EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION WITH FOSSIL SHELL FLOUR ON ENTERIC METHANE OUTPUT AND POSITION-DEPENDENT VARIATIONS IN DOHNE-MERINO WETHERS

This study aimed to investigate the influence of fossil shell flour (FSF) supplementation levels on Dohne-Merino wethers’ position on enteric methane output. Twenty-four Dohne-Merino wethers (20.0±1.50 kg B.W.) were randomly assigned for 84 days to either of four dietary treatments: basal or basal diet supplemented with 2%,4% or 6%FSF on a dry matter basis. The enteric methane output was measured using a portable Laser Methane Detector (LMD) machine during feeding, standing, and resting activities. The highest volume of enteric methane was obtained from wethers supplemented with 4%, followed by 6%, 0%, and 2% FSF. Higher enteric methane emission was observed for resting wethers than those feeding and standing (P < 0.05). Including fossil shell flour in Dohne-merino wethers’ diets at 4% and 6% increases enteric methane output (P<0.05). Dohne-merino sheep emit more enteric methane when resting than when feeding or standing idle.