http://lattes.cnpq.br/3101397549076719; RODRIGUES, José Lucas Santos.
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.
