Blend Of Essential Oils Research Articles

145 The effect of a plant secondary metabolite blend on energy metabolism and nutrient balance of beef cattle consuming low-quality warm season grass hay

Abstract Plant secondary metabolites (PSM) such as condensed tannins, hydrolysable tannins, saponins and essential oils purportedly impact rumen fermentation at low inclusion rates in beef cattle diets. Twelve steers (347 ± 23 kg BW) of British and continental influence were allocated to 1 of 4 replicated 3 x 3 Latin squares. Latin squares each had 14 d periods (10 d adaptation and 4 d for sample collection). All cattle were fed ground warm-season hay (89.5% DM, 92.8% OM, 65.9% NDF, 43.6% ADF, 6.70% CP) at 1.5% of BW (DM-basis) and supplemented with soybean meal at 0.18% of BW (DM-basis) once daily. Treatments consisted of a blend of tannins, saponins and essential oils provided at 0% (Control), 0.1% (Low) and 0.3% (High) of hay offering. Treatments were mixed with daily soybean meal allotment and provided before feeding of hay. Urine and feces were completely collected from d 11 through 14 at 0730 h and daily amounts of urine and feces produced were measured gravimetrically. Measures of gaseous exchange were determined via indirect calorimetry on d 13 and 14. Open-circuit respiration calorimeters (91.4 × 91.4 × 191.2 cm) were used to collect respired gas and ruminal methane production. Total oxygen consumption and production of carbon dioxide and methane were calculated from the difference in concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and methane from air exhausted from each calorimeter and concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and methane in ambient air and multiplied by amounts of air flowing from each calorimeter standardized for temperature, pressure, and humidity. Data were analyzed for a Latin square using the MIXED procedure of SAS with fixed effect of treatment, period and square and random effect of steer. Linear and quadratic contrast coefficients were assigned using PROC IML for uneven spacing of treatments. Significance was declared when P ≤ 0.05. Per experimental design, forage N and OM intake did not differ (P ≥ 0.77). Apparent total tract digestion of OM, NDF and ADF did not differ (P ≥ 0.66) among treatments. Fecal nitrogen excretion, and the percentage of N excreted in feces increased linearly (P = 0.01). N balance tended (P = 0.08) to decrease linearly with increasing PSM supplemented. Methane (L/kg DMI) was not affected (P = 0.28) by treatments. Methane, GE, DE, and ME (mcal/kg DMI) was unaffected (P = 0.19) by treatment. Under the conditions of this experiment, a blend of PSM had little effect on rumen fermentation or energy metabolism in beef steers.

Oil-in-water emulsion loaded with optimized antioxidant blend improved the shelf-life of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets: a study with simplex-centroid design.

This study aimed to obtain optimized mixture with three essential oils (EOs) for maximum antioxidant activity through the augmented simplex-centroid mixture design and evaluate the effect of this optimized blend on total aerobic psychrotrophic count (TAPC), lipid and protein oxidation, instrumental color parameters and texture profile in rainbow trout fillets at refrigerated storage for nine days. Considering the DPPH and FRAP assays, the ideal EO blend was 66% lemongrass and 34% oregano. During refrigerated storage, this blend at 2000ppm was equally effective as BHT (100ppm) (p > 0.05), mitigating the discoloration (a* and b*), lipid, and protein oxidation in 38.83%, 12.95%, 76.13%, and 35.13%, respectively, besides shows greater effectiveness for preserving texture changes (p < 0.05) and extending the shelf life in 13h. The lemongrass + oregano EO blend reveals a promising natural alternative to enhance the quality of rainbow trout fillets under refrigerated storage. Furthermore, the multiresponse optimization showed to be a strong ally in enabling the use of these EOs by food industries.

