RESUMO
O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de três fontes energéticas sobre a produção de metano em bovinos utilizando-se a técnica do gás traçador hexafluoreto de enxofre (SF6), sobre os parâmetros da fermentação ruminal, a digestibilidade aparente total e a excreção de nutrientes da dieta. [...] As fontes energéticas testadas não influenciaram (P<0,05) os valores de pH ruminal, a concentração média do ácido propiônico, nem a relação acético/propiônico. A concentração total de AGCC, a concentração de ácido acético, de ácido butírico, bem como a contagem total de protozoários, foram maiores (P<0,05) para o tratamento com polpa cítrica. Fonte alta em pectina, como a polpa cítrica, ou em ácidos graxos insaturados, como a soja grão, não prejudicaram a digestibilidade das dietas. Neste sentido, são indicadas como fontes de elevado potencial de utilização em dietas para bovinos. Entretanto, sua inclusão resultou em mudanças no ambiente ruminal pela alteração do perfil fermentativo, porém, não foi possível demostrar alterações na produção de metano
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three energy sources on methane production in cattle using the tracer sulfur hexafluoride technique (SF6) on rumen fermentation parameters, total apparent digestibility and excretion of nutrients of diet. [...] There were no significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments for gross energy (GEEx) or neutral detergent fiber (NDFEx) excretion. The excretion of DM, NFE and OM were lower (P<0.05) for treatment with soybeans. All energy sources influenced (P<0.05) crude protein excretion (CPEx) and all treatments differed from each other. The excretions of ADF and EE were higher (P<0.05) for treatment with soybeans. A significant effect (P<0.05) of energy source was observed for nitrogen excretion, where the highest values were observed for citrus pulp compared to soybeans treatment. The emission of CH4 by cattle was 286.22 to 344.22 g/d, 103.71 to 125.64 kg/year; 17.41 to 22.03 g/kg of dry matter ingested, 5.17 to 6.58% GE lost in the form of methane and 3.77 to 4.53 Mcal/Ani/d. There was no significant difference in methane emissions between treatments when evaluated at 5% probability. Energy sources tested did not influence (P<0.05) pH values, propionic acid concentration or acetate:propionate ratio. Total concentration of SCFA, acetic acid and butyric acid concentration, as well as total count of protozoa, were higher (P<0.05) in citrus pulp treatment. Pectin high source, such as citrus pulp, or unsaturated fatty acids, such as soy beans, did not affect diets digestibility. In this sense, they are indicated as sources of high potential for use in cattle diets. However, their inclusion in diets resulted in changes in rumen environment by changes in fermentation pattern, but it was not possible to demonstrate changes in methane production