PSXI-35 Effects of chitosan source, molecular weight and supplementation level on in vitro (RUSITEC) ammonia and methane production

Nitrogen excretion and methane emissions from ruminant production systems are growing environmental concerns. Natural feed additives with known antimicrobial activity are being investigated for their rumen fermentation modification potential and as a strategy to mitigate emissions from livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chitosan source, molecular weight and supplementation level on in vitro (RUSITEC) ammonia and methane production. The experiment consisted of two incubation periods using three RUSITEC systems (8 vessels/system). Treatments were as follows: C0 (control) zero chitosan; C1 chitosan molecular weight 0.10). In addition, C4 increased butyric acid production (P