Optimum Level of Lactobacillus plantarum Supplementation as Probiotic on In Vitro Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation Products in Thai Native Cattle

The objective of this study was to determine in vitro gas production kinetics, and rumen fermentation products of total mixed ration (TMR) supplemented with different level of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation in Thai native cattle. The experiment design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The in vitro procedure was completed using 200 mg DM of TMR and four different concentration of L. plantarum; CON (without supplementation of L. plantarum), T1 (107 CFU / mL of L. plantarum supplementation), T2 (108 CFU / mL of L. plantarum supplementation), and T3 (109 CFU / mL of L. plantarum supplementation). The samples were prepared in three replications and incubated for 96 hours for gas production. Rumen fermentation products (pH, NH3, VFA) and digestibility experiment were done in four replications and incubated for 24 hours. In vitro gas production for 96 hours, gas production from insoluble fraction (b), and potential extent of gas production (|a|+b) were improved in the T1 and T2 groups (P < 0.05). The in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility, and true digestibility were particularly enhanced in the T1 group compared to other treatments (P <0.05). The pH and NH3 in this study were significantly affected (P<0.05). The significant improvements on the in vitro rumen fermentation products and digestibility endorse L. plantarum supplementation at concentration of 107 CFU/mL as probiotic candidate

Selection of plant oil as a supplemental energy source by monitoring rumen profiles and its dietary application in Thai crossbred beef cattle

Objective: The present study was conducted to select a plant oil without inhibitory effects on rumen fermentation and microbes, and to determine the optimal supplementation level of the selected oil in a series of in vitro studies for dietary application. Then, the selected oil was evaluated in a feeding study using Thai crossbred beef cattle by monitoring growth, carcass, blood and rumen characteristics. Methods: Rumen fluid was incubated with substrates containing one of three different types of plant oil (coconut oil, palm oil, and soybean oil) widely available in Thailand. The effects of each oil on rumen fermentation and microbes were monitored and the oil without a negative influence on rumen parameters was selected. Then, the dose-response of rumen parameters to various levels of the selected palm oil was monitored to determine a suitable supplementation level. Finally, an 8-month feeding experiment with the diet supplemented with palm oil was carried out using 12 Thai crossbred beef cattle to monitor growth, carcass, rumen and blood profiles. Results: Batch culture studies revealed that coconut and soybean oils inhibited the most potent rumen cellulolytic bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes, while palm oil had no such negative effect on this and on rumen fermentation products at 5% or higher supplementation level. Cattle fed the diet supplemented with 2.5% palm oil showed improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) without any adverse effects on rumen fermentation. Palm oil-supplemented diet increased blood cholesterol levels, suggesting a higher energy status of the experimental cattle. Conclusion: Palm oil had no negative effects on rumen fermentation and microbes when supplemented at levels up to 5% in vitro. Thai crossbred cattle fed the palm oil-supplemented diet showed improved FCR without apparent changes of rumen and carcass characteristics, but with elevated blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, palm oil can be used as a beneficial energy source