Trade-offs between selection of crude protein and tannins in growing lambs.

Tannins are phenolic compounds that provide benefits to ruminants due to their protein-binding affinities and antioxidant properties. However, tannins may also have negative orosensorial and postingestive effects that decrease feed intake. This study explored how lambs trade off the ingestion of crude protein (CP) with the ingestion of potentially beneficial and toxic condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, and the ensuing impacts on diet digestibility, animal performance, and blood parameters. Thirty-two lambs were housed in individual pens for 8 wk and had access to 2 isoenergetic diets that varied in the concentration of CP (High-high in protein [HP] or Low-least preferred [LP]) and the presence of a mix of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins (4% DM). Animals were assigned to 4 treatment groups (N = 8 lambs/group) and received a simultaneous offer of: HP and LP (Control); HP and LP + tannins (HP - LP+); HP+ tannins and LP (HP + LP-); and both HP and LP with tannins (HP + LP+). All lambs preferred HP over LP and they avoided tannins in the diets (P < 0.001). Dry matter and CP intake were the lowest in HP + LP- (P < 0.0001), and DMD did not differ between Control and the other groups (P > 0.05), but it was greater for HP - LP + (P < 0.0001). CP digestibility was greater for groups without tannins in HP (P < 0.0001), but average daily gain (ADG) did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). No differences between Control and HP + LP + were found in plasma antioxidant activity, total phenolic concentration, or haptoglobin concentration (P > 0.05). Intake of tannins was HP + LP+ > HP + LP- > HP - LP + (P < 0.0001), and fecal excretion of nitrogen (N) was HP + LP+ > HP - LP+ = HP + LP- > Control (P < 0.05). In addition, intake of tannins with both diets reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration relative to Control (P < 0.05), thus suggesting a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. In summary, lambs prioritized the selection of HP over LP, regardless of the presence of a tannin extract in either or both diets. Nevertheless, lambs modulated their tannin consumption as a function of the specific diet where the tannin extract was added, with increasing levels of intake as tannins were present in just LP, then in just HP, and finally in both diets. Dietary tannins did not constrain ADG and resulted in a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. Such shifts have been found to result in reduced production of environmental pollutants such as ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrates.

Tannins are plant chemicals that can provide benefits to ruminants due to their antioxidant activity and positive effects on nutrient uptake. However, tannins could also promote negative (i.e., toxic) effects on herbivores. This study explored how lambs build their diets when offered between 2 diets that varied in protein concentration (low or high), both with and without tannins (4%) and the ensuing consequences on diet digestibility, animal performance, and some blood parameters indicative of antioxidant activity and inflammation. All lambs preferred the high-over the low-protein diet, regardless of the inclusion of tannins in the diets. Digestibility of dry matter did not differ between lambs that had diet choices with or without tannins, and body weight gains were not different across all treatments. No differences were found among dietary treatment groups in blood antioxidant activity or indicators of inflammation. Tannin intake promoted a shift in the fate of nitrogen excretion from urine to feces, suggesting reductions in environmental pollutants such as ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrates. Thus, tannins did not promote negative impacts on animal performance with potential concomitant beneficial effects on the environment.

Effects of inclusion of the blend of essential oils, organic acids, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc in the maternal diet, and of incubation temperature on early and late development of quail.

The maternal diet and egg incubation temperature are some of the factors that can influence the embryonic development and performance of the newly chicks at 15 d of age. This study evaluated the effects of adding a blend of organic acids, essential oils, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in to the diet of female quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on their productive, reproductive performance and redox parameters of their eggs and the interaction of maternal diet × incubation temperature on embryo (E16 and E18) and chicks development. At 98 d of age, 64 female quails with a mean body weight of 150 g ± 0.5 were distributed into two treatments: a Basal diet or a diet supplemented with blend (Sannimix). The eggs from each female were incubated at 37.5°C (Control) and 38.5°C (High Temperature) throughout the incubation period. After hatching, chicks were distributed in a 2 (maternal diet) × 2 (incubation temperature) factorial design. Female quails supplemented with Sannimix showed better productive and reproductive performance and produced higher-quality embryos. Their offspring had greater weight at hatch and at 15 d of age. The eggs and offspring of supplemented with Sannimix female quails showed better oxidative stability. At E16 and E18, High Temperature increased yolk sac utilization and gene expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR). At E16, embryos from supplemented with Sannimix female quail had higher expression of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGFI) and heat shock protein 70 kDa genes. At 15 d of age, highest expression of the GHR and IGFI genes was observed in chicks from female quails fed the Sannimix diet, regardless of incubation temperature. Regarding the maternal diet × incubation temperature an improved result was observed for chicks from female quails fed with Sannimix even when eggs are exposed to High Temperature during the incubation. The supplementation of quail diets with blend Sannimix improves productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and their embryos, as well as their offspring quality.

