Effect of Bromochloromethane Supplementation and Dietary Energy Restriction on Methane Production and Efficiency of Energy Utilization in Rams

Rams (16;4 yr old of 40 ± 0.6 Kg BW) divided into four equal groups and fed on diets containing either maintenance (NP₁), sub-maintenance level of energy (NP₂) with adequate protein with bromochloromethane (BCM₁) or without (BCM₀) BCM capsules supplementation using 2 × 2 factorial design. The ME intakes were significantly lower (P<0.01 to P<0.05) in rams fed diets NP₂ than that in rams fed on NP₁. However, supplementation of BCM did not affect energy intake significantly. Methane production reduced (P<0.01) up to 90% in rams fed on BCM supplemented diets, which in turn increased (P<0.01) the efficiency of ME utilization. Dietary energy restriction in rams (group NP₂) also reduced (P<0.05) the methane production, but could not increase the efficiency of utilization of ME in rams. Thus, was concluded that the BCM-capsule could reduce methane production in rams without any adverse effect on feed intake and energy utilization in rams.