Avaliação física, química e microbiológica (protozoários) do líquido ruminal de ovinos mestiços ½ Dorper+ ½ Santa Inês suplementados com diferentes níveis de ionóforos

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the ruminal fluid of sheep supplemented with different levels of ionophores. 24 sheep were used, uncastrated young male, mixed race ½Dorper + ½Santa Inês, with average weight of 25 kg and approximate age of 6 months. The animals were distributed in a experimental design with four treatments and six replications. The experiment had 15 days for adaptation to the management and the experimental diet (including adaptation to ionophore) and 60-day trial, totaling 75 days. Four treatments were done: T1 = only the standard diet, T2 = standard diet + 30 mg / animal / day of sodium monensin, T3 = standard diet + 60 mg / animal / day of sodium monensin and T4 = standard diet + 90 mg / animal / day of sodium monensin. The ionophore was offered in the morning before the feed mixed with a small quantity of corn bran, to be assured all intake of the ionophores. Two samples of rumen fluid were carried out during the trial period, four hours after the morning feeding, as 50 mL of rumen fluid with the aid of a semi-flexible esophageal tube. Samples were collected and analyzed on the spot where the animals were accommodated. The rumen fluid was analyzed for the following parameters: pH (as measured by pH strips), organoleptic tests (color, odor and consistency), trial reduction of methylene blue (PRAM), density, motility and viability of protozoa. In this study it was observed in all parameters evaluated and treatments a good quality of the fluid that did not differ statistically. It was found that supplementation with monensin (30, 60, 90 mg/animal/day)do not influenced in maintaining physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the ruminal fluid of sheep evaluated.