Yogya (KU) – Tannin contained in lamtoro plants (Leucaena leucocephala) is not only capable of restraining the growth of methane gas (CH4) emissions released by the livestocks to the free environment, but also stimulating the growth of Fibrobacter succinogenes bacteria in the rumen. It is known that tannin is able to reduce the contribution of methane in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, because it restrains the growth of methanogenes, reducing emissions of methane gas (CH4). Methane gas is 21 times stronger than the CO in causing the greenhouse gas effects.
In addition, the ability of tannin in spurring the growth of Fibrobacter succinogenes bacteria is profitable enough for farming, because it can increase the productivity of livestock by improving the body’s energy and boost the productivity of dairy cattle milk. "Tannin stimulates the growth of Fibrobacter succinogenes bacteria in the rumen of cows and buffaloes. The bacteria are responsible for the production of one of the volatile fat acids (VFA), namely propionate. In the mechanism of the body’s metabolism, particularly dairy cattle, propionate is very important for the body’s energy supply. Besides essential for the body’s metabolism, propionate is also closely related to the quantity of milk production," said Faculty of Animal Science lecturer, Bambang Suwignyo, S.Pt., MP, defending his doctoral dissertation research at the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB).
In various references, tannins are secondary products of polyphenols plant in the form of pellucid sap which is soluble in water. However, when oxidized, it turns brown. In his dissertation entitled Effect of Tannin on the Rumen Ecology of Carabao (Bubalus bubalis) and Cattle (Bos indicus), the man born in Kulon Progo, December 31, 1975, said that he expected the result of his research during his study in the Philippines to contribute to science, the world of farming, and the environment. "The development of science and the assessment of the research materials in the future still need to be continued for the welfare of mankind," Bambang said in a release to reporters on Tuesday (27/4).
Bambang said that whilst at UPLB, he not only had the chance to learn academically, but also non-academically. He was also elected president of Searca Scholar Association (SSA) in 2007-2008 and the International Muslim Student Association (IMSA) in 2007-2010. This man, who earned a doctorate (Ph.D.) within 3 years 10 months, expressed his readiness to return to serve at UGM along with more than 2500 other UGM lecturers.