Nutritional Aspects of Ecologically Relevant Phytochemicals in Ruminant Production

Abstract

This review provides an update of ecologically relevant phytochemicals for ruminant production, focusing on their contribution to advancing nutrition. Phytochemicals embody a broad spectrum of chemical components that influence resource competence and biological advantage in determining plant species' distribution and density in different ecosystems. These natural compounds also often act as plant defensive chemicals against predatorial microbes, insects, and herbivores. They may modulate or exacerbate microbial transactions in the gastrointestinal tract and physiological responses in ruminant microbiomes. To harness their production-enhancing characteristics, phytochemicals have been actively researched as feed additives to manipulate ruminal fermentation and establish other phytochemoprophylactic (prevent animal diseases) and phytochemotherapeutic (treat animal diseases) roles. However, phytochemical-host interactions, the exact mechanism of action, and their effects require more profound elucidation to provide definitive recommendations for ruminant production. The majority of phytochemicals of nutritional and pharmacological interest are typically classified as flavonoids (9%), terpenoids (55%), and alkaloids (36%). Within flavonoids, polyphenolics (e.g., hydrolyzable and condensed tannins) have many benefits to ruminants, including reducing methane (CH4) emission, gastrointestinal nematode parasitism, and ruminal proteolysis. Within terpenoids, saponins and essential oils also mitigate CH4 emission, but triterpenoid saponins have rich biochemical structures with many clinical benefits in humans. The anti-methanogenic property in ruminants is variable because of the simultaneous targeting of several physiological pathways. This may explain saponin-containing forages' relative safety for long-term use and describe associated molecular interactions on all ruminant metabolism phases. Alkaloids are N-containing compounds with vast pharmacological properties currently used to treat humans, but their phytochemical usage as feed additives in ruminants has yet to be exploited as they may act as ghost compounds alongside other phytochemicals of known importance. We discussed strategic recommendations for phytochemicals to support sustainable ruminant production, such as replacements for antibiotics and anthelmintics. Topics that merit further examination are discussed and include the role of fresh forages vis-à-vis processed feeds in confined ruminant operations. Applications and benefits of phytochemicals to humankind are yet to be fully understood or utilized. Scientific explorations have provided promising results, pending thorough vetting before primetime use, such that academic and commercial interests in the technology are fully adopted.

Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Antioxidant Status of Sheep Supplemented with Tannins: A Meta-Analysis

“…Although some review articles have suggested that the presence of TANs in the diet may negatively affect DMI in ruminants [1,9,57], in the present meta-analysis no changes in DMI were observed in response to dietary supplementation with TANs. This absence of changes in DMI probably occurred because the average dose of TANs used was 19.29 g kg −1 DM and negative effects of TANs on intake seem to occur with doses higher than 50 g kg −1 DM [4,9,12].…”

Review on physicochemical, medicinal and nutraceutical properties of poppy seeds: a potential functional food ingredient

“…It acts agonistically on the µ-opiate and k-receptors. It acts directly onto the intestine to smoothen the muscles [57]. Thebaine acts synergistically with morphine as it helps in the synthesis of many morphine-like substances which also helps in relieving pain [27].…”

“…Opium contains about 0.2-0.3% of the codeine which acts as an antitussive agent and helps in suppressing coughing. When ingested, it binds to the opiate receptors in the body, reducing the secretions produced by the bronchi and acts on the medulla oblongata to help in curing cough [66]. In different studies, codeine has also been demonstrated as an effective antitussive agent [67,68].…”

“…When ingested as a drug in the body it acts and stops the activity of the enzyme phosphodiesterase. As a result, the calcium concentration reduces which, if present, acts as a barrier in muscle contraction and relaxation[66]. The consumption of soporific (sleep-inducing) tea…”

In vitro Methane Mitigation Potential of Foliage of Fodder Trees Mixed at Two Levels with a Tropical Grass

“…Additionally, saponins can modify rumen fermentation by suppressing protozoa and selectively inhibiting some bacteria [45]. Secondary metabolites can make the diet less susceptible to the degradation of microorganism in the rumen due to their capacity to form complexes with the components of the diet, alter the mechanisms of degradation of the microorganism or reduce their population [46]. In addition, there is a direct correlation between DMD and gas production, i.e., the higher the digestibility, the higher the gas production rate expected.…”