The effects of different amounts and types of fat on rumen microbial protein synthesis in sheep

The experiments were carried out on 4 rams of 40 +/-5 kg body weight fitted with permanent rumen and duodenal cannulas in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to determine the effects of fat source on rumen microbial biosynthesis. The basic ration for the control group consisted of meadow hay and concentrate (60:40) and for the experimental groups, the ration was supplemented with vegetable fat as rape seed oil, hydrogenated rape seed oil or linseed oil at a level of 0 (control), 4, 8 and 10% in dry matter of the diet. The concentration of 2,6-diamonopimelic acid in duodenal digesta was analyzed as a marker of bacterial protein content. There were no statistically significant differences in DAPA and protein concentration, nevertheless the source and level of fat addition.