Survey on the effect of different levels of condensed and fermented whey on microbial protein supply and protozoa population changes in rumen of sheep

In this study four zel rams, fitted with ruminal cannulas and fed at maintenance level, were arranged in a 4×4 latin square design to determine the effects of different levels of condensed and fermented whey (0, 5, 10 and 15% on DM basis) on microbial protein synthesis and protozoal population changes in the rumen. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives was determined to estimate the microbial protein synthesis. Data was analyzed by SAS software. Then, ruminal holotrich and total protozoa were counted 6 times after morning feeding. The results of this experiment indicated that microbial protein synthesis and excretion of purine derivatives were affected by treatments and tended to decrease as condensed and fermented whey level increased to 10 and 15 % in the diet. Rumen protozoa population not only was not affected negatively by adding condensed and fermented whey in diet, but also sometimes tended to increase.