Impact of type and level of herbs supplemented to total mixed ration on the fermentation pattern and In Vitro methane emission Bakshi M P S.*, Singh A.S., Wadhwa M. Department of Animal NutritionGuru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana-141004, India *Correspondence: bakshimps2@gmail.com
Online published on 10 November, 2022. Abstract This study was taken up to assess the effect ofdry extract of six herbal feed additives [HFAs; Kulthi (Dohichos biflorus), patha (Cissampelospareria), aritha (Sapindustrifoliatus), methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), shikakai (Acacia concina) and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)] rich in saponins supplemented at 1–4% of total mixed ration (TMR) on DM basis on the in vitro fermentation pattern and methane emission. A TMR with roughage to concentrate (R:C) ratio of 70:30 on DM basis was formulated. The data was analyzed by 2 x 6 x 5 factorial design. The net gas production (NGP), digestibility of NDF and OM, ME availability, total and individual volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were higher (P<0.01) at 24hincubation in comparison to that observed at t'A The NGP and ME in the TMR supplemented with shatavari was higher (P<0.01) than all other HFAs supplemented groups and increased (P<0.01) with the increase in the level of HFAs. The total and individual VFAs were the highest (P<0.01)when the diet was supplemented with HFAs at 3% levels. The methane production was lowest(P<0.01) and the fermentation efficiency was the highest in TMR supplemented with shatavari. The methane emission was depressed at all levels of HFAs as compared to control group.The methane emission at t-half was observed to be the lowest in the TMR supplemented with patha, kulthi or shatavari at 2% on DM basis.It was concluded that best response in above parameters could be ascertained in TMR supplemented with shatavari @ 2–3% on DM basis. Top Keywords Fermentation, Herbal additives, Methane emission, Nutrient utilization, Total mixed ration. Top |