Work

Ferulic Acid and Clinoptilolite Affect In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics and Bacterial Abundance

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of clinoptilolite (CTL) and ferulic acid (FA) supplementation on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, gas production, and bacterial abundance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design (FA: 0 or 300 ppm; CTL: 0 or 1%) with repeated measures over time (2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h). Throughout the incubation period, the CTL and FAZ treatments recorded the highest pH values (p ≤ 0.05), maintaining levels closest to neutrality after 72 h. After 48 and 72 h, FA and CTL decreased (p ≤ 0.05) the ammonia concentrations while increasing (p ≤ 0.05) acetate and propionate. The methane, butyrate, and iso-VFA concentrations were unaffected (p > 0.05) by any treatment. FA increased the total gas production throughout the experimental period (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, FA and CTL significantly reduced the relative abundance of Ruminococcus albus and Streptococcus bovis (p ≤ 0.05), while no significant effects were observed for Selenomonas ruminantium (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that both additives can positively modify the rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial composition, which could significantly contribute to animal nutrition by providing a promising strategy for enhancing rumen fermentation.

Source: Fermentation

DOI: 10.3390/fermentation10110549