504

Comparative Study between Swamp Buffalo and Native Cattle in Feed

Digestibility and Potential Transfer of Buffalo Rumen Digesta into Cattle

M. Wanapat*, N. Nontaso 1, C. Yuangklang, S. Wora-anu, A. Ngarmsang, C. Wachirapakorn and P. Rowlinson 2

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
ABSTRACT : Rumen ecology plays an important role in the fermentation process and in providing end-products for ruminants.
These studies were carried out to investigate variations in rumen factors namely pH, NH3-N and microorganisms in cattle and swamp
buffaloes. Furthermore, studies on diurnal patterns of rumen fermentation and the effect of rumen digesta transfer from buffalo to cattle
was conducted. Based on these studies, diurnal fermentation patterns in both cattle and buffaloes were revealed. It was found that rumen
NH3-N was a major limiting factor. Rumen digesta transfer from buffalo to cattle from buffalo to cattle was achievable. Monitoring
rumen digesta for 14d after transfer showed an improved rumen ecology in cattle as compared to that of original cattle and buffalo. It is
probable that buffalo rumen digesta could be transferred. However, further research should be undertaken in these regards in order to
improve rumen ecology especially for buffalo-based rumen. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 4 : 504-510)

Key Words : Swamp Buffalo, Beef Cattle, Rumen Ecology, Rumen Microorganisms, Manipulation, Digesta Transfer, Rice Straw

Malaysian cattle (Devendra, 1985). This superiority is

INTRODUCTION particularly noticeable in situations where the feed supply is
of low quantity and/or quality. The reasons for the superior
The rumen has been well recognized as an essential digestive capacity of buffalo over cattle have not been fully
fermentation vat that is capable of supplying end-products elucidated. However it is likely that much of the superiority
particularly volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and microbial may be explained by differences in the nature of rumen
proteins as major energy and protein for the ruminant host. microbial population which would affect the type of
The more efficient the rumen is the better the fermentation fermentation occurring and the end-products resulting from
end-products being synthesized. In recent years, there has fermentation. Thus, any variations between cattle and buffalo
been increasing research directed towards rumen ecology in the proportions and numbers of ruminal bacteria, protozoa
and rumen manipulation (Ørskov and Flint, 1989; Martin, and fungi might contribute to the explanation of differences
1998; Weimer, 1998). However, most of these papers have in digestive capability due to fermentation end-products
dealt with ruminants raised in temperate areas and fed on available for absorption and utilization by ruminants.
good-quality roughages and with high levels of The objectives of these experiments were to identify the
concentrate supplementation. However in the tropics, most rumen fermentation pattern in buffalo and cattle fed on
ruminants are fed on low-quality roughages, agricultural untreated and urea-treated rice straw and to investigate the
crop-residues/and industrial by-products which contain feasibility and practicality of rumen digesta transfer.
high levels of ligno-cellulosic materials, a low level of
fermentable carbohydrate and a low level of good-quality MATERIALS AND METHODS
protein. In addition, long dry seasons, a prevailing harsh
environment, high temperatures, low soil fertility and low Digestion trial
feed availability throughout the year, all adversely Rumen-fistulated buffaloes and cattle (3 of each) with
influence rumen microbes and fermentation (Wanapat et. average weight of 450 and 250 kg, age of 4 and 3 years,
al., 2000c). Recently, Wanapat (2000) reported on rumen respectively, were randomly assigned according to a 3×3
fermentation to increase the efficient use of local feed Latin square design to receive three roughage sources and the
resources and productivity of ruminants in the topics treatments were as follows:
(Kennedy and Hogan, 1994). Nitrogen utilization in
swamp buffalo was found to be more efficient than that in RS = untreated rice straw
UTRS = urea-treated (5%) rice straw
* Corresponding author: M. Wanapat, Tel:+66-43-239749, MX = RS and UTRS (1:1) (DM basis)
Fax+66-43-244474:, E-mail: [email protected] All animals received the roughage on an ad libitum basis
1
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen and in addition rice bran was supplement at 0.5% of body
University, Thailand
2 weight. Each stage of the feeding trial lasted for 21 days.
Department of Agriculture, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU, UK Feed intakes were measured during the first two weeks and
Received July 22, 2002; Accepted January 2, 2003 were followed by a 24-h rumen fluid sampling for every
 COMPARISON OF FEED DIGESTIBILITY IN CATTLE 505

