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Vastolo A, Mora B, Kiatti DD, Nocerino M, Haroutounian S, Baka RD, Ligda P, Cutrignelli MI, Niderkorn V, Calabrò S. Assessment of the effect of agro-industrial by-products rich in polyphenols on in vitro fermentation and methane reduction in sheep. Front Vet Sci 2025; 12:1530419. [PMID: 39950086 PMCID: PMC11821959 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1530419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to evaluate, using the in vitro gas production technique, the effect of including eight agro-industrial by-products (carob, grape, two types of olive pomace, citrus pulp, tomato, and hazelnut skin) on fermentation end-products, ruminal degradability, and methane production in sheep diets. Methods The by-products were included at 10% dry matter in the control (CTR) diet, commonly adopted for adult sheep (80% natural grassland and 20% concentrate), and incubated at 39°C under anaerobic conditions. Result and discussion After 24 h of the incubation, the organic matter degradability (OMD24h) and methane production were assessed. After 120 h of the incubation, the organic matter degradability (OMD120h), volume of gas produced (OMCV), fermentation kinetics, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and ammonia were evaluated. Dunnett's test was used to compare the differences between the control and experimental diets, and multivariate analysis was performed to highlight the differences among the diets based on their in vitro characteristics. The results indicated that the inclusion of the by-products decreased the degradability and increased gas production after 120 h of the incubation. The by-products from the hazelnuts, citrus, grapes, and tomatoes significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the methane production, whereas the pomegranate, grape, 3-phase olive cake, tomato, and hazelnut by-products significantly (p < 0.001) increased the acetate production. The multivariate analysis showed that the butyrate concentration was a determining factor in the differences between the diets. The concentration of polyphenols in the selected agro-industrial by-products could modify fermentation parameters and metabolic pathways, leading to reduced methane production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Vastolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Blandine Mora
- NRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Dieu donné Kiatti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Nocerino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Serkos Haroutounian
- Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rania D. Baka
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO) – DIMITRA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Ligda
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO) – DIMITRA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Vincent Niderkorn
- NRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Serena Calabrò
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Tassone S, Kaihara H, Barbera S, Glorio Patrucco S, Issaoui R, Abid K. Low-Density Polyethylene Microplastics in the Rumen: Implications for Rumen Fermentation Dynamics and Utilization of Concentrate Feed. Animals (Basel) 2025; 15:297. [PMID: 39943067 PMCID: PMC11815983 DOI: 10.3390/ani15030297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2024] [Revised: 01/08/2025] [Accepted: 01/20/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant environmental threat, infiltrating livestock systems. This study presents the first in vitro investigation of the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MP contamination on rumen fermentation dynamics and feed utilization in a simulated ruminal digestive system. Concentrate feed was incubated in buffered rumen fluid collected from lambs, supplemented with LDPE MPs at concentrations of 3.3 g/L and 6.6 g/L and compared to the concentrate incubated in the buffered rumen fluid without MP contamination. The results demonstrate that both levels of LDPE MPs significantly altered rumen fermentation dynamics by reducing asymptotic gas production by 11% and 15% and increasing the constant rate of gas production by 16% and 19% at low and high addition levels, respectively, compared to the control. However, the early-stage fermentation dynamics remained unaffected. Furthermore, both levels of LDPE MPs reduced rumen protozoal populations (20% and 23%) and ammonia-nitrogen levels by 11% at both of addition levels. Despite these disruptions, rumen pH remained unaffected. Increasing the addition level of LDPE from 3.3 to 6.6 g/L did not exacerbate the disruptions. The results of this study highlight the potential risks posed by LDPE MPs in ruminal nutrition. Further in vivo investigations are essential to validate these findings and assess their impact on animal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Tassone
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (H.K.); (S.B.); (S.G.P.); (K.A.)
| | - Hatsumi Kaihara
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (H.K.); (S.B.); (S.G.P.); (K.A.)
| | - Salvatore Barbera
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (H.K.); (S.B.); (S.G.P.); (K.A.)
| | - Sara Glorio Patrucco
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (H.K.); (S.B.); (S.G.P.); (K.A.)
| | | | - Khalil Abid
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (H.K.); (S.B.); (S.G.P.); (K.A.)
