Effects of monensin, virginiamycin and functional oils essential on rumen papillae morphology of bovines fed a high concentrate diet

Abstract

The intake of high degradation carbohydrates may cause metabolic problems in ruminants such as acidosis. The low rumen pH causes the thickening of the papillae epithelium complicating the absorption of short chain fatty acids. Additives are manipulators of the rumen fermentation through the selection of gram-negative bacterias, which reduces the occurrence of metabolic disorders and contributes to improved animal performance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of monensin, virginiamycin and functional oils Essential® on the rumen papillae morphology of Nellore cattle, subjected to a challenging condition: abrupt adaptation to a high concentrate diet. Besides the analysis of the effects of additives on the papillae morphology, the student will follow a field experiment, coordinated by Dr. David McNeill, about the use of additives on performance and health of sheep rumen, thereby learning new production techniques will contribute for the discussion of the results related to the student's dissertation (FAPESP Project (2011/1518-3). The internship will be held at The University of Queensland, Australia. The abroad internship still aims to establish an international relationship between the two research centers. (AU)