The effect of a condensed tannin-containing forage on methane emission by goats

摘要: The objective of this study was to compare methane emission by goats consuming the condensed tannin-containing forage sericea lespedeza (Les-pedeza cuneata) or a mixture crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) and Kentucky 31 tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Two groups 12 Angora does (initial average BW = 41.5 +/- 2.7 kg) that previously grazed pasture crabgrass/tall for approximately 4 mo were used. After 1 wk adaptation metabolism cages, gas exchange measured 24 h in an open-circuit respiration calorimetry system with four head boxes. Forage harvested daily from pastures consumed ad libitum. Crude protein concentration 10.3 13.0%, IVDMD 64.5 75.3%, level tannins 17.7 0.5% fescue, respectively. Dry matter intake (1.11 vs. 0.67 kg/d) digestible DMI (estimated IVDMD; 0.71 0.51 greater (P 0.19). Despite higher fed lespedeza, energy expenditure (409 431 kJ/kg BW(0.75)), heart rate (70 73 beats/min), ratio (5.82 5.94) did not differ between respectively > 0.13). Methane expressed as both quantity per day relative lower <0.001) than (7.4 10.6 g/d 6.9 16.2 g/kg DMI). Substantial differences forages suggest decreased emission.