Effect of Supplementing Albizia lebbeck (Siris) Leaves on Methanogenesis and Rumen Fermentation in Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The aim of the study was to investigate methanogenesis and fermentation pattern on wheat straw based diet with extracts of Albizia lebbeck leaves and supplementation of corresponding levels of leaves on rumen fermentation profile in buffaloes. Extracts (100 ml) were prepared using 10 g powdered sample with 3 solvents (methanol, petroleum ether and water) and stored at 4°C for subsequent use. The extracts were tested at 3 levels (0, 0.25 and 0.50 ml). A mixture (200±5 mg) of wheat straw and concentrate mixture (1: 1) was used as substrate and incubated with 30 ml buffered rumen fluid in 100 ml calibrated glass syringes at 39°C for 24 h. The total gas and methane production was reduced (P<0.05) with the inclusion of extracts, irrespective of solvent. However, the reduction in ruminal methane production was more pronounced with the methanol and aqueous extracts of Albizia lebbeck leaves. Feed degradability was reduced (P<0.05) with petroleum ether extract, however, aqueous extract did not exert any negative effect. Microbial protein synthesis, partitioning factor and propionate production improved (P<0.05) with the inclusion of methanol and aqueous extracts. Further, an experiment on in vivo rumen fermentation profile was conducted on three fistulated Murrah buffalo steers supplemented with fresh Albizia leaves at three levels (0, 300g, and 600g per day animal) in a 3×3 Latin square design. Supplementation (300g/animal/d) of Albizia leaves (ALB-1) to fistulated buffaloes resulted in increased (P<0.05) total volatile fatty acids and propionate production, however, higher level (600g/animal/day) of supplementation (ALB-2) exerted negative effects on rumen fermentation. Increase in total N as well as ammonia N concentration was also observed in ALB-1 group. It may be concluded that Albizia lebbeck leaves supplemented @ 300g/animal/day have the potential to modulate rumen fermentation towards reduced methanogenesis and enhanced volatile fatty acids production.