In Vitro Evaluation of Feed on Supplementation of Herbal Mixture at Different Levels

Effect of a herbal mixture on in vitro fermentation and methane emission was investigated. The herbal mixture, containing 9 herbs, was incubated at various levels (0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm) with different ratio of concentrates and wheat straw (untreated and 4% urea treated) and maize fodder. Herbal mixture contained 1.08% tannins on DM basis, which were mainly condensed tannins. Digestibility of DM, OM and microbial biomass production improved significantly (P<0.05) besides reducing (P<0.05) the methane emission following the supplementation of herbal mixture, however, variation due to level of supplementation of herbal mixture was significant. The TVFA and N utilization improved (P<0.01) besides reducing (P<0.01) the ammonia N and protozoal counts in rumen liquor. In view of these observations 1000 ppm level of herbal mixture can be considered for feeding to the cattle.