Screening macroalgae for mitigation of enteric methane in vitro

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of 67 species of macroalgae on methanogenesis and rumen fermentation in vitro. Specimens were analyzed for their effect on ruminal fermentation and microbial community profiles. Incubations were carried out in an automated gas production system for 24-h and macroalgae were tested at 2% (feed dry matter basis) inclusion rate. Methane yield was decreased 99% byAsparagopsis taxiformis(AT) when compared with the control.Colpomenia peregrinaalso decreased methane yield 14% compared with control; no other species influenced methane yield. Total gas production was decreased 14 and 10% by AT andSargassum hornericompared with control, respectively. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was decreased between 5 and 8% by 3 macroalgae, whereas AT reduced it by 10%. Molar proportion of acetate was decreased 9% by AT, along with an increase in propionate by 14%.Asparagopsis taxiformisalso increased butyrate and valerate molar proportions by 7 and 24%, respectively, whereas 3 macroalgae species decreased molar proportion of butyrate 3 to 5%.Vertebrata lanosaincreased ammonia concentration, whereas 3 other species decreased it. Inclusion of AT decreased relative abundance ofPrevotella, Bacteroidales, Firmicutes and Methanobacteriaceae,whereasClostridium, AnaerovibrioandMethanobrevibacterwere increased. Specific gene activities forMethanosphaera stadtmaneandMethanobrevibacter ruminantiumwere decreased by AT inclusion. In this in vitro study,Asparagopsis taxiformiswas most effective in decreasing methane concentration and yield, but also decreased total gas production and VFA concentration which indicates overall inhibition of ruminal fermentation. No other macroalgae were identified as potential mitigants of enteric methane.