Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116674
David San Martin , Bruno Iñarra , Mónica Gutiérrez , Nagore Luengo , Jorge Ferrer , Ainhoa Bikandi , Arantza Salvarrey , Aser García-Rodríguez , Idoia Goiri , Jaime Zufía , Estíbaliz Sáez de Cámara , Jone Ibarruri
Wine production generates large volumes of grape stems (GS), which are rich in fibre and phenolic compounds but have low digestibility due to their high lignin content. This study optimized alkali hydrolysis conditions to improve GS digestibility for ruminant diets using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and a Box–Behnken design (BBD). Optimal conditions—90 °C, 2.08 h, and 33 % solids—yielded a predicted in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of 41.9 %, representing an 42 % increase compared to the untreated control (CTR) with 30.3 %. Hydrolysis also modified fibre fractions and fermentation patterns. However, trade-offs included a reduction in total reducing sugars (TRS) and total phenolic compounds (TPC), which may lower antioxidant capacity (AOC). Despite these compositional changes, structural modifications enhanced fibre degradability, which supports the inclusion of GS as a functional feed ingredient. This approach promotes circular economy principles by upcycling winery by-products into sustainable livestock feed resources.
{"title":"Optimisation of alkali hydrolysis to enhance the nutritional value of grape stems for ruminant diets","authors":"David San Martin , Bruno Iñarra , Mónica Gutiérrez , Nagore Luengo , Jorge Ferrer , Ainhoa Bikandi , Arantza Salvarrey , Aser García-Rodríguez , Idoia Goiri , Jaime Zufía , Estíbaliz Sáez de Cámara , Jone Ibarruri","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wine production generates large volumes of grape stems (GS), which are rich in fibre and phenolic compounds but have low digestibility due to their high lignin content. This study optimized alkali hydrolysis conditions to improve GS digestibility for ruminant diets using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and a Box–Behnken design (BBD). Optimal conditions—90 °C, 2.08 h, and 33 % solids—yielded a predicted in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of 41.9 %, representing an 42 % increase compared to the untreated control (CTR) with 30.3 %. Hydrolysis also modified fibre fractions and fermentation patterns. However, trade-offs included a reduction in total reducing sugars (TRS) and total phenolic compounds (TPC), which may lower antioxidant capacity (AOC). Despite these compositional changes, structural modifications enhanced fibre degradability, which supports the inclusion of GS as a functional feed ingredient. This approach promotes circular economy principles by upcycling winery by-products into sustainable livestock feed resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"335 ","pages":"Article 116674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116673
Giulia Dallavalle , Selene Massaro , Jonas Andersen , Andrea Angeli , Urska Vrhovsek , Nicola De Zordi , Giorgia Secchi , Franco Tagliapietra , Elena Franciosi
The growing focus on circular economy strategies has encouraged the valorization of agro-industrial by-products as functional feed ingredients for ruminants. This study evaluated the effects of peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) biomass and its post-distillation residues on in vitro rumen fermentation, volatile fatty acids (VFA), gas kinetics, methane production, and microbial composition. Four treatments were tested: control forage (Lolium multiflorum Lam., CTRL), raw peppermint (Mp), residue after supercritical CO₂ extraction (rMp), and the same residue supplemented with peppermint extract (erMp). Compared to CTRL, rMp promoted gas production per gram of dry matter, while Mp and rMp increased acetate and decreased butyrate, indicating a shift of hydrogen flow from methanogenesis to acetogenesis. Methane concentration (CH₄ % v/v) was significantly reduced in Mp, confirming inhibition of methanogenesis, whereas erMp showed delayed fermentation, higher methane yield, and reduced microbial diversity, likely due to excess essential oil compounds. Microbial analysis revealed treatment-specific shifts: Mp and rMp promoted acetogenic and lactate-utilizing taxa (e.g., Lachnospiraceae, Selenomonas ruminantium) and suppressed Prevotella. Overall, peppermint-based substrates significantly altered microbial community structure (PERMANOVA, UniFrac). These results highlight that peppermint biomass and its extraction residues can beneficially modulate rumen fermentation, enhance acetate production and lower methane, if inclusion levels are properly managed. Post-extraction residues retain functional bioactivity, offering a sustainable strategy for waste valorization in circular livestock systems.
