Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the potential effect of Leucaena leucocephalain the diet with 3 levels 0%, 6%, 12% of ration on the population of rumen methanogenic bacteria of cattle and buffalo. Three each ruminally-fistulated (body weight 342 ± 66.93 kg) were used in this experiment. The amount of feed offered was 2.5% of live weight on DM basis. Rumen fluid was collected from each animal before feeding, after 17 days on feed. The rumen fluid was strained it through cheesecloth and stored in freezer prior to analysis. The samples were subjected to DNA extraction and amplification. Three universal primers were used to detect methanogenic bacteria, which had more than one band, ranging from 500 bp and 1.4 kbp. The results indicated that the level of Leucaena leucocephala in the diets reduced the population of methanogenic rumen bacteria of the cattle and enhanced the Fibrobacter succinogenes. Thus, reduction of methane production increases rumen propionate since methane production is inversely proportional with propionate production. Leucaena leucocephala give many benefit e.g. for ruminant that will have a good impact in the term of ruminant nutrition and global environmental contribution through reducing methanogens in the rumen.

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