Effect of Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos leaves supplementation on gas production kinetics and feed degradation with cattle inoculum

This study investigated the effects of supplementing Murraya koenigii (curry), Aegle marmelos (bel) and their mixture on gas production kinetics and feed degradation with cattle inoculum. The roughage and concentrate (60:40) were used as substrate. The curry, bel powder and their mixture (50:50) were incorporated to the substrate at 0, 10, 20, 40 and 50% levels of dry matter (DM). The volume of total gas produced was measured at different incubation times (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h). The potential gas production (b) was reduced significantly (P<0.01) beyond 20% level of supplementation (curry, bel and their mixture). However, fractional rate of fermentation (c) was increased (P<0.01) up to 50% level of supplementation. The half-time (t_t/2) of gas production was found to be significantly decreased (P<0.01) by the addition of supplements up to 40 % level, however, in leaves mixture groups t_1/2 was reduced at 50% level. The gas volume at t_1/2 was significantly reduced (P<0.01) from 10% onwards with the addition of curry, bel and their mixtures. However, truly degradable dry matter (TDDMR), truly degradable organic matter (TDOMR) and TDMOR % were similar amongst different treatment groups. Microbial biomass production (MBP) (mg/200 mg) and partitioning factor (PF) were increased (P<0.01) from 20% onwards in all the treatment groups. Voluntary feed intake potential was significantly (P<0.01) higher up to 50% level of supplementation in curry and bel. Hence, it may be concluded that supplementation of M. koenigii, A. marmelos and their mixtures significantly increased fractional rate of fermentation and efficiency of microbial biomass production.