{"title":"Circular use of supercritical CO₂-extracted Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) residues in ruminant nutrition: An In Vitro fermentation model","authors":"Giulia Dallavalle , Selene Massaro , Jonas Andersen , Andrea Angeli , Urska Vrhovsek , Nicola De Zordi , Giorgia Secchi , Franco Tagliapietra , Elena Franciosi","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing focus on circular economy strategies has encouraged the valorization of agro-industrial by-products as functional feed ingredients for ruminants. This study evaluated the effects of peppermint (<em>Mentha</em> × <em>piperita</em> L.) biomass and its post-distillation residues on in vitro rumen fermentation, volatile fatty acids (VFA), gas kinetics, methane production, and microbial composition. Four treatments were tested: control forage (<em>Lolium multiflorum Lam</em>., CTRL), raw peppermint (Mp), residue after supercritical CO₂ extraction (rMp), and the same residue supplemented with peppermint extract (erMp). Compared to CTRL, rMp promoted gas production per gram of dry matter, while Mp and rMp increased acetate and decreased butyrate, indicating a shift of hydrogen flow from methanogenesis to acetogenesis. Methane concentration (CH₄ % v/v) was significantly reduced in Mp, confirming inhibition of methanogenesis, whereas erMp showed delayed fermentation, higher methane yield, and reduced microbial diversity, likely due to excess essential oil compounds. Microbial analysis revealed treatment-specific shifts: Mp and rMp promoted acetogenic and lactate-utilizing taxa (e.g., <em>Lachnospiraceae, Selenomonas ruminantium</em>) and suppressed <em>Prevotella</em>. Overall, peppermint-based substrates significantly altered microbial community structure (PERMANOVA, UniFrac). These results highlight that peppermint biomass and its extraction residues can beneficially modulate rumen fermentation, enhance acetate production and lower methane, if inclusion levels are properly managed. Post-extraction residues retain functional bioactivity, offering a sustainable strategy for waste valorization in circular livestock systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"335 ","pages":"Article 116673"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116672
Richard C. Waterman , Thomas W. Geary , Mary S. Reil , Megan L. Van Emon , Lance T. Vermeire
Beef production in the northern Great Plains and similar semi-arid environments depends on raising young beef females that can adapt to intra and interannual changes in forages and nutritional quality that accompanies these changes. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of rumen protected methionine and calcium propionate supplements fed to nulliparous beef cows on body weight, calf performance, and milk production. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous supplements were formulated and fed at a rate of 908 g•cow−1•d−1 for 101 d (Yr 1) and 127 d (Yr 2). Supplements contained 183 g CP and approx. 560 g TDN: 1) control (Con); 2) rumen protected methionine (Met; inclusion of 20 g•hd−1•d−1 Mepron85); 3) calcium propionate (Prop; inclusion of 50 g•hd−1•d−1 NutroCal®); 4) or rumen protected methionine and calcium propionate (Met+Prop; inclusion of 20 g•hd−1•d−1 Mepron85®, and 50 g•hd−1•d−1 NutroCal®). Cows from each supplement treatment were randomly assigned to pastures targeting one of two stocking rates to achieve either 40 % (moderate) or 60 % (heavy) utilization for two consecutive years. Nulliparous cows’ body weight at the termination of the supplementation period were similar (P = 0.99) for supplemental treatment, however cows in the moderate stocking rate pastures tended to be heavier (P = 0.06). A supplement × year interaction was measured for calf birth weight (P = 0.04) with no influence derived from pasture stocking rates on calf birth weight (P = 0.36). Calves born from cows that received the Met supplement were heavier in Yr 2 whereas calves in the Met+Prop treatment were heaviest in Yr 1 with all other treatment × year combinations being similar. A supplement × year effect was observed for peak milk production and energy corrected milk (ECM, P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). Peak milk yield was 3.8 kg•d−1 lower for Con when compared to the Prop cows and ECM was 3.9 kg•d−1 lower for Con when also compared to the Prop cows in Yr 2 of the study, whereas all other treatment combinations within and across the two years were similar. These data indicate that rumen protected methionine and calcium propionate can augment dietary efficiencies and magnitude of responses are dependent on environment.
{"title":"Late gestation supplementation with or without calcium propionate and rumen-protected methionine using nulliparous beef cows grazing dormant range forages","authors":"Richard C. Waterman , Thomas W. Geary , Mary S. Reil , Megan L. Van Emon , Lance T. Vermeire","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Beef production in the northern Great Plains and similar semi-arid environments depends on raising young beef females that can adapt to intra and interannual changes in forages and nutritional quality that accompanies these changes. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of rumen protected methionine and calcium propionate supplements fed to nulliparous beef cows on body weight, calf performance, and milk production. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous supplements were formulated and fed at a rate of 908 g•cow<sup>−1</sup>•d<sup>−1</sup> for 101 d (Yr 1) and 127 d (Yr 2). Supplements contained 183 g CP and approx. 560 g TDN: 1) control <strong>(Con);</strong> 2) rumen protected methionine (<strong>Met</strong>; inclusion of 20 g•hd<sup>−1</sup>•d<sup>−1</sup> Mepron85); 3) calcium propionate (<strong>Prop</strong>; inclusion of 50 g•hd<sup>−1</sup>•d<sup>−1</sup> NutroCal®); 4) or rumen protected methionine and calcium propionate (<strong>Met+Prop</strong>; inclusion of 20 g•hd<sup>−1</sup>•d<sup>−1</sup> Mepron85®, and 50 g•hd<sup>−1</sup>•d<sup>−1</sup> NutroCal®). Cows from each supplement treatment were randomly assigned to pastures targeting one of two stocking rates to achieve either 40 % (moderate) or 60 % (heavy) utilization for two consecutive years. Nulliparous cows’ body weight at the termination of the supplementation period were similar (<em>P</em> = 0.99) for supplemental treatment, however cows in the moderate stocking rate pastures tended to be heavier (<em>P</em> = 0.06). A supplement × year interaction was measured for calf birth weight (<em>P</em> = 0.04) with no influence derived from pasture stocking rates on calf birth weight (<em>P</em> = 0.36). Calves born from cows that received the Met supplement were heavier in Yr 2 whereas calves in the Met+Prop treatment were heaviest in Yr 1 with all other treatment × year combinations being similar. A supplement × year effect was observed for peak milk production and energy corrected milk (<strong>ECM</strong>, <em>P</em> = 0.01 and <em>P</em> = 0.03, respectively). Peak milk yield was 3.8 kg•d<sup>−1</sup> lower for Con when compared to the Prop cows and ECM was 3.9 kg•d<sup>−1</sup> lower for Con when also compared to the Prop cows in Yr 2 of the study, whereas all other treatment combinations within and across the two years were similar. These data indicate that rumen protected methionine and calcium propionate can augment dietary efficiencies and magnitude of responses are dependent on environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"335 ","pages":"Article 116672"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116671
William Owusu-Afriyie , Frank Idan , Vladimir Zmrhal , Filip Dytrt , Eliska Drackova , Vlastimil Brandejs , Martina Lichovnikova
Rice bran is abundant in many regions, but utilizing it as a feed ingredient in broiler diets at higher levels requires precise information about the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) coefficients of its amino acids (AA). This study assessed the SID coefficients of AA in full-fat rice bran (FFRB) and investigated broiler performance and carcass quality when diets were formulated based on a SID AA framework while maintaining ideal ratios of eight AA. In Study 1, 240 broilers were fed either a nitrogen-free diet to determine basal endogenous amino acid losses or an assay diet with FFRB as the sole protein source. Apparent (AID) and SID ileal digestibility were calculated using chromium oxide as an indigestible marker. AID consistently underestimated the availability of AA compared to SID (mean AID 0.432 vs. SID 0.880). In Study 2, 560 Ross308 broilers (from day 10–32) received FFRB at 28.5/16.5 % (grower/finisher; RB_29) or 13.5/8.3 % (RB_14). Diets were energy-matched with identical SID amino acid profiles. RB_14 improved growth and efficiency (final BW 2114 vs. 2029 g; overall FCR 1.35 vs. 1.47; p = 0.013), while RB_29 increased breast yield (31 % vs. 29 %; p = 0.016) without affecting carcass yield, leg yield, breast meat quality, or abdominal fat content. FFRB can be included at moderately high levels when diets are formulated based on SID amino acids and ideal ratios: 13.5/8.3 % maximizes efficiency, while 28.5/16.5 % enhances breast yield with a trade-off in FCR. These findings support using rice bran as a viable, locally accessible ingredient for sustainable broiler production.
