Effect of Yucca schidigera extract on the concentration of rumen microorganisms in sheep

The effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on pH and the concentration of protozoa, bacteria, and fungi in sheep rumen contents were investigated. In this study, 20 sheep were divided into four groups of five animals each and fed a basal diet for 3 weeks. Each group was then fed an experimental diet containing YSE at levels of 5, 10, 20 and 30 g/head/day, respectively. Samples of whole ruminal contents for measurement of protozoal, bacterial, and fungal concentrations and pH were obtained before feeding by rumenotomy after 3 weeks on the basal diet and by euthanasia after 3 weeks on the experimental diet. Animals fed YSE at a level of 30 g/head/day had higher rumen protozoal concentrations (P < 0.015) and pH (P < 0.01) than when fed the basal diet. Except for an increase in pH at the 10 g/head/day level, supplementation of YSE at levels of 5, 10 and 20 g/head/day to the basal diet had no effect on microbial concentrations or pH.