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Livestock-Based Farming Systems, Renewable Resources and the Environment |
This study was conducted to determine effects of Eucalyptus leaf powder (EUCAP) supplementation on characteristics of ruminal fermentation using the in vitro gas production technique. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD). Rumen fluid was collected from two rumen fistulated crossbred beef cattle with 215 ± 15 kg of body weight. The substrates were supplemented with EUCAP in level of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6%. The accumulating volume of gas was recorded after incubation periods of 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) was determined after 12, 24, 48h of incubation. Methane production was measured after 48 h of incubation time. The cumulating volume of gas after 96 h was significantly affected by different levels of supplementation, the lowest gas production (P<0.05) at 6% of EUCAP supplementation. However, in vitro true digestibility (IVDMD) and (IVOMD) were significantly decreased by the increased levels of supplementation (P<0.05). EUCAP supplementation at 3% EUCAP increased (P<0.05) in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) while the highest levels of supplementation at 6% EUCAP decreased (DMD and OMD). Moreover, EUCAP supplementation at 4, 5, 6 % significantly decreased methane (CH4) after 48 h after of incubation (30.41; 27.67; 26.65%, respectively). The study suggested that supplementation of EUCAP at 3% could be appropriate to improve ruminal fermentation, thus improving IVDMD, IVOMD and reducing methane production.