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Raw diets for dogs and cats: Potential health benefits and threats
Raw meat-based diets for pet nutrition are becoming increasingly popular. The percentage of meat content, composition of nutrients, and amount of additives started to play an important role in the recipe of a given food. However, the use of healthier and unprocessed food must also be balanced with the animalâs specific needs based on its anatomy, physiology, and behavior. There are many potential advantages and disadvantages of a biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet, and all of them should be considered before switching to this approach. Raw meat is considered a diet closest to nature and least processed. However, raw diets threaten pet health because of the potential for nutrient imbalances. The choice of raw meat in petsâ everyday diet should be supported by the veterinarianâs medical decision and preferably also with nutritionist help. Growing animals require a specific Ca:P ratio in their diet, which may be improper in raw meat. For cats, taurine levels must be carefully checked. In addition, an imbalanced raw-meat diet can be the cause of poor semen quality in males. Females are prone to inhibition of the estrus cycle, especially due to hyperthyroidism. Exogenous thyroid hormone intake is a real concern when feeding a neck/head meat with thyroid glands. There is also a possibility of bacterial or parasitic presence in raw meat. The present paper aims to summarize the current state of knowledge about the benefits and threats of eating a raw meat diet for the health concerns of companion animals.
Fermentowany makuch rzepakowy dla zwierzÄ t, zwĆaszcza dla zwierzÄ t monogastrycznych, zwĆaszcza dla kurczÄ t i indykĂłw rzeĆșnych, pasza dla zwierzÄ t, zwĆaszcza dla zwierzÄ t monogastrycznych, zwĆaszcza dla kurczÄ t i indykĂłw rzeĆșnych i zastosowanie fermentowanego makuchu rzepakowego i paszy zawierajÄ cej fermentowany makuch rzepakowy
Evaluating the potential of fermented concentrate feeds on lamb growth performance: A meta-analysis
Meta-Analysis of Incorporating Glucosinolates into Diets and Their Effects on Ruminant Performance, Ruminal Fermentation, Methane Emissions, Milk Composition, and Metabolic Biochemical Attributes
Brassica-derived feeds have been recognized for their economic and environmental benefits in ruminant nutrition. However, their utilization is constrained by the presence of glucosinolates and sulfur-containing compounds that exhibit both beneficial and adverse effects. This meta-analysis included 36 studies that evaluated the impact of glucosinolate intake on ruminant performance, nutrient digestibility, milk composition, and methane emissions. This analysis, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, revealed that glucosinolate supplementation resulted in a quadratic increase in milk urea nitrogen concentration (p = 0.017). Additionally, significant interactions between glucosinolate level and source influenced crude protein digestibility (p = 0.026). Milk composition parameters, including 4% fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, milk protein, and lactose proportions, were significantly affected (p < 0.05). Furthermore, methane emissions (g/kg DMI) decreased quadratically with increasing glucosinolate intake (p = 0.003), with additional interactions observed between dietary treatments and animal species (p = 0.029). Propionate and isobutyrate concentrations increased in a quadratic and linear manner, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that glucosinolate-containing feed can enhance nutrient utilization and mitigate methane emissions in ruminants. However, the magnitude of these effects is dependent on the glucosinolate dosage, source, animal species, and dietary composition, necessitating further research to optimize their use in ruminant nutrition.