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3
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Abid K, Aroua M, Barbera S, Patrucco S, Kaihara H, Mahouachi M, Saïd S, Tassone S. Effect of Microplastic Contamination on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Feed Degradability. Anim Sci J 2025; 96:e70063. [PMID: 40426307 PMCID: PMC12117172 DOI: 10.1111/asj.70063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2025] [Revised: 04/03/2025] [Accepted: 04/22/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of microplastic (MP) contamination on rumen fermentation dynamics and concentrate degradability using an in vitro model with lamb rumen fluid. Three types of MPs-polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyamide (PA)-were tested at contamination levels of 0%, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 1.8% of dry matter. MP contamination significantly disrupted rumen fermentation dynamics, reduced feed degradability, increased gas production, accelerated fermentation rates, and shortened the lag time before gas production (p < 0.05). Additionally, MPs impaired microbial efficiency, increased ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) levels, decreased rumen protozoa populations, and reduced concentrate degradability (p < 0.05). LDPE exhibited the most severe effects, causing the highest increases in gas production and NH₃-N levels (15% and 12%, respectively at LDPE highest dose) while decreasing microbial efficiency, protozoa count, and feed degradability (16.0%, 16.4%, and 4.5%, respectively at LDPE highest dose). The severity of MPs' impacts followed a significant linear trend, with higher concentrations leading to more pronounced negative effects. The findings highlight MPs as significant emerging pollutants that can adversely affect rumen function and animal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Abid
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food SciencesUniversity of TurinGrugliascoTurinItaly
| | - Mohamed Aroua
- Laboratoire d'Appui à la Durabilité des Systèmes de Production au Nord‐OuestEcole Supérieure d'Agriculture du Kef, University of JendoubaLe KefTunisia
| | - Salvatore Barbera
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food SciencesUniversity of TurinGrugliascoTurinItaly
| | - Sara Glorio Patrucco
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food SciencesUniversity of TurinGrugliascoTurinItaly
| | - Hatsumi Kaihara
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food SciencesUniversity of TurinGrugliascoTurinItaly
| | - Mokhtar Mahouachi
- Laboratoire d'Appui à la Durabilité des Systèmes de Production au Nord‐OuestEcole Supérieure d'Agriculture du Kef, University of JendoubaLe KefTunisia
| | - Samia Ben Saïd
- Laboratoire d'Appui à la Durabilité des Systèmes de Production au Nord‐OuestEcole Supérieure d'Agriculture du Kef, University of JendoubaLe KefTunisia
| | - Sonia Tassone
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food SciencesUniversity of TurinGrugliascoTurinItaly
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Manoni M, Gschwend F, Amelchanka S, Terranova M, Pinotti L, Widmer F, Silacci P, Tretola M. Gallic and Ellagic Acids Differentially Affect Microbial Community Structures and Methane Emission When Using a Rumen Simulation Technique. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:27163-27176. [PMID: 39588639 PMCID: PMC11638960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c06214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 11/19/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024]
Abstract
Dietary tannins can affect rumen microbiota and enteric fermentation to mitigate methane emissions, although such effects have not yet been fully elucidated. We tested two subunits of hydrolyzable tannins named gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA), alone (75 mg/g DM each) or combined (150 mg/g DM in total), using the Rusitec system. EA and EA+GA treatments decreased methane production, volatile fatty acids, nutrient degradation, relative abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens but increased Selenomonas ruminantium. EA and EA+GA increased urolithins A and B. Also, EA and EA+GA reduced bacterial richness, with limited effects on archaeal richness. For bacteria, Megasphaera elsdenii was more abundant after EA and EA+GA, while Methanomethylophilaceae dominated archaea in all treatments. EA was more effective than GA in altering rumen microbiota and fermentation but GA did not reduce VFA and nutrient degradation. Thus, dietary supplementation of EA-plant extracts for ruminants may be considered to mitigate enteric methane, although a suitable dosage must be ensured to minimize the negative effects on fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Manoni
- Department
of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, Lodi 26900 Italy
| | | | | | | | - Luciano Pinotti
- Department
of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, Lodi 26900 Italy
- CRC
Innovation For Well-Being And Environment (I-WE), University of Milan, Milan, 20134 Italy
