EVALUATION OF METHANE MITIGATION POTENTIAL OF HERBAL FEED ADDITIVES UNDER IN VITRO MODEL
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Date
2024
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Publisher
ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL
Abstract
Herbaceous plants have garnered substantial attention for their potential role in mitigating
methane emissions in ruminants, given their complex phytochemical composition. The
current study investigates the methane-mitigating potential and impact on rumen
fermentation parameters of seven herbaceous feed additives, namely Andrographis
paniculata, Swertia chirata, Artemisia annua, Mangifera indica seed kernel, Carica
papaya leaves, Euphorbia thymifolia, and Heliotropium indicum. Additionally, a
synergistic herbal formulation comprising Andrographis paniculata, Mangifera indica
seed kernel, and Carica papaya leaves have been evaluated at 6 different inclusion levels-
0%(control), 1%, 2%, 5%, 7%, 10% in 3 TMRs with NDF levels 30, 40, 50%. The
investigation unfolds in two phases: an initial screening of individual additives followed
by an assessment of the composite herbal blend. Andrographis paniculata manifests a
noteworthy reduction in methane production, showcasing a decrease of 17% at 10% level
of inclusion, at NDF 30. Concurrently, total gas production and in vitro dry matter
digestibility (IVDMD) register significant declines, underscoring its positive impact on
rumen fermentation. Swertia chirata exhibits methane reduction of 8% at 10% inclusion,
6% at 7% inclusion, and 4% at 5% inclusion in NDF 30. Alterations in total gas
production and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles imply a potential role in methane
mitigation. Artemisia annua consistently diminishes methane production across all
inclusion levels, with reductions of 12% at 10%, 9% at 7%, and 6% at 5% in NDF 30.
Progressive increases in total gas production underscore its promise for methane
mitigation. Mangifera indica seed kernel demonstrates a reduction in methane production
of 19% at 10%, 13.5% at 7%, and 10% at 5% in NDF 30. Observable changes in total gas
production and SCFAs, particularly propionate, highlight its impact. Carica papaya leaves
reveal a substantial reduction in methane production of 21% at 10%, 13% at 7%, and 9%
at 5% in NDF 30. Alterations in total gas production and SCFAs suggest a discernible
influence on fermentation patterns. Euphorbia thymifolia exhibits a methane reduction of
3-5% at 5-10% inclusion in NDF 30, with minimal changes in NDF 40 and NDF 50.
Heliotropium indicum demonstrates a methane reduction of 3-4% at 5-10% inclusion in
NDF 30, with minimal changes in NDF 40 and NDF 50. The herbal formulation,
comprising Andrographis paniculata, Mangifera indica seed kernel, and Carica papaya
leaves, manifests a substantial reduction in methane of 23% at 10%, 15% at 7%, and 9% at
5% in NDF 30. Negligible changes are observed at NDF 40 and 50, indicating effective
methane mitigation without compromising digestibility. In conclusion, both individual
herbal plants and the admixture of the plants are effective in methane mitigation at 5-10%
inclusion levels, thereby positioning them as promising eco-friendly alternatives in
ruminant nutrition.