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Tannins are polyphenols characterized by different molecular weights that plants are able to synthetize during their secondary metabolism. Macromolecules (proteins, structural carbohydrates and starch) can link tannins and their digestion can decrease. Tannins can be classified into two groups: hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins. Tannins are polyphenols, which can directly or indirectly affect intake and digestion. Their ability to bind molecules and form complexes depends on the structure of polyphenols and on the macromolecule involved. Tannins have long been known to be an “anti-nutritional agent” in monogastric and poultry animals. Using good tannins’ proper application protocols helped the researchers observe positive effects on the intestinal microbial ecosystem, gut health, and animal production. Plant tannins are used as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics, and many factors have been described by researchers which contribute to the variability in their efficiencies. The objective of this study was to review the literature about tannins, their effects and use in ruminant nutrition.

Bioactive peptides are protein components which are inactive within the protein structure, and upon release by enzymatic hydrolysis, they exhibit special physiological functions. In the last years, the characteristics of bioactive peptides obtained from various plant, animal and microbial sources have received much attention. Bioactive peptides are produced using hydrolysis by enzymes extracted from plants or microorganisms, or digestive enzymes and fermentation by proteolytic starter cultures. The composition and sequence of the amino acids determines their different functions, including relaxing effects, solute binding properties, strengthening of the immune system, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering and anti-hypertensive effects. Bioactive peptides are identified by different methods including membrane separation techniques and chromatography from protein hydrolysis products and using spectrometric techniques. The possibility of using bioactive peptides as health or therapeutic components depends on ensuring their bio stability, bioavailability and safety.

This study considered the effects of soybean processing methods (raw, roasted, microwaved) and selenium (Se) supplementation (nano-Se, sodium selenite) on in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics and microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. Soybeans were thermally processed, and gas production (GP) and MFC voltage were measured over 96–120 h. Chemical analysis revealed microwave processing increased crude protein (39.20% vs. 37.35% raw) and reduced fiber content, enhancing digestibility. Gas production kinetics showed microwaved soybeans yielded the highest cumulative GP (312.75 mL/g DM at 96 h), surpassing roasted and raw treatments, likely due to structural modifications improving microbial accessibility. Nano-Se supplementation further amplified GP (320.04 mL/g DM at 96 h) and MFC voltage (3502.60 mV at 120 h), outperforming inorganic Se, attributed to enhanced microbial activity and antioxidant capacity. MFC voltage correlated strongly with GP (r = 0.95–0.99), validating MFCs as a dual-metric tool for assessing fermentation efficiency. Microwave processing generated the highest voltage (3241.30 mV), reflecting efficient electron transfer from disrupted fibrous structures. Nano-Se accelerated microbial kinetics, demonstrating superior bioavailability. Results highlight that thermal processing, particularly microwaving, optimizes nutrient utilization, while nano-Se enhances rumen microbial functions. The integration of GP and MFC metrics provides novel insights into feed degradability and microbial energetics, offering strategies to improve ruminant productivity and reduce environmental impacts. This study underscores the potential of combining advanced processing techniques and selenium supplementation to refine feed formulations and advance sustainable livestock practices.

In recent years, the methods of producing protected fat supplements for feed have greatly developed. As a means of preserving unsaturated fats from oxidation, encapsulation has been used by food industry researchers to reduce unpleasant odor and taste, and as an effective method of protecting unsaturated fats. The process of encapsulating involves covering or trapping the target substance(s) in another substance or system. Similarly, vitamins and micronutrient compounds in food do not remain stable for long and are subject to decomposition, which depends on chemical structure, food matrix characteristics, handling parameters, and storage conditions. Consequently, encapsulation can prevent these compounds from being destroyed until they are transferred to the right location or slow down decomposition processes (such as oxidation or hydrolysis). That concept can be expanded to lipids (oils and fats). Currently, emulsion spray drying is the most common method of fine oil microcoating. The mass formation method produces more stable microcoatings with higher oil content than spray drying, as recently discovered. Biodegradable polymers have gained much attention as encapsulation materials. Microencapsulated lipids can increase the meat and milk quality of ruminants.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of probiotic on colony functional traits, honey quantitative and qualitative parameters and gut microbial flora in honey bees. A total of 56 hives were randomly allocated to 8 treatments with 7 replicates in the city of Firouzkoh (Iran) for about 60 days. Experimental treatments that were included: control, 2 g antibiotic, 1 g probiotic, 2 g probiotic, 3 g probiotic, 1 g antibiotic + 1 g probiotic, all per liter of syrup for each hive. The results showed that hives fed with treatments 2 g or 3 g probiotic per liter of syrup had higher hive population and honey production than the other treatments (p<0.05). Adding 2 g or 3 g probiotic per liter of syrup increased counts in bees’ intestines compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). Also, supplementation of 1 g or 2 g probiotic and 2 g antibiotic per liter of syrup for each hive decreased counts in the intestine compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). The adding 1 g or 2 g probiotic per liter of syrup for each hive increased the levels of fructose and glucose in honey compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). The supplementation of 1 g or 2 g probiotic per liter of syrup decreased sucrose in honey compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). The results of the present study suggest that probiotic might be used as a feed additive for increased honey quality and gut microbial flora improvement in honey bees.

