Effect of sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus) in ruminal fermentation in vitro and emission of gases

Objective: The production of total gas, methane (CH4) and in vitro fermentative variables in diets for sheep with 1 and 2 % sunflower oil were evaluated. Design/Methodology/Approach: Serological vials with 0.5 g of treatment and 50 ml of culture medium were incubated at 39 °C for 24, 48 and 72 h. The production of total gas, CH4, and degradation of dry matter (DEGDM), neutral detergent fiber (DEGNDF), acid (DEGADF), production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) were estimated. . The experimental design was completely randomized. Results: Total gas production at 48 and 72 h increased (p < 0.05) and at 24 h decreased (p < 0.05) as the oil increased. CH4 production at 24 and 48 h did not present differences (p > 0.05); a linear decrease (p < 0.05) was quantified at 72 h. DEGDM increased (p < 0.05) at 24 and 48 h and decreased (p < 0.05) at 72 h. DEGNDF and DEGADF increased (p < 0.05) at 48 h. Butyric acid content and N-NH3 decreased (p < 0.05) at 48 h. Study Limitation/Implications: An inclusion greater than 2 % of sunflower oil in the diet can reduce the degradability of the food and the microbial protein. Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of up to 2% of sunflower oil in diets for lambs does not affect the degradation of fibers and is an alternative to reduce the methane emitted into the environment