A Review of Effect of Saponins on Ruminal Fermentation, Health and Performance of Ruminants

Insights into the Regulatory Effect of Danggui Buxue Tang in Postpartum Dairy Cows Through an Integrated Analysis of Multi-Omics and Network Analysis

Postpartum dairy cows often face significant challenges due to metabolic disorders. Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a botanical drug composed of Astragali radix and Angelica sinensis radix in a 5:1 ratio, has been recognized for its potential to alleviate metabolic disorders. Its regulatory mechanisms on livestock metabolic health have remained unexplored. This study integrated the analyses of serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, serum metabolomics, and fecal microbiota to investigate the regulatory effects of DBT on metabolic adaptation in postpartum dairy cows. Following the oral administration of DBT, levels of blood non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate were decreased in multiparous dairy cows one week after calving. Five absorbed prototype metabolites of DBT were identified, specifically formononetin and nicotinic acid, both of which play roles in the regulation of lipid metabolic homeostasis. Furthermore, DBT modified the composition of the gut microbial community and glycerophospholipid levels. Decreases in serum phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine levels were closely correlated with the relative abundance of Bacillus and the concentration of circulating beta-hydroxybutyrate. These findings suggest that DBT contributes positively to metabolic health in postpartum dairy cows by regulating the gut microbiota and glycerophospholipid metabolism, providing new insights into strategies for promoting metabolic adaptation in dairy cows.

A Comprehensive Review of Antinutrients in Plant-Based Foods and Their Key Ingredients

In recent years, the growing popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets, along with the rising demand for plant-based foods, has led researchers to concentrate on examining the presence and effects of antinutrients. While there are existing literature reviews focusing on antinutritional compounds, particularly on their reduction, this review aims to provide a comprehensive description of antinutrients for producers, food scientists, professionals, legislators and consumers, emphasising the complexity of the subject and the necessity for diverse approaches while identifying aspects that still require further research. Antinutrients, including protease inhibitors, amylase inhibitors, phytic acid, lectins, saponins, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalic acid, polyphenols, goitrogens and pyrimidine glycosides, are described, encompassing various aspects such as their structural characteristics, analytical detection methods, distribution, physiological impacts and strategies for mitigation or elimination. Specifically, our review concentrates on assessing the presence of antinutrients in plant-based food products and the primary ingredients, categorised into five distinct groups, cereals, pseudocereals, pulses, seeds and nuts, which are commonly used in their production. Among these categories, legumes are identified as the richest source of anti-nutritional compounds, followed by cereal grains. However, certain pseudocereals, seeds and nuts also demonstrate high levels of specific antinutrients. While antinutrients are generally regarded as harmful to nutrient absorption, recent studies have revealed some potential health benefits associated with them. Therefore, further in vivo research is essential to elucidate the behaviour of antinutritional compounds within the human body. Additionally, there is a significant lack of formal regulations and guidelines regarding antinutrients, and food products currently do not feature labelling related to these compounds.

Medicine and food homology substances: A review of bioactive ingredients, pharmacological effects and applications

In recent years, the idea of medicine and food homology (MFH), which highlights the intimate relationship between food and medicine, has gained international recognition. Specifically, MFH substances have the ability to serve as both food and medicine. Many foods have been reported to have good nutritional and medical values, not only for satiety but also for nourishing the body and treating diseases pharmacologically. As modern scientific research has progressed, the concept of MFH has been emphasized and developed in a way that has never been seen before. Therefore, in this paper, we reviewed the development history of MFH substances, summarized some typical bioactive ingredients, and recognized pharmacological effects. In addition, we further discussed the application of MFH substances in the food field, with the goal of providing ideas and references for the research and development of MFH in the food industry as well as the progress of related industries.

