Authors : Chao-Yun Li, Xiang-Hui Zhao, Yang-Chun Cao, Yao-Geng Lei, Chan-Juan Liu, Hua-Xin Wang and Jun-Hu Yao
Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chitosan on ruminal fermentation, methane production and microbial populations in diets with different Forage to Concentrate (F:C) ratios in vitro. A two factorial in vitro experiment was designed with one factor as three F:C ratios (80:20, 50:50 and 20:80) diets and the other as four levels of chitosan in rumen-buffer fluid (0, 333, 667 and 1000 mg L-1). After 24 h incubation, the results showed that chitosan significantly decreased In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) (p<0.001), total gas production (p<0.001), methane production (p<0.001) and Acetate:Propionate (A:P) (p = 0.001) and significantly increased the rumen pH (p<0.001). Chitosan significantly increased the molar proportion of propionate of rumen-buffer fluid in F:C ratios of 80:20 (p = 0.009) and 50:50 (p = 0.007). In F:C ratios of 20:80, chitosan significantly increased the ammonia-N concentration (p = 0.013) and the molar proportion of butyrate (p<0.001) and significantly decreased the molar proportion of acetate (p = 0.001). In conclusion, chitosan affected the ruminal fermentation and reduced methane production of rumen-buffer fluid in vitro.
Chao-Yun Li, Xiang-Hui Zhao, Yang-Chun Cao, Yao-Geng Lei, Chan-Juan Liu, Hua-Xin Wang and Jun-Hu Yao, 2013. Effects of Chitosan on in vitro Ruminal Fermentation in Diets with Different Forage to Concentrate Ratios. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 12: 839-845.