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Effect of Microplastic Contamination on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Feed Degradability
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Researchers tested the effects of three common microplastic types on rumen fermentation in lambs using an in vitro model. They found that microplastic contamination significantly disrupted fermentation dynamics, reduced feed degradability, and increased gas production. The results suggest that microplastic ingestion by livestock could impair digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption.
This study examined the effects of microplastic (MP) contamination on rumen fermentation dynamics and concentrate degradability using an in vitro model with lamb rumen fluid. Three types of MPs-polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyamide (PA)-were tested at contamination levels of 0%, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 1.8% of dry matter. MP contamination significantly disrupted rumen fermentation dynamics, reduced feed degradability, increased gas production, accelerated fermentation rates, and shortened the lag time before gas production (p < 0.05). Additionally, MPs impaired microbial efficiency, increased ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) levels, decreased rumen protozoa populations, and reduced concentrate degradability (p < 0.05). LDPE exhibited the most severe effects, causing the highest increases in gas production and NH₃-N levels (15% and 12%, respectively at LDPE highest dose) while decreasing microbial efficiency, protozoa count, and feed degradability (16.0%, 16.4%, and 4.5%, respectively at LDPE highest dose). The severity of MPs' impacts followed a significant linear trend, with higher concentrations leading to more pronounced negative effects. The findings highlight MPs as significant emerging pollutants that can adversely affect rumen function and animal nutrition.
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Researchers tested whether rumen microbes from cattle could break down common microplastics in a lab setting. They found modest degradation of low-density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate over 14 days, particularly with certain bacterial and fungal species. The study suggests that the rumen's microbial community may have limited but real potential to help reduce microplastic pollution in the livestock production chain.
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