Effects of dietary supplementation with cysteamine on rumen microflora in Hu lambs

Cysteamine (CS) is known for its ability to elevate the concentration of growth hormone and thereby promote animal growth. This study was conducted to determine the effects of CS on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and bacterial community, endogenous hormone concentration and the expression of their receptors of Hu lambs during the whole feeding period. Thirty-six healthy male Hu lambs were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups, including a CON group and a CS group. The CON group was fed with the basal diet, and the CS group was fed 20 mg/kg BW cysteamine added to the basic diet.