2 (2.5 mM) and CaCl2 (20 mM) increased the protein content in the incubation mixture (IM) by 501, 230.8, 537.6 and 84% and the per cent incorporation of 35S from (NH4)2 35SO4 into microbial protein by 125.6, 108.5, 113.4 and 40.3, respectively, over the control values, when the incubation lasted 8 h. The NH3-N content in IM decreased by 8, 14, 43 and 16% when 10 mM MnCl2, 20 mM MgCl2, 1 mM CoCl2 and 1 mM CaCl2, respectively, was added and the incubation lasted 6 h. The reasons for increased protein biosynthesis by rumen microorganisms in the presence of the above electrolytes are discussed.     

接种不同的瘤胃液与缓冲液比例对短期人工瘤胃发酵产气量及pH值的影响

应用短期人工瘤胃发酵技术,通过接种不同数量的瘤胃液,确定瘤胃液数量(微生物数量)对人工瘤胃发酵产气量及pH值的影响。试验分为10个处理,即缓冲液与瘤胃液体积比分别为11∶、21∶、31∶、41∶、51∶、61∶、71∶、81∶、91∶和101∶。每个处理设置2个重复,同时每个处理设置2个空白。将样品发酵48h,分别在2、4、8、12、24、48h6个时间点记录注射器活塞的位置,并在发酵结束时测定发酵液的pH值。结果表明:不同处理组2h和4h的产气量与瘤胃液比例极相关(P<0.01),8h和12h的产气量与瘤胃液比例显著相关(P<0.05),24h以后(包括24h)的产气量与瘤胃液比例不相关(P>0.05)。瘤胃液比例对人工瘤胃发酵的pH值没有影响。     

瘤胃混合微生物对稻糠、玉米麸、麦麸饲料中植酸磷降解特性的比较研究

采用短期人工瘤胃发酵技术,研究瘤胃混合微生物对糠麸类饲料中植酸磷的降解作用。试验采集3头健康泌乳期荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃液,以不同来源稻糠、玉米麸、麦麸饲料为底物,测定厌氧发酵3、12、24、48和72 h饲料植酸磷的消失率。结果表明:1)糠麸类饲料植酸磷消失率均随发酵时间的延长而增加,并且在发酵至24 h时,植酸磷消失率趋于90%以上。2)不同来源的同种糠麸类饲料间植酸磷的潜在降解率和降解速率明显不同。3)3种糠麸类饲料比较发现,麦麸饲料的植酸磷潜在降解率可达到100%(P<0.000 1),而玉米麸(95.58%)与稻糠(96.82%)饲料间差异不显著(P>0.05),植酸磷降解速率呈现为稻糠>玉米麸>麦麸(P<0.000 1)。由此可见,瘤胃混合微生物能很好地降解富含植酸磷的糠麸类饲料,且降解作用在不同饲料间存在一定的差异。     

Effect of food deprivation on various parameters of rumen juice and blood of sheep]

In order to find out how short-time denutrition changes the concentration of some substances in the rumen fluid and the blood, tests with full-grown sheep were carried out. Fodder was withheld from sheep with inserted Jarrett fistulae for 48 hours after normal feeding. After 48 hours the animals were given concentrated fodder, after 52 hours exclusively hay. From the 72nd hour onwards the animals were provided with fodder as usual. Samples of the rumen fluid and blood samples were taken at the beginning of the test, after the last normal feeding and then in the 24th, 32nd, 48th, 52nd, 56th, 72nd and 96th hour. We could find out that, during the 48-hour denutrition, the pH-value of the rumen fluid turned alkaline and the concentrations of ammonia, volatile fatty acids and lactic acid decreased. The protein metabolism underwent a rapid change in the organism. The protein content of the blood plasma decreased, above all the albumin content, as well as the concentration of glycoproteins and volatile amino acids. Among the various amino acids, the concentration of glycine increased highly, that of alanine and valine just slightly. The concentration of most amino acids decreased or--of some of them remained the same. Among the paramters that are characteristic of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, the total content of lipids and cholesterin decreased, and so did the concentration of blood sugar, lactic acid and pyruvic acid in the blood plasma. The results indicate that short-time denutrition has a considerable influence on the rumen fermentation and the intermediary metabolism of ruminants. The quickly arising lack of energy of ruminants slows down the protein synthesis and increases the glyconeogenesis from amino acids. The tissue is supplied with energy by the mobilisation of lipids.     

