Influence of individual and mixed extracts of two tree species on in vitro gas production kinetics of a high concentrate diet fed to growing lambs

Effect of calcium soaps from garlic (Allium sativum) and willow (Salix babylonica) extracts on nematode loads, nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation kinetics in dairy goats

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary calcium soaps from garlic (Allium sativum) and willow (Salix babylonica) extracts on nematode loads, nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation kinetics in dairy goats. Nine adult non-lactating Saanen goats were grouped into a complete randomized block design with 3 treatments (n = 3) over a period of 28 d. Animals were fed a diet based on alfalfa hay and a concentrate that was supplemented (65 g/kg DM) with calcium soaps of safflower (control), garlic or willow. Intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were not affected by dietary calcium soaps. However, the highest digestibility of DM and OM were observed in willow supplemented goats. In vitro gas kinetics and fermentation profile were not affected by diets. Results from fecal egg count indicated a reduction in total count, Haemonchus spp. and Trychostrongylus spp. for both garlic and willow compared to control. Our results suggest that calcium soaps of garlic or willow extracts can be used to reduce gastrointestinal parasites in goats without compromising productive traits or rumen function.

Influence of Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens aqueous extract on cattle ruminal gas production and degradability in vitro

Introduction

Mitigation of ruminant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial for more appropriate livestock production. Thus, there is a need of further research evaluating feed supplementation strategies to mitigate enteric GHG emissions and other gases produced within the rumen.

Methods

This study was conducted as a completely randomized experimental design to determine the effectiveness of liquid extracts from A. indica (AZI), C. angustidens (CNA), or their combination (Mix. 1:1) at dosages of 0, 36, 72, and 108 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate incubated in reducing GHG production in vitro, particularly methane (CH4), from the diet of steers during anaerobic incubation in rumen fluid. Total gas production, CH4, CO, H2S, and fermentative characteristics were all measured in vitro.

Results

Treatment AZI at a dose of 108 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate produced the highest (P < 0.05) gas volume at 6 h, whereas CNA at a dose of 72 mg of liquid extract/ g DM substrate produced the least (P < 0.05) at 6 and 24 h, and Mix. at a dose of 72 mg of liquid extract/g DM substrate produced the least (P < 0.05) at 48 h. In addition, CH4 levels at 6 and 24 h of incubation (36 mg/g DM substrate) were highest (P < 0.05) for CNA, and lowest (P < 0.05) for AZI, whereas this variable was lowest (P < 0.05) at 72 mg of liquid extract for CNA at 24 and 48 h. At 6 and 24 h, CO volume was highest (P < 0.05) for AZI at 108 mg of liquid extract and lowest (P < 0.05) for Mix. at 72 mg of liquid extract. Treatment Mix. had a high (P < 0.05) concentration of short chain fatty acids at 72 mg of liquid extract/g DM of substrate.

Discussion

In general, herbaceous perennial plants, such as AZI and CNA, could be considered suitable for mitigating enteric GHG emissions from animals. Specifically, the treatment Mix. achieved a greater sustainable reduction of 67.6% in CH4 and 47.5% in H2S production when compared to either AZI. This reduction in CH4 might suggest the potential of the combination of both plant extracts for mitigating the production of GHG from ruminants.

The effect of Origanum syriacum L. extract and carvacrol on the in vitro digestion, estimated digestion values, ammonia and organic acid concentrations in the fermentation fluid of lucerne herbage

The effects induced by medicinal aromatic plants in biological systems vary with the type and amount of bioactive substances these plants contain. Whether the purified form of the main chemical components of these plants, such as carvacrol and thymol, or plant volatile oils containing tens of bioactive compounds are more effective remains a question of debate. This study was aimed at providing a comparative assessment of the effects of Origanum syriacum L. (wild mountain thyme) volatile oil (OSVO) and one of its main components, carvacrol (CRV), on the in vitro ruminal degradability of lucerne herbage and methane production during the degradation of lucerne. For this purpose, wild thyme was harvested at the beginning of the flowering period, and the OSVO was extracted from the plant by steam distillation. Gas production assays were performed in five groups of ruminal fluid samples, one of which was maintained for control purposes, and the other four 40/60/80 mg/l of OSVO and 60 mg/l of CRV were added. Compared to the control group, in the samples with the added CRV and OSVO, the amounts of in vitro total gas and methane production were observed to have been affected, but no decrease was detected in the ruminal protozoa counts. The level of ammonia nitrogen was lowest in the groups, in which CRV and 40 mg/l of OSVO (P < 0.01) were added. The ruminal protozoa counts were not affected by the addition of CRV and OSVO. While the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and propionic acid (PA) concentrations in the in vitro fermentation fluid of lucerne herbage were low in all the groups, butyric acid was detected at a level of 40 mg/l in the group where CRV was added. The OSVO was ascertained to have induced dose-dependent alterations in the investigated in vitro digestion parameters. In result, CRV (60 mg/l) and OSVO (40 mg/l) were determined to have shown a relatively positive effect on the in vitro ruminal gas production. The anti-methanogenic effect of the plant extracts was due to the decreased digestibility of the lucerne herbage. This can have a positive impact on the environment, but the same cannot be said for the animal nutrient use and animal performance.

