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Description

This study investigated the combined effects of unique blends of essential oil (EOBs) and fumaric acid (FA) on ruminal fermentation and metabolites in dairy cows, using the rumen simulation technique system. Three rumen-cannulated, non-lactating Holstein Friesian cows served as inoculum donors. The total mixed ration (TMR) included corn silage, alfalfa hay, and a concentrate mix in a 3:1:1 ratio. The four treatments were: Control (TMR without additives), EFA1 (TMR + EOB1 + FA), EFA2 (TMR + EOB2 + FA), and EFA3 (TMR + EOB3 + FA). Sixteen fermentation chambers, with four replicates per treatment, were arranged in a completely randomized design over a 9-day period. EOBs and FA were added at 10 μL/g feed and 3% of TMR, respectively. Results showed that EFA1 reduced methane (CH4) emissions by 60.2% (p = 0.0351) without negatively affecting nutrient digestibility. A total of 661 metabolites were identified, with significant changes in 16 metabolites for EFA1, 33 for EFA2, and 19 for EFA3. PLS-DA analysis showed clear separation of treatments, indicating modifications in the rumen fluid metabolome. Metabolic pathways for tyrosine, pyrimidine, purine, lipoic acid, bile acid, and porphyrin metabolism were influenced by the additives. Overall, EFA1 was the most effective in reducing CH4 emissions and optimizing ruminal fermentation, making it a promising nutritional intervention for dairy cows.

Publication Date

4-1-2025

Keywords

Dairy cows, Essential oils, Fumarate, Metabolome

One Health, One Planet: Optimizing Dairy Cow Metabolism with Natural Additives for a Sustainable Future

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