Rumen Papillae Histology as Influenced by Dietary Supplementation of Mixed Volatile Fatty Acids in Buffalo Calves

Male buffalo calves (18) were distributed (Experiment 1) in 3 groups. All the groups were fed on whole milk, skim milk, calf starter and green fodder as per schedule. However, groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with 24ml each of propionic acid and butyric acid per day, respectively. In the experiment 2, 18 male buffalo calves were distributed in 3 groups and fed as in experiment I. The calves of group 2 and 3 were supplemented with 24 ml of mixture of butyric and propionic acids and 24 ml of mixture of acetic, butyric and propionic acid/calf/day, respectively. Three calves from each group (Exp. 1 and 2) were sacrificed at the age of 60 days and rumen tissues (2 cm²) were sliced for measuring the papillary length and numbers and examined for histologically. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the rumen papillae was well developed in butyric acid supplemented group than in other groups. The length and width of papillae, thickness of epithelium keratinization of epithelium and connected tissues of papillae were thinner in control group (1) than in other groups; however, these qualitative characteristics of mucosal cells were more advanced in butyric acid group followed by groups supplemented with mixture of butyric and propionic, propionic only and a mixture of ail the fatty acids. Basal layer, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum were also well developed in butyric acid group and least in control group. The length and numbers of papillae/cm² were also significantly (P< 0.05) higher in the same group.