米糠在许多地区都很丰富，但要在肉鸡饲粮中高水平地使用米糠作为饲料原料，需要有关米糠氨基酸（AA）的标准化回肠消化率（SID）系数的精确信息。本试验评估了全脂米糠中AA的SID系数，研究了在保持8个AA的理想比例的基础上，以SID AA为框架配制饲粮的肉鸡生产性能和胴体品质。试验1240只肉仔鸡分别饲喂无氮饲粮（测定基础内源氨基酸损失）和以FFRB为唯一蛋白质来源的试验饲粮。以氧化铬作为不消化标记物，计算表观（AID）和SID回肠消化率。与SID相比，AID一直低估了AA的可用性（平均AID 0.432 vs. SID 0.880）。在研究2中，560只Ross308肉鸡（从第10-32天开始）接受了28.5/16.5 %（生长/育肥鸡；RB_29）或13.5/8.3 % （RB_14）的FFRB。饲粮与相同的SID氨基酸谱能量匹配。RB_14提高了生长和效率（最终体重2114 vs. 2029 g；总FCR 1.35 vs. 1.47; p = 0.013），而RB_29提高了乳房产量（31 % vs. 29 %;p = 0.016），而不影响胴体产量、腿产量、胸肉品质或腹部脂肪含量。当饲粮根据SID氨基酸和理想比例配制时，可将FFRB添加在中等高水平：13.5/8.3 %可使效率最大化，而28.5/16.5 %可提高产奶量，但需权衡FCR。这些发现支持将米糠作为一种可行的、当地可获得的原料用于可持续肉鸡生产。
{"title":"Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in full-fat rice bran and its effects on growth performance and carcass quality in broiler chickens","authors":"William Owusu-Afriyie , Frank Idan , Vladimir Zmrhal , Filip Dytrt , Eliska Drackova , Vlastimil Brandejs , Martina Lichovnikova","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rice bran is abundant in many regions, but utilizing it as a feed ingredient in broiler diets at higher levels requires precise information about the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) coefficients of its amino acids (AA). This study assessed the SID coefficients of AA in full-fat rice bran (FFRB) and investigated broiler performance and carcass quality when diets were formulated based on a SID AA framework while maintaining ideal ratios of eight AA. In Study 1, 240 broilers were fed either a nitrogen-free diet to determine basal endogenous amino acid losses or an assay diet with FFRB as the sole protein source. Apparent (AID) and SID ileal digestibility were calculated using chromium oxide as an indigestible marker. AID consistently underestimated the availability of AA compared to SID (mean AID 0.432 vs. SID 0.880). In Study 2, 560 Ross308 broilers (from day 10–32) received FFRB at 28.5/16.5 % (grower/finisher; RB_29) or 13.5/8.3 % (RB_14). Diets were energy-matched with identical SID amino acid profiles. RB_14 improved growth and efficiency (final BW 2114 vs. 2029 g; overall FCR 1.35 vs. 1.47; p = 0.013), while RB_29 increased breast yield (31 % vs. 29 %; p = 0.016) without affecting carcass yield, leg yield, breast meat quality, or abdominal fat content. FFRB can be included at moderately high levels when diets are formulated based on SID amino acids and ideal ratios: 13.5/8.3 % maximizes efficiency, while 28.5/16.5 % enhances breast yield with a trade-off in FCR. These findings support using rice bran as a viable, locally accessible ingredient for sustainable broiler production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"335 ","pages":"Article 116671"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146071079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116669
Pauliane Pucetti , Julia Travassos Silva , Julia Baroni Alves , Livia Moreira Gandra , Carina da Silva Bittencourt , Isabelle Pinheiro Siqueira , Luciana Navajas Renno , Sidnei Antônio Lopes , Mario Luiz Chizzotti , Pedro Veiga Rodrigues Paulino , Kendall Carl Swanson , Sebastião de Campos Valadares Filho
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different backgrounding durations in an intense postweaning production system for Nellore bulls, as compared with immediate adaptation to a corn-based finishing diet. Forty bulls (initial BW 265 ± 5 kg, age 7 ± 1 mo) were used. Four bulls were slaughtered on day 0 for baseline empty body composition. The remaining bulls were randomly assigned to four treatments (n = 9/treatment): 0, 28, 56, or 84 days on a sorghum silage-based backgrounding diet, followed by a finishing phase (154, 126, 98, and 70 days, respectively) for a total feeding period of 154 days. The backgrounding diet consisted of 800 g/kg of sorghum silage and 200 g/kg of concentrate, and the finishing diet consisted of 200 g/kg corn silage and 800 g/kg concentrate. Both diets were provided ad libitum using electronic feed intake monitoring. Nutrient digestibility was assessed from days 14–18 during the backgrounding phase and after 28 days into the finishing phase. Bulls were weighed at the start and end of each phase, and carcass characteristics were measured after slaughter. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with Tukey’s test for mean comparisons (significance set at P ≤ 0.05 and trends considered when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10). Backgrounding duration did not affect nutrient intake, nutrient apparent digestibility, ADG, or gain efficiency (P > 0.10) during the backgrounding phase. Similarly, in the finishing phase, nutrient intake, ADG, and gain efficiency were not influenced (P > 0.10). However, a significant interaction between backgrounding duration and days on feed (P < 0.01) was observed for daily dry matter intake during the first 28 days of the finishing phase. Increasing backgrounding duration improved the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and NFC during the finishing phase (P < 0.05), with trends toward improved NDF digestibility and TDN intake (P < 0.10). Final shrunk body weight (SBW), carcass weight, and carcass gain were greater in the 0-day group compared with the 28- and 56-day groups, while the 84-day group had the lowest values (P < 0.05). Hot and cold dressing percentages were lower in the 84-day group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, implementing backgrounding improved nutrient digestibility but did not affect ADG or gain efficiency during the finishing phase. Both 28- and 56-day backgrounding durations produced similar results for final BW, carcass weight, and gain, suggesting compensatory growth in the finishing phase.
