Effects of feed additives rich in essential oils on rumen fermentation, Methanogenesis and nutrient utilization in buffalo
Abstract
Present studies were conducted at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central
Institute for Research on Buffaloes (ICAR-CIRB), Hisar. Four feed additives (Eucalyptus leaves,
Poplar leaves, Clove buds and Dalchini bark) rich in essential oils were selected to examine their
effects on rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and nutrient utilization in buffalo. The extracts were
prepared (15 g/ 100 ml) either in petroleum ether or n-hexane by Soxhlet’s apparatus. In in-vitro
studies, the production of total gas, methane production, dry matter digestibility, ammonia nitrogen and
production of volatile fatty acids were studied. The study revealed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in
total gas, methane production, in-vitro dry matter digestibility, ammonia nitrogen and production of
volatile fatty acids at high dose (2.0 ml/30ml buffered rumen fluid) as compared to control group. But
at low (0.5 ml) and intermediate (1.0 ml) dose level the effects of extracts were comparable to control
in all these parameters, with reduction (p<0.05) in methane production. The blends (extracts of poplar
leaves, eucalyptus leaves and clove buds) of feed additives examined in this phase also showed a
modulation in rumen fermentation with reduction in methane production. An in-vivo trial was
conducted to study the effects of selected blend of feed additives on growth and nutrient utilization.
Animals were distributed in three groups i.e. CON (basal ration), EOL-1(basal ration + 25 gm each of
dry grounded poplar and eucalyptus leaves mixed with concentrate mixture), EOL-2 (Diet same as in
control + 75 gm each of dry grounded poplar and eucalyptus leaves mixed with concentrate mixture).
There was no significant (p>0.05) difference observed in growth rate and nutrient utilization among the
in all treatments. In vivo methane productions were found to be inhibited in both treatment groups, as
compared to control group after 3 months of dosing. The heamato-biochemical parameters remained
similar (p>0.05) except significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood urea concentration as compared to
control group. In conclusion, the essential oil rich feed additives could be used to reduce enteric
methane emission and EOL-2 was found to significantly reduced methane production without any
adverse effects on digestibility, growth and physiological status of buffaloes.
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