A
C

100 100
90 TVFAs; mM 90
TVFAs; mM
80 acetic acid 80
(C2), C2; mol/100
70 70 mol
mol/100 mol
60 propionic 60 C3; mol/100
mol
acid (C3), 50
50 mol/100 mol C4; mol/100
40 butyric acid 40 mol
(C4), CH4; mol/100
30
30 mol/100 mol mol
methane 20
20 (CH4),
mol/100 mol 10
10
0
0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
hour-post feeding
morning feeding afternoon feeding
morning feeding hour-post feeding
afternoon feeding

B
D
18 16
16
14
14
12 NH3-N;
mg/dl
12 NH3-N;
mg/dl 10 pH
10 pH
8 C2+C4/C3
8 C2+C4/C3 TVFAs/NH3-
6 N
6 TVFAs/NH
3-N 4
4
2
2

0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
hour-post feeding hour-post feeding
morning feeding afternoon feeding morning feeding afternoon feeding

Figure 1. Diurnal rumen characteristics of cattle and buffalo fed on rice straw (RS).
A, B = cattle fed on RS; C, D = buffalo fed on RS

hour. Samples were measured for pH immediately and Digesta Transfer Study : All rumen fistulated buffaloes
prepared for later analyses of NH3-N, VFAs, total viable and cattle (3 of each) were fed with three kinds of roughage
counts of cellulolytic, proteolytic and amylolytic bacteria. treatments using a 3×3 Latin square design: untreated rice
During last five days, animals were placed on metabolism straw (RS), urea-treated (5%) rice straw (UTRS) or RS and
crates for total collection of feed, faces and urine. Animals UTRS (1:1) (MX). They were fed for two weeks and then
were fed 90% of previous days feed intakes. Calculations rumen fluid were collected at 0, 4 h-post feeding.
of apparent digestibilities for the three feeds using total Measurements of pH were taken immediately while other
collection method were done according to a 3×3 Latin rumen fluid samples were treated and prepared for later
square design, prior to the rumen digesta transfer study. analyses of NH3-N (Bromner and Keeney, 1965), volatile
Rumen fluid was collected at 0 and 4 h-post feeding fatty acids (VFAs) using HPLC as the above. Total viable
and measured immediately for pH and samples were cellulolytic, proteolytic and amylolytic bacteria were counted
prepared for later analysis of NH3-N (Bromner and using roll tube technique (Hungate, 1969).
Keeney, 1965), volatile fatty acids (VFAs) using HPLC After the initial sampling period (3 weeks), the rumen
(Samuel et al., 1997), total viable cellulolytic, proteolytic digesta (about 50% by weight of total digesta) from each
and amylolytic bacteria were measured using the roll tube buffalo fed on each respective roughage were transferred to
technique (Hungate, 1969). Digestibilities of nutrients cattle which had received the corresponding roughage after
were calculated. All data were subjected to ANOVA and rumen digesta of the cattle had been removed completely.
treatment means comparisons were conducted by These transfer were done as quickly as possible to avoid
Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test using Proc GLM extended exposure of digesta to the air. After completed
transfer, all lids of fistulae were closed. Sampling of rumen
(SAS, 1985).
fluid were taken at 0, 4 h post feeding, before transfer, and 7
506 WANAPAT ET AL.

A
C

100 100
90 90
TVFAs; mM
80 80 B TVFAs; mM
acetic acid
70 (C2), 70 C2; mol/100
mol/100 mol B mol
60 60
propionic
C3; mol/100
50 acid (C3), 50 mol
mol/100 mol
40 C4; mol/100
40 butyric acid
(C4), 30 mol
30 mol/100 mol
20 CH4; mol/100
20 methane mol
(CH4), 10
10 mol/100 mol 0
0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24
hour-post feeding
hour-post feeding morning feeding afternoon feeding
morning feeding afternoon feeding

