The effect of different levels of saponin on nutrient digestibility, fermentation parameters, ruminal protozoa population and blood metabolites in Baluchi male sheep

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of pure saponin (Loba Chemie Ltd.) on digestibility, fermentation parameters, ruminal protozoa population and blood metabolites in Baluchi male sheep. Four rumen fistulated Baluchi male sheep (LW=40.3±2.2kg) were used in a change-over design. Experimental treatments were 1) basal diet (control), 2) basal diet 75 mg saponin per kg of diet (DM basis), 3) basal diet 150 mg saponin, and 4) basal diet 300 mg saponin. Saponin did not affect apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, NDF, and ADF of the diet (P>0.05). Concentration of acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate and also pH of the rumen fluid were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05), but the level of 300 mg saponin increased total volatile fatty acids compared to the control group (P0.05). Although use of saponin up to 300 mg in the diet, had no negative effect on the health of animal, but among the studied parameters, ammonia nitrogen concentration, total volatile fatty acids, blood triglyceride and numbers of ruminal protozoa were affected by saponin. However, more studies are needed to prove the beneficial effects of saponins on animal performance.