Effect of Saponaria Officinalis L. Or Panax Ginseng C.A Meyer Triterpenoid Saponins on Ruminal Fermentation in Vitro / Wpływ Saponin Triterpenowych Saponaria Officinalis L. Lub Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer Na Przemiany Zachodzące W Żwaczu W Warunkach In Vitro

This study examined the potential effects of Saponaria officinalis (SO) or Panax ginseng (PG) saponins supplemented to diets differing in the proportion of forage to concentrate on rumen microbial fermentation and methane production in vitro. Two experiments were carried out using the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC). In the first experiment the substrate was comprised of a mixture of meadow hay and corn meal in a ratio of 60:40 dry matter (DM; high forage diet; HF). In the second experiment low forage diet (LF) consisting of meadow hay and corn meal in the ratio of 40:60 DM was used. Diets were supplemented with dried roots of SO or PG to provide 1% of triterpenoid saponins in dietary dry matter. All triterpenoid sources significantly (P≤0.05) decreased number of protozoa, by 50% and 72% respectively when HF diet was analysed (first experiment). There were no changes in methane production. In the second experiment (LF), the potential to mitigate methane production was reported for both SO and PG addition, however only in PG a decrease in the protozoal population was detected. Supplementation of plants rich in triterpenoid saponins has been identified as a diet dependent potential factor which has an important role in modulation of rumen fermentation processes. However, further studies are needed to evaluate their effect in animal production.