蒙脱石和凹凸棒石对霉菌毒素吸附性能的研究

试验将蒙脱石和凹凸棒石分别添加到含有黄曲霉毒素B₁(AFB₁)、玉米赤霉烯酮和T-2毒素的人工胃液或人工肠液中,探讨2种矿物对霉菌毒素的吸附作用。结果表明,蒙脱石和凹凸棒石对AFB₁、玉米赤霉烯酮、T-2毒素的吸附均在1 h达到平衡;钠基蒙脱石对AFB₁和T-2毒素的吸附率高于钙基蒙脱石和凹凸棒石,吸附率分别为96.8%、38%;蒙脱石和凹凸棒石对玉米赤霉烯酮的吸附率均小于10%。pH对蒙脱石和凹凸棒石吸附霉菌毒素影响显著(P<0.05),pH 5时钙基蒙脱石对AFB₁的吸附率显著高于pH 3、pH 7时(P<0.05),为90.1%;蒙脱石和凹凸棒石对玉米赤霉烯酮的吸附效果在pH 3时较佳,对T-2毒素的吸附效果在pH 7时显著高于pH 3、pH 5时(P<0.05)。蒙脱石和凹凸棒石对吸附的霉菌毒素均存在解吸现象,其中AFB₁和玉米赤霉烯酮解吸明显。蒙脱石和凹凸棒石对霉菌毒素的吸附作用使其成为重要的吸附剂,然而作为吸附剂的同时不能忽视霉菌毒素的解吸现象,综合考虑吸附与解吸2种现象以便在生产实践中更好的脱除霉菌毒素。     

瘤胃厌氧真菌对木质素含量不同底物附着及发酵特性研究

结合体外发酵和瘤胃尼龙袋法,研究了本地山羊瘤胃厌氧真菌对木质素含量不同底物(黑麦草叶、黑麦草茎、稻草秸、花生壳,木质素含量依次上升)的附着及发酵特性.结果表明,随体外发酵的进行,真菌数量逐渐增加,以黑麦草叶、黑麦草茎、稻草秸为底物时,瘤胃真菌数量均在48 h达到最大值,且真菌数量的最大值随底物木质素含量的上升呈下降趋势.显微观察显示,体外发酵前72 h附着于稻草秸表面孢子囊数量均显著高于黑麦草叶和黑麦草茎(P<0.05),而切缘孢子囊数量三者差异不显著.瘤胃内培养结果表明,稻草秸切缘和表面孢子囊数量均在48 h时最大,72 h后数量显著下降(P<0.05),而黑麦草茎切缘和表面上的孢子囊数量均在24 h 时最大,72 h后数量显著下降(P<0.05);稻草秸切缘和表面上孢子囊数量均要高于黑麦草茎上的数量.不同底物进行厌氧真菌体外发酵时其累计产气量、干物质消失率和纤维素消失率差异均不显著,但在瘤胃内培养时,各底物的干物质消失率则随底物木质素含量的上升而显著下降(P<0.05).     

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。     

高山草甸几种饲用灌木在牦牛瘤胃内的降解率

分析测定了高寒草甸几种饲用灌木的蛋白质、酸洗纤维和缩合单宁含量季节的变化动态,并利用3头安装了瘤胃瘘管的牦牛,采用尼龙袋技术(In sacco method)测定了几种灌木在牦牛瘤胃内的干物质降解特性。结果表明：灌木的蛋白质含量高,6月份金露梅、高山绣线菊、红药柳和鬼见锦鸡儿等植物分别为19．7％、22．0％、24．4％和24．0％;6月份缩合单宁合量分别为74．8g／kgDM、58．1g／kgDM、91．2g／kgDM和69．5g／kgDM。而且随着季节推移,蛋白质和缩合单宁含量都逐渐下降,而酸洗纤维含量随季节变化不明显。样品可溶性成分物理消失量大,培养4h出现较高消失率,一般达24％以上,48h时基本达50％以上。分析还表明降解常数与粗蛋白和缩合单宁含量成不显著的正相关关系,而与酸洗纤维含量成不显著的负相关关系。     

In vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of gum arabic under concentrate and forage substrate conditions

Gum arabic (GA) has potential rumen modifier functions. This is the first study to investigate the in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of GA. Rumen fluid was collected from ruminal fistulated wethers; rolled barley and ryegrass straw were used as substrates for concentrate and forage conditions, respectively. Besides incubating with the substrates alone (control), GA or potato starch (PS) was added at 0.2%, 1.0%, and 2.0% along with substrates. Under the concentrate substrate condition, GA treatments showed higher total gas production in 24-h incubation, but lower methane production in 24- and 48-h incubation compared with PS treatments (p < 0.05). The 1.0% and 2.0% GA and 0.2% and 1.0% PS treatments showed higher dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility and lower NH₃-N, and higher short chain fatty acid concentrations compared with the control at 24-h incubation (p < 0.05). The GA treatments also showed a lower acetate/propionate ratio than PS treatments at 48-h incubation (p < 0.01). Under the forage substrate condition, the treatment effects were not significant, except for a higher proportion of propionate with GA than with PS at 24 and 48 h of incubations. We thus concluded that GA supplement may exert potential rumen modifier effects particularly under concentrate feeding condition.     

