Abstract:
Objective In order to solve the environmental and ecological problems of improper utilization and waste of Scutellaria baicalensis straw and to develop its potential as a functional feed. The evaluation of the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis straw on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics in sheep might provide a reference for the scientific application of the straw in the actual production of sheep.
Methods The effects of different levels of Scutellaria baicalensis straw was studied by in vitro gas production method. The fermentation substrate was iso-nitrogen diet containing 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% Scutellaria baicalensis straw. The gas production at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h, as well as the nutrient degradation rate and rumen fermentation parameters after 72 h were measured.
Results The GP6 h of 12% and 20% groups was significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.05), and the GP6 h of each group showed a linear change. GP72 h showed 12% > 8% > control group > 16% > 4% > 20%, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The dry matter degradation rate of the Scutellaria baicalensis straw group was higher than that of the control group, and the dry matter degradation rate of 12% group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The crude protein degradation rates of 4% and 12% groups were significantly higher than those of other experimental groups (P<0.05), while 16% and 20% groups were significantly lower than other groups (P<0.05). With the increase of the proportion of Scutellaria baicalensis straw, the dry matter degradation rate and crude protein degradation rate of each group changed as a quadratic function (P<0.05). The pH values of fermentation broth among the experimental groups were between 6.63 and 6.77. There was no significant difference in the concentration of ammonia nitrogen among the groups (P>0.05). Total volatile fatty acids were: 12% > 8% > 4% > control group > 16% > 20%, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion Under the conditions of this experiment, compared with the control group, the in vitro gas production and substrate degradation rate of 8%~12% Scutellaria baicalensis straw feed is better, and the effect is the best when the adding level of Scutellaria baicalensis straw is 12%.