Effect of supplementing Aegle marmelos leaves on in vitro rumen fermentation and methanogenesis of diets varying in roughage to concentrate ratio

The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of supplementing Aegle marmelos leaves on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane production of different diets containing varied proportion of roughage (R) to concentrate (C). Aegle marmelos leaves on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane production of different diets containing varied proportion of roughage (R) to concentrate (C). Aegle marmelos (Bael) leaves was supplemented at 4 levels (0, 5, 10 & 15%) to three diets having roughage (R) and concentrate (C) (wheat straw and concentrate mixture) in the ratio 70: 30, 50: 50 and 30: 70. Inclusion of Aegle leaves at different levels showed significant rise in total gas (mL/g DM) among different diets. Similarly, Aegle marmelos leaves at the rate of 15% improved (P<0.05) the IVTDMD and IVTOMD (%) of the experimental diets. Among the VFA's acetate concentration (mM) was significantly enhanced at 15% of Aegle marmelos supplementation. No significant effect was observed in the values of CH₄ (%, mL/24h and mL/100mg DDM) and NH₃-N (mg/dL) on supplementation of Aegle leaves if any of the diets. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present findings that supplementation of Aegle marmelos leaves enhances the digestibility hence it can be used to improve the nutritive value of diets.