Mulberry Leaf Flavonoids Improve Milk Production, Antioxidant, and Metabolic Status of Water Buffaloes

Effects of herbal formula on growth performance, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbiome in fattening lambs under heat stress

Heat stress (HS) causes severe economic losses in sheep industry worldwide. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a herbal formula (HF) supplement on growth, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbes in fattening lambs under HS. The HF composed of four herbs was prepared based on the theory of compatibility of Chinese medicine "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi". Two-hundred forty 3-month weaned lambs (initial weight 36.61 ± 0.73 kg) were randomly allocated into four groups, supplemented 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% HF in diets. All lambs were exposed to HS conditions with 79.7 of average temperature-humidity index throughout an experimental period of 35 days. Growth performance, apparent digestibility, and antioxidant activities, involving antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins (HSPs), were measured at the end of trial, as well as microbial communities in bacteria and archaea. Results showed that 0.5% HF increased (P = 0.02) average daily gain by 13.80% and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (P = 0.03) by 14.68%, compared to control. With increasing HF doses, the digestibility of ether extract and acid detergent fiber demonstrated a cubical (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P = 0.03) relation, respectively; moreover, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities demonstrated a quadratic increase (P < 0.01). Serum levels of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 for 0.5% HF were lower than that in control (P < 0.05). On the other hand, total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid levels exhibited quadratic increases (P ≤ 0.01) with HF doses. From rumen microbes, the abundance and diversity of bacterial community were improved by HF supplements. Particularly for 0.5% HF group, the operational taxonomic units were the greatest among all groups. Compared to control, Prevotella abundance for HF supplements from 0.5 to 1.5% increased by 35.57 to 60.15%, and Succiniclasticum abundance demonstrated a quadratic pattern (P = 0.02) with doses. Additionally, Methanosphaera abundance in archaeal community raised by 0.2 to 3.3-folds when lambs were fed the HF additions of 0.5 to 1.5%. In summary, dietary HF supplements would contribute to alleviating HS in lambs, and our results suggest the optimal dose of 0.5% HF supplement in diet.

Environmental impact of phytobiotic additives on greenhouse gas emission reduction, rumen fermentation manipulation, and performance in ruminants: an updated review

Ruminal fermentation is a natural process involving beneficial microorganisms that contribute to the production of valuable products and efficient nutrient conversion. However, it also leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, which have detrimental effects on the environment and animal productivity. Phytobiotic additives have emerged as a potential solution to these challenges, offering benefits in terms of rumen fermentation modulation, pollution reduction, and improved animal health and performance. This updated review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific benefits of phytobiotic additives in ruminant nutrition by summarizing existing studies. Phytobiotic additives, rich in secondary metabolites such as tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and essential oils, have demonstrated biological properties that positively influence rumen fermentation and enhance animal health and productivity. These additives contribute to environmental protection by effectively reducing nitrogen excretion and methane emissions from ruminants. Furthermore, they inhibit microbial respiration and nitrification in soil, thereby minimizing nitrous oxide emissions. In addition to their environmental impact, phytobiotic additives improve rumen manipulation, leading to increased ruminant productivity and improved quality of animal products. Their multifaceted properties, including anthelmintic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, further contribute to the health and well-being of both animals and humans. The potential synergistic effects of combining phytobiotic additives with probiotics are also explored, highlighting the need for further research in this area. In conclusion, phytobiotic additives show great promise as sustainable and effective solutions for improving ruminant nutrition and addressing environmental challenges.

Effects of dietary mulberry leaves on growth, production performance, gut microbiota, and immunological parameters in poultry and livestock: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary mulberry leaves on the growth, production performance, gut microbiota, and immunological parameters of poultry and livestock.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were systematically analyzed to identify pertinent studies up to December 2022. The effects of mulberry leaf diet was assessed using the weighted mean difference, and the 95% confidence interval was calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

