Supplementation of fruit peel pellet containing phytonutrients to manipulate rumen pH, fermentation efficiency, nutrient digestibility and microbial protein synthesis

Interaction of a source rich in phytonutrients (fruits peel pellets) and polyunsaturated oil (Tung oil) on in vitro ruminal fermentation, methane production, and nutrient digestibility

Tropical fruit peels from mangosteen, rambutan, and banana are rich in phytonutrients. Several studies reported that the phytonutrients improved rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, the combination of phytonutrients and essential fatty acids on rumen fermentation have not yet been investigated. Hence, the aim of this research was to investigate the influence of fruit peel pellets (mangosteen, rambutan, and banana peel; MARABAC) containing phytonutrients and tung oil supplementation on rumen fermentation and the degradability of nutrients. Four levels of MARABAC (0, 2, 4, and 6 %) and four levels of tung oil (0, 2, 4, and 6 %) were supplemented with concentrate according to a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD). Rumen fermentation parameters, including gas production, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acids (VFA), nutrient degradability (IVDMD and IVOMD), and in vitro methane (CH4) production were determined. The results showed that there were no interactions between MARABAC and Tung oil treatments for all terms of kinetic gas and cumulative gas, IVDMD and IVOMD, and in vitro ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N). However, when combining MARABAC and tung oil beyond the 4 % level, VFA and in vitro CH4 production was severely affected. The supplementation of MARABAC and tung oil decreased gas production and rumen nutrient degradability (p < 0.05). Acetate (C2) and propionate (C3) production were significantly affected by the level of MARABAC supplementation. NH3-N was dropped when levels of MARABAC and tung oil supplementation were increased. There were interactions between MARABAC and tung oil on total VFA and in vitro CH4 production at 8 h (h). In addition, in vitro CH4 production decreased (p < 0.05) with higher levels of MARABAC supplementation. It could be concluded that MARABAC and tung oil supplementation significantly contributed to improving the production of gas and could be applied to decrease rumen CH4 production, thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.

In vitro fermentation end-products and rumen microbiome as influenced by microencapsulated phytonutrient pellets (LEDRAGON) supplementation

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of microencapsulated bioactive compounds from lemongrass mixed dragon fruit peel pellet (MiEn-LEDRAGON) supplementation on fermentation characteristics, nutrient degradability, methane production, and the microbial diversity using in vitro gas production technique. The study was carried out using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five levels of MiEn-LEDRAGON supplementation at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of the total dry matter (DM) substrate. Supplementation of MiEn-LEDRAGON in the diet at levels of 3 or 4% DM resulted in increased (p < 0.05) cumulative gas production at 96 hours (h) of incubation time, reaching up to 84.842 ml/ 0.5 g DM. Furthermore, supplementation with 3% MiEn-LEDRAGON resulted in higher in vitro nutrient degradability and ammonia-nitrogen concentration at 24 h of the incubation time when compared to the control group (without supplementation) by 5.401% and 11.268%, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplementation with MiEn-LEDRAGON in the diet led to an increase in the population of Fibrobacter succinogenes at 24 h and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens at 12 h, while decreasing the population of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Methanobacteriales (p < 0.05). Moreover, supplementation of MiEn-LEDRAGON in the diet at levels of 2 to 4% DM resulted in a higher total volatile fatty acids (VFA) at 24 h, reaching up to 73.021 mmol/L (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was an increased proportion of propionic acid (C3) and butyric acid (C4) at 12 h (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, there was a decrease in the proportion of acetic acid (C2) and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (C2:C3), along with a reduction of methane (CH4) production by 11.694% when comparing to the 0% and 3% MiEn-LEDRAGON supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that supplementing MiEn-LEDRAGON at 3% of total DM substrate could be used as a feed additive rich in phytonutrients for ruminants.

Rumen fermentation and microbial diversity of sheep fed a high-concentrate diet supplemented with hydroethanolic extract of walnut green husks

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the impact of a hydroethanolic extract of walnut green husks (WGH) on rumen fermentation and the diversity of bacteria, methanogenic archaea, and fungi in sheep fed a high-concentrate diet.

METHODS

Five healthy small-tailed Han ewes with permanent rumen fistula were selected and housed in individual pens. This study adopted a self-controlled and crossover design with a control period and an experimental period. During the control period, the animals were fed a basal diet (with a ratio of concentrate to roughage of 65:35), while during the treatment period, the animals were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5% hydroethanolic extract of WGH. Fermentation parameters, digestive enzyme activities, and microbial diversity in rumen fluid were analyzed.

