Substitution of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) for alfalfa in improving the carcass and meat quality of Liuyang Black goats

Partially substituting alfalfa hay with hemp forage in the diet of goats improved feed efficiency, ruminal fermentation pattern and microbial profiles

The use of hemp as a forage source in livestock diets has been less studied because bioactive residues in animal tissues may pose a risk to consumers. This study investigated the effects of partial substitution of alfalfa hay (AH) with hemp forage (HF) in growing goat diets on growth performance, carcass traits, ruminal fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial communities, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant indices. Forty Xiangdong black goats with body weight (BW) 7.82 ± 0.57 kg (mean ± SD) were grouped by BW and randomly assigned into one of the four treatment diets (n = 10/treatment) in a completely randomized design. The goats were fed ad libitum total mixed rations containing 60% forage and 40% concentrate (DM basis). The diets included control (CON; 60% AH and 40% concentrate), 55% AH and 5% HF (HF5), 50% AH and 10% HF (HF10), and 40% AH and 20% HF (HF20). Increasing the substitution of HF for AH linearly decreased (P < 0.01) DM intake and improved feed conversion efficiency. However, final BW, average daily gain, carcass traits, meat quality, and most blood biochemistry indices did not differ among treatments. The ruminal NH3-N concentration and blood urine nitrogen linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing substitution rate of HF, whereas the total volatile fatty acids concentration quadratically changed (P < 0.01). Substitution of AH with HF had no effect on the diversity and richness of ruminal microbes, though it linearly decreased (P = 0.040) Prevotella_1 and linearly increased (P = 0.017) Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. The cannabinoids and/or their metabolites were detected in both ruminal filtrates (8) and plasma (4), however, no detectable cannabinoid-related residues were observed in meat. These results indicate that the HF could be used to partially substitute AH in goat diets, whereas the effects vary between substitution rates of HF for AH. Although no cannabinoid-related residues were detected in meat, the presence of cannabinoids residues in blood warrants further study of HF feeding to confirm the cannabinoids residues are not present in the animal products.

Polystyrene exposure induces lamb gastrointestinal injury, digestive disorders and inflammation, decreasing daily gain, and meat quality

Microplastics (MPs), recognized as an emerging environmental menace, have been extensively investigated in both marine and terrestrial fauna. This study is comprehensive to investigate how polystyrene (PS) affects ruminant animals. The experimental design comprised 24 individually housed lambs, divided into a CON group (diet without PS) and three PS-exposed (25 μm, 50 μm, 100 μm) groups, each with six lambs, the exposure of PS was 100 mg/day, and the duration of exposure was 60 days. The study yielded noteworthy results: (ⅰ) PS leads to a decrease in average daily gain along with an increase in feed conversion rate. (ⅱ) PS decreases rumen ammonia nitrogen. The rumen microbiota diversity remains consistent. However, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria increased in the PS-exposed groups, while the relative abundance of Coriobacteriales_incertae_Sedis and Prevotellaceae_YAB2003_group decreased. (ⅲ) PS leads to decrease in hemoglobin, thrombocytocrit, and albumin levels in lamb blood, thus triggering oxidative stress accumulation, along with swelling of the kidneys and liver. (ⅳ) PS inflicts severe damage to jejunum, consequently impacting digestion and absorption. (ⅴ) PS reduces meat quality and the nutritional value. In conclusion, PS-exposure inhibited lambs' digestive function, adversely affects blood and organs' health status, reducing average daily gain and negatively influencing meat quality. PS particles of 50-100 μm bring worse damage to lambs. This research aims to fill the knowledge void concerning MPs' influences on ruminant animals, with a specific focus on the meat quality of fattening lambs.

