Comparisons of ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial populations in bison and cattle

Abstract

Ruminal microbial populations, fermentation characteristics, digestibility, and liquid flow rates in two ruminally cannulated bison and two ruminally cannulated Hereford steers fed a prairie hay diet were compared. No significant differences in anaerobic bacterial counts, volatile fatty acid concentrations, or ruminal pHs were evident between bison and cattle. Also, no significant differences in neutral detergent fiber digestibility, indigestible fiber retention time, or intake were detected between bison and cattle, although cattle had higher levels (P < 0.08) of ruminal dry matter and indigestible fiber than bison. Bison had a smaller (P = 0.02) ruminoreticular volume, faster liquid dilution rates, and faster liquid turnover times than cattle. The average ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration was higher (P = 0.02) in bison (1.17 mg/dl) than in cattle (0.79 mg/dl). Total ciliate protozoal counts and cell volume were greater (P = 0.07) in bison (32.8 x 104/g and 407.1 x 10-4ml/g, respectively) than in cattle (15.7 x 104/g and 162.2 x 10-4 ml/g, respectively). Bison harbored higher (P < 0.02) numbers of Dasytricha spp., Eudiplodinium maggii, Eudiplodinium bursa, and Epidinium spp. than cattle and possessed a type B protozoan population. The cattle possessed a mixed type A-type B population that was characterized by Ophryoscolex spp. and Polyplastron spp. in association with low concentrations of Epidinium spp. and Eudiplodinium maggii. * Corresponding author. t Contribution no. 88-472-J of the Kansas State Agriculture Experiment Station, Manhattan.

Foraging Ecology of Bison and Cattle on a Mixed Prairie: Implications for Natural Area Management

“…Extended in vivo digesta retention time in sites of microbial fermentation may permit greater digestion of forage (Schafer et al 1978). While Schafer et al ( 1978) found that mean digesta retention time was 18% longer in bison than cattle, Towne et al (1988) found no differences in mean retention time. Because it is unclear whether bison actually exhibit greater mean digesta retention time than cattle we feel that 48-h in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) is an appropriate comparative measure of digestibility.…”

“…Dietary IVDMD generally remained elevated during the first half of the summer and then declined to a fairly constant level during the second half of the growing season. Towne et al (1988) have shown that bison average greater ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentrations, more total ciliate protozoal counts, and higher ciliate cell volume than cattle, while the percentages of protozoans and cellulolytic bacteria in the bison rumen are different from those of cattle (Varel and Dehority 1989). Bison exhibit a Type B ruminal protozoa population, whereas cattle exhibit a Type A or mixed A-B protozoal population (Towne et al 1988).…”

“…Towne et al (1988) have shown that bison average greater ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentrations, more total ciliate protozoal counts, and higher ciliate cell volume than cattle, while the percentages of protozoans and cellulolytic bacteria in the bison rumen are different from those of cattle (Varel and Dehority 1989). Bison exhibit a Type B ruminal protozoa population, whereas cattle exhibit a Type A or mixed A-B protozoal population (Towne et al 1988). Type B is commonly found in other wild herbivores such as water buffalo (Bulbalis bulbalis) and musk oxen ( Ovibus moschatus), while domestic ruminants usually exhibit a Type A or mixed A-B (Towne et al 1988).…”

“…Bison exhibit a Type B ruminal protozoa population, whereas cattle exhibit a Type A or mixed A-B protozoal population (Towne et al 1988). Type B is commonly found in other wild herbivores such as water buffalo (Bulbalis bulbalis) and musk oxen ( Ovibus moschatus), while domestic ruminants usually exhibit a Type A or mixed A-B (Towne et al 1988). It appears that the difference in protozoan populations is partially responsible for higher ciliate cell volume (Towne et al 1988), which in turn increases degradation rates of plant fragments (Clark et al 1982).…”

“…Type B is commonly found in other wild herbivores such as water buffalo (Bulbalis bulbalis) and musk oxen ( Ovibus moschatus), while domestic ruminants usually exhibit a Type A or mixed A-B (Towne et al 1988). It appears that the difference in protozoan populations is partially responsible for higher ciliate cell volume (Towne et al 1988), which in turn increases degradation rates of plant fragments (Clark et al 1982). Peden et al (1974) hypothesized that bison may be capable of more efficient digestion of low-quality forages than cattle due to urea recycling from body pools.…”