As broiler breeder hens age, they often experience a decline in bone mineralization and calcium absorption, especially during the later stages of egg production. This issue not only affects the hens’ health, making them more prone to conditions like osteoporosis, but it also impacts the quality of their offspring. To tackle this problem, our study explores whether supplementing these hens with a combination of vitamins D3 and C could help improve their bone health and overall biochemical balance, both for them and their progeny. The goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of high doses of vitamin D3, with and without added vitamin C, on bone mineralization and key blood parameters in aging broiler breeder hens and their offspring. In this experiment, 240 hens and 24 roosters from the Ross 308 strain, aged between 49 and 61 weeks, were used, and a two-way ANOVA (2 × 2) design was applied. This involved two levels of vitamin D3 (3,500 IU and 5,500 IU) and two levels of vitamin C (0 and 150 mg/kg), with six replications of 10 hens and one rooster per group. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected from hens and their offspring for biochemical analysis, and tibia bones were taken for ash content and mineralization assessment. The findings showed that vitamin D3 supplementation significantly lowered blood cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (P < 0.05), while boosting calcium, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3), and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) (P < 0.05). Higher doses of vitamin D3 also improved the strength, resistance, and ash content of the hens’ tibia bones, and increased calcium in the carcasses of their offspring. Adding 150 mg/kg of vitamin C to the diet also had a positive effect, reducing cholesterol, ALP, and PTH, while enhancing plasma calcium, total antioxidant capacity, and the active form of vitamin D3 (P < 0.05). Vitamin C supplementation significantly strengthened the tibial bones of the hens and improved plasma calcium and PTH levels in their offspring (P < 0.05). Interestingly, combining elevated doses of both vitamins D3 and C resulted in even greater improvements in tibial bone strength (P < 0.05). In conclusion, giving hens 150 mg of vitamin C along with 5,500 IU of vitamin D3 leads to substantial improvements in the calcium content and structural integrity of their bones, and also boosts calcium and ash content in the carcasses of their offspring.

This study aimed to assess the impact of essential oils (EOs) on in vitro gas formation and the degradability of dairy and beef cattle diets. This study also aimed to investigate the effects of different types of EOs on nutrient utilization and rumen microbial activity. The current study was conducted using a fully randomized design consisting of eight experimental treatments, including two control treatments without any additives, and treatments with cinnamon essential oil (CEO), flaxseed essential oil (FEO), and lemon seed essential oil (LEO) at a concentration of 60 mg/kg fresh mass. Two control treatments were used, one with alfalfa silage and dairy concentrate (DC, CON-DC) and the other with alfalfa silage and fattening concentrate (FC, CON-FC). Gas formation, dry matter (DM) digestibility, crude protein (CP) digestibility, effective degradability (ED), and soluble fractions of DM and organic matter (OM) were evaluated. CEO had a substantial effect on gas formation (p < 0.05). When EOs were added to the diets, they increased dry matter digestibility after 24 h of incubation as compared to control treatments. After 24 h of incubation, FCCEO and FCFEO had the highest CP digestibility among the diets. FCLEO considerably enhanced ED, as well as the soluble fraction of DM (a) at a passage rate of 2% per hour. Treatment with FCCEO resulted in a significant increase in soluble fractions compared to the control diets. At a passage rate of 2% h, DCCEO had the maximum ED value. When EOs were introduced to the diet, they dramatically decreased the insoluble portion of CP (b). Compared to the control treatments, gas production was significantly lower in the presence of LEO (FCLEO; p < 0.05). The addition of EOs to cattle diets may increase nutrient utilization and enhance rumen microbial activity. EOs extracted from lemon seeds (at a dose of 60 mg/kg of diet) lowered gas production in both dairy cattle and fattening diets.

