Effect of the energy-protein supplementation on the ruminal fermentation indicators of buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) fed star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis)

Resumen

Four male buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) of the Bufalipso breed with 175 ? 5 kg of liveweight cannulated in the rumen were used to assess the effect of the supplementation with different amounts of protein-energy concentrate on ruminal fermentation indicators of buffalo calves fed star grass forage, according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design. A control treatment (0 g kg LW-1) was established and different energy-protein supplementation levels were offered daily in the diet: 3, 6 and 9 g kg LW-1. The NH3 concentration was higher (P < 0.001) for the treatments with 9, 6 and 3 g kg LW-1 (9.37, 8.54 and 8.53 mmol L-1, respectively) compared to the control (7.05 mmol L-1). There was a maximum concentration of this indicator after two hours (11.89 mmol L-1) and lower in the rest. The supplementation had effect (P < 0.001) on the increase of the SCFAt concentrations of the ruminal liquid of buffalo calves, on the bacterial biomass production, and on the organic matter fermented in the rumen. The results show
that the strategic supplementation with protein-energy concentrate, up to 9 g kg LW-1, in the diet of buffalo calves consuming low-quality star grass improved the ruminal environmental conditions, with favorable concentrations of ammonium and SCFAt for the increase of the bacterial biomass.
Key words: strategic supplementation, bacterial biomass, organic matter, ruminal fermentation, forage.