SHORT COMMUNICATION
Effect of natural phytoestrogens on rumen microbial
content in ewes
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Forage Department, Istituto Sperimentale per la Zootecnia,
Via Salaria 31-00016, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
Publication date: 2004-08-30
Corresponding author
A. Chiariotti
Forage Department, Istituto Sperimentale per la Zootecnia,
Via Salaria 31-00016, Monterotondo (Roma), Italy
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2004;13(Suppl. 1):655-658
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ABSTRACT
Twelve Comisana ewes were fed two different diets based on subterranean clover or Italian
ryegrass for about one year. Rumen samples were collected at slaughtering and total viable,
cellulolytic and xylanolytic bacteria, fungi and protozoa were counted.
The effect of natural phytoestrogens on rumen microflora was revealed by a decrease in P in
quantity and, consequently, an increase in bacteria growth.