Toxicological effects of monocrotophos on microorganisms in the rumen of Bubalus bubalis.

ABSTRACT

Repeated oral administration of monocrotophos in doses of 0.5 and 2.0 mg.kg-1.d-1 produced a significant reduction in the total number of protozoa (31-40%) in the rumen of buffalo calves. However, the insecticide has no appreciable effect on the total bacterial count. Rumen pH declined significantly with both doses of insecticide. In the differential protozoal count, different doses of monocrotophos caused an increase in the percentage of Dasytrichia, Epidinium and other protozoa; however, the percentage of Isotrichia and Diplodinium significantly decreased.