Effect of silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae oil supplementation on enteric methane emission and methanogens diversity in sheep

In vitroandin vivostudies were conducted to examine the effect of silkworm pupae oil on methane (CH4) emission and methanogens diversity. Five graded levels (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) of silkworm pupae oil were testedin vitro. EighteenMandyaadult sheep were divided into three groups. All the animals were fed on similar basal diet except the oil supplementation in test groups. Oil level for supplementation was decided on the basis ofin vitrostudy.In vitrostudy indicated a reduction of 22% in CH(4)production with 2% oil supplementation. Animals in test groups were supplemented with oil (2%) either daily (CON) or intermittently (INT) on every alternate week for all the seven days. A significant reduction of 17-20% in enteric CH(4)emission (g/d) was achieved due to oil supplementation in sheep. However, No variation was established between test groups CON and INT. In present study,Methanobrevibacterwas major genus contributed similar to 90% of the total rumen methanogens; whilstMethanobrevibacter gottschalkiiwas the most abundant methanogens species. Abundance ofMethanobrevibacter ruminantiumwas affected with the oil supplementation. It can be concluded that the silkworm pupae oil at 2% can decrease CH(4)emission by 15-20%.