Seasonal and altitudinal dynamics in secondary metabolite composition of Commelina forage species in Konso zone, southern Ethiopia

Exploring the type and amounts of the secondary metabolites (SMs) in a given fodder species was considered as a meaningful act for safe and profitable utilization of that particular feedstuff in the livestock industry. This study was conducted in the Konso zone, southern Ethiopia, to explore the secondary metabolite composition of Commelina species in two seasons and at two different altitudes. Samples were collected from the two altitudes and seasons. A completely randomized design was used in a factorial arrangement (five species (C. benghalensis, C. imberbis, C. diffusa, C. albescens, and C. africana), two altitudes, and two seasons) with three repetitions per treatment. The SM contents of the Commelina species were reasonably influenced by both seasonal and altitudinal changes. The mean alkaloid (3.67%), total phenols (9.76 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (3.81 mg CE/g) and condensed tannin (1.10 mg CE/g) values for the herb species in wet season inclined (p < 0.001) to 7.02%, 14.07 mg GAE/g, 7.68 mg CE/g and 2.38 mg CE/g, respectively, in dry season. The wet season saponin concentration of the species (2.65 g/Kg) significantly decreased (p < 0.001) to 1.28 g/Kg in the dry season. Similarly, the lowland saponin (2.26 g/Kg), alkaloid (3.70%), total phenols (10.89 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (4.71 mg CE/g), and condensed tannin (0.98 mg CE/g) contents were increased (p < 0.01) to 3.03 g/Kg, 5.47%, 13.61 mg GAE/g, 6.37 mg CE/g, and 1.81 mg CE/g, respectively, in the midlands. Alkaloids, total phenols, flavonoids and condensed tannin concentrations showed positive correlations with each other (P<0.05) and with seasonal (P<0.001) and altitudinal changes (P<0.001) as well. The findings of this study suggested that the SM concentrations of Commelina species were within the limits tolerable for ruminants. In conclusion, Commelina species could serve as a safe and beneficial forage herb to boost nutrient intake, improve nutrient use efficiency and hinder methane emissions, for animals consuming them, in areas where they are available in abundance.

Antioxidant properties, anti-nutritive and toxic factors of Terminalia sericea in Onderstepoort

Anti-nutritive and toxic factors in plants adversely affect animal health and production. Hence, the aims of the study were to (1) carry out qualitative and quantitative analysis of these factors in Terminalia sericea that grows abundantly in Onderstepoort; (2) evaluate an affordable, efficient and reliable method that reduces these factors and (3) evaluate antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds. Thus, sequential organic and aqueous extractions were carried out on T. sericea leaves and feed pellets. Extracts were subjected to qualitative analysis to confirm the presence of 11 phytochemicals. While quantitative analysis of nine phytochemicals was carried out on spectrophotometry, the phenolic extracts were further tested for antioxidant activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay where gallic acid (GA), quercetin (Q) and ascorbic acid (AA) were used as standards. The contents of GA, Q and AA in the phenolic extracts were determined on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Aqueous extraction was an effective method as most phytochemicals were extracted. Nine phytochemicals were qualitatively analysed in T. sericea. The highest contents of 1.97% and 2.37 ± 0.077 mg/g gallic acid equivalent with a significant difference (p  0.05) were determined in oxalates and phenolics, respectively. Furthermore, 83.1% DPPH inhibition (IC50 = 0.0432 µg/mL) was determined relative to the standards (85.27% - 85.96%; IC50 = 0.000009 µg/mL - 0.00042 µg/mL). Subsequently, HPLC results showed that T. sericea contained high concentration of AA (62.5 ± 2.13 µg/mL) to confirm antioxidant properties of the leaves.Contribution: Though T. sericea leaves have antioxidant activities, the alkaloid contents may pose a threat to the livestock. Therefore, farmers around Onderstepoort should protect their livestock from feeding on these leaves.

Effect of High-Tannin and -Polyphenol Plant Material Supplement on Rumen Fermentation, Nitrogen Partitioning and Nutrient Utilization in Beef Cattle

The current issue of ruminant methane emissions is still being researched by animal nutritionists in an effort to find new approaches. In this study, five beef cattle were randomly assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to examine the effects of supplementation with high-tannin and -polyphenol plant materials on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen partitioning. Cattle offered total mixed ration (TMR) silage diets with or without tannin-rich tree leaf or plant herbs, such as Piper sarmentosum Roxb., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Anacardium occidentale L., and Careya arborea Roxb., were supplemented at a dose of 10 g/d. Prior to TMR feeding, the animals' meals were supplemented with 10 g of fortified plant materials twice a day, along with 100 g of rice bran. The animals in the control group received only 100 g of rice bran and no other plant materials. The result showed that there was no difference in nutrient intake or digestibility between the supplemented and control groups. Although the effect of ruminal pH, NH3-N, Total VFA, acetate (C2), and butyrate (C4) was not significant (p > 0.05), the proportion of propionate (C3) tended to increase with supplementation (p = 0.07). There was no difference in the excretion of purine derivatives or the amount of microbial nitrogen supply, even though supplemented animals had significantly lower protozoal populations than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, when A. occidentale or C. arborea was added to the TMR silage diet, the nitrogen intake and retention increased considerably, although total nitrogen excretion decreased. In this approach, the leaves of Anacardium occidentale L. and Careya arborea Roxb. were particularly promising for strategic supplementation.