B D

20 16
18 14
16
12 NH3-N;
14 NH3-N;
mg/dl 10 mg/dl
12
pH pH
10 8
C2+C4/C3 C2+C4/C3
8 6
6 TVFAs/NH TVFAs/NH3-
4 N
3-N
4
2
2
0
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112131415161718192021222324
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
afternoon feeding hour-post feeding
hour-post feeding morning feeding
morning feeding afternoon feeding

Figure 2. Diurnal rumen characteristics of cattle and buffalo fed on urea treated-rice straw (UTS).
A, B=cattle fed on UTS; C, D=buffalo fed on UTS

and 14 days after rumen digesta transfer to be measured relatively low (<5 mg/dl) throughout the period. However, all
for rumen pH, NH3-N, VFAs and total viable counts of of the fermentation aspects except rumen pH and temperature
cellulolytic, proteolytic and amylolytic bacteria using were notably enhanced by feeding urea-treated rice straw
standard methods as indicated above. All data were (Figures 1, 2, 3). Rumen fermentation end-products were
subjected to ANOVA and treatment means were compared significantly different as a result of feeding different types of
sing Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (Proc. GLM, roughage. As shown in Table 2 rumen NH3-N, acetate,
SAS, 1985). propionate were increased with urea-treated rice straw and
were also higher in buffalo than in cattle. When taken
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION acetate+butyrate/propionate (C2+C4/C3), TVFA/NH3-N were
also narrower (based on values in Table 4). Based on this
Diurnal variations of rumen fermentation characteristics in study, low rumen NH3-N could be a limiting factor on rumen
ruminants fed on rice straw fermentation and would ultimately affect rumen ecology.
The diurnal patterns of rumen fermentation In ruminants fed on low-quality roughages, critical rumen
characteristics were studied in beef cattle and swamp NH3-N levels for microbial activities were found at 5-20
buffaloes fed on untreated and urea-treated rice straw. In mg/dl (Boniface et al., 1986; Perdok and Leng, 1989). While
both cattle and buffaloes, rumen pH and temperature were Chanthai et al. (1987) demonstrated that rumen NH3-N in
maintained and the values were 6.5-6.7; 38-39°C, cattle and buffaloes fed on untreated rice straw were less than
respectively. However, VFA production patterns fluctuated 2 mg/dl and were increased to 9 mg/dl with urea-treated rice
in acetate concentration while of propionate and butyrate straw. Perdok and Leng (1989) further showed that higher
were similar indicating an active role of rumen microbes level of rumen NH3-N (15-30 mg/dl) improved intake and
and on-going fibre fermentation by cellulolytic bacteria. It digestibility. Increasing rumen NH3-N level up to 30 mg/dl
was also found that rumen NH3-N was consistent and significantly decreased C2+C4/C3, increased rumen fungal
zoospores and increased microbial protein synthesis (17-
 COMPARISON OF FEED DIGESTIBILITY IN CATTLE 507

A C
120 120

100 100
TVFAs; mM TVFAs; mM
80 80
C2; mol/100 mol C2; mol/100 mol
C3; mol/100 mol 60 C3; mol/100 mol
60
C4; mol/100 mol
C4; mol/100 mol 40
40 CH4; mol/100 mol
CH4; mol/100 mol
20
20
0
0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 121314 1516 1718 192021 2223 24
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
morning feeding hour-post feeding
afternoon feeding hour-post feeding afternoon feeding
morning feeding

B D
25 18
16
20 14
NH3-N; mg/dl
12
pH
15 NH3-N; mg/dl 10
pH C2+C4/C3
8
10 C2+C4/C3 TVFAs/NH3-N
6
TVFAs/NH3-N 4
5
2
0
0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11121314 15161718 19202122 2324
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314 1516 1718 19202122 2324
morning feeding afternoon feeding hour-post feeding
afternoon feeding hour-post feeding
morning feeding

Figure 3. Diurnal rumen characteristics of cattle and buffalo fed on RS and UTS (MX)
A, B=cattle fed on MX; C, D=buffalo fed on MX.

