PSXIII-25 - The effect of adding Rumalato on enteric methane production in goats

Abstract: Livestock production significantly contributes to anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, one of the main sources being enteric methane (CH₄) produced during rumen fermentation. Recent metanalysis have shown that the use of specific CH4 inhibitors represents the nutritional strategy with most potential. However, despite the extensive research conducted in the last years, the number of products available for the livestock sector is still very limited. The objective of this work was to assess the impact of using a rumen modulator additive (Rumalato®) on enteric CH₄ emissions. Twelve adult non-pregnant goats (45.2 kg BW) were allocated to either control (CTL) or Rumalato® (RUMA) included at 12 g/d in a completely randomized design. Both groups were fed a diet consisting of 60 % concentrate and 40 % alfalfa hay. Goats were adapted to the treatments for two weeks before going into respirometry chambers for 3 consecutive days to measure CH₄. The three days of measurement per animal were averaged. Data were statistically analysed by variance analysis with Proc GLM procedure of SAS studio (methane emission = block + treatment + average + error). The average daily dry matter intake (DMI) did not differ between CTL and RUMA treatments. The CH₄ yield, CH₄ emission per Kg of DMI was 15% lower in the case of RUMA (22.2 vs 26.1 litres/Kg DMI, for RUMA and CTL respectively, P = 0.044). In conclusion, the dietary supplementation with Rumalato® showed potential to reduce enteric CH₄ production without compromising feed intake.