Influence of inclusion of low doses of tannin blends in beef cattle dietary supplements on in vitro and in situ digestibility of nutrients in some feedstuffs / Influência da inclusão de baixas doses de taninos em suplementos para bovinos de corte sobre a digestibilidade in vitro e in situ dos nutrientes de alguns alimentos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the daily supplementation with a low dosage of a blend of condensed and hydrolysable tannins on the in vitro and in situ digestibility of protein and fibrous feedstuffs. In situ ruminal incubation assays were conducted on seven protein and five roughage feedstuffs with and without tannin supplementation (1 g kg-1 DM intake). From these same cattle, rumen Mundim, A. T. et al.1146Semina: Ciênc. Agrár. Londrina, v. 44, n. 3, p. 1145-1166, maio/jun. 2023fluid was collected for in vitro incubations of the same feedstuffs. In vitro assays we evaluated the gas production (GP) up to 24 h and, sequentially, digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD), crude protein (IVCPD), fiber (IVNDFD), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). For in situ assays, the disappearance curves were modeled and then the potentially degradable (B), digestion rate (kd), and undegradable (U) fractions were estimated. Of all the variables studied, only IVCPD of soybean meal showed effect (P<0.05) with the addition of dose of tannins. The supplementation of tannin affected only B of the DM and CP of the cottonseed meal. The kd of DM and CP increased with the supplementation of the tannin blend only for Marandu (dry season), soybean and cottonseed meal. Additionally, the kd of the DM of corn silage was reduced. The U of CP was affected by the increase of tannin supplementation for soybean and cottonseed meal. Daily supplementation with a low dose of tannin blend for grazing cattle affects for grazing cattle affects the ruminal digestibility of some of the evaluated feedstuffs, which are soybean and cottonseed meal.(AU)

O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de uma mistura de taninos condensados e hidrolisáveis em suplementos sobre a digestibilidade in vitro e in situ de alguns alimentos proteicos e volumosos. Sete alimentos proteicos e cinco volumosos foram avaliados in situ no rúmen de bovinos de corte em pastejo recebendo suplementos com e sem taninos (dose de taninos = 1g kg-1 MS). Destes mesmos animais, foi coletado líquido ruminal para incubação in vitro dos alimentos. Nos ensaios in vitro avaliou-se a produção de gás (PG) até 24 h e, sequencialmente, a digestibilidade da matéria seca (DMS), proteína bruta (DPB), fibra (DFDN) e nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3). Para os ensaios in situ, as curvas de desaparecimento foram modeladas e, em seguida, as frações potencialmente degradáveis (B), taxa de digestão (kd) e indigestível (U) foram estimadas. De todas as variáveis estudadas, apenas a DPB do farelo de soja apresentou efeito (P<0,05) com a adição de taninos. A suplementação com taninos afetou apenas a fração B da MS e PB do farelo de algodão. O kd da MS e PB aumentaram com a inclusão de taninos para o capim Marandu (estação seca), farelo de soja e farelo de algodão. Adicionalmente, o kd da MS da silagem de milho foi reduzido. A fração indisgestível (U) da PB do farelo de soja e farelo de algodão foram afetadas pela suplementação com taninos. A inclusão de baixas doses de um blend de taninos em suplementos para bovinos em pasto afeta a digestibilidade ruminal de alguns dos alimentos avaliados, notadamente em farelo de soja e farelo de algodão.(AU)

In vitro impact of condensed tannins on the caecal metabolites of chickens / Impacto in vitro de taninos condensados nos metabólitos cecais de frangos de corte

Tannins are a diverse group of plant phenolic compounds. Condensed tannins (CTs) represent a major subgroup of tannins and were extracted from tilia (Tilia L.) flowers and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) leaves. These extracts were examined for their effects on the metabolic profile of chicken caeca. By using in vitro, a nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), which was combined with multivariate statistics, the current study was applied for the first time to investigate how three different CT compositions, procyanidins (PC) and/or prodelphinidins (PD) units influenced the metabolic end-products in caecal contents of chickens. In the presence of tannins, glutamate, leucine, lysine, pyroglutamate, phenylalanine, proline, and sarcosine were significantly decreased. CT extracts significantly influenced the fermentation, increasing the concentrations of some fatty acids such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate whereas. In contrast, lactate decreased between the treatments. This study identified the key structural features of CTs that contain either high molar proportions of PD or PC, which might be useful to improve the efficiency of feed utilization in chickens.(AU)

