Effect of Chitosan on Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Communities, Methane Emissions, and Productive Performance of Dairy Cattle

Abstract

This study aimed to expand the knowledge about the activity and mode of action of CHI on methanogenesis and rumen microbial populations in vivo. A total of 16 lactating dairy cows were distributed in two groups, one of them receiving 135 mg CHI/kg body weight daily. The effect on productive performance, milk composition, fermentation efficiency, methane emissions, microbial protein synthesis, and ruminal microbial communities was determined. Supplementation with CHI did not affect rumen microbial diversity but increased the relative abundance (RA) of the bacteria Anaeroplasma and decreased those of rumen ciliates and protozoa resulting in a shift towards a lower acetic to propionic ratio. However, no effect on milk yield or methane intensity was observed. In conclusion, supplementing 135 mg CHI/kg body weight increased the RA of Anaeroplasma and decreased those of rumen ciliates and protozoa, both being related to fiber degradation in the rumen in different ways and resulted in a shift of ruminal fermentation towards more propionate proportions, without affecting CH4 emissions, milk yield, or milk composition. Further research with higher doses would be necessary to assess the potential use of this additive as a methane inhibitor.

In Vitro Evaluation of Chito-Oligosaccharides on Disappearance Rate of Nutrients, Rumen Fermentation Parameters, and Micro-Flora of Beef Cattle

“…In this study, it was observed that the number of rumen protozoa in the 0.08% COS group was lower than that in the CON group during the sampling period. In previous studies on chitosan, similar results were obtained, namely that chitosan reduced the number of protozoa [ 33 , 41 ]. Previous studies have shown that changes in the number of rumen protozoa are related to eating and drinking behaviour [ 42 , 43 ], protein supply in the diet [ 44 ], and abundance of rumen bacterial communities [ 45 ].…”

“…The changes in NH 3 -N concentration are consistent with the results of the Goiri [ 50 ] and Zanferari [ 67 ] studies, but many studies on changes in MCP have produced inconsistent results. For example, the studies of Seankamthorn [ 76 ] and Rey [ 41 ] mentioned that the addition of chitosan has no significant effect on MCP. Whereas Gandra’s research also found that chitosan as an additive led to a decrease in MCP levels [ 77 ].…”

Effects of Isochlorogenic Acid on Ewes Rumen Fermentation, Microbial Diversity and Ewes Immunity of Different Physiological Stages

“…Volatile fatty acids content was determined by the Agilent 7890B meteorological chromatograph. After the rumen fluid sample was pretreated, it was injected into a gas chromatograph to obtain the chromatogram of VFAs sample, then we calculated the content of VFAs using the peak area external standard method [ 23 ]. Ammonia nitrogen content was determined by the phenol-sodium hypochlorite colorimetric method.…”