Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition最新文献

{"title":"Feeding of Different Levels of Synbiotics to Suckling Lambs: Effects on Intake, Digestibility, Performance, Parameters of Rumen, Blood and Health, and Skeletal Growth.","authors":"Seyedah Somayye Fathi Fazli, Mohammad Mahdi Sharifi Hosseini, Mohammad Amin Khazri, Omid Dayani, Massoud Asadi Fouzi","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70044","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jpn.70044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to investigate the effects of varying levels of synbiotics (combinations of probiotics and prebiotics) on the performance and health parameters of 28 Afshari lambs over a period of 90 days. The average weight of lambs was of 10 ± 0.2 kg and an age of approximately 1 month. The prebiotic supplement included mannan oligosaccharide and beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, along with a probiotic comprising seven bacterial strains, and used at concentration of 2 × 109/g cfu. A 2 × 2 factorial design was employed in a completely randomized design, with the factors being the levels of probiotic supplementation (1.0 g and 2.0 g) and prebiotic supplementation (1.5 g and 3.0 g). The interaction effect of probiotic and prebiotic was significant on dry matter intake (p < 0.01), digestibility (p < 0.01), total white blood cell (p < 0.05) and Improved feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01). These effects were higher at treatment of high levels of probiotic (2 grams) and prebiotic (3 grams). The higher levels of probiotic significantly influenced on biometric parameters such as heart girth and withers height (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Higher levels of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation had a positive impact on total white blood cell, and monocytes counts. The high level of synbiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in total blood protein concentration and glucose levels, with the differences being statistically significant at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. Additionally, the decrease in ruminal NH₃-N concentration with higher level probiotic compare to low level (8.69 vs 7.08 mg/dl) indicates improved rumen nitrogen utilization and potentially better rumen health. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of high levels of synbiotics to improve growth performance, nutrient digestion, and health outcomes in suckling lambs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":"377-387"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146258145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Dietary Electrolyte Balance in Low-Protein Diet on Intestinal Barrier, Mitochondrial Function and Carcass Quality of Growing Pigs.","authors":"Jiaqi Hao, Lili Li, Qian Lin, Xiaodian Tu, Jie Feng, Yongfei Ying, Lin Ding, Jiayu Li, Caihong Hu","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70049","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jpn.70049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In a low-protein diet, dietary electrolyte balance may be disrupted due to the reduction in the amount of soybean meal used and supplementation with lysine hydrochloride. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of dEB on intestinal barrier, mitochondrial function and carcass quality of growing pigs fed a low-protein diet. A total of 144 pigs (initial body weight 25.45 ± 0.36kg) were allotted to the control group with a crude protein (CP) level of 15.7% (CON, dEB 173 mEq/kg) or one of three low-protein groups (CP 14%) with different dEB values: LE (dEB 120 mEq/kg), ME (dEB 180 mEq/kg), and HE (dEB 240 mEq/kg) groups. The results showed that compared with the CON group, the average daily weight gain of pigs in the LE and HE groups was decreased by 4.7% and 4.3% respectively (p < 0.05), while the ratio of weight gain to feed intake was reduced by 6.7% and 4.4% respectively (p < 0.05), while the growth performance of the ME group was similar to that of the CON group (p > 0.05). Compared to the CON groups, intestinal villi, transepithelial electrical resistance and expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the LE and HE group. For mitochondrial function, compared with the ME and CON groups, the LE group decreased (p < 0.05) jejunal mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content, and activities of mitochondrial complexes I, II, and III. As compared with the LE group, the redness of the longissimus dorsi muscle was increased by 5.7% and 6.6% respectively (p < 0.05) and the drip loss was decreased by 8.3% and 9.4% respectively (p < 0.05) in the ME and HE group. The meat quality of the CON group was similar to that of the ME and HE groups (p > 0.05). In summary, dEB could significantly affect intestinal barrier, mitochondrial function and carcass quality, and the proper dEB in low-protein diet was 180 mEq/kg in growing pigs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":"388-397"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147276347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feeding Laboratory Mice: Comparing a Standard Versus a Purified Diet - Marked Effects on Digestive Physiology.","authors":"L F Böswald, A Zeyner, M M Santo, M Wensch-Dorendorf, A Sünder, B Popper, W Siegert","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.70063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diet composition and processing have a major impact on its utilisation by the animal, as is known from farm and pet animal species. This includes effects on energy and nutrient digestibility, the intermediary metabolism, and the intestinal microbiome, with all the resulting impacts. For laboratory animals, data is scarce on influencing factors on diet digestibility. In experiments using special diets, either standard diets are used for the control group, or purified control diets. The