Preliminary in vitro study on the effect of xanthohumol on rumen methanogenesis

There is a great interest in reducing the methane emission from ruminants as one possible cause of global warming. The aim of the presented study was to determine the effects of xanthohumol, one of the hop (Humulus lupulus) phytofactors, on methane production, microbial population and basic parameters of ruminal fermentation. The experiment was carried out in a batch culture system. The basic substrate (400 mg) consisting of meadow hay and barley meal (60:40) was supplemented with 0 (Control), 0.1, 0.2 or 1.0 mg of xanthohumol. The basic parameters of rumen fermentation and composition of microbial population were measured after 24 h of incubation. For the first time, the results of this in vitro study have demonstrated that xanthohumol is capable to reduce the methane production, even at the lowest dose applied (0.1 mg/400 mg). The observed reduction in methane production by 12-13% was not accompanied by altering the basic rumen fermentation parameters. However, the practical utility of this supplement needs further investigation under long-term in vivo conditions.