Effects of non-pelleted or pelleted low-native grass and pelleted high-native grass diets on meat quality by regulating the rumen microbiota in lambs

Diet modulates the rumen microbiota, which in turn can impact the animal performance. The rumen microbiota is increasingly recognized for its crucial role in regulating the growth and meat quality of the host. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which the rumen microbiome influences the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of lambs in the grass feeding system remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different native grass-based diets on animal performance, meat quality, fatty acid compositions, amino acid profiles, and rumen microbiota of lamb. Seventy-two Ujumqin lambs were randomly assigned into three treatments according to the initial body weight (27.39 ± 0.51 kg) and age (6 months ± 6 days). The lambs received three diets: (i) non-pelleted native grass hay with 40% concentrate diet; the native grass and concentrate were fed individually; (ii) pelleted native grass hay with 40% concentrate diet (PHLC); (iii) pelleted native grass hay with 60% concentrate diet (PHHC). The results showed that among the three groups, the PHHC and PHLC diets had markedly (P < 0.05) higher average daily gain and pH45 min, respectively. All amino acid levels were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the PHHC diet than in the PHLC diet. The principal coordinate analysis of the ruminal microbiota indicated the markedly distinct separation (P = 0.001) among the three groups. In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Succinivibrio, and Succiniclasticum were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with most of the fatty acid and amino acid profiles. The correlation analysis of the association of microbiome with the meat quality provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the composition and function of the rumen microbial community, and these findings will contribute to the direction of future research in lamb.

IMPORTANCE

Diet modulates the gut microbiome, which in turn impact the meat quality, yet few studies investigate the correlation between the rumen microbiome and the fatty acid profile of meat. Here, the current study develops an experiment to investigate the correlation of the rumen microbiome and fatty acid profile of meat: rumen microbiome responses to feed type and meat quality. The results indicated a unique microbiota in the rumen of lamb in response to diets and meat quality. Associations between utilization and production were widely identified among the affected microbiome and meat quality, and these findings will contribute to the direction of future research in lamb.

Effects of fermented herbal tea residue on meat quality, rumen fermentation parameters and microbes of black goats

Herbal tea residue (HTR) is generally considered to be a reusable resource which has still retains considerable proportion of nutrients and active substances. This study aimed to investigate the effects of substitution of whole corn silage with fermented herbal tea residue (FHTR) on meat quality, serum indices, rumen fermentation, and microbes in Chuanzhong black goats. Twenty-two female Chuanzhong black goats (4 months old) with similar weight (9.55 ± 0.95 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups. FHTR was used to replace 0% (CON group) and 30% (FHTR group) of whole corn silage in the diets and fed as a total mixed ration (TMR) for Chuanzhong black goats. The adaptation feeding period was 7 days, and the experimental period was 35 days. Results illustrated that the FHTR group had higher value of a* and concentrations of DM and CP and lower rate of water loss (P < 0.05) than the CON group. For the serum indices, goats fed with 30% FHTR had higher (P < 0.05) concentration of CR on day 35. For rumen fermentation, the pH and ratio of acetic acid/propionic acid (AA/PA) in the FHTR group were significantly lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). In addition, we studied the goats's rumen microbial community composition and found that the dominant phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes,and Tenericutes; and the dominant genera were Quinella, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Saccharofermentans. There was a significant difference in the beta diversity of the rumen microbiota between groups (P < 0.05). To sum up, the addition of FHTR can affect the meat quality, serum indices, improved rumen fermentation by adjusted the diversity and function of the rumen microbiota.

Systematic evaluation of ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) for phytoremediation of cadmium contaminated soil and the mechanism of microbial regulation

Ramie is an ideal crop for remediation of cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil. However, there is a lack of rapid and effective evaluation system for Cd tolerance of ramie germplasms, and also a lack of systematic and in-depth research under Cd contaminated field conditions. This study innovatively developed a rapid screening system of "hydroponics-pot planting", and 196 core germplasms were used to quickly and effectively identify their Cd tolerance and Cd enrichment capacity. Then, two excellent varieties were selected to carry out a 4 years of field experiment under Cd contaminated field to study the remediation model, evaluation of reuse after repair and the mechanism of microbial regulation. The results showed that ramie adopted the cycle mode of "Absorption-activating soil Cd-Migration-Absorption" to remediate on Cd contaminated field, and the application of ramie for remediation had good ecological and economic benefits. Ten dominant genera such as Pseudonocardiales, as well as the key functional genes (mdtC, mdtB, mdtB/yegN, actR, rpoS, and ABA transporter gene) in rhizosphere soil, were identified to participate in activating Cd in rhizosphere soil and promoting ramie to enrich Cd. This study provides a technical route and practical production experience for the research field of phytoremediation of heavy metal pollution.

