Animal Bioscience最新文献

{"title":"Essential oils alleviate coccidiosis impact in broiler chickens: a meta-analysis.","authors":"Ridho Kurniawan Rusli, Melia Afnida Santi, Nuraini Nuraini, Mustofa Hilmi, Mirzah Mirzah, Cecep Hidayat, Arief Darmawan, Khairani Khairani, Rita Mutia, Mirnawati Mirnawati, Anuraga Jayanegara, Agung Irawan","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0267","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This meta-analysis aims to examine the efficacy of essential oils (EO) as an anticoccidial alternative on broiler chickens under coccidia challenged trials, focusing on performance indicators including average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), final body weight (BW), mortality, and intestinal lesion.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A random-effects model was performed using the metafor package in R software. In a subgroup meta-analysis, treatment groups including coccidia-infected birds [C+], C+ group treated with EO [C+EO] or antibiotics [C+AB], and a non-infected control group treated with EO or AB, were compared against the control group [CON].</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>As expected, C+ birds had lower (p<0.001) final BW and ADG as well as higher (p<0.001) FCR. Administration of either EO or AB on birds with coccidiosis infection resulted in similar final BW, ADG, FI, and FCR with CON birds, suggesting the comparable effectiveness of EO and AB to alleviate the adverse effects of coccidiosis. Broilers on the C+ group exhibited increased small intestine damage as shown by the greater (p<0.001) lesion score, but the mortality was not different from CON and other treatment groups. The Eimeria oocyst count was lower on birds treated with EO than on the infected birds, with an average suppression of 42.11%. Meta-regression demonstrated that C+ birds had inferior FI and ADG than CON and C+EO birds. However, high heterogeneity between studies was identified in all measured outcomes as shown by I² > 75%, suggesting wide variability among study conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Essential oils may serve as an alternative antibiotic to mitigate the negative impacts of coccidiosis infection in broiler chickens.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cecropin supplementation improves growth performance by regulating immune function, rumen fermentation and microbiota in goats.","authors":"Xinhong Zhou, Xiaoyun Shen","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to determine the effects of cecropin on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, rumen fermentation parameters, and rumen microbiota of goats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve male Yudong black goats were randomly divided into two groups, with 6 replicates per group. The control group (CON) was fed a basic diet, while the antimicrobial peptide group (AMP) received a diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg cecropin. The experimental period lasted for 60 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with the CON group, the AMP group showed significantly improved FW (35.46 vs. 37.33 kg, p < 0.05), ADG (205.19 vs. 234.78 g/d, p < 0.05), and reduced F/G (6.45 vs. 5.66, p < 0.05). The AMP group presented significantly higher SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities and T-AOC levels in the serum, while the MDA content was significantly lower (P<0.05). Furthermore, compared with the CON group, the levels of IgG, IgA, and IL-10 in the AMP group were significantly increased, while the levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In the rumen fluid, the AMP group presented significantly greater propionate and TVFA levels, with a significantly lower acetate/propionate ratio (P<0.05). Microbial analysis revealed differences in rumen microbiota diversity and composition between the two groups. At the phylum level, the AMP group presented significantly greater abundances of Bacteroidota, Fibrobacterota, Desulfobacterota, and Elusimicrobiota, whereas the Firmicutes abundance was significantly lower than that in the CON group (P<0.05). At the genus level, the AMP group presented significantly greater abundances of Prevotella, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, F082, Fibrobacter, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Bacteroidales_RF16_group, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and UCG-010, whereas the abundances of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Butyrivibrio were significantly lower (P<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, these results suggest that adding 500 mg/kg cecropin to the diet promotes goat growth performance by improving serum antioxidant capacity and immune function, optimizing rumen fermentation parameters, and modulating rumen microbiota.