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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 × 2 crossover design, 24 lactating Polish Holstein–Friesians 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 × 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).
Cutting-edge exploration of insect utilization in ruminant nutrition—feature 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 ruminants’ 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 ruminants’ 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 ruminants’ 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.
Impact of dietary salicylates on angiogenic factors and biochemical parameters in a rat model of preeclampsia
Background The pathophysiology of preeclampsia involves impaired cytotrophoblastic invasion, placental ischemia, inflammation, and angiogenic imbalance. Prophylactic low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in high-risk women. This study evaluated the effect of dietary salicylates on the development of preeclampsia in rats treated with L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester). Methodology Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups and treated with dietary salicylates at two dose levels (1 and 10 mg/kg diet) or aspirin (doses adjusted to dietary salicylates). Preeclampsia was induced by administering L-NAME in drinking water from gestational days 6–19. Results Neither dietary salicylates nor aspirin, at either dose, affected blood pressure in L-NAME-treated rats. The lower dose of dietary salicylates significantly reduced urinary albumin levels. Both interventions prevented an increase in the sFlt/PLGF ratio and mitigated histopathological placental changes in preeclamptic rats. The higher dose of aspirin reduced placental VEGFR2 protein levels. Conclusion Dietary salicylate supplementation does not provide clear preventive effects against preeclampsia.
Modification of the Protein Amino Acid Content in Hen Eggs as a Consequence of Different Concentrations of Lupine and Soy in Feed
The effect of the diet modification (soybean and lupine addition) on the content of protein and amino acids (AA) in eggs was studied. Both the sampling day and the diet influenced the total protein content. In albumen, the lowest protein content (10.6%) was noted after administering a diet containing 25% lupine; in the same egg the yolk contained the most proteins (16.7%). In the content of nonessential AA (NAA) in egg yolks, differences were noted only for cysteine, with its the highest content in the yolks of the control group. The stable content of essential yolk amino acids (EAA) was observed only for isoleucine, leucine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. The highest contents of EAA and NAA were recorded in the yolks of the control group (~47 and ~53 g/100 g of protein, respectively) and in the group with 25% additions of lupine (~42 and ~51 g/100 g of protein, respectively). AA with constant content in the tested albumens were methionine, tryptophan and alanine. The highest content of EAA (>~42 g/100 g of protein) and NAA (>~62 g/100 g of protein) were determined in albumen of eggs determined in the group with at least 20% additions of lupine. The highest content of EAA for humans delivered eggs from groups 4–6 (with the addition of soy into the diet ≤5%). The protein sources used in the hen diet significantly influenced the content of protein and individual AA in the produced eggs.
How Tillage System Affects the Soil Carbon Dioxide Emission and Wheat Plants Physiological State
The cultivation or ‘tillage’ system is one of the most important elements of agrotechnology. It affects the condition of the soil, significantly modifying its physical, chemical, and biological properties, and the condition of plants, starting from ensuring appropriate conditions for sowing and plant growth, through influencing the efficiency of photosynthesis and ultimately, the yield. It also affects air transmission and the natural environment by influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions potentially. Ultimately, the cultivation system also has an impact on the farmer, providing the opportunity to reduce production costs. The described experiment was established in 1998 at the Brody Agricultural Experimental Station belonging to the University of Life Sciences in Poznań (Poland) on a soil classified as an Albic Luvisol, while the described measurements were carried out in the 2022/2023 season, i.e., 24 years after the establishment of the experiment. Two cultivation methods were compared: Conventional Tillage (CT) and No Tillage (NT). Additionally, the influence of two factors was examined: nitrogen (N) fertilization (0 N—no fertilization, and 130 N–130 kg N∙ha−1) and the growth phase of the winter wheat plants (BBCH: 32, 65 and 75). The growth phase of the plants was assessed according to the method of the Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie (BBCH). We present the results of soil properties, soil respiration, wheat plants chlorophyll fluorescence, and grain yield. In our experiment, due to low rainfall, NT cultivation turned out to be beneficial, as it was a key factor influencing the soil properties, including soil organic carbon (SOC) content and soil moisture, and, consequently, creating favorable conditions for plant nutrition and efficiency of photosynthesis. We found a positive effect of NT cultivation on chlorophyll fluorescence, but this did not translate into a greater yield in NT cultivation. However, the decrease in yield due to NT compared to CT was only 5% in fertilized plots, while the average decrease in grain yield resulting from the lack of fertilization was 46%. We demonstrated the influence of soil moisture as well as the growth phase and fertilization on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the soil. We can clearly confirm that the tillage system affected all the parameters discussed in the work.