| | - Franco Widmer
- Molecular
Ecology, Agroscope, Zurich 8046, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Silacci
- Paolo
Silacci − Animal Biology, Agroscope, Posieux 1725, Switzerland
| | - Marco Tretola
- Swine Research
Group, Agroscope, Posieux 1725, Switzerland
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Romanzin A, Braidot M, Beraldo P, Spanghero M. Rumen fermentation parameters and papillae development in Simmental growing bulls with divergent residual feed intake. Animal 2024; 18:101149. [PMID: 38663151 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Residual feed intake (RFI), a widespread index used to measure animal feed efficiency, is influenced by various individual biological factors related to inter-animal variation that need to be assessed. Herein, 30 Simmental bulls, raised under the same farm conditions, were divided on the basis of RFI values into a high efficient group (HE, RFI = - 1.18 ± 0.33 kg DM/d, n = 15) and a low efficient group (LE, RFI = 0.92 ± 0.35 kg DM/d, n = 15). Subsequently, bulls were slaughtered at an average BW of 734 ± 39.4 kg. Their ruminal fermentation traits were analysed immediately after slaughtering and after 24 h of in vitro incubation. Furthermore, ruminal micro-biota composition and ruminal papillae morphology were examined. The LE group exhibited a higher propionate concentration as a percentage of total volatile fatty acids (17.3 vs 16.1%, P = 0.04) in the rumen fluid collected during slaughtering, which was also confirmed after in vitro fermentation (16.6 vs 15.4% respectively for LE and HE, P = 0.01). This phenomenon resulted in a significant alteration in the acetate-to-propionate ratio (A:P) with higher values for the HE group, both after slaughter (4.01 vs 3.66, P = 0.02) and after in vitro incubation (3.78 vs 3.66, P = 0.02). Methane production was similar in both groups either as absolute production (227 vs 218 mL for HE and LE, respectively) or expressed as a percentage of total gas (approximately 22%). Even if significant differences (P < 0.20) in the relative abundance of some bacterial genera were observed for the two RFI groups, no significant variations were observed in the alpha (Shannon index) and beta (Bray-Curtis index) diversity. Considering the papillae morphology, the LE subjects have shown higher length values (6.26 vs 4.90 mm, P < 0.01) while HE subjects have demonstrated higher papillae density (46.4 vs 40.5 n/cm2, P = 0.02). Histo-morphometric analysis did not reveal appreciable modifications in the total papilla thickness, boundaries or surface between the experimental groups. In conclusion, our results contribute to efforts to analyse the factors affecting feed efficiency at the ruminal level. Propionate production, papillae morphology and a few bacterial genera certainly play a role in this regard, although not a decisive one.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Romanzin
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio, 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - M Braidot
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio, 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - P Beraldo
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio, 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - M Spanghero
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio, 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Spanghero M, Braidot M, Sarnataro C, Fabro C, Piani B, Gallo A. In vitro aflatoxins recovery after changing buffer or protozoa concentrations in the rumen fermentation fluid. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2023; 107:1311-1319. [PMID: 37016476 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
This study simulates in vitro the effects of (i) rumen acidity and (ii) change in rumen protozoa numbers on the recovery of aflatoxins (AFs). Two 24-h fermentation experiments were carried out using the same batch in vitro fermentation systems and substrate (dried corn meal) containing 11.42, 2.42, 7.65 and 1.70 µg/kg of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 respectively. In Experiment 1, two buffer concentrations (normal salts dosage or lowered to 25%) were tested. Buffer reduction decreased gas production (730 vs. 1101 mL, p < 0.05), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and NH3 concentrations in the fermentation liquid (39.8 vs. 46.3 mmol/L, and 31.7 vs. 46.5 mg/dL respectively, p < 0.01). Recovery of all four AFs types was higher (p < 0.01) in the reduced buffer fermentation fluid, both as a percentage of total AF incubated (73.6% vs. 62.5%, 45.9% vs. 38.1%, 33.6% vs. 17.9% and 18.9% vs. 6.24% for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 respectively) and as amounts relative to VFA production (163.4 vs. 123.5, 22.1 vs. 15.7, 48.8 vs. 22.5 and 6.16 vs. 1.86 ng/100 mmol of VFA, for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 respectively). In Experiment 2, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni extracts (S) or a Camphor essential oil (Cam) were added to fermenters and compared to the control (no additives, C). S and Cam addition resulted in a 25% reduction (p < 0.05) and a 15% increase (p < 0.05) in protozoa counts respectively, when compared to C. Both plant additives slightly reduced (p < 0.05) AFB1 recovery as a percentage of total AFB1 incubated (68.5% and 67.7% vs. 74.9% for S, Cam and C respectively). Recoveries of all other AFs were unaffected by the additives. In conclusion, the rumen in vitro AFB1 recovery (63%-75%) was higher than other AFs (3%-46%) and the acidic fermentation environment increased it. In our conditions, changes in protozoa numbers did not affect AFs recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Spanghero
