Research on the Applications of Calcium Propionate in Dairy Cows: A Review

Propionate production by Bacteroidia gut bacteria and its dependence on substrate concentrations differs among species

BACKGROUND

Propionate is a food preservative and platform chemical, but no biological process competes with current petrochemical production routes yet. Although propionate production has been described for gut bacteria of the class Bacteroidia, which also carry great capacity for the degradation of plant polymers, knowledge on propionate yields and productivities across species is scarce. This study aims to compare propionate production from glucose within Bacteroidia and characterize good propionate producers among this group.

RESULTS

We collected published information on propionate producing Bacteroidia, and selected ten species to be further examined. These species were grown under defined conditions to compare their product formation. While propionate, acetate, succinate, lactate and formate were produced, the product ratios varied greatly among the species. The two species with highest propionate yield, B. propionicifaciens (0.39 gpro/ggluc) and B. graminisolvens (0.25 gpro/ggluc), were further examined. Product formation and growth behavior differed significantly during CO2-limited growth and in resting cells experiments, as only B. graminisolvens depended on external-added NaHCO3, while their genome sequences only revealed few differences in the major catabolic pathways. Carbon mass and electron balances in experiments with resting cells were closed under the assumption that the oxidative pentose pathway was utilized for glucose oxidation next to glycolysis in B. graminisolvens. Finally, during pH-controlled fed-batch cultivation B. propionicifaciens and B. graminisolvens grew up to cell densities (OD600) of 8.1 and 9.8, and produced 119 mM and 33 mM of propionate from 130 and 105 mM glucose, respectively. A significant production of other acids, particularly lactate (25 mM), was observed in B. graminisolvens only.

CONCLUSIONS

We obtained the first broad overview and comparison of propionate production in Bacteroidia strains. A closer look at two species with comparably high propionate yields, showed significant differences in their physiology. Further studies may reveal the molecular basis for high propionate yields in Bacteroidia, paving the road towards their biotechnological application for conversion of biomass-derived sugars to propionate.

Differences of serum glucose and lipid metabolism and immune parameters and blood metabolomics regarding the transition cows in the antepartum and postpartum period

This study aims to investigate differences in metabolism regarding the transition cows. Eight cows were selected for the test. Serum was collected on antepartum days 14th (ap14) and 7th (ap7) and postpartum days 1st (pp1), 7th (pp7), and 14th (pp14) to detect biochemical parameters. The experiment screened out differential metabolites in the antepartum (ap) and postpartum (pp) periods and combined with metabolic pathway analysis to study the relationship and role between metabolites and metabolic abnormalities. Results: (1) The glucose (Glu) levels in ap7 were significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.01). The insulin (Ins) levels of ap7 were significantly higher than pp7 (p = 0.028) and pp14 (p < 0.01), and pp1 was also significantly higher than pp14 (p = 0.016). The insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels of ap7 were significantly higher than ap14, pp7, and pp14 (p < 0.01). The cholestenone (CHO) levels of ap14 and pp14 were significantly higher than pp1 (p < 0.01). The CHO levels of pp14 were significantly higher than pp7 (p < 0.01). The high density lipoprotein cholesterol (DHDL) levels of pp1 were significantly lower than ap14 (p = 0.04), pp7 (p < 0.01), and pp14 (p < 0.01), and pp14 was also significantly higher than ap14 and ap7 (p < 0.01). (2) The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels of ap7 were significantly higher than pp1 and pp7 (p < 0.01); the immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels of pp1 were significantly higher than ap7 and pp7 (p < 0.01); the interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels of pp7 were significantly higher than ap7 and pp1 (p < 0.01), the interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels of ap7 and pp1 were significantly higher than pp7 (p < 0.01). (3) Metabolomics identified differential metabolites mainly involved in metabolic pathways, such as tryptophan metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and lysine degradation. The main relevant metabolism was concentrated in lipid and lipid-like molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, organic acids, and their derivatives. The results displayed the metabolic changes in the transition period, which laid a foundation for further exploring the mechanism of metabolic abnormalities in dairy cows in the transition period.

