Effect of monensin withdrawal on rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and microbial populations in cattle. (17th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abrar, Arfan; Tsukahara, Takamitsu; Kondo, Makoto; Ban‐Tokuda, Tomomi; Chao, Wang; Matsui, Hiroki
• Is Part Of: Animal science journal. Volume 86:Number 9(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 849
• Page End: 854
• Publication Date: 2015-03-17
• Subjects: Animal culture -- Periodicals; Livestock -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1111/asj.12368
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1344-3941

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>This study was designed to obtain information on the residual influence of dietary monensin on ruminant fermentation, methanogenesis and bacterial population. Three ruminally cannulated crossbreed heifers (14 months old, 363 ± 11 kg) were fed Italian ryegrass straw and concentrate supplemented with monensin for 21 days before sampling. Rumen fluid samples were collected for analysis of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles, monensin concentration, methanogens and rumen bacterial density. Post‐feeding rumen fluid was also collected to determine <italic>in vitro</italic> gas production. Monensin was eliminated from the rumen fluid within 3 days. The composition of SCFA varied after elimination of monensin, while total production of SCFA was 1.78 times higher than on the first day. Methane production increased 7 days after monensin administration ceased, whereas hydrogen production decreased. The methanogens and rumen bacterial copy numbers were unaffected by the withdrawal of monensin.</p> </abstract>