RESULTS

Supplementation of hydroethanolic extract of WGH had no significant effect on feed intake, concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, isovalerate, ammonia nitrogen, and microbial protein (p>0.05). However, the ruminal pH, concentrations of acetate, butyrate and isobutyrate, the ratio of acetate to propionate, protozoa count, and the activities of filter paper cellulase and cellobiase were significantly increased (p<0.05), while concentrations of propionate and valerate were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Moreover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the relative abundance of rumen bacteria Christensenellaceae R7 group, Saccharofermentans, and Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group were significantly increased, while Ruminococcus gauvreauii group, Prevotella 7 were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The relative abundance of the fungus Pseudomonas significantly increased, while Basidiomycota, Fusarium, and Alternaria significantly decreased (p<0.05). However, there was no significant change in the community structure of methanogenic archaea.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of hydroethanolic extract of WGH to a high-concentrate diet improved the ruminal fermentation, altered the structure of ruminal bacterial and fungal communities, and exhibited beneficial effects in alleviating subacute rumen acidosis of sheep.

Combination effects of phytonutrient pellet and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) powder on rumen fermentation efficiency and nutrient degradability using in vitro technique

Phytonutrients (PTN) namely saponins (SP) and condensed tannins (CT) have been demonstrated to assess the effect of rumen fermentation and methane mitigation. Phytonutrient pellet containing mangosteen, rambutan, and banana flower (MARABAC) and lemongrass including PTN, hence these plant-phytonutrients supplementation could be an alternative plant with a positive effect on rumen fermentation. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of MARABAC and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) powder on in vitro fermentation modulation and the ability to mitigate methane production. The treatments were arranged according to a 3 × 3 Factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The two experimental factors consisted of MARABAC pellet levels (0%, 1%, and 2% of the total substrate) and lemongrass supplementation levels (0%, 1%, and 2% of the total substrate). The results of this study revealed that supplementation with MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder significantly improved gas production kinetics (P < 0.01) and rumen fermentation end-products especially the propionate production (P < 0.01). While rumen methane production was subsequently reduced by both factors. Additionally, the in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and organic matter degradability (IVOMD) were greatly improved (P < 0.05) by the respective treatments. MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder combination showed effective methane mitigation by enhancing rumen fermentation end-products especially the propionate concentration and both the IVDMD and IVOMD, while mitigated methane production. The combined level of both sources at 2% MARABAC pellet and 2% lemongrass powder of total substrates offered the best results. Therefore, MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder supplementation could be used as an alternative source of phytonutrient in dietary ruminant.

Microencapsulation of Mitragyna leaf extracts to be used as a bioactive compound source to enhance in vitro fermentation characteristics and microbial dynamics

OBJECTIVE

Mitragyna speciosa Korth is traditionally used in Thailand. They have a high level of antioxidant capacities and bioactive compounds, the potential to modulate rumen fermentation and decrease methane production. The aim of the study was to investigate the different levels of microencapsulated-Mitragyna leaves extracts (MMLE) supplementation on nutrient degradability, rumen ecology, microbial dynamics, and methane production in an in vitro study.

METHODS

A completely randomized design was used to assign the experimental treatments, MMLE was supplemented at 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of the total dry matter (DM) substrate.

RESULTS

The addition of MMLE significantly increased in vitro dry matter degradability both at 12, 24, and 48 h, while ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration was improved with MMLE supplementation. The MMLE had the greatest propionate and total volatile fatty acid production when added with 6% of total DM substrate, while decreased the methane production (12, 24, and 48 h). Furthermore, the microbial population of cellulolytic bacteria and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens were increased, whilst Methanobacteriales was decreased with MMLE feeding.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that MMLE could be a potential alternative plant-based bioactive compound supplement to be used as ruminant feed additives.

Effect of dietary inclusion of tea residue and tea leaves on ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane production

The aim of this study was to compare the differences of dietary tea leaves (TL) and tea residue (TR) inclusion on rumen fermentation characteristics and to explore whether TR could be an alternative feedstuff of ruminants. For these purposes, seven treatments consisted of two inclusion types (TL vs. TR) and three inclusion levels (g/g of dry matter basis) of 10% (TL10/TR10), 20% (TL20/TR20), and 30% (TL30/TR30) in each inclusion type, plus control group with inclusion of 0% (CON) were designed, with four replicates in each group, to conduct an in vitro ruminal fermentation test. Results showed that the contents of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were higher in TR than TL, while TL contained more ether extract and crude ash than TR. Interaction effects between inclusion type and inclusion level were observed in concentrations of isobutyrate and microbial crude protein (MCP), as well as in gas production and digestibility of organic matter. Fermentation characteristics were significantly influenced by TL and TR depending on the inclusion level, except for the concentration of total branched-chain volatile fatty acid. These significant differences of fermentation characteristics due to inclusion level mainly focused on CON and tea inclusion, with higher values in CON than TR or TL groups. The total gas production during the 48-h incubation showed no differences among CON, TL10, and TR10. The inclusion of TR and TL decreased the production of methane. The concentration of MCP in CON, TR10 and TR30 was lower than TR20 and all TL groups. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of TR and TL possessed equivalent effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and methane production, substituting diet with TR or TL for over 10% would inhibit rumen fermentation despite positive effects in TR20 and all TL groups regarding more MCP and less methane production. This study indicates that special attention should be paid to the inclusion level of TR and TL when considering them as alternative feedstuffs of ruminants. Further in vivo study is needed to evaluate the applicability of tea residue as a feedstuff for production of ruminants.

