Enteric methane emission and growth rate of three different breeds of beef cattle fed on oil palm frond or grass basal diet

Abstract

Enteric methane emission in ruminants is affected by the feed quality. The study aimed to evaluate the performance and enteric methane emission of three beef cattle breeds fed on grass or oil palm frond basal diet. The study used three cattle breed, namely Bali, Ongole crossbred, and PO crossbred. The cattle were fed on grass or oil palm frond (OPF) basal diet and supplemented with concentrate based on palm kernel cake (PKC). Diet was fed in total mixed ration contained 12% crude protein. The study was conducted in a randomized block design in a 3x2 factorial arrangement. Results showed that the growth rate, dry matter digestibility, and enteric methane emission were not affected (P>0.05) by the interaction of cattle breed and basal diet type. No main factor affected (P>0.05) on the parameter observed. The average values of dry matter digestibility, average daily gain (ADG), methane emission, and methane intensity of the cattle were 63.38%, 359 g day−1, 91. L day-1, and 177.32 gCH4 kg ADG−1, respectively. The study indicates that OPF could be used as a basal diet of beef cattle without affecting its performance. Cattle breeds had similar performance either fed on grass or OPF basal diet.