Work

Amazonian Fruit (Samanea tubulosa) in Dairy Cattle Diets: In Vitro Fermentation, Gas Production, and Digestibility

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Edible trees, such as Bordão-de-velho (BVP; Samanea tubulosa), are being studied for their nutritional potential and the presence of bioactive compounds that influence ruminal fermentation. This study aimed to evaluate, using an in vitro assay, the effects of increasing the inclusion of BVP pods in dairy cow diets formulated with different energy levels. The experiment was conducted with eight treatments obtained from a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, containing four levels of pod inclusion (0, 100, 200, and 300 g/kg dry matter) and two dietary energy levels (high and low). Increasing BVP levels resulted in a linear reduction in gas production from digestible organic matter in low-energy diets, without altering dry matter and organic matter digestibility or methane production. There was an increase in pH and in the acetate/propionate ratio, along with a reduction in the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and isoacids. In conclusion, Samanea tubulosa pods improve fermentation efficiency and reduce gas production, making them a promising forage source for low-productivity animal diets.

Source: Ruminants

DOI: 10.3390/ruminants5040064

Authors: Jozivaldo Prudêncio Gomes de Morais, Adibe Luiz Abdalla, Alexandre de Azevedo Olival, Mariana Campana, Francine Basso Facco, Tiago Antonio Del Valle

Institutions: Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Language: English

Topic: Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207