Evaluation of biochar products at two inclusion levels on ruminal in vitro methane production and fermentation parameters in a Timothy hay-based diet

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of seven biochar products at two levels of inclusion [2.25% or 4.50% diet dry matter (DM)] on DM disappearance (DMD), cumulative gas and methane (CH4) production, ammonia-nitrogen, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production from Timothy grass hay over 48 h of incubation. Biochar did not affect gas and CH4 production (P ≥ 0.17) nor the DMD or ruminal fermentation (P ≥ 0.12). In conclusion, the biochar, irrespective of level of inclusion, did not exhibit potential to mitigate CH4 emission in a grass hay diet.