IN VITRO EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMETHANOGENIC POTENTIAL OF TROPICAL FOLIAGE AS A FEED STRATEGY FOR RUMINANTS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the foliage of Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia lebbeck, Piscidia piscipula (Fabaceae) and Guazuma ulmifolia (Malvaceae) at 30% inclusion on gas production, methane production and dry matter digestibility in vitro.

Design/methodology/approach: The foliage of Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia lebbeck, Piscidia piscipula and Guazuma ulmifolia, as well as Cynodon plectostachyus (Poaceae) in a foliage / grass ratio of 30:70 was evaluated. The chemical composition of the mixtures and the grass was determined. Dry matter digestibility and gas production were determined in vitro at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h of incubation. Methane concentration was determined with NaOH.

Results: The mixture with 30% of Leucaena leucochepala has the highest crude protein content (14%), while that of Piscidia piscipula has the lowest (11%). There were no differences in gas production at different times, nor in the production of methane; however, the incorporation of Guazuma ulmifolia and Piscidia piscipula did negatively affect the dry matter digestibility, decreasing it by around 9% (P <0.05).

Limitations on study/implications:The 30% combination of Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia lebbeck, Piscidia piscipula and Guazuma ulmifolia, with Cynodon plectostachyus did not decrease methane production in vitro.

Findings/conclusions: The dry matter digestibility was negatively affected when foliage of Piscidia piscipula and Guazuma ulmifolia was included; nevertheless, it is necessary to confirm the results obtained by conducting in vivo studies and evaluating the changes in the ruminal microbiota.