{"title":"Effect of duration of feeding a sorghum silage-based backgrounding diet in an intense postweaning production system for Nellore bulls on growth performance","authors":"Pauliane Pucetti , Julia Travassos Silva , Julia Baroni Alves , Livia Moreira Gandra , Carina da Silva Bittencourt , Isabelle Pinheiro Siqueira , Luciana Navajas Renno , Sidnei Antônio Lopes , Mario Luiz Chizzotti , Pedro Veiga Rodrigues Paulino , Kendall Carl Swanson , Sebastião de Campos Valadares Filho","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116669","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116669","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different backgrounding durations in an intense postweaning production system for Nellore bulls, as compared with immediate adaptation to a corn-based finishing diet. Forty bulls (initial BW 265 ± 5 kg, age 7 ± 1 mo) were used. Four bulls were slaughtered on day 0 for baseline empty body composition. The remaining bulls were randomly assigned to four treatments (n = 9/treatment): 0, 28, 56, or 84 days on a sorghum silage-based backgrounding diet, followed by a finishing phase (154, 126, 98, and 70 days, respectively) for a total feeding period of 154 days. The backgrounding diet consisted of 800 g/kg of sorghum silage and 200 g/kg of concentrate, and the finishing diet consisted of 200 g/kg corn silage and 800 g/kg concentrate. Both diets were provided ad libitum using electronic feed intake monitoring. Nutrient digestibility was assessed from days 14–18 during the backgrounding phase and after 28 days into the finishing phase. Bulls were weighed at the start and end of each phase, and carcass characteristics were measured after slaughter. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with Tukey’s test for mean comparisons (significance set at P ≤ 0.05 and trends considered when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10). Backgrounding duration did not affect nutrient intake, nutrient apparent digestibility, ADG, or gain efficiency (P > 0.10) during the backgrounding phase. Similarly, in the finishing phase, nutrient intake, ADG, and gain efficiency were not influenced (P > 0.10). However, a significant interaction between backgrounding duration and days on feed (P < 0.01) was observed for daily dry matter intake during the first 28 days of the finishing phase. Increasing backgrounding duration improved the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and NFC during the finishing phase (P < 0.05), with trends toward improved NDF digestibility and TDN intake (P < 0.10). Final shrunk body weight (SBW), carcass weight, and carcass gain were greater in the 0-day group compared with the 28- and 56-day groups, while the 84-day group had the lowest values (P < 0.05). Hot and cold dressing percentages were lower in the 84-day group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, implementing backgrounding improved nutrient digestibility but did not affect ADG or gain efficiency during the finishing phase. Both 28- and 56-day backgrounding durations produced similar results for final BW, carcass weight, and gain, suggesting compensatory growth in the finishing phase.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116669"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116670
Sandra Lobón , Clàudia Baila , Javier Álvarez-Rodríguez , Mireia Blanco , Isabel Casasús , Jonathan Pelegrin-Valls , Margalida Joy
Determining the optimal crude protein (CP) content in light lambs’ diets is crucial for reducing ammonia. This study assessed lowering CP in fattening concentrates and its effect on digestibility and meat quality (two experiments). Two phases were tested: growing (14–19 kg BW; 18 % vs. 20 % CP) and finishing (19–25 kg BW; 17 % vs. 19 % CP). Experiment 1 involved 24 Rasa Aragonesa lambs, 12 per phase (growing: 14.0 ± 0.87 kg BW; finishing: 18.9 ± 0.78 kg BW, n = 6 per treatment) to assess apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood metabolites. The adaptation period to the diets were 12 days, while the collection period was 5 days. Digestibility was measured by total faecal collection and acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as internal marker. Experiment 2 evaluated meat quality of 24 Ripollesa lambs, slaughtered at 24.6 ± 0.23 kg BW after 42 days of fattening. Lower CP tended to decrease the acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility using total faecal method (P = 0.06) and decreased organic and dry matter digestibility with AIA (P = 0.03) during the growing phase (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the finishing phase (P > 0.10). Digestibility coefficients were consistently underestimated with AIA compared to total faecal collection (P < 0.001). Nitrogen balance was unaffected by CP level (P > 0.05). Plasma metabolites were similar between treatments, except for β-hydroxybutyrate, which tended to be lower in Low CP lambs during the finishing (P = 0.09). Meat quality was minimally affected, however, Low CP increased metmyoglobin after 6 days of oxygen exposure (P = 0.005) and modified minor fatty acids. A moderate reduction of 2 % in dietary CP of light lambs appears feasible and does not impair nutrient digestibility and meat quality.
