Effect of Flemingia macrophylla silage on in vitro fermentation characteristics and reduced methane production

Abstract

Fodder shrub, Flemingia macrophylla silage (FMS), was nutritionally evaluated for rumen fermentation characteristics using an in vitro gas production technique. Dietary treatments were imposed in a 2 × 7 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. The first factor was two ratios of roughage:concentrate (R:C at 60:40 and 40:60), and the second factor was seven levels of FMS supplementation at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 g/kg of dietary substrate. The results revealed that a R:C ratio at 40:60 increased the kinetics of gas production (P < 0.001). Moreover, supplementation of FMS increased in vitro degradability and the concentration of propionic acid (P < 0.001), whereas acetic acid concentration, protozoal population and methane production were reduced (P < 0.001). In conclusion, supplementation of FMS at 120 g/kg of dietary substrate improved rumen fermentation and subsequently reduced methane production. However, in vivo feeding trials using FMS should be conducted to gain more information for further implementations.

Mitragyna speciosa Korth Leaves Supplementation on Feed Utilization, Rumen Fermentation Efficiency, Microbial Population, and Methane Production In Vitro

“…With an increasing concentrate proportion, the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) increased (p < 0.05). These findings agree with Viennasay et al [33], regarding improving in vitro digestibility by increasing the proportion of concentrates in the diet. This could be due to the concurrent induction of microbial growth, which improved digestibility.…”

“…There was no interaction effect between the R:C ratio and the addition of MSLP on overall VFA and VFA profiles (Table 4). The total concentrations of VFA ranged from 40.1 to 49.7 mM, which was similar to the findings of Kang et al [39] and Viennasay et al [33]. The R:C ratio at 40:60 increased total VFA and C 3 , but lowered C 2 and the C 2 :C 3 ratios (p < 0.05).…”

“…According to Zicarelli et al [38], ruminal pH of 6.23-6.69 has been reported to maintain the normal activity of cellulolytic bacteria. Strategic CT and SP containing feedstuffs addition may improve rumen efficiency by maintaining higher pH and promoting microbial protein synthesis [31,33]. MSLP supplementation lowered ruminal NH 3 -N concentration (p < 0.01) due to CT and SP in MSLP, which protected the diet's protein degradability.…”

Opportunities Offered by Plant Bioactive Compounds to Improve Silage Quality, Animal Health and Product Quality for Sustainable Ruminant Production: A Review

“…Increasing the proportion of red clover silage to orchardgrass linearly reduced CH 4 emissions per unit of dry matter intake in sheep [49]. Increasing the level of Flemingia macrophylla silage supplementation in rice straw-based diets decreased in vitro CH 4 emissions and was accompanied by a decrease in protozoa population [39]. The use of this tannin-containing local fodder shrub in silage has also been shown to improve nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, and milk production in lactating dairy cows [50].…”

“…Various experimental results have shown that tannins in silage could modify rumen fermentation and proteolysis. For instance, increasing supplementation level of Flemingia macrophylla silage, a tropical shrub legume containing condensed tannins, reduced in vitro ruminal NH 3 concentration in both high-roughage and low-roughage diets [39]. Apart from being natively present in the material ensiled, tannins can also be added to silage to modulate fermentation processes.…”