Effects of an extract of plant flavonoids (Bioflavex) on rumen fermentation and performance in heifers fed high-concentrate diets1

Abstract

To study the effects of an extract of plant flavonoids [Bioflavex (FL)] in cattle fed highconcentrate diets, 2 experiments were designed. In the first experiment, the effects of Bioflavex on the development of rumen acidosis was evaluated in 8 Holstein-Friesian crossbreed heifers (451 kg; SEM 14.3 kg of BW) using a crossover design. Each experimental period lasted 22 d; from d 1 to 20, the animals were fed rye grass, on d 21 the animals were fasted, and on d 22, rumen acidosis was induced by applying 5 kg of wheat without [Control: (CTR) heifers who did not receive Bioflavex] or with flavonoids [heifers who received FL; 300 mg/kg DM] through a rumen cannula. Rumen pH was recorded continuously (from d 19 to d 22). On d 22, average rumen pH was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the FL animals (6.29; SEM = 0.031) than it was in the CTR heifers (5.98; SEM = 0.029). After the wheat application, the rumen VFA concentration increased (P < 0.01), the proportion of acetic acid decreased (P < 0.01), and lactate concentration (mmol/L) increased, but the increase was not as great (P = 0.09) in the FL as it was in the CTR heifers (0.41 to 1.35 mmol/L; SEM = 0.24). On d 22, Streptococcus bovis and Selenomonas ruminantium titers increased after the wheat application, but Megasphaera elsdenii titers increased (P < 0.05) only in the FL heifers. In the second experiment, the effect of Bioflavex on the performance and rumen fermentation in finishing heifers was evaluated. Forty-eight Fleckvieh heifers (initial BW = 317 kg; SEM = 5.34) were used in a completely randomized design. Heifers were assigned to 1 of 4 blocks based on their BW and, within each block, assigned to 1 of 2 pens (6 heifers/pen). In addition, 16 heifers (2/pen) were rumen cannulated. Individual BW and group consumption of concentrate and straw were recorded weekly until the animals reached the target slaughter weight. Supplementation with FL did not affect ADG, feed consumption, or feed conversion ratio. Rumen pH and molar proportions of propionate were greater (P < 0.01) and acetate proportion was less in the FL (P < 0.01) than they were in the CTR heifers. Flavonoid supplementation might be effective in improving rumen fermentation and reducing the incidence of rumen acidosis. This effect of flavonoids may be partially explained by increasing the numbers of lactateconsuming microorganisms (e.g., M. elsdenii) in the rumen.

Effect of Chamaemelum Nobile and Chrysanthemum Segetum Extracts on Ruminal Methanogenesis, in Vitro Degradability and Methane Forming Population

“…Our results strongly suggest that flavonoids contribute the most to reducing CH 4 production and it may be particularly useful for a general screening for plants possessing antimethanogenic activity. Otherwise, TF and CT fractions are both associated with a lower CH 4 emission, however, the mechanisms through which they decrease CH 4 appear to differ.This supports previous studies which reported that ruminal CH 4 production may be lower when using diets containing flavonoids (Garcıa-Gonzalez et al, 2008a b; Balcells et al, 2012;Oskoueian et al, 2013 ;Seradj et al, 2014). But this is not always the case (Broudiscou et al, 2000(Broudiscou et al, , 2002.…”

Dut Yaprağından Elde Edilen Flavonoidler ile Candida Tropicalis’in Buzağılarda Performans ve Besin Sindirilebilirliği Üzerine Etkileri

“…Condensed tannins (a polyflavonoid) can mitigate methane emission by feeding Leucaena leucocephala in sheep [5] . It is effective in improving rumen fermentation and reducing the incidence of rumen acidosis through supplementation of natural flavonoids extract from bitter orange and grapefruit [6] . Sainfoin which contains rich condensed tannins can increase beneficial fatty acids and reduce skatole content in lamb meat [7] .…”

Effects of phenolic compounds in propolis on digestive and ruminal parameters in dairy cows

“…The plants of interest produce a diverse array of secondary compounds, which have benefits in ruminant production (Wallace, 2004). These compounds, including phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, are known to have an impact on rumen microbial metabolism by inducing changes in the fermentation conditions (pH, propionate proportion, and protein degradation) (Broudiscou et al, 2002;Balcells et al, 2012).…”