Comparison of the chemical composition and anti-methanogenic potential of Liquidambar orientalis leaves with Laurus nobilis and Eucalyptus globulus leaves using an in vitro gas production technique

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the leaves of Liquidambar orientalis with the leaves of Laurus nobilis and Eucalyptus globulus in terms of their chemical composition and anti-methanogenic potential using an in vitro gas production technique. Species had a significant effect on the chemical composition, gas production, methane production, metabolizable energy and organic matter digestibility of the tree leaves. The crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and condensed tannin (CT) contents of the tree leaves ranged from 9.11 to 12.8, 22.49 to 35.85, 32.76 to 49.31, and 1.55 to 9.29%, respectively. The gas production, methane production, metabolizable energy (ME) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) ranged from 21.72 to 31.54 mL, 2.62 to 4.41 mL, 6.62 to 9.24 MJ kg-1 dry matter (DM), and 41.23 to 54.84%, respectively. It is likely that the leaves of L. orientalis would be more effective for methane mitigation in ruminant animals than those of E. globules or L. nobilis. However, prior to widespread implementation, the effect of the leaves of L. orientalis on animal production should be tested in vivo.