Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) containing antibacterial
phenolic compounds was evaluated for its
potency as a feed additive for ruminants. In experiment
1, ruminal responses to CNSL supplementation
were assessed using a batch culture system. Rumen
fluid from cattle was diluted with artificial saliva and
incubated for 18 h in a batch culture with a mixed diet
containing a 30:70 hay:concentrate diet to which raw or
heated CNSL was added at a final concentration of 500
μg/mL. In experiment 2, a Rusitec, using rumen fluid
from the same cattle, was operated over a period of 7 d
during which only raw CNSL was tested at concentrations
of 0, 50, 100, or 200 μg/mL, and variations in
fermentation and bacterial population were assessed.
In experiment 3, a pure culture study was conducted
using selected bacteria to determine their susceptibility
to CNSL. In experiment 1