Effect of inclusion of Myristica fragrans on methane production, rumen fermentation parameters

Aim: The present study was done to evaluate the effect of Myristica fragrans fruit active compounds addition on methane production in vitro. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extract of Myristica fragrans fruit powder was prepared and checked for its inhibitory action on methane production in diet containing roughage 50 percent and concentrate 50 percent respectively. Methane production was estimated by Gas Chromatography. Results: It has been shown that supplementation of Myristica fragrans reduces the methane production up to 48 percent as compared to control diet without supplementation of Myristica fragrans. Similarly real time quantification of mcr-A gene also shown the significant (P<0.05) reduction in the number of methanogens. Myristica fragrans appeared to reduce methane production by inhibiting methanogens directly. However, digestibility of dry matter also decreased due to myristica fragrans supplementation in total mixed diet, which may affect the production of volatile acid production. Conclusion: The active compounds extracted in methanol of Myristica fragrans emerged out to be a useful natural plant source for the inhibition of methanogenesis and its supplementation in animal feed may proves to be an effective measure to control methane emission from ruminants.