The role of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate as a methane inhibitor to limit the rumen methane emissions of Karakul sheep

Methane (CH4) from ruminant production systems produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Our goal was to determine whether monoammonium glycyrrhizinate could inhibit CH4 emissions over the long term without affecting animal performance and immune indices in Karakul sheep. This study aimed to assess the effects of medium-term (60 days) addition of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate on growth performance, apparent digestibility, CH4 emissions, methanogens, fibre-degrading bacteria and blood characteristics in Karakul sheep. Twelve male Karakul sheep (40.1 ± 3.59 kg) with fistula were randomly divided into two groups (n = 6): the Control group received a basal diet + the same volume of distilled water (30 ml) and the Treatment group received a basal diet + 8.75 g/kg monoammonium glycyrrhizinate injected via fistula. The adaptation stage was 15 days, and the measurement stage was 60 days. The sampling during the measurement stage was divided into two stages, stage I (1 ∼ 30 d) and stage II (31 ∼ 60 d). The results showed that monoammonium glycyrrhizinate significantly reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroides caccae, daily CH4 emission and protozoa population, significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium AD3010, Lachnospiraceae bacterium FE2018, Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK3A20, Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK4A179 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium V9D3004 in stage I (P < 0.05); significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium AD3010, but significantly decreased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK4A179 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium C6A11 in stage II (P < 0.05). Therefore, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate could be used as a CH4 inhibitor to limit the rumen CH4 emissions of Karakul sheep in short-term period (30 days) without affecting the growth performance, fibre digestibility and blood parameters.

Lupin Seed Supplementation as a Functional Feed Additive: In Vitro Ruminal Gas, Methane and Carbon Dioxide Production, Fermentation Kinetics, and Nutrient Degradability

The inevitable enteric gas emission from ruminants is considered a modern-day problem from an environmental perspective. Addressing this problem requires nutritional approaches such as the use of phytogenic additives in ruminant diets. In this regard, lupin seed (LS) can be a useful additive due to its phytochemical constituents. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) seed supplementation as a functional and sustainable feed additive in sheep diet (50:50 concentrate-to-forage ratio) on in vitro gas production (GP; mL/g DM), methane (CH4; mL/g DM) and carbon dioxide (CO2; mL/g DM) emissions, fermentation parameters, and nutrient degradability (g/kg DM incubated). Gas production and CH4 were measured per gram of incubated dry matter (DM), degradable DM (dDM), degradable neutral detergent fiber (dNDF), and degradable acid detergent fiber (dADF). Lupin seeds were included at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2% of the diet. The seeds contained 3.27% essential oils (DM basis), with eucalyptol as the main phytochemical. The highest GP per gram of DM and dDM was observed (p < 0.01) with 2.0% LS supplementation level. While 1.0% LS had the highest GP per gram of dNDF, 0.5% lupin diet had the highest GP per gram of dADF. Asymptotic GP and CH4 emissions linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) with increasing LS level, while lag time decreased. Despite increased CH4 production, the proportion of CH4 in total biogas was lower (p = 0.008) for LS treatments than the control, with the 0.5% LS showing the lowest CH4 proportion. Production of CO2 increased with lupin seed treatments, with 0.5% LS producing the highest proportion (p = 0.027). Degradability of DM, NDF, and ADF was greater (p < 0.01) for the high LS supplementation level, while 0.5% supplementation level decreased ADF degradability. Total short-chain fatty acids, acetic acid, and propionic acid increased (p < 0.05) with LS supplementation level, leading to a reduced acetate:propionate ratio. Rumen pH decreased (p = 0.036) with LS supplementation, while ammonia-N decreased (p = 0.045) and estimated metabolizable energy increased (p < 0.001) linearly. Calculated microbial protein synthesis (p = 0.005) and gas yield (p = 0.047) increased with LS supplementation level. LS supplementation at 2.0% of diet (DM basis) increased GP and CH4 emission (mL/g DM) and enhanced nutrient degradability, suggesting its potential use as a functional feed additive for ruminants when supplemented at a 2.0% level into diet.

