Capric and lauric acid mixture decreased rumen methane production, while combination with nitrate had no further benefit in methane reduction

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the methane-reducing potential of individual and combined treatments low levels nitrate (NIT) a mixture capric/lauric acid (CL) in dairy cows. Both vitro vivo experiments were conducted. In experiment, anti-methanogenic effects NIT (1.825 mmol/l) CL (250 mg/l; capric acid, 125 mg/l + lauric mg/l) evaluated 2 × factorial design using consecutive batch incubations with rumen fluid. The reduced (P<0.05) methane production by 9.2% 21.3%, respectively. However, combining did not show (P>0.05) any benefit reduction compared use alone. eight multiparous dry Holstein cows fed two diets crossover for 21-day periods (14 days adaptation 7 sampling). were: 1) silage-based basal diet 100 g stearic per cow/d (CON) 2) 50 (CL). Gas emissions measured open-circuit respiration chambers. Methane (g/d) was (by 11.5%; P = 0.012) when supplemented CL. supplementation increased ruminal ammonia-N concentration 28.5%; 0.015) gas ammonia (g/d; 37.2%; 0.005). Ruminal pH, protozoa count, total volatile fatty concentrations (VFA ) differ between treatments. Treatment affect intake apparent tract digestibility (P>0.05). conclusion, our results suggest that have potential. may compromise nitrogen efficiency.