The role of Eudiplodinium maggii in starch metabolism in the rumen

Abstract

Amylolytic activity was examined in the rumen of three Polish Merino sheep that were ciliatefree or refaunated with Eudiplodinium maggii. The rate of reducing sugars release from starch by the enzymes extracted from rumen digesta of defaunated and refaunated sheep was 7.1-14.2 and 8.7-19.5 μM/g DM digesta/min, respectively. A significant increase in amylolytic activity was observed after feeding, regardless of the presence or absence of ciliates. Reducing sugars released from starch by enzymes extracted from the cells of Eudiplodinium maggii were about 161-183 μM/g protozoal DM/min. Neither protozoal activity nor numbers changed significantly after feeding (P<0.05). Ciliates readily ingested starch grains and 89% protozoa cells were filled with this polysaccharide at 4 h after feeding. Only 6.5 and 8.9 g of 1,4;1,6-α-D-glucan were found in the rumen 12 h after feeding defaunated and refaunated sheep, respectively. These values were equivalent to 10.8 and 14.7% starch present in ground barley given to animals in the ration.