Influence of inclusion of fungal treated watermelon straw in the ration on nutrient utilisation and rumen fermentation in sheep

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of treatment of different fungal species on nutrient utilisation and rumen fermentation in adult sheep. Four total mixed rations containing watermelon straw (WMS) treated with Pleurotus columbinus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium oxalicum or untreated were prepared. Three Barki female sheep fitted with permanent rumen fistula were used to estimate rumen fermentation and fiber fraction degradation in rumen. There was a significant (PPenicillium oxalicum and Pleurotus columbinus had the highest cellulose degradability while the ability of A. niger was higher for hemicellulose degradation.