Mixed oats and alfalfa improved the antioxidant activity of mutton and the performance of goats by affecting intestinal microbiota

Oat hay and alfalfa hay are important roughage resources in livestock production. However, the effect of the mixture of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the meat quality of Albas goats is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding different proportions of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the growth performance and meat quality of Albas goats. Therefore, 32 goats were fed for 70 days and randomly divided into four treatment groups on the principle of similar weight: whole oat group (OAT), oat alfalfa ratio 3:7 group (OA73), oat alfalfa ratio 7:3 group (OA37) and whole alfalfa group (Alfalfa), with eight goats in each group. Daily feed intake records, feces, feed samples, and rumen fluid collection were made throughout the trial. The goats were weighed on the last day of the trial, and four goats per group were randomly selected for slaughter. Cecum contents, meat samples, and hot carcass weight were collected, and data were recorded. Furthermore, the relationship between the rumen and cecal microbes on performance and meat quality was clarified by analyzing the rumen and hindgut microbiomes. The results showed that feeding alfalfa could significantly reduce the daily weight gain of fattening goats. Compared with the highest group (OA37), the daily weight gain decreased by 19.21%. Although there was no significant change in feed intake in the four treatments, the feed conversion rate of the alfalfa group significantly decreased by 30.24-36.47% compared to the other groups. However, with the increased alfalfa content, MDA decreased significantly, T-AOC was up-regulated, and the antioxidant activity of the fattened goat meat fed with the high alfalfa group was significantly higher than that of the low alfalfa group. Notably, the abundance of Bacteroidales_unclassified and Clostridium were strongly correlated with T-AOC and MDA. Therefore, increasing the proportion of alfalfa in the diet can affect the antioxidant activity of goat meat by improving the gut microbiota, while an oat-hay mixture can improve the growth performance of livestock.

Effect of Mulberry Leaf TMR on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Expression of Meat Quality Master Genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in Crossbred Black Goats

This study was conducted to examine the effect of a mulberry leaf total mixed ration (TMR) diet on growth performance, apparent digestibility, meat quality and the expression of related meat-quality genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in crossbred black goats. Forty-four Guizhou crossbred black goats (Nubian black goat ♂ × Guizhou black goat ♀), weighing 33.43 ± 0.55 kg, were chosen. The goats were randomly divided into four groups, with 11 test replicates in each group. Group I was the control group and fed with the traditional feeding method of roughage and concentrate supplement without adding mulberry leaf. Group II was fed with a 40% mulberry leaf pellet TMR diet. Group III was fed with a freshly processed 40% mulberry leaf TMR diet. Group IV was fed with a 40% mulberry leaf fermented total mixed rations (FTMR) diet. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of group II was significantly higher than that of group I and III (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of group II of ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.05), and the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.01). Compared with group I, meat in group II had lower meat color lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values (p < 0.01) in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum. The shear force of group II was significantly lower than that of group I (p < 0.05). The total fatty acids (TFA) of group II was significantly higher than that of groups I and III (p < 0.05), but the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) of group II was significantly lower that than of group I (p < 0.01). Subsequently, the Unsaturated fatty acids (USFA), Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of group II were significantly higher than those in group I (p < 0.01). The contents of total amino acids (TAA), total essential amino acids (EAA), total non-essential amino acids (NEAA) and total of major fresh-tasting amino acids (DAA) of groups II, III and IV were significantly higher than those of group I (p < 0.05), as well as the contents of IMP (p < 0.01). The expression of the H-FABP gene in the arm triceps of group II was significantly higher than that of groups I, III and IV (p < 0.05). The expression of the ADSL gene in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum and biceps femoris of group II was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results of the current study indicated that the mulberry leaf TMR diet improved the growth performance, apparent digestibility and expression of related meat-quality master genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in crossbred black goats, which promoted the deposition of intramuscular fat (IMF) and inosinic acid (IMP) and improved the composition of fatty acids and amino acids in the muscles.