确定羔羊日粮中最佳粗蛋白质（CP）含量对降低氨氮至关重要。本研究通过两个试验评估了降低育肥精粗蛋白质对消化率和肉质的影响。试验分为两个阶段：生长期（14-19 kg BW; 18 % vs. 20 % CP）和育肥期（19 - 25 kg BW; 17 % vs. 19 % CP）。试验1选取24只阿拉贡沙羔羊，每期12只（生长期：14.0 ± 0.87 kg BW，育肥期：18.9 ± 0.78 kg BW，每个处理 = 6只），评估表观消化率、氮平衡和血液代谢物。对日粮的预试期为12 d，收集期为5 d。消化率以粪便收集总量和酸不溶性灰分（AIA）为内标记物测定。试验2评价肥育42 d后24只体重为24.6 ± 0.23 kg BW的Ripollesa羔羊的肉质。较低的粗蛋白质有降低全粪法酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）消化率的趋势（P = 0.06），有降低AIA法生长期内有机和干物质消化率的趋势（P = 0.03）（P <； 0.05）。育肥期无差异（P >； 0.10）。与总粪便收集相比，AIA的消化率系数一直被低估（P <； 0.001）。CP水平对氮平衡无影响（P >； 0.05）。血浆代谢物在不同处理之间相似，但β-羟基丁酸盐在低CP羔羊的育肥期有降低的趋势（P = 0.09）。然而，低粗蛋白质在暴露于氧气6天后增加了肌红蛋白（P = 0.005）并改变了少量脂肪酸。适度降低2 %的饲粮粗蛋白质是可行的，且不影响营养物质的消化率和肉品质。
{"title":"Effects of protein reduction in lamb fattening concentrate on in vivo digestibility, nitrogen balance and meat quality","authors":"Sandra Lobón , Clàudia Baila , Javier Álvarez-Rodríguez , Mireia Blanco , Isabel Casasús , Jonathan Pelegrin-Valls , Margalida Joy","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Determining the optimal crude protein (CP) content in light lambs’ diets is crucial for reducing ammonia. This study assessed lowering CP in fattening concentrates and its effect on digestibility and meat quality (two experiments). Two phases were tested: growing (14–19 kg BW; 18 % vs. 20 % CP) and finishing (19–25 kg BW; 17 % vs. 19 % CP). Experiment 1 involved 24 Rasa Aragonesa lambs, 12 per phase (growing: 14.0 ± 0.87 kg BW; finishing: 18.9 ± 0.78 kg BW, n = 6 per treatment) to assess apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood metabolites. The adaptation period to the diets were 12 days, while the collection period was 5 days. Digestibility was measured by total faecal collection and acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as internal marker. Experiment 2 evaluated meat quality of 24 Ripollesa lambs, slaughtered at 24.6 ± 0.23 kg BW after 42 days of fattening. Lower CP tended to decrease the acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility using total faecal method (P = 0.06) and decreased organic and dry matter digestibility with AIA (P = 0.03) during the growing phase (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the finishing phase (P > 0.10). Digestibility coefficients were consistently underestimated with AIA compared to total faecal collection (P < 0.001). Nitrogen balance was unaffected by CP level (P > 0.05). Plasma metabolites were similar between treatments, except for β-hydroxybutyrate, which tended to be lower in Low CP lambs during the finishing (P = 0.09). Meat quality was minimally affected, however, Low CP increased metmyoglobin after 6 days of oxygen exposure (P = 0.005) and modified minor fatty acids. A moderate reduction of 2 % in dietary CP of light lambs appears feasible and does not impair nutrient digestibility and meat quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116670"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116668
Wanwan Wang, Yutong Liu, Xiaozhen Song, Mingren Qu, Yanjiao Li
This study aimed to assess the impacts of puerarin on the growth performance, rumen epithelial morphology, microbiota, and metabolites of beef cattle subjected to heat stress. Thirty-six male simmental hybrid beef cattle (initial weight 606.86 ± 4.73 kg) were randomly allocated into a control diet or a diet containing 400 mg/kg puerarin (dry matter basis) for a 60-days summer trial after a 10-days adaptation period (n = 6, average daily THI = 81.56). The results revealed that puerarin significantly improved (P < 0.05) the average daily gain, dry matter intake, papillae length, thickness of stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum and basale, and total epithelia, interleukin-4 level, contents of microbial crude protein and isovalerate. Puerarin significantly decreased (P < 0.05) thickness of stratum corneum, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, cortisol, and adreno cortico tropic hormone. Furthermore, puerarin significantly increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Oribacterium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Akkermansia and reduced (P < 0.05) the abundance of Fusobacteriota. Metabolomics analysis revealed that puerarin upregulates the differentially expressed metabolites including O-acetyl- L-serine, pyridoxal phosphate, L-glutathione, reduced, L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-L-glutamate, pantothenic acid, dodecanoic acid, pyridoxamine, DL-homocysteine, and alpha-ketoglutarate (VIP ≥ 1, t-test P < 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that Akkermansia exhibited negative correlations with interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and cortisol (|R| > 0.5, P < 0.05). And Enterococcus exhibited a positive correlation with O-acetyl- L-serine, DL-homocysteine, pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxamine, and L-glutathione, reduced (R| > 0.5, P < 0.05). In conclusion, 400 mg/kg puerarin supplementation alleviates heat stress by repairing rumen epithelium, optimizing microbial community, and enhancing metabolic functions, thereby improving growth performance of beef cattle.