Effects of maternal calcium propionate supplementation on offspring productivity and meat metabolomic profile in sheep

This study determined the effect of dietary calcium propionate (CaPr) as a source of energy supplementation during the First Half of Gestation (FMG), the Second Half of Gestation (SMG), and during All Gestation (AG), on offspring post-weaning growth performance, meat quality, and meat metabolomic profile. Thirty-one pregnant ewes were assigned to one of four treatments: a) supplementation of 30 gd-1 of CaPr during the first half of gestation (day 1 to day 75, n = 8) (FMG); b) supplementation of 30 gd-1 of CaPr during the second half of gestation (day 76 to day 150, n = 8) (SMG); c) supplementation of 30 gd-1 of CaPr during all gestation (AG, n = 8); d) no CaPr supplementation (control; CS, n = 7). The ewes were ad libitum fed a basal diet based on oat hay and corn silage. Ewes were distributed in a completely randomized unbalanced design to four treatments. The FMG group had lower (P ≤ 0.05) birth weight and weaning weight than the CS group. However, the average daily gain was similar across all treatments. Empty body weight and FMG had lower values (P ≤ 0.05) than the other groups. Both FMG and AG had lower hot carcass weight (P ≤ 0.05) compared to CS, while CaPr treatments resulted in reduced hot carcass yield (P ≤ 0.05). Meat color and texture were similar among treatments. A principal component analysis between gestation stages showed a trend for separating CS and FMG from SMG and AG, and that was explained by 93.7% of the data variability (PC1 = 87.9% and PC2 = 5.8%). Regarding meat metabolomic profile, 23 compounds were positively correlated between all treatments. Only 2 were negatively correlated (eicosane and naphthalene 1,2,3); but tetradecanoic acid, hexadecane, undecane 5-methyl, (-)-alpha, hexadecenoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and octadecane had a highly significant correlation (P ≤ 0.05). Overall, dam supplementation with CaPr during different periods of gestation provoked changes in meat metabolites related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids in lambs without negative changes in lamb's growth performance and carcass quality.

Sodium Propionate Relieves LPS-Induced Inflammation by Suppressing the NF-ĸB and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Rumen Epithelial Cells of Holstein Cows

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a prevalent disease in intensive dairy farming, and the rumen environment of diseased cows acidifies, leading to the rupture of gram-negative bacteria to release lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS can cause rumentitis and other complications, such as liver abscess, mastitis and laminitis. Propionate, commonly used in the dairy industry as a feed additive, has anti-inflammatory effects, but its mechanism is unclear. This study aims to investigate whether sodium propionate (SP) reduces LPS-induced inflammation in rumen epithelial cells (RECs) and the underlying mechanism. RECs were stimulated with different time (0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 18 h) and different concentrations of LPS (0, 1, 5, 10 μg/mL) to establish an inflammation model. Then, RECs were treated with SP (15, 25, 35 mM) or 10 μM PDTC in advance and stimulated by LPS for the assessment. The results showed that LPS (6h and 10 μg/mL) could stimulate the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, IκB, JNK, ERK and p38 MAPK through TLR4, and increase the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. SP (35 mM) can reduce the expression of cytokines by effectively inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways. This study confirmed that SP inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory responses through NF-κB and MAPK in RECs, providing potential therapeutic targets and drugs for the prevention and treatment of SARA.

Effects of Chromium Propionate and Calcium Propionate on Lactation Performance and Rumen Microbiota in Postpartum Heat-Stressed Holstein Dairy Cows

