Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Moringa Oleifera on the Production Performance and Fecal Methanogenic Community of Lactating Dairy Cows

Microencapsulation of lemongrass and mangosteen peel as phytogenic compounds to gas kinetics, fermentation, degradability, methane production, and microbial population using in vitro gas technique

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of various doses of microencapsulated lemongrass and mangosteen peel (MELM) on gas dynamics, rumen fermentation, degradability, methane production, and microbial population in in vitro gas experiments. With five levels of microencapsulated-phytonutrient supplementation at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of substrate, 0.5 g of roughage, and a concentrate ratio of 60:40, the trial was set up as a completely randomized design. Under investigation, the amount of final asymptotic gas volume was corresponding responded to completely digested substrate (b) increased cubically as a result of the addition of MELM (P < 0.01) and a cubic rise in cumulative gas output. The amount of MELM form did not change the pH and NH3-N concentration of the rumen after 12 and 24 h of incubation. However, methane production during 24 h of incubation, the levels were cubically decreased with further doses of MELM (P < 0.01) at 12 h of incubation. Increasing the dosage of MELM supplementation at 2% DM resulted in a significant increase in the digestibility of in vitro neutral detergent fiber (IVNDF) and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) at various incubation times (P < 0.05), but decreased above 3% DM supplementations. Moreover, the concentration of propionic acid (C3) exhibited the variations across the different levels of MELM (P < 0.05), with the maximum concentration obtained at 2% DM. The populations of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Megasphaera elsdenii revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05), while the quantity of Methanobacteriales decreased linearly with increasing doses of MELM. In conclusion, the inclusion of MELM at a concentration of 2% DM in the substrate which could enhance cumulative gas production, NDF and true digestibility, C3 production, and microbial population, while reducing methane concentration and Methanobacterial abundance.

Microbial diversity in dairy manure environment under liquid-solid separation systems

In dairy manure, a wide array of microorganisms, including many pathogens, survive and grow under suitable conditions. This microbial community offers a tremendous opportunity for studying animal health, the transport of microbes into the soil, air, and water, and consequential impacts on public health. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of manure management practices on the microbial community of manure. The key novelty of this work is to identify the impacts of various stages of manure management on microbes living in dairy manure. In general, the majority of dairy farms in California use a flush system to manage dairy manure, which involves liquid-solid separations. To separate liquid and solid in manure, Multi-stage Alternate Dairy Effluent Management Systems (ADEMS) that use mechanical separation systems (MSS) or weeping wall separation systems (WWSS) are used. Thus, this study was conducted to understand how these manure management systems affect the microbial community. We studied the microbial communities in the WWSS and MSS separation systems, as well as in the four stages of the ADEMS. The 16S rRNA gene from the extracted genomic DNA of dairy manure was amplified using the NovoSeq Illumina next-generation sequencing platform. The sequencing data were used to perform the analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) and multi-response permutation procedure (MRRP) statistical tests, and the results showed that microbial communities among WWSS and MSS were significantly different (p < 0.05). These findings have significant practical implications for the design and implementation of manure management practices in dairy farms.

Silage preparation and sustainable livestock production of natural woody plant

As the global population increases and the economy grows rapidly, the demand for livestock products such as meat, egg and milk continue to increase. The shortage of feed in livestock production is a worldwide problem restricting the development of the animal industry. Natural woody plants are widely distributed and have a huge biomass yield. The fresh leaves and branches of some woody plants are rich in nutrients such as proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and can be used to produce storage feed such as silage for livestock. Therefore, the development and utilization of natural woody plants for clean fermented feed is important for the sustainable production of livestock product. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the research progress, current status and development prospects of forageable natural woody plant feed resources. The nutritional composition and uses of natural woody plants, the main factors affecting the fermentation of woody plant silage and the interaction mechanism between microbial co-occurrence network and secondary metabolite are reviewed. Various preparation technologies for clean fermentation of woody plant silage were summarized comprehensively, which provided a sustainable production mode for improving the production efficiency of livestock and producing high-quality livestock product. Therefore, woody plants play an increasingly important role as a potential natural feed resource in alleviating feed shortage and promoting sustainable development of livestock product.