Taninos são um grupo diversificado de compostos fenólicos derivados de plantas. Os taninos condensados (TCs) representam o maior subgrupo de taninos extraídos das flores de tília (Tilia L) e de folhas negras (acácia-bastarda). Estes extratos foram examinados para a avaliação dos seus efeitos no perfil metabólico do ceco de frangos de corte. Com o emprego da ressonância magnética nuclear in vitro (1H-NMR) combinada com estatística multivariada, o presente trabalho foi aplicado pela primeira vez para investigar como três diferentes composições de TCs, unidades de procianidinas (PC) e/ou prodelfinidinas (PD) influenciariam os produtos metabólicos finais dos conteúdos cecais de frangos de corte. Na presença de taninos, houve um significativo decréscimo de glutamato, leucina, lisina, piroglutamato, fenilalanina, prolina e sarcosina. Os extratos de TCs influenciaram significativamente a fermentação, aumentando as concentrações de alguns ácidos graxos, tais como o acetato, butirato e propionato, enquanto em contraste, houve um decréscimo do lactato entre os tratamentos. Este trabalho identificou aspectos estruturais chave que os TCs contêm, tanto as altas proporções molares de PD como as de PC, as quais podem ser úteis para aumentar a utilização de alimentos em frangos de corte.(AU)

In vitro impact of condensed tannins on the caecal metabolites of chickens / Impacto in vitro de taninos condensados nos metabólitos cecais de frangos de corte

Tannins are a diverse group of plant phenolic compounds. Condensed tannins (CTs) represent a major subgroup of tannins and were extracted from tilia (Tilia L.) flowers and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) leaves. These extracts were examined for their effects on the metabolic profile of chicken caeca. By using in vitro, a nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), which was combined with multivariate statistics, the current study was applied for the first time to investigate how three different CT compositions, procyanidins (PC) and/or prodelphinidins (PD) units influenced the metabolic end-products in caecal contents of chickens. In the presence of tannins, glutamate, leucine, lysine, pyroglutamate, phenylalanine, proline, and sarcosine were significantly decreased. CT extracts significantly influenced the fermentation, increasing the concentrations of some fatty acids such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate whereas. In contrast, lactate decreased between the treatments. This study identified the key structural features of CTs that contain either high molar proportions of PD or PC, which might be useful to improve the efficiency of feed utilization in chickens.(AU)

Taninos são um grupo diversificado de compostos fenólicos derivados de plantas. Os taninos condensados (TCs) representam o maior subgrupo de taninos extraídos das flores de tília (Tilia L) e de folhas negras (acácia-bastarda). Estes extratos foram examinados para a avaliação dos seus efeitos no perfil metabólico do ceco de frangos de corte. Com o emprego da ressonância magnética nuclear in vitro (1H-NMR) combinada com estatística multivariada, o presente trabalho foi aplicado pela primeira vez para investigar como três diferentes composições de TCs, unidades de procianidinas (PC) e/ou prodelfinidinas (PD) influenciariam os produtos metabólicos finais dos conteúdos cecais de frangos de corte. Na presença de taninos, houve um significativo decréscimo de glutamato, leucina, lisina, piroglutamato, fenilalanina, prolina e sarcosina. Os extratos de TCs influenciaram significativamente a fermentação, aumentando as concentrações de alguns ácidos graxos, tais como o acetato, butirato e propionato, enquanto em contraste, houve um decréscimo do lactato entre os tratamentos. Este trabalho identificou aspectos estruturais chave que os TCs contêm, tanto as altas proporções molares de PD como as de PC, as quais podem ser úteis para aumentar a utilização de alimentos em frangos de corte.(AU)

Ruminal degradation of dry matter and fibrous fraction of high-tannin grain sorghum / Degradação ruminal da matéria seca e fração fibrosa do grão de sorgo alto tanino

