Effect of different levels of Citrus Limon powder and monensin on dietary nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and blood metabolite in male Makuii sheep

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of use of different levels of Citrus Limon powder on blood metabolites concentrations, rumen fermentation and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients in male Makuii sheep. This study were conducted using Three male Makuii sheep, each fitted with a permanent rumen cannula (average body weight 55 ± 5 kg) that received experimental diets including control without additives, control with 5, 10 and 15 mg/d Citrus Limon powder and control with 30 mg/d monensin in a change-over complete randomized block design with 5 periods of 17 days. The effect of treatments was not significant on digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, acid detergent fiber, ether extract and crude protein. But neutral detergent fiber digestibility of control treatment were more than the other treatments (P<0.05). Results of this experiment showed that different levels of Citrus Limon powder decreased acetate, ammonia N, acetate to propionate ratio and increased propionate concentration (P<0.05). Also concentration of total volatile fatty acid was different in experimental treatments. There was no significant difference between the treatments in valerate, iso-valerate and butyrate concentration and pH values. Effect of different of experimental treatments on blood metabolites such as glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride were significant. In conclusion, results showed that utilization of Citrus Limon powder in high levels could improve ruminal fermentation.