Effect Of Yucca Schidigera Extract Research Articles

The Effect of Yucca schidigera Extract on Serum Metabolites of Angus Crossbreed Steers with Metabolomics.

This study was conducted to explore the potential effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on the metabolism of beef cattle. Thirty Angus crossbreed steers were selected, with an initial mean body weight of 506.6 ± 33.3 kg, and assigned to two treatments: a diet with no additives (CON group) and a diet supplemented with 1.75 g/kg of YSE (YSE group) (on a dry matter basis). The experiment lasted for 104 days, with 14 days for adaptation. The results showed that adding YSE could significantly improve the average daily gain (ADG) from 1 to 59 d (15.38%) (p = 0.01) and 1 to 90 d (11.38%) (p < 0.01), as well as dry matter digestibility (DMD) (0.84%) (p < 0.05). The contents of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and bilirubin and the total antioxidant capacity were increased and blood urea was reduced in the YSE group, compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Both the glycerophospholipids and bile acids, including phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, PC(15:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)), PE(18:0/20:3(5Z,8Z,11Z)), PE(18:3(6Z,9Z,12Z)/P-18:0), LysoPC(15:0), LysoPC(17:0), LysoPC(18:0), LysoPC(20:5(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)), deoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, and cholic acid, were upregulated by the addition of YSE. In summary, YSE may improve the ADG by increasing the blood total antioxidant capacity and glycerophospholipid synthesis, maintaining steers under a healthy status that is beneficial for growth. Furthermore, YSE may also increase the expression of bile acid synthesis, thereby promoting DMD, which, in turn, offers more nutrients available for growth.

Effect of feeding Yucca schidigera extract and a live yeast on the rumen microbiome and performance of dairy cows fed a diet excess in rumen degradable nitrogen.

Nitrogen (N) loss from livestock agriculture via ammonia and nitrous oxide can reduce feed efficiency, production and negatively affect the environment. One option to reduce N loss is to add dietary supplements such as Yucca schidigera extract which has ammonia-binding properties and contains antimicrobial steroidal saponins, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, which can stabilise rumen pH and promote fibre degradation, increasing microbial growth and demand for degradable N. To determine the effect of Yucca schidigera extract when fed alone or in combination with a live yeast on the performance, rumen metabolism, microbiome and N balance, six rumen cannulated dairy cows were fed a mixed ration (C), mixed ration with Y. schidigera extract (De-Odorase®, Alltech®; 5g/cow/day; D), or mixed ration with Y. schidigera extract (5g/day) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yea-Sacc®, Alltech®, 1g/cow per day; DY), in a 3×3 Latin rectangle design study with three periods of 49-day duration. Digesta samples were collected via the ruminal cannula during the final week of each period and separated into liquid (LPD) and solid (SPD) phases for microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. DM intake was 0.8kg/d lower (P<0.05) in cows fed DY than C or D, with milk protein concentration 1.7g/kg higher in C than D or DY. There was a beta diversity (Bray Curtis) clustering of the LPD in cows fed D or DY compared to C (P<0.05), driven by an increase in Prevotella ruminicola-related operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and a decrease in P. brevis and P. bryantii OTUs. A methanogen OTU, Methanobrevibacter olleyae, was decreased in cows fed D or DY and an unclassified species of Gammaproteobacteria was increased in DY (LDA>2.0, P<0.05) compared to C. Rumen pH, ammonia and total VFA concentration were not affected by treatment (P>0.05) but the concentration of propionate and iso-butyrate were lower at 1700 and 2000h in cows fed DY compared to C (P <0.05). Measurements of N balance were unaffected by supplementation with D or DY, and there was no effect of treatment on slurry pH. In conclusion, supplementing with an extract of Yucca schidigera either alone or in combination with a live yeast had only a small effect on performance, with Yucca schidigera altering species associated with carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and reduced Methanobrevibacter olleyae which is involved in methanogenesis.

