Profile of Ciliate Protozoan and its Effects on Metabolites in Rumen under Herbal Drug Treated Feeding

Abstract

Ruminant possess a specific ecosystem consist of bacteria, protozoa and fungus where a unique activity feed fermentation takes place in it. The end products of fermentation will be VFAs and gases. The present study was design to see the effects of self- compounded herbal drugs which was given to two groups of calves along with one control group. The herbal mixture was composed by some herbs like chirayita, kutki, cordimom, guruchi, kalmegh, bhumiamalki, neemcchal, anis seed or ajwain, black pepper piplamul, ghee- kunwar, azmoda, yeast along with ammonium chloride and certain other minerals. Nine Claves were divided into three groups with three calves in each group. The period of each trial was of three months including one months of pre-experimental feeding. The experimental trials were conducted in switch over design. Results indicated positive effects of compounded herbal drug on PH, VEAs and microbial population (Protozoan). The high level of drug (D3=80gm) improved the rumen ecosystem (PH, VFAs and protozoan number) compared to control group (D1=without drug) and low dose of drug (D2=40gm). This herbal drug had no adverse effect on animal body.