Synergistic Effects of Essential Oil Blends and Fumaric Acid on Ruminal Fermentation, Volatile Fatty Acid Production and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC)

This study investigated the combined impact of essential oil blends (EOBs) and fumaric acid (FA) on ruminal fermentation in dairy cows using the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) system. Three rumen-cannulated, non-lactating Holstein Friesian cows served as inoculum donors. The substrate, a total mixed ration (TMR), comprised corn silage, alfalfa hay, and a concentrate mix in a 3:1:1 ratio. The four treatments evaluated were Control (TMR without additives), EFA1 (TMR + EOB1 + FA), EFA2 (TMR + EOB2 + FA), and EFA3 (TMR + EOB3 + FA). Sixteen fermentation chambers were randomly assigned to the treatments, each with four replicates, following a completely randomized design during a 9-day experimental period. EOBs and FA were added at 10 µL/g feed and 3% of TMR, respectively. After a 4-day adaptation, samples were collected for 5 days. Results revealed that EFA1 significantly reduced (p = 0.0351) CH4 emissions by 60.2% without negatively impacting dry matter disappearance, fiber fraction digestibility, pH, or gas volume. All EFAs increased (p &lt; 0.001) the propionate molar proportion and decreased (p &lt; 0.001) the acetate-to-propionate ratio. EFA2 decreased (p &lt; 0.05) the acetate proportion by 3.3% compared to the control. In conclusion, EFA1 is recommended as an effective nutritional intervention to mitigate CH4 emissions and optimize ruminal fermentation in dairy cows.

Effect of supplementing an α-amylase enzyme or a blend of essential oil components on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance of dairy cows

Lowering dietary protein content is a promising strategy to reduce N excretions in cattle but it requires improved N utilization by the animal. Feed enzymes (e.g., exogenous α-amylase) and plant extracts (e.g., essential oils [EO]) are 2 additives that may enhance rumen function and possibly also microbial protein yield. This may increase fat- and protein-corrected milk yield (MY) and milk nitrogen efficiency and thus lower N losses from dairy cows. Both types of additives were studied in an experiment including 39 Holstein cows that had (average ± SD) 40.7 ± 7.95 kg/d MY, 89 ± 43 DIM, 2.7 ± 1.5 lactations, and 677 ± 68.6 kg of BW, consisting of a covariate (4 wk) and treatment period (5 wk). During the whole experiment cows were fed a typical Benelux diet (CTRL), supplemented with concentrates to meet individual requirements for energy and MP, which were fulfilled for 100% and 101%, respectively. The total diet was low in CP (15.5%) and relatively high in starch (22.6% and 6.6% rumen bypass starch). Cows were balanced for parity, DIM, MY, and roughage intake and randomly assigned to one of 3 groups, which received the following treatments in the treatment period: (1) CTRL (n = 13); (2) CTRL + 14 g/cow per day Ronozyme RumiStar α-amylase enzyme (AMEZ, n = 13; DSM); and (3) CTRL + 2.5 g/cow per day Crina Protect, a blend of EO components (ESOL, n = 13; DSM). Animal performance, ruminal pH, and enteric gas emissions were monitored throughout the experiment. During the last week of the covariate and treatment periods, nitrogen balances were conducted, total-tract nutrient digestibility was determined, and urinary allantoin and uric acid were determined as indicators for microbial N production. The statistical model applied to these variables contained group and DIM during treatment period as fixed effects and the values from the covariate period as covariate. Post hoc Dunnet-corrected comparisons between each treatment group and the control group were explored. The α-amylase enzyme tended to increase apparent total-tract starch digestibility and increased milk lactose concentration. The EO blend tended to increase MY and increased milk N output, milk nitrogen efficiency, and feed efficiency. Therefore, when feeding reduced dietary protein levels, EO have potential to improve the N-use efficiency in cattle, whereas the α-amylase enzyme might increase starch digestibility and milk lactose. However, additional research is necessary to substantiate our findings.

