Effect of Replacing Rice Impurities Instead of Wheat Bran or Barley on Rumen Bacteria and Fermentation Characteristics of Awassi Lambs

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of substitution three levels of rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran or barley grains on digestibility and productive performance of Awassi lambs. In the morning, concentrated feed was given individually at 3% of live body weight as a dry matter basis for 56 days preceded by 14 days as an adaptation period. Roughage intake (wheat straw) was given ad-libitum (with residue) and recorded. Twenty-four male lambs aged 3-4 months with an initial weight 24.66 ± 2.81kg divided into six treatments with replacing rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran (T1), T2, T3) or barley grains (T4, T5, T6) in a 2×3 factorial experiment/Completely Randomized Design. The results of rumen ammonia nitrogen showed no significant effect for replacing rice impurities instead of wheat bran and a decrease (P< 0.01) for barley replacement treatments at 0 time, while after 2 hours of feed, ammonia nitrogen increased for replacing rice impurities instead of barley grains (P<0.05), and after 4 hours of feeding, ammonia nitrogen decreased (P<0.01) for the replacing treatments with the superiority of barley grains replacement. The volatile fatty acids increased (P<0.05) for replacing 50% rice impurities instead of wheat bran (T2) at 0 time, while after 2 hours, increased (P<0.05) for all wheat bran replacing treatments compared to barley grains treatments (T5 and T6). After 4 hours, volatile fatty acids decreased (P<0.05) for all replacing treatments. Rumen fluid pH values showed an increase (P<0.05) for 100% relacing instead of wheat bran (T3) at 0 time, while increased after 2 hours of feeding for all substitution treatments, with no significance after 4h. Total count of rumen fluid bacteria showed an increase (P<0.05) in treatments of rice impurities replacing instead of wheat bran and barley at all times of measuring after feeding. In conclusion: It’s preferred to replace rice impurities instead of barley grain or wheat bran to achieve low-priced feed ingredients with a positive effect on rumen fermentation and bacterial count.