Effect of on ruminal fermentation, feed intake and dry matter digestibility in cows fed forage-based diets.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion on ruminal fermentation, feed intake and dry matter (DM) apparent digestibility in cows fed forage and concentrate. Cows were randomly assigned in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, into four treatments: control and three doses of culture (1, 2 and 3 g/d). Experimental periods had 21 days, in which 14 days were allowed for treatment adaptation and 7 days for sampling. Addition of 2 g/d increased ( = 0.0054) total anaerobic bacteria. For cellulolytic bacteria and fungal populations increases ( < 0.0001) with all doses were observed. Highest concentrations of total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate, isovalerate and valerate were observed with 2 g/d of additive. Propionate concentration and acetate: propionate (Ac:Pr) ratio were unaffected by treatments. addition did not modify ruminal pH. A decrease of ammonia-N was observed with 2 g/d of additive. Dry matter intake and apparent digestibility of DM were increased ( = 0.0171 and  = 0.0023, respectively) with the fungal culture addition. It is concluded that strain H/6.28.1 stimulates ruminal fermentation and improves feed intake and dry matter apparent digestibility in cows feeding with forage and concentrate.