Associative effects between Chlorella vulgaris microalgae and Moringa oleifera leaf silage used at different levels decreased in vitro ruminal greenhouse gas production and altered ruminal fermentation

Moringa oleifera leaf silage and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae mixture used at different levels replacing concentrate feed mixture in the diets of ruminant were evaluated using an in vitro gas production technique. C. vulgaris was included in rations at 1, 2, and 3% concentrations. The concentrate feed mixture was replaced by M. oleifera silage up to 100%. Productions of total gas, methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) and ruminal fermentation were measured. Interactions between M. oleifera and C. vulgaris levels were observed for the rate of total gas production, lag time of CH₄ production, pH, and concentrations of ammonia-N (NH₃-N), total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and propionate. The lower level of C. vulgaris increased total gas production and decreased CH₄ and CO₂ production as well as improved nutrient degradability compared to the other levels of C. vulgaris which showed less improvement in these parameters. The replacement levels of concentrate at 10 to 40% with M. oleifera linearly increased the asymptotic total gas production and degradabilities of dry matter and acid detergent fiber (P<0.05), while the replacement levels of 80 to 100% lowered the asymptotic (P<0.01) for the ration containing 1% C. vulgaris. Rations containing M. oleifera linearly increased the lag time of total gas production (P<0.05), neutral detergent fiber degradability, and ruminal bacteria count and decreased the asymptotic CH₄ and CO₂ production and ruminal protozoal count (P<0.05). For the rations containing 2 and 3% C. vulgaris, M. oleifera linearly (P<0.01) decreased the asymptotic total gas, CH₄ and CO₂ production, and ruminal protozoal count. The lag time of CH₄ production was not affected at 1% C. vulgaris, but reduced linearly at 2% and 3% C. vulgaris. Ruminal pH was not affected by M. oleifera, but was increased by C. vulgaris at 3% level. Overall, M. oleifera in the ration containing C. vulgaris at all levels increased ruminal NH₃-N concentration; however, C. vulgaris at 2% level and M. oleifera at levels up to 40% lowered NH₃-N concentration. M. oleifera rations with 1% and 2% C. vulgaris increased the concentrations of total VFA and propionate, whereas these variables were not affected at 3% C. vulgaris level. In conclusion, replacement of concentrate mixture with M. oleifera at 30% level and C. vulgaris at 1% in the diet due to associative effects may improve ruminal fermentation and feed degradability while decreasing CH₄ production.

Effects of fermented Andrographis paniculata on growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, and intestinal health in Muscovy ducks

The study aimed to examine the effects of unfermented and fermented Andrographis paniculata on growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, and intestinal health in Muscovy ducks. A total of 450 (16-day-old) Muscovy ducks weighing 271.44 ± 8.25 g were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments (6 replicate pens of 15 ducks per treatment), consisting of one control treatment (basal diet without A. paniculata), one unfermented A. paniculata treatment (basal diet plus 30 g/kg unfermented A. paniculata) and 3 fermented A. paniculata treatments (basal diet plus 10, 30, and 50 g/kg). 30 g/kg unfermented A. paniculata increased the ADG, thymus index, peripheral blood lymphocyte conversion rate, villi height, intestinal thickness, villi surface area, intraepithelial lymphocytes rate, while decreased the FCR. 10 g/kg fermented A. paniculata markedly boosted ADG, bursa of fabricius index, thymus index, serum lysozyme, lymphocyte conversion rate, villi height, vilii width, intestinal thickness, villi surface area, while decreased the FCR. 30 g/kg fermented A. paniculata clearly improved ADG, bursa of fabricius index, thymus index, serum lysozyme, lymphocyte conversion rate, villi height, vilii width, intestinal thickness, villi surface area, intraepithelial lymphocytes, while decreased FCR. 50 g/kg fermented A. paniculata significantly increased villi height, vilii width, and villi surface area, while clearly reduced BW. Additionally, compared to 30 g/kg unfermented A. paniculata, 30 g/kg fermented A. paniculata obviously increased bursa of fabricius indices, lymphocyte conversion rate, vilii width, villi surface area. On top of that, supplementation with unfermented and fermented A. paniculata (30 g/kg each) decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Succinivibrio, Succinatimonas, Sphaerochaeta, and Mucispirillum) and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Rikenellaceae, Methanocorpusculum, Fournierella, Ruminococcaceae) in the ceca of the ducks. However, fermented A. paniculata had considerable better effects than unfermented A. paniculate on all above measured indices. Overall, these results revealed that supplementation with unfermented and fermented A. paniculata across different treatments improved growth, immune status, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota composition and structure in Muscovy ducks, making it a potential alternative to antibiotics in poultry production.

