Effects of soybean lecithin supplementation on growth performance, serum metabolites, ruminal fermentation and microbial flora of beef steers

Impact of dietary lysophospholipids supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, and lipid metabolism in finishing bulls fed diets varying in fatty acid saturation

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fatty acids (FA) saturation and lysophospholipids supplementation on growth, meat quality, oxidative stability, FA profiles, and lipid metabolism of finishing beef bulls. Thirty-two Angus bulls (initial body weight: 623 ± 22.6 kg; 21 ± 0.5 months of age) were used. The experiment was a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 2 diets with FA of different degree of unsaturation [high saturated FA diet (HSFA) vs. high unsaturated FA diet (HUFA)] combined with (0.075%, dry matter basis) and without lysophospholipids supplementation. The bulls were fed a high-concentrate diet (forage to concentrate, 15:85) for 104 d including a 14-d adaptation period and a 90-d data and sample collection period.

RESULTS

No interactions were observed between dietary FA and lysophospholipids supplementation for growth and meat quality parameters. A greater dietary ratio of unsaturated FA (UFA) to saturated FA (SFA) from 1:2 to 1:1 led to lower DM intake and backfat thickness, but did not affect growth performance and other carcass traits. Compared with HSFA, bulls fed HUFA had greater shear force in Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle, but had lower intramuscular fat (IMF) content and SOD content in LT muscle. Compared with HUFA, feeding the HSFA diet up-regulated expression of ACC, FAS, PPARγ, and SCD1, but down-regulated expression of CPT1B. Compared with feeding HSFA, the HUFA diet led to greater concentrations of c9-C18:1 and other monounsaturated FA in LT muscle. Feeding HUFA also led to lower plasma concentrations of cholesterol, but there were no interactions between FA and lysophospholipids detected. Feeding lysophospholipids improved growth and feed conversion ratio and altered meat quality by increasing muscle pH24h, redness values (24 h), IMF content, and concentrations of C18:3, C20:5 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, lysophospholipids supplementation led to lower malondialdehyde content and up-regulated the expression of ACC, FAS, and LPL in LT muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated that supplementing a high-concentrate diet with lysophospholipids to beef bulls can enhance growth rate, feed efficiency, meat quality, and beneficial FA. Increasing the dietary ratio of UFA to SFA reduced DM intake and backfat thickness without compromising growth, suggesting potential improvements in feed efficiency.

Effects of abomasal infusion of soybean or sunflower lecithin on nutrient digestibility and milk production in lactating dairy cows

The fatty acid (FA) and phospholipid composition of dietary lecithin may influence FA digestibility and milk production in cattle. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (99.4 ± 9.2 DIM; 48.9 ± 3.8 kg of milk/d) were enrolled in a 3 × 3 incomplete Latin square design with 3 treatments provided as continuous abomasal infusates spanning 14-d experimental periods: water (CON), soybean lecithin (SBL; 74.5 g of deoiled soy lecithin), or sunflower lecithin (SFL; 133.5 g of hydrolyzed sunflower lecithin). Cows were fed the same diet, which contained (% DM) 27.0% NDF, 15.6% CP, 26.2% starch, and 5.87% FA. Treatments did not modify BW, milk fat, protein, or lactose contents, or the efficiency of producing ECM. Cows infused with SFL had greater milk yields than those receiving SBL or CON treatments. Cows infused with SFL had higher total solids, protein, and lactose yields than cows receiving the SBL or CON treatments. Sunflower lecithin enhanced feed efficiency (milk yield/DMI) relative to SBL or CON. Treatment did not affect intakes or apparent total-tract digestibilities for NDF, CP, starch, or 16-carbon (16C) FA. Cows receiving SFL had greater total FA and 18-carbon (18C) FA intakes than SBL or CON, but treatments did not affect their digestibility. Milk FA composition was modified by treatment. Cows receiving SFL had a greater concentration of PUFA and lower concentrations of SFA and MUFA in milk relative to SBL or CON. In conclusion, the abomasal infusion of SFL improved milk production and milk FA composition, indicating potential benefits for dairy cow nutrition and milk quality.

