Effects of Non-Protein Nitrogen Sources on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics and Microbial Diversity

Abstract

Here, the effects of non-protein nitrogen sources on fermentation parameters and microbial diversity were explored using three fistula goats as rumen fluid donors. The experiments involved six fermenters in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three dietary non-protein sources [ammonium chloride (A), biuret (B), and glutamine (G)] as treatment factors. A dual-flow continuous culture fermentation system was used. Microbial protein content in group B was significantly lower than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05). Ammonia nitrogen concentration significantly differed among the three groups (P < 0.01), following the order of G > A > B group. The acetate-to-propionate ratio in group G was significantly lower than that in the other two groups (P < 0.01). At the phylum level, the relative abundances of Cyanobacteria, Elusimicrobia, and Armatimonadetes were the highest in group G, being significantly higher than those in group B (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus_1 was significantly higher in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). Overall, glutamine shifted the fermentation pathway from acetate to propionate, and the lower microbial crude protein content and relative abundances of the major fiber-degrading bacteria Ruminococcus_1 and protein-degrading bacteria Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 in group B indicate that biuret is not suitable as a dietary non-protein nitrogen source.

Sheep Farming Technology in Indian Practice

“…• For maintenance of the body of sheep, required daily Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) is approximately 1/10th of the Total Digestible Protein (TDP) or 1 gm per kg of body weight [14,15].…”

“…• A mature ewe which is not lactating or pregnant and stopped growing ewe requires 10 gm TDN / kg live weight for maintenance and wool production [15,16].…”

“…• Calcium (Ca): Sheep which rear on good pasture and legumes do not suffer from any kind of calcium deficiency [15,17].…”