非纤维性碳水化合物水平对活体外瘤胃发酵和产生共轭亚油酸的影响

在底物粗蛋白质和粗脂肪水平相同的条件下,研究非纤维性碳水化合物(NFC)水平(20%、40%、60%和80%)对活体外瘤胃发酵24h后的发酵参数和发酵液中共轭亚油酸(CLA)浓度的影响。结果表明:底物不同的NFC水平影响活体外瘤胃发酵和CLA的产生。随底物NFC水平的提高,瘤胃微生物的活体外发酵程度提高;同时发酵液中CLA的浓度随底物NFC水平的提高呈线性增加(L,P<0.0001)的变化趋势。     

Profile of isoacids in rumen fluid and influence of added isoacids on in sacco dry matter disappearance of untreated and ammonia treated wheat straw

The influence of type of diet and time after feeding on concentration of isoacids in rumen fluid of 6 fistulated sheep were investigated. The concentration of isoacids in rumen fluid was higher in diets rich in concentrate and protein (5.6) than in roughage diets (3.4) or in straw-starch-urea diets poor in native protein (highest concentration: 2.1 mmol/l rumen fluid). Feeding of roughage diet or straw-starch-urea-diet effected a significant decrease of concentration of isoacids in the rumen fluid after morning feeding, but concentrate-roughage diet, increased the isoacids-concentration. Reasons for decreased concentration of isoacids may be a shortage of corresponding amino acids and a high activity of cellulolytic microbes. Infusion of isoacids (3 g per day) in the rumen of sheep fed with a straw-starch-sugar-urea diet did not significantly influence the in sacco dry matter degradability of untreated wheat straw, but increased the dry matter loss of ammonia treated wheat straw from 16.0; 26.6; 39.4; 54.0 and 58.8% to 17.3; 29.7; 43.1; 56.3 and 63.0% after 6; 12; 24; 48 and 72 h rumen incubation time respectively. Further experiments seem to be necessary. The effect of isoacids may be expected to occur with poor quality feeds, rich in fibre low in protein and hence low in branched-chain amino acids.     

The effects of oral magnesium hydroxide administration on rumen fluid in cattle

This study was conducted to determine the effects of oral magnesium hydroxide administration on rumen fluid in cattle. Six lactating Holstein cows (4-7 years of age) with rumen fistulas were studied. Cattle were randomly assigned to receive boluses of magnesium hydroxide (162 g) or a powdered form (450 g dissolved in 3.5 L of water) PO daily for 3 days. Analysis of rumen fluid, blood gas tensions, and pH and measurement of serum magnesium concentrations were conducted daily. The study was discontinued after 72 hours, or sooner if rumen pH exceeded 8.0. After at least 3 weeks, the study was repeated with each cow receiving the other form of magnesium hydroxide (powder or bolus). Compared with baseline rumen pH (mean +/- SD: 6.22 +/- 0.28), magnesium hydroxide boluses caused a significant increase (P < .05) in rumen pH after 48 (7.27 +/- 0.11) and 72 (8.01 +/- 0.16) hours of administration, whereas the powdered form caused a significant increase (P < .05) in rumen pH after 24 (7.54 +/- 0.19) and 48 (8.43 +/- 0.22) hours of administration. Both the powdered and bolus forms of magnesium hydroxide decreased rumen protozoal numbers and increased methylene blue reduction times compared with baseline values. There was no change in blood pH, bicarbonate, or base excess values. Serum magnesium concentrations were significantly increased (P < .05) in cows that received the magnesium hydroxide powder. The results of this study indicate that magnesium hydroxide has a potent alkalinizing effect on rumen pH and significantly decreases rumen microbial activity.     

