Effects of tannins in <i>Calliandra calothyrsus</i>and supplemental molasses on ruminal fermentation<i>in vitro</i>

Abstract

Two experiments were carried out, using rumen simulation technique, to assess the effects of tannins in Calliandra calothyrsus and supplemental molasses on ruminal fermentation of tropical grass-based diets. The results demonstrated that tannins were mainly responsible for the suppression of methanogenesis noted when C. calothyrsus was included in the diet. Furthermore, results indicated that supplementation of degradable protein or sugars enables rumen microbes to better cope with the limitations given by the high content of condensed tannins in C. calothyrsus.