Potential of chicory (Cichorium intybus) sward to improve growth performance and the fatty acid profile of rumen fluid, liver, muscle, and subcutaneous fat tissues of lamb
Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Treatment Results in Growth Promotion, Main Flavonoids Extraction, and Phytochemical Profile Modulation of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Roots
This study aims to explore the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment as a method very likely to result in reversible electroporation of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi underground organs, resulting in increased mass transfer and secondary metabolites leakage. PEF treatment with previously established empirically tailored parameters [E = 0.3 kV/cm (U = 3 kV, d = 10 cm), t = 50 ”s, N = 33 f = 1 Hz] was applied 1â3 times to S. baicalensis roots submerged in four different Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) media (1âcholine chloride/xylose (1:2) + 30% water, 2âcholine chloride/glucose (1:2) + 30% water, 3âcholine chloride/ethylene glycol (1:2), and 4âtap water (EC = 0.7 mS/cm). Confocal microscopy was utilized to visualize the impact of PEF treatment on the root cells in situ. As a result of plant cell membrane permeabilization, an extract containing major active metabolites was successfully acquired in most media, achieving the best results using medium 1 and repeating the PEF treatment twice (baicalein <LOQ, baicalin 12.85 ”g/mL, wogonin 2.15 ”g/mL, and wogonoside 3.01 ”g/mL). Wogonin concentration in NADES media was on par with the control (plants harvested on the day of the experiment, ultrasound-mediated methanolic extraction, Cwogonin = 2.15 ”g/mL). After successful extraction, PEF treatment allowed the plants to continue growing, with the lowest survival rate across treated groups being 60%. Additionally, an enhancement in plant growth parameters (length and fresh mass of the roots) and significant changes in the S. baicalensis root phytochemical profile were also observed.
Effects of raw and fermented rapeseed cake on ruminal fermentation, methane emission, and milk production in lactating dairy cows
The effect of ensiled paulownia leaves in a high-forage diet on ruminal fermentation, methane production, fatty acid composition, and milk production performance of dairy cows
Abstract Background The use of industrial by-products rich in bioactive compounds as animal feeds can reduce greenhouse gas production. Paulownia leaves silage (PLS) was supplemented to dairy cows' diet and evaluated in vitro (Exp. 1; Rusitec) and in vivo (Exp. 2, cannulated lactating dairy cows and Exp. 3, non-cannulated lactating dairy cows). The study investigated the PLS effect on ruminal fermentation, microbial populations, methane production and concentration, dry matter intake (DMI), and fatty acid (FA) proportions in ruminal fluid and milk. Results Several variables of the ruminal fluid were changed in response to the inclusion of PLS. In Exp. 1, the pH increased linearly and quadratically, whereas ammonia and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations increased linearly and cubically. A linear, quadratic, and cubical decrease in methane concentration was observed with increasing dose of the PLS. Exp. 2 revealed an increase in ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations, but no changes in total VFA concentration. Inclusion of PLS increased ruminal propionate (at 3 h and 6 h after feeding), isovalerate, and valerate concentrations. Addition of PLS also affected several populations of the analyzed microorganisms. The abundances of protozoa and bacteria were increased, whereas the abundance of archaea were decreased by PLS. Methane production decreased by 11% and 14% in PLS-fed cows compared to the control in Exp. 2 and 3, respectively. Exp. 3 revealed a reduction in the milk protein and lactose yield in the PLS-fed cows, but no effect on DMI and energy corrected milk yield. Also, the PLS diet affected the ruminal biohydrogenation process with an increased proportions of C18:3 cis-9 cis-12 cis-15, conjugated linoleic acid, C18:1 trans-11 FA, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and reduced n6/n3 ratio and saturated fatty acids (SFA) proportion in milk. The relative transcript abundances of the 5 of 6 analyzed genes regulating FA metabolism increased. Conclusions The dietary PLS replacing the alfalfa silage at 60 g/kg diet can reduce the methane emission and improve milk quality with greater proportions of PUFA, including conjugated linoleic acid, and C18:1 trans-11 along with reduction of SFA. Graphical Abstract Graphical abstract of the experimental roadmap
Saponin Extracts Utilization as Dietary Additive in Ruminant Nutrition: A Meta-Analysis of In Vivo Studies