Mitragyna speciosa Korth Leaf Pellet Supplementation on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Microbial Protein Synthesis and Protozoal Population in Thai Native Beef Cattle

This experiment evaluated the use of Mitragyna speciosa Korth leaf pellets (MSLP) on feed intake and nutrient digestibility in Thai native beef cattle. Four Thai native beef cattle steers were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments. The treatments were as follows: control (no supplementation), MSLP supplement at 10 g/hd/d, MSLP supplement at 20 g/hd/d and MSLP supplement at 30 g/hd/d, respectively. All animals were fed a concentrate mixture at 0.5% body weight, while urea lime-treated rice straws were fed ad libitum. Findings revealed that feed intakes were increased by MSLP, which also significantly increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Ruminal total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration and propionate (C3) proportion were increased (p < 0.05) with MSLP supplementation, whereas ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), acetate (C2), C2:C3 ratio and estimated methane (CH4) production decreased (p < 0.05). Total bacterial, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococus flavefaciens populations increased (p < 0.05) at high levels of MSLP supplementation, while protozoal populations and methanogenic archaea reduced (p < 0.05). Supplementation of MSLP also increased the efficiency of microbial nitrogen protein synthesis. Supplementing beef cattle with MSLP 10−30 g/hd/d significantly increased rumen fermentation end products and nutrient digestibility by mitigating protozoal populations and estimated CH4 production.

Rumen fermentation, methane concentration, and blood metabolites of cattle receiving dietetical phytobiotic and cobalt (II) chloride

Background and Aim

Ensuring the genetic potential of ruminants through nutrition studies using medicinal plants and trace element metals is an urgent task. This study aimed to study the effect of Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) herb plant separately and in combination with cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl₂) chelate compounds on the course of metabolic processes in the rumen, methane concentration, and biochemical blood parameters in bulls.

Materials and Methods

Control group (BD: Basal diet); experimental Group I - BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg dry matter (DM), experimental Group II - BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg DM + CoCl₂ (1.5 mg/kg), and experimental Group III - BD + CoCl₂ were set (1.5 mg/kg). The study was conducted on 16 beef bulls (Kazakh white-headed breed) aged 13-14 months, with an average live weight of 330-335 kg. Enzymatic processes in the rumen were studied, including the level of volatile fatty acids (using the gas chromatography method), nitrogen and its fractions (using the Kjeldahl method), methane concentration, and morphological and biochemical blood composition.

Results

There was a decrease in the concentration of acetic acid in experimental group I (15.9%) (p < 0.05) and in the III group (60.3%) and propionic acid in all experimental groups by 5.6%-47.3% (p < 0.05). Feeding A. absinthium herb as part of the diet of experimental Group I contributed to a decrease in methane concentration by 17.8% (p = 0.05) and the lowest methane concentration was noted for experimental Group III. It was less than in control by 59.1% (p < 0.05). An increase in the concentration of glucose, total protein, and creatinine was found in the experimental groups (p < 0.05). The digestibility of organic matter (3.5%), crude fiber (3.6%), and hemicellulose (11.0%) increased with the feeding of A. absinthium herb.

Conclusion

Thus, using biocomplexes based on A. absinthium herb and CoCl₂ do not harm the rumen fermentation of cattle. Still, further microbiome studies are required to evaluate the effects of A. absinthium on cattle properly.

Influence of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet supplementation on in vitro fermentation and methane mitigation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (BP) containing phytonutrients on rumen fermentation under various level of roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experimental treatments were randomly assigned following a completely randomized design using a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement. The first factor was ratios of R:C at 100:0, 70:30, and 30:70 and the second factor was BP supplementation levels at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of dry matter substrate, respectively.