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The interaction effects of the naked neck gene and housing system on egg production, egg quality, blood biochemical parameters and immunity of laying hens under hot climate.","authors":"Osama Abou-Emera, Ibrahim Al-Homidan, Gamal Rayan, Moataz Fathi","doi":"10.5713/ab.24.0851","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.24.0851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Poultry producers use alternative housing arrangements, such as free-range systems, to allow birds to express their natural behaviors and to enhance consumer confidence in poultry products. Free-range systems provide hens with access to open spaces and better airflow, offering opportunities for thermoregulation through natural behaviors such as seeking shade or dust bathing. Compared to confined cage conditions, this can help reduce the negative effects of heat stress. In this study, we examined the productivity of laying hens segregated for the naked neck gene (Na) and raised in two distinct housing systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 540 laying hens, 24 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial design consisting of three genotypes (NaNa, Nana, and nana) and two housing systems (wire cages and free-range pens). Productive performance, egg quality characteristics, immune response, and blood parameters were evaluated over a three-month period during the hot summer season.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that introducing the Na gene into chickens raised under hot climate conditions improved egg production, cell-mediated immunity, and eggshell strength. A significant reduction in blood cholesterol levels and the cumulative percentage of broken eggs was observed in naked neck genotypes (NaNa and Nana) compared to the normally feathered genotype (nana). Hens kept in cages produced significantly heavier eggs compared to those in the free-range system. Laying hens kept in a free-range system exhibited a higher relative yolk weight and an increased shell percentage. Additionally, a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol levels was found in layers raised in free-range systems compared to those in wire cages. Eggs produced by hens reared in free-range systems also had a darker yellow yolk color compared to those from caged hens.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Introducing the Na gene into laying hens raised in free-range housing could be beneficial for improving egg production, immunity, and egg quality under high ambient temperatures.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combined supplementation with probiotics and enzymes regulates the performance and microbiota of goats.","authors":"Jiawei Lu, Zili Chen, Feng Wang, Honghui Lu, Yanli Zhang","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to explore the effects of B. subtilis C-3102, B. licheniformis SF5-1, and enzyme supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, and rumen microbiota of fattening goats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty healthy Yangtze River Delta white goats (body weight: 14.36 ± 2.24 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups with ten goats in each group. The groups were as follows: control group (CON); probiotics group (PRO); and combination group (COM). The feed period lasted for 80 days after a 20-day preparation period. Consequently, growth performance, slaughter performance, serum indexes, rumen fermentation parameters, and microbiota were assessed in goats with added B. subtilis C-3102, B. licheniformis, and a multi-enzyme complex.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results indicated that supplementation with B. subtilis C-3102, B. licheniformis SF5-1, and a combination with a multi-enzyme complex significantly improved the growth performance (p < 0.05) and the GR value (p = 0.001). Compared with the CON group, PRO and COM groups significantly increased the contents of TNF-α (p < 0.05) and IL-10 (p < 0.01) in the serum, the PRO group significantly increased the isobutyrate concentration of rumen fluid (p < 0.05), the COM group significantly increased the abundance of Ruminococcus_1 and Succiniclastium (p < 0.01), the COM group greatly enriched nitrogen metabolism, glycolysis, and TCA cycle (p < 0.05), in contrast, nucleotides biosynthesis was notably reduced (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Supplementing goats with B. subtilis C-3102, B. licheniformis SF5-1, and multi-enzyme complex improved the performance and immunity of the goats via regulating the rumen microbiota.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of cornstarch or fermented soybean meal in lactation diet improved sows' nutrient utilization and litter performance during lactation.","authors":"Li Zhe, Hongmei Wen, Fangyuan Chen, Yong Zhuo, Yan Ling, Shengyu Xu, Xuemei Jiang, Lingjie Huang, Lianqiang Che, Bin Feng, De Wu, Takele Feyera, Zhengfeng Fang","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the effects of cornstarch (CS) and fermented soybean meal (FSM) substitutions for conventional corn and soybean meal, respectively, on sow's performance, nutrient digestibility, milk composition, and oxidative status during lactation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-four lactating sows (8 sows/treatment) were assigned to either a standard lactation diet (CON), a CS diet in which pure CS substituted 60% of starch provided by conventional corn, or FSM diet in which FSM substituted 60% of crude protein provided by soybean meal. The experiment lasted from day 2 to 28 of lactation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with CON, the CS and FSM groups increased piglet live weight (p<0.05) and average daily gain (p<0.10), elevated milk superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (p<0.05), respectively, on day 28, and reduced (p<0.05) milk somatic cell counts on day 28; the CS group had higher (p<0.05) coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, and ash but lower (p<0.05) serum β-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids on day 28.