The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the underlying effects of different saponins extracted from different sources on the production performance, milk yield, digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and nitrogen utilization of ruminants. A total of 26 papers comprising 66 in vivo studies (148 data points of dietary treatments) were evaluated in the present study. The databases were statistically analyzed using the mixed model procedure of SAS, where experiments considered random effects and tannin-related factors were treated as fixed effects. Statistical procedures were then continued in comparing different sources of saponin extract through Mixed Model analysis, where experiments were also random factors and sources of saponin extract were fixed factors. The evidence revealed in the present meta-analysis that saponin supplementation of up to 40 g/kg DM appears to have no detrimental impact on feed intake across ruminant types, suggesting that it does not significantly affect diet palatability. However, the results indicated that there are species-specific responses to saponin supplementation, particularly in relation to palatability and nutrient absorption efficiency, with larger ruminants being better able to tolerate the bitterness induced by saponin extracts. Furthermore, the study found that saponin extracts can influence nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation dynamics, with different effects observed in large and small ruminants. While some saponin extracts can enhance average daily weight gain and milk yield, others can have adverse effects, highlighting the importance of considering both saponin sources and animal physiological condition when developing nutritional strategies. Additionally, optimization of ruminant production by utilizing saponin extracts is necessary to avoid negative health implications, such as increased blood creatinine levels. Different saponin extracts utilization in ruminant nutrition and environmental management, have a distinct understanding associated to their various bioactive properties. However, among the saponin sources, saponin extracted from Quilaja saponaria is more likely to improve large ruminant production performance while maintaining ruminant health and metabolism, but negatively affect small ruminants. Further research is needed to unravel the intricate effects of different saponin sources on ruminant health and productivity, emphasizing the importance of tailored dietary strategies that consider the unique physiological and metabolic characteristics of the target livestock.
Effect of multispecies swards on ruminal fermentation, methane emission and potential for climate care cattle farming â an in vitro study
Cutting-edge exploration of insect utilization in ruminant nutritionâfeature and future: a systematic review and meta-analysis
There has been a growing interest in using insects as sustainable protein sources for ruminant feed, such as the adults of the two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus), larvae of the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor), black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), and pupae of the silkworm (Bombyx mori). The advantages of these insects over other plant materials lie in their elevated levels of crude protein and fat. However, this interest lacks a comprehensive understanding of the impact of insects on the ruminal fermentation processes, including digestibility and gas production, as well as the impact on animal performance and related health aspects. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of ruminal fermentation indices across diverse insect species. Employing descriptive and meta-analysis methodologies, we examined the impact of incorporating insect-derived meals in ruminantsâ diets. Moreover, we evaluated the growth performance and biochemical parameters of blood in ruminants when species such as Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens, Oriental Hornet (Vespa Orientalis), and Bombyx mori were incorporated into ruminantsâ diets. The meta-analysis was performed on a limited dataset of 14 in vitro and eight in vivo trials, investigating insect meal as a potential feed source. A comparison is drawn between these insect-based feeds and conventional dietary sources such as soybean meal, alfalfa hay, and commercial concentrate diets. Our meta-analysis revealed that incorporating Gryllus bimaculatus and Hermetia illucens to partially replace protein sources in ruminantsâ diet did not adversely affect digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and ruminant production, supporting the feasibility as a feed ingredient for ruminant animals. In addition, the oriental hornet showed an overall higher outcome on the final BW, ADG, digestibility, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, suggesting the promising effect of this insect for future use in ruminants. The data also indicates that dietary insect inclusion levels should not exceed 30% (DM basis) to achieve an optimal ruminal fermentation profile. Furthermore, it offers comparative insights into the nutritional value of these insects, which warrant further investigation at the in vivo level. Ultimately, the existing understanding of the nutritional utilization potential of these insects by ruminants, particularly concerning macro- and micronutrients, is evaluated and revealed to be significantly constrained.