无患子皂甙对瘤胃发酵及甲烷产量的影响

本研究旨在探讨添加无患子皂甙(SAD)对瘤胃发酵及甲烷产量的影响。通过体外培养法,以玉米粉、羊草粉(50∶50)为底物,设置对照组(无添加)、添加底物量1.5%的茶皂素组(TS,正对照)和SAD(与TS相同皂甙量),测定培养12、24 h后各组产气量和甲烷产量,以及24 h培养液的pH值、挥发性脂肪酸浓度、氨态氮浓度和原虫数。结果表明:在12 h和24 h时,SAD组产气量均提高(P<0.01和P<0.05)。12 h时,SAD和TS组甲烷产量均显著降低(P<0.05),24 h时达到极显著(P<0.01)。SAD和TS组总挥发性脂肪酸浓度提高(P<0.01和P<0.05),SAD组乙酸和丙酸浓度增加(P<0.05和P<0.01),TS组丙酸浓度提高(P<0.05)。SAD组氨态氮浓度及培养液中原虫数极显著降低(P<0.01),TS组显著降低(P<0.05)。上述结果表明,添加SAD可促进瘤胃发酵,抑制原虫生长,减少甲烷产生。     

GC analysis of essential oils in the rumen fluid after incubation of Thuja orientalis twigs in the Rusitec system

Methods for the chemical analysis of toxic plant substances in the rumen of ruminants are of importance for the diagnosis of intoxications with poisonous plants. The present work establishes a method to estimate monoterpene components of the essential oil of thuja (Thuja orientalis, Cupressaceae) in these types of samples. Alpha-thujone, which is regarded as the toxic principle, is present at a concentration of 50-60% in the essential oil. The rumen simulation technique (Rusitec) was used to simulate natural digestion. Chopped twigs of thuja were subjected to rumen content in a closed container with an overflow device. The flow of saliva was simulated by the continuous addition of a buffer solution. Samples for analysis were taken from the overflow at 24 and 48 h. A further sample was taken from the remaining liquid fraction of the rumen content in the container at 48 h. The essential oils were extracted with hexane and concentrated. A quantitative determination was done by capillary gas chromatography. Together in the three fractions analysed this resulted in total mean recoveries of 6.8% for alpha-thujone, 5.3% for beta-thujone, 18.9% for fenchone and 27.8% for camphor. The observation that the thujones were recovered to a lesser extent than other oil components is evidence of their fast decomposition in the rumen medium. Under these circumstances the calculated detection limit is 100-200 g thuja twigs in cows with rumen volumes of 60-100 litres. The main essential oil degradation products found in the rumen fluid of all three fractions in the Rusitec system were discovered to be iso-3-thujanol, neo-3-thujanol, carvomenthol and carvomenthone.     

Ruminal phytate degradation of maize grain and rapeseed meal in vitro and as affected by phytate content in donor animal diets and inorganic phosphorus in the buffer

The ruminal disappearance of phytate phosphorus (InsP₆‐P) from maize grain and rapeseed meal (RSM) was determined in two in vitro studies. In experiment 1, two diets differing in phosphorus (P) and InsP₆‐P concentration were fed to the donor animals of rumen fluid (diet HP: 0.49% P in dry matter, diet LP: 0.29% P). Maize grain and RSM were incubated in a rumen fluid/saliva mixture for 3, 6, 12 and 24 h. In experiment 2, a diet similar to diet HP was fed, and the rumen fluid was mixed with artificial saliva containing 120 mg inorganic P/l (Pi) or no inorganic P (P0). Maize grain and RSM were incubated with either buffer for 3, 6, 12 and 24 h. Total P (tP) and InsP₆ concentration were analysed in the fermenter fluids and feed residues. The disappearance of InsP₆‐P from maize was completed after 12 h of incubation in both experiments. From RSM, 93% (diet LP) and 99% (diet HP) of the InsP₆‐P in experiment 1 and 80% (Pi) and 89% (P0) in experiment 2 had disappeared after 24 h of incubation. InsP₆‐P disappearance was higher when diet HP was fed (maize: 3 and 6 h; RSM: 6 and 24 h of incubation) and when rumen fluid was mixed with buffer P0 (maize: 6 h; RSM: 12 and 24 h of incubation). InsP₆‐P concentration in the fermenter fluids was higher for maize, but no accumulation of InsP₆‐P occurred, indicating a prompt degradation of soluble InsP₆. These results confirmed the capability of rumen micro‐organisms to efficiently degrade InsP₆. However, differences between the feedstuffs and diet composition as well as the presence of inorganic P in the in vitro system influenced the degradation process. Further studies are required to understand how these factors affect InsP₆ degradation and their respective relevance in vivo.