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The Use of an Automated System GreenFeed to Monitor Enteric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ruminant Animals
Published on: September 7, 2015
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Calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids from linseed oil decrease methane production by altering the rumen microbiome
Yoshiaki Sato1, Kento Tominaga2, Hirotatsu Aoki1
1Division of Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Animal Husbandry Resources, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Plos One
|November 10, 2020
Summary
Calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (CSFA) effectively reduce methane production in ruminants by altering the rumen microbiome. This study shows CSFA supplementation increases propionate production and decreases methane emissions in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Rumen microbiology
- Animal nutrition
- Environmental science
Background:
- Methane (CH4) production from ruminants is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (CSFA) from linseed oil are potential feed additives to mitigate CH4 emissions.
- Limited data exists on CSFA's impact on rumen function and microbiome composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of supplementary CSFA on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and CH4 production.
- To evaluate the impact of CSFA on the rumen microbiome composition.
- To compare CSFA with established inhibitors like fumarate and monensin.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of rumen fluid with five treatments: control (CON), two CSFA concentrations (2.25% FAL, 4.50% FAH), fumarate (FUM), and monensin (MON).
- Analysis of ruminal fermentation parameters, including volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and gas production.
- Assessment of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFom) digestibility.
- Rumen microbiome analysis using sequencing to identify changes in microbial populations.
Main Results:
- CSFA supplementation (FAL, FAH) increased propionate proportions, similar to FUM and MON.
- DM and NDFom digestibility decreased with FAL and FAH, but DM digestibility-adjusted CH4 production was reduced by 38.2% (FAL) and 63.0% (FAH).
- CSFA altered the rumen microbiome, increasing propionate-producing bacteria (e.g., Ruminobacter, Succinivibrio) and decreasing methanogens (Methanobrevibacter) and protozoa.
Conclusions:
- CSFA significantly modifies the rumen microbiome, promoting propionate production and reducing CH4 output.
- CSFA shows promise as a feed additive for mitigating enteric CH4 emissions from ruminants.
- Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these in vitro findings and assess practical application.
