Manipulation of rumen ecology by dietary lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.) powder supplementation1

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of lemongrass [Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.] powder (LGP) on rumen ecology, rumen microorganisms, and digestibility of nutrients. Four ruminally fistulated crossbred (Brahman native) beef cattle were randomly assigned according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were LGP supplementation at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/d with urea-treated rice straw (5%) fed to allow ad libitum intake. Digestibilities of DM, ether extract, and NDF were significantly different among treatments and were greatest at 100 g/d of supplementation. However, digestibility of CP was decreased with LGP supplementation (P < 0.05), whereas ruminal NH(3)-N and plasma urea N were decreased with incremental additions of LGP (P < 0.05). Ruminal VFA concentrations were similar among supplementation concentrations (P > 0.05). Total viable bacteria, amylolytic bacteria, and cellulolytic bacteria were significantly different among treatments and were greatest at 100 g/d of supplementation (4.7 x 10(9), 1.7 x 10(7), and 2.0 x 10(9) cfu/mL, respectively). Protozoal populations were significantly decreased by LGP supplementation. In addition, efficiency of rumen microbial N synthesis based on OM truly digested in the rumen was enriched by LGP supplementation, especially at 100 g/d (34.2 g of N/kg of OM truly digested in the rumen). Based on this study, it could be concluded that supplementation of LGP at 100 g/d improved digestibilities of nutrients, rumen microbial population, and microbial protein synthesis efficiency, thus improving rumen ecology in beef cattle.

Effects of levels of crude protein and ground corn cobs in total mixed ration on intake, rumen fermentation and milk production in crossbred Holstein Friesian lactating dairy cows

“…The VFA concentrations or molar proportions of VFA were not affected by the treatments (P > 0.05). Total VFA concentrations in all treatments ranged from 121.2 to 128.4 mM and were similar to those reported by Wanapat et al (2008Wanapat et al ( , 2009a.…”

Effects of plants containing secondary compounds and plant oils on rumen fermentation and ecology

“…In an in vivo study in swamp buffalo, garlic powder reduced rumen protozoal population by 44.1% as compared to control group. In our study with native beef cattle, lemongrass powder supplementation reduced protozoal population by 23.8% (Wanapat et al 2008a). Recently, Machmüller et al (2003) suggested that supplementation of coconut oil tended to reduce the population of bacteria and ciliate protozoa in sheep rumen.…”

Effects of vegetable oil supplementation on feed intake, rumen fermentation, growth performance, and carcass characteristic of growing swamp buffaloes

“…In addition, higher ruminal pH and ammonia-nitrogen concentration have been found as compared to those in cattle indicating higher rumen N-recycling (Wanapat et al, 2003). Manipulation of diets will enhance rumen fermentation and subsequent uses by the ruminants (Thu and Preston, 1999;Wanapat, 2000Wanapat, , 2001Wanapat and Rowlinson, 2007;Wanapat et al, 2008). Buffalo meat consisted of crimson, bigger muscle fiber thickness and with white fat while cattle meat has vermilion, powdery and yellow fat (Valin et al, 1984).…”