Evaluation of polyherbal with vitamin C activity on lamb performance and meat characteristics

Abstract

We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of a polyherbal additive with metabolites such as antioxidants, vitamins, and small hydrolysable tannoids oils on productive parameters and blood metabolites in finishing lambs. Forty male Hampshire × Suffolk lambs (23.79±2.24 kg) were used in a completely randomized experimental design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of a polyherbal additive based on Emblica officinalis and Ocimum sanctum at 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg dry matter for 60 d. There were no effects on daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion, back fat thickness, and Longissimus dorsi area; however, hot carcass dressing improved linearly as the level of herbal additive supplementation was increased. The antioxidants of the polyherbal additive linearly inhibited lipid oxidation of the meat (24 h; day 10) and improved its water-holding capacity (24 h). Meat lightness after 1 d was reduced linearly, but no changes were detected in other color parameters. Metabolites (glucose, urea, cholesterol) related to energy or protein metabolism were not affected by the herbal additive. Lymphocytes and basophiles were reduced linearly whereas monocytes and segmented neutrophils increased linearly for polyherbal additive. The inclusion of the polyherbal additive does not improve daily gain or feed efficiency in finishing lambs but improves the carcass dressing and antioxidant capacity of the meat.

Effects of a Polyherbal Dietary Additive on Performance, Dietary Energetics, Carcass Traits, and Blood Metabolites of Finishing Lambs

“…However, in this study, no significant changes in DMI were observed in response to dietary PA supplementation. Similar results were previously reported by Lozano-Sánchez et al [ 23 ] in lambs supplemented with a PA (0, 5, 10, and 15 g kg −1 DM for 60 days) based on Emblica officinalis and Ocinum sanctum containing hydrolyzable tannins and by Orzuna-Orzuna et al [ 6 ] in finishing lambs supplemented with PA (0, 1, 2 and 3 g kg −1 DM for 56 days) containing saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. On the other hand, Hashemzadeh et al [ 3 ] observed 18% higher DMI in lambs supplemented with a PA (20 g kg −1 DM for 48 days) based on Rosemarinus offıcinalis , Cinnamomum zeylanicum , Curcuma longa, and Eugenia caryophyllata .…”

“…Although it has previously been reported that dietary supplementation of tannin-containing plants can increase HCY and CCY [ 11 ], in this study HCW, HCY, CCW, CCY, ELC, ILC, CG, LL, and CI were similar in lambs of the different treatments. Similar responses were previously reported by Orzuna-Orzuna et al [ 5 ] in lambs supplemented with increasing doses (0, 1, 2, and 3 g kg −1 DM for 56 days) of a PA containing flavonoids, essential oils, and alkaloids; and by Lozano-Sánchez et al [ 23 ] in lambs supplemented with a PA (0, 5, 10, and 15 g kg −1 DM for 60 days) containing 12% hydrolyzable tannins.…”

“…In the present study, PA supplementation did not affect the variation of DMI among individuals. In a similar study, Lozano-Sánchez et al [ 23 ] investigated the effects of a PA (0, 5, 10, and 15 g kg −1 DM for 60 days) containing 12% hydrolyzable tannins on the productive performance of lambs. In that study, the variation of DMI between individuals was similar among lambs of all treatments.…”

“…The first blood sample (5 mL lamb −1 ) was collected using tubes with BD Vacutainer ® K2 EDTA anticoagulant (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA), and then stored at 4 °C. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed on a hematology analyzer (KontroLab QS EasyVet, Michoacán, Mexico) to determine complete hemogram, hematocrit, and leukocyte count, as previously reported by Lozano-Sánchez et al [ 23 ] and Orzuna-Orzuna et al [ 5 ]. The second blood sample (5 mL lamb −1 ) was collected using BD Vacutainer ® tubes without anticoagulant (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) and tubes were centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 20 min to obtain blood serum, which was stored in Eppendorf tubes at −20 °C.…”

Fresh Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) Fruit Supplementation Enhances Milk Fatty Acid Profiles and the Antioxidant Capacities of Milk and Blood in Dairy Cows

“…In a study performed on buffalo calves, phytogenic additives containing amla fruit enhanced immune status, and increased metabolite concentrations in the blood, such as total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase [29,30]. According to Lozano-Sánchez et al [31], the herbal additive that contains amla fruits does not affect metabolites (glucose, urea, cholesterol) related to energy or protein metabolism. Moreover, amla fruit extract with other polyherbal ingredients can improve immunity and udder health in cows [32].…”