Influence of Nutritive Supplement on the Stimulation of Ruminal Microorganism’s Activity in Fattening Lambs Reared in a Semi-Intensive System

Abstract

The aim of our experiment was to evaluate the effect of a nutritive supplement (named by authors RFNS) composed of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and Sacharomyces cerevisiae, on the requirement satisfaction and the ruminal microorganism activity in fattening lambs reared in a semi-intensive system. Experiments were carried out on two experimental groups (n=11) of fattening Turcana lambs, from 120 to 160 days of age and an average weight of 20 kg at the beginning of the experimental period. Forage rations were structured on the same components both for group L1 and group L2, lolium hay 52 % and a concentrates mixture 42%. RFNS representing 2% from concentrates components was added in L2 group. The RFNS supplementation significantly improved (p<0.02) the average daily gain by 11.92%, while the consumption rate for proteins and energy was with 6.3% lower. Following RFSN administration, the number of ruminal bacteria (cfu/ml ruminal fluid) increased by 46.9% and the protozoa (number/ml ruminal fluid) with 55.7% compared to the control diet. Among protozoa genus, Entodinium could be registered as the most predominant (98.2% in L1 and 96.32% in L2), in smaller proportion were identified Diplodinium (0.48% in L1, respectively 1.34% in L2) and Dasytricha (1.32% in L1, respectively 2.64% in L2).

Keywords

• nutritive supplement
• ruminal fermentation
• fattening lambs