aim of the present study was to compare a standard diet and a purified control diet (both pelleted) fed ad libitum to C57BL/6J mice and to investigate the potential effect on body weight development, feed conversion, energy and nutrient digestibility and indicators of intestinal fermentation (pH, short-chain fatty acids). Thus, 21 mice each were fed the standard diet (STD) and the purified diet (PD). Results showed a significantly higher apparent digestibility of gross energy and the crude nutrients in group PD (p < 0.001). The weight of the filled cecum and colon was significantly lower in group PD than STD (p < 0.001; p < 0.01). The pH of ingesta was significantly higher in stomach, cecum and colon of group PD (p < 0.0001), likely influenced by the significantly lower concentration of total short-chain fatty acids measures in cecum and colon of PD mice. The high apparent digestibility of the PD implied a lower influx of fermentable substrate into the hindgut, resulting in lower concentrations of microbial metabolites and altered pH milieu.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147772226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Cross-Sectional Study on Parakeets Feeding and Housing Practices in Italy.","authors":"Erdem Danyer, Daniele Lauria, Davide Stefanutti, Diego Cattarossi, Rebecca Ricci","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.70060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Italy has one of the largest companion bird populations in Europe. This study aimed to investigate feeding and housing practices among Italian parakeet owners. An online questionnaire was distributed, yielding 433 voluntary responses. Participants were classified as hobbyists (HBY; ≤ 13 birds owned) or breeders (BRD; > 13 birds owned) to evaluate differences between groups. All BRD and 67.4% of HBY owned more than one bird (p < 0.001), while 74.9% of HBY and 30.5% of BRD (p < 0.001) reported owning only one bird species. Budgerigars were the most frequently reported species (overall: 40.2%), followed by lovebirds (overall: 37.9%). Birds were housed in cages cleaned once or twice per week by 44.1% of owners, whereas food provision and water refreshment occurred 6-7 days per week in 43.2% and 49.0% of cases, respectively. Feeders, water dispensers and environmental enrichments such as perches, swings and ramps were commonly used by both groups. Most birds (58.4%) were fed seed mixes, primarily to provide enjoyment. However, this feeding strategy allows selective consumption of individual components and may predispose birds to nutritional imbalances. A combination of seed mixes and extruded or pelleted complete diets was reported by 17.6% of owners, while 9.9% fed exclusively extruded or pelleted complete diets, following veterinary advice. Approximately 80% of owners used dietary supplements, most commonly cuttlebone; grit and vitamin-mineral supplements were frequently provided, particularly among BRD. Foxtail millet was the most commonly offered snack (80.6%). Overall, 43.2% of participants reported at least one health issue in their birds, most frequently feather-related problems (24%), with no differences between groups. In conclusion, although housing and enrichment practices were generally appropriate, the widespread use of mixed seed-based diets may increase the risk of nutritional imbalances. Owners' priority often appears to be birds' apparent satisfaction, highlighting the need for improved nutritional guidance and professional advice.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147521086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Cannabidiol Supplements Use in Small Animals Practice in Portugal.","authors":"Maria Inês Santos, Ana Luísa Lourenço","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.70059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to assess the current use of cannabidiol supplements (CBDS) by Portuguese small animal veterinary practitioners. An anonymous online survey questioning the frequency of CBDS use, purpose of use and the perceived outcome was developed using Microsoft Forms, and targeted veterinarians currently working in small animal clinics in Portugal. Among the 186 responses obtained, 166 met the inclusion criteria for further analysis. From the responses included (n = 166), 5% (8/166) never used CBDS. From the ones using CBDS, 71% (112/158) used it frequently or with high frequency in dogs and 59% (92/158) in cats. In a multiple selection question from respondents that never used CBDS, 75% (6/8) cite lack of knowledge about their properties and applications as the main reason for not using them, suggesting that a lack of knowledge is preventing 4% (6/166) of the respondents from considering the CBDS as a therapeutic tool. Many respondents reported to be satisfied or very satisfied in using CBDS for: oncological diseases (93%; 106/114), management of chronic pain (92%; 144/156), behaviour changes/stress (83%; 90/109), or as an anti-inflammatory drug (76%; 83/109). Additionally, in an open-answer question, some respondents referred to the use of CBDS for other purposes, namely: cognitive dysfunction, appetite stimulant, feline gingivostomatitis, geriatric animals, senility and wound healing. The most frequent adverse effects were hypersialia/sialorrhea (28%; 44/158) and apathy (25%; 39/158). About 34% (53/158) of respondents did not identify any adverse effects. This survey revealed that a significant proportion of Portuguese companion animal veterinarians are already prescribing CBDS in their clinical practice with a perceived benefit in oncological diseases, chronic pain, behavioural changes/stress and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings indicated widespread awareness and confidence in using these products among Portuguese companion animal veterinarians. No conclusions on the actual efficacy of CBD can be drawn from the present study.