Effect of tanniniferous Terminalia chebula extract on rumen biohydrogenation, ∆9-desaturase activity, CLA content and fatty acid composition in longissimus dorsi muscle of kids

Dietary supplementation of Aloe vera extract modulates rumen microbes and improves the functional food value of milk by altering phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and fatty acid profile in lactating goats

Twenty-four cross-breed (Alpine × Beetal) lactating goats (average body weight: 37.5 ± 2.7 kg and milk yield: 1.78 ± 0.31 kg/day) were chosen for the ninety days duration of the experiment and divided into three groups following a completely randomized design. Group I acted as control (T0) and received only a basal diet as per requirement, whereas group II (T1) and group III (T2) received basal diet added with Aloe vera extract at 2% and 4% of dry matter intake (DMI), respectively. Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and milk antioxidant status were higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than T0. Relative abundance of methanogen, protozoa, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, and Ruminococcus flavefaciens in the rumen were lower, while Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens population was higher (p < 0.05) in T2 and T1 compared to T0. Saturated fatty acids levels in milk were lower, whereas different polyunsaturated fatty acids levels were higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than T0. Nutritional indices of milk increased in both supplemented groups. Overall, it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of Aloe vera extract at 2% and 4% of DMI may enhance the functional characteristics of milk by boosting TPC and antioxidant status, as well as the FA profile and nutritional quality indices of milk fat.

Tannin in Ruminant Nutrition: Review

Tannins are polyphenols characterized by different molecular weights that plants are able to synthetize during their secondary metabolism. Macromolecules (proteins, structural carbohydrates and starch) can link tannins and their digestion can decrease. Tannins can be classified into two groups: hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins. Tannins are polyphenols, which can directly or indirectly affect intake and digestion. Their ability to bind molecules and form complexes depends on the structure of polyphenols and on the macromolecule involved. Tannins have long been known to be an "anti-nutritional agent" in monogastric and poultry animals. Using good tannins' proper application protocols helped the researchers observe positive effects on the intestinal microbial ecosystem, gut health, and animal production. Plant tannins are used as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics, and many factors have been described by researchers which contribute to the variability in their efficiencies. The objective of this study was to review the literature about tannins, their effects and use in ruminant nutrition.

Effect of Autochthonous Nepalese Fruits on Nutrient Degradation, Fermentation Kinetics, Total Gas Production, and Methane Production in In-Vitro Rumen Fermentation

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of autochthonous Nepalese fruits on nutrient degradation, fermentation kinetics, total gas production, and methane production in in-vitro rumen fermentation. The fruits of Terminalia chebula (HA), Terminalia bellirica (BA), and Triphala churna (TC), a commercial mixture with equal parts (33.3% DM basis) of Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica, and Terminalia chebula, were used. These were tested at three inclusion levels of 20% 40% and 100% of the total sample (as dry matter) in maize silage (MS). MS was used as a control (0% additive). These 10 treatments were tested for two 48-h incubations with quadruplicate samples using rumen fluid from 2 heifers. Total gas production (TGP: mL at standard temperature and pressure (STP)/g DM), methane production (expressed as % and mL/g DM), and volatile fatty acids were determined. After incubations, the filtrate was used to measure pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA), while the residue was used to measure degraded dry matter (dDM) and calculate the partitioning factor (PF48) and theoretical short-chain fatty acid concentration (tVFA). Rumen fluid pH linearly (p < 0.01) decreased in all treatments with increasing dose during fermentation. The CH4% was less in all three treatments with 100% autochthonous plants than in control, but there were no significant linear or quadratic effects for increasing BA, HA, and TC doses. The PF48 increased for all treatments with a significant linear and quadratic effect (p < 0.05) of increasing dose. Compared to MS, the inclusion of autochthonous plants increased the total volatile fatty acids, with no significant dose effects. The tVFA linearly decreased (p > 0.05) with an increasing dose of BA and HA. All treatments showed quadratic effects on tVFA (p < 0.05) with increasing dose. Increasing TC dose linearly (p < 0.05) and quadratically (p < 0.05) increased total VFA, while increasing HA dose had only a quadratic (p < 0.05) effect on total VFA. All treatments reduced total gas production (TGP) and methane concentration (CH4%) when compared to MS. The tested autochthonous fruits can be used as additives with a basal feed diet to reduce enteric methane emissions. The most effective anti-methanogenic treatment was 40% HA, which resulted in 18% methane reduction.

