Effect of rice bran crude lecithin supplementation on feed intake, nutrient utilization, and methane emission in crossbred cattle Reddy P. Bagavan, Chaturvedi V.B.*, Chaudhary L. C., Kala Anju, Thamizhan P. Centre of Advanced Faculty Training in Animal Nutrition, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, UP, India *Correspondence: chaturvedivb@gmail.com
Online published on 28 December, 2023. Abstract An experiment was conducted to ascertain the level of inclusion of Rice Bran Crude Lecithin (RBCL) and its effect of supplementation on voluntary feed intake, nutrient utilization, and methane emission in adult crossbred cattle. Eighteen adult crossbred cattle with an average body weight (BW) of 315.6±19.95 kg were selected and randomly divided into three groups (n=6), namely, RBCL-0, RBCL4, and RBCL-8 by Randomized Block Design (RBD). An experimental diet was offered to the animals in the form of a total mixed ration (TMR) containing wheat straw and concentrate mixture in the proportion of 70:30 in restricted feeding mode. The RBCL was added at the rate of 0, 4, and 8% in the concentrate mixture of RBCL-O0, RBCL-4, and RBCL-8 groups respectively by replacing the equal amount of corn. CaCO3, was added in the concentrate mixture at the rate of 0.1, 0.15, and 0.3% in RBCL-0, RBCL-4, and RBCL-8 groups respectively, to maintain the Ca and P ratio. The feeding trial was conducted for a period of 120 days. The dry matter intake(DMD and BW changes were recorded fortnightly. The voluntary feed intake of the experimental animals was found similar (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. The intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, TCHO, NDF, and ADF were not affected by the RBCL supplementation, whereas the intake and digestibility of EE were significantly (P<0.01) higher in RBCL-supplemented groups. The dietary supplementation of RBCL did not influence nitrogen balance, energy partitioning, and methane emissions in experimental animals. The present research findings showed the potential of RBCL as an energy source in a ruminant diet without showing any adverse effects on voluntary feed intake and nutrient utilization. Top Keywords Methane emission, Nutrient utilization, Rice bran crude lecithin, TMR. Top |