Effect on weight gain, rumen bioactivity and rumen pH in weaned sheep using fresh rumen fluid from cattle

Objetive. To determine the effect on weight gain, rumen bioactivity and rumen pH in weaned sheep using fresh rumen fluid (FRF) from cattle. Materials and methods. Nine weaned sheep with (aproximated same age and weight), were randomized into three groups: Treatment 1), 400 ml of FRF, Treatment 2), 200 ml of FRF and Treatment 3), and 4) Control without FRF. The FRF was administered through oral route, using a single dose as baseline. Parameters studied, were taking at day 0 and then every 15 days during a 60 days period. For statistical analysis ANOVA and the Tukey’stest for each mean comparison were performed. Results. There were not significant differences (p>0.05) for daily weight gain, average profits between treated groups and control group (194.4 g/d, 169.4 g/d and 157.8 g/d respectively). Rumen bioactivity does showed changes after the administration of 400 ml of FRF (p<0.05). The pH showed only significant changes after 15 days of the administration of 400 ml of FRF. Conclusions. The administration of FRF did not cause significant increases on daily weight profit; nevertheless, it showed favorable effects on rumen bioactivity in weaned sheep.