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with high-tannin sorghum grain in the diet of steers on ruminal degradation of dry matter and fibrous fraction. Four rumen-fistulated cattle with a mean body weight of 519 ± 31 kg were used in this study. These animals were divided into groups using a 4 ́ 4 Latin square experimental design. Animals received four different diets in which increasing levels of ground corn were replaced with high-tannin sorghum grain in the proportions of 0%, 33%, 67% and 100% in the concentrate. Dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were measured by in situ incubation of sorghum grain samples. Rumen residue was analysed for DM and NDF disappearance at incubation times of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h. A quadratic behavior was observed in the fraction “c” of the DM and soluble fraction "a" of the NDF of the sorghum grain in function of the replacement levels of corn for high-grain tannin sorghum. Rumen DM and NDF degradability of sorghum grains with high tannin content up to 144 h showed an increasing behavior for all levels of inclusion of sorghum in the diet. The replacement level 67 showed the maximum DM and fibrous fraction disappearance of sorghum grain up to 144 h of incubation. Sorghum grain achieved maximum ruminal dry matter degradation and the fibrous fraction at the 67% replacement level of ground corn by high-tannin sorghum grain in the diet of steers.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o estudo avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho por sorgo grão com alto teor de tanino na dieta de novilhos sobre a degradação ruminal da matéria seca e fração fibrosa. Foram utilizados quatro bovinos fistulados no rúmen, com peso corporal médio de 519 ± 31 kg, distribuídos em delineamento experimental quadrado latino 4 ́4. Os animais foram submetidos a quatro dietas, constituídas em função dos níveis de substituição de fubá de milho pelo grão de sorgo alto tanino, nas proporções de 0, 33, 67 e 100%, no concentrado. A quantificação da degradabilidade da matéria seca (MS) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) ocorreu por incubação in situ com amostras do grão de sorgo. Os tempos de permanência das amostras no rúmen para estimativa do desaparecimento da MS e FDN foram: 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 e 144 horas. Houve efeito quadrático na fração “c” da MS e na fração solúvel “a” da FDN do grão de sorgo em função dos níveis de substituição do milho pelo sorgo tanino de alto grão. A degradabilidade da MS e FDN dos grãos de sorgo com alto teor de tanino até 144 horas de permanência no rúmen mostrou um comportamento crescente para todos os níveis de inclusão de sorgo na dieta. No entanto, o nível de substituição 67 mostrou o máximo desaparecimento da MS e da fração fibrosa do grão de sorgo até 144 horas de incubação. O grão de sorgo apresentou a máxima degradação ruminal da matéria seca e da fração fibrosa no nível 67% de substituição de milho por sorgo grão na dieta de novilhos.(AU)

Acacia mearnsii tannin extract as a feed additive: impact on feed intake, digestibility and nitrogen excretion by sheep fed a tropical grass-based diet / Extrato tanífero de Acacia mearnsii como aditivo alimentar: impacto sobre o consumo, digestibilidade e excreção de nitrogênio em ovinos alimentados com uma dieta a base de gramínea tropical

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary inclusion of Acacia mearnsii tannin extract (TA) on nutrients intake and digestibility, and nitrogen (N) retention by sheep given a tropical grass-based diet. The trial was conducted with six castrated male sheep in a cross-over design in two 21-days experimental periods. The sheep were housed in metabolic cages and offered Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) ad libitum plus concentrate at a rate of 12 g of dry matter (DM)/kg body weight (BW). The treatments were concentrate without (Control) or with 10 g TA/kg DM (Tannin). Concentration of TA in the diet was 3.8 g/kg DM and did not affect the feed intake or apparent digestibility. The TA decreased the true digestibility of n compounds (P 0.05) whereas did not impact the N retention, microbial N flow to the small intestine or the efficiency of rumen microbial protein synthesis. In conclusion, a low dietary concentration of TA did not impact the nutrients supply and N use by sheep fed with a tropical grass-based diet.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão alimentar de extrato tanífero de Acacia mearnsii (TA) sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade e a retenção de nitrogênio (N) em ovinos alimentados com uma dieta a base de gramínea tropical. O experimento foi conduzido com seis ovinos machos castrados, em delineamento em reversão simples, com dois períodos experimentais de 21 dias cada. Os animais foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas e alimentadas ad libitum com feno de Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) mais concentrado oferecido a uma taxa de 12 g de matéria seca (MS)/kg de peso corporal. Os tratamentos foram: concentrado sem (Controle) ou com 10 g de TA/kg MS (Tanino). A concentração de TA na dieta foi de 3,8 g/kg MS e não afetou o consumo e nem a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes. O TA diminuiu a digestibilidade verdadeira do N (P 0,05), mas não afetou a retenção de N, o fluxo microbiano de N para o intestino delgado ou a eficiência de síntese de proteína microbiana no rúmen. Em conclusão, a inclusão de uma baixa dose de TA/kg MS na dieta não afetou a oferta de nutrientes nem o uso de N em ovinos alimentados com uma dieta baseada em uma gramínea tropical.(AU)

Effect of using Acacia mearnsii tannin extract as a feed additive on nutritional variables and productive performance in dairy cows grazing a temperate pasture.

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of including Acacia mearnsii tannin extract (TA) as a feed additive on nutrition and productive performance of dairy cows grazing a high-quality temperate pasture and receiving supplementation with a concentrate feedstuff. Fourteen multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to either of the following treatments: concentrate without or with 20 g TA/kg dry matter (DM). Concentrate intake accounted for 32% of the total DM intake. Tannin addition increased the herbage DM intake by 22% (p < .05). There was no effect of TA inclusion on milk yield, milk composition, milk nitrogen (N) excretion, milk and plasma urea-N concentration, urinary excretion of total N, urea-N, and purine derivatives. However, TA inclusion increased the N intake and retention, total N excretion in manure, fecal N to urine N ratio, and decreased the dietary N efficiency for milk production and the percentage of ingested N excreted in urine (p < .05). In conclusion, supplementing dairy cows grazing a high-quality temperate pasture with a concentrate containing 20 g TA/kg DM showed the potential of decreasing the proportion of ingested N excreted in urine without affecting the productive performance.