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age-Dependent Increase in Small Intestinal Permeability and Sex-Dependent Absorptive Capacity in Cats (Felis catus)","authors":"Keely Patterson,&nbsp;Emma N. Bermingham,&nbsp;Karl Fraser,&nbsp;Daniel Bernstein,&nbsp;Karin Weidgraaf,&nbsp;Anna K. Shoveller,&nbsp;David G. Thomas","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70015","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jpn.70015","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Age-associated changes in intestinal permeability and function have not been studied in domestic cats, leaving a key factor in the relationship between age and digestive health in cats unexplored. Due to factors not currently understood, mature and senior cats may experience a loss of fat and protein digestibility, along with a loss of body weight (BW), impacting lifespan and quality of life. Therefore, to establish the relationship between age and intestinal health, intestinal permeability and absorptive capacity were quantified in young and senior cats using a differential sugar absorption test (SAT) on cat plasma. A solution containing four different sized sugars was orally administered to 36 healthy mixed-breed domestic shorthair cats (male (<i>n</i> = 21) and female (<i>n</i> = 15)) split into two groups by age, young 2.40 ± 0.758 (<i>n</i> = 21) and senior 11.23 ± 1.896 (n = 15) years (mean ± SD). Blood was collected before and again 3 h after dosage and plasma was analysed using liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS). Intestinal permeability was higher (<i>p</i> = 0.004) in senior cats than young cats, and was not affected by sex (<i>p</i> = 0.288), sampling date (<i>p</i> = 0.652), or BW (<i>p</i> = 0.951). Absorptive capacity was higher (<i>p</i> = 0.033) in male cats than females, and was not affected by age class (<i>p</i> = 0.440), sampling date (<i>p</i> = 0.580), or BW (<i>p</i> = 0.652). In conclusion, intestinal permeability was higher in older cats and suggests age-related changes in intestinal barrier structure and function. These findings highlight the need to further consider increased intestinal permeability as a cause of reduced nutrient digestibility in older cats, offering a new target for interventions to enhance their health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":"110 2","pages":"169-176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13001013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bioactive Feed Additives in Poultry Reproductive Physiology","authors":"Wenjie Lu,&nbsp;Hui Peng,&nbsp;Diqi Yang","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70038","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jpn.70038","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This review synthesises current knowledge on the application of bioactive feed additives to enhance poultry reproductive efficiency, addressing both physiological mechanisms and practical challenges. In male poultry, additives such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and amino acids improve semen quality by mitigating oxidative stress, enhancing mitochondrial function, and regulating steroidogenesis through pathways involving Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc). For female reproduction, phytochemicals and probiotics optimise egg production and quality via gut microbiota modulation, nutrient absorption efficiency, and anti-oxidant defence systems, thereby improving eggshell integrity and yolk composition. Emerging sustainable alternatives, including microbial-derived enzymes and insect-based proteins, offer cost-effective solutions to replace traditional additives while maintaining productivity. However, challenges persist in balancing economic viability, regional feed resource variability, and the need for precision in oxidative stress manage-ment. Future research must prioritise interdisciplinary strategies to develop regionally tailored formulations that integrate molecular insights with farm-scale feasibility. By aligning with global sustainability goals and animal welfare standards, these innovations hold potential to sustainably meet the growing demands of poultry production systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":"110 2","pages":"250-261"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jpn.70038","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145762829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutrient-Enriched Spirulina Platensis for Poultry: A Review on Health Benefits With In-Silico Validation","authors":"Qin Fu,&nbsp;Chunmei Tan,&nbsp;Yanchong Mao,&nbsp;Xiaohui Ma,&nbsp;Jameel Ahmed Buzdar,&nbsp;Muhammad Asif Arain,&nbsp;Chunlei Yao,&nbsp;Bin Lu","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70025","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jpn.70025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Spirulina platensis</i>, a filamentous blue or green microalgae, naturally found in alkaline lakes of tropical and subtropical regions, has attracted considerable attention as a sustainable feed resource for poultry production. Beyond its long history of use as a human food supplement, <i>Spirulina</i> is now gaining recognition in animal nutrition owing to its exceptional nutrient profile, including high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. With the global demand for high-quality animal protein rising, nutrient-enriched <i>Spirulina</i> provides a sustainable alternative to conventional feed additives. This review highlights current knowledge of <i>Spirulina's</i> applications in poultry nutrition, emphasizing its role in enhancing growth performance, immune competence, gut microbiota modulation, and overall product quality. Particular attention is given to its potential in biofortification, reduction of antibiotic dependence, and contribution to functional poultry products with added health benefits. Moreover, the article identifies critical research gaps