Effects of spirulina as a protein source on ruminal microbial fermentation in the dual-flow continuous culture fermenter system
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The suitable temperature of fermenting microbes is held in the range 36 to 41°C.(Hoover et al., (1976).In recent decades, the DFCC system has become an effective and reliable in-vitro method for studying rumen microbial fermentation.A variety of DFCC has been used in dairy science research to approximate in vivo rumen conditions (Plaizier and Li, 2013).Furthermore, the DFCC system can also be used in evaluating alternative feedstuffs, protein sources, and feed additives as it enables continuous culturing of rumen fluid and microbiome under controlled conditions.(Lobo et al., 2024) Background of microbial communities in the rumenAnaerobic microorganisms facilitate the digestion of cellulose, xylans, starch, glucose, and other plant materials in the rumen of ruminant animals.The digestion of plant materials in the rumen involves a very complex fermentation process (Hespell, 1988).In the rumen, the dominant microbial communities consist of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi.The population density ranges between 10 9 and 10 11 cfu/mL.The composition and abundance of microbial species within the microbial community are primarily influenced by the diet consumed by the animals (Rodríguez et al., 2007).Within the rumen ecosystem, the bacteria, protozoa, and fungi possess distinct nutrient requirements and metabolic processes.The microbiota breakdown of feed components, converting them into valuable products such as volatile fatty acids, ammonia, and microbial protein.These end-products serve as very important sources of nutrients for ruminants and contribute to their overall nutrition and well-being (Hao et al., 2021).Among the recognized bacteria inhabiting the rumen, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminococcus flavefaciens are widely regarded as the primary organisms accountable for the majority of cellulose degradation and fermentation (Hespell, 1988).The microbial enzymes with CON and SOY.Fermenters fed SPL had a greater apparent OM digestibility (P = 0.03) compared with CON and SOY.Fermenters fed SPL diets had lesser hydrogen production (P < 0.01) than CON and SOY, indicating a metabolic shift in fermentation pathways, independent of methanogenesis.Fermenters fed SPL had a lesser effluent nitrogen concentration and flow rate (P < 0.01) compared with SOY, indicating increased efficiency of nitrogen utilization.There were no effects of treatment on microbial efficiency (P = 0.12).In summary, spirulina as a protein source had effects on rumen microbial fermentation by adjusting pH, increasing VFA and ammonia concentration, improving apparent OM digestibility, reducing hydrogen, and enhancing nitrogen utilization efficiency, without affecting microbial efficiency.
Author: Chen, Wei
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7220749980