47%) (Kanjanapruthipong and Leng, 1998). Swamp digestibilities were the highest of the three feed treatments
buffaloes fed on untreated rice straw, Wanapat and Pimpa (p<0.05) and digestibilities of nutrients particularly those of
(1999) also found similar results that rumen NH3-N levels organic matter and crude protein were higher in buffalo than
of 13.6-34.4 mg/dl improved rumen fermentation by cattle. Several factors have been suggested to attribute to
increasing digestibility and intake of straw. As rumen these values.
NH3-N increased, rumen bacteria and protozoa, as well as Intakes of roughages were highest in both cattle and
urinary purines were also increased. It was suggested that buffaloes fed on UTRS in terms of kg/d, %BW, g/kgW.75. In
optimum rumen NH3-N level would be higher than 15 general, intakes of these roughages before and buffalo digesta
mg/dl. Nguyen and Preston (1999) also found rumen NH3- transfer were similar at 7 and 14 days after transfer (Table 3).
N (5-6 mg/dl) of swamp buffaloes fed on rice straw or Digesta transfer did not show effect on rumen pH in all
grass and were significantly increased to 8-18 mg/dl by treatments and were in the normal range of rumen ecology
adding urea-treated rice straw, urea-molasses cake and (pH 6.2-6.7). Rumen NH3-N concentrations were lowest in
Sesbania leaf. The increases in rumen bacterial, protozoal
population as well as DMI were also concomitantly found Table 2. The apparent digestibility (%) of feeds in cattle and
with increases in NH3-N in rumen. swamp buffaloes receiving the same feeds
Treatments
Effect of buffalo rumen digesta transfer Item RS UTRS MX SEM
Table 1 presents the chemical composition of the C B C B C B
Apparent digestibility, %
experimental feeds. Apparent digestibilities are shown in
DM 50.4a 54.4a 63.7b 63.1b 55.8ab 57.9ab 1.3
Table 2. As presented, urea-treated rice straw (UTRS)
OM 51.9a 57.3ab 64.3b 68.4b 61.9b 62.2b 1.2
CP 35.4a 33.7a 49.7ab 55.9b 43.4ab 41.1ab 2.5
Table 1. Chemical compositions (%DM) of experimental feeds
NDF 35.4a 36.5a 50.6b 51.2b 46.6ab 47.8ab 2.9
Item DM OM CP NDF ADF Ash
ADF 45.1 41.6 52.4 55.3 47.7 47.8 5.0
Rice straw (RS) 92.8 88.6 3.4 76.9 48.9 11.4 a,b
values on the same row with different superscripts differ (p<0.05)
Urea-treated DM=dry matter, OM=organic matter, CP=crude protein
55.2 88.1 7.5 68.3 42.2 11.9
rice straw (UTRS) NDF=neutral-detergent fiber, ADF=acid-detergent fiber
RS+UTRS (1:1) 79.0 88.7 5.3 73.4 46.4 11.3 RS=rice straw, UTRS=urea-treated rice straw
Extracted rice bran 90.2 84.7 14.2 12.4 4.5 15.4 MX=RS+UTRS (1:1)
DM=dry matter, OM=organic matter, CP=crude protein C=cattle, B=buffaloes
NDF=neutral-detergent fiber, ADF=acid-detergent fiber SEM=standard error of the mean
508 WANAPAT ET AL.

