Effect of Chitosan on Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Communities, Methane Emissions, and Productive Performance of Dairy Cattle
Jagoba Rey,
Xabier Díaz de Otálora,
Raquel Atxaerandio,
Nerea Mandaluniz,
Aser García-Rodríguez,
Oscar González-Recio,
Adrián López-García,
Roberto Ruiz,
Idoia Goiri
Affiliations
Jagoba Rey
NEIKER—Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Department of Animal Production, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arcaute, Spain
Xabier Díaz de Otálora
NEIKER—Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Department of Animal Production, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arcaute, Spain
Raquel Atxaerandio
NEIKER—Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Department of Animal Production, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arcaute, Spain
Nerea Mandaluniz
NEIKER—Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Department of Animal Production, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arcaute, Spain
Aser García-Rodríguez
NEIKER—Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Department of Animal Production, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arcaute, Spain
Oscar González-Recio
Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, INIA-CSIC, Ctra. La Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Adrián López-García
Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, INIA-CSIC, Ctra. La Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Roberto Ruiz
NEIKER—Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Department of Animal Production, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arcaute, Spain
Idoia Goiri
NEIKER—Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Department of Animal Production, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arcaute, Spain
This study aimed to expand the knowledge about the activity and mode of action of CHI on methanogenesis and rumen microbial populations in vivo. A total of 16 lactating dairy cows were distributed in two groups, one of them receiving 135 mg CHI/kg body weight daily. The effect on productive performance, milk composition, fermentation efficiency, methane emissions, microbial protein synthesis, and ruminal microbial communities was determined. Supplementation with CHI did not affect rumen microbial diversity but increased the relative abundance (RA) of the bacteria Anaeroplasma and decreased those of rumen ciliates and protozoa resulting in a shift towards a lower acetic to propionic ratio. However, no effect on milk yield or methane intensity was observed. In conclusion, supplementing 135 mg CHI/kg body weight increased the RA of Anaeroplasma and decreased those of rumen ciliates and protozoa, both being related to fiber degradation in the rumen in different ways and resulted in a shift of ruminal fermentation towards more propionate proportions, without affecting CH4 emissions, milk yield, or milk composition. Further research with higher doses would be necessary to assess the potential use of this additive as a methane inhibitor.
