Influence of Supplementing Solid State Fermented Biomass on Digestibility, Microbial Nitrogen Supply and Enteric Methane Emissions in Cattle

Present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementing solid state fermented (SSF) biomass on nutrient intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation patterns, microbial nitrogen supply and methane emissions in crossbred cattle. Six non-lactating crossbred cattle (445.6 kg BW) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 latin square design. Animals in control group (T₁) were fed total mixed ration (TMR) containing concentrates and wheat straw in 40: 60 ratio. Animals in group T₂ were fed TMR containing concentrates, wheat straw and groundnut straw in 40: 30: 30 ratio whereas the animals in group T₃ were fed TMR containing concentrates, wheat straw, groundnut straw and SSF biomass in a ratio of 40: 25: 30: 5. The intakes of nutrients and rumen parameters were not affected by the treatments. Digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CF, NDF and cellulose improved by 8.9 (P<0.05), 9.3 (P<0.05), 13.0 (P<0.01), 11.0 (P<0.01) and 10.1% (P<0.01) respectively in group T₃ as compared to group T₁. Intestinal flow of microbial nitrogen supply improved (P<0.01) by 13.3 and 15.6% whereas enteric methane emissions (g/d) reduced (P<0.01) by 7.8 and 11.7% in groups T₂ and T₃. respectively as compared to group T₁. Similarly, energy loss as methane (% of gross energy intake) was lower (P<0.01) by 10.6 and 15.1%, respectively in groups T₂ and T₃ than group T₁. Hence, inclusion of legume (groundnut) straw alone or with SSF biomass in whest straw based diet helped in improving nutrient digestibility and reducing enteric methane emissions in crossbred cattle.