Phytonutrients in Red Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus, L.) and Feed Ratios Enhanced Rumen Fermentation Dynamics, Suppress Protozoal Population, and Methane Production

• Published in: Frontiers in animal science Vol. 3
• Main Authors: Ampapon, Thiwakorn, Viennasay, Bounnaxay, Matra, Maharach, Totakul, Pajaree, Wanapat, Metha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 11.04.2022
• Subjects: degradability; leaf supplementation; phytonutrients; rumen ecology; ruminant
• ISSN: 2673-6225; 2673-6225
• DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.741543

The search for alternative modifiers of rumen fermentation to improve the production efficiency of livestock production is highly essential. This in vitro fermentation experiment was conducted using a factorial arrangement of two ratios of roughage to concentrate and seven levels of red amaranth ( Amaranthus cruentus L.) leaf powder (RALP) as a percentage of total substrate in a completely randomized design (CRD). There were two factors: factor A was two ratios of roughage (R) to concentrate (C) at 60:40 and 40:60 and factor B was levels of RALP supplementation at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12% dry matter (DM) of total dietary substrate. The results revealed that a R:C ratio at 40:60 increased rumen fermentation and reduced methane production ( p < 0.05). The RALP incorporation as a feed additive was highly promising in enhancing propionate (C 3 ) concentration, reducing acetate (C 2 ) to (C 3 ) ratio, and the protozoal population, while mitigating methane (CH 4 ) production. Furthermore, DM degradation percentages were remarkably enhanced by increasing the RALP levels and R:C ratio at 40:60. In conclusion, plants rich in phytonutrients and minerals such as RALP and the lower R:C ratio showed a promising role in modulating rumen fermentation, mitigating methane production, as well as increasing substrate DM degradability.