Effects of Purple Corn Anthocyanin on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Muscle Antioxidant Status, and Fatty Acid Profiles in Goats

This study was conducted to examine the effect of purple corn anthocyanin on performance, meat quality, muscle antioxidant activity, antioxidant gene expression, and fatty acid profiles in goats. The feeding trial period lasted 74 d. The adaptation period was 14 d, and the formal experimental period was 60 d. Eighteen Qianbei-pockmarked goats (Guizhou native goat breed; body weight, 21.38 ± 1.61 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly allotted into three equal groups, including a control with no purple corn pigment (PCP) and groups receiving either 0.5 g/d PCP or 1.0 g/d PCP. The inclusion of PCP did not affect (p > 0.05) the dry matter intake, average daily gain, or feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. The addition of PCP reduced (p < 0.05) shear force in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LTL) during the growth phase of the goats. Goats receiving PCP showed higher (p < 0.05) levels of reduced glutathione, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity and peroxidase in LTL compared to the control. Moreover, compared to the control, the PCP group displayed lower (p < 0.05) concentrations of 12:0, C16:0, and total saturated fatty acids, but increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of various unsaturated fatty acids, including C18:1n9, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, C18:2n6 cis, C20:3n6, C22:5n3, C22:6n3, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The abundance of nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2, superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione peroxidase 1, and catalase was upregulated (p < 0.05) in the LTL of goats receiving 0.5 g/d PCP in comparison to the other groups. Collectively, result of the current study indicated that PCP anthocyanin could be used as a source of natural functional additive because anthocyanin-rich PCP has the potential to improve meat quality and enhance muscle antioxidant status as well as improve the proportions of PUFAs in goat muscle.

Comparison of the Effect of Synthetic (Tannic Acid) or Natural (Oak Bark Extract) Hydrolysable Tannins Addition on Fatty Acid Profile in the Rumen of Sheep

The aim of the study was to compare two sources of tannins on fatty acids (FA) composition in rumen. Treatments were (g tannins/kg diet as-feed-basis) as follows: (1) no supplemental tannin addition (CON), (2) addition of 13 g of oak bark extract (OAK), and (3) 4 g of tannic acid (TAN). The basal diet contained 55:45 forage to concentrate ratio. Net consumption of tannins (g/d) was 4 g for both tannins sources. The study was performed on three Polish Mountain ewes fitted with rumen cannulas, and was divided into three experimental periods (I, II, and III). Both sampling time and animal diet had a significant effect on FA profile in the rumen fluid. In general, FA concentrations were higher before feeding in comparison to samples collected 2 and 4 h after feeding. In terms of dietary effect, it was shown that TAN addition had a greater influence on FA profile in the ruminal fluid than the OAK diet. Briefly, in the TAN group significantly increased concentrations of C18:2 c9c12 (linoleic acid, LA) 8 h after feeding (vs. control, CON and OAK), C18:3 c9c12c15 (α-linolenic acid, LNA) 4 h after feeding (vs. OAK), C20:3 n-6 before feeding (vs. CON), C20:4 before feeding (vs. CON and OAK) and 8 h after feeding (vs. OAK) were recorded. In contrast, OAK addition significantly reduced C20:3 n-6 concentration 2 h after feeding (vs. CON). In conclusion, increased concentrations of both LA and LNA in the rumen indicated that supplemental tannic acid may inhibit the initial stage of FA biohydrogenation in the rumen.

