• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.12
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• pp.1706-1710
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• 2011

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of calcium (Ca) fertilization on oxalate content in napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) and on some blood parameters of sheep. Re-growth napiergrass was grown with or without Ca fertilizer and offered to sheep. Eight sheep, divided into two groups of 4 animals each were used. Calcium-fertilized napiergrass was offered daily to the animals as experimental treatment, whereas without Ca-fertilized napiergrass was given to the animals as control. Results showed that there was a trend to lower soluble and total oxalate concentrations in Ca-fertilized grass than control. The Ca-fertilized grass contained (p<0.05) lower concentrations of K and Mg than control, though Ca fertilization had no affect (p>0.05) on Ca and Na concentrations in plants. Feeding of Ca-fertilized grass had no affect on the feed consumption, blood Mg level and daily gain of sheep. However, sheep fed control grass had lower (p<0.05) blood Ca level than sheep fed Ca-fertilized grass. Our findings suggest that Ca fertilization might minimize the negative effects of oxalate.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.1146-1156
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• 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of two plant additives, rich in polyphenolic compounds, supplemented to sheep diets on microorganisms and carbohydrate fermentation in rumen. Methods: In the experiment, 6 ewes of the Polish Mountain breed were fitted with ruminal cannulas. Sheep were divided into three feeding groups. The study was performed in a cross-over design of two animals in each group, with three experimental periods (n = 6 per each group). The animals were fed a control diet (CON) or additionally received 3 g of dry and milled lingonberry leaves (VVI) or oak bark (QUE). Additionally, plant material was analyzed for tannins concentration. Results: Regardless of sampling time, QUE diet increased the number of total protozoa, as well as Entodinium spp., Diplodinium spp. and Isotrichidae family, while decreased bacterial mass. In turn, a reduced number of Diplodinium spp. and increased Ophryoscolex spp. population were noted in VVI fed sheep. During whole sampling time (0, 2, 4, and 8 h), the number of protozoa in ruminal fluid of QUE sheep was gradually reduced as opposed to animals receiving CON and VVI diet, where rapid shifts in the protozoa number were observed. Moreover, supplementing sheep with QUE diet increased molar proportions of butyrate and isoacids in ruminal fluid. Unfortunately, none of the tested additives affected gas production. Conclusion: The addition of VVI or QUE in a small dose to sheep diets differently affected rumen microorganisms and fermentation parameters, probably because of various contribution of catechins in tested plant materials. However, it is stated that QUE diet seems to create more favorable conditions for growth and development of ciliates. Nonetheless, the results of the present study showed that VVI and QUE additives could serve as potential natural modulators of microorganism populations and, consequently, carbohydrate digestion in ruminants.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.419-428
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• 2005

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of replacing dried mugwort (Artemisia montana Pampan) in concentrate a time of preparation pellet. The treatments, arranged in a 4${\times}$4 Latin square design, were four additional levels of mugwort at 0, 3, 5 and 10% in concentrate. Four crossbred (CorriedalexPolwarth, t) sheep with a mean body weight of 41.3 kg were used to evaluate nutrients digestibility, palatability, fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. The digestibility of crude protein was improved (p < 0.05) to 6.1 % - 8.6 % in sheep fed 3, 5 and 10% mugwort pellet treatments compared with that of control. That of crude fat and NDF was improved (p < 0.05) to 5.8 % - 7.3 % in sheep fed 3 % compared to other treatments. The ruminal pH was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in sheep fed 3 % mugwort pellet compared to other treatments when observed at 0.5 hour after feeding. The ammonia nitrogen concentrations were the highest in sheep fed all treatments at 1 hour after feeding. The ruminal concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acids were an improvement (p < 0.05) at the 3% and 5% treatments. Retained nitrogen of 3, 5 and 10% treatment with the value of 2.24 - 2.82 g was higher (p < 0.05) than that of the control with 0.78 g and microbial protein production of 10% treatment was higher (p < 0.05) than that of control. This study suggested that the replacing with 3% dry mugwort (Artemisia montana Pampan) in concentrate a time of preparation pellet will improve nutrient digestibility, palatability, ruminal fermentation characteristics and feed value.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.409-418
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• 2005

