Effect of Supplementation of Ruminal Fungal Zoospores on the Utilization of Sugarcane Bagasse based Rations in Buffalo Calves

In vitro degradation of total mixed ration, containing sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, and concentrate mixture in the ratio of 20:30:50, was tested using zoospores of anaerobic rumen fungi Neocallimastix and Piromyces spp. The results showed an increase in the activity of hydrolytic enzymes (CMCase, FPase and Xylanase) and thereby improving significantly the in vitro digestibility of dry matter, NDF, ADF and level of TVFA production when compared to control. It was also observed that the zoospores of Neocallimastix spp. had an edge over zoospores of Piromyces spp. as far as nutritive value of TMR was concerned. Murrah female buffalo calves (12) divided into two equal groups were fed on a total mixed ration along with green oats/maize as per requirements. Animals were supplemented with 150 ml of broth (group 1) and 150 ml of broth containing zoospores (10⁶ tfu/ml) of Neocallimastix spp. GR1 (group 2) on every alternate day. The average daily gains (g) were observed to be significantly (P<0.05) higher (546.22) in group 2 compared to control group (422.22) and dry matter intake was similar in two groups. The percent digestibility of nutrients was significantly (P<0.01) higher in zoospores fed group compared to the control except ether extract. The results showed that the TVFA (mM/100 ml) were found to be significantly higher (P<0.01) where as NH₃-N (mg/100 ml) was significantly low (P<0.01) in the rumen liquor of fungal zoospores fed group. It was concluded that incorporation of zoospores of Neocallimastix spp. GR1 improved the growth rate, digestibility of nutrients and rumen fermentation in female buffalo calves fed on a total mixed ration.