Effect of Aibellin, a Peptide Antibiotic, on Propionate Production in the Rumen of Goats

Abstract

Aibellin was administered in feed to goats (16 to 18 kg of BW) for 12 d. At 80 mg/d, the molar percentage of propionate in rumen fluid increased significantly in 8 d, and the effect lasted for as long as 10 d after administration ceased. Total VFA concentration, protozoa numbers, and NDF digestibility were not depressed significantly at this dosage but were reduced at 100 mg/d with little further increase in the molar percentage of propionate. Therefore, the optimal dosage of aibellin was 80 mg/d under our experimental conditions. In contrast, monensin (30 mg/d) and gramicidin D (60 mg/d) decreased total VFA concentration and protozoa numbers when supplemented to obtain molar percentages of propionate comparable to 80 mg/d of aibellin. From these results, aibellin may be easier and safer to use than monensin and gramicidin D to modify rumen fermentation.

Structural Diversity and Bioactivities of Peptaibol Compounds From the Longibrachiatum Clade of the Filamentous Fungal Genus Trichoderma

“…Degenkolb et al (2008) discussed this issue in detail and suggested that the toxicity of peptaibols may be well below the threshold of human consequence, and it may require direct contact with cell membranes, like in the case of common amphiphilic detergents. This is supported by previous observations demonstrating the very low toxicity of various peptaibols orally administered to rodents and ruminants (Hou et al, 1972; Nayar et al, 1973; Hino et al, 1994).…”

Identification and Biological Activities of Long‐Chain Peptaibols Produced by a Marine‐Derived Strain of Trichoderma longibrachiatum

“…However, in vivo studies clearly demonstrated the beneficial role of peptaibiotics in different animal models. For instance, the antiprotozoal and antihelmintic antiamoebins have been used as feed additive to increase lactation in diary animals , aibelin‐enhanced propionate production and reduced methanogenesis in the rumen of goats , and ampullosporin A showed promising neuroleptic‐like activity in rats .…”

Investigation of biologically active peptaibol compounds produced by members of the filamentous fungal genus Trichoderma

“…Degenkolb et al (2008a) discussed this issue in detail and suggested that the toxicity of peptaibols may be well below the threshold of human consequence, and it may require direct contact with cell membranes, like in the case of common amphiphilic detergents. This is supported by previous observations demonstrating the very low toxicity of various peptaibols orally administered to rodents and ruminants (Hou et al 1972, Nayar et al 1973, Hino et al 1994. The values are the median of three measurements, represented by four microscopic fields.…”