Calliandra calothyrsus as Tannins Source for In Vitro Methane Production Inhibitor Agents

Abstract

An in vitro study was conducted to investigate the effect of Calliandra calothyrsusas a source of tannin on in vitro methane production and rumen parameters. Two sheeps were used as donor of rumen microbes. Four experimental diets (grass:concentrat, 60:40) supplemented with Calliandra calothyrsus leaves equal to tannin level of 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% based on dry matter (DM) were used as substrate for in vitro fermentation by Menke and Steingass gas production method for 48 hours of incubation. Methane production, DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility, and parameters of rumen fermentation were measured at the end of incubation. Data obtained were analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) continued by DMRT. Degradation of DM and OM decreased (P<0,01) when supplemented by Calliandra calothyrsus leaves with increasing of tannin level. The significant decreasing occured at tannin level of 4%. The supplementation of tannin did not affect (P>0,05) number of microbial proteins, ammonia, VFA and pH, but increasing protozoa population. Moreover, the treatment also decreased methane production. These result suggest that supplementation of Calliandra calothyrsus can be useful to reduce methane production without any negative effects on rumen fermentation parameters.