Rumen ciliate protozoa and fibre utilization in sheep and goats

Influence of the concentration and nature of total dissolved solids in brackish groundwater on water intake, nutrient utilization, energy metabolism, ruminal fermentation, and blood constituents in different breeds of mature goats and sheep

Brackish water is being progressively utilized in livestock farming across the globe where freshwater is scarce, potentially leading to detrimental consequences for animal health and performance. This study was conducted to determine effects of different brackish groundwater types on water and feed intake, nutrient utilization, ruminal fluid characteristics, and blood constituent concentrations in different breeds of goats and sheep in a 6 (animal types; AT) × 6 (water treatments; WT) Latin square design. Six AT (Boer, Spanish, and Tennessee Stiff-Leg does and Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix ewes) consumed drinking water differing in total dissolved solids (TDS) and mineral composition. Six WT were fresh water (FRW; 287 mg TDS/kg), a natural brackish water (BR) alone (100-BR; 5734 mg TDS/kg), BR with concentrations of all minerals increased by about 100 % (200-BR; 10,603 mg TDS/kg), FRW added with NaCl having similar TDS level (6654 mg/kg) as 100-BR (100-SL), FRW added with NaCl having similar TDS (12,197 mg/kg) as 200-BR (200-SL), and water with similar TDS (10,643 mg/kg) level as 200-BR by adding NaCl to 100-BR (200-BR/SL). Water treatment only affected (P < 0.05) water intake, total volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid, blood phosphorus, blood aldosterone, and plasma osmolality. Water intake was greater (P < 0.05), but total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) for 200-SL than other WT. Plasma osmolality and aldosterone concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) for 200-SL and 200-BR/SL than FRW. There were no significant interactions between WT and AT for any variable. Water and feed intake, digestibilities, ruminal ammonia concentration, and methane emission were similar among AT (P > 0.05). There were differences (P < 0.05) among AT for many ruminal fermentation and blood characteristics. Although there were some differences among WT, no AT seemed adversely affected by water with a TDS level near or slightly above 10,000 mg/kg regardless of mineral sources.

Rumen ciliates (Alveolata, Ciliophora) associated with goats: checklist, geographic distribution, host specificity, phylogeny and molecular dating

Although the diversity (~35 species) and worldwide distribution of goats (Ruminantia, Bovidae, Caprinae) are significant, studies on the diversity of symbiont ciliates in these mammals are scarce in comparison to other ruminants. The present work is a review and checklist of species based on taxonomic, morphologic, and ecologic studies of rumen ciliate protozoa in goats, presenting geographic distribution and hosts, as well as estimating the macroevolutionary relationships of the species observed in the studies. To that end, all of the available literature on databases was reviewed, the schematic drawings were made based on information present in the original description of the taxa, and the phylogenetic relationships were inferred based on Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses. According to our review, 72 species and 14 genera of ciliates have been associated with goats. Through the analysis of the association between ciliate genera and caprine hosts, it was shown that ciliates are more associated with domestic animals (Capra hircus—14 genera) than wild ones (Rupicapra rupicapra—six genera, Capra ibex—one genus, Capra pyrenaica—one genus). Thirteen countries were identified in the distribution map as having had reports of ciliate species associated with goats. The interaction networks of ciliates and their hosts showed that the species of ciliates associated with goats also occur in other herbivore mammal species. The recovered phylogenetic hypotheses show that the ciliate species in goats form a non-monophyletic group with maximum and minimum ages of ~8.2My and ~2.4My. We have also found that a large portion of the studies on the diversity of ciliates in goats does not employ all necessary techniques in an integrative way, despite it being essential for detailed descriptions and better knowledge of this fraction of biodiversity.  

Effects of partial substitution of rosemary distillation residues to oat hay on digestive aspects, milk production, and metabolic statute of Tunisian local goats

In the Mediterranean area, the by-products of medicinal and aromatic plant distillation became very attractive as additive and/or alternative feedstuff. Subsequently, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of distilled rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves (RDL) on digestion and ruminal aspects, metabolic statutes, and milk yield of the Tunisian native goat breed. Thirty-six adult goats were divided into three homogeneous groups (C, RDL20, and RDL40) receiving daily (per head) 0.5 kg of concentrate and 1 kg of roughage composed of 100% of oat hay for C group, 20% of RDL and 80% of oat hay for RDL20 group, and 40% of RDL and 60% of oat hay for RDL40 group. Milk yield and composition, and goats' and kids' BW were measured weekly; also measurement of the diet digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites was carried out. Dry matter intake was significantly (P < 0.001) higher for the RDL40 group while the dry matter and crude protein digestibility was similar among groups. The goats' milk yield, milk composition, and blood metabolites were not affected by the dietary treatments. The results of this study indicate that RDL can partially substitute oat hay without negative effects on animal productivity.

