Effects of fermented rice husk powder on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial communities in fattening Hu sheep.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine the effects of fermented rice husk powder feed on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, and rumen microbial communities in fattening Hu sheep. METHODS: Twenty-one male Hu sheep with similar body weights (32.68 &#xb1; 1.59 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (CON) receiving a TMR with soybean straw, a rice husk powder group (RH), and a fermented rice husk powder group (FHR). RESULTS: The results indicated that the FHR group exhibited a significant increase in ADG and FBW of Hu sheep compared to the other two groups (&#x2009;< 0.05). The digestibility of CP and EE was significantly higher in the CON and FHR groups than in the RH group (&#x2009;< 0.01). Furthermore, the digestibility of DM in the CON group was higher than in the FHR and RH groups (&#x2009;< 0.01). The FHR group showed lower NDF and ADF digestibility compared to the CON group, but higher than the RH group (&#x2009;< 0.05). Additionally, serum ALB and ALT levels in the CON group were elevated compared to those in the two groups (&#x2009;< 0.05). The rumen concentrations of TVFA, butyrate, and valerate in the FHR group were significantly elevated compared to the other two groups (&#x2009;< 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundances of,,,,, andwere significantly diminished in the FHR group compared to the CON group (&#x2009;< 0.05). In contrast, the relative abundance ofwas significantly higher (&#x2009;< 0.05), while the abundances ofandwere significantly lower (&#x2009;< 0.05) in the RH group compared to the CON group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between theand propionate, butyrate, and TVFA, as well as betweenand both propionate and TVFA. Conversely,showed a positive correlation with propionate and TVFA. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, replacing 15% of soybean straw with fermented rice husk powder feed modified the rumen microbiota and improved the growth performance of fattening Hu sheep.