Silicone-geranium essential oil blend for long-term antifouling coatings

This study explores the potential of geranium essential oil as a natural solution for combating marine biofouling, addressing the environmental concerns associated with commercial antifouling coatings. Compounds with bactericidal activities were identified by 13Carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed minimal impact on film thermal stability, maintaining suitability for antifouling applications. The addition of essential oil induced changes in the morphology of the film and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that oil remained within the film. Optical microscopy showed an increase in coating porosity after immersion in a marine environment. A total of 18 bacterial colonies were isolated, with Psychrobacter adeliensis and Shewanella algidipiscicola being the predominant biofilm-forming species. The geranium essential oil-based coating demonstrated the ability to reduce the formation of Psychrobacter adeliensis biofilms and effectively inhibit macrofouling adhesion for a duration of 11 months.

Formulation and characteristics of skin cream with the addition of essential oil blend

The use of natural ingredients in cosmetics, such as essential oils, is gaining increasing attention today due to their perceived safety for health, attributed to their antioxidant properties. This research aims to determine the formulation of cream by adding an essential oil blend and analyzing physicochemical, microbiological and hedonic characteristics of the skin cream. The study comprises two phases: selecting the preferred essential oil blend by a panel of evaluators and preparing the skin cream with the addition of the chosen essential oil blend. The essential oils used in this study included clove, ginger, cinnamon, galangal, nutmeg, and citronella, with concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. The research results reveal that the skin cream with the highest antioxidant activity is the one with the addition of a blend of clove and citronella essential oils. However, based on hedonic testing results, the most preferred skin cream formulation is the one with a mix of clove, citronella, and ginger essential oils. Physical characteristics and microbial contamination testing of the cream formulation with a blend of clove, citronella, and ginger essential oils show that the skin cream meets the viscosity and microbial contamination requirements set by SNI 16-4399-1996, with a spreading capacity of 5.07 cm.

Effect of Aromatherapy on Perceived Mental Health Parameters for Academic Department Workers Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, medical staff and academic department workers reported increasing levels of stress and burnout because of strain on the health care system. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this strain and introduced several novel stressors, which included transitioning to remote work. Safe and scalable strategies are needed to help health care workers cope with these stressors. Aromatherapy may help address this need. To assess the effect of 2 aromatherapy interventions (essential oil blends termed STILL and FOCUS) on perceived mental/psychological health parameters for academic department workers working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were advised to use STILL for 5days (Monday through Friday). After a 2-day washout period (Saturday and Sunday), participants were instructed to use FOCUS for 5days (Monday through Friday). Participants completed a visual analog scale survey evaluating restlessness, fatigue, anxiety, stress, happiness, energy, relaxation, calmness, and well-being before and after each of the 2 intervention periods. Twenty academic department remote workers participated in the study. Mental/psychological health surveys were completed by 6 participants before and after using STILL and by 10 before and after using FOCUS. Five participants answered all survey questions before and after both interventions. Although mean (SD) perceived stress scores improved after both the STILL (4.3 [2.3] vs 1.8 [1.7], P = .03) and FOCUS (2.9 [2.3] vs 1.5 [1.4], P = .02) interventions, this improvement was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (adjusted α = .006). Most participants (73.3%) reported that participating in the study was worthwhile, and 81.3% indicated that they would recommend aromatherapy to others. The STILL and FOCUS aromatherapy interventions did not significantly improve mental/psychological health parameters for remote academic department workers, although perceived stress was marginally improved and participants reported a perceived benefit from using aromatherapy.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Essential Oils, Lysozyme, and Vitamins' Blend on Layer Hen Performance, Viral Vaccinal Response, and Egg Quality Characteristics.

Maintaining respiratory tract health is crucial for layers, impacting gut health, laying performance, and egg quality. Viral diseases and standard vaccinations can compromise tracheal epithelium function, leading to oxidative stress. This study assessed the impact of a blend of feed additives, predominantly lysozyme (L), essential oils (EO), and vitamins (VIT) (referred to as L + EO + VIT), on young layers during an oral vaccination schedule. The supplementation significantly enhanced antibody titers for Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) after vaccination, trachea functionality and intestinal health in the jejunum, increased egg production, and exhibited a trend toward higher egg weight. Although feed intake showed no significant difference, egg quality remained consistent across experimental groups. Moreover, L + EO + VIT supplementation elevated total phenolic content in eggs, improving oxidative stability in both fresh and stored eggs, particularly under iron-induced oxidation. Notably, it substantially reduced yolk lipid peroxidation and albumen protein carbonyls. In conclusion, water supplementation with L + EO + VIT may enhance humoral immune response to IBV and NDV, positively impacting hen productivity. These findings indicate improved tracheal function and enhanced oxidative stability, emphasizing the potential of this blend in promoting overall health and performance in layers.

