Effects of supplementation with exhausted myrtle berries on rumen function of dairy sheep

Publication date: Available online 13 November 2018Source: Small Ruminant ResearchAuthor(s): F. Correddu, F. Fancello, L. Chessa, A.S. Atzori, G. Pulina, A. NuddaAbstractManipulation of the gut functions, and rumen microbiota and metabolism with feed additives, in particular those rich in polyphenols, has been recognized as promising strategy for improving feed efficiency in sheep. Aiming to evaluate the effect of the dietary supplementation of exhausted myrtle berries (EMB), as source of polyphenols, on the metabolism and microbial population in ruminal fluid of sheep, eighteen Sarda dairy ewes were used in a 11-week experiment. Ewes were allocated to three groups, homogeneous for milk production, days in milking and parity. The groups were assigned to three diets, which were individually fed: i) a control diet (CON); ii) a diet supplemented with 50 g/d per animal of EMB (EMB50); iii) a diet supplemented with 100 g/d per animal of EMB (EMB100). The basal diet (the same for all animals) consisted of dehydrated alfalfa (1.2 kg/d per animal), a commercial concentrate (0.50 kg/d per animal), a mixed meal (soybean, corn, and linseed, 0.15, 0.10 and 0.20 kg/d per animal, respectively) and beet pulp (0.25 kg/d per animal). The supplementation with EMB did not affect (P >  0.05) the rumen pH. Ammonia content was reduced (P <  0.05) by the EMB supplementation at both doses of EMB compared with CON. The total volatile fatty acids (VFA) decreased (P <  0...
Source: Small Ruminant Research - Category: Zoology Source Type: research