Effect of supplementation of biotin in total mixed ration of dairy cows on rumen fermentation characteristics by in vitro gas production technique

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of biotin on rumen fermentation parameters and microbial biomass production by in vitro gas production technique. Biotin was supplemented to the substrate - total mixed ration (TMR) at various doses viz., T1-0 (control), T2-0.5, T3-1.0, T4-1.5 and T5-2.0 mg/kg DM. The in vitro true dry matter degradability, total gas production, metabolizable energy and microbial protein production were found be increased proportionally to the dose of biotin. However, the methane and volatile fatty acid production were not affected by biotin supplementation. Results revealed that the positive effects on in vitro ruminal fermentation were dose-dependent and biotin can be incorporated in the diet of dairy cows to improve nutrient digestibility and rumen biomass production.