Effect of calcium soaps from garlic (Allium sativum) and willow (Salix babylonica) extracts on nematode loads, nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation kinetics in dairy goats.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary calcium soaps from garlic (Allium sativum) and willow (Salix babylonica) extracts on nematode loads, nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation kinetics in dairy goats. Nine adult non-lactating Saanen goats were grouped into a complete randomized block design with 3 treatments (n = 3) over a period of 28 d. Animals were fed a diet based on alfalfa hay and a concentrate that was supplemented (65 g/kg DM) with calcium soaps of safflower (control), garlic or willow. Intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were not affected by dietary calcium soaps. However, the highest digestibility of DM and OM were observed in willow supplemented goats. In vitro gas kinetics and fermentation profile were not affected by diets. Results from fecal egg count indicated a reduction in total count, Haemonchus spp. and Trychostrongylus spp. for both garlic and willow compared to control. Our results suggest that calcium soaps of garlic or willow extracts can be used to reduce gastrointestinal parasites in goats without compromising productive traits or rumen function.

Inclusion of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) and pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata) in dairy sheep diets.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed (CS) and Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) seed (PS) are used in ruminant diets as energy sources. The current experiment studied the impact of dietary inclusion of CS and PS on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield, and milk composition of dairy sheep. Twelve primiparous Texel × Suffolk ewes [70 ± 5 days in milk (DIM); 0.320 ± 0.029 kg milk yield] were distributed in a 4 × 3 Latin square design and fed either a butter-based control diet [CON; 13 g/kg dry matter] or two diets with 61 g/kg DM of either CS or PS. Dietary inclusion of CS and PS did not alter live weight (p >0.1) and DM intake (p >0.1). However, compared to the CON, dietary inclusion of both CS and PS increased the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (p <0.001) and acid detergent lignin (p < 0.001). Milk production (p = 0.001), fat-corrected milk (p < 0.001), and feed efficiency (p < 0.001) were enhanced with PS, while the highest milk protein yield (p < 0.05) and lactose yield (p < 0.001) were for CS-fed ewes. Compared to the CON diet, the ingestion of either CS and/or PS decreased (p < 0.001) the C16:0 in milk. Moreover, both CS and PS tended to enhance the content of C18:3n6 (p > 0.05) and C18:3n3 (p > 0.05). Overall short-term feeding of CS and/or PS (up to 6.1% DM of diet) not only maintains the production performance and digestibility of nutrients but also positively modifies the milk FA composition.

Assessment of different dietary alfalfa hay to alfalfa silage ratios for dromedary camel feeding.

Two in vivo experiments studied the effects of different alfalfa hay (AH) to alfalfa silage (AS) ratios including 100:0 (AH100), 50:50 (AH50:AS50) and 0:100 (AS100) in total mixed rations (TMR) of dromedary camels. In experiment (Exp.) 1, a total of 18 multiparous Baluchi dairy camel [100 ± 5 days in milk (DIM); 3.65 ± 0.539 kg milk yield] were randomly allocated to one of the three groups (n = 6) for 42 d of experimental period. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield were recorded daily, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 21 and 42. In Exp. 2, 18 male Baluchi camel calves [275 ± 14 days of old; 105 ± 8 kg BW] were housed in individual shaded pens for 150 days. DMI was recorded daily and individual weights of camels were recorded monthly. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 75 and 150. In Exp.1, feeding different dietary AH:AS ratios altered neither DMI (p = 0.351) nor milk yield (p = 0.667). Of all milk components, only the milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was increased (p = 0.015) by AS feeding (both AH50:AS50 and/or AS100). AS feeding tended to increase AST (p = 0.099) and ALT (p = 0.092) levels in lactating camels. In Exp. 2, DMI (p = 0.845), average daily gain (ADG; p = 0.092) and return per kg BW gain (p = 0.710) of silage-fed camels were similar to those of hay-fed group. The plasma concentration of BUN (p = 0.014) and AST (p = 0.014) were increased in camels fed AS100. Overall, the results suggest that both AS and/or AH could be used in dromedary camel diets based on the climatic condition, season and available facilities; however, the long-term use of AS (as sole forage) should done with caution due to the potential risk of impaired liver function. Further studies needed to explore the impact of hay versus silage feeding on digestibility, rumen function and nitrogen pollution in camel feeding.

Inclusion of Berberis vulgaris leaf in the diet of fattening lambs: effects on performance, nutrient intake, rumen fermentation, and carcass traits.