Impact of Moringa oleifera Leaves on Nutrient Utilization, Enteric Methane Emissions, and Performance of Goat Kids

The development of different innovative feed resources for livestock is important to provide the essential nutrients and diminish the emission of greenhouse gases. The purpose of the present experiment was to study the response of replacing concentrate with Moringa oleifera leaves in terms of the nutrient intake, digestibility, enteric methane emissions, and performance of goat kids with a berseem-fodder-based diet under different roughage (R)-to-concentrate (C) ratios. Twenty-four goat kids (3 months of age) were distributed into four groups of six animals each, using a randomized block design (RBD). Kids of Group I (control) were fed a basal diet with 70R:30C without any tree leaf supplementation. Group II kids were fed with 60R:40C, where 10% of the concentrate mix was replaced with Moringa leaf (ML powder). In Group III, kids were fed with 70R:30C with 20% ML replacement. In Group IV, kids were fed with 80R:20C with 20% ML replacement. A metabolic trial was conducted after 180 days of feeding to assess the impact of ML on blood metabolites, antioxidant status, immunity parameters, and enteric methane emissions. The results revealed that dry matter digestibility, organic matter, and NDF were better (p < 0.05) in ML-treated kids (GII and GIII) compared to GI. Feed conversion and average daily gain were also enhanced (p < 0.05) in the treated groups as compared to controls. Total blood protein and albumin were increased in GII and GIII kids compared to GI. Plasma cholesterol levels were decreased (p < 0.001) in GII, GIII, and GIV as compared to GI. Glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities were also enhanced in GII, GIII, and GIV compared to controls. ML supplementation improved cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity responses in goat kids. Enteric methane emissions decreased in the treated groups as compared to the controls. Moringa oleifera leaf may be used up to the level of 10−20% in concentrate mixes to improve digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, immunity status, and antioxidant activity in goat kids. Supplementation of ML not only enhanced the digestion and health of goat kids, but also decreased their methane emissions.

Impact of Moringa oleifera on rumen fermentation and methane emission under in vitro condition

Exploring innovative methods to provide essential nutrients and reducing ruminant greenhouse gas emission is crucial for animal production and diminishing global warming. This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaves (ML) in ruminants at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30% and 40% level in different roughage (R) and concentrate (C) (80R:20C, 70R:30C and 60R:40C) under in vitro conditions. Chemical composition of ML, concentrate mixture and berseem were estimated. Rumen fermentation parameters of male goat kids viz., total gas production, CH4, true dry matter digestibility (TDMD), organic matter digestibility (TOMD), partial fraction (PF), microbial biomass (MBP), ammonia (N), acetate, propionate, butyrate and acetate propionate ratio were observed under in vitro conditions. Results revealed that crude protein, organic matter and ethyl ether content were higher in ML as compared to concentrate mixture and berseem. Magnesium and iron content were also higher in ML as compared to concentrate and berseem. Total gas production, digestibility of DM and OM, MBP, acetate and propionate level were improved (P < 0.05) upto 10–20% replacement. In contrast, decreased in CH4 (%) and CH4 (mL/100 mg dDM) was noted with increased levels of ML incorporation. There was no change observed in ammonia, acetate: propionate ratios at all the three planes of nutrition. In this study, it is concluded that mixing Moringa oleifera leaves in feed can be used as protein supplement and reduce the methane emission without causing any effect on digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters. However, ML can be suggested for widespread practice to attain the sustainable animal production (10–20%) and to alleviate the global warming.