In total, 18 studies that sampled 2,335 poultry and livestock were selected for analysis. Mulberry leaves improved the average daily gain and reduced the feed/meat ratio in finishing pigs, and the average daily gain and average daily feed intake in chicken. In production performance, mulberry leaves lowered the half carcass weight, slaughter rate, and loin eye area in pigs, and the slaughter rate in chickens. Regarding meat quality in pigs, mulberry leaves reduced the cooked meat percentage, shear force, crude protein, and crude ash, and increased the 24 h pH and water content. In chickens, it increased the drip loss, shear force, 45 min and 24 h pH, crude protein, and crude ash. Mulberry leaves also affect the abundances of gut microbiota, including Bacteroides, Prevotella, Megamonas, Escherichia-Shigella, Butyricicoccus, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli in poultry and livestock. Mulberry leaves at different doses were associated with changes in antioxidant capacity in chickens, and immune organ indexes in pigs. With respect to egg quality, mulberry leaves at different doses improved the shell strength, yolk color, eggshell thickness, and eggshell weight. However, moderate doses diminished the egg yolk ratio and the egg yolk moisture content.

CONCLUSION

In general, dietary mulberry leaves improved the growth, production performance, and immunological parameters in poultry and livestock, although the effects varied at different doses.

Phytogenic feed additives as natural antibiotic alternatives in animal health and production: A review of the literature of the last decade

The use of antibiotics in animal production raises great public safety concerns; therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of substitutes for antibiotics. In recent decades, plant-derived feed additives have been widely investigated as antibiotic alternatives for use in animal health and production because they exert multiple biological functions and are less likely to induce resistance development. This review summarizes the research history and classification of phytogenic feed additives and their main functions, potential modes of action, influencing factors, and potential negative effects. Further, we highlight the challenges in developing sustainable, safe, and affordable plant-derived antibiotic alternatives for use in livestock production.

Identification of mulberry leaf flavonoids and evaluating their protective effects on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in equine skeletal muscle satellite cells

Introduction: Horses are susceptible to oxidative stress during strenuous endurance exercise, leading to muscle fatigue and damage. Mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) possess significant antioxidant properties. However, the antioxidant efficacy of MLFs can be influenced by the extraction process, and their impact on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in equine skeletal muscle satellite cells (ESMCs) remains unexplored. Methods: Our study employed three extraction methods to obtain MLFs: ultrasound-assisted extraction (CEP), purification with AB-8 macroporous resin (RP), and n-butanol extraction (NB-EP). We assessed the protective effects of these MLFs on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in ESMCs and analyzed the MLF components using metabolomics. Results: The results revealed that pre-treatment with MLFs dose-dependently protected ESMCs against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The most effective concentrations were 0.8 mg/mL of CEP, 0.6 mg/mL of RP, and 0.6 mg/mL of NB-EP, significantly enhancing EMSC viability (p < 0.05). These optimized MLF concentrations promoted the GSH-Px, SOD and T-AOC activities (p < 0.05), while reducing MDA production (p < 0.05) in H2O2-induced ESMCs. Furthermore, these MLFs enhanced the gene expression, including Nrf2 and its downstream regulatory genes (TrxR1, GPX1, GPX3, SOD1, and SOD2) (p < 0.05). In terms of mitochondrial function, ESMCs pre-treated with MLFs exhibited higher basal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, maximal respiration, ATP-linked respiration compared to H2O2-induced ESMCs (p < 0.05). Additionally, MLFs enhanced cellular basal glycolysis, glycolytic reserve, and maximal glycolytic capacity (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis results revealed significant differences in mulberrin, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside [X-Mal], neohesperidin, dihydrokaempferol, and isobavachalcone among the three extraction processes (p < 0.05). Discussion: Our study revealed that MLFs enhance antioxidant enzyme activity, alleviate oxidative damage in ESMCs through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, and improve mitochondrial respiration and cell energy metabolism. Additionally, we identified five potential antioxidant flavonoid compounds, suggesting their potential incorporation into the equine diet as a strategy to alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Effect of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) pellet supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, microorganisms, methane production, milk yield, and milk composition in dairy cows