Comparisons of Ramie and Corn Stover Silages: Effects on Chewing Activity, Rumen Fermentation, Microbiota and Methane Emissions in Goats

The study aimed to investigate the nutritional value of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) silage, and its consequences for chewing activity, rumen fermentation, and enteric methane (CH4) emissions in goats, by comparing it with corn stover (CS) silage. An in vitro ruminal experiment was firstly performed to investigate the substrate degradation and fermentation of CS and ramie silage. The ramie silage diet was formulated by replacing 60% of CS silage with ramie silage (dry matter (DM) basis). Eight female Xiangdong Black goats (a local breed in Southern China, 1 to 1.2 years of age) with BW of 21.0 ± 1.05 kg were used for this experiment and were randomly assigned to either one of the two dietary treatments in a cross-over design. The ramie silage had higher crude protein (CP) and ash content and lower hemicellulose content, together with decreased (p < 0.05) nutrient degradation and methane production and increased (p < 0.05) acetate molar percentage and acetate to propionate ratio through in vitro ruminal fermentation. Feeding the ramie silage diet did not alter feed intake (p > 0.05), decreased (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility, and increased (p < 0.05) chewing activity and rumination activity, with reductions (p < 0.05) in eating activity and idle activity. Although feeding the ramie silage diet caused a greater (p < 0.05) molar percentage of acetate and lower molar percentage of propionate, it decreased the rumen-dissolved CH4 concentration and enteric CH4 emissions (p < 0.05). Feeding the ramie silage diet did not alter (p > 0.05) the population of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi; it increased the 16S rRNA gene copies of Ruminococcus flavefaciens (p < 0.05). Further 16SrRNA gene amplicon analysis indicated a distinct bacterial composition between the two treatments (p < 0.05). Feeding the ramie silage diet led to a lower abundance of genera Lawsonibacter, Sedimentibacter, Saccharofermentans, Sediminibacterium, and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). Ramie can be an alternative forage resource to stimulate chewing activity and reduce CH4 emissions in ruminants.

Effect of Ramie on the Production Performance of Laying Hens, and the Quality, Nutrient Composition, Antioxidation of the Eggs

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), which is rich in protein, fatty acid, vitamins and minerals, has become a potential alternative feed resource for poultry, and has attracted more and more attentions in nutrition research. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of dietary ramie at different concentrations on the production performance of the hens, and the quality, nutrient composition, and antioxidation of the eggs. A total of 432 34-week-old Lohmann commercial laying hens were divided into four groups, that were fed with corn-soybean meal-based control diet, control mixed with ramie at concentrations of 3, 6, or 9% separately for 8 weeks. Results showed that dietary ramie did not affect production performance. And egg yolk color gradually deepened as the inclusion levels of ramie increased. Ramie at tested concentration could significantly reduce the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.002) and 3% ramie supplementation significantly increased total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) concentrations in egg yolk compared to the control group (p = 0.033). In addition, dietary supplementation with 6% ramie significantly reduced total cholesterol (T-CHO) content (p < 0.05) compared with controls. For egg nutrient composition, compared with the control group, the addition of 6% ramie significantly increased (p < 0.05) total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) and phenylalanine (Phe) in yolk. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 6% ramie was most effective in improving the color, antioxidative capability, and reducing T-CHO contents of the egg yolks without any negative impacts on the production performance of the hens.

Effects of Dietary Ramie Powder at Various Levels on the Production Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Antioxidative Capacity, and Intestinal Development of Laying Hens

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ramie (0, 3, 6, and 9%) included in diets on production performance, antioxidative capacity, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal development of laying hens. A total of 432 Lohmann commercial laying hens were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments and fed for 6 weeks. The results showed that the inclusion of ramie had no negative effects on laying performance, and increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) the laying rate with the highest value in the 6% ramie group. However, ramie content in the diet up to 9% reduced the apparent metabolic energy, dry matter, and organic matter apparent digestibility of laying hens compared with those in the 3% ramie group. The content of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in serum was increased (P < 0.05), but the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was decreased (P < 0.05) by dietary ramie supplementation. As the dietary ramie level increased, the activity of serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was increased quadratically (P < 0.05). Compared with control, 3% ramie group significantly increased (P < 0.01) liver total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Meanwhile, the addition of 3∼6% ramie powder increased (P < 0.05) villus height of jejunum and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) of ileum, which reflected the intestinal promotional effect of ramie powder. In conclusion, ramie in a diet of less than 9% might protect the liver and improve the antioxidative capacity with no detrimental impacts on the laying hens. Moreover, it could promote the intestinal mucosal structure and have a positive impact on the intestine health of the laying hens.