Dietary condensed tannins in bovine faeces and effects on soil microbial dynamics: are there environmental benefits for cattle production systems?

• DOI: 10.1071/an20118
• Publication Date: 2021-02-03T23:49:10Z
• Authors: Gisele M. Fagundes; Gabriela Benetel; Mateus M. Carriero; Ricardo L. M. Sousa; Kelly C. Santos; James P. Muir; Ives C. S. Bueno
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 13. Climate action; 0402 animal and dairy science; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; 15. Life on land; 12. Responsible consumption

Context Plant bioactive compounds such as condensed tannins (CT) are seen an alternative to rumen chemical modulators mitigate methanogenesis in livestock; however, the presence of CT ruminant faeces also produces a series changes soil microbiomes. Little is known about these effects on nutrient dynamics. Therefore, whether affect decomposition process faecal organic matter, delaying it and consequently increasing carbon nitrogen (N) sequestration, merits study. Aims Our study investigated diet rich bovine composition subsequent dynamics microbial population. Methods Faeces were analysed from cattle fed following diets: control (no CT), 1.25% CT, 2.5% CT. In greenhouse pot experiment over period 60 days, three dietary treatments applied populations measured against with no applied. Key results The increased excretion N neutral acid detergent fibres lignin, higher rate reduced matter decomposition. Treatments resulted greater total numbers bacteria than no-faeces stimulated Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria (α-Proteobacteria) Firmicutes. Conclusions showed that alter recycling other inputs soil–animal ecosystem by inputs, breakdown, changing Implications diets can be beneficial environment. Sustainable management practices should encouraged providing ruminants feed including high-CT legumes silvopastoral systems.