{"title":"The protective effect of puerarin on the rumen epithelial barrier in heat-stressed beef cattle","authors":"Wanwan Wang, Yutong Liu, Xiaozhen Song, Mingren Qu, Yanjiao Li","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to assess the impacts of puerarin on the growth performance, rumen epithelial morphology, microbiota, and metabolites of beef cattle subjected to heat stress. Thirty-six male simmental hybrid beef cattle (initial weight 606.86 ± 4.73 kg) were randomly allocated into a control diet or a diet containing 400 mg/kg puerarin (dry matter basis) for a 60-days summer trial after a 10-days adaptation period (n = 6, average daily THI = 81.56). The results revealed that puerarin significantly improved (<em>P</em> < 0.05) the average daily gain, dry matter intake, papillae length, thickness of stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum and basale, and total epithelia, interleukin-4 level, contents of microbial crude protein and isovalerate. Puerarin significantly decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.05) thickness of stratum corneum, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, cortisol, and adreno cortico tropic hormone. Furthermore, puerarin significantly increased (<em>P</em> < 0.05) the abundance of <em>Oribacterium</em>, <em>Streptococcus</em>, <em>Enterococcus</em> and <em>Akkermansia</em> and reduced (<em>P</em> < 0.05) the abundance of Fusobacteriota. Metabolomics analysis revealed that puerarin upregulates the differentially expressed metabolites including O-acetyl- <span>L</span>-serine, pyridoxal phosphate, <span>L</span>-glutathione, reduced, <span>L</span>-alanine, <span>L</span>-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-<span>L</span>-glutamate, pantothenic acid, dodecanoic acid, pyridoxamine, DL-homocysteine, and alpha-ketoglutarate (VIP ≥ 1, t-test <em>P</em> < 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that <em>Akkermansia</em> exhibited negative correlations with interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and cortisol (|R| > 0.5, <em>P</em> < 0.05). And <em>Enterococcus</em> exhibited a positive correlation with O-acetyl- <span>L</span>-serine, DL-homocysteine, pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxamine, and <span>L</span>-glutathione, reduced (R| > 0.5, <em>P</em> < 0.05). In conclusion, 400 mg/kg puerarin supplementation alleviates heat stress by repairing rumen epithelium, optimizing microbial community, and enhancing metabolic functions, thereby improving growth performance of beef cattle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"335 ","pages":"Article 116668"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), is a destructive wood-boring pest whose gut harbors bacteria capable of degrading lignin and lignocellulose. This study aimed to identify lignocellulose-degrading bacteria from the gut of leopard moth and evaluate their effects on the chemical composition, in vitro gas production (IVGP), fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and rumen microbial enzyme activity of lignocellulosic substrates. Gut contents were cultured on seven lignin-rich media prepared from water-extracted wheat straw (WS), sawdust, and sugarcane tops (ST). Three isolates with the highest lignin peroxidase activity (0.136, 0.128, and 0.123 U for Staphylococcus sp., Brevibacterium sp., and Enterobacter sp. respectively) were identified via 16S rRNA sequencing. These three isolates were used either individually or as a bacterial mixture to incubate WS and ST in liquid media for 10 days. For each substrate (i.e., WS or ST), five experimental treatments were incubated: an untreated control (no bacteria), treatments inoculated with Enterobacter sp., Staphylococcus sp., Brevibacterium sp., and a bacterial mixture. Results showed that bacterial treatments, particularly the mixture, significantly increased (P < 0.05) dry matter (DM) loss and crude protein content in both substrates. In both substrates, the lowest (P < 0.05) organic matter (OM) and ash-free neutral detergent fiber (NDFom) content was recorded following treatment with bacterial mixture. Bacterial treatments differently decreased (P < 0.05) the acid detergent lignin (ADL) content of WS; and the effects were more marked for inoculation with bacterial mixture. The bacterial mixture yielded the highest (P < 0.05) total IVGP and GP potential (b coefficient) for both WS and ST. Furthermore, the bacterial mixture enhanced (P < 0.05) digestibility of DM and OM, microbial production, and ammonia-N compared to the control. In vitro two-stage digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and NDFom also improved (P < 0.05) following treatment with the bacterial mixture. Compared to the control, the bacterial mixture significantly increased (P < 0.05) the activity of fiber-degrading enzymes (carboxymethyl cellulase, microcrystalline cellulase, and filter paper-degrading enzymes) on both tested substrates. Overall, the results demonstrate that a combination of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria from leopard moth gut effectively improves the nutritive value of WS and ST by enhancing fermentation, digestibility, and microbial enzymatic activity, offering a promising approach for enhancing nutrient quality of agricultural by-products.
