Effect of cyanide-degrading bacteria inoculation on performance, rumen fermentation characteristics of sheep fed bitter cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaf meal

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the performance and fermentation characteristics in the rumen of Garut grade sheep fed bitter cassava (M. esculenta Crantz) leaf meal (BCL) supplemented with cyanide-degrading bacteria (CDB). Fifteen sheep (12 mo with average weight of 18.8 ± 1.02 kg) were placed in individual cages provided experimental diets and free access to water. A completely randomized design applying five treatments and three replicates was used. The treatments were T1 [40% Napier grass:60% concentrate (Con)], T2 [40% Napier grass:45% concentrate: 15% BCL (BCL15)], T3 (BCL15 + CDB), T4 [40% Napier grass:30% concentrate:30% BCL (BCL30)], and T5 (BCL30 + CDB). The data were subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences among treatments were further analyzed using Tukey test. The data of different levels of BCL and CDB inoculation were contrasted using orthogonal contrast test. Feeding BCL 15% and 30% to substitute concentrate ration did not affect feed intake and nutrient digestibility but decreased (P