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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oil (AEO) and extract (AEX) on rumen fermentation parameters and protozoa population of Sanjabi sheep. Levels of 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µL of AEO and AEX were added into 30 mL rumen buffered fluid. Gas production test was performed in a completely randomized design with five replicates for each level. All levels of AEO reduced gas production compare with control (P=0.001), but this value increased as AEX level increased. All AEO levels decreased organic matter digestibility rate (10.3 to 3.3%), but AEX increased this parameter amount (8 to 24.9%; P=0.001). Different levels of both additives resulted in reduction of the nitrogen ammonia concentration (P=0.001). Inclusion of AEO and AEX increased and decreased partitioning factor (PF), respectively. However, total volatile fatty acids were increased by addition of AEX (P=0.001). The metabolisable and net energy lactation were improved by AEO, but AEX had contrary effect (P=0.001). Addition of AEO and AEX increased total protozoa numbers by increasing the Entodinium spp. population. It is concluded that AEO has the ability to improve partitioning factor (PF) and reduce ammonia concentration but AEX was more effective in this regard. It seems that AEO and AEX has no antiprotozoal effect.