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Animal Science (DI4A), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Matteo Braidot
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Animal Science (DI4A), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Chiara Sarnataro
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Animal Science (DI4A), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Carla Fabro
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Animal Science (DI4A), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Barbara Piani
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environment and Animal Science (DI4A), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Antonio Gallo
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
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Wang X, Bai C, Khas Erdene, Umair AM, Cao Q, Ao C, Jiang L. Potential modulating effects of Allium mongolicum regel ethanol extract on rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation bacteria of dairy cows in vitro. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1272691. [PMID: 38029125 PMCID: PMC10643186 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1272691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential modulating effects of Allium mongolicum regel ethanol extract (AME) on rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation (BH) bacteria in vitro. Four Holstein cows were used as donors for the rumen fluid used in this study. In experiment 1, five treatments (supplemented with 0 mg/g, 1 mg/g, 2 mg/g, 3 mg/g, and 4 mg/g of AME based on fermentation substrate, respectively) were conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of AME on fermentation status in vitro. The results showed that after 24 h of fermentation, MCP was reduced with AME supplementation (p < 0.05), and the multiple combinations of different combinations index (MFAEI) value was the highest with 3 mg/g of AME. In experiment 2, six treatments were constructed which contained: control group (A1); the unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) mixture at 3% concentration (A2); the mixture of A2 and 3 mg/g of AME (A3); 3 mg/g of AME (A4); the UFA mixture at 1.5% concentration (A5); the mixture of A5 and 3 mg/g of AME (A6). The abundance of bacterial species involved in BH was measured to evaluate the potential modulating effect of AME on rumen BH in vitro. Compared with the A1 group, the A3, A4, and A6 groups both showed significant decreases in the abundance of rumen BH microbial flora including Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Ruminococcus albus and Clostridium aminophilum (p < 0.01). The A3 group was less inhibitory than A4 in the abundance of B. proteoclasticus, B. fibrisolvens, and R. albus, and the inhibitory effect of the A6 group was higher than that of A4. In conclusion, the supplementation with 3 mg/g of AME could modulate the rumen fermentation and affect BH key bacteria, which suggests that AME may have the potential to inhibit the rumen BH of dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoYuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Universities, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chen Bai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Universities, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Khas Erdene
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Universities, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ashraf Muhammad Umair
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Universities, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - QiNa Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Universities, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - ChangJin Ao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Universities, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - LinShu Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Dairy Cattle Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
