Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
ANKARA UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI, cilt.57, sa.4, ss.217-221, 2010 (SCI-Expanded)
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) on rumen microbial fermentation using the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec). Six fermenters with a nominal volume of 750 ml were set up for the study that lasted 14 days. Each fermenter received daily 10 g of a basal diet consisting of 6 g pelleted alfalfa hay and 4 g pelleted concentrate. Treatments were control (received 0.5 ml/day of 70% ethanol without having any propolis), 0.5 ml/day of 20% PEE, and 0.5 ml/day of 60% PEE. Supplementation of PEE in both concentrations did not affect ruminal pH, production of total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) as well as of acetate, acetate to propionate ratio, total protozoa count, and dry matter digestibility. High concentration of PEE resulted in a significant decrease (p<0.05) in propionate production whereas both high and low concentrations of PEE significantly increased (p<0.05) ruminal butyrate production. Total count of ruminal bacteria was decreased (p<0.05) after the addition of PEE in both concentrations. Furthermore, NH3-N concentration in rumen fluid was reduced (p<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner by 24 and 39% by the addition of low and high concentrations of PEE, respectively. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that propolis may be a useful additive to decrease ruminal ammonia production and to improve the nitrogen utilization in ruminants.