Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

The effect of two antimicrobials (Diarrheastat® and Enrosol-S®) on sheep rumen ecosystem (pH, viscosity, microbial activity and protozoal activity) was investigated in adult rams. The rams were randomly divided into two groups; each group included four rams dosaged orally one time daily for three successive days according to the manufacturer recommendations. Ruminal fluid was analyzed before dosage, after 24 hrs of the first, second and third doses, and after 3, 7 and 10 days after the last dose (3rd dose). No significant differences in ruminal fluid pH and viscosity with oral antimicrobial administration were noticed. Microbial activity tests used (methylene blue reduction test and floatation/sedimentation test) showed a significant reduction of microbial activity of rumen (P<0.05) without differences in staining characters of bacterial population. Protozoal activity of the rumen was influenced significantly (P<0.05) by oral antimicrobials with some differences between Diarrheastat® and Enrosol-S®. It was concluded from this study that dosing of Diarrheastat® and Enrosol-S® orally to rams one time daily for three successive days had an obvious effects on microbial and protozoal activity of the rumen.