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Bach A, Elcoso G, Escartín M, Spengler K, Jouve A. Modulation of milking performance, methane emissions, and rumen microbiome on dairy cows by dietary supplementation of a blend of essential oils. Animal 2023; 17:100825. [PMID: 37196578 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle represent a high contribution of the livestock's greenhouse gas emissions, mainly in the form of methane. Essential oils are a group of plant secondary metabolites obtained from volatile fractions of plants that have been shown to exert changes in the rumen fermentation and may alter feed efficiency and to reduce methane production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect on rumen microbial population, CH4 emissions and milking performance of a mixture of essential oils (Agolin Ruminant, Switzerland) incorporated daily in the ration of dairy cattle. Forty Holstein cows (644 ± 63.5 kg of BW producing 41.2 ± 6.44 kg/d of milk with 190 ± 28.3 DIM) were divided into two treatments (n = 20) for 13 wk and housed in a single pen equipped with electronic feeding gates to control access to feed and monitor individual DM intake (DMI) on a daily basis. Treatments consisted of no supplementation (Control) or supplementation of 1 g/d of a blend of essential oils (BEOs) fed in the TMR. Individual milk production was recorded using electronic milk meters on a daily basis. Methane emissions were recorded using sniffers at the exit of the milking parlour. At day 64 of the study, a sample of rumen fluid was collected from 12 cows per treatment after the morning feeding using a stomach tube. There were no differences in DMI, milk yield, or milk composition between the two treatments. However, cows on BEO exhaled less CH4 (444 ± 12.5 l/d) than cows on Control (479 ± 12.5 l/d), and exhaled less (P < 0.05) CH4/kg of DM consumed (17.6 vs 20.1 ± 0.53 l/kg, respectively) from the first week of study, with no interaction with time, which suggests a fast action of BEO of CH4 emissions. Rumen relative abundance of Entodonium increased, and those of Fusobacteria, Chytridiomycota, Epidinium, and Mogibacterium decreased in BEO compared with Control cows. Supplementing 1 g/d of BEO reduces CH4 emissions on absolute terms (l/d) and diminishes the amount of CH4 produced by unit of DM consumed by cows relatively soon after the first supplementation, and the effect is sustained over time without impacting intake or milking performance.
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Battelli M, Colombini S, Parma P, Galassi G, Crovetto GM, Spanghero M, Pravettoni D, Zanzani SA, Manfredi MT, Rapetti L. In vitro effects of different levels of quebracho and chestnut tannins on rumen methane production, fermentation parameters, and microbiota. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1178288. [PMID: 37152691 PMCID: PMC10154982 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1178288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Both condensed and hydrolysable tannins (CTs and HTs, respectively) have the ability to reduce enteric CH4 production in ruminants. However, the precise mechanism of action is not fully understood. Among the proposed hypotheses are the reduction of ruminal digestibility, direct control action on protozoa, reduction of archaea, and a hydrogen sink mechanism. In this in vitro study, which simulated rumen fermentation, two additives, one containing CTs (70% based on DM) from quebracho and one with HTs (75% based on DM) from chestnut, at four levels of inclusion (2, 4, 6, 8% on an as-fed basis) were added to the fermentation substrate and tested against a negative control. Both types of tannins significantly reduced total gas (GP) and CH4 (ml/g DM) production during the 48 h of incubation. The lower GP and CH4 production levels were linked to the reduction in dry matter digestibility caused by CTs and HTs. Conversely, no significant differences were observed for the protozoan and archaeal populations, suggesting a low direct effect of tannins on these rumen microorganisms in vitro. However, both types of tannins had negative correlations for the families Bacteroidales_BS11 and F082 and positive correlations for the genera Prevotella and Succinivibrio. Regarding the fermentation parameters, no differences were observed for pH and total volatile fatty acid production, while both CTs and HTs linearly reduced the NH3 content. CTs from quebracho were more effective in reducing CH4 production than HTs from chestnut. However, for both types of tannins, the reduction in CH4 production was always associated with a lower digestibility without any changes in archaea or protozoa. Due to the high variability of tannins, further studies investigating the chemical structure of the compounds and their mechanisms of action are needed to understand the different results reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Battelli
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Colombini
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Parma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Galassi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Matteo Crovetto
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Spanghero
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Davide Pravettoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | | | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Luca Rapetti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Rapetti,
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