Hibiscus schizopetalus as saponin source, reduce protozoa number and increase microbial protein synthesis on in vitro sheep rumen fermentation

Abstract

Effect of Hibiscus schizopetalus leaf as saponin source on rumen feed fermentation of sheep was studied using in-vitro gas production techniques. Grounded Hibiscus schizopetalus leaf equal to level of saponin 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.6% of feed dry matter (DM) was added to feed substrate of king grass and concentrate diet of (60:40), in the expense of king grass. Incubation was done at 39oC for 48 hours. Protozoa number was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in line with increasing saponin level. Increasing saponin levels increased microbial protein (P<0.01) and gas production (P<0.05). The level of saponin at 0.6%DM resulted the lowest protozoa number, the highest microbial protein synthesis and the highest gas production. VFA concentration, ammonia concentration and pH of medium after 48 h fermentation on the other hand were not affected by the treatment. It could be concluded that the addition of saponin from Hibiscus schizopetalus up to level 0.6% of feed DM gave the positive effect on rumen feed fermentation.