Stoichiometric Relationship Between Short Chain Fatty Acid and in vitro Gas Production of Semi-arid Browses of North-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The in vitro gas production of semi-arid browse species were evaluated. The relationship between in vitro gas measured on incubation of tannin-containing browses in buffered rumen fluid and calculated from Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) production was investigated. Crude Protein (CP) content in the browses ranged from 13.96-21.421% Dry Matter (DM). The NDF and ADF were 33.31-58.81 and 21.16-31.39 g/100 g DM respectively. The ash content of the browses ranged from 10.76-17.76 (% DM). The content of phenolic and Saponin were 0.32-0.48 and 2.02-2.78 mg/g DM. Total Condensed Tannin (TCT) ranged from 0.32-2.96 mg/g DM. The TCT was significantly correlated (p<0.05) with gas production (r = 0.95; p<0.05). The Metabolizable Energy (ME) and Organic Matter Digestibility (OMD) were 3.31-6.23 (MJ/Kg DM) and 30.64-55.44 (% DM). A good relationship (R² = 0.99; p<0.05) was observed between measured in vitro gas production and that calculated from SCFA. The relationship between in vitro gas measured on incubation of browse leaves and that calculated from SCFA allows prediction of SCFA from gas production. The study showed that the leaves of the browse forages had nutritive value and therefore, may serve as potential supplements for ruminants in Nigeria.