The aim of the previous research was to evaluate the effects of Brazilian spinach pellet (BSP) supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, methane estimation, and milk production in dairy cows. Four crossbred Thai dairy cattle, with Holstein Friesian (HF) cows with a body weight of 442 ± 50 kg were assessed in a 2 × 2 factorial in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to obtain diets; factor A was the roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio at 40:60 and 30:70, and factor B was level of BSP supplantation at 2% and 6% of dry matter (basis) intake (DMI). R:C ratio and supplementation of BSP had no interaction effect on DMI and nutrient digestibility. On DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake, the R:C ratio increased (p < 0.05). The digestibility of OM improved (p < 0.05) when cows were fed a R:C ratio of 30:70. On pH, ammonia-nitrogen, protozoal population, and blood urea-nitrogen, there were no interactions between the R:C ratio and BSP supplementation. Increasing the BSP supplementation to 6% (p < 0.01) decreased the protozoal population. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionate (C3) concentrations while decreasing the acetate (C2) to C3 ratio and methane (CH4 ) estimation (p < 0.01). The average concentration of total VFA has increased by 114.46 mmol/L for 6% of BSP supplementation. Increased BSP supplementation increased the C3 concentration while decreasing the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emissions (p < 0.05). The R:C ratio and BSP supplementation had no interaction effect on milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), or milk composition. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased milk yield (p < 0.05) to the highest level of 12.18 kg/day. In conclusion, the diet containing a R:C ratio of 30:70 increased feed intake, milk yield, BUN, total VFA, and C3 concentration, and decreased the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emission. BSP supplementation at 6% could increase TVFA and C3 concentrations while decreasing the protozoal population and CH4 estimation.

Freeze-dried powder of daylily bud improves bromocriptine-induced lactation disorder in rats via JAK2/STAT5 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Milk deficiency is a prevalent problem in the world. Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina Borani), called the Chinese mother flower, is a traditional vegetable and is believed to possess a galactagogue effect in China. Flavonoids and phenols are considered as the active ingredients of daylily to promote lactation and improve depression.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the prolactin effects of freeze-dried powder of flower buds of H. citrina Baroni in rat and its action mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents of flower buds of H. citrina Baroni treated by different drying techniques were analyzed by ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model induced by bromocriptine was used to evaluate the effect of freeze-dried powder of daylily buds on promoting lactation. Network pharmacology method, ELISA, qPCR, and Western blot were used to clarify the action mechanisms.

RESULTS

We detected 657 compounds in daylily buds. The relative contents of total flavonoids and phenols in freeze-dried samples were higher than those in dried ones. Bromocriptine, as a dopamine receptor agonist, can significantly inhibit prolactin in rats. Daylily buds can restore the levels of prolactin, progesterone and estradiol depressed by bromocriptine, effectively improve the milk production of the rat, and promote the repair of rat mammary gland tissue. We analyzed the relationship between the chemical components of daylily buds and the genes related to lactation with network pharmacology method, revealing that flavonoids and phenols may be the active components that promoted milk production via JAK2/STAT5 pathway, which was confirmed by the results of qPCR and Western blot. Daylily buds can increase the mRNA expression of PRLR, CSN2, LALBA and FASN and the protein expression of PRLR, JAK2 and STAT5.

CONCLUSION

Daylily buds can improve the insufficient lactation of rats induced by bromocriptine through PRLR/JAK2/STAT5 pathway, and the freeze-dried processing method may better retain the active components of flavonoids and phenols that promote milk in daylily.

Advances in the Application of Phytogenic Extracts as Antioxidants and Their Potential Mechanisms in Ruminants

Under current breeding conditions, multiple stressors are important challenges facing animal husbandry in achieving animal wellbeing. For many years, the use of antibiotics has been a social concern in the livestock industry. With the implementation of the non-antibiotics policy, there is an urgent need to find relevant technologies and products to replace antibiotics and to solve the problem of disease prevention during animal growth. Phytogenic extracts have the unique advantages of being natural and extensive sources, having a low residue, and being pollution-free and renewable. They can relieve the various stresses, including oxidative stress, on animals and even control their inflammation by regulating the signaling pathways of proinflammatory cytokines, improving animal immunity, and improving the structure of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby becoming the priority choice for improving animal health. In this study, we reviewed the types of antioxidants commonly used in the livestock industry and their applicable effects on ruminants, as well as the recent research progress on their potential mechanisms of action. This review may provide a reference for further research and for the application of other phytogenic extracts and the elucidation of their precise mechanisms of action.

