Effects of Plant-Based Supplement Pellets on Digestive Health and Gut Microbes

Greg Howard
24th June, 2024

Effects of Plant-Based Supplement Pellets on Digestive Health and Gut Microbes

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • A study by Khon Kaen University found that adding 3% MiEn-LEDRAGON to ruminant diets significantly increased gas production and nutrient degradability
  • This supplementation also led to beneficial changes in microbial populations, enhancing fiber digestion and butyrate production
  • Importantly, the 3% MiEn-LEDRAGON diet reduced methane production by 11.694%, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants
Methane (CH4) emissions from ruminant livestock are a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, which drive climate change. Reducing these emissions is crucial for limiting global temperature rise. A recent study conducted by Khon Kaen University investigated the potential of microencapsulated bioactive compounds from lemongrass mixed with dragon fruit peel pellet (MiEn-LEDRAGON) to improve fermentation characteristics, nutrient degradability, and microbial diversity while reducing methane production in ruminants[1]. The study employed an in vitro gas production technique to evaluate the effects of MiEn-LEDRAGON supplementation at levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of the total dry matter (DM) substrate. The researchers found that supplementing the diet with 3% MiEn-LEDRAGON significantly increased cumulative gas production at 96 hours of incubation, reaching up to 84.842 ml/0.5 g DM. This supplementation also improved nutrient degradability and ammonia-nitrogen concentration at 24 hours by 5.401% and 11.268%, respectively, compared to the control group (without supplementation). The findings align with prior research that explored various strategies for reducing enteric methane emissions from ruminant production. One such study evaluated the use of hydrolysable tannin (chestnut tannin, CHT) and condensed tannin (quebracho tannin, QT) to modulate alfalfa silage fermentation characteristics and reduce methane production[2]. Both studies highlight the importance of dietary manipulation in achieving methane mitigation. The combination of CHT and QT was particularly effective in reducing methane emissions while maintaining ruminal fermentation and microbiota balance, similar to the MiEn-LEDRAGON supplementation[2]. In addition to increased gas production and nutrient degradability, the MiEn-LEDRAGON supplementation led to significant changes in microbial populations. Specifically, there was an increase in Fibrobacter succinogenes at 24 hours and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens at 12 hours, while the populations of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Methanobacteriales decreased. These microbial shifts are beneficial as Fibrobacter succinogenes is known for its role in fiber digestion, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens is involved in butyrate production, both of which are crucial for efficient rumen function. The study also reported an increase in total volatile fatty acids (VFA) at 24 hours with MiEn-LEDRAGON supplementation, reaching up to 73.021 mmol/L. There was a notable rise in propionic acid (C3) and butyric acid (C4) at 12 hours, along with a decrease in acetic acid (C2) and the C2:C3 ratio. These changes are significant because propionic acid is a more efficient energy source for ruminants compared to acetic acid, and a lower C2:C3 ratio is associated with reduced methane production. The study observed an 11.694% reduction in methane production with 3% MiEn-LEDRAGON supplementation compared to the control. These findings are consistent with another study that evaluated the use of Mitragyna speciosa Korth leaf pellets (MSLP) on feed intake and nutrient digestibility in Thai native beef cattle. The MSLP supplementation increased ruminal total VFA concentration and the proportion of propionate while decreasing methane production[3]. Both studies underscore the potential of specific feed additives to enhance rumen fermentation efficiency and reduce methane emissions. In conclusion, the study by Khon Kaen University suggests that supplementing ruminant diets with 3% MiEn-LEDRAGON can serve as an effective feed additive rich in phytonutrients. This supplementation not only improves fermentation characteristics and nutrient degradability but also shifts microbial populations in a way that reduces methane production. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on dietary strategies for mitigating enteric methane emissions, offering a promising solution for more sustainable ruminant production systems.

NutritionBiotechAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) In vitro fermentation end-products and rumen microbiome as influenced by microencapsulated phytonutrient pellets (LEDRAGON) supplementation.

Published 23rd June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-59697-x

Related Studies

2) Effects of Hydrolysable Tannin with or without Condensed Tannin on Alfalfa Silage Fermentation Characteristics and In Vitro Ruminal Methane Production, Fermentation Patterns, and Microbiota.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071967

3) Mitragyna speciosa Korth Leaf Pellet Supplementation on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Microbial Protein Synthesis and Protozoal Population in Thai Native Beef Cattle.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233238


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