Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part G (2025)

This study investigated the effects of Senna gardneri supplementation on methane emissions, nutrient intake and rumen fermentation in cattle. Fourteen adult cattle were randomly assigned to control (T₁) and treatment (T₂) groups with 7 in each, with the latter receiving 2% Senna gardneri in their total mixed ration (TMR) over a 70-day period. The results indicated no adverse effects on body weight, with similar weight gain in both groups. However, the T₂ group exhibited significantly lower dry matter intake (DMI) and crude protein intake (CPI). Despite these reductions, the digestibility coefficients of various nutrients remained unaffected. Notably, Senna gardneri supplementation enhanced rumen microbial activity, as evidenced by increased total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N) levels. Methane emissions were significantly reduced by 11% and dietary energy loss through methane was decreased by 19.28% in treatment (T₂) group. Furthermore, Feed costs were significantly lower in the T₂ group. These findings suggest that Senna gardneri can be effectively incorporated into cattle diets to mitigate methane emissions and reduce feed costs without compromising animal health, warranting further research on its impact on growth and production performance.