The effect of aromatherapy with Lavender-Neroli oil and music in management of pediatric dental anxiety: a randomized control trial

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy with Lavender-Neroli essential oil combined with background music in reducing dental anxiety and pain during anesthesia in children.Materials and methodsA total of 56 children aged 6–10 years old who needed dental treatment with inferior alveolar nerve injection (IANB) were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (Experimental, n = 28) aromatherapy with music group, and Group 2 (Control, n = 28) the placebo group. Children in the group 1 were asked to inhale the aromatic blend of Lavender-Neroli essential oil using a nasal mask similar to one that is used for nitrous oxide after modifying it by adding a 3D printed box on its circle hole and listening to their favorite music as a background before 5 min and during anesthesia, meanwhile in the placebo group children were asked to wear an empty nasal mask. Anxiety and pain were been assessed before and after anesthesia using the self-report anxiety scale Facial image scale (FIS), Observational pain assessment scale Face-Legs-Activity-Cry-Consolability (FLACC), heart rate, SPO2 saturation, diastolic and systolic blood pressure.ResultsDental anxiety and vital signs except SPO2 saturation were significantly lower in the aromatherapy with music group when compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with no differences in pain perception between groups (p = 0.176).ConclusionsAromatherapy with Lavender-Neroli oil combined with music seems to be a useful and safe non-pharmacologic technique for managing dental anxiety in children.

Antifungal mechanism of rose, mustard, and their blended essential oils against Cladosporium allicinum isolated from Xinjiang naan and its storage application.

To reveal the inhibition mechanism of rose, mustard, and blended essential oils against Cladosporium allicinum isolated from Xinjiang naan, and investigate the effect of the three essential oils on oxidative damage and energy metabolism. Rose and mustard essential oils significantly inhibited mycelial growth and spore viability in a dose-dependent relationship. After essential oil treatment, the cell membrane permeability was altered, and significant leakage of intracellular proteins and nucleic acids occurred. SEM observations further confirmed the disruption of cell structure. ROS, MDA, and SOD measurements indicated that essential oil treatment induced a redox imbalance in C. allicinum, leading to cell death. As for energy metabolism, essential oil treatment significantly reduced Na+K+-ATPase, Ca2+Mg2+-ATPase, MDH activity, and CA content, impairing metabolic functions. Finally, storage experiments showed that all three essential oils ensured better preservation of naan, with mustard essential oil having the best antifungal effect. Rose and mustard essential oils and their blends can inhibit C. allicinum at multiple targets and pathways, destroying cell morphological structure and disrupting metabolic processes.

Enteric methane emission reduction potential of natural feed supplements in ewe diets.

Research into the potential use of various dietary feed supplements to reduce methane (CH4) production from ruminants has proliferated in recent years. In this study, two 8-wk long experiments were conducted with mature ewes and incorporated the use of a variety of natural dietary feed supplements offered either independently or in combination. Both experiments followed a randomized complete block design. Ewes were offered a basal diet in the form of ad libitum access to grass silage supplemented with 0.5kg concentrates/ewe/d. The entire daily dietary concentrate allocation, incorporating the respective feed supplement, was offered each morning, and this was followed by the daily silage allocation. In experiment 1, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) Ascophyllum nodosum (SW), 3) A. nodosum extract (EX1), 4) a blend of garlic and citrus extracts (GAR), and 5) a blend of essential oils (EO). In experiment 2, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) A. nodosum extract (EX2), 3) soya oil (SO), and 4) a combination of EX2 and SO (EXSO). Twenty ewes per treatment were individually housed during both experiments. Methane was measured using portable accumulation chambers. Rumen fluid was collected at the end of both experiments for subsequent volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia analyses. Data were analyzed using mixed models ANOVA (PROC MIXED, SAS v9.4). Statistically significant differences between treatment means were considered when P < 0.05. Dry matter intake was not affected by diet in either experiment (P > 0.05). Ewes offered EO tended to have an increased feed:gain ratio relative to CON (P < 0.10) and SO tended to increase the average daily gain (P < 0.10) which resulted in animals having a higher final body weight (P < 0.05) than CON. Ewes offered EX1 and SO emitted 9% less CH4 g/d than CON. The only dietary treatment to have an effect on rumen fermentation variables relative to CON was SW, which enhanced total VFA production (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the A. nodosum extract had inconsistent results on CH4 emissions whereby EX1 reduced CH4 g/d while EX2 had no mitigating effect on CH4 production, likely due to the differences in PT content reported for EX1 and EX2. SO was the only dietary feed supplement assessed in the current study that enhanced animal performance whilst mitigating daily CH4 production.

Effect of a Dietary Essential Oil Blend in Dairy Cows during the Dry and Transition Period on Blood and Metabolic Parameters of Dams and Their Calves.

Cows face severe challenges of immunosuppression and negative energy balance during transition periods. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of essential oil blend supplementation in dairy cow's ration during dry periods on the health of the cow and calf. In the current study, 45 dry Holstein dairy cows were divided into three groups, each consisting of 15 animals. The control group was without any supplementation; the positive control group was only injected with 0.2 mg/kg levamisole (intramuscular) at 2 months before parturition and 1 month before parturition; and the treatment group was supplemented with 3 g/day for each cow essential oil blend mixed in total mixed ration (TMR). A mixed vaccine against E. coli, Rotavirus, and Coronavirus was administered to all cows before 42 days and after 21 days of calving. The day of the calving of the animal was accepted as day 0. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein of all cows at -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, 0, 1 and 2 days, and the colostrum samples were taken on days 0, 1, and 2. Blood samples were also collected from the jugular vein (V. Jugularis) of the newborn calves on days 0, 1, and 2. The results of the hematological parameters revealed no difference in the total red blood cell count, hemoglobin amount, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, MPV, and PCT values in both prenatal and postnatal blood of the cows (p > 0.05). In terms of immunological parameters, the total IgG level was significantly higher in the experimental group on the 7th day before birth compared to the other two groups, while the total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count and granulocyte counts were found to be lower after birth (p < 0005). Blood NEFA and BHBA levels were also lower in the experimental group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.005), and the blood glucose level was not different (p > 0.05). In calves, no difference was found between the groups in any of the parameters examined (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the dietary addition of an essential oil blend during the transition period enhanced the immune status and energy metabolism of cows without any effect on the health status of newborn calves.

A systematically evolved method for the effective use of essential oil blends for the structural maintenance of palm leaf manuscripts

Palm leaf manuscripts (PLMs) are traditional carriers that contain a wealth of knowledge from different disciplines written by ancient scholars. However, PLMs are susceptible to deterioration due to moisture, light, fungi and bacteria. An existing method of applying essential oils (EOs) to preserve PLMs does not currently appear successful, hence the study presented here which aimed to maximise the preservation characteristics of six different EO blends, prepared and applied to palm leaves, which were then tested for stiffness, brightness and weight gain. The interpretation of the efficiency of EO blends in the preservation of PLMs is attributed to the compatibility between the oils due to the various constituents present in the individual EOs. FTIR spectroscopy was used to understand the compatibility of the oils in a blend and any EO blend rendering a higher stiffness and brightness was identified as having a high preservation performance. Based on the investigation, good compatibility is observed between the FTIR spectrum of Blend-E with its contributing EOs of citronella, neem and mustard. On the other hand, Blend-B exhibits poor preservation characteristics and incompatibility. The study concludes with the recommendation that Blend-E is suitable for the treatment and regular maintenance of PLMs as it can help reduce physical and chemical damage.