Effects of Yucca schidigera extract on serum biochemical parameters, humoral immune response, and intestinal health in young pigeons.

It is of great importance to find antibiotic alternatives that can improve poultry performance and enhance immunity. Plant-derived extracts and their concentrates are natural bioactive compounds that are widely and effectively applied as the antibiotic alternatives in animal industries. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, immune function, intestinal morphology, and microbiota diversity of young pigeons. A total of 120 healthy White King pigeons (28 days old) with similar weight were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with six replicate cages. Each of the pigeons from 4 treatments was orally administrated with 0 (control), 5, 10, and 15 mg YSE per day, respectively. The results showed that orally supplemental YSE had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on the growth performance and immune organ index of pigeons. The serum total protein and IgM contents in the 10 mg YSE group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the control group. Supplemental 10 and 15 mg YSE significantly lowered the level of serum total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and increased (P < 0.05) the villi height in the jejunum compared with the control group. Supplemental 5 and 10 mg YSE significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the level of serum alanine aminotransferase and the crypt depth in the ileum compared with the control group. The beta diversity showed a distinct difference in the ileum microbial composition between the control and the 10 mg YES group. YSE supplementation enriched the bacterial genera Sulfurospirillum, Solobacterium, Desulfovibrio, Desulfobulbus, Lactococcus, Parabacteroides, Acidaminococcus, Acetobacter, and Streptococcus. Additionally, Enterococcus genus showed a significantly negative correlation with serum alanine aminotransferase (R = -0.618, P = 0.043). Actinomyces genus showed a significantly negative correlation with cholesterol (R = -0.633, P = 0.036). Turicibacter genus showed a significantly positive correlation with villi height in the jejunum (R = 0.751, P = 0.008). In conclusion, orally supplemental YSE could improve serum biochemistry, immunoglobulin contents, and intestinal morphology by regulating the composition of microbial community in the ileum of young pigeons.

Yucca schidigera extract depressed ammonia emission in manure incubation and green-house gases release in artificial rumen of cows

The influences of ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock on environment recently become a major concern of the worldwide. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on ammonia emission in manure and the release of green-house gases including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in artificial rumen of cows. Addition of YSE significantly decreased ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration (P &lt; 0.01) and increased the percentage of total nitrogen (N) (P &lt; 0.005) in manure incubation. The populations of total aerobic bacteria were significantly decreased by the addition of YSE with 1% and 2% (P &lt; 0.05), while the populations of Lactobacilli were significantly increased in dose-dependent manner (P &lt;0.001) in manure. In 1-12 h and 13-24h of ruminal fermentation in vitro, the yields of CH4, CO2 and N2O were dose-dependently reduced by the addition of YSE (P &lt; 0.05). Results showed that YSE inhibit ammonia emission in manure and the release of green-house gases in artificial rumen of cows.

Antimicrobial and Digestive Effects of Yucca schidigera Extracts Related to Production and Environment Implications of Ruminant and Non-Ruminant Animals: A Review

Plant extracts have been used over time in traditional medicine, mainly for their antimicrobial activity as well as for their medicinal effects. Plant-derived products contain secondary metabolites that prevent pathogenic microbial growth similar to conventional medicines. These secondary metabolites can enhance animal health and production in a more natural or organic manner and may contribute to the reduction in the use of pharmacological drugs in animal feed, which is of great concern for emerging microbial resistance. Plant secondary metabolites can be cost effective, while improving the production efficiency of ruminants, non-ruminants, and aquatic food animals. Among the plant-derived products is the Yucca schidigera extract (YSE), containing steroidal saponins as their main active component. YSE has multiple biological effects, including inhibition of some pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and nematodes. YSE is used to control odor and ammonia and consistently enhance poultry production by enhancing intestinal health and function. In pigs, results are as yet inconclusive. In ruminants, YSE works against protozoa, has selective action against bacteria, and reduces the archaea populations; all these effects are reflected in the reduction in emissions of polluting gases, mainly methane, although the effects are not observed in all feeding conditions. These effects of YSE are discussed in this review. YSE has potential as a natural feed additive for sustainable animal production while contributing to the mitigation of contaminant gas emissions.