Table 3. Effect of rumen digesta of buffalo transfer into cattle on animals fed on untreated rice straw (RS) and highest in
feed intake. UTRS fed groups. These NH3-N values remained low in RS
Digesta transfer fed group after buffalo digesta transfer at 7 and 14 d,
Before After 7 d After 14 d SEM respectively and were lower than those reported as optimal
C B C B C B (20-30 mg%) (Boniface et al., 1989; Perdok and Leng, 1989;
Total DM intake,
Wanapat and Pimpa, 1999). Values in cattle and buffalo fed
kg/d
on UTRS and the forage mixture of RS+UTRS (MX) were
RS 4.1 5.5 4.5 5.5 4.0 5.3 0.6
UTRS 5.1 6.5 5.3 5.7 5.3 5.5 0.5 found to be higher and were maintained after digesta transfer
MX 5.2 5.6 5.7 5.9 6.0 5.8 0.5 for 14 d. Values at 4 h-post feeding showed a trend towards
%BW elevated values (Table 4).
RS 1.2 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.3 0.1 Total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) at 0 h post-feeding
UTRS 1.8 1.9 1.9 2.1 2.0 1.7 0.3 were highest in UTRS and in buffaloes, while at 4 h-post
MX 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.9 0.1 feeding they were higher in amounts fed UTRS and MX. At 7
g/kgW0.75 and 14 d after digesta transfer, TVFAs of cattle were
RS 72.8 81.5 73.5 83.3 77.2 84.2 8.0
comparable to those of buffaloes. This could be an attributing
UTRS 86.1 102.1 87.5 92.5 97.5 92.6 10.3
factor from digesta transfer. For C2, C3 and C4, all values
MX 93.9 84.2 93.4 88.3 96.7 84.2 3.2
RS=rice straw, UTRS=urea-treated rice straw, MX=RS+UTRS (1:1)
were similar both, before and after 7, 14 d digesta transfer for
C=cattle, B=buffaloes both cattle and buffaloes. It is noticeable that C3
SEM=standard error of the mean
Table 5. Effect of rumen digesta of buffalo transfer into cattle on
Table 4. Effect of rumen digesta of buffalo transfer into cattle on rumen pH, NH3-N, total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetic acid
rumen pH, NH3-N, total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3) and butyric acid (C4)
(C2), propionic acid (C3) and butyric acid (C4) Digesta transfer
Digesta transfer Before
Before Items After 7 d After 14 d SEM
Items After 7 d After 14 d SEM C B C B C B
C B C B C B Acetic acid (C2), mM
Rumen pH 0 h postfeeding
0 h postfeeding RS 67.2 64.6 66.2 68.4 69.3 65.7 5.4
RS 6.4 6.3 6.6 6.7 6.5 6.6 0.06 UTRS 70.8b 68.8ab 64.2ab 67.4ab 62.9a 70.8b 2.7
UTRS 6.4 6.1 6.4 6.3 6.6 6.6 0.08 MX 65.3ab 67.9ab 70.4a 68.6ab 62.4b 68.8ab 3.0
MX 6.2 6.4 6.4 6.8 6.5 6.4 0.08 4h postfeeding
4-h-postfeeding RS 68.7 69.2 67.1 68.8 66.1 69.7 3.8
RS 6.5 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.5 6.7 0.05 UTRS 70.5 68.9 66.6 67.6 66.8 69.5 3.7
UTRS 6.4 6.2 6.1 6.1 6.5 6.6 0.07 MX 68.7 66.9 68.7 72.7 66.6 69.2 3.6
MX 6.6 6.5 6.2 6.3 6.5 6.5 0.06 Propionic acid (C3), mM
NH3-N, mg% 0 h postfeeding
0 h postfeeding RS 26.2 29.8 23.9 24.2 22.4 24.6 4.3
RS 3.1a 5.4ab 3.8a 6.5b 5.8b 6.6b 0.6 UTRS 24.0 27.6 29.3 27.8 25.4 23.4 3.5
UTRS 11.9ab 12.8ab 8.9a 11.7ab 15.1b 13.9a 0.9 MX 26.9 23.2 24.8 24.6 29.5 25.8 3.5
MX 11.6ab 9.5ab 7.9a 8.9ab 7.9a 13.5b 0.9 4 h postfeeding
4-h postfeeding RS 25.2 26.8 26.5 24.4 28.0 26.3 3.9
RS 6.4 6.3 6.9 7.4 5.1 6.5 0.3 UTRS 21.9 25.7 28.1 26.6 26.3 24.1 2.9
UTRS 13.0ab 10.9ab 15.2b 10.0ab 9.6a 13.9b 0.9 MX 23.5 26.4 24.4 26.6 31.1 28.8 4.3
MX 9.8 8.9 8.4 7.5 7.1 7.5 0.4 Butyric acid (C4), mM
TVFA, mM 0 h postfeeding
0-h-postfeeding RS 4.7 5.6 9.8 7.3 8.0 9.6 2.6
RS 85.9 85.7 86.7 78.4 102.1 83.2 14.2 UTRS 5.2a 6.9ab 6.9ab 4.8a 11.7b 6.2a 2.1
UTRS 94.6 106.9 112.7 116.8 125.3 101.9 11.6 MX 7.9 8.9 8.1 10.1 8.1 5.4 2.0
MX 91.5 104.2 110.9 99.5 99.6 85.8 9.1 4 h postfeeding
4-h-postfeeding RS 6.0 7.3 6.3 6.8 6.0 7.3 1.7
RS 75.7 80.5 100.2 94.2 112.2 85.1 10.5 UTRS 7.5 5.3 6.1 5.8 6.9 8.0 1.6
UTRS 104.4 120.9 117.9 119.3 104.3 115.9 12.2 MX 7.8 6.6 6.9 4.7 5.7 5.9 2.0
MX 118.6 107.6 109.7 100.3 104.6 96.5 10.0 a,b
values on the same row with different superscripts differ (<0.05)
a,b
values on the same row with different superscripts differ (p<0.05) RS = rice straw, UTRS = urea-treated rice straw
RS=rice straw, UTRS=urea-treated rice straw MX=RS+UTRS (1:1)
MX=RS+UTRS (1:1) C=cattle, B=buffaloes
C=cattle, B=buffaloes, SEM=standard error of the mean SEM=standard error of the mean.
 COMPARISON OF FEED DIGESTIBILITY IN CATTLE 509