RESULTS

The ratio of R:C significantly enhanced rumen gas production especially when increased level of concentrate. Moreover, dry matter degradability of fermentation were improved (P < 0.01) by R:C and level of BP supplementation, and there was an interactive effect. The ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) concentration, protozoal population and methane (CH4 ) production were remarkably influenced (P < 0.01). There were highly significant interactive effects between ratio of R:C and level of BP supplementation. Furthermore, fermentation parameters especially those of propionate (C3 ) concentration was profoundly increased by higher ratio of R:C and by the BP supplementation, interactive effect (P < 0.01). Notably, both level of R:C and BP supplementation significantly reduced NH3 -N concentration and CH4 production. Interactive effects of both factors were obtained (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The ratio of R:C at 30:70 with BP supplementation at 4% could enhance fermentation characteristics and reduce CH4 production, while the interactive effects were additionally observed. The BP could be a good phytonutrient source to modulate rumen fermentation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing Rumen Fermentation Characteristic and Methane Mitigation Using Phytonutrient Pellet in Beef Cattle

The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf and rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) fruit peel pellet (CRP) supplementation on rumen fermentation, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance in crossbred beef cattle. Four beef cattle crossbred bulls (Brahman 75% × Thai native 25%), with 250 ± 15 kg of liveweight at 18 months old, were randomly selected to receive four dietary treatment groups: no supplementation (control) and the supplementation of CRP at 2, 4 and 6% of dry matter intake (DMI) by using a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The cattle were fed a concentrate at 2 kg/day, and rice straw was offered ad libitum. The results showed that rumen pH at 4 h and average post-feeding values were in the normal range, though they were slightly reduced with CRP supplementation at 4 and 6% DMI (p < 0.05). Rumen temperature, ammonia nitrogen level, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate (C2), and butyrate (C4) production were similar among treatments. Nevertheless, propionate (C3) concentration was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the CRP groups at 2 and 4% DMI. In addition, the C2/C3 ratio and CH4 production were significantly reduced in the CRP groups, especially at 2 and 4% DMI. Rice straw intake and total feed intake in terms of %BW were significantly higher in the groups with CRP at 2 and 4% DMI (p < 0.05). The apparent nutrient digestibilities were not affected by the treatments. Nitrogen intake, nitrogen absorption, and nitrogen retention were significantly enhanced by the CRP supplementation (p < 0.05). Moreover, feces and total nitrogen excretion were not different among treatments (p > 0.05). Ultimately, the supplementation of CRP at 2 and 4% DMI significantly improved the C3 concentration, reduced the C2/C3 ratio, mitigated methane production, and enhanced feed intake and nitrogen utilization efficiency. Therefore, CRP supplementation shows promise as a rumen dietary enhancer.

Phytonutrients in Red Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus, L.) and Feed Ratios Enhanced Rumen Fermentation Dynamics, Suppress Protozoal Population, and Methane Production

The search for alternative modifiers of rumen fermentation to improve the production efficiency of livestock production is highly essential. This in vitro fermentation experiment was conducted using a factorial arrangement of two ratios of roughage to concentrate and seven levels of red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) leaf powder (RALP) as a percentage of total substrate in a completely randomized design (CRD). There were two factors: factor A was two ratios of roughage (R) to concentrate (C) at 60:40 and 40:60 and factor B was levels of RALP supplementation at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12% dry matter (DM) of total dietary substrate. The results revealed that a R:C ratio at 40:60 increased rumen fermentation and reduced methane production (p &lt; 0.05). The RALP incorporation as a feed additive was highly promising in enhancing propionate (C3) concentration, reducing acetate (C2) to (C3) ratio, and the protozoal population, while mitigating methane (CH4) production. Furthermore, DM degradation percentages were remarkably enhanced by increasing the RALP levels and R:C ratio at 40:60. In conclusion, plants rich in phytonutrients and minerals such as RALP and the lower R:C ratio showed a promising role in modulating rumen fermentation, mitigating methane production, as well as increasing substrate DM degradability.

Sodium nitrate has no detrimental effect on milk fatty acid profile and rumen bacterial population in water buffaloes

This study evaluated the influence of dietary sodium nitrate on ruminal fermentation profiles, milk production and composition, microbial populations and diversity in water buffaloes. Twenty-four female water buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups and fed with 0, 0.11, 0.22, 044 g sodium nitrate per kg body weight diets, respectively. Results showed that the concentration of acetate, propionate, butyrate and total VFA in all sodium nitrate–adapted water buffaloes were greater than the control group (P  < 0.05). Although the milk fatty acids value at 0.11 g sodium nitrate/kg/d were slightly lower than other treatments, no significant differences were observed among different treatments (P  > 0.05). Compared to the control group, the archaea richness (ace and chao1) and diversity (Shannon index) indices were increased by nitrate supplementation (P  < 0.05). Compared with the control group, sodium nitrate did not affect bacterial abundance at the phylum and genus level, but the relative abundance of the methanogen genera was greatly changed. There was a tendency for Methanobrevibacter to decrease in the sodium nitrate group (P  = 0.091). Comparisons of archaea communities by PCoA analysis showed significant separation between the control group and nitrate treatments (P  = 0.025). It was concluded that added 0.11–0.44 g sodium nitrate/kg of body weight increased the rumen VFA production and archaeal diversity of water buffaloes but had no detrimental effect on milk yield or composition, fatty acids profile, rumen methanogen or Butyrivibrio group population related to biohydrogenation.