Reducing the impact of livestock production through innovative feeding management.

Naveena Pattanagere Lokeshappa

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This study aimed to conduct experiments in a laboratory setting to determine the moderating effects of various combinations of tannin and essential oils (EOs). It has been discovered that the characteristics of tannins and EOs can reduce ammonia and methane levels in the rumen. This is because of their distinct rumen route mechanisms of action. In total, 32 treatments were used in the investigation. Eight additions were used alone (10 mg of EO or 20 mg of tannins/g diet) to determine their basal efficiency, and twenty-four combinations of 20 mg of tannins/g + 10-15 mg of EO were used. The C, Q, and C/Q groups of mixes with EO blends were identified using the tannins of quebracho (Q) and chestnut (C). Citrus peel, carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, a-pinene, bornyl acetate, oregano, limonene, and clove essential oil were used in the formulation of the supplements. For a total of six runs, the supplements were given to a control diet that was likewise left unaltered to serve as a baseline for comparisons with supplemented treatments. The findings demonstrated that the tannin extracts, which suppressed ammonia by as much as 31% and methane output by as much as 15%, had the most moderating effects. The supplements based on tannins produced the largest decreases. However, as shown by decreases in total VFA and in vitro organic matter digestibility, this happened concurrently with the substrate's feeding value. There were only minor impacts on the pH of the rumen, the number of protozoa, and the relative amounts of each volatile fatty acid (VFA). The most effective combinations of C and Q groups were discovered to be six in total. However, more research is required to comprehend the mechanisms of action and the compound-to-compound synergistic effects. Highlights •Combinations of tannins and chemicals found in essential oils were screened in vitro. •It was discovered that certain combinations could reduce ammonia generation and methane yield by up to 31% and 15%, respectively. •The chemicals found in essential oils strengthened the tannins' moderating effects.

Keywords

Thyme, rumen, oregano, supplement

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 19. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Alberto Mantino

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources

Master programme:
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security