USE OF PLANT SECONDARY METABOLITES TO REDUCE RUMINAL METHANOGENESIS

Abstract

Currently, there is a great concern for the greenhouse gas emissions and their contribution to global warming. Ruminants contribute to the emission of these gases through the production of enteric methane, a gas whose warming potential is 21 times higher than CO2, and is considered an energy loss for the animal. The use of antibiotics have been helpful in reducing ruminal methanogenesis, however, the use of these compounds have been banned in some countries, in addition, current market requirements are aimed at obtaining healthy animal products with low environmental impact. A natural mitigation alternative that is gaining attention in animal nutrition is the use of plant secondary metabolites. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of certain compounds to reduce methanogenesis through different modes of action. The present review will describe in detail the characteristic of the most studied secondary metabolites that have been shown to reduce enteric methane production and their effects on fermentation parameters. Finally, it is highlights the need to identify new compounds and methodological aspects to consider are suggested.