Digestive processes and microbiocenosis of intestinal contents in sheep when using a «protected» form of betaine in nutrition

In the process of maintaining the metabolic processes of the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants, an important link is to ensure a complete feeding diet. The study of the use of betaine supplements in a form "protected" from the indirect effects of the microflora of the rumen showed positive dynamics in relation to the digestive processes, the microbial composition of the rumen and the intestines of sheep. In the conditions of the physiological yard of the Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst conducted a physiological experiment on ramshanks of crossbreeds of the Romanov breed and katadins, aged 8-9 months, with chronic scar fistulas according to Basov (n=3). In the control period, the animals received the main diet, in the experimental 1 – the main diet + unprotected betaine at a dosage of 0.05 g / kg of live weight, in the 2nd experimental period a "protected" betaine supplement at a dosage of 0.05 g / kg of live weight. The duration of each period was 30 days. During the accounting period, average daily stool samples were taken according to the generally accepted method. To study cicatricial digestion, at the end of each period, samples of the contents were taken from animals through the fistula of the scar by Basov. As a result of the use of both the "protected" and native forms of betaine, the mass of microorganisms of the scar content became higher than in the control period. When the "protected" form of betaine was added to the diet of animals, the overall digestibility of feed nutrients tended to improve. In the 2nd experimental period, compared with the control, the level of bifidobacteria in the large intestine of sheep increased by 1.63 CFU/g, the level of pathogenic yeast fungi decreased several times.