Decrease of Greenhouse Gases during an In Vitro Ruminal Digestibility Test of Forage (Festuca arundinacea)...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Livestock production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Nanoparticle (NP) supplementation in animal diets shows promise for improving ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilization.
• Festuca arundinacea Schreb. is a widely used forage grass with high productivity and adaptability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro digestibility and ruminal fermentation parameters of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. treated with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs).
• To quantify greenhouse gas (total gas and methane) production from SeNP-treated forage.
• To measure the release of bioactive compounds (phenols, flavonoids, tannins, selenium) post-fermentation.

Main Methods:

• In vitro incubation of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. treated with varying concentrations of SeNPs (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 ppm).
• Measurement of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), total gas and methane production, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and pH.
• Analysis of bioactive compounds including total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and selenium in the ruminal fluid.

Main Results:

• The 4.5 ppm SeNPs treatment yielded the highest IVDMD (approx. 59.2-60.5%) and total VFA concentration (approx. 31.0-31.2 mmol L⁻¹).
• This optimal treatment also resulted in reduced total gas and methane production compared to controls.
• Significant levels of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and selenium were released into the ruminal fluid from SeNP-treated forage.

Conclusions:

• Foliar application of 4.5 ppm SeNPs enhances the nutritional value of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. for livestock.
• SeNP treatment can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with forage digestion.
• Selenium nanoparticles offer a promising strategy to improve forage quality and reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming.