Abstract
Condensed tannins (CTs) are plant anti-herbivore compounds with antimicrobial activity that can be used in ruminant diets as ruminal microbiome manipulators. However, not all CTs from fodder legumes are bioactive due to their wide structural diversity. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of 10 CT-containing plants (Flemingia macrophylla, Leucaena leucocephala, Stylosanthes guianensis, Gliricidia sepium, Cratylia argentea, Cajanus cajan, Desmodium ovalifolium, Macrotiloma axilare, D. paniculatum, and Lespedeza procumbens) on in vitro fermentation kinetics of Nelore beef cattle. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), a specific CT-binding agent, was added to neutralize condensed tannin. Tifton and alfalfa hay were used as controls lacking CT. The experimental layout included a randomized complete block with factorial design and four blocks. The data were subjected to analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s test to determine differences (p < 0.05) among treatment means. The addition of PEG in browse incubations resulted in increased gas production, fermentation rate, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and N-NH3 release. Within our study, Lespedeza procumbens, Desmodium paniculatum, Leucaena leucocephala, Desmodium ovalifolium, and Flemingia macrophylla showed superior bioactivity compared to other species evaluated, suggesting a natural alternative for replacing ionophores to modify ruminal fermentation. Condensed tannins from L. pocumbens, D. paniculatum, L. leucocephala, D. ovalifolium, and F. macrophylla have the potential to modify rumen fermentation in beef cattle.
Highlights
In tropical and subtropical environments, such as Brazil, grasses of African origin are the most pervasive pasture species for cattle grazing [1]
The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of 10 condensed tannins (CTs)-rich legumes on in vitro fermentation kinetics in Nelore beef cattle
Both control Tifton and alfalfa showed greater in vitro apparent DM degradability (IVDMD) and in vitro apparent organic matter degradability (IVOMD) compared to species containing CT
Summary
In tropical and subtropical environments, such as Brazil, grasses of African origin are the most pervasive pasture species for cattle grazing [1]. Nelore, a Zebu breed that has less feed efficiency and emits more methane [2], is the predominant beef cattle in Brazilian livestock. This combination led to the search for legumes and their byproducts that can be added to diets of cattle grazing cultivated grass pastures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions without compromising livestock productivity [4,5]. Legumes containing CTs possess antimicrobial properties capable of manipulating rumen microbiomes This biodiversity could become a significant alternative for improving sustainable productivity in ruminants grazing tropical and subtropical pastures [3,8]. In primarily tropical and subtropical countries with an expanding agricultural sector, such as Brazil, the use of legume forages is a vital tool for sustainable management in livestock production because they increase dietary protein, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve livestock health in myriad ways
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