Intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen balance in sheep offered alfalfa silage with different proportions of the tannin-rich legume sericea lespedeza

Increasing apparent nutrient digestibility is critical for improving beef cattle growth performance and increasing ranch profitability. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the dynamic assembly process of Allium mongolicum Regel powder (AMRP) on the fecal microbiome of Angus calves as well as the apparent nutrient digestibility, and growth performance. Twenty-four Angus calves were divided into four groups (n = 6) and treated with 0 (ZAMR), 10 (LAMR), 15 (MAMR), or 20 (HAMR) g/d/calf AMRP for 122 days. Growth performance parameters were recorded, and fecal samples were collected on days 1, 90, and 122. The results showed that the addition of AMRP did not affect Firmicutes or Bacteroidota, which are core microbes in the fecal microbiome. There was a decrease in the alpha diversity of the fecal microbes on day 122 compared to that on days 1 and 90, with 23 differential microbes screened. Correlation analysis revealed that a variety of differential microbes were significantly associated with apparent nutrient digestibility and growth performance. The apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein were significantly greater in the LAMR group (P < 0.050). In conclusion, AMRP at a dose of 10 g/d/calf was more favourable for increasing apparent nutrient digestibility, and improving growth performance.

show abstract

The roles of phytogenic feed additives, trees, shrubs, and forages on mitigating ruminant methane emission

Bature,

Xiaohu,

Ding

2024

Front. Vet. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Ruminant animals naturally emit methane gas owing to anaerobic microbial fermentation in the rumen, and these gases are considered major contributors to global warming. Scientists worldwide are attempting to minimize methane emissions from ruminant animals. Some of these attempts include the manipulation of rumen microbes using antibiotics, synthetic chemicals, dietary interventions, probiotics, propionate enhancers, stimulation of acetogens, manipulation of rumination time, vaccination, and genetic selection of animals that produce low methane (CH4). The majority of synthetic additives are harmful to both beneficial rumen microbes and the host or only temporarily affect methanogenesis. Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) have recently emerged as the best alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic chemicals because of growing public concerns regarding drug resistance and the negative impacts of antibiotics and synthetic chemicals on humans, livestock, and the environment. These additives reduce methane production and improve the volatile fatty acid profile. In this review, we provide an overview of PFA sources and how their bioactive components affect the rumen microbiome to reduce methane emissions. Additionally, we highlight the mechanisms of action of PFAs as a whole, as well as some of their bioactive components. We also review some selected trees, herbs, shrubs, and forages and their roles in reducing methane emissions.

show abstract

Intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen balance in sheep offered alfalfa silage with different proportions of the tannin-rich legume sericea lespedeza

Cited by 3 publications

References 23 publications

Targeted metabolomics analysis of fatty acids in lamb meat for the authentication of paper mulberry silage as a substitute for alfalfa silage

Targeted metabolomics analysis of fatty acids in lamb meat for the authentication of paper mulberry silage as a substitute for alfalfa silage

The addition of Allium mongolicum Regel powder does not appear to affect Firmicutes or Bacteroidota as core microbes in the Angus calf fecal microbiome

The roles of phytogenic feed additives, trees, shrubs, and forages on mitigating ruminant methane emission

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About