Rumen Fluid Profile, Methane Emission and Nitrogen Excretion of Young and Mature Kacang Goats Under Different Feeding Levels
Rumen Fluid Profile, Methane Emission and Nitrogen Excretion of Young and Mature Kacang Goats Under Different Feeding Levels
Nadlirotun Luthfi1, Edy Rianto2*, Endang Purbowati2, Christina Maria Sri Lestari2, Agung Purnomoadi2, Nurul Mukminah3
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate ruminal fermentation, methane emissions, and nitrogen excretion of young and mature Kacang goats at different feeding levels. Sixteen goats were divided into two age groups (young and mature) and fed at either low feeding level (maintenance) or high feeding level (production). The ration contained 18% crude protein (CP) and 75% total digestible nutrients (TDN). Parameters evaluated included nutrient intake, acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations, rumen ammonia levels, microbial protein production, methane emissions, and nitrogen excretion. The study found significant differences in nutrient intake between age and feeding level treatments (p<0.05). Volatile fatty acids (VFA) levels were similar at 0 hours before feeding (p>0.05) for both age and feeding level treatments, but significantly differed at 3 and 6 hours after feeding among feeding levels. Rumen ammonia levels were similar across age groups (p>0.05) but significantly varied at 3 and 6 hours after feeding among feeding levels (p<0.05). Microbial protein production did not differ significantly among treatments (p>0.05). Methane emissions and nitrogen excretions of young and mature Kacang goats were similar (p>0.05) but higher at high feeding levels compared to low feeding levels (p<0.05). Methane emission and total nitrogen excretion per unit of body weight gain (BWG) were lower at high feeding levels in both young and mature goats (p<0.05). In conclusion, young and mature Kacang goats exhibited similar abilities in rumen fermentation. Higher feeding levels resulted in increased concentrations of ruminal VFA and ammonia, and decreased methane emissions and total nitrogen excretion per unit of BWG. Therefore, raising Kacang goats at high feeding levels is recommended for environmental sustainability.
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