Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition

Effect of supplementation of different levels of Himalayan Batisha Strong (HBS) powder at the rate of 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50 mg/50 ml incubation media were tested on in vitro rumen digestibility of three substrates i.e. concentrate mixture (C), dry oat fodder (O) and a mixture of C and O in 40:60 ratio. The HBS powder had no effect on rumen pH, HBS at 50 mg/50 ml increased (P<0.05) total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentration, NH₃-N concentration, molar proportion of acetate and propionate and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) but depressed (P<0.05) molar proportion of butyrate irrespective of substrate. Thus, HB-Strong powder supplementation at 50 mg/50 ml level seemed to have a stimulatory effect on rumen micro flora.