Juniper Oil Yield, Terpenoid Concentration, and Antimicrobial Effects on Deer

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Abstract
Samples of alligator (Juniperus deppeana), Rocky Mountain (J. scopulorum) and Utah (J. osteosperma) junipers were analyzed for volatile oil yield and terpenoid concentration. Oil yield varied (P < 0.05) among species, with alligator (0.6-0.9%) lowest, Utah (1.0-2.6%) higher and Rocky Mountain juniper (1.6-2.9%) highest. Gas chromatographic analyses revealed that volatile oils consisted of 3 terpenoid groups: monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Mean percentages for monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were: Rocky Mountain juniper 56, 15 and 28; Utah juniper 42, 43 and 11; and alligator juniper, 73, 25 and 1, respectively. Effects of volatile oils and fractions of oil upon starch, cellulose and dry matter digestion were examined. Inhibition of cellulose digestion occurred between 0.6 and 1.0 .mu.l volatile oil/ml medium; major reductions in starch digestion occurred with 3-5 .mu.l volatile oil/ml medium. Reduction (P < 0.05) in digestion of dry matter occurred between 0.7 and 1.3 .mu.l oil/ml media. Monoterpene hydrocarbons inhibit starch, cellulose and dry matter digestion less than either oxygenated monoterpenes or sesquiterpenes.