Aim: The present study was done to evaluate
the effect of Myristica fragrans fruit active
compounds addition on methane production in
vitro.
Materials and Methods:
Methanolic extract of Myristica fragrans fruit
powder was prepared and checked for its inhibitory
action on methane production in diet containing
roughage 50 percent and concentrate 50 percent
respectively. Methane production was estimated by
Gas Chromatography.
Results: It has been
shown that supplementation of Myristica fragrans
reduces the methane production up to 48 percent as
compared to control diet without supplementation
of Myristica fragrans. Similarly real time
quantification of mcr-A gene also shown the
significant (P<0.05) reduction in the number of
methanogens. Myristica fragrans appeared to reduce
methane production by inhibiting methanogens
directly. However, digestibility of dry matter
also decreased due to myristica fragrans
supplementation in total mixed diet, which may
affect the production of volatile acid production.
Conclusion: The active compounds extracted
in methanol of Myristica fragrans emerged out to
be a useful natural plant source for the
inhibition of methanogenesis and its
supplementation in animal feed may proves to be an
effective measure to control methane emission from
ruminants.
Keywords: Methanogen, Methane,
Mitigation, Myristica fragrans, Real Time PCR
