Methane and carbon dioxide production in vitro in ruminal liquid from different types of bovines fed with total mixed ration

Resumen

The objective of this research was to measure the in vitro methane and carbon dioxide emission potential by bovines. Six Holsteins with ruminal cannulas were utilized, including two bulls, two steers and two lactating cows. The animals were fed a diet of 45% corn silage and 55% concentrate composed by corn grain, sunflower meal, soybean hulls and soybean meal. Gas emission of each dietary component and of the total ration, were evaluated through individual incubation in ruminal liquid. The experiment was conduct in four periods, with three animal categories (females, adult males and steers). Bulls and cows showed similar methane emission values for all the ingredients, denoting similar emission behavior. However, steers gave lower methane and higher carbon dioxide values for soybean meal and corn silage, indicating greater fermentation of these ingredients by this type of bovine. It was concluded that there are differences among the cattle categories regarding methane and carbon gas emission (Pt).