Meta-analysis of flavonoids use into beef and dairy cattle diet: Performance, antioxidant status, ruminal fermentation, meat quality, and milk composition

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with flavonoids (FLAs) on animal performance, diet digestibility, antioxidant status in blood serum, rumen parameters, meat quality, and milk composition in beef and dairy cattle through a meta-analysis. Thirty-six peer-reviewed publications were included in the data set. The weighted mean differences (WMD) between the FLAs treatments and the control treatment were used to assess the effect size. Dietary supplementation with FLAs decreased feed conversion ratio (WMD = -0.340 kg/kg; p = 0.050) and increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake (WMD = 0.191 kg/d), dry matter digestibility (WMD = 15.283 g/kg of DM), and daily weight gain (WMD = 0.061 kg/d). In blood serum, FLAs supplementation decreased the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (WMD = -0.779 nmol/mL; p < 0.001) and increased (p < 0.01) the serum concentration of superoxide dismutase (WMD = 8.516 U/mL), glutathione peroxidase (WMD = 12.400 U/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (WMD = 0.771 U/mL). A higher ruminal propionate concentration (WMD = 0.926 mol/100 mol; p = 008) was observed in response to FLAs supplementation. In meat, the dietary inclusion of FLAs decreased (p < 0.05) shear force (WMD = -1.018 kgf/cm²), malondialdehyde content (WMD = -0.080 mg/kg of meat), and yellowness (WMD = -0.460). Supplementation with FLAs decreased milk somatic cell count (WMD = -0.251 × 103 cells/mL; p < 0.001) and increased (p < 0.01) milk production (WMD = 1.348 kg/d), milk protein content (WMD = 0.080/100 g) and milk fat content (WMD = 0.142/100 g). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FLAs improves animal performance and nutrient digestibility in cattle. In addition, FLAs improve the antioxidant status in blood serum and the quality of meat and milk.

Mulberry flavonoids modulate rumen bacteria to alter fermentation kinetics in water buffalo

Mulberry flavonoids can modulate the composition of rumen microbiota in ruminants to improve nutrient digestibility, owing to their strong biological activities. This study aimed to explore the effect of mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLF) on rumen bacteria, fermentation kinetics, and metagenomic functional profile in water buffalo. Forty buffaloes (4 ± 1 lactations) with almost same body weight (av. 600 ± 50 Kg) and days in milk (90 ± 20 d) were randomly allocated to four treatments having different levels of MLF: 0 g/d (control), 15 g/d (MLF15), 30 g/d (MLF30), and 45 g/d (MLF45) supplemented in a basal diet. After 35 days of supplementation, rumen contents were collected to determine rumen fermentation parameters. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to elucidate rumen bacteria composition. The obtained taxonomic data were analyzed to explore the rumen bacteriome and predict the associated gene functions and metabolic pathways. Results demonstrated a linear increase (p < 0.01) in rumen acetate, propionate, and total VFAs in the MLF45 group as compared to control. No effect of treatment was observed on rumen pH and butyrate contents. Acetate to propionate ratio in the MLF45 group linearly and quadratically decreased (p = 0.001) as compared to MLF15 and control groups. Similarly, MLF45 linearly increased (p < 0.05) the microbial protein (MCP) and NH3-N as compared to other treatments. Treatment adversely affected (p < 0.01) almost all alpha diversity parameters of rumen bacteria except Simpson index. MLF promoted the abundance of Proteobacteria while reducing the relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Patescibacteria. The MLF supplementation tended to substantially reduce (0.05 < p < 0.1) the abundance of Actinobacteria, and Patescibacteria while completely eliminating Acidobacteria (p = 0.029), Chloroflexi (p = 0.059), and Gemmatimonadetes (p = 0.03) indicating the negative effect of flavonoids on the growth of these bacteria. However, MLF45 tended to substantially increase (p = 0.07) the abundance (~21.5%) of Acetobacter. The MLF treatment exhibited negative effect on five genera by significantly reducing (Sphingomonas) or eliminating (Arthobactor, unclassified_c__Actinobacteria, norank_c__Subgroup_6, norank_o__Saccharimonadales, and Nocardioides) them from the rumen microbiota. Pearson correlation analysis revealed 3, 5 and 23 positive correlations of rumen bacteria with milk yield, rumen fermentation and serum antioxidant parameters, respectively. A positive correlation of MCP was observed with three bacterial genera (Acetobacter, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella). The relative abundance of Pseudobutyrivibrio and Empedobacter also showed a positive correlation with the ruminal acetate and propionate. The present study indicated 45 g/d as an appropriate dose of MLF which modulated rumen bacteria and its functional profile in water buffalo.

