Effect of Feeding Total Mixed Ration on Methane Emission and Energy Metabolism in Crossbred Cattle and Buffaloes

This study evaluates the nutrients digestibility and energy metabolism of crossbred cattle and buffaloes fed different ratio of concentrate and roughage based ration. 12 adult animals were used of three groups of cattle and buffalo, the following: cattle (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) (n=6) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) (n=6). Three groups of animals, each consisting two crossbred cattle, and two buffalo were fed experimental diets and used in 3×3 switchover design. A metabolism trial was conducted with six crossbred cattle and six buffaloes fed with different ratio of concentrate and roughage. There was non-significant difference in nutrient digestibilities between cattle and buffaloes. Respiration calorimetric studies revealed that heat production was significantly (P<0.01) lower in buffaloes however, methane emission and net energy utilization was significantly (P<0.05) higher in buffaloes than cattle. It was concluded that under higher plane of nutrition and higher concentrate: roughage ratio there is significant reduction in methane emission compared to lower plane of nutrition in both species. However, efficiency of energy utilization was significantly lower in crossbred cattle than buffaloes.