Chitosan and corn oil as functional feed additives: Effects on rumen microbial activity, methane suppression, and fatty acid profiles

Ruminant farming faces two major challenges: Farmers need to improve rumen fermentation efficiency, but at the same time, they must reduce methane emissions (CH4) from livestock. This study analyzed the effects of corn oil and chitosan combinations on nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation while also examining microbial protein formation together with fatty acid content and methane production levels in vitro. The research team used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial pattern involving three replications to study the impact of three corn oil concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%) and three chitosan concentrations (3%, 4%, 5%). Dry matter and organic matter were highest at 1% corn oil and 4% chitosan, while crude protein at 2% corn oil and 4% chitosan. The highest microbial protein synthesis occurred when a dietary blend of 3% corn oil and 3% chitosan was used. The blend of 3% corn oil with 5% chitosan showed the most effective methane mitigation capabilities. The A3B1 blend produced the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (14.77%) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) (2.62%). Research shows that chitosan together with corn oil serves as an effective supplement for enhancing rumen fermentation efficiency while increasing nutrient utilization and diminishing methane production in ruminant diets.