Abstract

LUNA-MENDEZ, Alejandra et al. Substitution of garlic leaves to alfalfa hay and its effect on in vitro ruminal fermentation. Abanico vet [online]. 2020, vol.10, e107.  Epub Mar 02, 2021. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2020.11.

This research aimed to evaluate the substitution of alfalfa hay to garlic leaves during the in vitro gas and methane production, as well as in ruminal fermentation patterns. There were four treatments: (T1) alfalfa hay (50%); (T2) alfalfa hay (33%) + raw garlic leaves (17%); (T3) alfalfa hay (17%) + raw garlic leaves (33%) and (T4) raw garlic leaves (50%). The highest values of "a" (gas production from the soluble fraction); "b" (gas production from the insoluble fraction) and "c" (gas production rate) were found in T4 (mL). While lower in T1 (P<0.05); but no differences were observed between T2 and T3 (P>0.05).The highest ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration was recorded in T4 and the lowest in T1 (P<0.05). The propionate concentrations increased with T4 and decreased with T1, whereas the acetate decreased with T4 and increased with T1 (P<0.05). The highest methane production was recorded in T1 and the lowest in T4 (P<0.05). It is concluded that substitution of alfalfa hay to garlic leaves in beef cattle diets, improved the ruminal fermentation and decreased methane production under in vitro conditions.

Keywords : garlic leaves; gas production; ruminal fermentation; methane.