Abstract
Rumen fluid volumes, fluid flow rates, liquid-phase bacterial populations and bacterial populations removed from digesta by methyl cellulose (MC) treatment were measured in normally faunated Clun Forest wethers, and after defaunation with manoxol OT. A significant increase (mean 30.1%) in rumen fluid volume and a decrease (mean 35.8%) in fluid flow rate were recorded. These results were not due to the defaunating agent and were only partially reversed after refaunation following a 42-day period of defaunation. Numbers of bacteria in the rumen liquor increased by 480% after defaunation. The density of bacterial population removable from the digesta did not change, but because of an increase in the mass of digesta, the total bacteria in this category increased by 64%. The digestibility of timothy grass ( Phleum pratense) was the same before and after defaunation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