Sustainable impact of pulp and leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra to enhance ruminal biofermentability, protozoa population, and biogas production in sheep

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pulp and leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra to reduce the ruminal biogas production in sheep. Five experimental diets of two levels of Glycyrrhiza glabra pulp (GGP) and Glycyrrhiza glabra leaves (GGL) at 150 and 300 g/kg dry matter (DM) were assessed for biogas production and fermentation parameters. Diets were control (diet without GGP or GGL), GGP15 (diet contains GGP at 150 g/kg DM), GGP30 (diet contains GGP at 300 g/kg DM), GGL15 (diet contains GGL at 150 g/kg DM), and GGL30 (diet contains GGL at 300 g/kg DM). Inclusion of 150 and 300 g/kg GGP and 300 g/kg GGL decreased (P < 0.0001) asymptotic biogas production (A), fermentation rate (μ), biogas production at 24 h of incubation (GP24), apparent degraded substrate (ADS), in vitro organic matter disappearance (OMD), and metabolizable energy (ME). Microbial protein biomass (MP) was improved (P = 0.003) by GGP15, GGL15, and GGL30 versus control. Total VFAs (P = 0.003), acetate (P = 0.009), and butyrate (P = 0.002), CH4 (mmol and mL/g OMD), CO2 (mmol and mL/g OMD) (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.0002, respectively), were decreased in GGP15, GGP30, and GGL30 diets versus control. Acetate to propionate ratio (Ac/Pr) was decreased (P = 0.038) in GGL30 diet compared to other diets. Replacing GGP and GGL with alfalfa reduced NH3-N concentration (P = 0.022), total protozoa (P < 0.0001), Isotricha spp. (P = 0.047), Dasytricha spp. (P = 0.067), subfamilies of Entodiniinae (P < 0.0001), and Diplodiniinae (P = 0.06). Results suggested that inclusion of dietary GGL at 150 g/kg dry matter positively modified some rumen parameters such as microbial protein production, protozoa population, and NH3-N concentration, which may be useful economically in ruminant animals and decreasing of environmental pollution.

Effect of Leucaena leucocephala and corn oil on ruminal fermentation, methane production and fatty acid profile: an in vitro study

Aims This in vitro study aimed to examine the effect of proportions of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) to Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) or levels of corn oil (CO) and their interaction on ruminal fermentation, methane (CH4) production and fatty acid profile. Methods The experiment was conducted as a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement following a completely randomised design with two factors. The treatments were according to the proportion of Leucaena and Napier grass (in g/kg DM, Treatment (T)1 = 0:750 (control), T2 = 250:500, T3 = 500:250, T4 = 750:0). Three levels of CO (in mg rumen fluid, CO1 = 0, CO2 = 10, CO3 = 20 respectively) were added to each of the diet, giving a total 12 dietary treatments. Key results Replacing Napier grass with Leucaena at 500 g/kg (T3) and 750 g/kg (T4) levels increased the molar volatile fatty acid concentration, microbial protein synthesis (P &lt; 0.001) and ammonia nitrogen concentration (P = 0.003), whereas ruminal protozoa concomitantly decreased (P &lt; 0.05). The addition of CO at 10 mg also reduced the number of ruminal protozoa compared with the control (P &lt; 0.001). A significant Leucaena × CO interaction was observed on the increase of ammonia nitrogen and microbial protein synthesis, and CH4 production was simultaneously suppressed (P &lt; 0.001). There was also a significant Leucaena × CO interaction on increasing concentration of C18:1 cis-9, C18:2 cis-10 cis-12 and α-linolenic acid, which thus contributed to the increase of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids accumulation in the culture (P &lt; 0.001). However, the concentration of C18:0 was not influenced by the treatments (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion This study demonstrated that the inclusion of Leucaena into a Napier grass-based diet at 500 g/kg and 750 g/kg DM positively affected rumen fermentation, reduced CH4 formation and increased beneficial fatty acids in the rumen. Although CO had similar positive effects on CH4 production and targeted beneficial fatty acids, it reduced the microbial protein synthesis at inclusion of 20 mg/mL DM. Overall, there were synergistic interactions between Leucaena and CO in reducing CH4 production and improving the fatty acid profile in the rumen. Implications It is possible to improve animal productivity while reducing the environmental impact of livestock production through inclusion of tannin-containing Leucaena and CO in ruminant diets in tropical regions where C4 grasses typically have low nutritive value.