Chromium propionate (Cr-Pro) and calcium propionate (Ca-Pro) are widely applied in dairy production, especially in the alleviation of heat stress (HS). HS can reduce the abundance of rumen microbiota and the lactation performance of dairy cows. The present work mainly focused on evaluating the effects of Cr-Pro and Ca-Pro on the performance, ruminal bacterial community, and stress of postpartum HS dairy cows as well as identifying the differences in their mechanisms. Fifteen multiparous postpartum Holstein cows with equivalent weights (694 ± 28 kg) and milk yields (41.2 ± 1.21 kg/day) were randomly divided into three groups: control (CON), Cr-Pro (CRPR), and Ca-Pro (CAPR). The control cows received the basal total mixed ration (TMR) diet, while the CRPR group received TMR with 3.13 g/day of Cr-Pro, and the CAPR group received TMR with 200 g/day of Ca-Pro. The rumen microbial 16S rRNA was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq platform along with the measurement of ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and milking performance. Cr-Pro and Ca-Pro improved lactation performance, increased the rumen VFA concentration, and altered the rumen microbiota of the HS dairy cows. Cr-Pro significantly improved the milk yield (p < 0.01). The richness and diversity of the microbial species significantly increased after feeding on Ca-Pro (p < 0.05). Gene function prediction revealed increased metabolic pathways and biological-synthesis-related function in the groups supplemented with Cr-Pro and Ca-Pro. Our results indicate that the application of Cr-Pro or Ca-Pro can provide relief for heat stress in dairy cows through different mechanisms, and a combination of both is recommended for optimal results in production.

Meta-analytic effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on dry matter intake, milk yield and components of lactating goats

The results of investigations on the impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on performance characteristics of lactating goats are inconsistent. Thus, this study aimed to summarize available evidence on the effect of SC supplementation on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and composition in lactating goats using meta-analysis. A systematic search performed on Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed databases yielded 1,368 studies of which 18 were used for the meta-analysis. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity in response to dietary SC supplementation. A random-effects model showed that SC had a moderate effect on milk yield [standardized mean differences (SMD) = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.82, p = 0.001] and milk fat (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.55, p = 0.02) in lactating goats when compared to the controls. Subgroup analysis by SC type indicated that live SC had a large to moderate effect on milk yield (SMD = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.96, p < 0.001) and milk fat (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.84, p = 0.002), whereas dead SC had a large negative effect on DMI (SMD = -0.82; 95% CI: -1.28 to -0.7, p < 0.001) and a moderate reduction effect on milk yield (SMD = -0.55; 95% CI: -0.99 to -1.96, p = 0.015). We found significant heterogeneity across studies that evaluated the effect of SC treatment on DMI and milk yield in lactating goats and meta-regression analysis explained most of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, pooled results showed that dietary SC supplementation increased milk yield and fat in lactating goats. In addition, subgroup analysis revealed that both live and fermented SC increased milk yield and fat in lactating goats, while dead SC reduced DMI and milk yield.

The Effects of Sodium Propionate Supplementation in the Diet with High Soybean Meal on Growth Performance, Intestinal Health, and Immune Resistance to Bacterial Infection in Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the products of the microbial fermentation of dietary fiber in the intestine. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are the most abundant SCFA metabolites and play an important role in maintaining host health. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of sodium propionate (NaP) supplementation in the diet with a high proportion of soybean meal (SBM) on the growth, inflammatory status, and anti-infectious ability in juvenile turbot. Four experimental diets were designed: (1) fish meal- (FM-) based diet (control group), (2) SBM protein replacing 45% FM protein in the diet (high SBM group), (3) 0.5% NaP supplementation in the high SBM diet (high SBM+0.5% NaP group), and (4) 1.0% NaP supplementation in the high SBM diet (high SBM+1.0% NaP group). The results confirmed that the fish fed the high SBM diet for 8 weeks showed the decreased growth performance, the typical enteritis symptoms, and the increased mortality responding to Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) infection. However, 0.5% NaP supplementation in the high SBM diet promoted the growth performance of turbot and restored the activities of digestive enzymes in the intestine. Moreover, dietary NaP ameliorated the intestinal morphology, enhanced the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, improved the antioxidant capacity, and suppressed the inflammatory status in turbot. Finally, the expression of antibacterial components and the resistance to bacterial infection were increased in NaP-fed turbot, especially in high SBM+1.0% NaP group. In conclusion, the supplementation of NaP in high SBM diet promotes the growth and health in turbot and provides a theoretical basis for the development of NaP as a functional additive in fish feed.

