Comparative Evaluation of Oat Hay and Silage Based Rations on Nutrient Utilization and Methane Emissions in Murrah Buffaloes

In the present study oat hay and silage were compared for their methane (CH₄) production and nutrient utilization potential in Murrah buffaloes. Sixteen dry buffaloes (566.5± 12.5 kg live weight) were selected from Livestock Research Centre of the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. Animals were distributed randomly into two groups (T₁ and T₂) based on body weight. Animals in group T₁ and T₂ were offered oat hay and oat silage, respectively along with supplementation of mineral mixture and salt. After feeding for a duration of 60 days, a digestibility trial was conducted followed by methane emission measurement by SF₆ tracer technique. Average daily DM intake was similar in both the groups, whereas, fibre (NDF, ADF) intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in hay fed group. Digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, EE, NDF and ADF) except CP was not affected by hay or silage; CP digestibility was higher (60.59%) on silage feeding as compared to hay (58.28%) feeding. Feeding of hay resulted in more (P<0.05) enteric CH₄ emissions (341.35 l/d) than silage feeding (317.86 l/d). Total CH₄ production was reduced by 6.86% on oat silage than hay. Higher (P<0.05) percent of ME was lost in methane in group T₁ (16.41) as compared to T₂ (13.97). Thus, Oat could be stored as silage than hay for lowering methane emission from Murrah buffaloes.