Effect of protected crude palm oil on rumen microbial activities and methane production

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the effect of CPO with formaldehyde protection on rumen microbial activity and methane gas production. The female sheep were fed by elephant grass and rice bran supplemented by CPO with the level of 0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% in which protected with formaldehyde as  of  0%, 1%, 2% and 3%. The parameters being observed were those of activity of CMC-ase, microbial protein, the number of protozoa and methane production in rumen fluid. The data  obtained  were  analyzed  using  completely  randomized  design  factorial  4  x  5  (4  levels  of formaldehyde  as  factor  A,  5  levels  of  CPO  as  factor  B).  The  different  on  results  were  tested  by Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test.  The results showed that protecting CPO with formaldehyde had increased  of  CMC-ase  activity,  the  number  of  protozoa  and  methane  production,  but  the  decreased microbial protein in the rumen fluid fermentation.