Alternative Feed Resources and Their Effects onthe Parametersof Rumen Fermentation, in situ Degradability, the Population of Ciliated Protozoaand the in vitro Gas Production Profile in Sicilo-Sarde Sheep

The effect of the substitution of imported raw materials (corn and soyabeans) by local food resources (barley, white sorghum, triticale and horse bean) on the parameters of faciesfermentation and digestibility in the rumen of sheep was evaluated. Four Sicilo-Sarde rams 4.8±0.5 years of age with an average live weight of 45.25±3.5 kg, permanently canulated in the rumen and housed in individual cages were used. Rams received a daily ration in two equal meals. The diet contained 1.5 kg DM of oat hay, complemented by one of four concentrates. During the test, 50 mL of rumen fluid were collected from each animal before and 2, 5, and 8 hours after the morning meal to measure the pH and ammonia nitrogen. Determining the total gas (CO2 and CH4) was performed on filtered rumen contents, collected before the distribution of the morning meal. Counting and classifying different types of ciliates were carried out on unfiltered rumen juice, collected two hours after the morning meal distribution. The dry matter digestibility of the basal diet was determined by nylon bags calibrated during fixed hours (3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48). Results showed that the rumen pH was statistically different (P0.05). The rate of ammonia nitrogen was in favor (P0.05).The population of ciliates for the concentrate CCbf was significantly higher (P