Investigating the Impact of Moringa oleifera Supplemented to Kenyan Breastfeeding Mothers on Maternal and Infant Health: A Cluster Randomized Single-Blinded Controlled Pilot Trial Protocol

Undernutrition contributes to up to 45% of deaths globally in children <5 years, with an optimal time for intervention before 24 months of age. Breastmilk microbiome helps establish the infant intestinal microbiome and impacts infant intestinal and nutritional health. Inadequacies in breastmilk composition such as low vitamin A contribute to infant nutrient deficiencies. Changes in milk fatty acid composition (reduced saturated and increased unsaturated fatty acids) may reduce susceptibility to enteric infection and increase protective intestinal bacteria. Moringa oleifera leaves (moringa) provide high nutrient concentrations (including protein, iron, vitamin A) and increase milk production; this may enhance breastmilk quantity and quality and improve infant health.

Objective

To investigate the role of moringa supplementation to improve maternal and infant nutritional and intestinal health via changes in maternal milk quantity and quality.

Methods

Fifty mother-infant pairs exclusively breastfeeding will be enrolled in a single-blinded randomized controlled trial in Kombewa County Hospital and Chulaimbo SubCounty Hospital, Kisumu, Kenya.

Intervention

Dietary Supplementation of 20 g of Moringa oleifera leaf powder divided twice daily in corn porridge consumed daily for 3 months while control comparator will receive porridge daily for 3 months.

Outcomes

Change in infant growth and maternal milk output (primary); maternal and infant vitamin A and iron status, changes in infant and maternal intestinal health (secondary).

Participating Centers

Pamoja Community Based Organization, Kombewa Sub-County Hospital, and Chulaimbo Sub-County Hospital.

Dietary Moringa oleifera Alters Periparturient Plasma and Milk Biochemical Indicators and Promotes Productive Performance in Goats

The purpose of the current study was to explore the supplementing effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on plasma and milk biochemical indices and productive/reproductive performance of goats. A total of 30 healthy pregnant goats were randomly distributed (n = 10) into three experimental groups: control (M₀) group (basal diet without MOLP), M_2% group (basal diet + 2% MOLP), and M_3.5% group (basal diet + 3.5% MOLP). The experiment started 2 months before parturition and continued till the first month of lactation. The plasma flavonoids were significantly increased in the M_3.5% group during the entire experiment, whereas the total phenolic contents were enhanced only during the lactation period depending on the supplementation percentage. The amount of vitamin C increased significantly in M_2% and M_3.5% groups as compared to the M₀ group. Supplementation of MOLP improved the plasma total antioxidant capacity by declining malondialdehyde concentration and total oxidant status values. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes were modified in M_2% and M_3.5% supplemented groups throughout the experiment, while the catalase activity was significantly influenced only during the lactation stage. The protein and lycopene contents in plasma were significantly improved in the M_3.5% group, whereas the total sugars and carotenoid level was increased in both M_2% and M_3.5% groups. Dietary supplementation with 3.5% MOLP more effectively enhanced protease and amylase activities as compared to 2% supplementation. MOLP also improved the biochemical indices and antioxidant status of colostrum and milk. The milk yield, weight gain of the kids, and reproductive performance were high in M_2% and M_3.5% groups in comparison to the M₀ group. These findings disclose that supplementing the diet with 3.5% MOLP improves antioxidant status, milk yield, and reproductive performance in goats.

