Changes in molecular diversity of rumen methanogens in buffalo and cattle in response to dietary tannin

Issue Date

1-2013

Abstract

The changes in molecular diversity of rumen methanogens in buffalo and cattle fed tannin - containing banana leaves or supplemented with commercial tannin extract was assessed using polymerase chain reaction - denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Primer set 0357 F-GC and 0691 R was used to amplify the methanogenic archaeal community of the rumen. A total of 26 DNA fragments were excised from DGGE gels and their nucleotide sequences were successfully determined. PCRDGGE band profile and nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that buffalo harbors fewer methanogens than cattle. Methanogen resembling Methanobrevibacter sp. YE288 is the predominant methanogen in buffalo while Methanobrevibacter thaueri strain CW and Methanobrevibacter millerae strain ZA-10 are the predominant ones in cattle. Feeding of tannin - containing banana leaves remarkably altered rumen methanogen composition of both buffalo and cattle more than commercial tannin extract supplementation. Furthermore, feeding of tannin - containing banana leaves to cattle significantly increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) but decreased rumen fluid ammonia nitrogen (RF NH3-N) level suggesting a protective effect of tannin on feed protein and potential inhibitory effect on methanogens by limiting the supply of available hydrogen from ammonia. Hence, feeding of tannin-containing banana leaves is recommended as a mitigating measure against methane emission to the environment and as part of a practical feeding strategy for ruminant production.

Source or Periodical Title

Buffalo Bulletin

ISSN

0125-6726

Volume

32

Issue

2

Page

878-882

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations, tables

Language

English

Subject

Banana leaves, Buffalo, Cattle, Methanogens, Tannin

Digital Copy

yes

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