The Effects of Laurel Volatile Oil (Laurusnobilis L.) on In Vitro Ruminal Gas Production of Methane Emission, Organic Acids and Protozoa Counts Alfalfa Herbage

Abstract

The aim of the present in vitro study was to investigate the effects of laurel volatile oil, (Laurusnobilis L.) on ruminal gas production, methane emission, organic acids and protozoa counts of Alfalfa herbage. The components of laurel volatile oil were analysed. The effects of the addition of laurel volatile oil, at levels of 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L (L0, L50, L100 and L200), to the rumen fluid on in vitroruminal digestion were determined using byin vitro gas produc-tion technique. The addition of 50 mg/L of laurel volatile oil decreased total gas and methane production (ml), organic matter digestion (OMD), and metabolic energy (ME) values. On the other hand, the addition of this oil at levels of 100 mg/L and 200 mg/L was observed not to alter the in vitro total gas, methane (ml), ME and OMD values (P