Fermentation pattern and enzymatic activity in caecum of rabbits fed processed Neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel meal incorporated diets

Gowda, S. K.; Sastry, V. R. B.; Sahoo, A.; Katiyar, R. C.

doi:1997.10.4.398

Article

Ruminant Nutrition and Forage Utilization

Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 1997;10(4): 398-401.
https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.1997.398 Published online August 1, 1997.

Fermentation pattern and enzymatic activity in caecum of rabbits fed processed Neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel meal incorporated diets

S. K. Gowda, V. R. B. Sastry, A. Sahoo, R. C. Katiyar

Abstract

A caecal fermentation study was conducted in 30 Angora rabbits equally placed under five whole diets (75 concentrate : 25 roughage) supplemented with processed Neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel meal (NKM ; 2% urea or 1.5% NaOH, W/W), replacing isonitrogenously either at 50 or 100% level of deoiled peanut (Arachis hypogea) meal, for 18 wk period. The total volatile fatty acids level was depressed (p < 0.05) in all the experimental groups (0.02 to 0.04 mEq/g) and ammonia-nitrogen was lowest (p < 0.05; 24.9 關mol/g) in rabbits fed NaOH treated NKM supplemented diet. Enzyme activity (unit/g) of carboxy methyl-cellulase, 慣-amylase, protease and urease exhibited much variation and did not differ significantly. Hence, the results could not confirm a possible adverse effect of feeding NKM on caecal fermentation.

Keywords: Caecal Fermentation; Rabbits; Neem Kernel Meal