A 4×4 Latin-square trial in four female Thai native cattle tested 0-150 g/day Leucaena-ginger pellets. At 150 g/day, dry-matter and fibre digestibility, propionate and microbial protein increased, protozoa declined and estimated methane fell to 23.7 mM/L, without observed mimosine toxicity. Methane was not directly measured and the sample was very small.
Key findings
- Supplementation did not alter intake, rumen pH, ammonia-N or BUN. Dry-matter digestibility rose from 55.4% to 60.0% and NDF digestibility from 60.1% to 67.6%. At 150 g/day, propionate reached 28.8 mol/100 mol, microbial protein 68.1 g N/day, protozoa 4.8×10^6 cells/mL and estimated methane 23.7 mM/L. No clinical mimosine toxicity was observed.
Why this matters globally
Ruminant methane is both a greenhouse gas and an energy loss. Locally available phytogenic feed could be more accessible in tropical systems than costly additives, if direct emissions, safety and economics are confirmed.
Thai researcher contribution
Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Phanom University and Mahasarakham University tested Thai native cattle and locally relevant rice straw, Leucaena and ginger.
Limitations to consider
Only four animals were used. Latin-square crossover improves within-animal control but not population generalisability. Periods were short; methane was estimated from rumen measures rather than chamber or SF6. Growth, carcass, emissions intensity, cost and long-term biochemical mimosine safety were not measured.