Mangosteen Peel Liquid-Protected Soybean Meal Can Shift Rumen Microbiome and Rumen Fermentation End-Products in Lactating Crossbred Holstein Friesian Cows

Rumen bypass protein can enhance protein availability in the lower gut. This study investigated the use of liquid-containing phytonutrients in dairy cows as a dietary additives to reduce rumen protein degradation. Four crossbred lactating Holstein Friesian cows (75% Holstein Friesian with 25% Thai native breed) with an initial body weight (BW) of 410 ± 20 kg were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement [two crude protein (CP) levels with soybean meal (SBM) or mangosteen peel liquid-protected soybean meal (MPLP)-SBM] in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment. Dietary treatments were as follows: T1 = SBM in low crude protein concentrate (LPC) (SBM-LPC); T2 = MPLP-SBM in LPC (MPLP-SBM-LPC); T3 = SBM in high crude protein concentrate (HPC) (SBM-HPC); T4 = MPLP-SBM in HPC (MPLP-SBM-HPC). Apparent digestibilities of organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) were increased (p < 0.05) by CP level in the HPC diet (19% CP), with higher OM and aNDF digestibilities. High crude protein concentrate increased (p < 0.05) the propionic acid in the rumen but reduced (p < 0.05) the acetic acid-to-propionic acid ratio and methane (CH4) production. Rumen microbial populations of the total bacteria, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens were increased (p < 0.05) by HPC. Real-time PCR revealed a 30.6% reduction of rumen methanogens by the MPLP-SBM in HPC. Furthermore, efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) was 15.8% increased (p < 0.05) by the MPLP-SBM in HPC when compared to SBM-LPC. Milk yield and milk composition protein content were enhanced (p < 0.05) by both the CP level in concentrate and by MPLP inclusion. In this experiment, a high level of CP and the MPLP-SBM enhanced the ruminal propionate, shifted rumen microbiome, and enhanced milk yield and compositions.

Metabolic Benefit of Bulls Being Fed Moringa Leaves Twigs and Branches as a Major Concentrate Ingredient

The study was conducted to investigate nutrient metabolism and semen quality of bulls fed with moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves, twigs, and branches as a major concentrate ingredient. Twenty-one Red Chittagong bulls of about 204 (±50) kg initial live weight (LW) were randomly divided into three equal LW groups. They were fed maize silage as a basal feedstuff for 65 days with the supplementation of concentrate mixtures at 1% of LW, consisting of either 0, 25, or 50% moringa mash on a fresh basis. Moringa mash was a sun-dried ground preparation of leaves, twigs, and branches of moringa. The results indicated that different levels of moringa in concentrate mixtures (0, 25, and 50%) did not change daily DM intake, digestibility, and LW gain of bulls (p &gt; 0.05). However, increasing dietary moringa (up to 203 g/kg DM) significantly decreased production cost of methane (CH4) (methane emission [kg/kg gain] = 1.6422—[0.0059 × moringa intake, g/kg DM], n = 12, R2 = 0.384, P = 0.032) in a similar metabolizable energy intake level (0.21 ± 0.01 MJ/kg LW). Also, higher dietary moringa significantly reduced urinary nitrogen loss (urinary nitrogen [% digested nitrogen] = 43.0 – 0.069 × moringa intake [g/kg DM]; R2 = 0.3712, P = 0.034). Thus, increasing moringa by 1 g/kg DM decreased CH4 emission by 6 g/kg gain and absorbed nitrogen loss by 0.069 %. Also, progressive motility of sperm increased significantly (33.0, 51.0, and 60.1%, respectively; p = 0.03) in bulls fed with concentrate mixtures containing moringa at 0, 25, or 50%. It may be concluded that feeding moringa mash at 203 g/kg DM may decrease energy loss as methane and urinary nitrogen loss without impacting the production of beef cattle. Feeding moringa mash to beef cattle may abate dietary energy and nitrogen loss and consequently decrease the environmental pollution.

