Fatty acid supplementation of cattle diets were observed
to improve rumen fermentation in term of reduces methane
emission. Fatty acids, especially those of medium chain length
(C8–C16) (e.g., coconut oil, canola oil, kernel oil etc.) have
been found to decrease methane production (Machmuller
and Kreuzer 1999; Dohme et al. 2000) and a in study a 22%
reduction was achieved by addition of sunflower oil to the
diet (McGinn et al., 2004). Fatty acids in the diet provide an
alternative hydrogen sink and also inhibit protozoa (Johnson
and Johnson, 1995). However, Beauchemin and McGinn
(2006) found that whilst use of canola oil as a feed additive
did reduce methane emission, animal performance was
reduced, due to lower feed intake and decreased fiber
digestibility. Moreover, Soliva et al. (2003) and Machmüller
et al. (2003), reported the effect of medium chain fatty acid
and coconut oil on inhibition of methanogenesis, and
significantly reduced daily methane release without negatively
affecting the total tract nutrient digestion. Therefore,
the objective of this study was to study the effects of coconut
oil, garlic powder and their mixtures on improving ruminal
fermentation in swamp buffalo.