Alterations in the Milk Metabolome of Dairy Cows Supplemented with Different Levels of Calcium Propionate in Early Lactation

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of calcium propionate on the lactation performance, blood energy metabolite parameters, and milk metabolites of dairy cows in early lactation. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows were randomly divided into 4 groups, which were orally drenched with 0, 200, 350, and 500 g/d calcium propionate per cow supplemented to a basal diet for 5 weeks from calving. The milk and blood of the dairy cows were sampled and measured every week. The milk samples from the last week were used for the metabolomic analysis via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results showed that the calcium propionate supplementation quadratically increased the dry matter intake, energy-corrected milk yield, and 4% fat-corrected milk yield; linearly reduced the milk protein and milk lactose concentrations; and quadratically decreased the somatic cell count in the milk. With the increase in calcium propionate, the serum glucose content showed a linear increase, while the serum insulin content showed a quadratic increase. The diets supplemented with calcium propionate quadratically decreased the β-hydroxybutyric acid and linearly decreased the non-esterified fatty acid content in the serum. The metabolomic analysis revealed that eighteen different metabolites were identified in the milk samples of the dairy cows supplemented with calcium propionate at 350 g/d, which decreased the abundance of genistein and uridine 5-monophosphate and increased the abundance of adenosine, uracil, protoporphyrin IX, and sphingomyelin (d 18:1/18:0) compared with the control group. The milk metabolic analysis indicated that the calcium propionate effectively improved the milk synthesis and alleviated the mobilization of adipose tissue and bone calcium. In summary, the calcium propionate could improve the lactation performance and energy status and promote the milk metabolic profile of dairy cows in early lactation. Calcium propionate (350 g/d) is a well-recommended supplement for dairy cows for alleviating negative energy balance and hypocalcemia in early lactation.

Calcium Propionate Supplementation Has Minor Effects on Major Ruminal Bacterial Community Composition of Early Lactation Dairy Cows

Calcium propionate is one kind of good source for preventing and treating hypocalcemia and ketosis for dairy cows in early lactation. However, little is known about the effects of different feeding levels of calcium propionate on the ruminal bacterial community of early lactation dairy cows. This study aimed to explore the effects of different calcium propionate feeding levels on the ruminal fermentation and bacterial community composition of early lactation dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous cows were randomly allocated into control (CON), low calcium propionate (LCaP), medium calcium propionate (MCaP), and high calcium propionate (HCaP) groups with six cows per group after calving. The CON group cows were fed the normal total mixed ration (TMR), and the cows of the LCaP, MCaP, and HCaP groups were fed TMR supplemented with 200, 350, and 500 g/day calcium propionate for 35 days after calving, respectively. The rumen fermentation parameters were measured every week, and the ruminal bacterial community composition of the last week was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Under the same diet, the rumen pH showed no difference among the four groups, but the content of microbial crude protein (MCP) and ammonia nitrogen quadratically decreased and linearly increased with calcium propionate supplementation, respectively. The feeding of calcium propionate linearly increased the concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, propionate, butyrate, iso-valerate, and valerate in the rumen. In all the treatment groups, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla, and Prevotella_1 and Succiniclasticum were the dominant genera in the rumen. Compared with the CON group, the addition of calcium propionate to the early lactation dairy cows quadratically improved the alpha diversity index of Chao1 estimator and observed species, but had little effect on the relative abundance of the major bacterial at phyla and genera level. These results suggested different levels of calcium propionate supplementation improved the rumen fermentation and the ruminal bacterial diversity but had little impact on the major ruminal bacterial community composition of dairy cows in early lactation.

Major Nutritional Metabolic Alterations Influencing the Reproductive System of Postpartum Dairy Cows

Early successful conception of postpartum dairy cows is crucial in determining the optimum reproductive efficiency and profitability in modern dairy farming. Due to the inherent high production potential of modern dairy cows, the extra stress burden of peri-parturient events, and associated endocrine and metabolic changes causes negative energy balance (NEBAL) in postpartum cows. The occurrence of NEBAL is associated with excessive fat mobilization in the form of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). The phenomenon of NEFA mobilization furthers with occurrence of ketosis and fatty liver in postpartum dairy cows. High NEFAs and ketones are negatively associated with health and reproductive processes. An additional burden of hypocalcemia, ruminal acidosis, and high protein metabolism in postpartum cows presents further consequences for health and reproductive performance of postpartum dairy cows. This review intends to comprehend these major nutritional metabolic alterations, their mechanisms of influence on the reproduction process, and relevant mitigation strategies.