Influence of Replacing Soybean Meal with Nigella sativa Seed Meal on Feed Intake, Digestibility, Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Antioxidant Activity of Growing Lambs

The present experiment aimed to evaluate the partial or complete substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with Nigella sativa seed meal (NSM) on chemical composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation, and the growth performance and economic efficiency of growing lambs. Thirty-two male Ossimi lambs weighing 41 ± 0.4 kg at 195 ± 5 d were divided randomly into four experimental groups of eight lambs each. Lambs were fed four diets containing 40% berseem clover and 60% concentrate feed mixture. Soybean meal was replaced with NSM at 0% (NSM0; control), 50% (NSM50), 75% (NSM75), or 100% (NSM100). The experiment lasted for 105 d, consisting of 15 d for adaptation and 90 days for measurements. Higher concentrations of crude protein (CP) and nonstructural carbohydrates were observed with SBM; however, NSM contained more fibers and gross energy. Moreover, SBM contained higher concentrations of individual amino acids and lower concentrations of polyphenols. The replacement did not affect in vitro gas production and decreased (p < 0.05) methane production and CP degradability. Treatments did not affect feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and diet's nutritive value measured as starch value, total digestible nutrient, digestible energy, and apparent digestible crude protein. The NSM50 and NSM75 treatments increased (p < 0.001) total weight gain and daily gain compared to the control treatment, with lower feed conversion values associated with the NSM75 treatment. Treatments decreased cholesterol (p = 0.028) and high-density lipoprotein (p = 0.029) and increased antioxidant activity. Higher economic efficiencies were observed with the NSM75 followed by NSM50 and then NSM100 treatments. It is concluded that replacing 75% of SBM with NSM enhanced feed conversion and economic efficiency.

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.

Efficacy of Salvia officinalis Shrub as a Sustainable Feed Additive for Reducing Ruminal Methane Production and Enhancing Fermentation in Ruminants

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of dried Salvia officinalis (SO) shrub leaves on nutrient degradability, ruminal in vitro fermentation, gas production (GP), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) productions. Dried and ground SO shrub leaves were included at 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% DM of a diet consisting of (per kg DM) 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay, and 100 g rice straw. The diet was incubated for 48 h. The asymptotic GP and the rate of GP changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01), with the highest GP observed at 1% inclusion of SO and then decreasing thereafter with greater inclusion (i.e., 1.5% and 2%), while CH4 production and its rate decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with all levels of SO inclusion. A linear increase in CO2 production and its rate was also found with an increasing level of SO inclusion in the diet (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the degradability of DM, NDF, and the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids and acetate changed linearly and quadratically, with the greatest being found at 1% SO inclusion and then steadily declining after (p < 0.01) with the 1.5% and 2% inclusion levels. Meanwhile, the propionate, NH3-N, and microbial crude protein levels showed similar trends, with the plateau found at 1% inclusion of SO, where there was no change in butyrate concentration. Moreover, the pH, metabolizable energy, and partitioning factor (PF24) also changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05), where the pH and PF24 were considerably reduced and ME increased with a 1% inclusion of SO (p < 0.05). In summary, SO at 1% inclusion in the diet showed the potential to improve gas production kinetics, nutrient degradability, and the ruminal fermentation profile, with a more significant reduction in ruminal CH4 production suggesting that SO at 1% could be included in the ruminant diet to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the production performance.

More than a meat- or synthetic nitrogen fertiliser-substitute: a review of legume phytochemicals as drivers of 'One Health' via their influence on the functional diversity of soil- and gut-microbes

Legumes are essential to healthy agroecosystems, with a rich phytochemical content that impacts overall human and animal well-being and environmental sustainability. While these phytochemicals can have both positive and negative effects, legumes have traditionally been bred to produce genotypes with lower levels of certain plant phytochemicals, specifically those commonly termed as 'antifeedants' including phenolic compounds, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs). However, when incorporated into a balanced diet, such legume phytochemicals can offer health benefits for both humans and animals. They can positively influence the human gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to gut health, and demonstrating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Beyond their nutritional value, legume phytochemicals also play a vital role in soil health. The phytochemical containing residues from their shoots and roots usually remain in-field to positively affect soil nutrient status and microbiome diversity, so enhancing soil functions and benefiting performance and yield of following crops. This review explores the role of legume phytochemicals from a 'one health' perspective, examining their on soil- and gut-microbial ecology, bridging the gap between human nutrition and agroecological science.