Table 6. Effect of rumen digesta of buffalo transfer into cattle on have functionally higher rumen turn over rates while in cattle,
rumen microorganisms digesta transfer could be sustainable as seen by the values 14 d
Digesta transfer after transfer (Table 6).
Before
Items After 7 d After 14 d SEM Other means of manipulating the rumen could be used
C B C B C B
e.g. condensed tannins. Condensed tannins contained in
Total viable bacteria, 1011CFU/g
cassava hay has been shown to modify rumen
0 h postfeeding
RS 2.1a 2.9ab 2.4a 4.6ab 3.4ab 5.7b 0.9
microorganisms, fermentation and to enhance rumen by-pass
UTRS 2.3a 3.0ab 3.4ab 3.8ab 4.2ab 4.8b 0.7 protein (Wanapat, 2,000; Wanapat et al., 1999, 2000a, b)
MX 2.6a 2.8a 5.0ab 2.4a 3.4ab 5.8b 0.8 Diurnal fermentation pattern was monitored and rumen
4 h posfeeding NH3-N appeared to be the limiting factor when animals were
RS 1.2a 2.8ab 4.5bc 4.8bc 5.6c 5.1c 0.6 fed on straw. UTRS resulted in a higher nutritive value than
UTRS 2.8a 3.2a 5.9b 5.2ab 4.7ab 5.0ab 0.8 RS or MX. Rumen digesta transfer from buffalo to cattle
MX 3.6 3.6 4.6 4.8 3.5 5.3 1.4 could be achieved. The results in terms of intake, digestibility
Cellulolytic bacteria, 1010CFU/g and rumen ecological parameters appear to be sustainable.
0 h postfeeding
However, longer periods of study and more work on rumen
RS 1.8a 2.8ab 3.1ab 4.2b 2.2a 2.5ab 0.6
UTRS 3.4 5.9 2.7 2.7 5.1 5.7 1.9
microorganisms should be conducted to elucidate more
MX 1.9a 4.1b 2.6ab 3.0ab 4.5b 2.3a 0.6 details for possible recommendations and implementations.
4 h postfeeding Based on this study, swamp buffalo and cattle fed on rice
RS 2.9a 3.5ab 3.4ab 5.2b 3.1a 3.3ab 0.6 straw based-diets exhibited steady diurnal rumen
UTRS 4.5a 10.5b 5.4ab 7.1ab 5.1ab 4.5a 1.4 fermentation patterns with a lower rumen NH3-N
MX 2.5 5.2 3.2 6.5 3.4 2.5 1.0 concentration relatively to VFA production (Figures 1, 2, 3).
Proteolytic bacteria, 107CFU/g It was therefore, concluded supplementation for higher
0h postfeeding rumen NH3-N especially from NPN like urea could
RS 1.5a 2.7a 2.6a 7.1b 4.6ab 2.5a 0.6
effectively improve rumen ecology and subsequent
UTRS 2.7a 4.2ab 5.2ab 8.2b 5.2ab 5.9ab 1.1
MX 3.8 4.2 3.6 3.9 3.6 3.7 0.9
fermentation.
4 h postfeeding
RS 2.8 2.3 3.4 3.2 5.0 2.5 1.4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
UTRS 2.4 5.7 5.2 8.8 6.6 3.5 1.8
MX 4.4 2.5 4.6 3.2 2.8 2.4 0.6 The authors wish to express their gratitude to the
Amylolytic bacteria, 107CFU/g National Center for Bio-Engineering and Biotechnology of