Nutritional evaluation of some Indian tree leaves and herbs as fodder and defaunating agent in sheep

Nutritional evaluation as a fodder and defaunating agent of four multipurpose tree leaves namely Ficus religiosa (Pipal), Ficus bengalensis (Bargad), Mangifera indica (Mango), Enterolobium timoba (Jungle jalebi) and two herbs namely Agave americana (Ramkanta) and Plantago major (Isafghol) was done in vitro. The mean content of OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF, cellulose and lignin of these tree leaves and herbs were 88.6, 12.6, 2.4, 46.2, 33.5, 25.8 and 7.3% on DM basis, respectively. Enterolobium timoba leaves contained highest amount of CP (22.5%) while highest amount of ADF and lignin content was observed in Ficus bengalensis (41.1% / 12.1%) leaves. Total rumen protozoa as well as Holotrich and spirotrich protozoa number became zero due to inclusion of Agave americana and Enterolobium timoba leaves in the incubation media. Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and propionate production was higher where as NH3–N production was lower due to addition of Agave americana leaves in the incubation media. Highest IVTDMD and IVTOMD (61.4% / 64.1%) were observed for the Agave americana followed by Enterolobium timoba (59.8% / 62.5%) and Plantago major (57.5% / 59.2%) leaves. Activity of polysaccharide degrading enzymes like carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase improved due to addition of Agave americana and Enterolobium timoba leaves in the incubation media. However, activity of β-glucosidase enzyme was similar among all the tested tree leaves and herbs. As a defaunating agent (removal of rumen protozoa / anti ciliate protozoal activity), Agave americana leaves were more effective in comparison to Plantage major leaves. The results indicated that among the tested tree leaves and herbs, Agave americana, Enterolobium timoba and Plantago major were good tree fodder for feeding to the animals and leaves of Agave americana and Enterolobium timoba could be used as defaunating agent for reducing rumen protozoal population to improve animal productivity.

Comparison of fermentation of diets of variable composition and microbial populations in the rumen of sheep and Rusitec fermenters. II. Protozoa population and diversity of bacterial communities

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated sheep and 8 Rusitec fermenters were used to determine the effects of dietary characteristics on microbial populations and bacterial diversity. The purpose of the study was to assess how closely fermenters can mimic the differences between diets found in vivo. The 4 experimental diets contained forage to concentrate (F:C) ratios of 70:30 (high forage; HF) or 30:70 (high concentrate; HC) with either alfalfa hay (A) or grass hay (G) as the forage. Total bacterial numbers were greater in the rumen of sheep fed HF diets compared with those fed HC diets, whereas the opposite was found in fermenters. The numbers of cellulolytic bacteria were not affected by F:C ratio in any fermentation system, but cellulolytic numbers were 2.7 and 1.8 times greater in sheep than in fermenters for HF and HC diets, respectively. Neither total bacterial nor cellulolytic numbers were affected by the type of forage in sheep or fermenters. Decreasing F:C ratio increased total protozoa and Entodiniae numbers in sheep by about 29 and 25%, respectively, but it had no effect in fermenters. Isotrichidae and Ophryoscolecinae numbers in sheep were not affected by changing F:C ratio, but both disappeared completely from fermenters fed HC diets. Total protozoa and Entodiniae numbers were greater in sheep fed A diets than in those fed G diets, whereas the opposite was found in fermenters. Results indicate that under the conditions of the present study, protozoa population in Rusitec fermenters was not representative of that in the rumen of sheep fed the same diets. In addition, protozoa numbers in fermenters were 121 and 226 times lower than those in the sheep rumen for HF and HC diets, respectively. The automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA was used to analyze the diversity of liquid- and solid-associated bacteria in both systems. A total of 170 peaks were detected in the automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis electropherograms of bacterial pellets across the full set of 64 samples, from which 160 were detected in at least 1 individual from each system (sheep or fermenter). Diversity of liquid-associated bacterial pellets was greater with G diets in fermenters but seemed to be unaffected by diet in sheep. Bacterial diversity in solid-associated bacteria pellets was greater for G diets compared with A diets in sheep and fermenters. Different conditions in the fermenters compared with sheep rumen might have caused a selection of some bacterial strains.