Dietary supplementation with Yucca schidigera extract alleviated heat stress-induced unfolded protein response and oxidative stress in the intestine of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Heat stress due to global warming exerts deleterious effects on both humans and animals. However, nutritional strategies to reduce heat stress-induced intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present study, 240 tilapia were distributed into four treatment groups that were fed a basal diet supplemented with or without 0.1% Yucca schidigera extract under normal (28 °C) temperature or heat stress (36 °C) conditions for 2 weeks. Our results showed that tilapia exposed to heat stress resulted in growth arrest, intestinal dysfunction, oxidative damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and pro-inflammatory response, which were significantly relieved by yucca supplementation. The alleviative effect of Yucca schidigera extract was related to the down-regulation of mRNA expression of ubiquitin-proteasome system (Polyubiquitin, Proteasome 26S, Proteasome α5, Proteasome β3, and Ubiquitin-like 3) and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 8), as well as the improved histological structure and activation of Hsp70, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling, interleukin 10, lysozyme, complement 3, and acid phosphatase in the intestine of tilapia. Collectively, these results indicated that heat stress-induced growth arrest, intestinal dysfunction, and oxidative damage were alleviated by dietary supplementation with Yucca schidigera extract. This offers a nutritional way of improving the growth and intestinal health of tilapia exposed to a hot environment.

Effect of Yucca schidigera extract on the growth performance, intestinal antioxidant status, immune response, and tight junctions of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on the growth performance, intestinal antioxidant status, immune response, and tight junctions of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 450 mirror carp (45.21 ± 0.43 g) were fed diets supplemented with 0, 200, or 400 mg/kg YSE for 8 weeks. Compared with the control (0 mg/kg), the final body weight and weight gain rate were significantly higher in the 400 mg/kg YSE group (P < 0.05), and the serum ammonia concentration was significantly lower in both YSE groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, the total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in the 400 mg/kg YSE group (P < 0.05), and the malondialdehyde content was significantly lower in both YSE groups (P < 0.05). Complement 3 and 4 contents were significantly higher in the 400 mg/kg YSE group (P < 0.05), and lysozyme was significantly higher in both YSE groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA levels of copper zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase1a, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 as well as transforming growth factor β were significantly higher in both YSE supplemented groups compared to the control (P < 0.05), whereas the relative mRNA level of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 was significantly lower in both YSE supplemented groups (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA levels of interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 were significantly lower in the 400 mg/kg YSE supplemented group compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, both YSE levels decreased the relative mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA levels of ZO-1 and claudin 11 were significantly higher in both YSE supplemented groups (P < 0.05), and the relative mRNA level of occludin was significantly higher in the 200 mg/kg YSE group than the control and 400 mg/kg YSE groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 400 mg/kg YSE improved the growth, intestinal antioxidant status, immune response, and tight junctions of mirror carp.

IN VITRO RESPONSES OF YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT ON RUMINAL METHANE PRODUCTION, FERMENTATION CHARACTERISTICS AND DEGRADABILITY

The present study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of Yucca Schidigera extract (YSE) at 25, 50 and 100 µl /75 ml culture ruminal fluid on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, diet degradability and methane production using the semi-automatic system for gas production (GP) assay. Three rumen-cannulated Barki sheep (58.0 ± 2.3 kg of BW) were used as inoculum donors. The culture fluid was anaerobically incubated with 300 mg of a mixture of concentrate and peanuts hay (50:50, w/w) at 39oC for 24 h. Three runs of GP were used for each assay. Results showed that YSE addition to the diets decreased GP (P<0.05) than those obtained by the control. Compared with the control, CH4 production and NH3-N concentration were decreased by 37 and 18.5% with 25 µl YSE. Truly degraded dry matter (TDDM) was similar among the different levels of YSE addition. While truly degraded organic matter (TDOM) was decreased (P < 0.05) by 100 µl YSE addition but there were no differences among 25 and 50 µl levels of YSE addition. Ruminal acetate proportion was lower (P < 0.05) with 100 µl YSE compared with the control. Acetate to propionate ratio tended to decrease (P = 0.091) with the addition of YSE. Total rumen protozoal number increased (P< 0.05) by 50 µl YSE while decreased by 25 and 100 µl YSE addition. The results indicated that YSE exhibited a strong suppressing effect on ruminal methanogenesis, NH3-N concentrations and protozoal populations which could modify the rumen fermentation patterns may be a beneficial ruminal modifier for improving nutrient utilization and animal performance.

Improved performance and immunological responses as a result of dietary Yucca schidigera extract supplementation in broilers

This study aimed to study the growth performance and immunological effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) in broilers. A total of 128 15-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments: maize–soybean meal as the basal control diet or the basal diet containing either 100, 200 or 300 mg/kg of YSE. Each treatment was consisted of four replicate pens with eight broilers per pen. The experiment lasted 28 days. Body weight gain (BWG) and European broiler index (EBI) were recorded during grower period (d 15–28) and finisher period (d 29–42), respectively. On d 28 and 42, serum was collected to measure interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations and antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in broilers. During grower period, growth performance and serum cytokine concentrations were not exhibited differences except the decreased IL-6 concentrations. During finisher period, BWG and EBI were both increased at 100 mg/kg group; IL-6 and IFN-γ concentrations were enhanced with 100 mg/kg YSE incorporation, while 200 and 300 mg/kg YSE levels reduced IL-4 production. Antibody titres against NDV was improved at 100 mg/kg YSE level in both grower and finisher period. We concluded that dietary YSE supplementation could improve growth performance and immunological functions in broilers.

Dietary Yucca schidigera extract improved growth performance and liver antioxidative function in broilers

In this study, we tested the effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on the growth performance in broilers, and furthermore, its effects on antioxidative enzyme activities and corresponding gene in the liver of broilers. A total of 128 14-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments: maize-soybean meal as the basal control diet and the basal diet containing 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg of YSE, respectively, in this study. Each treatment was consisted of four replicate pens with eight broilers per pen. The experiment lasted 28 days. Average daily gain (ADG), average feed intake (AFI) and feed efficiency (FE) were recorded during grower period (d 15 to d 28) and finisher period (d 29 to d 42), respectively. On day 28 and 42, liver samples were collected to analyse superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and gene expressions of SOD, CAT, GPx. The results showed that during grower period, there was no difference on growth performance, while CAT activity and its gene expression were increased at 200 mg/kg YSE level. During finisher period, 100 mg/kg YSE supplementation enhanced ADG, and 100 and 200 mg/kg YSE groups improved FE. T-AOC was improved at both 200 and 300 mg/kg. 300 mg/kg supplementation of YSE enhanced GPx and SOD activity, and decreased MDA concentration. GPx gene expression was up-regulated at 300 mg/kg level. In conclusion, YSE promoted growth performance in broilers as well as exhibited liver antioxidative ability during finisher period.

Productive performance, egg quality, blood constituents, immune functions, and antioxidant parameters in laying hens fed diets with different levels of Yucca schidigera extract.

This study evaluated the effect of Yucca schidigera extract on productive performance, egg quality, blood metabolites, immune function, and antioxidant parameters in laying hens. A total of 96 36-week-old hens were allocated into four groups, the control diet or the diet supplemented with 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg of yucca extract, from 36 to 52 weeks of age. Hens were divided into four equal groups replicated six times with four hens per replicate. As a result of this study, there were no linearly or quadratically differences in body weight change (BWC), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and egg weight (EW) due to yucca treatments at different ages, except FCR and EW that were improved with yucca supplementation during 36-40 weeks of age. Supplemental dietary yucca up to 100 mg/kg diet led to significant improvement in egg number (EN) and egg mass (EM). Egg qualities were not linearly or quadratically affected by yucca treatments except shell thickness was quadratically (P < 0.001) increased with increasing yucca level up to 100 mg/kg diet. Dietary supplementation of yucca exhibited a positive impact on albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Comparing to the control group, yucca addition to laying hen diets resulted in a significant linear (P < 0.001) and quadratic (P = 0. 010) decrease in blood ammonia-N and urea-N, respectively. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) level in serum were quadratically improved in yucca groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was decreased with yucca addition in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, yucca supplemented up to 100 mg/kg diet can be used as effective feed additive to improve productive performance, blood profile, and antioxidant enzyme activities in laying hens.

Effect of Levels of Yucca Schidigera Extract on Ruminal Fermentation Parameters, Digestibility of Nutrients and Growth Performance in Sheep

An in vivo fermentation experiment (Expt.1) and a digestibility and growth trial(Expt.2) were conducted to determine the effect of levels of Yucca Schidigera Extract (YSE) on ruminal fermentation parameters ,digestibility of nutrients and growth performance in Sheep. Three same levels of YSE supplementation were studied in both experiments. In the Expt.1,four rumen fistulated male sheep with initial body weight of 33±1.8 ㎏were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were YSE based offering at 0,100, 200 and 300 mg/kg diet. It was found that ruminal pH was not significantly different among treatments. Relative to control, ruminal propionate concentration was increased by YSE addition in a dose-dependent manner by up to 29.79%（P&lt;0.05）,the acetic concentration was decreased by up to2 1.23%（P&lt;0.05）.Ruminal ammonia concentration was larger (P&lt;0.05) in sheep receiving no YSE (increased by 18.86 mg/dl) than in those receiving 200mg/kg (2.85 mg/dl increase in NH3) or 300mg/kg (2.72 mg/dl increase). Protozoa populations in the rumen were lower (P&lt;0.05) with YSE of 200-300 mg/kg than without. In the digestibility and growth trial(Expt.2),increasing levels of YSE resulted in liner increase in daily body weight gain rate (P&lt;0.05) and feed conversion efficiency(P&lt;0.05). Additionally ,apparent digestibilities(%) of DM,OM,CP,and NDF were significantly different in all treatment .In conclusion, the 200 and 300 mg/kg YSE groups have a particular suppressing effect on ruminal ammonia concentration, ammonia N concentrations and protozoa populations were decreased, The effects on ruminal propionate and acetic concentration were probably a result of a selective inhibitory effect of YSE on rumen microbial species. The effect of YSE on ruminal ammonia concentration likely resulted from a decreased population of protozoa, presumably, from ammonia binding by YSE. YSE can significantly improved the apparent digestibility of nutrient and sheep growth performance.

EFFECTS OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT OR PHILLIPSITE TUFF ON DIGESTIBILITY AND PERFORMANCES OF GROWING RABBITS

In order to evaluate the effect of Yucca schidigera extract or an ltalian zeolitite containing phillipsite, 60 growing rabbits Grigi di Cannagnola (initial [w. 1087 ± 129 g) were divided in three groups and fed ad libitum for 83 days with a diet aclded as follows: A) diet + De-odorase ® (120mg/kg) ; B) diet + zeolitite (30 g/kg) ; C) control diet. Sesides, in order to evaluate the effects on dIet digestibility twenty-four 56 days old rabbits (l.w. 1643 ± 120 a) were utilizad for a digestibility in vivo trial by total faeces colrection. The addition of zeolitite resultad in a significant (P = 0.0002) higher feed intake (+9.9 %), however performance traits stiowed small and not signiflcant differences (daily welght gain, g: 23.92 A; 25.83 B; 24.13 C). No differences were induced by Yucca schidigera Zeolitite significantly (P = 0.0054) reduced dry matter digestibility (61.02, 57.20, 80.26 % for A, B, C diet respectively). Ether extract digestibility is significantly affected by Yucca schidigera addition with respect to control (78.26 vs 84.21 %).

Research on Yucca schidigera extract feeding on the rumen ecology, protozoal populations and serum chemistries of sheep

In a completely randomized block design experiment, 16 ruminally cannulated male sheep with body weights of (40 ± 2.1) kg were fed twice daily (8:00 and 16:00) with concentrate and forage (50:50 on dry matter (DM) basis). Dietary treatments were supplemented with intraruminal doses of powdered Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) at the levels of 0 (control), 100, 200 and 300 mg · kg−1. On days of 15, 16 and 17 after feeding, ruminal content was sampled at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after dosing (8:00), and blood samples were collected at the end of experiment (the days 18 and 19 after feeding). Results showed that the treatment groups’ acidity was not affected (P = 0.13) by YSE. Comparing to the control, the ruminal propionate concentration was increased by YSE addition in a dose-dependent manner by up to 29.8% (P 0.05) and were within the normal physiological ranges for sheep 19 days after feeding. The study indicated that 200 mg· kg−1 and 300 mg· kg−1 YSE groups had particular suppressing effects on ruminal ammonia concentration, ammonia-N concentrations and protozoal populations. The effect of YSE on ruminal fermentation could be attributed to the selective inhibitory effect on rumen microbial species. High level (300 mg · kg−1) YSE as feed additives resulted no negative impact on sheep in our tests.

The Effect of Yucca schidigera Extract on Ruminal Fermentation and Parameters Traits in Sheep

In a completely randomized block design experiment, 16 ruminally cannulated sheep (40±2.1 kg) fed a 50% concentrate: 50% forage diet (DM basis) were given intraruminal doses of powdered Yucca schidigera extract (YSE). Doses of 0 (control), 100, 200, or 300 mg kg −1 diet were given at 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. On 15, 16, and 17 d of the experimental period, ruminal contents were sampled 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after dosing, and blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment (18th and 19th d). Acidity was not affected ( P > 0.05) by the addition of YSE. Compared with the control, ruminal propionate concentration was increased by 29.4 and 29.8% ( P > 0.05) and the acetic acid concentration was decreased by 15.1 and 19.8% ( P > 0.05) at 4 and 6 h after YSE (300 mg kg −1) dosing, respectively. Ruminal ammonia concentration in the first 2 h after feeding was higher ( P < 0.05) in the sheep that did not receive YSE (increased by 17.57 mg 100 mL −1) than in those that received 200 mg kg −1 (increased by 6.77 mg 100 mL −1) or 300 mg kg −1 (increased by 6.50 mg 100 mL −1) YSE. Protozoan populations in the rumen were lower ( P < 0.05) in the animals that received 300 mg kg −1 of YSE compared with the control. All serum parameters of the four groups were in the normal range and were similar among the treatment groups ( P > 0.05), after being fed for 19 d with different doses of YSE. The effect of YSE on ruminal ammonia concentration likely resulted from a decreased concentration of protozoan populations and, presumably, from ammonia binding by YSE.

Effect of feeding Yucca schidigera extract on performance of lactating dairy cows and ruminal fermentation parameters in steers

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YE) on firstly, dry matter intake (DMI), milk production and milk composition in lactating Holstein Friesian cows and secondly on DMI and GEI and rumen fermentation parameters of ruminally fistulated Holstein Friesian steers. Three levels of YE supplementation were studied in both experiments. In Experiment 1, 33 early lactating dairy cows that were 69 days in milk (S.D. ± 39) at commencement of the trial were fed YE at either 0, 25 or 50 g/head/day in a randomised block design while in Experiment 2, the three fistulated steers were fed YE at 0, 15 and 28 g/head/day within a latin square design. The lower levels of YE supplementation fed in Experiment 2 were designed to provide similar inclusion rates within the diet as in Experiment 1 after allowing for the higher DMI within Experiment 1. All animals in both trials were offered ad libitum a total mixed ration (TMR) supplemented with concentrates containing the YE. The dairy cows were group housed by diet, however when milk and intake measurements were conducted (days 12 to 18 and days 54 to 60 post commencement of the feeding of the experimental diets) the animals were housed in individual tie up stalls, whereas for Experiment 2 all animals were individually stall fed for the duration of the trial. Feeding YE had no effect on milk yield or composition, however DMI decreased linearly (P

Effect of Yucca schidigera extract on the concentration of rumen microorganisms in sheep

The effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on pH and the concentration of protozoa, bacteria, and fungi in sheep rumen contents were investigated. In this study, 20 sheep were divided into four groups of five animals each and fed a basal diet for 3 weeks. Each group was then fed an experimental diet containing YSE at levels of 5, 10, 20 and 30 g/head/day, respectively. Samples of whole ruminal contents for measurement of protozoal, bacterial, and fungal concentrations and pH were obtained before feeding by rumenotomy after 3 weeks on the basal diet and by euthanasia after 3 weeks on the experimental diet. Animals fed YSE at a level of 30 g/head/day had higher rumen protozoal concentrations ( P < 0.015) and pH ( P < 0.01) than when fed the basal diet. Except for an increase in pH at the 10 g/head/day level, supplementation of YSE at levels of 5, 10 and 20 g/head/day to the basal diet had no effect on microbial concentrations or pH.

The effect of Yucca schidigera extract on the physical structure and on the oxidative stability of sugar-candy foam products

The influence of water extract of yucca ( Yucca schidigera Roezl.) powder on foaming potential, structure of sugar-candy foam and its stability during the shelf-life was researched. Water extract of yucca powder (1:7 w/v) contained 0.102 mg/ml of steroidal saponins. This was added to sugar-candy foam in concentration equivalent of 50 and 100 ppm saponins. In parallel, similar sugar-candy foam was prepared by adding 200 ppm of α-tocopherol or in a traditional way but without any additives. It was shown that yucca extract had beneficial influence on the structure (dry matter content, hardness, density and porosity) of sugar-candy foam products both in newly prepared as well as in candies stored over two months period. Moreover, antioxidant properties of yucca extract were much stronger than those shown by α-tocopherol and allowed to maintain freshness of candies for 2-months period. This indicates that yucca water extract might be a beneficial natural ingredient improving both quality and stability of sugar-candy foam products.

The effect of Yucca schidigera extract on canine and feline faecal volatiles occurring concurrently with faecal aroma amelioration

Addition of Yucca schidigera extract ( YSE) products to canine or feline diets improved faecal aroma as monitored by a human panel. Odour port-gas chromatography ( GC) indicated different odour component types in dog faecal volatiles and, in particular, ‘faeca’'-type odours due to methyl sulfides. GC-mass spectrometry demonstrated several chemical compound classes present in faecal volatiles and quantitation in the cat indicated apparently significant changes in the concentrations of several compounds on YSE treatment, although these were not necessarily aroma components. The potential for direct YSE alteration of aroma perception in a mixture of volatiles, possibly by binding, was demonstrated.

The ameliorating effect of Yucca schidigera extract on canine and feline faecal aroma

Addition of Yucca schidigera extract ( YSE) products to canine or feline diets improved the character and reduced the intensity of faecal aroma as monitored by a human panel. The general condition of the animals was not adversely affected as monitored by faecal pH, food retention time, and blood cell counts. Blood urea increased significantly in YSE-treated cats, possibly due to the saponins of YSE affecting gut wall permeability. This finding contrasts With previously published reports of a reduction in blood urea on the addition of sarsaponin (from YSE) to rat diets and of YSE products to poultry and cattle diets.