The increase in global temperatures over the past few decades due to greenhouse gas emissions has raised concerns and necessitated further research in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Methane is a prominent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change, with a substantial amount generated through fermentation processes occurring in the rumen of ruminant animals. The potential of plant secondary metabolites, especially those derived from tannin-rich plants, warrants investigation to modify rumen fermentation and mitigate methane emissions in livestock diets. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of extracts obtained from green and black tea waste on rumen fermentation dynamics and gas (methane) production, utilizing in vitro methods. For this purpose, rumen fluid was collected from two fistulated sheep and subjected to three treatments: (1) a basal diet (control), (2) a basal diet + green tea waste extract (5% of dry matter), (3) a basal diet + black tea waste extract (5% of dry matter). The study assessed the effects of incorporating extracts from green and black tea waste on various parameters, including digestibility, protozoa population, ammonia nitrogen levels, volatile fatty acids, and methane gas production following a 24-h incubation period. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SAS software within a completely randomized design framework. The findings indicated that the addition of green and black tea waste extracts significantly decreased methane gas production (p < 0.05), protozoa count (p < 0.05), and ammonia nitrogen concentrations in rumen fluid (p < 0.05) when compared to the control group. The addition of green and black tea waste extracts has significantly altered the concentration of VFAs in rumen fluid (p < 0.05). Specifically, the addition of green tea waste extract has led to a highly significant reduction in acetic acid, (p < 0.01) and the addition of both extracts has resulted in a significant increase in propionic acid (p < 0.05). Consequently, the results suggest that the inclusion of green and black tea waste extracts in livestock diets may effectively mitigate methane emissions in the rumen, thereby reducing feed costs and reducing environmental pollution.

This study evaluated the changes in calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn) values in goose egg yolk during the incubation period. This study was conducted on a completely random selection using 200 fertile eggs from a local flock of geese. A selection of 30 fertile eggs were randomly sampled on days 0, 9.5, 19.5, 25 and 30 of incubation (total: 150 eggs), and the yolks of 5 eggs in each replicate were mixed together and considered as one replicate (six replicates in each incubation period). The mineral content of the yolks was measured using the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy method. The results of this study show that, during the incubation of goose eggs from 0 to 30 days of embryo growth, except for Ca, the yolk content (absolute weight) of all the measured minerals, including Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr and Zn, on day 30 of incubation were statistically significantly lower than on day 0 of incubation. Additionally, the yolk concentrations of Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Zn declined, the yolk concentrations of Ca and Sr increased, and the yolk concentrations of Cu and Mn were unchanged on day 30 compared to the first day of incubation. The results of the current study demonstrate that goose egg yolks’ mineral concentrations change in absolute value during the incubation period, which could be the basis for further studies on chick feeding during the embryonic and post-embryonic phases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using chitosan nanoparticles and calcium alginate in the encapsulation of flaxseed oil on the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids and in vitro fermentation. The experiments were performed in a completely randomized design with 7 treatments. The experimental treatments included: diets without oil additive (control), diet containing 7% flaxseed oil, diet containing 14% flaxseed oil, diet containing 7% oil encapsulated with 500 ppm chitosan nanocapsules, diet containing 14% flaxseed oil encapsulated with 1000 ppm chitosan nanocapsules, diet containing 7% of flaxseed oil encapsulated with 500 ppm of calcium alginate nanocapsules, diet containing 14% flaxseed oil encapsulated with 1000 ppm calcium alginate nanocapsules. The results showed that encapsulation of flaxseed oil with calcium alginate (14%) had a significant effect on gas production (p < 0.05). The treatment containing calcium alginate (14%) increased the digestibility of dry matter compared to the control treatment, but the treatments containing chitosan caused a significant reduction (p < 0.05). The results indicated that the percentage of ruminal saturated fatty acids decreased by encapsulation of flaxseed oil with chitosan (14% and 7%). The percentage of oleic unsaturated fatty acid by encapsulating flaxseed oil with chitosan (14%) had a significant increase compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). As a result, encapsulating flaxseed oil with chitosan (14%) reduced the unsaturated fatty acids generated during ruminal biohydrogenation.