In vitro RUMEN FERMENTATION CHARACTERISTICS, METHANE PRODUCTION AND RUMEN MICROBIAL COMMUNITY OF TWO MAJOR Acacia SPECIES USED IN SAHELIAN REGION OF BURKINA FASO

Abstract

Acacia nilotica var adansonii (Guill. et Perr.) O. Ktze and Acacia raddiana (Savi) species are local ressources important to feed animals in Sahelian area of Burkina Faso. Thus, this experiment was to investigate the in vitro effect of both Acacias on ruminal fermentation, CH4 production and rumen microbial community using a semi-automatic system. In all experiments, 25 mL of the inoculum solution was incubated with 50 mL of buffered rumen fluid at 39 °C and gas production was measured at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. The results show that A. nilotica was rich in condensed tannins and fiber content compared to A. raddiana which was rich in total tannins. A. raddiana treatment presented greater degradability of organic matter and lower CH4 production compared to A. nilotica and control group (P<0.05). In addition, methanogenic archaeal were significantly lower in A. raddiana associated with increased fungal communities abundance compared to A. nilotica (P<0.05), but no effects was observed on rumen bacteria R. flavefaciens and F. succinogenes (P>0.05). We conclude that A. nilotica leaves showed negative effect on ruminal fermentation due to high fiber and CT content, and A. raddiana could be an interesting plant to increase fiber digestion and reduce CH4 production in vitro.