Effect of UMMB (Urea Molasses Mineral Block) supplementation on rumen profile in buffaloes

Effect of UMMB supplementation on rumen profile in buffalo calves was undertaken with the objectives to study the effect of UMMB on rumen microbiology and rumen metabolites. Eight apparently healthy male buffalo calves of 10 to12 months age and weighing between 100 to 150 kg were used as experimental animals. They were divided in to control and treatment groups consisting of 4 animals in each group. The animals of group I were kept as control for normal study and the animals of group II were supplemented with UMMB ad-lib. Rumen liquor samples were collected before feeding (0 hr) and at 3 hr after feeding for 3 consecutive days after a period of microbial adaptation. The results revealed that there was (p<0.05) increase in total bacterial count viable bacterial count and total protozoal count in UMMB supplemented group compared to control. Rumen pH, concentration of total volatile fatty acids, molar proportion of propionic acids, total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen also showed significant increase in group II however molar proportion of acetic acid and butyric acid significantly decreased in group supplemented with UMMB. It can be concluded from the present investigation that oral supplementation of UMMB enhanced the microbial population and improved the concentration of rumen metabolites.