Effects of Olive ( L.) Leaves with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Methane Emission.

We evaluated whether olive leaves (OLs) are effective as feed additives and supplements for ruminants and the potential methane reduction effects during in vitro fermentation. Two Hanwoo cows (460 ± 20 kg) equipped with cannula were fed Timothy hay and corn-based feed 3% of the body weight at a ratio of 6:4 (8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.). Ruminal fluid from the cows was collected and mixed before morning feeding. In vitro batch fermentation was monitored after 12 and 24 h of incubation at 39 °C, and OLs were used as supplements to achieve the concentration of 5% in the basal diet. At 12 h of fermentation, methane production decreased in the 5% OLs group compared to that in the control group, but not at 24 h. The proportion of cellulose-degrading bacteria, , and , tended to increase in the 5% OLs group at 12 h. The amount of ammonia produced was the same as the polymerase chain reaction result for . At 12 h, the proportion of was significantly higher in the 5% OLs group. OLs may be used incorporated with protein byproducts or other methane-reducing agents in animal feed.