In Vitro Screening of the Foliage of Eucalyptus Species Harvested in Different Seasons for Modulating Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production

The aim of this study was to assess the effects five eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. leucoxylon, astringens, sideroxylon, and lehmannii), harvested in spring, autumn, or winter from two Tunisian arboretums, on vitro rumen fermentation methanogenesis. Batch cultures were performed determine kinetics end-product formation after 24 h incubation. foliage sideroxylon lehmannii showed greatest digestibility coefficients, whereas leucoxylon least digestible. Acetate-to-propionate ratio reduced when incubated, these also most efficient at reducing methane emission. Foliage greater an increase acetate-to-propionate than other seasons, without a potential decrease enteric production depressing ruminal fermentation. In vivo studies would be necessary conclusively validate as first step towards proposing inclusion leaves ruminant diets.