Effect of dietary fluoride levels on rumen ecosystem and growth in buffaloes
Abstract
The investigation was carried out in two phases to study the effect of dietary fluoride levels on rumen ecosystem and growth in buffaloes. In phase I, experiment was conducted on three male, rumen fistulated buffaloes in 3x3 latin square design. The three groups (A, B and C); were fed similar diets consisting of concentrate mixture and roughages, except the fluoride (F), which was added in the diet of group B and C at 30 and 60 ppm level (DM basis). After one month, the rumen liquor samples were collected at 0 hour 2, 4 and 6 hours (post feeding) intervals for two consecutive days. Analysis of rumen liquor samples revealed that there was no treatment effect on ruminal pH, total-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids. A significant increase in acetate (%) and decrease in propionate (%) was observed in group C. Fluoride at 60 ppm level caused a significant decrease in viable bacterial number as well as cellulase activity, where as protease activity was not affected by fluoride supplementation.
In phase-II, the effect of dietary fluoride on growth, feed efficiency and thyroid hormones was studied. Twelve, male buffalo calves (10-12 months) were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). The diet in the three groups was similar to phase I. Feeding was done for 3 months. Body weight of each animal was recorded at start of experiment and at fortnightly interval. Dry matter intake and water intake was recorded daily. Blood samples were collected at 0 day, 30, 60 and 90 days.
Dry matter intake decreased significantly in group C. The body weight gain decreased non-significantly in group B and C. Fluoride at both levels did not affect the water intake and feed conversion efficiency.
Analysis of blood revealed that hemoglobin values decreased significantly in group C at 90 days. Neutropenia and Eosinophillia was observed in group C. A non significant decrease in blood glucose and serum protein in group B and C was observed. Hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia was observed in group C. Fluoride @ 60 ppm level resulted in higher serum ALP activity, whereas non significant effect on SGOT and SGPT. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were not affected by supplementation of fluoride at both levels in the diet.
Thus, it is clear that 30 ppm level is safe level where as 60 ppm F had some adverse effect on rumen ecosystem and growth performance.