The Effects of Live Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Chitosan on Rumen Fermentation Function and Rumen Development in Male Balady Goats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University.

2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University.

Abstract

The present study aimed at comparing the influence of dietary supplementation of live dried yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and chitosan on rumen fermentation and rumen development in male Balady goats. A total number of 12 castrated adult male Balady goats (bucks) aged one year old were allocated into three similar groups (4 males each). Concentrates were offered at rate of 3% of body weight. Experimental groups were control group fed on basal diet con‌sists of concentrate mixture without any feed additives; S. cerevisiae group fed on basal diet with feed additive of S. cerevisiae at rate of 0.3% (3Kg/ ton concentrate); chitosan group fed on basal diet with feed additive of chitosan at rate of 0.2% (2kg/ ton concentrate). The obtained results showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in total volatile fatty acids concentrations (TVFA), total ruminal protozoal count (TPC), quantative morphmetrical analysis of ruminal papillae length, width and number of papillae / surface area (cm2) and significant (p<0.05) decrease ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration in Saccharomyces group when compared with the control group. While, treated with S. cerevisiae or chitosan caused no significant variation (p>0.05)

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