Abstract
The objective was to determine the effect of the isoflavone biochanin A (BCA) on rumen cellulolytic bacteria and consequent fermentative activity. When bovine microbial rumen cell suspensions (n=3) were incubated (24h, 39°C) with ground hay, cellulolytic bacteria proliferated, short-chain fatty acids were produced and pH declined. BCA (30μgml-1 ) had no effect on the number of cellulolytic bacteria or pH, but increased acetate, propionate and total SCFA production. Addition of BCA improved total digestibility when cell suspensions (n=3) were incubated (48h, 39°C) with ground hay, Avicel, or filter paper. Fibrobacter succinogenes S85, Ruminococcus flavefaciens 8 and Ruminococcus albus 8 were directly inhibited by BCA. Synergistic antimicrobial activity was observed with BCA and heat killed cultures of cellulolytic bacteria, but the effects were species dependent. These results indicate that BCA improves fibre degradation by influencing cellulolytic bacteria competition and guild composition. BCA could serve as a feed additive to improve cellulosis when cattle are consuming high-fibre diets. Future research is needed to evaluate the effect of BCA on fibre degradation and utilization invivo.
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