Influence of ferulic acid and clinoptilolite supplementation on growth performance, carcass, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of finished lambs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ferulic acid (FA) and clinoptilolite (CTL) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of hair-breed lambs. Twenty-eight Kathadin male lambs (33.72 ± 3.4 kg) were randomly allocated to one of the four diets (n=7) under a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effect of FA (0 or 300 ppm) and CTL (0% or 1%) during the last 40 days of the finishing phase. No interaction between additives was shown for growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality, with exception of the fatty acid profile (p < 0.05). FA reduced feed intake and carcass conformation (p < 0.05). Wholesale cuts were not affected by FA or CTL (p > 0.05). The L*, a*, and C* color parameters and some intramuscular fatty acids of the longissimus thoracis muscle were positively modified by CTL supplementation (p < 0.05). While there was no FA × CTL interaction, each additive could be used individually in animal nutrition to improve the feedlot performance and meat quality of the lambs.

Supplementation of Aloe vera extract in lactating goats' diet: effects on rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrient utilization, lactation performance, and antioxidant status

The present work was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing Aloe vera extract on rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrient utilization, lactation performance, and antioxidant status of goats. Twenty-four crossbreed lactating goats (Alpine × Beetal) were divided into three experimental groups (AV0, AV2, and AV4). AV0 had no supplementation, groups AV2 and AV4 received ready to feed aqueous extract of Aloe vera at 20 and 40 g/kg dry matter intake, respectively, along with basal diet and experiment lasted for 100 days. Average DMI did not vary (P > 0.05) among treatment groups; however, the metabolic bodyweight of AV4 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the AV0 and AV2 groups (AV0 = AV2 > AV4). Intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and EE were unaffected (P > 0.05) by Aloe vera supplementation. The milk production, yield of milk fat, protein, lactose, and solid not fat (SNF) of goats in the AV4 group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than other groups (AV4 > AV2 = AV0). The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes and levels of plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power were high (P < 0.01) in the Aloe vera supplemented group (AV4 = AV2 > AV0). There was no significant difference (P = 0.979) in the pH, acetic acid (P = 0.449), and butyric acid (P = 0.864) concentration of the rumen liquor among the treatment groups. The propionic acid concentration was similar between AV2 and AV4 and significantly higher (P = 0.024) than the AV0 group (AV4 = AV2 > AV0). Moreover, C2:C3 values were significantly lower (P = 0.037) in the AV4 group compared to the control (AV0). Thus, Aloe vera supplementation enhanced milk yield, propionic acid production, and antioxidant status without affecting nutrient utilization; however, results were better in the AV4 group. The inclusion of Aloe vera at 40 g/kg of DMI would improve the rumen fermentation efficiency, lactation performance, and overall health status of the dairy goats.

The links between supplementary tannin levels and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) formation in ruminants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to predict and identify ways to increase conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) formation in ruminant-derived products to treat human health issues with dietary tannins. The objective was to compare and confirm the effects of dietary tannins on CLA formation by analyzing in vitro and/or in vivo studies. We reported the results of the meta-analysis based on numerical data from 38 selected publications consisting of 3712 treatments. Generally, via multiple pathways, the CLA formation increased when dietary tannins increased. Concurrently, dietary tannins increased Δ⁹ desaturation and the CLA indices in milk and meat (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, with average R² values of 0.23 and 0.44, respectively), but they did not change the rumen fermentation characteristics, including total volatile fatty acids (mmol/L) and their acid components. In vitro observations may accurately predict in vivo results. Unfortunately, there was no relationship between in vitro observations and in vivo results (R² < 0.10), indicating that it is difficult to predict CLA formation in vivo considering in vitro observations. According to the statistical meta-analysis results regarding animal aspects, the ranges of tannin levels required for CLA formation in vitro and in vivo were approximately 0.1–20 g/kg dry matter (DM) (P < 0.001) and 2.1–80 g/kg DM (P < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, the in vivo method was more suitable for the direct observation of fatty acid transformation than the in vitro method.

Inclusion of the aerial part and condensed tannin extract from Cistus ladanifer L. in lamb diets - Effects on growth performance, carcass and meat quality and fatty acid composition of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat

Thirty-six lambs were used to evaluate the effect of three levels of Cistus ladanifer condensed tannins (CT; 0, 1.25 and 2.5%) and two ways of CT supply (C. ladanifer aerial parts and C. ladanifer CT extract) on lamb growth performance, carcass composition, meat quality and FA composition of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat. The basal diet was composed of dehydrated lucerne supplemented with 60 g/kg of soybean oil. The highest amount of CT (2.5%) had detrimental effects on growth performance, particularly when the aerial part of C. ladanifer was used. Conversely, 1.25% CT in diets did not affect growth performance and meat quality, and inclusion of C. ladanifer CT extract in diet at this level increased t11-18:1, but not c9,t11-18:2 content in fat. Feeding C. ladanifer CT extract might be a good approach for enhancing the nutritional value of ruminant fat, but further studies are needed to ensure upregulation of endogenous synthesis of c9,t11-18:2.