{"title":"Effects of symbiotic lignocellulose-degrading bacteria isolated from leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.) on chemical composition, in vitro gas production, fermentation parameters and microbial enzyme activity of some agricultural by-products","authors":"Ayoub Azizi , Afrooz Sharifi , Fahimeh Dehghanikhah , Ali Kiani","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The leopard moth, <em>Zeuzera pyrina</em> L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), is a destructive wood-boring pest whose gut harbors bacteria capable of degrading lignin and lignocellulose. This study aimed to identify lignocellulose-degrading bacteria from the gut of leopard moth and evaluate their effects on the chemical composition, <em>in vitro</em> gas production (IVGP), fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and rumen microbial enzyme activity of lignocellulosic substrates. Gut contents were cultured on seven lignin-rich media prepared from water-extracted wheat straw (WS), sawdust, and sugarcane tops (ST). Three isolates with the highest lignin peroxidase activity (0.136, 0.128, and 0.123 U for <em>Staphylococcus</em> sp., <em>Brevibacterium</em> sp., and <em>Enterobacter</em> sp. respectively) were identified via 16S rRNA sequencing. These three isolates were used either individually or as a bacterial mixture to incubate WS and ST in liquid media for 10 days. For each substrate (<em>i.e.,</em> WS or ST), five experimental treatments were incubated: an untreated control (no bacteria), treatments inoculated with <em>Enterobacter</em> sp., <em>Staphylococcus</em> sp., <em>Brevibacterium</em> sp., and a bacterial mixture. Results showed that bacterial treatments, particularly the mixture, significantly increased (<em>P</em> < 0.05) dry matter (DM) loss and crude protein content in both substrates. In both substrates, the lowest (<em>P</em> < 0.05) organic matter (OM) and ash-free neutral detergent fiber (NDFom) content was recorded following treatment with bacterial mixture. Bacterial treatments differently decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.05) the acid detergent lignin (ADL) content of WS; and the effects were more marked for inoculation with bacterial mixture. The bacterial mixture yielded the highest (<em>P</em> < 0.05) total IVGP and GP potential (b coefficient) for both WS and ST. Furthermore, the bacterial mixture enhanced (<em>P</em> < 0.05) digestibility of DM and OM, microbial production, and ammonia-N compared to the control. <em>In vitro</em> two-stage digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and NDFom also improved (<em>P</em> < 0.05) following treatment with the bacterial mixture. Compared to the control, the bacterial mixture significantly increased (<em>P</em> < 0.05) the activity of fiber-degrading enzymes (carboxymethyl cellulase, microcrystalline cellulase, and filter paper-degrading enzymes) on both tested substrates. Overall, the results demonstrate that a combination of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria from leopard moth gut effectively improves the nutritive value of WS and ST by enhancing fermentation, digestibility, and microbial enzymatic activity, offering a promising approach for enhancing nutrient quality of agricultural by-products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"335 ","pages":"Article 116660"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146071078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116659
A.J. Furtado , A.L. Abdalla Filho , F. Perna Junior , R. Pasquini Neto , G.V. Silva , A.A.G. Lobo , L.M. Coelho , J.F. Bruno , A. Berndt , A.F. Pedroso , S.R. Medeiros , P.P.A. Oliveira , P.H.M. Rodrigues
With global population growth, livestock production must be intensified with reduced environmental impact. The benefits of legume-grass intercropping are well-documented; however, no studies have evaluated ruminal fermentation and digestive kinetics. Pigeon pea, a legume intercropped with tropical grasses, can improve the nutritional value of forage, increasing digestive efficiency and mitigating methane emissions, while also reducing the need for nitrogen fertilization. Over two years, nine rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls were allocated to nine experimental paddocks (1.25 ha each; total area of 11.25 ha) in a randomized complete block design, with year as the blocking factor. Treatments followed a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of three forage systems and two seasons (dry and rainy), with three paddock replicates per treatment: DEG, a degraded pasture; REC, recovered pasture fertilized with 200 kg of N; and MIX, mixture of legume-grass pasture. External and internal markers were used to determine dry matter intake (DMI). Grass and legume intake proportions were estimated using C3 and C4 carbon isotopes. The concentration and production of short-chain fatty acids, methane, and ammonia compounds were calculated using the ex-situ fermentation technique. Animals in DEG pasture presented a higher DMI of the supplement and higher relative energy loss as methane production, while a higher level of DM digestibility was observed in the MIX pasture. Higher ruminal concentrations of NH3-N were obtained for animals in the REC pasture. The lowest ruminal DM and NDF degradation rates were observed in the MIX pasture.