Effects of a Multi-Strain Lactic and Propionic Acid Bacteria Inoculant on Silage Quality, Methane Emissions, Milk Composition, and Rumen Microbiome
Ensiling grass with microbial inoculants is a promising strategy to enhance forage quality, animal performance, and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of a multi-strain inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. buchneri, Propionibacterium acidipropionici, and P. thoeni) on silage fermentation, nutrient digestibility, milk production, methane emissions, and rumen microbiota in dairy cows. In a 2 Ă 2 crossover design, 24 lactating Polish HolsteinâFriesians were fed total mixed rations differing only in grass silage treated with or without inoculant. Inoculated silage had lower pH (4.56 vs. 5.06; p = 0.02) and higher crude protein (129 vs. 111 g/kgDM; p < 0.05). Cows fed inoculated silage showed higher ruminal propionate (28.3 vs. 26.3 mM; p = 0.03), reduced ammonia (7.61 vs. 8.67 mM; p = 0.02), and fewer protozoa (1.21 vs. 1.66 Ă 105/mL; p = 0.03). Nutrient digestibility improved (p < 0.05), while methane emissions declined both per cow (368 vs. 397 g/d; p = 0.01) and per kgDMI (15.1 vs. 16.5; p = 0.01). Milk yield increased (p = 0.04), and the fatty acid profile improved. Our study revealed that cows fed inoculated silage had higher nutrient digestibility, lower methane emissions, and microbial shifts in the rumen detected by 16S rRNA sequencing (p < 0.05).
Dietary Coleus amboinicus Lour. decreases ruminal methanogenesis and biohydrogenation, and improves meat quality and fatty acid composition in longissimus thoracis muscle of lambs
Abstract Background Methane production and fatty acids (FA) biohydrogenation in the rumen are two main constraints in ruminant production causing environmental burden and reducing food product quality. Rumen functions can be modulated by the biologically active compounds (BACs) of plant origins as shown in several studies e.g. reduction in methane emission, modulation of FA composition with positive impact on the ruminant products. Coleus amboinicus Lour. (CAL) contains high concentration of polyphenols that may potentially reduce methane production and modulate ruminal biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BAC of Coleus amboinicus Lour. (CAL) fed to growing lambs on ruminal methane production, biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA and meat characteristics. In this study, the in vitro experiment aiming at determining the most effective CAL dose for in vivo experiments was followed by two in vivo experiments in rumen-cannulated rams and growing lambs. Experiment 1 (RUSITEC) comprised of control and three experimental diets differing in CAL content (10%, 15%, and 20% of the total diet). The two in vivo experiments were conducted on six growing, rumen-cannulated lambs (Exp. 2) and 16 growing lambs (Exp. 3). Animals were assigned into the control (CON) and experimental (20% of CAL) groups. Several parameters were examined in vitro (pH, ammonia and VFA concentrations, protozoa, methanogens and select bacteria populations) and in vivo (methane production, digestibility, ruminal microorganism populations, meat quality, fatty acids profiles in rumen fluid and meat, transcript expression of 5 genes in meat). Results CAL lowered in vitro methane production by 51%. In the in vivo Exp. 3, CAL decreased methane production by 20% compared with the CON group, which corresponded to reduction of total methanogen counts by up to 28% in all experiments, notably Methanobacteriales. In Exp. 3, CAL increased or tended to increase populations of some rumen bacteria (Ruminococcus albus, Megasphaera elsdenii, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens). Dietary CAL suppressed the Holotricha population, but increased or tended to increase Entodiniomorpha population in vivo. An increase in the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportion in the rumen of lambs was noted in response to the CAL diet, which was mainly attributable to the increase in C18:3 cis-9 cis-12 cis-15 (LNA) proportion. CAL reduced the mRNA expression of four out of five genes investigated in meat (fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, lipoprotein lipase, and fatty acid desaturase 1). Conclusions Summarizing, polyphenols of CAL origin (20% in diet) mitigated ruminal methane production by inhibiting the methanogen communities. CAL supplementation also improved ruminal environment by modulating ruminal bacteria involved in fermentation and biohydrogenation of FA. Besides, CAL elevated the LNA concentration, which improved meat quality through increased deposition of n-3 PUFA.
