JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION, cilt.103, sa.2, ss.416-426, 2019 (SCI-Expanded)
Two consecutive experiments were carried out to determine efficacy of Megasphaera elsdenii inoculation in alleviation of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). In the first experiment, SARA was induced by feeding corn- and wheat-based diets (20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of TMR, DM basis) in six ruminally cannulated heifers. Continuous pH was obtained using data loggers embedded in rumen. In corn (80%)- and wheat (60%)-based diets ruminal pH ranged from 5.2 to 5.6 for 7.77 and 5.93hr. In the second experiment (5day), M.elsdenii (200ml; 2.4 x 10(10) cfu/ml) was inoculated during the first two days. During the SARA induction period, M.elsdenii and S.bovis in rumen liquor were more abundant in wheat-based feeding (7.97 and 8.77) than in corn-based feeding (7.06 and 7.95 per ml, log basis; p<0.0001 for both). M.elsdenii inoculation increased total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration when corn-based diet was fed, whereas it decreased total VFA concentration when wheat-based diet was fed (p<0.004). There was a decrease in the propionic acid proportion (24.04%-19.08%; p<0.002), whereas no alteration in lactate and ammonia concentrations was observed. M.elsdenii inoculation increased protozoa count (from 5.39 to 5.55 per ml, log basis; p<0.009) and decreased S.bovis count (from 9.18 to 7.95 per ml, log basis; p<0.0001). The results suggest that M.elsdenii inoculation may help prevent SARA depending on dietary grain through altering rumen flora as reflected by a decrease in S.bovis count and an increase in protozoa count.