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 µs, N = 33 f = 1 Hz] was applied 1–3 times to S. baicalensis roots submerged in four different Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) media (1—choline chloride/xylose (1:2) + 30% water, 2—choline chloride/glucose (1:2) + 30% water, 3—choline chloride/ethylene glycol (1:2), and 4—tap 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 µg/mL, wogonin 2.15 µg/mL, and wogonoside 3.01 µg/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 µg/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.
Potential of Paulownia Leaves Silage in Lamb Diet to Improve Ruminal Fermentation and Fatty Acid Profile − An in vitro Study
Abstract Environmental impact, quality, and quantity of food products of ruminant origin (especially beef and mutton) are considered major challenges in meeting the nutritional requirements of the growing human population worldwide. Therefore, we conducted this in vitro study to explore the potential of Paulownia leaves silage to reduce the environmental impact of feedlot lamb production and improve ruminal fatty acids (FAs) profile by influencing ruminal biohydrogenation. In the present study, Paulownia leaves silage (PLS) and alfalfa silage (AAS) were mixed in a proportion of 1:0 (Control, PLS 0%), 0.75:0.25 (PLS 25%), 0.5:0.5 (PLS 50%), 0.25:0.75 (PLS 75%) and 0:1 (PLS 100%) on dry matter basis in the lamb diet. The experimental findings demonstrated that 100% replacement of AAS with PLS in the lamb diet significantly improved the ruminal fermentation by increasing the in vitro DM degradability (P<0.01), total volatile fatty acid (P<0.01), and propionate production (P<0.01) while reducing the acetate: propionate (A/P) ratio (P<0.01) and CH4 concentration (mM; L and Q P<0.05) and CH4 production, mM/g DM (L and Q P<0.05). Meanwhile, 100% PLS inclusion in the diet increased the total monounsaturated fatty acids (P<0.05), total unsaturated fatty acids (P<0.01) and total n-3 fatty acids (P<0.05) particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3 n-3; P<0.05) in the rumen fluid after incubation. Moreover, the total saturated fatty acids concentration was reduced (P<0.01). These findings suggested that PLS could be a climate-friendly and sustainable alternative to AAS in the lamb feedlot diet for quality meat production.
Effect of Tempeh and Daidzein on Calcium Status, Calcium Transporters, and Bone Metabolism Biomarkers in Ovariectomized Rats
Menopause marks a critical life stage characterized by hormonal changes that significantly impact bone health, leading to a heightened susceptibility to bone fractures. This research seeks to elucidate the impact of daidzein and tempeh on calcium status, calcium transporters, and bone metabolism in an ovariectomized rat model. Forty female Wistar rats, aged 3 months, participated in a two-phase experiment. The initial phase involved inducing a calcium deficit, while the second phase comprised dietary interventions across five groups: Sham (S) and Ovariectomy (O) with a standard diet, O with bisphosphonate (OB), O with pure daidzein (OD), and O with tempeh (OT). Multiple parameters, encompassing calcium levels, calcium transporters, bone histopathology, and serum bone metabolism markers, were evaluated. The findings revealed that the OT group showcased heightened levels of bone turnover markers, such as pyridinoline, C-telopeptide of type I collagen, bone alkaline phosphatase, and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, in contrast to S and O groups, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, both the OD and OT groups exhibited effects akin to the OB group, indicating a decrease in the surface area occupied by adipocytes in the femoral bone structure, although statistically non-equivalent, supporting the directionally similar trends. Although TRPV5 and TRPV6 mRNA expression levels in the jejunum and duodenum did not display statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), the OD and OT groups exhibited increased expression compared to the O group. We hypothesized that obtained results may be related to the effect of isoflavones on estrogen pathways because of their structurally similar to endogenous estrogen and weak estrogenic properties. In conclusion, the daily consumption of pure daidzein and tempeh could potentially improve and reinstate calcium status, calcium transport, and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. Additionally, isoflavone products demonstrate effects similar to bisphosphonate drugs on these parameters in ovariectomized rats.