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, the use of CS is much more robust in relieving body mobilization although both CS and FSM diets had beneficial effects on piglet performance by improving nutrient digestibility and milk quality of lactation sow.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of porcine endogenous retrovirus insertion in Jeju native pigs and commercial breeds.","authors":"Seungwon Yoon, Mrinmoy Ghosh, Myeongyeon Shin, Hyunyong Choi, Cheol-Ho Hyun, Dae Cheol Kim, Shin Ji Lee, Min Jee An, Young-Ok Son, Chang-Gi Hur","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0174","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To characterize the genomic distribution and amino acid homology of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) subtypes in three pig breeds, Jeju native pigs (JNPs), Duroc, and Landrace.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Genomic DNA was extracted from hair and ear tissue samples of JNPs, Duroc, and Landrace breeds using DirEx™ Fast Hair Kit and Exgene™ Tissue SV Plus kit (GeneAll, Korea). Whole-genome resequencing was performed by using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Sequencing libraries were prepared using the TruSeq Nano DNA Kit and quality-checked using QUAST and BUSCO, and aligned to the Sus scrofa 11.1 reference genome with Bowtie2. PCR and qRT-PCR were conducted with subtype-specific primers targeting gag, pol, and env regions. Amplicons were verified via agarose gel electrophoresis, purified, and subjected to Sanger sequencing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>WGR revealed breed-specific differences in PERV insertion, with JNPs exhibiting a higher frequency compared with the commercial breeds. PERV-B was the most abundant subtype, followed by PERV-CA and PERV-A, whereas PERV-C was absent in all the breeds. Chromosomal mapping highlighted variations in the localization of PERV, with notable absence on chromosomes 10 and 18. Homology analysis of amino acid sequences of PERV-A, PERV-B, and PERV-CA revealed breed-specific variations in the gag, pol, and env regions, indicating potential differences in viral replication and infectivity. The presence of all PERV subtypes were confirmed using polymerase chain reaction, with PERV-C detected in some Western breeds and all the JNPs analyzed. Sequencing of the PERV-C env region revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms, indicating genetic divergence among pig breeds.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study findings highlight the need for breed-specific strategies in PERV inactivation for xenotransplantation applications. The distinct chromosomal distribution patterns and functionally significant PERV insertions identified in this study provide a foundation for future research into host-virus interactions and retroviral evolution.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiple Inositol Polyphosphate Phosphatase ; A Hidden Phytate Digester with Bioactive Function Potential in Animal husbandry - A review.","authors":"Jaiesoon Cho","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this review was to describe the enzymatic properties of multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase (MINPP1/MIPP) as an unusual member of histidine acid phosphatase, distinct from conventional microbial phytases and their additional physiological functions besides degrading phytate. Considering parameters such as pH activity profile, substrate specificity, catalytic efficiency, and stability, MINPP1 is of merit as a novel phytase source for developing an ideal feed additive supported by functional metagenomics fused with recombinant DNA technology and classical protein engineering. In addition, MINPP1 appears to be involved in some biological activities such as cell survival, stress, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inorganic polyphosphate-induced inflammatory response, milk fatty acid composition-related metabolism and bone-related growth and pathophysiology, which can be important for the production performance of farm animals. Future directions need profound studies revealing the direct effects of MINPP1 on these physiological events.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological and transcriptional insights into the role of histone phosphorylation-related genes in early development of the chicken duodenum.","authors":"Xiaofeng Li, Bing Yang","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the morphological transitions and the role of histone phosphorylation-related genes during the first week of duodenal development in broilers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>At hatch (D0) and 7 days post-hatch (D7), five broiler chickens were humanely euthanized and duodenal samples were collected to assess the histomorphology, specifically the duodenal villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), and the VH/CD ratio. The gene expression data of duodenum of broilers at D0 and D7 obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) analyses were conducted using GEO2R. In addition, histone phosphorylation-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards database. Function enrichment for DEGs was conducted using the DAVID and PANTHER databases. Hub genes were identified using the CytoHubba plugin in Cytoscape, employing four different methods: MCON, DNMC, EPC, and MNC. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified striking developmental transformations: VH surged by 63.02% (P<0.05) and VH/CD ratio doubled (100.68% increase, P<0.05), accompanied by 17.81% CD reduction (P<0.05). Transcriptomic profiling revealed 449 histone phosphorylation-related DEGs, comprising 163 up-regulated and 286 down-regulated candidates. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these genes participated in phosphorylation, intracellular protein phosphorylation, protein dephosphorylation, immune response, as well as MAPK, PPAR, ErbB, and adipocytokine pathways. Importantly, we identified eight hub genes orchestrating duodenal maturation, including LGALS3, ITGB2, IRF7, SOCS3, and CSF1R, KIF23, SMC2, and DLGAP5.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings establish a novel paradigm wherein histone phosphorylation coordinates intestinal morphogenesis, providing mechanistic insights for optimizing poultry intestinal health and nutritional strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analyses of serum parameters between nontransgenic and transgenic male offspring chickens expressing the 3D8 single-chain variable fragment gene and.","authors":"Hyeon Yang, Bo Ram Lee, Sun A Ock, Mi-Ryung Park, Poongyeon Lee, Yong Jin Jo, Min Gook Lee, Jae Yong Han, Sung June Byun","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Transgenic (TG) animals offer significant potential for diverse applications but may pose risks if the impact of transgene expression on health and physiological parameters is not thoroughly assessed. This study aims to evaluate the effects of 3D8 scFv gene expression on male TG chickens, focusing on key biological markers, mortality, and growth.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Serum samples were collected at 14 weeks of age from male TG and non-TG chickens for comprehensive analysis of serum biochemistry, sex hormones, and cytokine profiles. Mortality and growth were monitored over a 34-week period to assess long-term effects. Statistical comparisons were conducted between TG and non-TG groups to identify significant differences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed that male non-TG chickens exhibited significantly higher levels of ALT, IGF-1, IFN-γ, and IL-4 compared to TG chickens (p<0.05). However, no significant differences in survival or growth were observed between TG and non-TG groups (p>0.05). These findings are consistent with previous studies on female TG offspring, which reported no significant impact of 3D8 gene expression on mortality, growth, or productivity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>3D8 scFv gene expression in male TG chickens does not adversely affect mortality, growth, or serum parameters, indicating that the transgene does not have detrimental effects on these critical metrics in male chickens. These findings support the safety and viability of 3D8 gene expression in TG animals.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144224059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of dietary inclusion of blooming Ulva sp. on milk production, methane emitting potential, and physiological parameters in lactating Holstein cows.","authors":"Ki Yeon Park, Yoo Rae Kim, Eungseok Kim, Jong Chul Lee, Weon Jong Yoon, Kye Won Kang, Seong Won Seo, Hong Gu Lee","doi":"10.5713/ab.25.0060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Ulva sp., a blooming macroalgae causing the green tide in Korea, has been suggested as a feed ingredient for ruminant livestock. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 3% dry matter inclusion of Ulva sp. in a total mixed ration on milk production, methane emitting potential, and physiological parameters in lactating Holstein cows.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 36 cows were allocated into two groups considering milk production, parity, days in milk, and methane production concentration from respiration and eructation, and fed the TMR with or without 3% dry matter inclusion of Ulva sp. for 4 weeks. Methane emitting potential was measured using a laser methane detector in week 4, and feed, milk, and blood were collected every 2 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ulva sp. inclusion did not affect methane production concentration from respiration and eructation, but tended to decrease the methane intensity concentration from respiration (p=0.06) and eructation (p=0.06). In addition, it increased the milk fat yield, energy-corrected milk, and net energy for lactation in week 2, but this did not persist to week 4, indicating the interaction between treatment and week (p<0.05). Likewise, it increased milk urea nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen, and white blood cell counts in week 2 but not in week 4 (p<0.05). Cortisol concentration in hair tended to decrease with Ulva sp. inclusion (p<0.10), whereas the serum total antioxidant capacity and uric acid were not affected.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It was demonstrated that Ulva sp. can be utilized as a feed ingredient for lactating cows without any adverse effects on milk production, complete blood cell counts, or blood metabolites. The potential methane-reducing property of Ulva sp. should be further investigated in future studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7825,"journal":{"name":"Animal Bioscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144224060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}