Enteric methane production of sheep fed on grasses alone or grasses and legume mixtures in Kajiado County

Abstract

Indigenous range grasses are becoming an important feed resource for ruminant production in the rangeland ecosystems of Kenya. This is attributed to their high adaptability to the changing climate. However, empirical evidence reveal that limited research has been conducted to quantify the enteric methane production of animals consuming these grasses. A study was conducted to assess and quantify the enteric methane production of sheep fed on the following diets; Cenchrus ciliaris + Lucerne, Enteropogon macrostachyus + Lucerne, Enteropogon macrostachyus + Desmodium, Cenchrus ciliaris + Desmodium. Yearling dorper sheep (n:24, initial weight 20.62 ± 2.101 kg (mean ± s.m.e) were allocated to one of the six diets in a completely randomised design and fed ad libitum for a period of 91 days. Intake, live weights and enteric methane production were assessed. Mean voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) increased with inclusion of legume in diet. On the other hand, methane production and methane yield decreased with inclusion of legume in diet. Suitable feeding practices such as protein supplementation need to be promoted to enhance ruminant production and reduce enteric methane production for sustainable livestock production.