Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases are closely related processes that need to be controlled to ensure the desirable high performance of livestock. The microalga spirulina has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in monogastric species. To investigate potential beneficial effects in ruminants, we replaced soybean meal (SOY) in the diets of dairy cows and fattening bulls by spirulina (SPI) and analyzed plasma concentrations of antioxidants (β-carotene, α-tocopherol, polyphenols) and serum total antioxidant capacity. Following in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for expression analysis of inflammation- and antioxidant-defense-related genes. Plasma β-carotene concentration was higher in SPI, compared to SOY cows, but did not differ in bulls. Plasma total phenol concentration was significantly higher in SPI, compared to SOY bulls, but not in cows. Stimulation of bovine PBMCs with LPS increased the expression of most cytokines and some antioxidant enzymes. Gene expression of PBMCs derived from SPI animals, compared to SOY animals, hardly differed. Our results indicate that in ruminants, spirulina might not have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Future studies should evaluate the microbial degradation of spirulina and its bioactive compounds in the rumen to provide further data on potential beneficial health effects in ruminants.
Highlights
Published: 20 May 2021Oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases are common problems in high-yielding livestock and impair their health and productivity, resulting in economic losses for the farmers [1]
The plasma concentration of β-carotene was higher (p < 0.001) in SPI, compared to soybean meal (SOY) dairy cows, whereas no difference was observed in fattening bulls (Figure 1A)
The effects of dietary spirulina on antioxidant plasma concentrations in ruminants differed in the experiments in fattening bulls and dairy cows of the present study
Summary
Oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases are common problems in high-yielding livestock and impair their health and productivity, resulting in economic losses for the farmers [1]. Dairy cows are most susceptible to oxidative stress and inflammation during the transition from pregnancy to lactation, resulting from substantial metabolic and physiological adaptations [1,2]. This contributes to the occurrence of inflammatory diseases such as mastitis and metritis. Understanding and preventing oxidative stress and the associated inflammatory processes in livestock is of utmost importance. Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
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