Preparat eubiotyczny dla drobiu, w szczególności kurcząt rzeźnych i sposób wytwarzania paszy dla drobiu w szczególności kurcząt rzeźnych
Effects of raw and fermented rapeseed cake on ruminal fermentation, methane emission, and milk production in lactating dairy cows
Effect of multispecies swards on ruminal fermentation, methane emission and potential for climate care cattle farming − an in vitro study
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 brewer’s 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.
Effect of IVM media supplementation with a blend of n6/n3 fatty acids on the quality of bovine oocytes and blastocysts
Dietary cannabidiol and nanoselenium mediates post-infection changes in the profiles of fatty acids, sarcoplasmic proteins, and meat properties of C. perfringens-challenged chickens
Effect of prudent use of antimicrobials in the early phase of infection in pigs on the performance and meat quality of fattening pigs
Growth Performance and Ruminal Fermentation in Lambs with Endoparasites and In Vitro Effect of Medicinal Plants
We investigated growth performance and ruminal fermentation associated with gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) Haemonchus contortus in lambs and in vitro ruminal fermentation of mallow, chamomile, fumitory, wormwood (Herbmix), and chicory using inoculum from GIN-infected lambs. Twelve lambs were equally divided into two groups: uninfected animals (CON) and animals infected (INF) with approximately 5000 third-stage larvae derived from the MHCo1 strain of GIN H. contortus. Two lambs per group were killed on days 48, 49, and 50 after infection and ruminal content was collected separately from each lamb. Batch cultures of ruminal fluid from CON and INF were incubated for 24 h in vitro with 0.25 g meadow hay, Herbmix, and chicory using an in vitro gas production technique. Daily weight gain was relatively lower in the INF than the CON group, but not significantly (72.6 vs. 130.1 g/day). The ruminal populations of protozoa, bacteria, total Archaea, Methanobacteriales, and Methanomicrobiales were significantly higher in the INF than in the CON group. The substrates affected the concentrations of n-butyrate, iso-butyrate, n-valerate, iso-valerate, ammonia-N, total gas, and methane (p < 0.001) in vitro. GIN infection affected fermentation and microbial population in the rumens of the lambs, and chicory was a promising substrate to modulate ruminal fermentation in vitro.
Bioactive Compounds, Ruminal Fermentation, and Anthelmintic Activity of Specialty Coffee and Spent Coffee Grounds In Vitro
We quantified the bioactive compounds of Ethiopian coffee (ETH), spent coffee grounds SCGs from ETH (SCG-ETH), and mixed SCGs (SCG-MIX) prepared by filtration methods and investigated the effect of SCG-ETH on ruminal fermentation as well as the anthelmintic activity of ETH. Three substrates, meadow hay (MH)-barley grain (MH-BG), MH-SCG-ETH, and BG-SCG-ETH (1:1 w/w), were fermented using an in vitro gas production technique. The bioactive compounds were quantitatively analyzed using ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. We performed an in vitro larval development test to determine the anthelmintic effect of an aqueous extract of ETH against the gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) Haemonchus contortus. The total content of bioactive compounds was highest in SCG-ETH, followed by SCG-MIX and ETH (35.2, 31.2, and 20.9 mg/g dry matter, respectively). Total gas and methane production (p < 0.001) were decreased by both MH-SCG-ETH and BG-SCG-ETH. The in vitro digestibility of dry matter was higher for MH-SCG-ETH and BG-SCG-ETH than for MH-BG. The aqueous ETH extract exhibited a strong larvicidal effect, with a mean lethal dose of 13.2 mg/mL for 50% mortality and 31.9 mg/L for 99% mortality. SCG substrates have the potential to modulate ruminal fermentation and serve as a source of anthelmintic bioactive compounds against GINs in ruminants.