Maternal Supplementation with a Cocoa Extract during Lactation Deeply Modulates Dams' Metabolism, Increases Adiponectin Circulating Levels and Improves the Inflammatory Profile in Obese Rat Offspring

High-flavonoid cocoa consumption has been associated with beneficial properties. However, there are scarce data concerning the effects of maternal cocoa intake on dams and in their progeny. Here, we evaluated in rats whether maternal supplementation with a high-flavan-3-ol cocoa extract (CCX) during lactation (200 mg.kg^-1.day^-1) produced beneficial effects on dams and in their normoweight (STD-CCX group) and cafeteria-fed obese (CAF-CCX group) adult male offspring. Maternal intake of CCX significantly increased the circulating levels of adiponectin and decreased the mammary gland lipid content of dams. These effects were accompanied by increased energy expenditure and circulating free fatty acids, as well as by a higher expression of lipogenic and adiponectin-related genes in their mammary glands, which could be related to a compensatory mechanism to ensure enough lipid supply to the pups. CCX consumption programmed both offspring groups towards increased plasma total adiponectin levels, and decreased liver weight and lean/fat ratio. Furthermore, CAF-CCX progeny showed an improvement of the inflammatory profile, evidenced by the significant decrease of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) circulating levels and the mRNA levels of the gene encoding the major histocompatibility complex, class II invariant chain (Cd74), a marker of M1 macrophage phenotype, in the epididymal white adipose tissue. Although further studies are needed, these findings can pave the way for using CCX as a nutraceutical supplement during lactation.

The effects of mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) leaf supplementation on growth performance, blood parameter, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens under high stocking density

Background and Aim

A stocking density system in boilers is well known for increasing productivity. However, this system increases stress and affects the growth performance of broilers. Mulberry is a valuable plant with therapeutic applications in traditional medicine; moreover, it reduces free radicals and improves growth performance in broilers. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mulberry on the blood biochemistry parameters and the antioxidant status of broilers exposed to various raising systems.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and seventy-six 3-week-old male broilers were randomly assigned to nine categories composed of three growing systems: Semi-intensive, low stocking density, and high stocking density. Each group was fed with a control diet mixed with and without 10% mulberry leaf extract; the positive control group was provided with vitamin C. During the study, phytochemical screening of mulberry leaf extract, growth performances, hematological parameters, and antioxidant profiles were measured over the 4 weeks of the treatment.

Results

In the high stocking density group, lipid peroxidation gradually increased while antioxidant activities decreased; however, the level of lipid peroxidation was reduced, whereas catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly increased. The growth performance and blood biochemistry were improved after being fed with 10% mulberry leaf extract.

Conclusion

This finding indicates that mulberry leaf extract reduced oxidative stress, activated antioxidant enzyme activities, and enhanced broilers' growth performance when raised under stress conditions.

Effects of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium on MMP-9 and GLUT-1 expression and histology changes in rats with cervical carcinoma

