Effect of Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80) on Rumen Fermentation in vitro

Three in vitro experiments were conducted to find out the effect of Tween 80 on rumen fermentation pattern. In experiment I, the substrate comprised of concentrate mixture and wheat straw mixed in the ratios of 40:60, 50:50 and 60:40. In experiment II, the substrate was concentrate mixture and wheat straw + maize (2:1) whereas in experiment III, substrate comprised of concentrate mixture and wheat straw + berseem(2:1). Concentrate to roughage ratios were kept similar in all the experiments. With each substrate and concentrate to roughage ratio, different levels of Tween 80 tested were 0.00, 0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20% (v/v). Fortification of 0.20% Tween 80 at concentrate to roughage ratio of 60:40 on substrate comprising concentrate mixture and wheat straw increased (P<0.05) IVDMD, IVNDFD, TCAppt-N and TVFAs concentration as compared to control. On substrate comprising of concentrate mixture and wheat straw + maize the best level of Tween 80 supplementation was 0.10% at 50:50 ratio which increased the IVDMD and IVNDFD from 51.47 and 43.83%, respectively in (control) to 57.47 and 51.41%, respectively. Also, TCA-ppt-N, TVFAs concentration and molar proportion of propionate increased (P<0.05). On substrates containing berseem again the Tween 80 at 0.10% level exhibited its best effect at a concentrate to roughage ratio of 50:50. At this ratio, the IVDMD increased (P<0.05) from 53.43 to 58.98% as compared to other ratios and levels of Tween 80, and IVNDFD, TCA-ppt-N, TVFAs concentration and molar proportion of propionate were also increased (P<0.05). It was concluded that Tween 80 supplementation had a stimulatory effect on rumen fermentation on all three experimental substrates.