Effect of sunflower acid oil or its calcium soap on rumen fermentation in sheep

Effect of supplementing Sunflower acid oil (SFAO-T,) at 5 (T2), 10 (T3) or its Ca soap at 10% (T4) of dietary DM on rumen fermentation was assessed using fistulated Nellore brown sheep in a 4x4 Latin square design. Significant increase (P<0.01) in rumen pH was observed in rams fed ration supplemented with 10% SFAO (T) than others. The mean rumen pH in the animals fed ration T2 (6.71) or T4 (6.62) was comparable to those fed T1 (6.67). Significantly, lower NH3 -N concentration (mg/dl) in T3 than those fed other rations was noted. Total N concentration in rumen liquor was also lower in rams fed T3. Similarly, the TVFA concentration (m. eq/1) declined significantly (P<0.01) in T3, while there was no adverse effect on the animals in T2 or T4 groups. It may be concluded that supplementing SFAO at 5 or its Ca soap at 10% of dietary DM have no adverse effect on rumen fermentation pattern in sheep, when fed as a source of energy.