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in Indonesia. It can be treated with molecular therapies targeting Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and Glucose transporter (GLUT-1), which are enzymes that are involved in tumour cell invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Zanthoxylum acanthopodium (andaliman) is an Indonesian herb with anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the histological changes andaliman treatment caused in MMP-9 and GLUT-1 expression. This study used five groups of rats: control (C-), cancer model (C+), cancer-bearing rats with a 100-mg dose of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium methanol extract (ZAM)/BW (ZAM100), cancer-bearing rats with a 200-mg dose of ZAM /BW (ZAM200) and cancer-bearing rats with a 400-mg dose of ZAM/BW (ZAM400). Immunohistochemical methods were used to stain cervical tissue with MMP-9 and GLUT-1 antibodies, and a TUNEL assay was performed to investigate cell apoptosis. Zanthoxylum acanthopodium methanol extract administration did not affect rat body weight but had a significant effect on cervical cancer growth. There was an increase in MDA levels associated with SOD deficiency in tumour tissue. SOD activity increased due to ZAM administration, allowing cells to be protected from oxidant disruption and oxidative stress. ZAM ameliorated cervical carcinoma tissue damage and reduced the expression of MMP-9, GLUT-1 and apoptosis in serum and tissue (p &lt; 0.01) In short, the higher the ZAM dose, the lower the expression of MMP-9, GLUT-1 and apoptosis, indicating that ZAM is effective to treat cervical cancer.

Phytochemistry, bioactivities and future prospects of mulberry leaves: A review

Mulberry leaves (MLs) have been used traditionally to raise silkworms and as herbs and herbal drinks. In vitro and in vivo studies as well as some clinical trials provide some evidence of health benefits, mostly for ML extracts. ML extracts showed antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anticholesterol (affecting lipid metabolism), antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activities, and so on. These might be linked to strong antioxidant activities, inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, reduction of foam cell formation, inhibition of fat formation, decrease of NF-κB activity, and the promotion or induction of apoptosis. Phenolic constituents, especially flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids, are likely to contribute to the reported effects. The phytochemistry and pharmacology of MLs confer the traditional and current uses as medicine, food, fodder, and cosmetics. This paper reviews the economic value, chemical composition and pharmacology of MLs to provide a reference for the development and utilization of MLs.

Transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis reveal the anti-oxidation and immune boosting effects of mulberry leaves in growing mutton sheep

Introduction

Currently, the anti-oxidation of active ingredients in mulberry leaves (MLs) and their forage utilization is receiving increasing attention. Here, we propose that MLs supplementation improves oxidative resistance and immunity.

Methods

We conducted a trial including three groups of growing mutton sheep, each receiving fermented mulberry leaves (FMLs) feeding, dried mulberry leaves (DMLs) feeding or normal control feeding without MLs.

Results

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that promoting anti-oxidation and enhancing disease resistance of MLs is attributed to improved tryptophan metabolic pathways and reduced peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Furthermore, immunity was markedly increased after FMLs treatment by regulating glycolysis and mannose-6-phosphate pathways. Additionally, there was better average daily gain in the MLs treatment groups.

Conclusion

These findings provide new insights for understanding the beneficial effects of MLs in animal husbandry and provide a theoretical support for extensive application of MLs in improving nutrition and health care values.

Potential of Mulberry Leaf Biomass and Its Flavonoids to Improve Production and Health in Ruminants: Mechanistic Insights and Prospects

Leaf biomass from the mulberry plant (genus Morus and family Moraceae) is considered a potential resource for livestock feeding. Mulberry leaves (MLs) contain high protein (14.0-34.2%) and metabolizable energy (1130-2240 kcal/kg) with high dry matter (DM) digestibility (75-85%) and palatability. Flavonoid contents of MLs confer unique antioxidant properties and can potentially help alleviate oxidative stress in animals during stressful periods, such as neonatal, weaning, and periparturient periods. In addition, mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) possess antimicrobial properties and can effectively decrease the population of ruminal methanogens and protozoa to reduce enteric methane (CH4) production. Owing to its rich flavonoid content, feeding MLs increases fiber digestion and utilization leading to enhanced milk production in ruminants. Dietary supplementation with MLFs alters ruminal fermentation kinetics by increasing total volatile fatty acids, propionate, and ammonia concentrations. Furthermore, they can substantially increase the population of specific cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen. Owing to their structural homology with steroid hormones, the MLFs can potentially modulate different metabolic pathways particularly those linked with energy homeostasis. This review aims to highlight the potential of ML and its flavonoids to modulate the ruminal microbiome, fermentation, and metabolic status to enhance productive performance and health in ruminants while reducing CH4 emission.