Influence of Dietary Supplementation of Ensiled Devil Fish and Staphylococcus saprophyticus on Equine Fecal Greenhouse Gases Production.

The study investigated the impact of incorporating devil fish and Staphylococcus saprophyticus in horse diets on fermentation attributes and greenhouse gases production. The researchers observed reduced greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting that these dietary supplements hold promise as alternatives to corn.

Context and Purpose

• The research was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of including dietary doses of devil fish (Plecostomus sp.) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus in the diets of horses.
• The target parameters were fermentation characteristics and the potential in reducing the production of greenhouse gases.

Methodology

• The study involved using four levels of devil fish: 0 (control), 6, 12, and 18 percent.
• Also incorporated were three doses of Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
• Involved trials on in vitro fecal fermentation, allowing the researchers to monitor gas production and analyze other fermentation criteria such as pH value.

Key Findings

• The study found that the inclusion of devil fish led to an increased pH during fermentation.
• To a certain limit (6 percent), it was observed that inclusion of devil fish increased the asymptotic gas production, whereas higher doses resulted in lower production.
• Incorporation of Staphylococcus saprophyticus resulted in the lowest gas production, reducing gas emission by up to almost 23.17 percent.
• Gas production was also influenced by the interaction of devil fish and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The highest gas was produced with 6 percent devil fish without Staphylococcus saprophyticus, while the lowest was produced with 18 percent devil fish.
• Carbon monoxide emissions were lowest with 18 percent devil fish. The emission of carbon monoxide dropped by 15.25 percent compared to the control group without devil fish.
• Methane emissions were also reduced significantly, by up to 59.33 percent, with 12 to 18 percent devil fish.
• The study, however, found no significant effect of the interaction of devil fish, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and their different doses on methane production.

Conclusion

• The research presented the possibility of using ensiled devil fish and Staphylococcus saprophyticus in horse diets as substitutes to corn.
• These dietary additions showed promising results in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, thereby contributing to mitigation of climate change.