Ruminal degradation of dry matter and fibrous fraction of high-tannin grain sorghum / Degradação ruminal da matéria seca e fração fibrosa do grão de sorgo alto tanino

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with high-tannin sorghum grain in the diet of steers on ruminal degradation of dry matter and fibrous fraction. Four rumen-fistulated cattle with a mean body weight of 519 ± 31 kg were used in this study. These animals were divided into groups using a 4 ́ 4 Latin square experimental design. Animals received four different diets in which increasing levels of ground corn were replaced with high-tannin sorghum grain in the proportions of 0%, 33%, 67% and 100% in the concentrate. Dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were measured by in situ incubation of sorghum grain samples. Rumen residue was analysed for DM and NDF disappearance at incubation times of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h. A quadratic behavior was observed in the fraction “c” of the DM and soluble fraction "a" of the NDF of the sorghum grain in function of the replacement levels of corn for high-grain tannin sorghum. Rumen DM and NDF degradability of sorghum grains with high tannin content up to 144 h showed an increasing behavior for all levels of inclusion of sorghum in the diet. The replacement level 67 showed the maximum DM and fibrous fraction disappearance of sorghum grain up to 144 h of incubation. Sorghum grain achieved maximum ruminal dry matter degradation and the fibrous fraction at the 67% replacement level of ground corn by high-tannin sorghum grain in the diet of steers.

Objetivou-se com o estudo avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho por sorgo grão com alto teor de tanino na dieta de novilhos sobre a degradação ruminal da matéria seca e fração fibrosa. Foram utilizados quatro bovinos fistulados no rúmen, com peso corporal médio de 519 ± 31 kg, distribuídos em delineamento experimental quadrado latino 4 ́4. Os animais foram submetidos a quatro dietas, constituídas em função dos níveis de substituição de fubá de milho pelo grão de sorgo alto tanino, nas proporções de 0, 33, 67 e 100%, no concentrado. A quantificação da degradabilidade da matéria seca (MS) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) ocorreu por incubação in situ com amostras do grão de sorgo. Os tempos de permanência das amostras no rúmen para estimativa do desaparecimento da MS e FDN foram: 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 e 144 horas. Houve efeito quadrático na fração “c” da MS e na fração solúvel “a” da FDN do grão de sorgo em função dos níveis de substituição do milho pelo sorgo tanino de alto grão. A degradabilidade da MS e FDN dos grãos de sorgo com alto teor de tanino até 144 horas de permanência no rúmen mostrou um comportamento crescente para todos os níveis de inclusão de sorgo na dieta. No entanto, o nível de substituição 67 mostrou o máximo desaparecimento da MS e da fração fibrosa do grão de sorgo até 144 horas de incubação. O grão de sorgo apresentou a máxima degradação ruminal da matéria seca e da fração fibrosa no nível 67% de substituição de milho por sorgo grão na dieta de novilhos.

Reproductive responses of the male Brandts vole, Lasiopodomys brandtii (Rodentia: Cricetidae) to tannic acid

Tannins are polyphenols that are present in various plants, and potentially contain antioxidant properties that promote reproduction in animals. This study investigated how tannic acid (TA) affects the reproductive parameters of male Brandts voles, Lasiopodomys brandtii (Radde, 1861). Specifically, the anti-oxidative level of serum, autophagy in the testis, and reproductive physiology were assessed in males treated with TA from the pubertal stage. Compared to the control, low dose TA enhanced relative testis and epididymis weight and sperm concentration in the epididymis, and significantly increased the level of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). mRNA levels of autophagy related genes LC3 and Beclin1 decreased significantly with low dose TA compared to the control. However, compared to the control, high dose TA sharply reduced the levels of serum SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, serum testosterone (T), and mRNA level in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testis. Both sperm abnormality and mortality increased with high dose TA compared to the control and low dose TA. Collectively, this study demonstrated that TA treatment during puberty had a dose-dependent effect on the reproductive responses of male Brandts voles. TA might mediate autophagy in the testis, through both indirect and direct processes. TA mainly affected the reproductive function of male Brandts voles by regulating anti-oxidative levels. This study advances our understanding of the mechanisms by which tannins influence reproduction in herbivores.

