Evaluation of complementary effects of 9,10-anthraquinone and fumaric acid on methanogenesis and ruminal fermentation in vitro.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) in combination with fumaric acid (FMA) may provide complementary effects to inhibit methanogens and enhance rumen's capacity for better utilisation of FMA towards propionate production. Three levels of AQ and four levels of FMA were tested in a 3 x 4 factorial design using in vitro gas production technique. AQ reduced the total gas and methane production significantly.