Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effects of Ganoderma lucidum hot water extract (HWE) from spent mushroom substrate on milk and serum immunoglobulin levels and serum antioxidant capacity.Methods: Forty cows within the same parity and stage of lactation and with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups of 10 cows each. The daily dietary dosage of HWE was 0, 33, 67, and 100 g for control and the three experimental groups EG1, EG2, and EG3, respectively. Serum antioxidant activity as well as milk and serum immunoglobulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: After administration for 60 days, no significant differences in milk IgG, IgA, or IgM concentrations were detected among the experimental groups, but serum IgA concentration was significantly higher in EG1, EG2, and EG3 groups compared with control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, significant differences were detected in serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and mean serum TAC concentration among control, EG1, EG2, and EG3 groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The results suggest that when utilized as a feed additive, HWE may enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity in dairy cows, and subsequently improve milk quality.Keywords: Ganoderma lucidum, Spent mushroom substrate, Immunoglobulin, Antioxidant capacity, Dairy cows
Highlights
Following rapid advances in animal husbandry, the use of feed additives for the improvement of animal production and performance has become more widespread
The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of hot water extract (HWE) from SMSG generated following cultivation of G. lucidum using the JUNCAO technique on milk and serum immunoglobulin concentrations, and on serum antioxidant capacity in dairy cows
The effects of HWE administration on the milk concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM are shown in Figure 1.No significant effects of HWE on milk levels of IgG, IgA and IgM were detected between control and the treatment groups at any time point analyzed (p > 0.05)
Summary
Following rapid advances in animal husbandry, the use of feed additives for the improvement of animal production and performance has become more widespread. The use of additional chemicals including carcinogenic and teratogenic agents, as well as the increased use of antibiotics has led to issues related to pesticide residues and drug resistance, respectively. Chinese herbal medicine feed additives have gradually gained acceptance, and are not associated with residues or drug resistance. Chinese herbal medicine feed additives have noted resistance and anti-toxin effects, meet the quality standards for healthy food, and are thought to improve immunity. The polysaccharides from Ganoderma mushrooms are reported to possess a wide range of bioactivities, including immune modulation and antitumor effects [2,3], as well as anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetic, and anti-aging activities [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
