Effect of Pectin in Ameliorating Grain Induced Digestive Upset in Sheep: Focus on Cation Exchange Capacity

The effect of pectin for reducing the intensity of digestive upsets induced by a high grain ration was assessed with emphasis on its high cation exchange (buffering) capacity (CEC). Four Karakul lambs were fed a ration containing 37.5% dry forage and 62.5% ground barley for 30 days (induction period). During a further treatment period (8 days), pectin was added to the ration at 44 grams/kg to increase the CEC of the diet and to equate it to that of an all forage ration fed to a control group (n=4) for 38 days. In the experiment group, the post-feeding rumen pH was 5.84±0.14 at day 30 and increased (P<0.05) to measures above 6 during the treatment period. Also, feces dry matter declined from 39.79±3.06 percent at day 10 of the induction period to 20.34±1.67 percent at day 30 (P<0.05), losing its normal shape. At day 8 of the treatment period, the feces regained its normal shape and its dry matter increased to 25.05±1.86 percent (P<0.05). Feed intake depressed in the experiment group during the induction period (P<0.05) and increased non-significantly (P>0.05) during the treatment period. Pectin may help modify the rumen pH with high grain ration by increasing dietary CEC despite its rapid fermentation. Examining different rations with different CEC levels and developing a system to adjust dietary CEC may be beneficial in controlling rumen pH and/or treatment of digestive diseases associated with low pH