This study was conducted to examine the nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in sheep fed dried mugwort and mugwort silage for 5% levels of rice straw in the basal diet, and mugwort pellet for 5% levels of concentrate in the basal diet. For the experiment, they were given a basal diet containing of rice straw and concentrate mixed at a 3: 7 ratio (DM basis). The treatments were designed as a 4 ${\times}$ 4 Latin square design with four sheep (50.2 kg body weight). The digestibility of crude protein was increased (p < 0.05) to 4.6 - 6.2 % in sheep fed mugwort silage treatments (60.23 %) compared with those of control (54.08 %) and dried mugwort treatment (55.67 %). That of ether extract was iicreased (p < 0.05) to 4.8 - 8.8 % in sheep fed mugwort silage treatments (80.22 %) compared with those of control (71.47 %) and dried mugwort treatment (75.46 %). In the dry matter intake, mugwort silage treatment (904.44 g) was the hightest and mugwort pellet treatment, dried mugwort treatment and control were 810.66 g, 780.66 g and 742.18 g, respectively. The ruminal pH in all treatments were rapidly decreased (p < 0.05) at 0.5 and 1 hour after feeding and slowly increased at 2, 4 and 8 hours after feeding, especially mugwort silage treatment. The ammonia nitrogen concentrations were the highest (p < 0.05) in sheep fed mugwort silage treatment (11.24 - 12.05mg / 100 rnz) at 0.5 and 2 hours after feeding. The ruminal concentrations of acetic acid (6.06 mmol /100 $m\ell$) and propionic acid (2.35 mmol/ 100 mz) were an increased (p < 0.05) at the mugwort silage treatments at 1 and 2 hours after feeding. Purine derivatives out put (13.41 mmol / d) and microbial protein production (11.61 mmol / d) were increased (p < 0.05) compared with those of control (5.42 and 4.93 mmol / d).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.370-378
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• 2017

Objective: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a specific mixture of essential oils (MEO), containing thyme, clove and cinnamon EO, on rumen microbial fermentation, nutrient apparent digestibility and blood metabolites in fistulated sheep. Methods: Six sheep fitted with ruminal fistulas were used in a repeated measurement design with two 24-d periods to investigate the effect of adding MEO at 0 (control), 0.8, and 1.6 mL/d on apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial population and blood chemical metabolites. Animals were fed with a 50:50 alfalfa hay:concentrate diet. Results: Ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, molar proportion of individual VFA, acetate: propionate ratio and methane production were not affected with MEO. Relative to the control, Small peptides plus amino acid nitrogen and large peptides nitrogen concentration in rumen fluid were not affected with MEO supplementation; while, rumen fluid ammonia nitrogen concentration at 0 and 6 h after morning feeding in sheep fed with 1.6 mL/d of MEO was lower (p<0.05) compared to the control and 0.8 mL/d of MEO. At 0 h after morning feeding, ammonia nitrogen concentration was higher (p<0.05) in sheep fed 0.8 mL/d of MEO relative to 1.6 mL/d and control diet. Ruminal protozoa and hyper ammonia producing (HAP) bacteria counts were not affected by addition of MEO in the diet. Relative to the control, no changes were observed in the red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentration. Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude proten, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber were not influenced by MEO supplementation. Conclusion:The results of the present study suggested that supplementation of MEO may have limited effects on apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and protozoa and HAP bacteria count, blood cells and metabolites.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 1989

Nutritive values and fermentation rates of rice straw treated with 3% anhydrous and 3% aqueous ammonia were evaluated both in vitro and sheep metabolism trials. Daily gain, feed efficiency and feed cost per gain were also determined with growing Holstein bulls fed anhydrous and aqueous ammonia treated rice straw. Crude protein was increased 2.4 fold and NDF was decreased 6.5%, but ADF and cellulose were not different between untreated and ammonia treated rice straw. An average of 35.5% of total added ammonia-N retained in the rice straw and other 64.5% was not retained in the rice straw. Ammonia treatment increased in vitro DM, NDF, ADF and cellulose digestibilities by 44.8%, 43.3%, 49.4% and 42.4%, respectively, and fermentation rates by 63.3%, 132.4%, 49.4% and 42.4%, respectively. In sheep metabolism trials, DM digestibilities of rice straw treated with anhydrous and aqueous ammonia were increased 22% and 36%, respectively, and digestible DM intakes by 48% and 70%, respectively in sheep fed anhydrous and aqueous ammonia treated rice straw over untreated rice straw. Rumen ammonia and blood urea were considerably higher in sheep fed ammonia treated rice straw than sheep fed untreated rice straw. Daily gain of Holstein bulls was increased 20.8% and 29.9% and rice straw intakes were increased 28.4% and 44.3% in anhydrous and aqueous ammonia treated rice straw over untreated rice straw. Feed conversion was improved 9.5% and 10.3% and feed cost/gain was reduced 7.1% and 9.2% respectively in anhydrous and aqueous ammonia treated rice straw group as compared with untreated rice straw group.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.249-254
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• 1995

The effects of bentonite (B) on rumen protozoal population and rumen fluid characteristics of sheep fed palm kernel cake (PKC) were studied for a period of 21 days. Two groups, each comprising two sheep were fed either PKC or PKC + B ad libitum A third group was left at pasture. Rumen fluid was sampled through a rumen cannula three times daily from all animals. Palm kernel cake contained 16% crude protein, 1 % crude fat and high amounts of copper, zinc, iron and manganese. Protozoal population in the rumen fluid decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after the onset of feeding PKC or PKC + B. However, sheep given bentonite supplementation at 2% of the dietary dry matter, maintained higher protozoal densities ($15{\times}10^4/ml$) when compared to animals fed only PKC ($8{\times}10^4/ml$). With both diets, the protozoa were mainly of the small entodinia species. Animals at pasture had higher protozoal population ($47{\times}10^4/ml$) with varying species of entodiniomorphids and holotrichs. Rumen fluid pH and ammonia concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in animals at pasture compared to animals fed PKC or PKC + B. Volatile fatty acid concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in animals fed PKC when compared to animals at pasture. There was a shift in fermentation pattern in animals fed PKC or PKC + B towards a lower acetate; and higher propionate, isovalerate and valerate. Studies in vitro also showed the positive effect of bentonite on protozoal numbers.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.529-533
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• 2003

