DEGRADATION CHARACTERISTICS OF SHRUBS AND THE EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION WITH UREA OR PROTEIN ON MICROBIAL-PRODUCTION USING A CONTINUOUS-CULTURE SYSTEM

Degradation characteristics and availability of shrubs (Anthyllis cyti soides, Rosmarinus officinalis and Ulex parviflorus) and sunflower-mea l nutrients in the rumen and in the intestine were evaluated using in vitro and in sacco procedures. The fermentation of Ulex parviflorus al one and supplemented with urea or sunflower meal were evaluated using a continuous-culture system. Total and individual volatile fatty-acid concentration and production were determined. Microbial protein produc tion was estimated using diaminopimelic acid as a marker. The amino-ac id and fatty-acid composition of bacteria leaving the fermenter flasks and of both liquid- and solid-associated bacteria isolated from the f ermenter flasks was also determined. From the results, it is concluded that shrubs are a potential source of nutrients for ruminants and tha t supplementation with sunflower meal increases the synthesis of micro bial protein.