Palm Kernel Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Qualitative Aspects of Milk and Cheese

Simple Summary

Feedlotting lactating goats is a strategy to improve their productivity and the quality of their milk and dairy products. However, feedlotting is associated with increases in production costs, due mainly to the concentrate component of the diet. The use of agro-industrial byproducts allows the reduction of feed costs by replacing costly ingredients, as the former are more easily accessible. We tested the dietary inclusion of palm kernel cake (PKC), a byproduct of the biofuel industry, at the levels of 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg⁻¹, to evaluate its impact on the qualitative aspects of milk and cheese. The inclusion of up to 80 g kg⁻¹ PKC is recommended for the diet of goats whose milk will be used in the production of Minas Frescal cheese.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of including palm kernel cake (PKC) at the levels of 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg⁻¹ in the diet of lactating goats on the quality and sensory parameters of Minas Frescal cheese. Twelve goats were used in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary addition of PKC was associated with a reduction in moisture (p = 0.004), which compromised the cheese yield (p = 0.030). The ether extract content showed a quadratic response. There was a decrease in caproic (p = 0.014), caprylic (p = 0.011), capric (p = 0.003) and palmitic (p = 0.049) acids and an increase in lauric (p = 0.012) and myristic (p = 0.02) acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids increased (p = 0.008), whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (p = 0.022) and thrombogenicity index (p = 0.023) decreased. Principal component analysis indicated that control treatment and the treatment with 80 g kg⁻¹ PKC were the most acceptable to the cheese tasters. The use of palm kernel cake is a good alternative for lactating goats when added to the diet at levels up to 80 g kg⁻¹.

Microbiological Safety and Presence of Major Mycotoxins in Animal Feed for Laboratory Animals in a Developing Country: The Case of Costa Rica

Simple Summary

The microbiological safety and quality of commercial animal feed for laboratory animals, produced in Costa Rica, was assessed. Analysis of the animal feed included general microbial markers (total coliforms and molds) and the behavior over time of two specific feed contaminants (Salmonella spp. and mycotoxins). Results from the study suggest that there is a low risk of contamination from viable microorganisms but the product contains important levels of mycotoxins. Current preventive measures (UV light disinfection) are not effective and additional handling protocols should be considered.

Abstract

Safety and quality of compound feed for experimental animals in Costa Rica is unknown. Some contaminants, such as Salmonella spp. and mycotoxins, could elicit confounding effects in laboratory animals used for biomedical research. In this study, different batches of extruded animal feed, intended for laboratory rodents in Costa Rica, were analyzed to determine mycotoxin and microbiological contamination (i.e., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, total coliform bacteria, and total yeast and molds enumeration). Two methods for Salmonella decontamination (UV light and thermal treatment) were assessed. Only n = 2 of the samples were negative (representing 12.50%) for the 26 mycotoxins tested. Enniatins and fumonisins were among the most frequent toxins found (with n = 4⁺ hits), but the level of contamination and the type of mycotoxins depended on the supplier. None of the indicator microorganisms, nor Salmonella, were found in any of the tested batches, and no mold contamination, nor Salmonella growth, occurs during storage (i.e., 2–6 months under laboratory conditions). However, mycotoxins, such as enniatins and fumonisins tend to decrease after the fourth month of storage, and Salmonella exhibited a lifespan of 64 days at 17 °C even in the presence of UV light. The D-values for Salmonella were between 65.58 ± 2.95 (65 °C) and 6.21 ± 0.11 (80 °C) min, and the thermal destruction time (z-value) was calculated at 15.62 °C. Results from this study suggest that laboratory rodents may be at risk of contamination from animal feed that could significantly affect the outcomes of biomedical experiments. Thus, improved quality controls and handling protocols for the product are suggested.