Effect of Stocking Density and Diets Supplemented with Essential oils and or Probiotic on the Performance of Juveniles Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The present study was carried out to investigate the interactive effect of stocking density and diets supplemented with essential oils and or probiotic on the growth performance of juveniles Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), water quality parameters, intestinal morphology, and protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection of Oreochromis niloticus. Total number of 640 O. niloticus fish (14.2 ± 0.95 g) were used in our work were allotted into eight groups with three replicates with two stocking densities (36 fish m-3 and 72 fish m-3) and four diets (control, Probiotic (Sanolife PRO-F®), Essential oils (EOs) blend (Super Immune®) and mix of Probiotic (Sanolife PRO-F®) and EOs blend (Super Immune®) respectively for 14 weeks and subsequently, challenged with A. hydrophila. The fish raised at the low stocking density exhibited increased weight gain, feed intake and specific growth rate compared with those raised at the high stocking density. Probiotic and/or EOs blend dietary supplementation improved Nile tilapia weight gain, daily gain, specific growth rate, total feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The water quality metrics' readings throughout the experiment all stayed within acceptable ranges for tilapia production despite the density increase. The fish raised at the low stocking density and received diet supplemented with mix of probiotic and EOs showed marked increased length of intestinal villi compared with the other groups. The EOs blend promoted better relative percent of survival with percentage of 100 % after challenge by A. hydrophila. It could be concluded that using EOs blend (Super Immune) and/or Probiotic (Sanolife PRO-F) as a dietary supplement for tilapia fingerlings would be a good choice due to their effective growth promoting, antibacterial effect and their positive impacts on fish intestinal morphology.

Nanoemulsification of Essential Oil Blend by Ultrasound: Optimization of Physicochemical, Antioxidant Properties, and Activity Against Escherichia coli

Nanoemulsification of Essential Oil Blend by Ultrasound: Optimization of Physicochemical, Antioxidant Properties, and Activity Against Escherichia coli

Essential Oil Blends with or without Fumaric Acid Influenced In Vitro Rumen Fermentation, Greenhouse Gas Emission, and Volatile Fatty Acids Production of a Total Mixed Ration

The growing interest in improving rumen fermentation and mitigating methane emissions necessitates the use of essential oil blends (EOB) and fumaric acid (FA). This study evaluated the synergistic effect of four EOB with or without FA supplementation on in vitro dry matter digestibility, greenhouse gas emission, and total volatile fatty acid production using inoculum from three rumen-cannulated Black Angus beef cows. The study was arranged in a 4 × 2 + 1 factorial design to evaluate the effects of the four EOB and two FA levels on a total mixed ration (TMR). The EOB dosage was 100 µL while FA was added at 3% of total mixed ration. The EOB × FA interaction (p &lt; 0.05) influenced the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and hemicellulose degradabilities. All the EOB and FA (EFA) treatments decreased (p &lt; 0.001) the dry matter degradability compared to the control (TMR substrate only). The EFA4 treatment reduced the neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose degradabilities compared to the control. The ruminal pH was influenced (p &lt; 0.001) by both the EOB and FA inclusion, and the EOB × FA interaction was significant. The microbial mass was higher (p &lt; 0.001) in the EFA1, EFA4, and EOB4 compared to the control and the EOB3 treatments. The EFA1 and EOB1 produced less (p &lt; 0.001) gas than the control by 29.1 and 32.1%, respectively. Compared with the control, the EFA1 and EOB1 treatments decreased (p &lt; 0.001) methane gas by 90.8% and 86.4%, respectively, while the carbon dioxide was reduced (p = 0.004) by 65.7 and 57.9%, respectively. The EOB × FA interaction was significant (p &lt; 0.001) for the total and individual volatile fatty acid concentrations. The inclusion of FA increased the propionate concentration by 9.5% and decreased (p = 0.02) the acetate concentration by 4%. In summary, the synergistic effect of the EOB and FA offers an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emission and enhance total volatile fatty acids.

