Inhibition of methanogenesis by tea saponin and tea saponin plus disodium fumarate in sheep

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of tea saponin (TS 5 g/kg DM), TS plus disodium fumarate (DF 20 g/kg DM) and coconut oil (7% DM) on methane emissions in sheep using simple box chamber. Eight Huzhou sheep were assigned to four treatments in a 4 x 4 Latin square arrangement. Addition of TS and TSDF decreased (P<0.0001) methane emissions by 8.5 and 9.6%, respectively. Addition of TSDF significantly increased (P<0.01) propionate and decreased (P<0.01) acetate proportion. Addition of TS and TSDF, though not as effectively as coconut oil, can inhibit methane emissions, which is beneficial for economy and environment.