The Effects of saponins from Sapindus Rarakirull on rumen microbes and host animal growth

摘要

The aim of this paper focuses on the effects of changes in rumen environment intervened by methanol-extracted Sapindus rarak fruit (MES) on microbial digestion and host animal bodyweight. Completely randomized design was used. Eighteen local sheep weighting approximately 15 kg were divided into 3 treatment groups and each group consisted of 6 animals. All animals received a mixture of elephant and native grasses (50:50) ad libitum + concentrate (0.5 % of liveweight). The treatments as follow : (I) noadditive, (II) addition of empty capsule and (III) addition capsule containing MES at level of 0,07 % of liveweight. Empty capsule and MES were given orally every 3 days. Feeding treatments were conducted for 14 weeks including 2 week-adaptation period.Rumen liquor of all animals were collected in the third week and measured for protozoa and bacteria populations, pH, contents of lactic acid, VFA and NH_3-N, and ruminal digestibility. Ruminal digestion of plant materials was measured with a new laboratory procedure developed by Theodorou and Brooks (1990, Annual report AFRC Institute, Hurley, Maidenhead, UK). Daily bodyweight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured.