Effects of of monensin supplementationalone or in combination with Methafix on ruminal fermentation and fatty acids composition of Longissimus Dorsi muscle in Farahani finishing lambs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of monensin alone or in combination with Methafix (a commercial product containing malate and fumarate) on rumen fermentation parameters and fatty acids composition of longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) of Farhani finishing lambs. Twenty four male Farhani lambs (4-6 months old, average body weight 35.9 ± 7.4 kg) were used. The lambs were randomly divided into four groups and individually fed with one of the four dietary treatments; control diet (Control), Control plus 24 mg of monensin/kg of DM (Monensin), control plus 4 g of Methafix/kg DM (Metafix) and Controlplus 24 mg of monensin and 4 g of Methafix/kg DM (MonMet). Results showed that Monensin and/or MonMet decreased acetate (P0.05). However, dietary supplementation with M and ME increased LM concentrations of docosahexaenoic, docosatetraenoic, eicosapentaenoic and omega-3 fatty acids in comparison with control (P