PARTITIONING OF METHANE PRODUCTION BETWEEN RUMINAL AND HINDGUT FERMENTATION SITES IN SHEEP

Abstract

A method is described to determine hindgut CH 4 production of sheep in an open circuit respiration apparatus by removing the contents of the reticulorumen through a large ruminal cannula. Preliminary results on two sheep fed lucerne (L) or a corn leaf sheath (CLS) diet demonstrated that measurement periods of one hour are suitable for this purpose. Key words: Sheep, methane production, hindgut