Fiber Degradation in Buffalo – An Innovative Approach

Abstract

The ruminant animals may be considered as the foundation of animal agriculture because they served mankind all the way through many millennia. They are best adapted to utilize the fibrous feed components. Lignocellulose will therefore always be important in ruminant diets, and even in intensive systems is incorporated into the ration because it is both economical and necessary for normal healthy rumen function. Improvement in the ability of the rumen microbiota to degrade plant cell wall is generally highly desirable and usually leads to improved animal performance. The symbiosis between animal and microbe in the rumen allows for a cooperative system in which both the host and animal derive a benefit. The rumen is a capacious pregastric fermentation chamber that sustains a rich community of microorganisms that rapidly colonize and digest feed particles. The end products of this fermentation are fatty acids, which form a major metabolic fuel for the ruminant and microbial cells that are a major source of protein and amino acids when absorbed in the lower digestive tract of the animal. Tropical buffaloes can grow properly with low quality roughage, agricultural and industrial waste with basic structure high lignocellulose as main energy source. On the other hand, conversion of feed crude fiber to animal product was not optimum in intensive animal farming (especially dairy cattle and buffaloes). Only 15-45% energy from crude fiber can be used, while 20-70% undigested cellulose were carried out with faeces. This is because the ruminal digestion of plant cell walls are not complete.