Abstract
This paper reviewed the effect of tannin on intake, digestibility, fermentation and methane production of various tropical browses. Under communal production system in Africa, ruminants have free access to trees and shrubs throughout the year especially, in dry season. These browse contains high nitrogen in addition to tannins that can suppress rumen methanogenesis. Hydrolysable and condensed tannins and their extracts have been shown to decrease methane (CH4) production under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. The molecular weight is a key factor for its effect on digestive enzymes and microbes in the rumen. Low molecular weight tannins could be more effective inhibitors of microbes, including methanogens, compared with high molecular weight tannins.
Highlights
The global human population is estimated to be 9.15 billion in 2050 and most of the increase is expected to be in developing countries [1]
In a relationship proposed by Sauvant et al [43], methane yield and A: P ratio in ruminal fluid showed a quadratic relationship in 23 experiments. These findings generally showed that higher inclusions of grain or starch content in ruminant diets lowered enteric CH4 production
There is some evidence that a significant decrease in methanogenesis could be possible without a considerable reduction of TVFA concentration and digestibility [12,59], and such interventions needs to be tested further to refine the technology for practical application under field conditions
Summary
The global human population is estimated to be 9.15 billion in 2050 and most of the increase is expected to be in developing countries [1]. Ruminants are capable of converting plant fibres (structural carbohydrates), which constitute the planet’s most renewable abundant resource, into useful end products (high-quality protein, fibre, etc) Despite such contributions, currently livestock production faces climate change challenges globally, in addition to feed shortages in the developing and least developing countries. Crop residues, which are other major sources of feed, are characterized by low nitrogen concentration, high fibre and low digestibility These materials may be not sufficient to meet the maintenance and production nutritional requirements of the animal, which may increase the environmental footprint of livestock production from the system [4]. Tropical browses contain reasonably high nitrogen and low fibre content, and can be good candidates for supplementing poor quality feeds It contains tannins in a variable amount as a means of its defence mechanism against herbivores. Various literature wherein effects of tannins have been evaluated are presented, and their potential for mitigating methane from ruminant livestock is discussed
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