and outlines future perspectives, emphasizing the need to explore the underlying mechanism of action, optimize dosage, evaluate synergistic effects with other feed additives, and assess large-scale feasibility in commercial production. By integrating recent advancements, the present review highlights the importance of continued research on <i>Spirulina</i> as an innovative feed additive, enhancing poultry health and productivity while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly production practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":"110 2","pages":"237-249"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jpn.70025","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145668692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Diet Composition With Physical, Haematological and Biochemical Analysis of Giant Anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in Brazil","authors":"Fernanda Mara Aragão Macedo Pereira,&nbsp;Danyele Karoline Avante Mangueira,&nbsp;Alexandre Luiz da Costa Bicudo,&nbsp;Débora Regina Yogui,&nbsp;Miriã Ribeiro Costa,&nbsp;Arnaud Desbiez,&nbsp;Priscylla Tatiana Chalfun Guimarães-Okamoto,&nbsp;Carolyne Assis Eigenheer Pinke Testa,&nbsp;Ellen Sue Dierenfeld,&nbsp;Alessandra Melchert","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70035","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jpn.70035","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The giant anteater (<i>Myrmecophaga tridactyla</i>) is an insectivorous species whose maintenance under human care is impaired due to the difficulty of reproducing their natural diet, associated with the challenge in developing an adequate and replicable diet. A wide variety of nutrition-related diseases are reported, but with few confirmed causal relationships. Moreover, little is known about the clinical parameters of the species and its relationship with diet. The aim of this study is to describe the haematology and blood chemistry of wild and captive giant anteaters in Brazil, correlating them with their physical condition and composition of the diet presented to the animals. We assessed 21 free-range and 22 captive giant anteaters, and compared results of bodyweight, biometry, haematology and serum biochemistry. Diets offered in captivity, and the stomach contents of nine wild road-killed anteaters were analyzed for chemical composition of macronutrients and minerals. When comparing data between free-range and captive animals, we found important differences in size and in haematological and biochemical analyses. Free-living anteaters were ~25% smaller compared with captives, both in BW (32.4 ± 4.7 kg and 42.6 ± 8.0 kg; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and measurements (thorax, abdomen and forearm circumferences). In addition, the composition of the stomach contents of wild animals differed significantly from the diet offered to captive animals, containing significantly less fat, energy and nutritional minerals in free-living animals. Diet seems to reflect directly on the physical parameters and laboratory results of giant anteaters.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":"110 2","pages":"262-269"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145762888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preference and In Vitro Digestibility of Leaves of Woody Plants by Sheep in the Northern Sudanian Zone","authors":"Linda C. Gabriella Traore,&nbsp;Sita Sanou,&nbsp;H. Oumou Sanon,&nbsp;Regina Roessler,&nbsp;Valérie Bougouma-Yameogo,&nbsp;Eva Schlecht","doi":"10.1111/jpn.70032","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jpn.70032","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In West Africa, trees and shrubs are important for feeding ruminant livestock during the dry season. This study aimed to determine the in vitro digestibility of organic matter from eight woody species using a gas test with and without the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG), and evaluate their preference by sheep using a cafeteria test. Plants cited by farmers as being palatable to sheep were <i>Lannea microcarpa</i> (La), <i>Ficus sycomorus</i> (Fi), <i>Pterocarpus erinaceus</i> (Pt), <i>Khaya senegalensis</i> (Kh), <i>Azadirachta indica</i> (Az), <i>Bombax costatum</i> (Bo), <i>Guiera senegalensis</i> (Gu) and <i>Ziziphus mauritiana</i> (Zi). For the preference test, two groups of fresh and dried leaves from each time four species were offered in a 4 × 4 Latin square to four 18–24-month-old rams for 8 days each. The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was determined using the modified Hohenheim gas test. The quantity of dry matter ingested within 30 min, along with consumption time, ingestion rate, and the preference coefficient, served as indicators of leaf preference. Bo, Kh, and Zi leaves had the highest preference coefficients both in the dried (0.7, 0.3 and 0.2) and fresh (0.7, 0.5 and 0.3) state. Fresh Fi leaves had a higher preference coefficient (0.4) than dried ones (0.1), while the reverse was observed for Pt leaves (fresh: 0.1, dried: 0.6). PEG addition increased IVODM and in vitro methane production of ligneous forage plants by 1.2% (Kh) to 44.7% (La) compared to the incubation without PEG. In conclusion, fresh and dried leaves of <i>B. costatum, K. senegalensis</i>, and <i>Z. mauritiana</i> are highly palatable to sheep, making them good candidates for inclusion in dry season rations, despite their moderate IVOMD. In contrast, <i>L. microcarpa</i> and <i>G. senegalensis</i> exhibit both low preference and poor IVOMD, rendering them less recommendable as forage resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":14942,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition","volume":"110 2","pages":"200-212"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13000971/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145633402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}