Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) Fruit Powder as a Supplement to Improve Preweaning Dairy Calves’ Health: Effect on Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, and Gut Bacterial Diversity

Abstract

Disease is the main reason for the use of antimicrobials in calf rearing, and antibiotics are commonly used to treat calves, including for unknown diseases. This leads to antimicrobial resistance, which is a challenge to the livestock industry and public health. Plant products containing high levels of phytochemicals may improve the immunity and resistance of calves against infections, thereby reducing the use of antimicrobials. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) fruit powder (PE) supplementation on antioxidant capacity and immune response of preweaning dairy calves. One hundred, 2-day-old, male Holstein calves were randomly assigned into five treatment groups receiving 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 g/d PE supplementation. Antioxidant and immune indices and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed from serum samples, whereas 16S rRNA was analyzed from rumen fluid and fecal samples. PE supplementation, at 5 g/d, protected calves against oxidative stress and improved antioxidant enzymes and immune and anti-inflammatory responses, showing its immunity-enhancing and protective roles against infections. However, the antioxidant capacity and immune response decreased with increasing PE levels, illustrating the adverse effects of PE supplementation at higher doses. The analysis of ruminal and fecal bacterial community abundance detected higher proportions of Firmicutes at an early age, and a higher Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio at weaning, in calves supplemented with 5 g/d PE. This contributed to the development of the immune system in early life, and improved immune and anti-inflammatory responses at a later age. The overall results suggest that PE could be supplemented at 5 g/d for preweaning dairy calves to protect against oxidative stress and infections while maintaining normal gut microbial hemostasis.

The effect of Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) fruit supplementation on the rumen microbiota and its correlation with rumen fermentation in dairy cows

“…In a companion study ( Tilahun et al, 2022a , b ), the inclusion of fresh Amla fruit in dairy cow diets affected protozoa, acetate, propionate, ammonia-N concentration, milk nitrogen efficiency, milk yield, desirable milk fatty acid, and antioxidant capacity. In addition, in our laboratory work, the supplementation of Amla fruit powder at 5 g per day improved the antioxidant capacity and immune response of preweaning dairy calves ( Nguse et al, 2022 ). Research findings suggest that the rumen bacterial population is associated with production performance in dairy cows, including milk quality and feed efficiency ( Wang G. et al, 2023 ).…”

The immunomodulatory role of withania somnifera (L.) dunal in inflammatory diseases

“…The energizing fruit Phyllanthus emblica, often known as Indian gooseberry, gives the body its lost vigor and energy back. Amla is a very healthy fruit that is high in tannins, vitamin C, alkaloids, flavonoids including gallic acid, emblicanin A and B, phyllatidine, and phyllatine (Nguse et al, 2022). In addition to acting as an antiplatelet agent, vasodilator, and antiatherogenic, they have antiastringent, antidyspeptic, anticolitis, hemorrhoidal, hematuria, hepatoprotective, anti-aging, and gastroprotective effects (Hashem-Dabaghian et al, 2018).…”

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidative Potential of Herbs and Fruits in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Beyond Medications

“…Amla's rich antioxidant content, particularly vitamin C and polyphenols, combats oxidative stress, a key factor in IBD progression (34). The fruit's anti-inflammatory effects also play a significant role, influencing genetic expression related to oxidative stress and inflammation, thus showcasing its natural efficacy in IBD management (35).…”