Effects Of Alfalfa Flavonoids On Rumen Fermentation,Growth Performation And Serum Index Of Sheep

Flavonoids consist of a large group of polyphenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and produced by plants. In addition to amount of high-quality leaf protein,saponins and vitamins,flavonoids occur in alfalfa (Medicago Sativa). By analyzing the effect of different levels of flavonoids on growth performance,serum index,antioxidant properties,rumen fermentation function and other indicators,this thesis reveal the role of alfalfa flavonoids play on physiological function of hybrid sheep. This study includes the following four tests:1.Effect of alfalfa flavonoids on the rumen environmental parameters and fermentation function of sheepA single factor random block design was used, and twelve Thin-Tailed Han × Suffolk sheep (F1) with permanent rumen fistulas and the body weight of (27.02±3.03) kg were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups.0%,0.1%,0.2% and 0.4% alfalfa flavonoids were addicted respectively into diet referenced by NRC (2007) finishing sheep standards. The samples of rumen fluid were taken on 9d in trial period. pH,ammonia nitrogen and VFA were tested by portable pH meter,colorimetry and HPLC. The results showed that:the variation range of pH of sheep taking flavonoids was reduced in 24 hours; ammonia nitrogen concentrations in 0.2% and 0.4% groups increased; the variation range of VFA and total VFA concentration in all alfalfa group increased. Dietary flavonoids may stabilize rumen fermentation function of hybrid sheep with effects influencing by dose.2. Effect of alfalfa flavonoids on rumen cellulolytic enzymatic activity of sheepA single factor random block design was used, and twelve Thin-Tailed Han × Suffolk sheep (F1) with permanent rumen fistulas and the body weight of (27.02±3.03) kg were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups.0%,0.1%,0.2% and 0.4% alfalfa flavonoids were addicted respectively into diet referenced by NRC (2007) finishing sheep standards. The samples of rumen fluid were taken 4 hours after feeding on 9d in trial period. Activities of xylanase, endoglucanase, cellobiase and cellulase were tested by cellulolytic enzymatic activity kit. The results showed that:activity of xylanase,endoglucanase,cellobiase and cellulase decreased in 0.1% and 0.2% groups and increased in 0.4% group without significance (P>0.05). Dietary flavonoids effect rumen cellulolytic enzymatic activity of hybrid sheep with effects influencing by dose.3. Effect of alfalfa flavonoids on serum antioxidant properties of sheepA single factor random block design was used, and twenty-eight Thin-Tailed Han Suffolk sheep (Fl) and the body weight of 27 kg were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups.0%,0.1%,0.2% and 0.4% alfalfa flavonoids were addicted respectively into diet referenced by NRC (2007) finishing sheep standards. The jugular venous blood samples were taken before feeding on 1d,21d and 49d in trial period. Total antioxidant capacity,total superoxide dismutase content,MDA content,glutathione peroxidase content,superoxide anion scavenging capacity and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability were tested by antioxidant capacity kit. The results showed that:no significant effect of MDA content was observed in alfalfa groups; GSH-Px content was increased significantly (P<0.05) and had positive effect with additive dose. Dietary flavonoids effect antioxidant capacity of hybrid sheep with effects influencing by dose.4. Effect of alfalfa flavonoids on growth performance and blood biochemical indexes of sheepA single factor random block design was used, and twelve Thin-Tailed Han × Suffolk sheep (F1) with permanent rumen fistulas and the body weight of (27.02±3.03) kg were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups.0%,0.1%,0.2%and 0.4% alfalfa flavonoids were addicted respectively into diet referenced by NRC (2007) finishing sheep standards. Weight data on Id and 41d were recorded before feeding and diet intake was recorded everyday. ADG,ADFI and F/G were calculated. The jugular venous blood samples were taken before feeding on 1d,21d and 41d in trial period and tested by Ollie buss AU640 automatic biochemical analyzer test. The results showed that:dietary supplementation of alfalfa flavonoids had no significant effects on growth performance of sheep; GLB,ASP,BUN,HDL and P concentration were effected significantly (P<0.05); TC and LDL content were decreased. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of alfalfa flavonoids might modulate lipid metabolism, improve nitrogen utilization, maintain energy metabolic and balance Ca and P contents, and have the potential function for promoting growth and no adverse effect on liver.