Reproductive responses of the male Brandts vole, Lasiopodomys brandtii (Rodentia: Cricetidae) to tannic acid

Tannins are polyphenols that are present in various plants, and potentially contain antioxidant properties that promote reproduction in animals. This study investigated how tannic acid (TA) affects the reproductive parameters of male Brandts voles, Lasiopodomys brandtii (Radde, 1861). Specifically, the anti-oxidative level of serum, autophagy in the testis, and reproductive physiology were assessed in males treated with TA from the pubertal stage. Compared to the control, low dose TA enhanced relative testis and epididymis weight and sperm concentration in the epididymis, and significantly increased the level of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). mRNA levels of autophagy related genes LC3 and Beclin1 decreased significantly with low dose TA compared to the control. However, compared to the control, high dose TA sharply reduced the levels of serum SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, serum testosterone (T), and mRNA level in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testis. Both sperm abnormality and mortality increased with high dose TA compared to the control and low dose TA. Collectively, this study demonstrated that TA treatment during puberty had a dose-dependent effect on the reproductive responses of male Brandts voles. TA might mediate autophagy in the testis, through both indirect and direct processes. TA mainly affected the reproductive function of male Brandts voles by regulating anti-oxidative levels. This study advances our understanding of the mechanisms by which tannins influence reproduction in herbivores.(AU)

Short-term use of monensin and tannins as feed additives on digestibility and methanogenesis in cattle

The objective was to assess the effects short-term use of monensin and Acacia mearnsii tannins as feed additives on nutrient intake, digestibility, and CH4 production in cattle. Six rumen-cannulated Holstein cows were distributed in two 3×3 Latin square experimental design, and each experimental period lasted 21 days. The basal diet was composed of corn silage and concentrate in a 50:50 dry matter (DM) basis proportion. Treatments were control, monensin (18 mg kg−1 of DM), and tannin-rich extract from Acacia mearnsii (total tannins equivalent to 6 g kg−1 of DM). Nutrient intake and apparent digestibility coefficients were not affected by the addition of monensin or tannins to diets. However, tannins showed a tendency to reduce crude protein digestibility. Monensin decreased CH4 emission by 25.6% (g kg−1 of body weight) compared with the control treatment. Monensin is more effective than Acacia mearnsii tannins in reducing CH4 emissions in the short term, considering a diet of the same roughage:concentrate proportion for cattle.(AU)

Addition of tannin in lamb diets after weaning: impact on performance and hematological and biochemical variables

Background: In ruminants, the weaning period is a critical phase, because these young animals are allocated to variousfacilities and receive different feeds. Alternatively, supplements and additives can be used. The tannins are polyphenolsproduced by plants; constitute a group of complex secondary metabolic factors that inhibit the consumption by herbivoresor the development of microbial agents. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of condensedtannin extract from quebracho trees (Schinopsis lorentzii) in lamb diets after weaning would have beneficial effects ongrowth and health.Materials, Methods & Results: Forty lambs were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments (10 lambs/treatment): T1 (0%;control), T2, T3, and T4 was 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 % of quebracho extract in the diet, respectively. The T2 (0.3%) lambs hadgreater body condition scores (P = 0.005), and although they did not differ significantly, they had numerically greaterbody weight (P = 0.067) and weight gain (P = 0.072), than the control lambs. The anthelmintic and anticoccidial effectwas not possible to verify because no animals in any group were naturally infected by helminths or coccidia. The T4lambs had greater numbers of erythrocytes (days 10 and 40) [P < 0.05], greater hemoglobin concentrations (days 10and 40), and greater numbers of total leukocytes (day 10) as a result of greater numbers of neutrophil at the end of theadaptation period (day 10) compared to T1. The T3 and T4 lambs had greater (P < 0.05) serum total protein (days 10and 40) because of greater concentration of serum globulins (days 10 and 40) compared to T1, suggesting that the addition of tannin stimulated the immune system. The addition of quebracho in the diet affected serum concentrations ofglucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol at some times and treatments (P < 0.05). However, these changes did not followa pattern...(AU)

Addition of tannin in lamb diets after weaning: impact on performance and hematological and biochemical variables

Background: In ruminants, the weaning period is a critical phase, because these young animals are allocated to variousfacilities and receive different feeds. Alternatively, supplements and additives can be used. The tannins are polyphenolsproduced by plants; constitute a group of complex secondary metabolic factors that inhibit the consumption by herbivoresor the development of microbial agents. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of condensedtannin extract from quebracho trees (Schinopsis lorentzii) in lamb diets after weaning would have beneficial effects ongrowth and health.Materials, Methods & Results: Forty lambs were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments (10 lambs/treatment): T1 (0%;control), T2, T3, and T4 was 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 % of quebracho extract in the diet, respectively. The T2 (0.3%) lambs hadgreater body condition scores (P = 0.005), and although they did not differ significantly, they had numerically greaterbody weight (P = 0.067) and weight gain (P = 0.072), than the control lambs. The anthelmintic and anticoccidial effectwas not possible to verify because no animals in any group were naturally infected by helminths or coccidia. The T4lambs had greater numbers of erythrocytes (days 10 and 40) [P < 0.05], greater hemoglobin concentrations (days 10and 40), and greater numbers of total leukocytes (day 10) as a result of greater numbers of neutrophil at the end of theadaptation period (day 10) compared to T1. The T3 and T4 lambs had greater (P < 0.05) serum total protein (days 10and 40) because of greater concentration of serum globulins (days 10 and 40) compared to T1, suggesting that the addition of tannin stimulated the immune system. The addition of quebracho in the diet affected serum concentrations ofglucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol at some times and treatments (P < 0.05). However, these changes did not followa pattern...