The intake, dry matter (DM) digestibility, total mean retention time (TMRT) and weight changes were investigated in four fat tailed and four Dorper sheep fed on a maize stover crop residue. Animals were subjected to five dietary treatments, which were: 90, 135 and $180g\;DM/kgBW^{0.75}/day$ of chopped maize stover offered with urea, and in subsequent dietary treatments $180g\;DM/kgBW^{0.75}/day$ of stover supplemented with either dried bean husks or poultry manure. Although not statistically different (p>0.05) fat tailed sheep had higher maize stover intake than the Dorper sheep when expressed per metabolic body weight. The DM intake and digestibility increased significantly (p<0.001) in both sheep breeds when the maize stover offer levels were increased from 90 to $135g/kgBW^{0.75}/day$. Dorper sheep had significantly (p<0.001) higher DM digestibility and longer total mean retention times for both the liquid and solid matter than the fat-tailed sheep. Fat-tailed sheep gained 4.75 kg while Dorper sheep gained 3.75 kg over the entire experimental period. The weight change per dietary treatment was affected by the amount of maize stover and the type and amount of supplement consumed. The higher DM digestibility and longer total mean retention time in Dorper sheep shows that the breed has adapted to utilize the low quality roughage diets. An indigenous fat tailed, has the potential to ingest high volumes of fibrous feed and has higher voluntary intakes relative to its body size. The two sheep breeds are a valuable genetic resource in sub Saharan Africa that is characterized by long dry season with no readily available and affordable conventional feeds for small ruminants.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.859-865
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• 2002

The aim of this research was to clarify the direct effects of a hot environment on ruminal motility in sheep fed twice a day. In the first experiment, in order to equalize variable factors excluding the ambient temperature between the thermoneutral environment ($23^{\circ}C$, relative humidity 80%) and the hot environment ($32^{\circ}C$, relative humidity 80%), sheep were fed equal amounts of the same quality feed twice a day. The sheep were allowed free access to water for the duration of the two one-hour feeding periods (10:00 am-11:00 am, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm). On the fourth day after exposure to the hot environment, the frequency and strength of ruminal contractions were continuously recorded between 9:30 am and 11:00 pm. Prior to the exposure to a hot environment the frequency and strength of ruminal contractions were recorded in a thermoneutral environment during the period 9:30 am-11:00 pm. In the second experiment, in order to maintain the stomach content of the sheep at equal levels in both environments, the sheep were fed equal amounts of the same quality feed twice a day. Following the completion of the two one-hour feeding periods, a fixed amount of warm water was infused into the rumen. Rumen motility was then recorded during the same period as for the first experiment (9:30 am-11:00 pm). In the first experiment, when the frequency of ruminal contractions prior to (24, 24 frequency/15 min), during (48, 47 frequency/min) and after (22, 19 frequency/min) both the morning and afternoon feeding in a hot environment was compared with the values from the thermoneutral environment (20, 22; 50, 50; 21, 20 frequency/min), there was found to be no difference. However, the strength of ruminal contractions after morning and afternoon feeding (3.7, 3.1 mm Hg) in the hot environment decreased significantly in comparison with the thermoneutral environment (4.3, 3.8 mm Hg). In the second experiment, the frequency of ruminal contractions in the hot environment was not significantly different from that in the thermoneutral environment. The strength of ruminal contractions after ruminal infusion of warm water in the hot environment (morning: 4.6, afternoon: 4.5 mm Hg) was significantly lower than that in the thermoneutral environment (morning: 5.6, afternoon: 5.0 mm Hg). The results suggest that a hot environment acts directly on the strength of ruminal contractions in sheep fed twice a day rather than on the frequency.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.834-837
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• 2002

The effect of undecorticated sunflower cake (USFC) as critical protein supplement was assessed and compared with deoiled groundnut cake (DGNC) in adult goats and sheep. The animals were fed a basal diet of wheat straw ad libitum and supplemented with either USFC or DGNC to meet their protein requirement for maintenance. Total dry-matter intake by sheep and goats (g/kg $BW^{0.75}$) on USFC was similar to their counterparts on DGNC supplemented group. However, while intake of cake moiety was significantly (p<0.05) higher in USFC, the intake of wheat straw was significantly (p<0.05) higher by animals on DGNC. Digestibility of various nutrients, except lower crude protein digestibility by goats in USFC group, did not differ significantly between animals given DGNC or USFC. DCP and TDN concentration (% DM) was comparable in sheep and goats irrespective of dietary supplement. Similarly, the intake (g/kg $W^{0.75}$) of DCP, DDM, DOM, and TDN was similar between DGNC and USFC in both sheep and goats. It may be concluded that undecorticated sunflower cake is comparable to deoiled groundnut cake as a critical protein supplement to the roughage based diet of small ruminants.