Impact of supplementation of hemp seeds (Cannavis sativa l.) on in vitro gas fermentation parameters and digestibility using foregut fluid from dromdary camel

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of hemp seeds on in vitro biogas production, and digestibility of one-humped camel. Two female fistulated dromedary camels (300 kg) were fed with a forage diet (60 wheat straw and 40 alfalfa) for 1 month. Then rumen fluid was supplied from camels prior to the morning meal. Experimental samples were control diet and diet containing 10 % hemp seeds. Glass vials 100 ml containing 30 ml buffered rumen fluid was used. Gas production parameters were measured by exponential models and digestibility of foregut bacteria of camels were determined. The results showed that addition hemp seeds decreased potential of gas production (P<0.05), but gas production rate was not influenced (P>0.05). Actually digested organic matter and microbial biomass of diet containing hemp seeds were more than a control diet (P<0.05).While, hemp seeds supplementation had the greatest digestibility by cellulolytic bacteria of camel, after 24, 48 and 72 h incubation. The results also showed hemp seeds decreased ammonia nitrogen concentration as compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). Therefore, adding hemp seeds in the camel diet caused to reduce gas emission and ammonia nitrogen production in foregut and increased cellulolytic bacteria digestibility; so hemp seeds may be used in camel diets and will influence camel growth performance and decrease gas emissions in the environment.