Work

Effect of Microplastic Contamination on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Feed Degradability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the effects of microplastic (MP) contamination on rumen fermentation dynamics and concentrate degradability using an in vitro model with lamb rumen fluid. Three types of MPs-polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyamide (PA)-were tested at contamination levels of 0%, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 1.8% of dry matter. MP contamination significantly disrupted rumen fermentation dynamics, reduced feed degradability, increased gas production, accelerated fermentation rates, and shortened the lag time before gas production (p < 0.05). Additionally, MPs impaired microbial efficiency, increased ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) levels, decreased rumen protozoa populations, and reduced concentrate degradability (p < 0.05). LDPE exhibited the most severe effects, causing the highest increases in gas production and NH₃-N levels (15% and 12%, respectively at LDPE highest dose) while decreasing microbial efficiency, protozoa count, and feed degradability (16.0%, 16.4%, and 4.5%, respectively at LDPE highest dose). The severity of MPs' impacts followed a significant linear trend, with higher concentrations leading to more pronounced negative effects. The findings highlight MPs as significant emerging pollutants that can adversely affect rumen function and animal nutrition.

Source: Animal Science Journal

DOI: 10.1111/asj.70063