Effects of Yucca Shidigera Extract, Probiotics, Monensin and L-Cysteine on Rumen Methanogenesis

The effects of probiotics, yucca extract, monensin and L-cysteine on rumen methanogenesis were determined by in vitro incubation using mixed bovine rumen microorganisms with ground Bermuda grass hay as a substrate. Two forms of probiotics, yucca extract, monensin and L-cysteine were tested during 24 hour anaerobic incubations. Methane and carbon dioxide production and fermentation characteristics were compared among treatments. Both probiotics promoted the fermentation and enhanced methanogenesis. Yucca extract and L-cysteine tended to suppress methane production. However, no remarkable changes in methane production and other fermentation characteristics were observed over 24 hours incubation.