Khon Kaen University has announced a pioneering research innovation that promises to transform the livestock industry. Led by Prof. Dr. Metha Wanapat from the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, the team has developed a novel supplement for ruminant animals using extracts from medicinal plants. This initiative aligns with the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) approach, aiming to foster sustainability and efficiency in livestock production.
Innovative Solutions to Industry Challenges
Traditionally, incorporating herbal plant extracts into animal supplements has been a new concept, requiring validation and acceptance from farmers and industry stakeholders. The Department of Livestock Development highlights the potential of using cannabis, hemp, and kratom extracts as animal supplements, particularly noting hemp’s high protein content and essential nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with 17 amino acids.
In response to these challenges, Prof. Dr. Metha Wanapat and his team embarked on groundbreaking research to formulate supplements for ruminants using these plant extracts. This research is among the first of its kind in Asia, focusing on delivering high-quality nutrition to animals, reducing costs for farmers, and enhancing profitability. Additionally, it aims to significantly cut methane emissions, a major contributor to global warming.
Maintaining Quality and Reducing Methane Emissions
Prof. Dr. Metha explains that ruminants such as cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep possess a unique digestive system that includes a four-part stomach, with the rumen hosting beneficial microorganisms. However, methane gas, a byproduct, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The research team has developed a supplement formula using cannabis, hemp, and kratom extracts, employing encapsulation techniques with chitosan from shrimp shells to maintain quality and inhibit methane-producing microbes.
The microencapsulation process involves blending extracts with a chitosan solution and utilizing spray-drying technology, resulting in a fine powder that retains nutritional properties. These extracts are incorporated into concentrated feed at a safe ratio, ensuring no adverse effects on animal health or productivity.
Environmental Benefits and Economic Efficiency
The supplement formula has demonstrated the potential to reduce methane emissions from ruminants by up to 70%, offering significant environmental benefits. For instance, a dairy cow producing approximately 15 liters of milk daily would require 7-10 kg of concentrated feed, with 3-5 grams of the plant extracts. This approach not only enhances animal health and productivity but also reduces farmers’ costs, with an estimated expense of just 5-10 baht per cow per day.
Following the successful application for a petty patent (application number 2403001724), the research is progressing from in vitro experiments to seeking funding for in vivo trials, anticipated to commence between 2025 and 2026.
A Call for Collaboration and Support
Despite the promising advancements, the field still lacks sufficient researchers, underscoring the need for collaboration and support to harness new knowledge for sustainable development. This research exemplifies the BCG approach, emphasizing efficient resource use, adding value to herbal plants, and recycling waste materials, ultimately reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in the livestock industry.
Explore the Published Research:
- [Extraction and Preparation of Encapsulated Powder](https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11112103) by Srisan Phupaboon, Maharach Matra, Ronnachai Prommachart, Pajaree Totakul, Chanadol Supapong, and Metha Wanapat
- [Encapsulated Kratom Extract in In Vitro Study](https://doi.org/10.5713%2Fab.23.0200) by Maharach Matra, Srisan Phupaboon, Pajaree Totakul, Ronnachai Prommachart, Assar Ali Shah, Ali Mujtaba Shah, Metha Wanapat
The in vitro study of encapsulated hemp and cannabis extracts is currently under review, marking a significant step forward in this innovative research journey.