Supplementation of complex natural feed additive containing (C. militaris, probiotics and red ginseng by-product) on rumen-fermentation, growth performance and carcass characteristics in Korean native steers

This study evaluated the effects of a complex natural feed additive on rumen fermentation, carcass characteristics and growth performance in Korean-native steers. In this study, in vitro and in vivo experiment were conducted. Seven different levels of complex natural feed additive (CA) were added to the buffered rumen fluid using AnkomRF gas production system for 12, 24 and 48 h. All experimental data were analyzed by mixed procedure of SAS. Total gas production increased in the CA groups, with the highest response observed in the 0.06% group at 48 h of incubation (linear, p = 0.02; quadratic, p < 0.01). Regarding rumen fermentation parameters, the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) tended to increase in all the CA groups (p = 0.07). The concentrations of butyrate, iso-butyrate, and iso-valerate significantly increased in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). In the in vivo experiment, 23 Korean-native steers were allocated to two groups: (1) Control and (2) Treatment; control +0.07% CA (DM basis), in a randomized complete-block design and blocked by body weight (ave. body weight = 641.96 kg ± 62.51 kg, p = 0.80) and feed intake (ave. feed intake = 13.96 kg ± 0.74 kg, p = 0.08) lasted for 252 days. Average daily gain decreased in the treatment group (p < 0.01). Backfat thickness significantly decreased in the CA group (p = 0.03), whereas meat color tended to increase (p = 0.07). In conclusion, in the in vitro experiment, the inclusion of complex natural feed additive decreased methane proportion and tended to increase TVFA production, but supplementation to Korean native steers decreased average daily gain and backfat thickness.

The Effect of Yucca schidigera Extract on Serum Metabolites of Angus Crossbreed Steers with Metabolomics

This study was conducted to explore the potential effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on the metabolism of beef cattle. Thirty Angus crossbreed steers were selected, with an initial mean body weight of 506.6 ± 33.3 kg, and assigned to two treatments: a diet with no additives (CON group) and a diet supplemented with 1.75 g/kg of YSE (YSE group) (on a dry matter basis). The experiment lasted for 104 days, with 14 days for adaptation. The results showed that adding YSE could significantly improve the average daily gain (ADG) from 1 to 59 d (15.38%) (p = 0.01) and 1 to 90 d (11.38%) (p < 0.01), as well as dry matter digestibility (DMD) (0.84%) (p < 0.05). The contents of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and bilirubin and the total antioxidant capacity were increased and blood urea was reduced in the YSE group, compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Both the glycerophospholipids and bile acids, including phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, PC(15:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)), PE(18:0/20:3(5Z,8Z,11Z)), PE(18:3(6Z,9Z,12Z)/P-18:0), LysoPC(15:0), LysoPC(17:0), LysoPC(18:0), LysoPC(20:5(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)), deoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, and cholic acid, were upregulated by the addition of YSE. In summary, YSE may improve the ADG by increasing the blood total antioxidant capacity and glycerophospholipid synthesis, maintaining steers under a healthy status that is beneficial for growth. Furthermore, YSE may also increase the expression of bile acid synthesis, thereby promoting DMD, which, in turn, offers more nutrients available for growth.

Fennel seeds dietary inclusion as a sustainable approach to reduce methane production and improve nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation

Ruminants are considered a major producer of methane (CH4 ). Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the ability of dry fennel seeds to affect in vitro gas production and fermentation. Fennel seeds were included at 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% DM of a diet containing per kg DM: 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay, and 100 g of rice straw. The incubations lasted 48 h. Fennel seeds increased (P < 0.001) the asymptotic gas production and decreased its rate, while decreasing the production and proportion of CH4 (P < 0.05) and increased its rate. Moreover, fennel seed increased DM and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.01) degradability, and increased total production of short-chain fatty acids, acetate, and propionate (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, fennel seeds increased (P < 0.01) metabolizable energy, partitioning factor, and microbial crude protein production. Overall, fennel seeds can be included up to 2% DM in ruminant diets as an environmentally friendly product in animal farming due to its ability to improve feed utilization, ruminal fermentation and while reducing CH4 production.