Effect of Ergot Alkaloids and a Mycotoxin Deactivating Product on in vitro Rumen Fermentation Using the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC).

A rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) investigated effects of ergot alkaloids (E) and a mycotoxin deactivating product (Biomin® AA; B) on nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, total gas and methane emissions. Fermenters received a finishing diet of 90:10 concentrate:barley silage. Using a randomized complete block design, treatments were assigned (4 vessels/treatment) within two RUSITECs in a 2 × 2 factorial. Treatments included: 1) control diet, 2) control + 1 g B, 3) control + 20 ppm E, and 4) control + 20 ppm E + 1 g B. The study had a 14-d experimental period, with 7-d adaptation and 7-d sample collection. Data were analyzed in SAS using PROC mixed including fixed effects of E, B, and E×B interaction. Random effects included RUSITEC apparatus and cow rumen inoculum (n = 4). Ergot decreased dry matter disappearance (DMD) (P < 0.05; 87.9 vs. 87.2%) and organic matter disappearance (OMD) (P < 0.05; 88.8 vs. 88.4%). Adding B increased OMD (P < 0.05; 88.3 vs. 88.9%) and neutral detergent fiber disappearance (NDFD) (P < 0.01); however, an E×B interaction was observed for NDFD (P < 0.01) with B promoting greater increases with E. Ergot decreased acetate proportions (P < 0.01) and increased isovalerate (P < 0.05). Consequently, acetate:propionate was reduced (P < 0.05) with E. Inclusion of B increased total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.01), and proportions of acetate (P < 0.05) and propionate (P < 0.05), and decreased valerate (P < 0.01), isovalerate (P < 0.01), and caproate (P < 0.01). Treatments did not affect (P = 0.17) ammonia-N, total gas, or methane production (mg/d or mg/g of OM fermented). In conclusion, E reduced OMD and acetate production, but these responses were reversed by the addition of B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]