Effects of phytonutrient-based encapsulation of <i>Wolffia globosa</i> on gas production, <i>in vitro</i> fermentation characteristics, and methane mitigation using <i>in vitro</i> study techniques
Creators: name: Muslykhah, Uswatun
name: Phupaboon, Srisan
name: Suriyapha, Chaichana
name: Sommai, Sukruthai
name: Pongsub, Sunisa
name: Dagaew, Gamonmas
name: Matra, Maharach
name: Wanapat, Metha
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Biochemistry
subject: Microbiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Ecology
subject: Immunology
subject: FOS: Clinical medicine
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified

description: Microencapsulation, the advanced and newest coating technology, enhances the efficacy and stability of phytonutrients, particularly sensitive plant extracts, in animal feed. Phytonutrients have potential to mitigate methane emissions (CH<sub>4</sub>) and ammonia nitrogen (NH<sub>3</sub>-N) concentrations during rumen fermentation but require protection to maintain effectiveness. Therefore, this study evaluated the potential of duckweed powder (DWP) and microencapsulated duckweed extract (mDWE) at different levels of supplementation in an <i>in vitro</i> study using rumen fluid from Thai-crossbred dairy cows. Employing a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial design, the experiment tested two forms of duckweed (DWP and mDWE) at supplementation levels of 2%, 4%, and 6% + control (0%) of total dry matter substrate. Significant interactions were observed between the different forms and supplementation levels 4% mDWE (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) notably enhanced NH<sub>3</sub>-N, total VFA (volatile fatty acid), and <i>B. proteoclasticus</i>, improved butyric acid (C<sub>4</sub>), <i>Mathanobacteriales</i>, while decreased microbial population including <i>R. albus, R. flavefaciens</i> and <i>M. elsdenii</i> and <i>B. fibrisolvens</i> at. mDWE increased fraction gas b, |a|+b, and cumulative gas production, dry matter (12 hours; h) and organic matter (24 h) degradability, and propionic acid (C<sub>3</sub>), while decreased CH<sub>4</sub> production (12 and 24 h), acetate (C<sub>2</sub>) at 24 h, <i>R. albus, R. flavefaciens</i>, and <i>Methanobacteriales</i> (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Additionally, supplementation level significantly increased gas production kinetics and C<sub>3</sub> (24 h), while decreased C<sub>2</sub>, C<sub>4</sub>, <i>Methanobacteriales</i> and CH<sub>4</sub> production (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). This study underscores the potential of microencapsulated duckweed extract 4% mDWE as an optimal ruminant feed additive for decreasing methane production and enhancing rumen fermentation. Further <i>in vivo</i> studies are recommended to validate these findings. Microencapsulated duckweed extract (mDWE) could enhance nutrient utilisation in livestock diets, potentially reducing feed costs.Using microencapsulated phytonutrients from duckweed may lower methane emissions from ruminants, benefiting environmental sustainability.Enhanced nutrient absorption through duckweed-based microencapsulation may improve animal health and productivity, supporting sustainable farming practices. Microencapsulated duckweed extract (mDWE) could enhance nutrient utilisation in livestock diets, potentially reducing feed costs. Using microencapsulated phytonutrients from duckweed may lower methane emissions from ruminants, benefiting environmental sustainability. Enhanced nutrient absorption through duckweed-based microencapsulation may improve animal health and productivity, supporting sustainable farming practices.