RUMEN FERMENTATION PATTERN AND DIGESTION OF STRUCTURAL CARBOHYDRATES IN BUFFALO (BUBALUS-BUBALIS) CALVES AS AFFECTED BY CILIATE PROTOZOA

Four male murrah buffalo calves (average weight 188 kg), each fitted w ith a rumen and abomasal cannula were subjected to treatments in which they were defaunated (Period I) or refaunated (Period II). The animal s were given same wheat straw and concentrate ration in both periods. The pH and concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids were lower concomitant with higher rumen volume and bacterial c ounts in rumen liquor of defaunated vs. refaunated animals. The molar proportion of propionate increased, and butyrate decreased, with defau nation. Intake of organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, acid deterg ent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose did not differ between treatmen ts although their forestomach and whole tract digestibilities were red uced with defaunations. It was concluded that defaunation reduces dige stibility of structural carbohydrates in buffalo calves.