Intramuscular fatty acid profile of feedlot lambs fed concentrates with alternative ingredients

The effect of concentrates based on unconventional ingredients on the intramuscular fatty acid profile of lambs was evaluated. A total of 105 lambs were assigned to one of three treatments: Control (concentrate based on cereals and soybean meal like commercial concentrates), Camelina (where 50% of crude protein from soybean meal was replaced by camelina meal), and Fibrous (concentrate based on several fibrous by-products, such as soybean hulls and wheat bran, as well as camelina meal and other unconventional ingredients). After 42 days in feedlot, the lambs were sacrificed, and the fatty acid profile of intramuscular fat was determined by gas chromatography. Total meat lipids (1.25 g/100 g of meat) were not modified by the treatments. The Camelina treatment showed minor effects on the intramuscular fat composition. In contrast, the Fibrous treatment showed the highest contents of trans-11 18:1 (vaccenic acid), cis-9 trans-11 18:2 (rumenic acid) and α-linolenic acid. Thus, the non-traditional Fibrous concentrate assayed in the present study might improve the meat quality of light lambs from a nutritional point of view.

Dietary Effects on Stable Carbon Isotope Composition of Fatty Acids in Polar and Neutral Fractions of Intramuscular Fat of Lambs

In this study we measured δ¹³C values of the main fatty acids (FA) present in neutral and polar intramuscular lipids of meat samples from 24 lambs, fed with four different diets supplemented with sunflower and linseed oil and the tanniferous shrub Cistus ladanifer L. The objective was to understand if the increase in intramuscular fat observed in lambs fed simultaneously C. ladanifer and oil was explained mostly by incorporation of diet derived FA or by increased de novo FA synthesis. De novo FA synthesis was evaluated by ¹³C enrichment (‰) of 16:0 in intramuscular lipids compared to bulk diet or compared to dietary 16:0. Oil reduced ¹³C enrichment of 16:0 in muscle lipid but had no effect when the diet included C. ladanifer (P value <0.01). Thus, dietary C. ladanifer blocked the inhibitory effects of lipid supplementation on de novo FA synthesis.

Effect of dietary quebracho tannin extract on milk fatty acid composition in cows

The aim of this study was to examine the capacity of quebracho tannin extract (QTE) to modulate the fatty acid (FA) profile in the milk fat of cows. Fifty Holstein cows yielding 33.2 ± 8.2 kg/d of milk were divided into 2 groups. The cows were fed a basal diet with a forage-concentrate ratio of 66:34 on a dry matter (DM) basis. Diets tested were control (CON, basal diet without QTE) and basal diet plus 15 or 30 g of QTE/kg of DM (QTE₁₅ and QTE₃₀, respectively). Two treatments could be tested simultaneously and were arranged along 6 periods. The milk FA profile was characterized by increments in the proportion of linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic acid (α-LNA) (QTE₁₅ = 10 and 6.1%; QTE₃₀ = 28 and 25%, respectively) compared to CON, which might indicate reduced ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) of both dietary LA and α-LNA. Vaccenic acid (VA) in the milk fat was reduced (QTE₁₅ 8.9% and QTE₃₀ 12%) compared to CON, which may be linked to inhibited BH of LA and α-LNA. Rumenic acid (RA), a conjugated LA (cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid) and an important human health promoter, was unfortunately decreased (QTE₁₅ 8.3% and QTE₃₀ 16%) in the milk compared with CON, probably because of inhibited ruminal BH of LA. However, reduced RA in the milk was probably due to reduced availability of VA produced in the rumen and the consequently low VA available to be desaturated to RA in the mammary gland by Δ⁹-desaturase. The proportions of total polyunsaturated FA were increased with QTE₁₅ and QTE₃₀ by 4.7 and 15% compared to CON, respectively, and the long-chain FA proportions were also increased (QTE₁₅ 2.0% and QTE₃₀ 8.2%). Moreover, myristic and palmitic acid were reduced by QTE₃₀ (9.6 and 3.3%, respectively) compared to CON, which also contributed to increasing the nutritional quality of milk because they are recognized to increase high-density lipoprotein in humans. Branched-chain FA in milk was reduced with QTE treatments, which indicates inhibited ruminal BH and microbial activity. In general, our findings suggest that dietary QTE have the potential to modulate FA profile of milk fat, and this effect is dosage dependent. Because QTE influenced the FA profile of milk fat both positively and negatively, further research is needed before concluding that QTE may improve the nutritional quality of cow milk fat in human diets.

