Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition

UGC CARE (Group 1)
  • Year: 1989
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue: 3

Methane and Volatile Fatty Acids Production Rates in Sheep Fed on Diets Containing Different Levels of Salt

  • Author:
  • G.P. Singh, R.A. Leng
  • Total Page Count: 4
  • DOI:
  • Page Number: 279 to 282

Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, University of New England, Armidale2351, Australia

Abstract

Methane and volatile fatty acid production rates were determined using 14C-methane and 14C-acetate respectively in six sheep divided into 3 equal groups and fed NaCl at 0(A), 50 g (B) and 100 g (C) per day alongwith the basal ration consisting of oaten chaff, lucerne chaff and powdered molasses. Although, the TVFA production rates were not affected due to levels of salt in the diet, the molar percentages of acetate increased (P < 0.01) and those of butyrate and isovalerate decreased (P < 0.05). The methane production rate (litres/d) in three respective groups were 14.40 ± 1.03,15.50 ± 1.40 and 16.68 ± 1.38 (P > 0.05).