Effect of humic acid on fermentation and ciliate protozoan population in rumen fluid of sheep in vitro

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUND: Humic acid (HA) as a product of decomposition of animal and plant tissue is used in animal production as a feed supplement, antimicrobial product and growth stimulator. The objective of the present in vitro study was to investigate the effects of dietary humic acid as a commercial Humacid 60 Basic (H60B) feed additive preparation on rumen fermentation and the ciliate protozoan population in the rumen fluid of sheep using a high fibre (HF) and high concentrate (HC) diet in batch cultures and artificial rumen (RUSITEC).RESULTS: Production of total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) for batch cultures by the HF‐H60B diet. The HF‐H60B diet decreased ammonia N in RUSITEC (P < 0.001). An increase in the population of Enoploplastron triloricatum, Isotricha spp. and Ophryoscolex c. tricoronatus with the HF‐H60B diet and Diploplastron affine with the HC‐H60B was observed. The H60B did not affect the total ciliate population and Entodinium spp.CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that dietary humic acid preparations are not effective as dietary antiprotozoal agents. Humic acid might enhance microbial growth and energy efficiency in doses up to 10 g kg−1 DM of diet. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry