Efficacy of Sunflower Oil in Modulating Rumen Functions and Reducing Enteric Methane Production in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Methane (CH4) is produced in digestive tract of ruminant l ivestock by fermentation of feeds with anaerobic microorganisms (bacteria, protozoa, fungus, archaea) and emitted to the environment via burping mainly. Since CH4 has no nutritional value to the animals, its production represents a loss of 2-12 % dietary gross energy intake (Johnson and Johnson, 1995). Methane production not only reduces the efficiency of feed energy utilization but also contributes to global warming. Ruminant animals contribute about 18% of the global anthropogenic greenhouse (GHG) gas emissions mostly due to anaerobic enteric fermentation of feeds. About 37-44 % of global methane emissions are contributed by ruminant livestock and are a major source of methane production in the agriculture sector (IPCC, 2007). Therefore, reducing enteric methane production by dietary modulation of livestock feeding is one of the major strategies not only in view of clean animal production, but also increasing the utilization efficiency of feed energy in productive purpose. Vegetable oils, a source of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, have the potential to reduce enteric methane production. Efficacy of Sunflower Oil in Modulating Rumen Functions and Reducing Enteric Methane Production in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)