This study was aimed to first, determine the nutritional value of Berberis vulgaris leaf (BVL), using in vitro gas production technique and second, determine the effect of replacing alfalfa hay (AH) with BVL in lamb diets on nutrient intake, performance, and carcass traits. In vitro rumen gas kinetics and fermentation profile were assessed using three fistulated lambs and 96 h incubation of samples. For the in vivo trial, 21 Baluchi male lambs of 5-6 mo of age and 30.6 ±â€…1.28 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to three treatment diets containing BVL at 0% (CTRL), 7.5% (BVL7.5), and 15% (BVL15) of the total dry matter (DM) inclusion. The study lasted 84 d, which included 14 d for adaption and 70 d for sample collection. In vitro results showed that BVL had lower gas yield (GY24, P ≤ 0.05) than AH. In vivo trial revealed that DM intake increased with BVL15 followed by BVL7.5 (P ≤ 0.05). Digestibility of DM, organic matter, NDF, and acid detergent lignin decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with BVL15. Total weight gain, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, and cold carcass weight were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with BVL15, however, no differences were observed between the BVL7.5 and CTRL groups. Feed cost per kilogram BW gain decrease (P ≤ 0.05) by increasing the inclusion levels of BVL. In conclusion, BVL (up to 7.5% DM of diet) have positive consequences on performance, nutrient intake, rumen fermentation without deleterious effects on fattening performance.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) leaf (BVL) is an agricultural by-product rich in plant secondary compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannin. The present study was aimed to first, evaluate in vitro nutritional value of BVL and second, explore the effects of BVL inclusion in finishing lambs diet (at levels of 0%, 7.5%, and 15% dry matter [DM] of diet), in partial replacement of alfalfa hay, on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal fermentation. BVL had less crude protein, ash, and natural detergent fiber than alfalfa hay, but more phenolic compounds and total tannin. The dietary inclusion of BVL at 7.5% and 15% DM of diet enhanced dry matter intake in fattening lambs and affected apparent digestibility. The relationship between nutrient intake and digestibility (DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber) was optimal with 7.5% BVL inclusion. The highest levels of dietary BVL were associated with lower weight gain; however, the production costs were reduced by BVL inclusion, and return per kilogram body weight gain was improved. However, additional trials are needed to refine the potential effects BVL on ruminal fermentation, methane emission and quality of products.

An insight into the potential of berberine in animal nutrition: Current knowledge and future perspectives.

In animal nutrition, the interest for novel feed additives has expanded with elevating industry standards and consumer awareness besides the demand for healthy animal-derived food products. Consumer and animal health are leading concerns dictating the importance of novel animal feed additives. Berberine (BBR) is a natural pentacyclic isoquinoline alkaloid that has exhibited diverse pharmacological properties, including metabolism-regulating, hepatoprotective, and inflammatory alleviative in addition to its antioxidant activity. Despite detailed information on cellular mechanisms associated with BBR therapeutics, and strong clinical evidence, only a few studies have focused on BBR applied to animal nutrition. However, great pieces of evidence have shown that dietary BBR supplementation could result in improved growth performance, enhanced oxido-inflammatory markers, and mitigated metabolic dysfunctions in both monogastric and ruminant animals. The data discussed in the present review may set the basis for further research on BBR in animal diets for developing novel strategies aiming to improve animal health as well as products with beneficial properties for humans.

Partial substitution of alfalfa hay by Berberis vulgaris leaf modulated the growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant status of fattening lambs.

BACKGROUND: Undoubtedly, global warming has caused a decrease in the production of agricultural commodities. This problem has increased the price of animal feed due to competition with human consumption. Meanwhile, the physiology of ruminants gives them the ability to use by-products and agricultural waste and supply their requirements for growth, maintenance and even production. Berberis vulgaris is a plant native to Iran, and after separating the fruit, its waste (mainly leaf) is unused and causes environmental pollution. The leaves of this plant contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds, alkaloids and anthocyanins that have antioxidant properties. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted with the aim of determining the chemical properties of barberry leaves, such as crude protein, phenolic compounds, tannins and alkaloids. The effects of substituting of B. vulgaris leaf (BVL) in the diet on performance characteristics of fattening Baluchi lambs were evaluated. The quality and antioxidant status of meat and blood parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen and liver enzymes were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 21 male of 5-6 months old lambs with a mean body weight of 30.60 ± 1.28 kg were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments with different levels of BVL: 1-diet without BVL (control), 2-diet containing 7.5% BVL (BVL7.5), and 3-diet containing 15% BVL (BVL15; dry matter [DM] basis). Blood samples were harvested after overnight fasting from the jugular vein at 0, 28, 56 and 84 days. The lambs were slaughtered after 84 days of feeding trial and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was dissected. Meat quality and antioxidant stability status were measured. RESULTS: 15% substitution of alfalfa hay by BVL (BVL15) increased DM intake) and decreased average daily gain (p ≤ 0.05). The LD muscle (p ≤ 0.05), liver (p ≤ 0.01) and plasma (p ≤ 0.05) samples of lambs fed either BVL7.5 or BVL15 displayed a greater total antioxidant capacity than that of lambs fed the control diet. Also, malondialdehyde concentration was decreased in plasma (p ≤ 0.01) and LD muscle of lambs (p ≤ 0.05) fed both BVL7.5 and BVL15. In addition, higher a* and C* values (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in the meat of lambs fed BVL15 than those fed with the control, while the lightness (L*) in BVL15 was lower, compared to other experimental diets CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results indicated that 7.5% substitution of alfalfa hay by BVL may positively modulate the antioxidant status of fattening lambs and improve the colour stability of meat without negative effects on performance characteristics.

