In vitro gas production of compounded ration containing graded levels of Terminalia catappa leaf meal

Abstract

This study investigated the in vitro gas production characteristics of compounded rations containing with graded levels of Terminalia catappa leaf meal (TCLM), to assess its potential as a feed ingredient in ruminant nutrition. Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) is a tropical tree valued for its nutritional potential as a non-convectional feed resource. Four compounded rations with varying levels of TCLM at 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% inclusion levels with other conventional feed ingredients to formulate treatment 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. These rations containing varying levels of TCLM were subjected to in vitro gas production analysis using rumen fluid obtained from healthy goats. Parameters such as fermentation rate, and total gas production were measured to assess the effect of TCLM inclusion on the rations. Results revealed that TCLM inclusion had influence on the chemical composition of the experimental diets. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in gas volume were observed at 3, 30, 36, 42, and 48 hours, with Treatment 2 (3% TCLM) showing the highest values (4.35, 33.67, 36.67, 39.00, and 42.00 mL/g DM), while the control diet produced the lowest gas volumes except at 3 hours. Carbon dioxide production ranged from 16 to 22 mL/200 mg DM, with the highest value in the control diet (0% TCLM) and the lowest in T2 (3% TCLM). Methane production varied significantly among treatments, with the highest value observed in T2 (3% TCLM) and the lowest in T1 (control). It can be concluded that TCLM at 3% inclusion optimizes crude protein content and gas production, indicating its potential as a valuable feed supplement for ruminants