0 h post feeding Thailand (BIOTEC) and the National Research Council of
RS 2.6a 3.0ab 4.0b 2.5a 3.7ab 4.0b 0.9 Thailand (NRCT) for their research financial support.
UTRS 3.5 3.6 4.3 5.3 5.4 3.9 0.8
MX 3.2ab 2.9a 3.9ab 2.7a 5.8b 3.3ab 0.7
4h postfeeding
REFERENCES
RS 3.1 3.2 3.2 2.7 4.4 3.7 0.7
UTRS 3.5 5.3 4.9 4.9 3.8 5.6 0.9 Boniface, A. N., R. M. Murray and J. P. Hogan. 1986. Optimum
MX 4.3ab 5.9ab 4.9ab 7.3b 4.0ab 3.2a 1.0 level of ammonia in the rumen liquor of cattle fed tropical
a,b,c
values on the same row with different superscripts differ (p<0.05) pasture hay. In: Proc. Aust. Soc. Anim. Proc. 16:151-154.
RS=rice straw, UTRS=urea-treated rice straw Bromner, J. M. and D. R. Keeney. 1965. Steam distillation methods
MX=RS+UTRS (1:1) of determination of ammonium, nitrate and nitrite. Anal. Chem.
C=cattle, B=buffaloes Acta. 32:485.
SEM=standard error of the mean Chanthai, S., M. Wanapat and C. Wachirapakorn. 1989. Rumen
ammonia-N and Volatile fatty acid concentrations in cattle and
concentrations were relatively high in all fed groups (Table 5). buffalo given rice straw-based diets. In: Proc. 7th AFAR Int.
Effect of digesta transfer on rumen microorganisms : Workshop. (Eds. R. Dixon), IDPD, Canberra, Australia.
Total viable bacteria counts were found to be similar for Devendra, C. 1985. Comparative nitrogen utilization in Malaysia
all treatments and sampling times. However, the values Swamp buffaloes and Kedah-Kelanton cattle. In: Proc. The 3 rd
found to be in buffaloes and UTRS were generally higher AAAP Animal science Congress, Seoulk, Korea, Vol 2:873-875.
than cattle on RS or MX fed group. Cellulolytic, Hungate, R. E. 1969. A roll tube method for cultivation of strict
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3

Table 2. The apparent digestibility (%) of feeds in cattle

and swamp buffaloes receiving the same feeds
Treatments
Item RS UTRS MX SEM
C B C B C B
Apparent digestibility, %
DM 50.4a 54.4a 63.7b 63.1b 55.8ab 57.9ab 1.3
OM 51.9a 57.3ab 64.3b 68.4b 61.9b 62.2b 1.2
CP 35.4a 33.7a 49.7ab 55.9b 43.4ab 41.1ab 2.5
NDF 35.4a 36.5a 50.6b 51.2b 46.6ab 47.8ab 2.9
ADF 45.1 41.6 52.4 55.3 47.7 47.8 5.0
a,b
values on the same row with different superscripts differ
(p<0.05)
DM=dry matter, OM=organic matter, CP=crude protein
NDF=neutral- detergent fiber, ADF=acid - detergent fiber
RS=rice straw, UTRS=urea-treated rice straw
MX=RS+UTRS (1:1)
C=cattle, B=buffaloes
SEM=standard error of the mean
 WANAPAT ET AL. 4

Table 3. Effect of rumen digesta of buffalo transfer into cattle on feed intake.