Tannin Binding Agents Enhanced the In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Parameters of Tanniniferous Fodder

The objective of this study was to evaluate the rumen fermentation parameters of two tanniniferous tree fodder species upon supplementation with tannin binding agents. The species used were Leucaena leucocephala (Ipil-ipil), Ceiba perntandra (Imbul) and Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jak) and tannin binding agents were Egg Albumin (EA), chitosan (CH) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Anaerobic buffer medium and strained ruminal fluid were added to the in vitro incubations and in vitro gas production (IVGP) was measured for 48 h. At the 24 th h, percentage methane (CH 4 ) production was recorded. At the end of incubation, percentage in vitro rumen dry matter disappearance (IVRDMD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 -N) were determined. Irrespective of substrate all tannin binding agents significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) the IVGP (ml/500 mg dry matter/48 h) with only exception in low level of CH, but no significant improvement was observed in IVRDMD (%). Estimated short chain fatty acid (SCFA) (mmol) values were significantly higher. All supplements significantly enhanced the NH 3 -N (mg/100 ml) production. The effect of supplements on CH 4 production did exhibit both significant increments and reductions. Conclusions can be drawn that supplementing EA, CH and PEG is beneficial in means of IVGP, SCFA production and NH 3 -N production.