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Effects of Dietary Diethylstilbestrol on Several Biochemical Factors of Rumen Ingesta¹

Department of Dairy Husbandry, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan

ABSTRACT

Two pairs of rumen-fistulated identical twin cows were used to determine some of the effects of low-level feeding of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the rumen microflora. One twin of each pair was fed 10 mg. of DES per 1,000 lb. of body weight daily. Rumen ingesta samples were collected and determinations were made on pH, surface tension, total free volatile fatty acid concentration, percentage acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, in vitro gas production, and in vitro cellulose digestion as indirect indications of rumen microorganism activity.

DES did not cause a marked change in any of these measurements. However, there was a trend toward decreased in vitro cellulose digestion in the miniature artificial rumina inoculated with rumen liquor from cows receiving DES in their ration. The addition of 20 µg. of pure DES in vitro had no effect on cellulose digestion in the artificial rumina that had been inoculated with rumen liquor from the control cows, but was slightly stimulatory to cellulose digestion when inoculated with liquor from the treated cows.

It is concluded that the oral administration of DES by the addition of "Stilbosol" to the feed in amounts to furnish 10 mg. per 1,000 lb. of body weight daily did not have a marked effect on the microbial activity in the rumen of the cows studied.

¹ Supported in part by a grant from Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana. Portion of a thesis presented by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Nutrition at Kansas State College. Contribution No. 274, Department of Dairy Husbandry.

² Present address: Dairy Department, Mississippi State University, State College.