Four buffaloes and four cattle, rumen fistulated, were utilized in two Latin Square (4 x 4) to evaluate the effects of rations with increasing levels of NDF (54, 60, 66 and 72% in DM) and two porous size of the nylon bags (53 and 100 mm) on the population of ciliate protozoa in rumen content and inside the nylon bags suspended in the rumen for several times. There was no difference in the several genus and in the total of protozoa in the samples of the nylon bags between 53 and 100 mm. The concentration of Entodinium and total of protozoa in the rumen content increased in the level of 66% of NDF with drop accentuated in 72% in the buffaloes, while in the cattle there was significant decrease with the increase of NDF in the ration. Rumen protozoa concentration of Diplodiniinae subfamily, Epidinium and Dasytricha were different for buffaloes and cattle inside the rumen incubated nylon bags with 53 mm pore size. Diplodiniinae concentration in the rumen content increased with 72% of NDF in diet in both animal species. The buffaloes presented higher pH average values and rate of passage and lower ruminal volumes than cattle.
bovine; buffalo; fiber; rumen protozoa; ruminants