Camelina sativa L. Oil Mitigates Enteric in vitro Methane Production, Modulates Ruminal Fermentation, and Ruminal Bacterial Diversity in Buffaloes

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Camelina sativa oil (CO) on fermentation kinetics and methane (CH₄) production in rations with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. Three total mixed rations (TMRs) were used as substrates (R70:C30, R50:C50, and R30:C70) supplemented with different levels of CO (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% on dry matter basis) in an in vitro batch culture system. The enteric CH₄ production was determined at different times of incubation while fermentation parameters were measured at the end of incubation. Results revealed that CO significantly decreased (P < 0.05) CH₄ production at 48 h in medium (R50:C50) and low- (R30:C70) roughage diets than control. Camelina oil at all levels significantly (P < 0.05) affected ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) and microbial protein (MCP) in all rations. Propionate concentration was increased by supplementing 8% CO to R70:C30 TMR, but it decreased with increasing levels of CO for low- and medium-roughage diets. Acetate concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at 4% CO supplementation, but it decreased with 8% CO level in R30:C70 TMR. For all rations, CO decreased (P < 0.001) total bacteria, protozoa, and methanogens. Total fungi counts were affected by CO in all rations, especially with a 6% level in two rations (R30:C70 and R50:C50) and 8% level with high-roughage ration (R70:C30). Supplementation of CO in medium-roughage ration (R50:C50) showed a linear (P < 0.05) decrease in bacterial richness and evenness indices along with Shannon diversity as compared to the control. Moreover, CO also increased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in all TMRs more effectively at higher levels. Camelina oil also affected the relative abundance of Prevotella in both low- and medium-roughage diets while increasing the abundance of Ruminobacter and Pseudobutyrivibrio. The present study concluded that CO enhanced fermentation kinetics while decreasing enteric in vitro CH₄ production from fibrous diets. Thus, it may be considered as a potentially effective and environmentally friendly way of mitigating CH₄ emission from livestock.

Effect of Feeding Lactating Ewes with Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Milk Yield, Milk Composition and Preweaning Performance of Ewe/Lamb Pair

Simple Summary

The use of plant extracts as supplemental additives in ruminant diets shows beneficial effects. This study evaluated the effects of different doses of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) on milk production and milk composition in ewes and on preweaning performance of their lambs. At different doses, MOE supplementation did not affect overall productive traits in ewes and lambs and did not have negative effects on milk production and milk quality.

Abstract

The objective this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) on milk production and milk composition in ewes and on preweaning performance of their lambs. Twenty-four lactating ewes were housed individually with their lambs and assigned to four groups in a completely randomized design. The treatments included a basal diet without MOE (MOE0) or a basal diet supplemented with either 20 mL MOE per ewe per day (MOE20), 40 mL MOE per ewe per day (MOE40) or 60 mL MOE per ewe per day (MOE60). Over 45 days, milk production was recorded weekly and individual milk samples were collected for chemical analysis. Milk yield, fat-corrected milk and daily yields were similar among the four treatments. The supply of MOE did not affect ewe weaning efficiency and average daily gain or litter weaning weight of the lambs. Overall, the results from this study showed that dietary supplementation of hydroalcoholic extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves at doses of 20, 40 or 60 mL/ewes/d in lactating ewes does not have negative effects on milk yield, milk composition or lamb performance.

Moringa Oleifera Oil Modulates Rumen Microflora to Mediate In Vitro Fermentation Kinetics and Methanogenesis in Total Mix Rations

