The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of soybean oil (500 mL/animal/day), Rumensin® (3g/animal/day) and levels of concentrate (0, 25, 50 and 75%) in the diet of bovines, and sugarcane as a forage source, in some ruminal parameters and dry matter intake. There were used four rumen fistulated 7/8 holstein-zebu steers, at 400 kg of live weight. The experiment consisted of four periods of 15 days, in which 12 were for adaptation to the diets and three for sampling. It was used one level of concentrate in each period and oil and Rumensin were distributed in a latin square, as 2x2 factorial design. Ammonia, pH and VFA analysis in the rumen fluid were measured in samples collected at 0, 3 and 6 hours after feeding. The pH was immediately measured by glass electrode, ammonia was analysed by colorimetry and VFA by gas chromatography. Acetate, acetate to propionate ratio and pH were decreased, but isobutyrate, isovalerate, and ruminal ammonia were increased in high concentrate levels. Propionate was increased and acetate to propionate ratio was decreased with Rumensin. Butyrate was increased with oil in the forage diet, but decreased with increasing concentrate. Ruminal ammonia and pH were decreased during sampling time. In vitro deamination activity by the mixed ruminal bacteria decreased by increasing concentrate and increased by adding oil. Dry matter intake increased by increasing concentrate level and decreased with Rumensin and oil. All other main effects and interactions were not significant.
bovine; concentrate; fermentation; ionophore; lipids; rumen
