Assessment of energy metabolism and methane emission in cattle and buffaloes fed TMR diets having different concentrate to roughage ratios

Abstract

India has the largest livestock population and ruminants are one of the main contributors of methane production i.e. about 20% of the total CH4 emission. The present experiment was carried out to compare methane production and energy metabolism in crossbred cattle and buffaloes fed on 3 different total mixed ration (TMR) having various concentrate to roughage ratios. Crossbred cattle (6) and buffaloes (6), 2-year-old, were randomly divided into 3 homogenous groups following 3×3 switch over design. Experimental feeding consisted of 3 ratio of concentrate (C) and roughage (R) ((20C:80R (T1); 50C:50R (T2) and 80C:20R (T3)) fed as TMR alternately to each group. After every 21 days of feeding trial, energy metabolism and methane production was determined using open circuit respiration chamber. Methane emission (L/day/kg W0.75) was significantly higher in buffaloes (2.61±0.039) as compared to crossbred cattle (2.13±0.050). Methane emission (L/day) and methane energy (kcal/day) was significantly higher in buffaloes as compared to crossbred cattle. Methane emission (L/day and L/day/kg W 0.75) and methane energy (kcal/day) was significantly higher in T1 than T2 and T3. This may lead to the conclusion that buffalo produces more methane than cattle. Under the high plane of nutrition there is significant reduction in methane production than that of lower plane of nutrition in both species of animals. However, efficiency of energy utilization is significantly higher in buffaloes as compared to crossbred cattle. Though, higher concentrate to roughage ratio in the diet of CB cattle and buffaloes significantly reduces enteric CH4 emissions.