Microbial protein synthesis, ruminal digestion, microbial populations, and nitrogen balance in sheep fed diets varying in forage-to-concentrate ratio and type of forage

Six ruminally and duodenally cannulated sheep were used in a partially replicated 4 x 4 Latin square to evaluate the effects of 4 diets on microbial synthesis, microbial populations, and ruminal digestion. The experimental diets had forage to concentrate ratios (F:C; DM basis) of 70:30 (HF) or 30:70 (HC) with alfalfa hay (A) or grass hay (G) as forage and were designated as HFA, HCA, HFG, and HCG. The concentrate was based on barley, gluten feed, wheat middlings, soybean meal, palmkern meal, wheat, corn, and mineral-vitamin premix in the proportions of 22, 20, 20, 13, 12, 5, 5, and 3%, respectively (as-is basis). Sheep were fed the diets at a daily rate of 56 g/kg of BW(0.75) to minimize feed selection. High-concentrate diets resulted in greater (P < 0.001) total tract apparent OM digestibility compared with HF diets, but no differences were detected in NDF digestibility. Ruminal digestibility of OM, NDF, and ADF was decreased by increasing the proportion of concentrate, but no differences between forages were detected. Compared with sheep fed HF diets, sheep receiving HC diets had less ruminal pH values and acetate proportions, but greater butyrate proportions. No differences among diets were detected in numbers of cellulolytic bacteria, but protozoa numbers were less (P = 0.004) and total bacteria numbers tended (P = 0.08) to be less for HC diets. Carboxymethylcellulase, xylanase, and amylase activities were greater for HC compared with HF diets, with A diets showing greater (P = 0.008) carboxymethylcellulase activities than G diets. Retained N ranged from 28.7 to 37.9% of N intake and was not affected by F:C (P = 0.62) or the type of forage (P = 0.31). Microbial N synthesis and its efficiency was greater (P < 0.001) for HC diets compared with HF diets. The results indicate that concentrates with low cereal content can be included in the diet of sheep up to 70% of the diet without detrimental effects on ruminal activity, microbial synthesis efficiency, and N losses.

The dynamics of major fibrolytic microbes and enzyme activity in the rumen in response to short- and long-term feeding of Sapindus rarak saponins

AIMS

To investigate the short- and long-term effects of an extract of Sapindus rarak saponins (SE) on the rumen fibrolytic enzyme activity and the major fibrolytic micro-organisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two feeding trials were conducted. In the short-term trial, four fistulated goats were fed a basal diet containing sugar cane tops and wheat pollard (65:35, w/w) and were supplemented for 7 days with SE at a level of 0.6 g kg(-1) body weight. Rumen liquor was taken before, during and after SE feeding. In the long-term trial, 28 sheep were fed the same basal diet as the goats and were supplemented for 105 days with 0.24, 0.48 and 0.72 g kg(-1) body mass of the extract. Rumen liquor was taken on days 98 and 100. Protozoal numbers were counted under the microscope. Cell wall degradation was determined by enzyme assays and the major fibrolytic micro-organisms were quantified by dot blot hybridization. Sapindus extract significantly depressed rumen xylanase activity in both trials and carboxymethylcellulase activity in the long-term trial (P < 0.01). Fibrobacter sp. were not affected by the SE in both trials, while ruminococci and the anaerobic fungi showed a short-term response to the application of saponins. Protozoal counts were decreased only in the long-term trial with sheep.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that there is an adaptation of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Chytridiomycetes (fungi) to saponin when fed over a long period. The fact that no correlation between the cell wall degrading enzyme activities and the cell wall degrading micro-organisms was observed suggests that the organisms tracked in this experiment are not the only key players in ruminal cell wall degradation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Sapindus rarak saponins partially defaunate the rumen flora. Their negative effect on cell wall degradation, however, is not related to rumen organisms currently recognized as the major cell wall degrading species. The adaptation of microbes in the long-term feeding experiment suggests that the results from short-term trial on the ruminal microbial community have to be interpreted carefully.

