Micro- and Macro-Algae Combination as a Novel Alternative Ruminant Feed with Methane-Mitigation Potential

Abstract

This study was conducted to provide alternative high-quality feed and to reduce methane production using a mixture of the minimum effective levels of Euglena gracilis, EG, and Asparagopsis taxiformis, AT. This study was performed as a 24 h in vitro batch culture. Chemical analysis demonstrated that EG is a highly nutritive material with 26.1% protein and 17.7% fat. The results showed that the supplementation of AT as a feed additive at 1 and 2.5% of the diet reduced methane production by 21 and 80%, respectively, while the inclusion of EG in the diet at 10 and 25% through partially replacing the concentrate mixture reduced methane production by 4 and 11%, respectively, with no adverse effects on fermentation parameters. The mixtures of AT 1% with both EG 10% and EG 25% had a greater reductive potential than the individual supplementation of these algae in decreasing methane yield by 29.9% and 40.0%, respectively, without adverse impacts on ruminal fermentation characteristics. These results revealed that the new feed formulation had a synergistic effect in reducing methane emissions. Thus, this approach could provide a new strategy for a sustainable animal production industry.