Berberine supplementation modulates the somatotropic axis and ameliorates glucose tolerance in dairy goats during late gestation and early lactation.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy, parturition, and the onset of lactation represent an enormous physiological and hormonal challenge to the homeostasis of dairy animals, being a risk for their health and reproduction. Thus, as a part of the homothetic changes in preparturition period, goats undergo a period of IR as well as uncoupled GH/IGF-1 axis. The objective for this study was to determine the effect of berberine (BBR) during the peripartal period on hormonal alteration and somatotropic axis in dairy goats as well as glucose and insulin kinetics during an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). At 21 days before the expected kidding date, 24 primiparous Saanen goats were assigned randomly to 4 dietary treatments. Goats were fed a basal diet from wk. 3 antepartum (AP) until wk. 3 postpartum (PP) supplemented with 0 (CTRL), 1 (BBR1), 2 (BBR2), and 4 (BBR4) g/d BBR. Blood samples were collected on days - 21, - 14, - 7, 0, 7, 14, and 21 relative to the expected kidding date. An IVGTT was also performed on day 22 PP. RESULTS: Compared with CTRL, supplementation with either BBR2 or BBR4 increased DMI at kidding day and PP, as well as body conditional score (BCS) and milk production (p ≤ 0.05). On d 7 and 14 PP plasma glucose was higher in BBR2- and BBR4-treated than in CTRL. The glucagon concentration was not affected by BBR during the experimental period. However, supplemental BBR indicated a tendency to decrease in cortisol concentration on days 7 (p = 0.093) and 14 (p = 0.100) PP. Lower plasma GH was observed in BBR than in non-BBR goats (p ≤ 0.05). Plasma IGF-1 concentration was enhanced in both BBR2 and BBR4 at kidding and day 7 PP (p ≤ 0.05). During the IVGTT, glucose area under the curve (AUC), clearance rate (CR), T1/2, and Tbasal was lower (p ≤ 0.05) in both BBR2 and BBR4 goats as compared with CTRL. Likewise, the insulin CR was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in goats receiving either BBR2 or BBR4 which was accompanied by a lower insulin T1/2 and AUC. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our results indicated an improved glucose and insulin status along with the modulation of the somatotropic axis and glucose and insulin response to IVGTT in dairy goats supplemented with 2 and 4 g/d BBR.

The Inclusion of Alhagi maurorum in Growing Camel Diet: Effect on Performance, Liver-Related Blood Metabolites, and Antioxidant Status.

This study determined the effect of dietary inclusion of camelthron [Alhagi maurorum (AM)] on the performance, blood metabolites, and antioxidant status of growing camels. A total of 18 Sindhi camel calves of 9-10 months of age and 115 ± 7 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to three diets (with a forage:concentrate ratio of 50:50) that were formulated by partial and total substitution of alfalfa hay with AM as follows: (1) diet without AM (control), (2) diet containing 25% of AM (AM-25), and (3) diet containing 50% of AM (AM-50) (dry matter basis) for 150 days. Dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily. The camels were weighed individually on days 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 75, and 150. DMI was increased (p = 0.004) with AM-50 feeding followed by AM-25. Total weight gain (p = 0.048) and average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.043) decreased with AM-50; however, no differences were observed between the AM-25 and CON groups. Feed cost per kg BW gain tended to decrease (p = 0.092) and return per kg BW gain tended to increase (p = 0.087) by AM feeding. The plasma triglycerides (TGs) (p = 0.046) and cholesterol (CHOL) (p = 0.025) concentration were reduced with AM inclusion. Additionally, the AM50-fed camels showed the lowest concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p = 0.008) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p = 0.0036), followed by AM-25. The plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) was depressed (p = 0.037) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was enhanced (p = 0.016) with both the AM-25 and AM-50. Moreover, feeding the AM containing diets led to higher (p = 0.004) glutathione peroxidase (GPx) along with a tendency for superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p = 0.075) and catalase (CAT) (p = 0.094). Overall, feeding camels with AM for up to 25% of their dry matter (DM) diet positively influenced the antioxidant status without severe deleterious effects on performance.

