GAS PRODUCTION, METHANE AND FERMENTATION KINETICS OF Panicum maximum INCUBATED WITH COCONUT OIL

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of coconut oil (CNO) on the in vitro gas production, fermentation kinetics and methane production of Panicum maximum. Gas production was determined for a period of 72 hours with four (4) levels (0 (control), 1, 2 and 3 ml/g) of CNO incubated with 200mg of Panicum maximum. The experiment was set out in a completely randomized design. Fermentation kinetics were determined using the equation Y= a+b(1-e). Data obtained were analysed using one- way analysis of variance. Results showed that CNO decreased (p<0.05) both total gas production and methane from 50.00 ml and 11.00 ml in syringes incubated with 3 ml/g to 18.20 ml and 2.33 ml respectively in the control syringes. In conclusion, coconut oil reduced total gas, methane production and rate of degradation within the rumen.