Synergism Between Essential Oils and Evaluation of Their Activities with a Focus on Malassezia furfur Control.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by Malassezia yeast species that affects the regions of the body where the sebaceous glands are present. The combined use of different essential oils (EOs) can increase their spectrum of action. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the action of EOs alone and in combination with each other on M.furfur, in planktonic and biofilm form, and their anti-inflammatory and mutagenic potential, in addition to the effects on the viability of cells lines. Of the 40 evaluated EOs, 22 showed activity against M.furfur at 0.5 - 2.0 mg/mL concentrations. Among the most active species, a blend of essential oils (BEOs) composed of Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) Will. Watson (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL) and Mentha × piperita L. (MIC = 1.0 mg/mL) was selected, which showed a synergistic effect against yeast when evaluated through the checkerboard assay. The fungicidal activity was maintained by the addition of anti-inflammatory oil from Varronia curassavica Jacq. to BEOs. The BEOs also showed activity in the inhibition of biofilm formation and in the eradication of the biofilm formed by M.furfur, being superior to the action of fluconazole. Furthermore, it did not show mutagenic potential and did not interfere with the cell viability of both evaluated cell lines (HaCaT and BMDMs). TNF-α levels were reduced only by C. martini; however, this property was maintained when evaluating BEOs. BEOs had no effect on IL-8 levels. Thus, the BEOs may be indicated for alternative treatments against seborrheic dermatitis.

PSXIII-16 Selected Feed Additives to Improve Diet Digestibility and Carcass Quality of Feedlot-Finished Angus Crossbred Steers

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementation using different feed additives on the apparent digestibility and carcass traits of feedlot-finished steers fed a diet consisting of 35% forage and 65% concentrate. This study was a randomized block experimental design with two treatments: Diet containing sodium monensin + virginiamycin (MO+VM, 20 ppm and 15 ppm, respectively); and Diet with a blend of essential oils (Crina Ruminants, 90 ppm) + exogenous α-amylase (Ronozyme Rumistar, 560 ppm) + 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D3 (Hy-D, 0.1 ppm), (EO+ENZ+HYD), with nine repetitions each (pens), where each experimental unit was represented by a pen (with two animals each). Thirty-six 50% Angus blood steers with an average initial weight of 400 kg were evaluated along an experimental period of 112 days, with 28 adaptation days and 84 evaluation days, divided into 3 periods of 28 days each. The digestibility evaluation was carried out at the end of the first and third experimental periods, both in a continuous time of 48 hours. For this, daily intake and leftovers were measured, total feces were collected, diets and leftovers from each pen were sampled for laboratory analysis. At the beginning and end of the experiment, using ultrasound, carcasses were analyzed for loin eye area, marbling ratio, subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), and rump fat thickness (RFT). Means were compared by ANOVA using the GLM procedure (SAS, 1993), adopting a significance level of 5%. Fecal output (kg· day-1), both in dry matter and natural matter, and fecal DM content were similar between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Feeding EO+ENZ+HYD reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal starch percentage by 20% and improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM and starch (5.16%, 67.40% and 95.50%) compared with the use of MO+VM (6.41%, 66.47% and 94.27%). These better results suggest an effect of a more favorable fermentation of the diet caused by modulation of the ruminal microbiota, optimization in the use of starch and increase in microbial protein synthesis caused by supplementation with EO+ENZ+HYD. Animals supplemented with EO+ENZ+HYD had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) RFT (12.22 mm) at slaughter compared with those supplemented with MO+VM (10.42 mm), and greater marbling and RFT gain over the finishing period (0.58 points and 7.50 mm) than those supplemented with MO+VM (0.32 points and 5.93 mm) after 112 days of feedlot. In conclusion, the blend of essential oils + exogenous α-amylase + 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D3 was effective in replacing the combination sodium monensin + virginiamycin, improving the apparent digestibility of DM and starch, as well as increasing marbling and carcass cover fat deposition of feedlot-finished steers.

