<b>Influence of monensin and yeast on rumination and metabolic parameters in semi-confined lamb</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v30i2.4687

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of monensin and yeast supplements on rumination and metabolic parameters in semi-confined lamb. Thirty animals were divided into 3 groups: control (without supplement), ionophore (500 g t-1 of Rumensin^®) and yeast (500 g t-1 of Beefsac^®), were used. These animals were kept in semi-confinement, receiving the feed equivalent to 2% of their live weight. Samples of the ruminal fluid were collected every 7 days, in order to determine the pH, redox potential, time of sedimentation and fluctuation, color, odor, consistency and protozoa movement. The same interval was used for blood sampling collection. The concentrations of glucose, urea, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, albumin, oxaloacetic transaminase and γ-glutaril-transferase were determined. The yeast group presented lower values (p < 0.05) for ruminal pH in relation to the control group. Regarding other ruminal parameter evaluations, no supplement effect was verified (p > 0.05). In relation to metabolic parameters, differences (p > 0.05) in concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, albumin and oxaloacetic transaminase were not observed. However, urea, triacylglycerol and γ-glutaril-transferase were higher (p < 0.05) in the yeast group. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the use of supplements does not alter ruminal parameters in relation to physiological patterns.