Rumen fermentation parameters and microbial population of West African Dwarf rams fed basal diet supplemented with graded energy levels of concentrate mix

Abstract

The quality constraints of the basal diet (Megathyrus maximus) and the increasing demand for animal products necessitated the supplementation with concentrates that possess sufficient energy levels. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the rumen fermentation parameters and microbial populations in West African Dwarf rams that were given a basal diet supplemented with concentrate mixes of varying energy levels: 2600 k cal/kg, 2400 k cal/kg, 2200 k cal/kg, 2000 k cal/kg, and 1800 k cal/kg, designated as treatments 1 through 5, respectively. A total of twenty-five (25) West African Dwarf rams were randomly assigned to the five treatment groups following a completely randomized design. Rumen fluid samples were collected via a suction tube technique. The results indicated that the pH of the rumen fluid ranged from 6.42 to 7.16, with significant variations (p<0.05) attributed to the different energy levels. Rams fed a diet containing 2600 k cal/kg exhibited the highest recorded levels of acetic acid at 11.51 nmol/100 ml, while the lowest acetic acid concentration, measured at 4.87 nmol/100 ml, was observed in the diet with 1800 k cal/kg. The total volatile fatty acids were significantly higher at the 2600 k cal/kg energy level, recorded at 33.42 nmol/100 ml, indicating a considerable impact compared to the other treatments. Additionally, the highest ammonia nitrogen level of 0.68 mg/dl was noted in the group receiving the 2600 k cal/kg diet compared to those on other energy levels. The total bacterial count peaked at 6.56x107 cfu/ml in the 2000 k cal/kg treatment when compared with the lowest value 4.82x107 cfu/ml in the 1800 k cal/kg treatment. The results of this study suggest that incorporating a basal diet with an energy level of 2600 k cal/kg provides optimal rumen fermentation, thereby enhancing nutrient supply to West African dwarf ram