Abstract
Enteric methane (CH4) emitted by ruminant species is known as one of the main greenhouse gases produced by the agricultural sector. The objective of this study was to assess the potential the potential for CH4 mitigation and additionally the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, dry matter degradation (DMD), digestibility and CO2 production of five tropical tree species with novel forage potential including: Spondias mombin, Acacia pennatula, Parmentiera aculeata, Brosimum alicastrum and Bursera simaruba mixed at two levels of inclusion (15 and 30%) with a tropical grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The forage samples were incubated for 48 h, and a randomized complete block design was used. Crude protein content was similar across treatments (135 ± 42 g kg−1 DM), while P. purpureum was characterized by a high content of acid detergent fiber (335.9 g kg−1 DM) and B. simaruba by a high concentration of condensed tannins (20 g kg−1 DM). Likewise, A. pennatula and P. aculeata were characterized by a high content of cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids respectively. Treatments SM30-PP70 (30% S. mombin + 70% P. purpureum) and BA30-PP70 (30% B. alicastrum + 70% P. purpureum) resulted in superior degradability at 48h than P. purpureum, while in the AP30-PP70 (30% A. pennatula + 70% P. purpureum) was lower than the control treatment (p ≤ 0.05). At 24 and 48 h, treatments that contained P. aculeata and B. alicastrum yield higher CH4 mL g−1 DOM than P. purpureum (p ≤ 0.05). The inclusion of these forage species had no statistical effect on the reduction of CH4 emissions per unit of DM incubated or degraded at 24 and 48 h with respect to P. purpureum although reductions were observed. The use of fodders locally available is an economic and viable strategy for the mitigation of the environmental impact generated from tropical livestock systems.
Highlights
IntroductionMethanogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminant species is the main sink for hydrogen, assuring the appropriate fermentation of fiber in the rumen [1]
In the present study the incorporation of the five forage tree species, independently at two different levels of inclusion (15 and 30%), into a diet based on forage grass P. purpureum improved nutritional composition, these tree forages are suitable for ruminant feeding
The secondary effect of CT on CH4 is the reduction in fiber digestion and fermentation, the decrease in the inter-specific transfer of hydrogens between protozoa and methanogenic archaea and the consequent increase in the concentration of propionic acid in the rumen [61]
Summary
Methanogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminant species is the main sink for hydrogen, assuring the appropriate fermentation of fiber in the rumen [1]. Due to CH4 synthesis, ruminants can make use of high-fiber diets (not edible for humans) growing abundantly on enormous land areas, marginal to crop agriculture and convert it into high quality food (e.g., milk, meat) for humans as well as other products derived from livestock [2]. Eructated CH4 is part of natural cycles and can be transformed by methanotrophic bacteria and reactions with hydroxyl radicals (OH) in the air, to carbon. Agronomy 2022, 12, 100 methanotrophic bacteria and reactions with hydroxyl radicals (OH) in the air, to carbon dioxide (CO2) that will be used in photosynthesis [3]. High emission rates of dioxide that will be in photosynthesis [3].
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