Effects of Saponin Contained Plant Extracts on Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics and Methane Production

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of saponin contained plant extracts on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and methane production. Ruminal fluid was collected from rumen cannulated Hanwoo steers fed rice straw and concentrate (5:5). Collected rumen fluids, corn starch and buffer including saponin contained plant extracts (ginseng, Ogapi, soapwort, tea plant and yucca; 0.5%/15 ml) were incubated at 39℃ for 24 h. All incubations were repeated five times. Rumen pH in all treatments was lower (p<0.05) compared with that of the control (no addition) during incubation time. The concentration of total VFA in all treatments was higher (p<0.05) than that of the control after 12h incubation. Compared with the control, the concentration of acetate and propionate in all treatments was lower and higher after 6h incubation, respectively. The concentration of NH3-N in all treatments was lower (p<0.05) than that of the control except for Ogapi or yucca extracts supplementation. The number of protozoa in all treatments was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of the control except for soapwort extract supplementation. The total gas production and methane production in all treatments was higher (p<0.05) and lower (p<0.05) compared with the control, except for ogapi or soapwort extracts supplementation after 12h incubation, respectively. Therefore, reduction in methane production by saponins may could be results from decreased protozoal population without any negative in vitro fermentation .