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Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Comparison of enantiomers of organic acids for their effects on methane production in vitro

L. G. Reis A , A. V. Chaves A C , S. R. O. Williams B and P. J. Moate B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Faculty of Veterinary Science, R.M.C. Gunn Building B19, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

B Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Ellinbank Centre, 1301 Hazeldean Road, Ellinbank, Vic. 3821, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: alex.chaves@sydney.edu.au

Animal Production Science 54(9) 1345-1349 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN14199
Submitted: 11 March 2014  Accepted: 26 May 2014   Published: 10 July 2014

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic acids on in vitro fermentation characteristics. Four organic acids (tartaric, malic, fumaric and citric) and their enantiomers (L-tartaric, D-tartaric, DL-tartaric, L-malic and DL-malic) were analysed using in vitro batch culture incubations, at four concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15 mM). Cumulative total gas and methane (CH4) production (mL/g DM) were measured at 6, 12 and 24 h; ammonia, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were determined after 24 h of fermentation. Overall, addition of acids at 5 to 15 mM increased (P < 0.0001) cumulative gas and CH4 production. No effect (P > 0.10) of enantiomers, individual acid or interaction acid × concentration was detected at 12 and 24 h for cumulative gas or CH4 production. Addition of DL-malic, L-malic and fumaric acids increased (P < 0.0001) the percentage of propionic acid in the ruminal fluid total VFA compared with all concentrations of the other organic acids or their enantiomers. Ammonia concentration was not affected (P ≥ 0.28) by the addition of organic acids, concentrations or interactions. These findings are evidence that ruminal microorganisms can metabolise both D- and L-enantiomers of organic acids. None of the organic acids and their enantiomers at four different concentrations demonstrated potential as CH4 mitigation agents.

Additional keywords: citric, fumaric, malic, ruminant, tartaric.


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