Growth Performance, Dietary Energetics, Blood Metabolites, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Gene Expression of Lambs Supplemented with a Polyherbal Phytogenic Additive

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with a polyherbal phytogenic additive (PPA) on the productive performance, dietary energetics, blood metabolites, carcass traits, meat quality, and gene expression of finishing lambs. Thirty-six male Pelibuey lambs (23.61 ± 0.57 kg body weight (BW)) were housed in individual pens and assigned to four treatments (n = 9) with different doses of PPA: 0 (CON), 2.5 (PPAL), 5 (PPAM), and 7.5 (PPAH) g of PPA/kg of DM for 56 days. Average daily gain, dry matter intake, and observed dietary net energy for maintenance and weight gain increased linearly (p < 0.05) in lambs supplemented with PPAH. A linear reduction (p = 0.02) in FCR was detected in lambs fed PPAM and PPAH. The PPAH supplementation linearly increased (p < 0.001) Longissimus dorsi muscle area, but other carcass traits were not affected (p > 0.05) by PPA doses. The physicochemical characteristics of the meat and the hematological parameters of the lambs were not affected (p > 0.05) by the PPA doses. The glucose, uric acid, creatinine, and bilirubin serum concentrations decreased linearly (p < 0.05) in lambs supplemented with PPAM and PPAH. Gene ontology analyses showed that nine biological processes were modified (p < 0.05), including DNA replication, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, oxidative phosphorylation, and chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, high doses (7.5 g/kg DM) of PPA can improve growth performance and dietary energy utilization efficiency in finishing lambs. Likewise, gene expression analysis indicates that supplementation with high doses of PPA could improve energy production and antioxidant status in finishing lambs.

Advances in the composition, efficacy, and mimicking of human milk phospholipids

Phospholipids are the essential components of human milk, contributing to the enhancement of cognitive development, regulation of immune functions, and mitigation of elevated cholesterol levels. Infant formulas supplemented with phospholipids can change the composition, content, and globule membrane structure of milk lipids, improving their digestive properties and nutritional value. However, mimicking phospholipids in infant formulas is currently limited, and the supplemented standards of phospholipid species and amounts in infant formulas are unknown. Consequently, there is a significant difference between the phospholipids in infant formulas and those in human milk. This article reviews the recent progress in human milk phospholipid research, aiming to describe the composition, content, and positive effects of human milk phospholipids, as well as summarises the dietary sources of phospholipid supplementation and the current state of human milk phospholipid mimicking in infant formulas. This review provides clear directions for research on mimicking human milk phospholipids and evaluating the nutritional functions of phospholipids in infants.

A Review of the Rumen Microbiota and the Different Molecular Techniques Used to Identify Microorganisms Found in the Rumen Fluid of Ruminants

Variations in environments, including climate, diet, and agricultural practices, significantly impact the composition and microbial activity. A profound understanding of these adaptations allows for the improvement of nutrition and ruminant production. Therefore, this review aims to compile data from the literature on the rumen microbiota and molecular techniques for identifying the different types of microorganisms from the rumen fluid of ruminants. Analyzing the literature on rumen microbiology in different ruminants is complex due to microbial interactions, influenced by the environment and nutrition of these animals. In addition, it is worth noting that the genera of protozoa and fungi most evident in the studies used in this review on the microbiology of rumen fluid were Entodinium spp. and Aspergillus spp., respectively, and Fibrobacter spp. for bacteria. About the techniques used, it can be seen that DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing were the most cited in the studies evaluated. Therefore, this review describes what is present in the literature and provides an overview of the main microbial agents in the rumen and the molecular techniques used.

Dietary hydrolyzed soya lecithin affects feed intake, abundance of bacteria in the caecum, fatty acid composition and area of adipocytes in pre-mating primiparous V-line female rabbit

This study aimed at investigating the effect of hydrolyzed soya lecithin; also called lysolecithin or lysophosphatidylcholine, on growth performance, caecal microbiota and fat depots in pre-breeding primiparous rabbits does. For this, 60 V-Line primiparous rabbits does (5-6 months) were used in a 30-day experiment. Does were allotted into three iso-nitrogenous iso-caloric dietary treatments (n = 20/group) as follows: (1) CON received 0% soya lecithin, (2) LECL group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% soya lecithin and (3) LECH group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% soya lecithin. Growth performance indices were measured, caecum samples were collected for measurement of specific bacteria via qPCR, and several fat depots including periovarian fat were sampled for adipocyte morphometry and fatty acid profiling. Statistical analysis was performed using GLM procedures of SAS v9.4. Soya lecithin increased feed intake (p < 0.05). The abundance of caecal Bifidobacteria species, Ruminococcus species and phylum Butryvibrio-specific genes increased (p < 0.05) in rabbits receiving soya lecithin in their diet, soya lecithin increased the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous and perirenal fat (p < 0.05) and increased the level of monounsaturated fatty acids in periovarian fat (p < 0.05); additionally, the adipocyte area increased in periovarian and perirenal fat (p < 0.05). In conclusion, soya lecithin at a dose of 0.5% increased feed intake and energy storage in adipocytes and improved the fatty acid profile of periovarian fat.