Effects of tannins and Monensin in a feedlot diet on in vitro ruminal fermentation / Efeitos de taninos e monensina em uma ração para ovinos em confinamento sobre os parâmetros da fermentação ruminal in vitro

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tannins versus Monensin on in vitro ruminal fermentation of a feedlot diet. The treatments were: control (no additives); low tannin (2 mg g DM-1); medium tannin (4 mg g DM-1), high tannin (6 mg g DM-1), and Monensin (0.02 mg g DM-1). The substrate was a feedlot diet composed by hay and concentrate (15:85 w/w; DM basis). Ruminal fluid was obtained from three rumen-cannulated male Santa Inês sheep. In vitro incubations were carried out during four consecutive weeks (run). Gas production (GP) was recorded at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 h of incubation. At 48 and 96 h, two bottles per treatment were withdrawn to measure pH, ammonia concentration (NH3), volatile fatty acid (VFA), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD). Addition of tannin or Monensin did not affect (P > 0.05) the kinetics parameters. Tannin supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the GP at 24 h compared to Monensin. Addition of Monensin decreased (P < 0.05) IVDMD at 96 h and IVNDFD at 48 and 96 h compared to the control. The IVNDFD was lower (P < 0.05) with Monensin than with tannin at 48 and 96 h. The NH3 was lower (P < 0.05) with tannin compared with Monensin. By increasing tannin dosage, NH3 levels changed quadratically (P < 0.05). The inclusion of tannin in vitro reduced the NH3 concentration considerably when used in low dose.

O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de taninos versus monensina sobre a fermentação ruminal in vitro de uma ração para ovinos em confinamento. Os tratamentos foram: controle (sem a inclusão de aditivos); baixa dose de tanino (2 mg g MS-1); média dose de tanino (4 mg g MS-1), alta dose de tanino (6 mg g MS-1), e monensina (0,02 mg g MS-1). O substrato utilizado foi uma ração para ovinos em confinamento composta por feno e concentrado (15:85 w/w; base da MS). O fluido ruminal foi obtido de três ovinos Santa Inês, machos não castrados, com cânula ruminal. As incubações in vitro foram realizadas em quatro semanas consecutivas (uma incubação por semana). A produção de gás (PG) foi mensurada nos tempos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84 e 96 horas de incubação. Nos tempos de 48 e 96 horas, dois frascos/tratamento foram retirados para mensurar pH, concentração de amônia (NH3), ácidos graxos voláteis (AGV), digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e digestibilidade in vitro da fibra em detergente neutro (DIVFDN). A adição de tanino ou monensina não afetaram (P > 0,05) os parâmetros cinéticos. A suplementação de tanino reduz (P < 0,05) a PG em 24 horas de incubação comparado com a monensina. A inclusão de monensina reduz (P < 0,05) a DIVMS em 96 horas e a DIVFDN em 48 e 96 horas comparada ao controle. A DIVFDN foi menor (P < 0,05) com monensina que com tanino em 48 e 96 horas. A NH3 foi menor (P < 0,05) com tanino comparado à monensina. Aumentando a dose de tanino, a NH3 altera de forma quadrática (P < 0,05). A inclusão de tanino reduz consideravelmente as concentrações in vitro de NH3 quando usado em baixas doses.

Effects of tannins and Monensin in a feedlot diet on in vitro ruminal fermentation / Efeitos de taninos e monensina em uma ração para ovinos em confinamento sobre os parâmetros da fermentação ruminal in vitro

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tannins versus Monensin on in vitro ruminal fermentation of a feedlot diet. The treatments were: control (no additives); low tannin (2 mg g DM-1); medium tannin (4 mg g DM-1), high tannin (6 mg g DM-1), and Monensin (0.02 mg g DM-1). The substrate was a feedlot diet composed by hay and concentrate (15:85 w/w; DM basis). Ruminal fluid was obtained from three rumen-cannulated male Santa Inês sheep. In vitro incubations were carried out during four consecutive weeks (run). Gas production (GP) was recorded at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 h of incubation. At 48 and 96 h, two bottles per treatment were withdrawn to measure pH, ammonia concentration (NH3), volatile fatty acid (VFA), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD). Addition of tannin or Monensin did not affect (P > 0.05) the kinetics parameters. Tannin supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the GP at 24 h compared to Monensin. Addition of Monensin decreased (P < 0.05) IVDMD at 96 h and IVNDFD at 48 and 96 h compared to the control. The IVNDFD was lower (P < 0.05) with Monensin than with tannin at 48 and 96 h. The NH3 was lower (P < 0.05) with tannin compared with Monensin. By increasing tannin dosage, NH3 levels changed quadratically (P < 0.05). The inclusion of tannin in vitro reduced the NH3 concentration considerably when used in low dose.(AU)

