Comparison of protozoal populations and digestion rates between water buffalo and cattle fed an all forage diet

Water buffalo and cattle, with ad libitum access to chopped fresh tropical grass, had their rumen contents cross inoculated at three and five weeks after starting on the grass diet. Overall, eight samples of rumen contents were taken during a 17 week experimental period. Total protozoal concentrations and percentage of Diplodiniinae were higher irt water buffalo, while percentage of Entodinium was lower. Rumen pH was not different between animal species; however, turnover rate was faster and rumen volume lower in water buffalo. The number of protozoal species in the family Isotrichidae and subfamilies Diplodiniinae and Ophryoscolecinae was much higher in water buffalo. Ten additional species of these protozoa became established in cattle after cross inoculation with water buffalo. Only two species front cattle were transfaunated into the water buffalo. Entodinium species were identified only to the genus level. There were no differences between animal species either irt the extent or kinetics of in situ degradability of DM, CP or ADF.