Effects of Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) Leaf Extract on Growth Performance and Fecal Microflora of Weaned Piglets

The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) leaf is rich in alkaloids and flavonoids, which has high medicinal and feeding value. We aimed to analyze the effects of B. papyrifera leaf extract on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune functions, and fecal microflora of weaned piglets. Thirty healthy, 28-day-old piglets were randomly assigned to three groups and fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0, 150, and 300 g/t B. papyrifera leaf extract for 42 days (control group, group I, and group II) separately. The result revealed that the final weight of piglets in group II was higher than the other groups, and the diarrhea rate in this group was 62.9% lower than in the control group. The feed conversion ratio in group I was significantly lower than the other two groups. Higher blood urine nitrogen concentration was noted in group II, higher glutathione peroxidase and catalase in group II, higher superoxide dismutase in the control group, and higher immune globulins (Ig) IgG, IgA, and IgM in group II. There was no significant difference in community richness and community diversity among the three groups of fecal samples. The relative level of Roseburia was higher in groups I and II, while Lactobacillus was higher in the control group. In conclusion, supplementation with B. papyrifera leaf extract at a certain dosage can increase growth performance and antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets, reduce the occurrence of diarrhea, enhance immune functions and disease resistance, and affect the composition of fecal microflora.

Effects of pomegranate peel extract on ruminal and post-ruminal in vitro degradation of rumen inoculum of the dairy cow

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of water extracted pomegranate peel extract (PE) on ruminal protein degradation and post-ruminal digestion in the dairy cow. PE was added at six levels of total phenolics (g/kg of the basal diet); 3.75 (PE1); 4.4 (PE2); 5.05 (PE3); 5.70 (PE4); and 6.35 (PE5). Rumen degradable crude protein (rdCP) decreased with PE addition (L < 0.0001), but total CP degradability (tdCP) was not affected. Compared to PE0, PE2, and PE3 diets showed higher (L = 0.054, Q = 0.029) digestibility of bypass CP (dBCP). Increasing levels of PE resulted in a decrease in proteolytic bacteria numbers (p < 0.0001). At PE4 and PE5 levels, total VFA and acetate concentrations linearly decreased compared to PE0. PE inclusion lowered the acetate:propionate ratio (L = 0.0001) and Ammonia-N production after 24 h (L = 0.0008) of incubation. The total number of protozoa, genera Dasytricha and Isotricha, and subfamilies Entodiniinae, Diplodiniinae, and Ophrioscolecinae decreased with increasing dietary PE concentration (p < 0.0001). The results suggest that all levels of PE addition reduce the protozoal population and Ammonia-N concentration. All PE levels slowed down protein degradation in the rumen but PE2 and PE3 showed the greatest effect.

Replacement of lucerne by Enterolobium cyclocarpum leaves in the diet of growing goats

Animal production in tropical regions is commonly limited by the low crude protein content and digestibility of pastures, particularly during the dry season. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of including Enterolobium cyclocarpum leaves (ECL) (0%, 15% and 30%) in diets as a partial replacement for lucerne on dry-matter intake (DMI), weight gain and nitrogen (N) balance in growing Saanen goats (12.6 ± 3.2 kg at 3 months of age) and the digestibility of the diet. Daily weight gain, DMI and digestibility were analysed in a 3 × 3 Latin square design replicated three times. The inclusion of ECL did not affect daily weight gain or DMI (P &gt; 0.05). There were no significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences for N intake among the diets, but the inclusion of 30% ECL significantly (P = 0.01) increased N excreted in faeces. These results suggest that ECL can be used as a partial substitute of lucerne in diets for growing goats, without affecting animal performance.

