Evolving herb based strategies to mitigate methane emission and its effect on milk production in indigenous cattle

Abstract

A series of in vitro studies were conducted on six herbs viz., fenugreek seeds, shikakai pods, ginger rhizomes, betel leaves, guava leaves and turmeric rhizomes either individually and/or herbal mixture combinations at different dose levels, herbal mixture combinations in total mixed rations followed by an in vivo (biological) trial in indigenous dairy cattle to evaluate methane mitigation potential. newlineExperiment I was aimed to collect and evaluate the proximate composition and screening of herbs for their plant secondary metabolites. Chemical composition of herbs revealed that fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graceum), shikakai pods (Acacia concinna), ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale), betel leaves (Piper betle), guava leaves (Psidium guajava) and turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa) contained crude protein of 24.97, 7.49, 0.78, 4.55, 19.17 and newline14.73%, crude fibre of 21.85, 20.81, 11.89, 11.75, 12.81 and 5.42%, NFE content newlineof 39.68, 64.23, 75.58, 74.55, 60.67 and 67.99 % respectively. newlineMilk fat, SNF, protein, ash, and total solids content in week wise recordings in control and treatment group did not differ significantly. newlineRumen fermentation characteristics viz., pH, ammonia nitrogen, TVFA, acetate, propionate, butyrate, iso valeric acid, valeric acid, acetate to propionate ratio were not statistically significant between control and treatment group. Total protozoa count was significantly (Plt0.01) lower in herbal mixture combination supplemented group compared to control group. newlineIt was concluded that herbal mixture combination supplemented group in total mixed rations in indigenous dairy cattle significantly (Plt0.05) reduced methane emission and increased milk production without affecting the nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation. newlineKey words: herbal mixture, methane, digestibility, protozoa, volatile fatty acids newline newline newline