Quantification of ruminal microbiota and production of methane and carbonic dioxide from diets with inclusion of glycerin

Abstract

The aim of this study was to quantify the liquid-associated bacteria and protozoa of the rumen and to evaluate the potential of in vitro production of gases CH 4 and CO 2 of diets with inclusion of glycerin for sheep. Two diets were formulated with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 20:80, according to the presence or absence of glycerin: G0 -control, without glycerin; and G10 -10% glycerin as part of the concentrate.To quantify the liquid-associated bacteria and protozoa from the rumen and production of CH 4 and CO 2 gases, a completely randomized design was used. The diets had no effect (P>0.05) on production and composition of liquid-associated protozoa and bacteria from the rumen of lambs. Likewise, a (P>0.05) diet effect was not observed on production of CH 4 and CO 2 in vitro, which presented average concentrations of 24.55mL/g MS and 51.52mL/g MS, respectively. The use of 10% glycerin did not alter production or composition of ruminal microflora, and moreover, did not negatively impact the production of CH 4 and CO 2 gases in vitro.