Effect of Dried Apple Pomace (DAP) as a Feed Additive on Antioxidant System in the Rumen Fluid
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of dried apple pomace (DAP) as a feed additive on the enzymatic activity and non-enzymatic compounds belonging to the antioxidant system in cattle rumen fluid. The experiment included 4 Polish HolsteinâFriesian cannulated dairy cows and lasted 52 days. The control group was fed with the standard diet, while in the experimental group, 6% of the feedstuff was replaced by dried apple pomace. After the feeding period, ruminal fluid was collected. The spectrophotometric technique for the activity of lysosomal enzymes, the content of vitamin C, polyphenols, and the potential to scavenge the free DPPH radical was used. The enzyme immunoassay tests (ELISA) were used to establish the activity of antioxidants enzymes and MDA. Among the rumen aminopeptidases, a significant reduction (p < 0.01) from 164.00 to 142.00 was observed for leucyl-aminopeptidase. The activity of glycosidases was decreased for HEX (from 231.00 to 194.00) and ÎČ-Glu (from 1294.00 to 1136.00), while a significant statistically increase was noticed for BGRD (from 31.10 to 42.40), α-Glu (from 245.00 to 327.00), and MAN (from 29.70 to 36.70). Furthermore, the activity of catalase and GSH (p < 0.01) was inhibited. In turn, the level of vitamin C (from 22.90 to 24.10) and MDA (from 0.36 to 0.45) was statistically higher (p < 0.01). The most positive correlations were observed between AlaAP and LeuAP (r = 0.897) in the aminopeptidases group and between ÎČ-Gal and MAN (r = 0.880) in the glycosidases group. Furthermore, one of the most significant correlations were perceived between SOD and AlaAP (r = 0.505) and AcP (r = 0.450). The most negative correlation was noticed between α-Gal and DPPH (r = â0.533) based on these observations. Apple pomace as a feed additive has an influence on lysosomal degradation processes and modifies oxidationâreduction potential in the rumen fluid. Polyphenols and other low-weight antioxidant compounds are sufficient to maintain redox balance in the rumen.
Preparat eubiotyczny dla drobiu, w szczegĂłlnoĆci kurczÄ t rzeĆșnych i sposĂłb wytwarzania paszy dla drobiu w szczegĂłlnoĆci kurczÄ t rzeĆșnych
Leverage of Essential Oils on Faeces-Based Methane and Biogas Production in Dairy Cows
Currently, there is an ongoing intensive search for solutions that would effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mainly methane) into the environment. From a practical point of view, it is important to reduce methane emissions from cows in such a way as to simultaneously trim emissions from the digestive system and increase its potential production from feces, which is intended as a substrate used in biogas plants. Such a solution would not only lower animal-based methane emissions but would also enable the production of fuel (in chemical form) with a high yield of methane from biogas, which would boost the economic benefits and reduce the use of fossil fuels. We tested the effect of administering an essential oil blend consisting of 5.5% oils and fats on methane and biogas production from dairy cow feces during fermentation. Three subsequent series (control and experimental) were conducted in dairy cows fed a total mixed ration (TMR) rich in brewerâs cereals and beet pulp, with 20% dry matter (DM) of the total diet. Cows from the experimental group received 20 g/cow/day of essential oil blend, namely a commercial additive (CA). The study showed that CA can increase the production of methane and biogas from dairy cow feces. It can be concluded that in the experimental groups, approx. 15.2% and 14.4% on a fresh matter basis and 11.7% and 10.9% on a dry matter basis more methane and biogas were generated compared to the control group, respectively. Therefore, it can be assumed that the use of CA in cow nutrition improved dietary digestibility, which increased the efficiency of the use of feces organic matter for biogas production.
