Effect of vegetable oils on the methane concentration and population density of the rumen ciliate, Eremoplastron dilobum, grown in vitro

Abstract

The effect of rapeseed (RSO) and linseed (LSO) oils on the methane concentration and number of rumen ciliates (Eremoplastron dilobum) incubated in vitro was investigated. A 5% dose of rapeseed oil reduced the methane concentration by about 14% (P < 0.05) but had no effect on the ciliate number. Conversely, the same dose of LSO significantly increased the protozoa count, while methane production remained unchanged. No positive correlation was found between the methane concentration and ciliate number or with the inhibitory effect of oils rich in C 18: 1, C 18:3 fatty acids on the population density of Eremoplastron dilobum