Ruminal fermentation and degradation patterns, protozoa population, and urinary purine derivatives excretion in goats and wethers fed diets based on two-stage olive cake: effect of PEG supply

Three experiments were conducted in Granadina goats and Segureña wethers fed at maintenance level to evaluate the effect of including a mixture of barley and a new by-product derived from olive oil extraction (two-stage dried olive cake) on ruminal degradation and passage kinetics (Exp. 1), fermentation pattern and protozoa population (Exp. 2), and urinary purine derivatives excretion (Exp. 3). Polyethylene glycol was supplied to the animals to evaluate the effects of tannins contained in the by-product. The experimental diets were as follows: alfalfa hay and alfalfa hay plus a concentrate, formulated with two-stage dried olive cake, barley, and a mineral-vitamin mixture either with or without the addition of polyethylene glycol to the drinking water. The inclusion of two-stage dried olive cake in the diet resulted in an increase of condensed tannins. Ruminal VFA concentration in goats and wethers increased (P < 0.05) and ammonia N (NH3-N) concentration decreased (P < 0.05). The inclusion of two-stage dried olive cake decreased (P < 0.001) urinary allantoin excretion only in wethers. Ruminal degradation profiles and fractional passage rates were similar in goats and wethers. The polyethylene glycol supply increased (P < 0.001) DM and N degradation rates in both animal species but did not modify the fractional passage rate. Ruminal fermentation patterns were also similar in goats and wethers and were affected by polyethylene glycol supply. In general, Entodiniomorphida and Holotricha protozoa counts were higher (P < 0.05) in the rumen of goats than of wethers. Protozoa count in wethers responded more to polyethylene glycol supply than in goats. The present work presents the first data obtained from a comparative study with sheep and goats concerning urinary excretion of purine derivatives. The excretion was similar in both animal species when fed alfalfa hay; however, polyethylene glycol affected only urinary allantoin excretion in wethers. Results suggest a greater sensitivity of wethers than of goats to two-stage olive cake condensed tannins.

Ruminal fermentation and degradation patterns, protozoa population and urinary purine derivatives excretion in goats and wethers fed diets based on olive leaves1

Olives leaves, accrued during the processing of olive harvests for oil extraction, are poor in N, rich in crude fat and ADF (1.19, 8.03 and 28.2 g/100 g of DM, respectively), and relatively low in condensed tannins (11.1 mg/g of DM). Three experiments were conducted in a 2 x 3 (two animal species: goats vs. wethers; and three experimental diets: olive leaves without or with polyethylene glycol supply and olive leaves supplemented with barley and faba beans) factorial design to evaluate ruminal degradation and passage kinetics (Exp. 1), fermentation pattern and protozoa population (Exp. 2), and urinary purine derivatives excretion (Exp. 3). Polyethylene glycol was supplied to evaluate the effects of condensed tannins contained in olive leaves. Ruminal degradability of CP was low in both goats and wethers, although goats showed higher (P < 0.05) values than wethers. Supplementation of olive leaves with barley and faba beans increased (P < 0.001) ruminal degradability of DM and CP. Both goats and wethers fed olive leaves showed similarly low particulate fractional passage rates (0.021 and 0.023/h, respectively). Ingestion of olive leaves promoted low NH3-N and VFA concentrations, which reflect poor microbial activity. These concentrations, especially that of VFA, increased when barley and faba beans were added. Ingestion of olive leaves affected ruminal protozoa: Entodiniomorphida showed low concentrations and Holotricha completely disappeared. When animals received a diet based on olive leaves, barley, and faba beans, Holotricha appeared in the ruminal liquor and Entodiniomorphida increased (P < 0.001). In goats and wethers fed olive leaves alone, urinary allantoin excretion was very low (163 and 164 micromol/kg BW0.75 in goats and wethers, respectively), and moderate values (352 and 389 micromol/kg BW0.75 in goats and wethers, respectively) were observed when a diet of olive leaves, barley, and faba beans was fed. The polyethylene glycol supply did not have an effect in goats or in wethers, indicating the lack of an effect of condensed tannins in olive leaves. Ingestion of olive leaves promotes a low microbial activity, although its supplementation with readily degraded carbohydrates and protein improves microbial activity and, as a consequence, increases its ruminal degradation. In general, for most of the measured variables, there were no animal species x diet interactions. Thus, goats and wethers had similar ruminal activities when fed diets based on olive leaves.