Effect of Feeding Pomegranate and Rohitaka on Rumen Fermentation Parameters in Male Buffalo Calves

Six fistulated animals were divided randomly into 2 groups of 3 each. All the animals were offered conventional diet with roughage: concentrate ratio of 65: 35 on DM basis as total mixed ration with or without pomegranate (Punica granatum; Anar chal) or Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata) @ 2% of DMI. Anar chal supplementation led to higher (P<0.01) concentration of total phenols, true tannins and methanol soluble saponins whereas Rohitaka was richer (P<0.01) in vitamin C, flavonoids and water soluble saponins. The total nitrogen in rumen liquor was higher (P<0.01) in Anar chal (0.32 mg/dL) and Rohitaka (0.37 mg/dL) supplemented group as compared to control diet (0.18 mg/dL). The true nitrogen and ammonical-N levels were also higher (P<0.01) in rumen liquor of animals fed Anar chal (82.9 and 41.4%) and Rohitaka (122.3 and 46.3%) in comparison to rumen liquor of control group. Supplementation of herbs increased (P<0.01) the production of TVFAs and individual fatty acids in comparison to control. The acetate: propionate ratio varied (P<0.01) from 3.35 (Anar chal supplemented diet) to 3.06 (control diet). Total bacterial counts were higher (P<0.01) in the rumen of animals fed with Anar chal (18.52×10⁹) or Rohitaka (22.62 × 10⁹) as compared to control (12.75×10⁹). Total protozoa count was lower (P<0.05) postprandial in Anar chal (1.0×10⁵) supplemented diet in comparison to control (1.75 × 10⁵) or Rohitaka (3.23×10⁵) supplemented diet. The percent holotrichs increased (P<0.01) whereas entodinomorphs reduced (P<0.01) on herb supplementation. It was concluded that supplementation of Anar chal or Rohitaka @ 2% of DMI resulted in improved rumen biochemical profile, VFA production and microbial population, however, Rohitaka had an edge over Anar chal in improving rumen fermentation parameters.