Abstract
This experiment evaluated the potential benefits of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on digestive enzyme activity, gastrointestinal morphology and barrier function of weaned beef calves. A total of 30 Simmental crossbred male calves with similar age (68 ± 6 d) and body weight (83.47 ± 4.59 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: control (CON) (fed basal diet) and GSE (fed basal diet and 4 g/d GSE per animal). The experimental period was 60 d. Compared with CON group, the serum diamine oxidase and lipopolysaccharide concentrations in GSE group were reduced (P < 0.05), while the activity of ruminal cellulase and ileal trypsin and chymotrypsin displayed an opposite pattern (P < 0.05) between the groups. The ruminal papilla height and surface area of GSE group were higher (P < 0.05) than those of CON group. A similar pattern of ileal villus surface area and villus-to-crypt ratio was observed between the groups. Also, GSE supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the secretory immunoglobulin A content in the jejunum and ileum. The rumen, jejunum and ileum of GSE calves displayed lower (P < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor-alpha and higher (P < 0.05) interleukin-10 mRNA expressions. Calves supplemented with GSE increased (P < 0.05) the expressions of occludin and zonula occludens-1 in the rumen and ileum. The findings in this study suggested that GSE improved the gastrointestinal development of weaned beef calves.
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