Fermentative activity of bovine fungi in vitro with wheat (Triticum astivum) straw substrate in response of levels and sources of sulphur supplementation

An extensive in vitro study was conducted to delineate the influence of levels and source of sulphur besides rumen fungi habitat on the degradation of wheat straw's DM and fibrous constituents. The results revealed that degradability of DM, OM, ADF, NDF and cellulose from wheat straw was maximized (P<0.05), irrespective of habitat of anaerobic fungi, at 0.3% dietary sulphur level out of four graded levels (0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 per cent) besides control. Both organic (DL-Methionine) and inorganic (Sodium Sulphate) sources of sulphur were equally effective in promoting degradative activity of bovine fungi. Prolonged incubation of cattle or buffalo fungi from 12 to 96 hr accelerated (P<0.05) the fermentative activity of bovine fungi. Cattle excelled (P<0.05) buffalo for fungal degradative activity under both the supplemental form of sulphur.