Effect of Eucalyptus globulus leaves extracts on in vitro rumen fermentation, methanogenesis, degradability and protozoa population

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of three Eucalyptus globulus extracts rich in phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, on rumen fermentation, methane (CH4) production, organic matter degradability and protozoa population using an in vitro gas production technique. Four concentrations (0, 50, 75 and 100 mg) of three Eucalyptus extracts (ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous) were added to a diet of ruminants (forage: concentrate ratio 60:40) and incubated at 39°C under anaerobiosis with buffered rumen fluid. After 24 h, the fermentation fluid was analysed for ammonia-N and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Organic matter degradability (OMD) and protozoa were also determined; in vitro gas production was also recorded and CH4 concentration was measured. Compared to the control, CH4 production was significantly lower for ethyl acetate extract (P<0.05), but higher for n-butanol and aqueous extracts. Production of ammonia- N was lower in all Eucalyptus extracts (P<0.05). Propionate production (P<0.05) increased for ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts, whereas no effect was registered for VFA, for all Eucalyptus extracts. Ethyl acetate extract decreased in vitro OMD (P<0.05), whereas n-butanol and aqueous extracts were comparable to the control. Protozoa population decreased (P<0.05) for all extracts in comparison with the control. Eucalyptus ethyl acetate extract might be promising to be used as a potent anti-methanogenic additive. Moreover, the assessment of the right dosage seems to be important to decrease methane production, without reducing feed nutritional value.

Sensitivity of Coriandrum sativum extract on bacterial pathogens isolated from digestive system of rabbits, and its role on in vitro cecal gas production and fermentation

The present context was aimed to investigate the antibacterial potency of aqueous extract of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) leaves against bacterial pathogens isolated from the organs associated with digestive system of rabbit. This study also evaluated the influence of varied doses of aqueous extract of C. sativum (AECS) leaves on in vitro gas production (GP), methane (CH₄) production, and some other pivotal fermentation parameters from caecal sample of rabbits. The pathogenic bacteria were isolated from mouth, caecum, and anus of rabbits, and further identified through morphological, biochemical, and molecular tools. The growth inhibitory characteristics of AECS against pathogens were determined using disc diffusion assay. Surprisingly, the result revealed lack of antibacterial potential at tested concentrations. Further, in order to demonstrate the in vitro GP and fermentation parameters in rabbits, four treatments comprising of 0, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mL extract/g dry matter (DM) of AECS were used. Results showed no linear or quadratic effect (P > 0.05) on in vitro GP and CH₄ production after the supplementation of AECS in the feeding diet. However, the inclusion of AECS at the concentration of 1.8 mL/g DM exhibited the lowest asymptotic CH₄ production and initial delay prior to CH₄ production. Similarly, the addition of AECS at 1.8 mL/g DM concentration reduced asymptotic GP as well as CH₄ production, and improved fermentation parameters of rabbits when compared with the control and other tested doses. In a nutshell, the tested doses of AECS showed lack of antibacterial trait against the pathogenic bacteria isolated from mouth, caecum, and anus of rabbits. Besides, the AECS exhibited the unique potentiality of reducing GP and improving diversified fermentation parameters in rabbits, thereby suggesting its plausible role as an alternative to commercially available growth promoters in livestock industries.

Antibacterial activities of tannic acid against isolated ruminal bacteria from sheep

This present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of tannic acid (TA) against isolated ruminal bacteria from adult sheep. Rumen samples were collected from two (2) adults sheep, and a total of nine (9) ruminal bacteria were isolated from the sample. The sensitivity of the ruminal bacteria isolates to 0.63, 1.25, 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 mg TA/mL of growth medium was determined using clearance zone (CZ) of Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test. There was observable increase in the sensitivity of all bacterial isolates as the level of TA increases. Not all bacterial isolates have the capacity to tolerate more than 1.25 mg TA/mL. The result shows that only 20% of the bacterial isolates had the capacity to tolerate 0.63 and 1.25 mg of tannic acid per liter. This concentration of tannic acid would be equivalent to 2% tannin in the diet of ruminant. Our findings shows that increase in concentration of tannic acid completely inhibited the ruminal bacteria from the sheep rumen.