Dietary supplementation of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens alters fatty acids of milk and rumen fluid in lactating goats

BACKGROUND

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have high health amelioration potential and hence it is of great interest to increase the CLA content in dairy products. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of administration of high CLA producing Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens In-1 on fatty acid composition of milk and rumen fluid in lactating goats. Four groups (n = 5) of lactating goats were assigned the following treatments: Control (C) (basal diet); T1 (basal diet + linoleic acid source), T2 (basal diet + suspension of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens In-1, 10(9) CFU head(-1)) and T3 (basal diet + linoleic acid source + suspension of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens In-1, 10(9) CFU head(-1)).

RESULTS

Rumen liquor and milk samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90 of the experiment and linoleic isomerase enzyme (LA-I) activity and fatty acid profiles were elucidated. Major effects of treatments were seen on day 30 of the experiment. Total CLA content of rumen fluid increased (P < 0.05) by 218.72, 182.26 and 304% whereas total saturated fatty acid (SFA) content was lowered (P < 0.05) by 6.1, 4.44 and 9.55% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, as compared to control. Vaccenic acid in groups T2 and T3 increased (P < 0.05) by 66.67% and 105.7% as compared to control. In milk, total CLA increased by 2.03, 1.61 and 0.61 folds in T3, T2 and T1, respectively. Total monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid content increased (P < 0.05) in group T3 by 14.15 and 37.44%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study indicated that administration of B. fibrisolvens In-1 along with a linoleic acid (LA) source is a useful strategy to alter the biohydrogenation pattern in the rumen that subsequently decreased SFA content while increased CLA and unsaturated fatty acids in ruminant's milk.

The In vitro Effects of Nano-encapsulated Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Stability of Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Fermentation Profiles in the Rumen

This study was aimed to evaluate the stability of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) by nano-encapsulation against in vitro ruminal biohydrogenation by microbial enzymatic conversion. CLAs (free fatty acid form of CLA [CLA-FFA], nano-encapsulated CLA-FFA, triglyceride form of CLA [CLA-TG], and nano-encapsulated CLA-TG) were used in the in vitro fermentation experiments. When Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens (B. fibrisolvens) was incubated with CLA-FFAs, the concentrations of cis-9, trans-11 CLA and vaccenic acid (VA) slightly was decreased and increased by nano-encapsulation, respectively. When B. fibrisolvens was incubated with CLA-TG, the concentrations of cis-9, trans-11 CLA and VA decreased, but these were increased when B. fibrisolvens was incubated with nano-encapsulated CLA-TG. The nano-encapsulation was more effective against the in vitro biohydrogenation activity of B.fibrisolvens incubated with CLA-FFA than with CLA-TG. In the in vitro ruminal incubation test, the total gas production and concentration of total volatile fatty acids incubated with nano-encapsulated CLA-FFA and CLA-TG were increased significantly after 24 h incubation (p<0.05). Nano-encapsulated CLA-FFA might, thus, improve the ruminal fermentation characteristics without adverse effects on the incubation process. In addition, nano-encapsulated CLA-FFA increased the population of Fibrobacter succinogenes and decreased the population of B. fibrisolvens population. These results indicate that nano-encapsulation could be applied to enhance CLA levels in ruminants by increasing the stability of CLA without causing adverse effects on ruminal fermentation.