This study was conducted to evaluate potential of Moringa oleifera seed oil (MOSO) to modulate rumen microflora to mitigate methane (CH₄) production in different total mixed rations (TMRs). Three TMRs with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio were used as substrates (R70:C30, R50:C50 and R30:C70) for in vitro fermentation study using batch culture technique. Results revealed that supplementation of MOSO in different rations with variable roughage to concentrates ratio altered (P < 0.05) CH₄ production and fermentation parameters. M. oleifera seed oil at 3 and 4% increased (P < 0.01) microbial protein (MCP) and propionate concentration for all rations but decreased acetate concentration in R70:C30 TMR. Two levels of MOSO (3 and 4%) quadratically increased (P = 0.001) MCP and decreased acetate in R30:C70 while all levels increased propionate. For R30:C70 and R50:C50 rations, MOSO linearly and quadratically decreased (P < 0.001) protozoa and methanogen counts; however, protozoa, methanogens and bacteria were significantly increased in R70:C30 ration without any change in fungal counts. Supplementation of higher level of MOSO (4%) in high roughage ration (R70:C30) showed negative effects on diversity (Shannon index) and evenness of bacterial species as compared to control and lower oil level. Moreover, it also decreased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in high roughage rations more obviously at lower levels. Moringa oil also stimulated Prevotella in both high and low roughages diets that indicates its potential to mediate rumen acidosis. Conclusively, MOSO enhanced fermentation kinetics and decreased CH₄ production through effective modulation of rumen microbiome.

Current Status and Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaf as an Alternative Protein Source for Animal Feeds

The increased consumption of livestock, poultry, and fish products in people's diet threatens to drive production toward the use of more and more conventional crops in animal feeds. In this context, alleviating the tightening grain crop supply and ensuring the healthy development of animal husbandry through innovations in protein feedstuff production remain considerable challenges. Moringa oleifera is a miracle tree species with abundant nutrients, high protein biological value, and good feeding effect. As a new protein feedstuff, M. oleifera has great potential in alleviating the feeding crisis. Here, we review available literature regarding the characterization of M. oleifera in the field of animal husbandry in terms of nutrient content, digestion, and absorption characteristics, and feeding effects and present current challenges in using M. oleifera as animal feed.

Effects of Phytonutrients on Ruminal Fermentation, Digestibility, and Microorganisms in Swamp Buffaloes

Simple Summary

Fermentation in ruminants can influence greenhouse gas production, especially methane (CH₄) production. Phytonutrients (PTN) and secondary metabolites (tannins, saponins) have antimicrobial activity which can be used for the inhibition of rumen methanogens and the reduction of methane emissions in ruminants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of PTN containing both mangosteen peel powder and banana flower powder on feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, and rumen microorganisms in swamp buffaloes. The results suggest that supplementation of PTN can improve fiber digestibility, increase the proteolytic and cellulolytic bacteria, and alter rumen volatile fatty acids (VFAs), especially increased C₃ and reduced methane production. This study shows that PTN containing either mangosteen peel powder (MSP) or banana flower powder (BFP) could be used as a rumen modifier.

Abstract

This experiment aimed to use dietary sources containing phytonutrients (PTN) such as mangosteen peel powder (MSP) and banana flower powder (BFP) as sources of phytonutrients. Four swamp buffalo bulls fitted with rumen fistulae were used as experimental animals. A digestion trial covering four periods was used according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four treatments: Treatment 1 (T1) = control (Cont), T2 = supplementation of PTN1 fed at 100 g/d, T3 = supplementation of PTN2 fed at 100 g/d, and T4 = supplementation of PTN3 fed at 100 g/d. The experiment was conducted for four periods; each period lasted for 21 days. All animals were fed a concentrate mixture at 0.5% body weight, while rice straw, water, and mineral blocks were fed ad libitum. The findings revealed significant increases in the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), while no changes in dry matter feed consumption occurred due to PTN supplementation. Rumen fermentation end-products, such as total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), propionic acid (C₃), and butyric acid (C₄), were notably enhanced (p < 0.05) and there were the highest in PTN2 and PTN3, whilst acetic acid (C₂) was significantly decreased with PTN supplementation groups. Furthermore, the rumen protozoal population was suppressed (p < 0.05), which resulted in decreased rumen methane production (p < 0.05), while the bacterial population was enhanced. Using PTN sources can improve rumen fermentation as well as mitigating rumen methane production.