258 Investigating the Ruminal Metagenome of Neonatal Holstein Dairy Calves fed an Essential oil-Based Feed Additive

Abstract Antibiotics remain the most effective tool for treating and preventing animal diseases in livestock production. However, the widespread use of antibiotics in food animals, as well as concerns about antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens, have raised awareness of the need to limit their use. As neonatal dairy calves are very susceptible to gastrointestinal infections that can result in high mortality and morbidity, the need to find alternatives to antibiotics has become a priority. Although essential oils (EO) have emerged as promising anti-microbial alternatives, their potential effects on the rumen microbiome are still poorly understood due to the complexity of their chemical components and limited understanding of their mechanisms of action. To gain further insight into the effects of EO on the bacterial communities of pre-weaned calves, we investigated the rumen metagenome of neonatal Holstein dairy calves that had been supplemented with 3.75g/feeding of a blend of EO (carvacrol, caryophyllene, p-cymene, cineole, terpinene, and thymol) as part of a previous study. Genomic DNA extracted from rumen contents collected from one of the EO-supplemented animals was used for high throughput sequencing using an Illumina Miseq (2x250) platform. Raw sequence reads were assembled into genomic contigs using custom-written Perl scripts. Coding sequences (CDS) were identified and annotated using RAST, with assignment of open reading frames (ORFs) to metabolic pathways using KEGG pathways. After assembly, a total of 3,052 contigs between 279 and 259,890 nt in length were obtained. From this set, 571 contigs affiliated to Prevotella ruminicola, representing 18.7% of total contigs built, were further analyzed. Data mining for specific functions within categories such as ‘protein metabolism’, ‘carbohydrates metabolism’, and ‘amino acids and derivatives’ was performed. This analysis resulted in the identification of all the enzymes involved in glycolysis. Two outcomes were predicted for pyruvate: conversion to lactate through lactate dehydrogenases (EC 1.1.1.27, EC 1.1.1.28), and the production of formate and acetyl-CoA through the activity of pyruvate formate-lyase (EC 2.3.1.54). Acetate (acetate kinase, EC 2.7.2.1) and propionate (Propionate kinase, EC 2.7.2.15) were other predicted end products. In addition to glucose fermentation pathways, enzymes potentially involved in the utilization of plant-based secondary metabolites were also identified, such as enzymes involved in Quinate-Chorismate metabolism: 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.10), Shikimate 5-dehydrogenase I alpha (EC 1.1.1.25), Shikimate kinase (EC 2.7.1.71), 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EC 2.5.1.19), and Chorismate synthase (EC 4.2.3.5). Identification of such metabolic pathways suggests that perhaps the supplemented EO additive could be used as a precursor for the synthesis of aromatic amino acids. Together, these findings indicate that EO supplementation may benefit animal health and performance by promoting the growth of bacterial species that can metabolize compounds in EO additives.

Development of a novel cryostructured composite coating of xanthan-bovine collagen-oregano essential oil spraying applied for the preservation of commercial biscuits marketed in Mexico.

Cryostructured gels, better known as cryogels, are a very important emerging class of biomaterials that have diverse applications in food preservation. This work shows a novel alternative to prepare a cryostructured composite coating made from a blend of xanthan, bovine collagen, and oregano essential oil. The composite coating was suitably applied onto the surface of preservative-free biscuits which were stored for 15 days at 25±2°C and 52%±1% relative humidity. The evaluation focused mainly on the changes in the physicochemical, textural, and microbiological characteristics of the biscuits. It was found that the coated samples significantly (p<0.05) decreased moisture absorption, water activity, and fungal growth. However, the composite coating minimally impacted the quality of biscuits in terms of color, texture profile, and surface microstructure. Overall, the cryostructured composite coating constitutes an advance in technological strategies aimed at the preservation of baked products. This will allow, in the future, the development of novel coatings on bakery products to generate new trends in the conservation of their properties and extension of shelf life. This could be achieved through the implementation of new technologies in the food industry, with the aim of making them more environmentally friendly and contributing to the generation of less plastic waste. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The study and application of cryogels, as innovative systems in the food industry, allow to expand and diversify the materials that can function as coatings to maintain some quality characteristics, in this case in bakery products, so it is important to analyze their effects and consider them to improve conservation processes.