Influence of Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens Dietary Extracts on Equine Fecal Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

This research investigates the efficacy of dietary extracts from two plants in reducing the production of greenhouse gases in horse feces. It was found that these extracts diminished emissions in a dosage and time-dependent manner, also affecting fermentation profiles and dry matter digestibility.

Materials and Methodology

• The study used aqueous extracts from two plant species: Azadirachta indica (AZN), and Cnidoscolus angustidens (CNA), as well as their combination (MIX).
• These extracts were applied at various dosages (0-, 0.6-, 1.2-, and 1.8- mL) to test their capacity to decrease greenhouse gases and alter fermentation in horse feces, in conjunction with a nutrient-rich diet.
• An in vitro procedure was employed for a 48-hour incubation period to assess the quantity of emitted gases and characterize the fermentation profiles.

Results and Discussion

• The researchers found that these extracts reduced total gas production in a manner that was both dose-dependent and time-dependent, which refers to the scale of the effect correlating with the concentration of the extract used and the length of treatment.
• All extracts lessened the production of methane (CH) by 4.41% to 54.54% in the incubated substrates and by 1.16% to 61.82% in the degraded substrates.
• AZN and MIX extracts also showed an ability to decrease CO emission by 4.43% to 12.85% in the incubated substrates and by 0.70% to 16.78% in the degraded substrates.
• The study also demonstrated that plant extracts and their combinations can lower hydrogen sulfide (HS) production, depending on the dosage and time.
• Despite altering the dry matter digestibility and metabolizable energy, these extracts enhanced the concentration of short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for the health of the horse.

Conclusion

• The extracts from AZN and CNA, either individually or combined, produced positive effects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, without adversely impacting the fermentation activities in horse feces.
• These findings suggest the potential of these plant extracts in providing a viable solution to lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with equine management.