Replacement of alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa L.) with subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal in diets of Najdi goats: effect on digestion activity of rumen microorganisms

This study investigated the effect of replacing alfalfa hay by subabul leaf meal (SLM) on digestion, fermentation parameters and rumen bacteria and fungi activity of Najdi goats. Six Najdi goats (150 ± 15 days of age and initial body weight of 35 ± 1.1 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments in a balanced completely randomized design (three goats per treatment) for 56 days. Experimental treatments included alfalfa hay as control group and diet containing SLM (SLM replacing alfalfa hay at 50% level). Bacterial and fungi activity and rumen fermentation parameters of animals fed experimental diets were determined. Dry matter disappearance (DMD) was unaffected by replacing SLM with alfalfa hay for both rumen bacteria and fungi in different incubation times, except for 48 h of incubation in specific culture medium of mixed rumen bacteria, which decreased for SLM group (P > 0.05). NDF disappearance (NDFD) and ADF disappearance (ADFD) after 24 and 48 h of incubation in specific culture medium of mixed rumen bacteria was not affected by experimental diets (P > 0.05). However, 72 h after incubation, NDFD in SLM treatment decreased (P > 0.05). Gas production parameters of rumen bacteria were similar for both experimental diets, but partitioning factor (PF), efficiency microbial biomass production (EMBP), microbial protein production (MP), and organic matter truly digested (OMTD) decreased (p < 0.05) in specific culture medium of mixed rumen fungi for SLM diet. There was significant decrease in total protozoa population for diet containing SLM (p < 0.05). Results indicated that replacement of alfalfa hay by SLM had no major effect on rumen microorganisms' activity of Najdi goats, so it may be used as an alternative for alfalfa (at 50% level) in susceptible areas.

Influence of S. babylonica extract on feed intake, growth performance and diet in vitro gas production profile in young lambs

An experiment was completed to determine the effect of Salix babylonica (SB) extract supplementation to the diet of growing lambs. Eighteen Katahdin × Pelibuey male lambs (14 ± 2 kg live body weight) were divided randomly in individual cages into three groups and fed three diets varying in SB: a control group was fed on total mixed ration (TMR) without SB (SB0), an SB25 group was fed on TMR plus SB extract at 25 mL/lamb/day, and an SB50 group was fed on TMR plus SB extract at 50 mL/lamb/day on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and in vitro gas production (GP) in lambs fed on TMR. In vitro GP of the TMR fed to lambs was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation with 0, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mL extract per gram of DM. Addition of SB extract at low and high doses improved the DMI of lambs by 59.9 and 33.2 %, respectively. Relative to the control, low and high extract doses achieved greater lamb ADG during the experimental period. The asymptotic GP increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dose of SB extract without affecting the rate of GP or the initial delay before GP begins. Linear increases for in vitro GP with advancing time with different SB extract doses were observed. It is suggested that the use of S. babylonica extract with the rate of 25 mL/lamb/day is beneficial to young lamb’s performance growth and thus can be safely used as a feed additive in diets without any negative effects on animal health.

Effect of increasing levels of seven tree species extracts added to a high concentrate diet on in vitro rumen gas output

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing levels of extracts of Byrsonima crassifolia, Celtis pallida, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Fraxinus excelsior, Ficus trigonata, Phoradendrom brevifolium and Prunus domestica on in vitro gas production (GP) and ruminal fermentation of a high concentrate diet. Plant extracts were prepared at 1 g dry matter (DM)/8 mL of solvent mixture (methanol : ethanol : water, 1:1:8) and added at levels of 0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mL/g DM of a high concentrate diet. In vitro GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Increasing addition of extracts linearly increased (P < 0.001), the GP24 , GP48 and GP72 (mL/g DM), and linearly decreased (P < 0.001), the discrete GP lag time. Moreover, increasing extract doses linearly increased (P < 0.001) the asymptotic GP and decreased (P < 0.001) the rate of GP. GP6 was not impacted by treatments and GP12 increased linearly (P = 0.01) with increasing addition of extracts. Rumen pH declined linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing doses of extracts added. As no interactions (P > 0.05) occurred between the extracts and doses, it could be conclude that all extracts positively modified rumen fermentation at doses of 1.2 to 1.8 mL extract/g diet DM.