Assessing deoiled plants biomass of lemongrass and palmarosa as novel feed resources under in vitro conditions

Abstract

The feasibility of newer feed resources must be analyzed for sustainable livestock production addressing food security, climate change, and greenhouse gas emissions concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of lemongrass and palmarosa grass residues after their essential oils are extracted, which are otherwise discarded as wastes and contribute to environmental pollution. Chemical composition, in vitro gas production, in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD), and methane production parameters were analyzed for the graded levels of lemongrass and palmarosa grass residues replacing wheat straw up to 50% in the total mixed ration (TMR). In vitro total gas production, IVDMD, IVOMD, and methane production did not differ among the graded inclusion levels of lemongrass residues. In case of palmarosa grass residues, IVOMD was highest at the 20% inclusion level however no significant (p > 0.05) changes were observed. IVDMD and gas production did not differ among the treatments. Methane share was found to be lowest at the 50% inclusion level as compared to the other treatments but no discernible differences (p>0.05) were observed. These results demonstrate that after the extraction of essential oils, the leftover biomass residues or spent grass can potentially be incorporated in the cattle feed, alleviating dry fodder shortages to some extent and may help achieve sustainability in the livestock production system and reduce its environmental impacts.