Effect of dietary monensin or chlortetracycline on methane production from cattle waste

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5095735

Varel, V H; Hashimoto, A G

Wastes from feedlot cattle fed finishing diets containing either monensin, chlorotetracycline, or no antibiotic were investigated as substrates for CH/sub 4/ production. Continuously mixed anaerobic fermentors of 3-L working volumes at 35 and 55 degrees were used; these fermentors were fed once per day. Within a few days after waste from animals fed monensin was added, the volume of CH/sub 4/ produced began to decrease in the 55 degrees fermentors. After 9 days of daily feeding, CH/sub 4/ production was severely inhibited, the pH dropped from 7.6 to 5.9, and the concentration of volatile acids increased from 543 to 6,300 mg/L (as acetate). Although additions of waste from cattle fed monensin were discontinued after 9 days, the fermentors did not resume gas production within 8 s. The addition of waste from cattle which had been fed chlorotetracycline reduced the CH/sub 4/ production rate approximately 20%; however, pH and volatile acid values were comparable to control fermentor values after 40 days. Similar effects were observed with the 35 degrees fermentors. In a batch fermentation experiment in which 50-g portions of volatile solids from waste of animals fed monensin, chlorotetracycline, or no antibiotics were added to fermentors, monensin delayed the onset of CH/sub 4/ production for approximately 40 days, but then these fermentors began to produce CH/sub 4/ at a rate comparable to the control rate. The ultimate CH/sub 4/ yields from the 3 types of waste after 180 days were not significantly different. Thus, monensin has a detrimental effect on the conversion of feedlot wastes to CH/sub 4/ unless microorganisms can be adapted to the levels that are present in these wastes.

• Research Organization: Sci Educ Adm, Clay Center, NE 68933 USA
• OSTI ID: 5095735
• Journal Information: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 41:1; ISSN AEMID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AGRICULTURAL WASTES
ALKANES
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
ANIMALS
ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS
ANTIBIOTICS
BACTERIA
BIOCONVERSION
BIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION
CATTLE
CHLORTETRACYCLINE
DIGESTION
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
DRUGS
HYDROCARBONS
INHIBITION
MAMMALS
MANAGEMENT
MANURES
METHANE
METHANOGENIC BACTERIA
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC WASTES
PH VALUE
PROCESSING
PRODUCTION
RUMINANTS
TETRACYCLINES
VERTEBRATES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES