Effect of feeding frequency on bacterial and fungal concentrations, pH, and other parameters in the rumen

Three sheep were fed a pelleted high-roughage diet either once, 6, or 24 times per day in a 3 x 3 Latin square trial. During each 21-d period, 14 d were allowed for adaptation followed by a 7-d collection period, in which samples for microbial counts were taken on d 1 and 5 and several rumen parameters were measured on d 2 and 6. Bacterial concentrations were not different between feeding frequencies on the first sampling day but were higher (P < 0.05) on the second sampling day when the sheep were fed 24 times a day. Fungal concentrations were not different among feeding frequencies on either sampling day. No effects of feeding frequency were observed for the concentration of cellulolytic bacteria or fungi. On d 2, ruminal volume was larger (P < 0.05) with six feedings than with one feeding and fluid volume turnover was greater (P < 0.05) when sheep were fed 24 times per day. Rumen pH values were higher (P < 0.01) on both d 1 and 5 when the sheep were fed once a day and the percentage of rumen dry matter was highest (P < 0.02) with 24 feedings. These findings would suggest that if the same amount of a given diet is fed daily, the number of feedings does not markedly affect microbial concentrations, rumen volume, or liquid turnover time.