Comparative assessment of emulsifiers for in vitro ruminal gas production and fermentation measurements: Tween 80 is a suitable emulsifier

Emulsifiers are essential for achieving a homogenous distribution of lipophilic supplements in in vitro rumen fluid incubations. Since emulsifiers can alter rumen fermentation, it is crucial to select one that minimally impacts fermentation parameters to reduce potential biases. This study aimed to evaluate seven emulsifiers' impact on in vitro ruminal fermentation using the Hohenheim Gas Test in order to identify the most inert emulsifier. Rumen fluids were collected from three non-lactating Original Brown-Swiss cannulated cows before morning feeding and incubated for 24 h with a basal diet in triplicates. The emulsifiers tested were ethanol, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, soy lecithin, and Tween® 80, each in two dosages (0.5% or 1% v/v). The untreated basal diet served as control. Compared to control, in vitro organic matter digestibility was enhanced by ethyl acetate (by 36.9 and 48.2%), ethylene glycol (by 20.6 and 20.1%), glycerol (by 46.9 and 56.8%) and soy lecithin (by 19.7 and 26.8%) at 0.5 and 1% dosage, respectively. Additionally, the 24-h methane production increased for ethanol (by 41.9 and 46.2%), ethylene glycol (by 50.5 and 51.5%), and glycerol (by 63.1 and 65.4%) for the 0.5 and 1% dosage, respectively, and 0.5% dosage for ethyl acetate (by 31.6%). The acetate molar proportion was 17.2%pt higher for ethyl acetate, and 25.5%pt lower for glycerol at 1% dosage, compared to the control. The propionate concentration was 22.1%pt higher 1% glycerol, and 15.2%pt and 15.1%pt higher for 0.5 and 1% propylene glycol, respectively, compared to the control. In summary, Tween® 80 did not significantly affect in vitro rumen fermentation parameters, making it the most suitable choice for in vitro incubations involving lipophilic substances in rumen fluid. Ethanol may be considered as an alternative emulsifier if methane production is not the variable of interest.

Dietary Soybean Lecithin Improves Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant Capability and Intestinal Barrier Functions in Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Juveniles

This study evaluated the effects of dietary soybean lecithin (SBL) on the growth, haematological indices, immunities, antioxidant capabilities, and inflammatory and intestinal barrier functions because little information of dietary SBL could be obtained in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The fish were fed identical diets except for SBL added at 0, 2, 4 and 8%. It was found that 4 and 8% SBL significantly increased fish weight gain and daily growth rate (p < 0.05), while 4% SBL was optimal for enhancing RBC, HGB, PLT, MCV, MCH, WBC and MON in blood, and ALB and ALP in serum (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) also significantly elevated the antioxidant enzymes activities of T-SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, GST and T-AOC and GSH contents; increased mRNA transcription levels of Nrf2, Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT, GR, GST3 and GPx3; and decreased MDA contents. Keap1a and Keap1b levels were markedly down-regulated (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) significantly enhanced levels of the immune factors (ACP, LZM and C3) and the mRNA expression levels of innate immune-related genes (C3, C4, CFD, HEPC and MHC-I) compared with the control groups (0%) (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) significantly increased IgM and T-NOS in the intestine (p < 0.05) and significantly decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1β and IFN-γ and increased TGF-β1 at both transcription and protein levels in the liver and intestine (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of MAPK13, MAPK14 and NF-κB P65 were significantly decreased in the intestine in the 4% SBL groups (p < 0.05). Histological sections also demonstrated that 4% SBL protected intestinal morphological structures compared with controls. This included increased intestinal villus height and muscular thickness (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the intestinal epithelial cell tight junction proteins (TJs) (ZO-1, claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-5, claudin-23 and claudin-34) and mucin-5AC were significantly up-regulated in the 4% SBL groups compared with the controls (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggested that 4% dietary SBL could not only improve growth, haematological indices, antioxidant capabilities, immune responses and intestinal functions, but also alleviate inflammatory responses, thereby providing reference information for the feed formulations in cultured largemouth bass.

Recent advances in feed and nutrition of beef cattle in China - A review

The beef cattle industry in China has advanced remarkably since its reform and opening up; consequently, China has become the world's third-largest beef cattle producer. China is also one of the countries with the most substantial research input and output in the field of beef cattle feed and nutrition. The progress and innovation by China in the research field of beef cattle feed and nutrition have undoubtedly promoted the development of the domestic beef cattle industry. This review summarizes recent advances in feed resource development, nutrient requirements, and nutritional regulation of beef cattle in China. Limitations in current research and perspectives on future work are also discussed.

