EFFECT OF NITRO COMPOUNDS ON in vitro RUMINAL METHANE, CARBON DIOXIDE, HYDROGEN AND DRY MATTER DEGRADABILITY

Abstract

This study determined the in vitro effects of ethyl nitroacetate (ENA), ethyl 2-nitropropionate (E-2-NPP) and 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA) on ruminal production of CH₄, H₂, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and in vitro dry matter disappearance of ground alfalfa. In vitro incubations were carried out over 24-h succeeding days (3 batches). Total gas and methane production decreased with all nitro compounds (P < 0.05) in all the batches. Total production of VFAs was reduced by ENA and E-2-NPP (P < 0.05), but not by NPA. DM disappearance was similar between treatments but decreased across batches. Further studies should be aimed at understanding the impact of NPA on ruminal metabolism, as well as its effect on in vivo models.