Modification of microbiological quality and valorization of different ruminants species ruminal content in farm animals feeding

Abstract

This study is based on the microbiological analysis of a common slaughterhouse by-product which is the rumen content, before and after treatment with HCl 1N, targeting its valorization in domestic animal feeding. A total of 24 rumen content samples were collected in pairs (two series) immediately after slaughter from 12 ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats). The first series was not treated with HCl (N0 = 12), while the second series was treated with HCl 1N (N1 = 12) to adjust its pH to about 2. Then all samples (series 1 and 2) were subject to a group of microbiological analyzes targeting identification and enumeration of total aerobic mesophilic flora; fecal and total coliforms; Clostridium perfringens; Staphylococcus aureus; Salmonella spp. as well as yeasts and molds. The results revealed that after lowering the pH to about 2, the 2nd series samples were considered of satisfactory quality, with reference to Algerian microbiological standards for livestock feeds. The reduction rates of germs in the 2nd series compared to the 1st series were as follows: total aerobic mesophilic flora (86.45%), total coliforms (96.43%), faecal coliforms (70.41). %), Clostridium perfringens (88.4%), yeast and mold (87.75%). The total absence of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. was registered.