Background: The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (BP) containing phytonutrients on rumen fermentation under various level of roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experimental treatments were randomly assigned following a completely randomized design using a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement. The first factor was ratios of R:C at 100:0, 70:30, and 30:70 and the second factor was BP supplementation levels at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of dry matter substrate, respectively.
Results: The ratio of R:C significantly enhanced rumen gas production especially when increased level of concentrate. Moreover, dry matter degradability of fermentation were improved (P < 0.01) by R:C and level of BP supplementation, and there was an interactive effect. The ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) concentration, protozoal population and methane (CH4 ) production were remarkably influenced (P < 0.01). There were highly significant interactive effects between ratio of R:C and level of BP supplementation. Furthermore, fermentation parameters especially those of propionate (C3 ) concentration was profoundly increased by higher ratio of R:C and by the BP supplementation, interactive effect (P < 0.01). Notably, both level of R:C and BP supplementation significantly reduced NH3 -N concentration and CH4 production. Interactive effects of both factors were obtained (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: The ratio of R:C at 30:70 with BP supplementation at 4% could enhance fermentation characteristics and reduce CH4 production, while the interactive effects were additionally observed. The BP could be a good phytonutrient source to modulate rumen fermentation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Keywords: methane; nutrient degradability; phytonutrients; protein.
© 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.