Effect of feeding monensin and vitamin E on rumen ciliate population in goats

Abstract

In the present study, the effect ofmonensin and vitamin E alone and in combination, on the rumen ciliate population in
growing Barbari goat kids was studied. Reduced values of holotrichs, entodinomorphs and total ciliates were observed in
monensin fed kids. Vitamin E as a supplement proved to be protective in nature against the toxic effect of monensin on
mmen protozoa. Holotrichs ciliates were found more sensitive to monensin feeding than entodinomorphs to the toxicity of
monensinc Variation in the sensitivity against monensin was observed amongst different ciliate protozoa. It was concluded
that feeding of man ens in was detrimental for the rumen ciliate population and vitamin E as a supplement partially protected the population of ciliate.