随着全球人口的增长，畜牧生产必须在减少环境影响的同时得到加强。豆科草间作的好处是有据可查的；然而，尚无研究评估瘤胃发酵和消化动力学。鸽豆是一种豆科植物，与热带牧草间作，可以提高饲料的营养价值，提高消化效率，减少甲烷排放，同时还可以减少对氮肥的需求。在2年的时间里，采用完全随机区隔设计，将9头瘤胃空心公牛分配到9个实验围场（每个1.25 ha，总面积11.25 ha），以年份为阻隔因素。处理遵循3 × 2因子安排，包括3种牧草系统和2个季节（旱季和雨季），每个处理有3个围场重复：DEG，退化牧场；REC，恢复草场施肥200 kg N；和MIX，豆科牧草的混合物。采用内外标记测定干物质采食量（DMI）。利用C3和C4碳同位素估算草和豆科植物的摄入比例。利用移地发酵技术计算了短链脂肪酸、甲烷和氨化合物的浓度和产量。DEG牧场饲粮的DMI和相对能量损失（甲烷产量）较高，MIX牧场饲粮的DM消化率较高。REC牧场的动物瘤胃NH3-N浓度较高。MIX牧场的瘤胃DM和NDF降解率最低。
{"title":"Intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation in Nellore bulls grazing degraded or recovered pastures of Urochloa ssp. or the grass intercropped with pigeon pea","authors":"A.J. Furtado , A.L. Abdalla Filho , F. Perna Junior , R. Pasquini Neto , G.V. Silva , A.A.G. Lobo , L.M. Coelho , J.F. Bruno , A. Berndt , A.F. Pedroso , S.R. Medeiros , P.P.A. Oliveira , P.H.M. Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With global population growth, livestock production must be intensified with reduced environmental impact. The benefits of legume-grass intercropping are well-documented; however, no studies have evaluated ruminal fermentation and digestive kinetics. Pigeon pea, a legume intercropped with tropical grasses, can improve the nutritional value of forage, increasing digestive efficiency and mitigating methane emissions, while also reducing the need for nitrogen fertilization. Over two years, nine rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls were allocated to nine experimental paddocks (1.25 ha each; total area of 11.25 ha) in a randomized complete block design, with year as the blocking factor. Treatments followed a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of three forage systems and two seasons (dry and rainy), with three paddock replicates per treatment: DEG, a degraded pasture; REC, recovered pasture fertilized with 200 kg of N; and MIX, mixture of legume-grass pasture. External and internal markers were used to determine dry matter intake (DMI). Grass and legume intake proportions were estimated using C3 and C4 carbon isotopes. The concentration and production of short-chain fatty acids, methane<sub>,</sub> and ammonia compounds were calculated using the <em>ex-situ</em> fermentation technique<strong>.</strong> Animals in DEG pasture presented a higher DMI of the supplement and higher relative energy loss as methane production, while a higher level of DM digestibility was observed in the MIX pasture. Higher ruminal concentrations of NH<sub>3</sub>-N were obtained for animals in the REC pasture. The lowest ruminal DM and NDF degradation rates were observed in the MIX pasture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116659"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116658
Xiongxiong Li , Ting Jiao , Jinlong Xu , Shengguo Zhao , Jianbin Liu
Since the banning of antibiotics, the use of green feed additives has become crucial for the healthy farming of mutton sheep. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) and Agaricus Blazei polysaccharides (ABP) exhibit various functions such as antioxidation, immunomodulation, and meat quality improvement. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of APS and ABP supplementation on growth performance, blood biochemistry, immunity, meat quality, ruminal microbiota, and rumen epithelial gene expression in lambs. Thirty-six 2.5-month-old weaned male lambs (weighing 20.85 ± 1.62 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12). They were as follows: 1) CON group (basal diet), 2) APS group (basal diet + 0.30 % APS), and 3) ABP group (basal diet + 0.20 % ABP). All lambs were reared on a large, well-managed farm in China, with each group housed in separate pens. The pre-feeding period was 10 d and the treatment period was 120 d. Dietary APS and ABP increased the final body weight, Total VFA and acetate concentration in the rumen, and serum levels of glucose (GLU), IgG, and IgM in lambs (p < 0.05). In addition, the ADG and ruminal butyrate concentration were higher in the ABP group (p < 0.05). Dietary ABP increased muscle C18:1n9t and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) contents and reduced muscle drip loss, whereas APS increased C22:2 and C20:5n3 contents and decreased saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents (p < 0.05). About ruminal microbiota, the relative abundances of unclassified_Bacteria and Spirochaetota were lower in the ABP and APS groups than in the CON group, while that of Desulfobacterota was reduced only in the ABP group (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was decreased in both treatment groups, whereas that of unclassified_Prevotellaceae was decreased in the APS group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary ABP and APS increased the expression of MCT1 and NHE2, both of which were positively correlated with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group.
In summary, the addition of APS and ABP to the diet can improve the growth performance, meat quality, rumen fermentation, and microbiota of lambs. It is worth noting that the overall effect of ABP is superior to that of APS.
{"title":"Astragalus polysaccharide and Agaricus Blazei polysaccharides improve growth performance, meat quality and health status of lambs via rescheduling the rumen microbiota","authors":"Xiongxiong Li , Ting Jiao , Jinlong Xu , Shengguo Zhao , Jianbin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2026.116658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since the banning of antibiotics, the use of green feed additives has become crucial for the healthy farming of mutton sheep. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) and <em>Agaricus Blazei</em> polysaccharides (ABP) exhibit various functions such as antioxidation, immunomodulation, and meat quality improvement. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of APS and ABP supplementation on growth performance, blood biochemistry, immunity, meat quality, ruminal microbiota, and rumen epithelial gene expression in lambs. Thirty-six 2.5-month-old weaned male lambs (weighing 20.85 ± 1.62 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12). They were as follows: 1) CON group (basal diet), 2) APS group (basal diet + 0.30 % APS), and 3) ABP group (basal diet + 0.20 % ABP). All lambs were reared on a large, well-managed farm in China, with each group housed in separate pens. The pre-feeding period was 10 d and the treatment period was 120 d. Dietary APS and ABP increased the final body weight, Total VFA and acetate concentration in the rumen, and serum levels of glucose (GLU), IgG, and IgM in lambs (<em>p</em> < 0.05). In addition, the ADG and ruminal butyrate concentration were higher in the ABP group (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Dietary ABP increased muscle C18:1n9t and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) contents and reduced muscle drip loss, whereas APS increased C22:2 and C20:5n3 contents and decreased saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents (<em>p</em> < 0.05). About ruminal microbiota, the relative abundances of unclassified_Bacteria and Spirochaetota were lower in the ABP and APS groups than in the CON group, while that of Desulfobacterota was reduced only in the ABP group (<em>p</em> < 0.05). The relative abundance of <em>Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group</em> was decreased in both treatment groups, whereas that of <em>unclassified_Prevotellaceae</em> was decreased in the APS group (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary ABP and APS increased the expression of <em>MCT1</em> and <em>NHE2</em>, both of which were positively correlated with <em>Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group.</em></div><div>In summary, the addition of APS and ABP to the diet can improve the growth performance, meat quality, rumen fermentation, and microbiota of lambs. It is worth noting that the overall effect of ABP is superior to that of APS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"334 ","pages":"Article 116658"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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