EFFECT OF USING PROBIOTICS ON ARABIAN CAMELS (Camelus dromedarius) FEEDING: AN IN VITRO STUDY.

SUMMARY hree types of probiotics ( Ruminococcus flavefaciens , Bacillus subtlis and Lactobacillus acidophilus ) were used (single or combined) to study their effects on gas production (GP), in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD%), degradability parameters (a, b and c) and predicted dry matter intake using rumen liquor of Arabian camels. All probiotics were used in concentration of 2 ml/Kg DM. The tested feed consisted of alfalfa hay ( Medicago sativa ) and concentrate feed mixture (CFM) in total mixed ration (TMR) with roughage concentrate ratio (R:C) equal to 60:40. Group1 (control without probiotic), group2 ( Ruminococcus flavefaciens (ZAD)), group3 ( Bacillus subtlis ) and group4 (ZAD+ Bacillus subtlis + Lactobacillus acidophilus ). There was no significant difference in gas production at 24h and overall mean of gas production through experimental groups. Group4 (probiotics combination) was the highest among the tested groups in IVDMD%, degradability parameters and predicted dry matter intake (P< 0.05). That may be due to positive synergistic effects of probiotics combination.