Effect of one produced slow-release urea component on gas production, fermentation, nutrient disappearance and activity of microbial enzymes using rumen liquor of sheep

In the present study one slow-release urea component was produced, and its effects was assessed on in vitro gas production, fermentation parameters, nutrients disappearance and enzyme activity. Four experimental treatments used were 1) control treatment, and supplementing control treatment with 2) urea, 3) slow-released urea and 4) optigen. Results showed that in most examined incubation times highest and lowest ammonia-N concentration was observed in treatment supplemented with urea and control treatment, respectively (P<0.05). However, in all incubation times there was no differences between slow-release urea and optigen treatments (P>0.05). After 96 h incubation, dietary treatments had no effect on total gas production, b and c coefficient and pH of rumen (P>0.05). Highest and lowest in vitro dry matter and organic matter disappearance, estimation of metabolisable energy, short chain fatty acids, microbial protein synthesis and activity of carboxy methyl cellulase were observed in control and urea-treated group (P>0.05). Highest filter paper degrading activity was observed for diet supplemented with slow-release urea, while urea-treated group resulted in lowest activity (P<0.05). Highest rumen protease activity was observed in diet treated with urea, while its lowest amount was related to control treatment (P<0.05). Totally, utilization of slow-release urea compared to urea improved rumen dry matter and organic matter digestion, microbial protein production and most of rumen fibrolytic enzymes activity in vitro.