Effects of fermented feed of Pennisetum giganteum on growth performance, oxidative stress, immunity and gastrointestinal microflora of Boer goats under thermal stress

Introduction

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermented feed of Pennisetum giganteum (P. giganteum) on growth performance, oxidative stress, immunity and gastrointestinal microflora of Boer goats under thermal stress.

Methods

The study was conducted during 45 days using twenty 2 months Boer goats. The goats were randomly allocated into two groups: NPG (n = 10; normal P. giganteum) and FPG (n = 10; fermented feed of P. giganteum), and the ratio of concentrates to roughage was 3:2. Both groups of animals were kept in sheds and exposed to summer thermal stress from 10:00 h to 18:00 h (temperature and humidity index, THI > 78). At the end of the study, the animals were slaughtered and assessed for various characteristics.

Results

The findings from the study revealed that FPG-feeding significantly increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG, 48.18 g) and carcass weight (4.38 kg), while decreased (p < 0.01) average daily feed intake (ADFI, 0.74 kg/d; p < 0.01) and the feed:gain (F/G, 15.36) ratio. The CAT, GSH-Px activities and GSH in serum, liver and spleen, and the levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-1β in serum of FPG-fed goats were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of NPG-feeding goats. Further, we found that FPG feed is rich in nutrients with Lactobacillus (65.83%) and Weissella (17.80%). Results for gastrointestinal microbiota composition showed that FPG-feeding significantly enhanced the abundance of Lactobacillus and unidentified Clostridiales, and reduced Anaerovibrio and Methanobrevibacter. Meanwhile, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that these microbiotas were closely related to the improvement of oxidative stress and immune indexes of goats.

Discussion

These results demonstrated that FPG-feeding not only reduces oxidative stress and improves ROS clearance to enhance antioxidant defense system, but also improves gastrointestinal microbiota to enhance immune function by overcoming the adverse effects of heat stress, and further improve growth performance of goats.

Species Differences in Tryptophan Metabolism and Disposition

Major species differences in tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and disposition exist with important physiological, functional and toxicity implications. Unlike mammalian and other species in which plasma Trp exists largely bound to albumin, teleosts and other aquatic species possess little or no albumin, such that Trp entry into their tissues is not hampered, neither is that of environmental chemicals and toxins, hence the need for strict measures to safeguard their aquatic environments. In species sensitive to toxicity of excess Trp, hepatic Trp 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) lacks the free apoenzyme and its glucocorticoid induction mechanism. These species, which are largely herbivorous, however, dispose of Trp more rapidly and their TDO is activated by smaller doses of Trp than Trp-tolerant species. In general, sensitive species may possess a higher indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity which equips them to resist immune insults up to a point. Of the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway beyond TDO and IDO, 2-amino-3-carboxymuconic acid-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) determines the extent of progress of the pathway towards NAD⁺ synthesis and its activity varies across species, with the domestic cat (Felis catus) being the leading species possessing the highest activity, hence its inability to utilise Trp for NAD⁺ synthesis. The paucity of current knowledge of Trp metabolism and disposition in wild carnivores, invertebrates and many other animal species described here underscores the need for further studies of the physiology of these species and its interaction with Trp metabolism.

Effects of Dietary Lysophospholipid Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Utilization, and Blood Metabolites of Finishing Beef Cattle

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with lysophospholipids (LPLs) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites of finishing beef cattle. In total, 40 Angus beef bulls were blocked for body weight (447 ± 9.64 kg) and age (420 ± 6.1 days) and randomly assigned to one of four treatments (10 beef cattle per treatment): (1) control (CON; basal diet); (2) LLPL (CON supplemented with 0.012% dietary LPL, dry matter (DM) basis); (3) MLPL (CON supplemented with 0.024% dietary LPL, DM basis); and (4) HLPL (CON supplemented with 0.048% dietary LPLs, DM basis). The results showed that dietary supplementation with LPLs linearly increased the average daily gain (p < 0.01), digestibility of DM (p < 0.01), crude protein (p < 0.01), and ether extract (p < 0.01) and decreased the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01). A linear increase in N retention (p = 0.01) and a decrease in urinary (p = 0.04) and fecal N (p = 0.02) levels were observed with increasing the supplemental doses of LPLs. Bulls fed LPLs showed a linear increase in glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.04) and hepatic lipase (p < 0.01) activity and a decrease in cholesterol (p < 0.01), triglyceride (p < 0.01), and malondialdehyde (p < 0.01) levels. In conclusion, supplementation with LPLs has the potential to improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status of beef cattle.