The Impact of Dietary Berberine Supplementation during the Transition Period on Blood Parameters, Antioxidant Indicators and Fatty Acids Profile in Colostrum and Milk of Dairy Goats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of berberine (BBR) supplementation on productivity, antioxidant markers, and the fatty acid (FA) profile in the colostrum and milk of goats. Twenty-four primiparous Saanen goats were supplemented with 0, 1, 2, and 4 g/d (per goat) of BBR in control (CON), BBR1, BBR2, and BBR4 groups (n = 6 per group), respectively, from 21 days before expected kidding to 21 days after parturition. Blood sampling was carried out at -21, -14, -7, 0, 7, 14, and 21 d relative to delivery. Colostrum was collected within the first and second milking (d 1 of lactation), and milk was harvested weekly after kidding. Both BBR2 and BBR4 increased dry matter intake (DMI) (p ≤ 0.05) and energy balance (EB) as well as colostrum and milk production. Both BBR2 and BBR4 decreased (p ≤ 0.05) plasma levels of cholesterol, haptoglobin, and ceruloplasmin, while elevating the plasma albumin and paraoxonase (p ≤ 0.05), which may indicate that BBR mitigates inflammation during the transition period. BBR reduced (p ≤ 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased (p ≤ 0.05) total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in blood, colostrum, and milk. Concentrations of de novo fatty acid in colostrum and milk were increased (p ≤ 0.05) with both BBR2 and BBR4. Free fatty acid (FFA) concentration in colostrum and milk fat were lower (p ≤ 0.05) in BBR2 and BBR4 compared to CON. The concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in colostrum and milk fat increased (p ≤ 0.05) with BBR2 and BBR4, while unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in milk. In summary, supplementation with at least 2 g/d BBR may enhance the EB and antioxidant status of dairy goats.

Pre- and Post-partum Berberine Supplementation in Dairy Goats as a Novel Strategy to Mitigate Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

As in dairy cattle, goats during the transition period face risk factors, in particular negative energy balance (NEB), inflammation, and impairment of the antioxidant response. The current study determined the effects of pre- and post-partum berberine (BBR) supplementation on antioxidant status and inflammation response during the transition period in dairy goats. Twenty-four primiparous Saanen goats were randomly divided into four groups: control (CON, without BBR) and supplemented with 1 g/day BBR (BBR1), 2 g/day BBR (BBR2), or 4 g/day BBR (BBR4). The blood samples were collected weekly from 21 days pre-partum to 21 days post-partum. Compared with CON, supplementation with either BBR2 or BBR4 decreased (P ≤ 0.05) the levels of plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) at kidding and thereafter an increased (P ≤ 0.05) the plasma levels of glucose and insulin. Following BBR ingestion, blood antioxidant status elevated throughout the transition period, so that total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activity were increased (P ≤ 0.05) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Likewise, paraoxonase (PON) was reduced (P ≤ 0.05) in goats fed BBR2 and BBR4. The levels of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and bilirubin were reduced (P ≤ 0.05) by BBR2 and BBR4 immediately before kidding and thereafter. The results demonstrated that supplementation of either 2 or 4 g/day BBR enhanced antioxidant capacity and immune function of transition goats and improved post-partum performance showing its beneficial effect to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation during the transition period in dairy goats.

Regulation of Nutritional Metabolism in Transition Dairy Goats: Energy Balance, Liver Activity, and Insulin Resistance in Response to Berberine Supplementation.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the alleviating effects of the isoquinoline alkaloid berberine (BBR) on the energy balance (EB), glucose and insulin metabolism, and liver functionality in transition dairy goats, as reflected by blood metabolites and enzymes. Twenty-four primiparous Saanen goats were randomly allocated to four groups. Goats in each group received, ad libitum, the same basal diet during the pre- and post-partum periods of evaluation. Goats received daily0, 1, 2, or 4 g BBR (coded as CON, BBR1, BBR2, and BBR4, respectively). Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield were recorded daily. Blood samples were collected on days -21, -14, -7, 0, 7, 14, and 21 relative to kidding, and individual body condition scores (BCSs) were also recorded. Supplementation with either BBR2 or BBR4 increased (p < 0.05) pre- and post-partum DMI, increasing (p < 0.05) the intakes of net energy for lactating and metabolizable proteins. BBR2 and BBR4 increased (p < 0.05) post-partum milk production as well as fat-corrected milk (FCM), energy-corrected milk (ECM), and feed efficiency, indicating the alleviating effect of BBR on the negative energy balance (NEB) in transition goats. The daily ingestion of either 2 or 4 g BBR reduced (p < 0.05) plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and increased (p < 0.05) the dynamic change in the liver activity index (LAI) and liver functionality index (LFI), implying its hepatoprotective effect on transition goats. Overall, the results suggest that BBR supplementation of at least 2 g/d may help to ameliorate insulin resistance (IR) and fat metabolism disorders initiated by the NEB in transition dairy goats.