Exploration of the Potential of Gambir Leaf Extract (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) from Sutera, Pesisir Selatan as a Feed Additive to Improve Fiber Digestibility and Suppress Methane Emissions of Ruminants

Roni Pazla (Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Andalas)
Asmuddin Natsir (Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Hasanuddin)
Rahmat Hidayat (Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran)
Urip Rosani (Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran)
Nurzainah Ginting (Department Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Antonius (Research Centre of Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency)
Zaitul Ikhlas (Graduate Program, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Andalas)
Aslizah Mohd. Haris (School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universitas Teknologi MARA)
Yelly Fitri (Graduate Program, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Andalas)

Andalasian Livestock
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): ALive

This study explored the potential of gambir leaf extract (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) from Sutera, South Pesisir Regency, West Sumatra, as a natural feed additive to improve fiber digestibility and suppress methane emissions in rumen fermentation. The study was conducted in vitro using fiber-based rations added with gambir extract at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. Parameters observed included digestibility of NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose, and methane gas production. Results showed that adding gambir extract up to 2% significantly increased fiber digestibility and decreased methane production compared to the control. This study proves that local gambir extract has the potential as an environmentally friendly feed additive to support the efficiency and sustainability of ruminant farming.