Variations in Rumen Volume and Associated Effects as Factors Influencing Metabolism and Protozoa Concentrations in the Rumen of Sheep

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Abstract
Eleven sheep were fed a basal ration, which had been supplemented with casein and urea to give nitrogen intakes ranging, in 1 gm. increments, from 10 to 20 gm. N/day. A Youden-square design was used. Rumen holotrich protozoa concentrations were negatively associated with water consumption, and decreased oligotrich protozoa concentrations were associated with increased water consumption, propensity to eat and large rumen volumes. A positive association was found between the individual protozoal species. Analysis of individual sheep deviations from treatment means showed fast-eating animals exhibited above average rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration. Sheep with a small rumen volume utilized nitrogen more effectively, while those having a large rumen volume digested a greater proportion of ingested dry matter. Copyright © 1966. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1966 by American Society of Animal Science

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