Effect of Sunflower Acid Oil or its Calcium Soap on Rumen Fermentation in Sheep*

Effect of supplementing Sunflower acid oil (SFAO-T,) at 5 (T₂), 10 (T₃) or its Ca soap at 10% (T₄) of dietary DM on rumen fermentation was assessed using fistulated Nellore brown sheep in a 4x4 Latin square design. Significant increase (P<0.01) in rumen pH was observed in rams fed ration supplemented with 10% SFAO (T) than others. The mean rumen pH in the animals fed ration T₂ (6.71) or T₄ (6.62) was comparable to those fed T₁ (6.67). Significantly, lower NH₃ -N concentration (mg/dl) in T₃ than those fed other rations was noted. Total N concentration in rumen liquor was also lower in rams fed T₃. Similarly, the TVFA concentration (m. eq/1) declined significantly (P<0.01) in T₃, while there was no adverse effect on the animals in T₂ or T₄ groups. It may be concluded that supplementing SFAO at 5 or its Ca soap at 10% of dietary DM have no adverse effect on rumen fermentation pattern in sheep, when fed as a source of energy.