O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de taninos versus monensina sobre a fermentação ruminal in vitro de uma ração para ovinos em confinamento. Os tratamentos foram: controle (sem a inclusão de aditivos); baixa dose de tanino (2 mg g MS-1); média dose de tanino (4 mg g MS-1), alta dose de tanino (6 mg g MS-1), e monensina (0,02 mg g MS-1). O substrato utilizado foi uma ração para ovinos em confinamento composta por feno e concentrado (15:85 w/w; base da MS). O fluido ruminal foi obtido de três ovinos Santa Inês, machos não castrados, com cânula ruminal. As incubações in vitro foram realizadas em quatro semanas consecutivas (uma incubação por semana). A produção de gás (PG) foi mensurada nos tempos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84 e 96 horas de incubação. Nos tempos de 48 e 96 horas, dois frascos/tratamento foram retirados para mensurar pH, concentração de amônia (NH3), ácidos graxos voláteis (AGV), digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e digestibilidade in vitro da fibra em detergente neutro (DIVFDN). A adição de tanino ou monensina não afetaram (P > 0,05) os parâmetros cinéticos. A suplementação de tanino reduz (P < 0,05) a PG em 24 horas de incubação comparado com a monensina. A inclusão de monensina reduz (P < 0,05) a DIVMS em 96 horas e a DIVFDN em 48 e 96 horas comparada ao controle. A DIVFDN foi menor (P < 0,05) com monensina que com tanino em 48 e 96 horas. A NH3 foi menor (P < 0,05) com tanino comparado à monensina. Aumentando a dose de tanino, a NH3 altera de forma quadrática (P < 0,05). A inclusão de tanino reduz consideravelmente as concentrações in vitro de NH3 quando usado em baixas doses.(AU)

Evaluation of the health benefits of consumption of extruded tannin sorghum with unfermented probiotic milk in individuals with chronic kidney disease.

This study investigated the chemical and nutritional composition of breakfast cereal based on whole sorghum, and the effect of its association with unfermented probiotic milk on the inflammation and oxidative stress of individuals with chronic kidney disease. Extruded sorghum breakfast meal presented higher carbohydrate concentration (approximately 71%), followed by protein (approximately 11%) and lipid (approximately 0.4%). When compared to extruded maize breakfast meal, it presented higher percentage of dietary fiber (p < 0.05), and higher content of phenolic compounds and tannin, consequently higher antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). Extruded sorghum breakfast cereal combined with unfermented probiotic milk decreased the C-reactive protein (p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05) serum levels and increased the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05) in patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, the extruded sorghum, source of tannin, anthocyanin, and dietary fiber, when consumed with unfermented probiotic milk alleviates the inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Antibacterial activities of tannic acid against isolated ruminal bacteria from sheep.

This present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of tannic acid (TA) against isolated ruminal bacteria from adult sheep. Rumen samples were collected from two (2) adults sheep, and a total of nine (9) ruminal bacteria were isolated from the sample. The sensitivity of the ruminal bacteria isolates to 0.63, 1.25, 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 mg TA/mL of growth medium was determined using clearance zone (CZ) of Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test. There was observable increase in the sensitivity of all bacterial isolates as the level of TA increases. Not all bacterial isolates have the capacity to tolerate more than 1.25 mg TA/mL. The result shows that only 20% of the bacterial isolates had the capacity to tolerate 0.63 and 1.25 mg of tannic acid per liter. This concentration of tannic acid would be equivalent to 2% tannin in the diet of ruminant. Our findings shows that increase in concentration of tannic acid completely inhibited the ruminal bacteria from the sheep rumen.

Effects of quebracho tannin extract on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and methane production in crossbred heifers fed low-quality tropical grass.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of quebracho tannins extract (QTE) on feed intake, dry matter (DM) digestibility, and methane (CH4) emissions in cattle fed low-quality Pennisetum purpureum grass. Five heifers (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) with an average live weight (LW) of 295 ± 19 kg were allotted to five treatments (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% QTE/kg DM) in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Intake, digestibility, and total methane emissions (L/day) were recorded for periods of 23 h when cattle were housed in open-circuit respiration chambers. Dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were different between treatments with 0 and 4% of QTE/kg DM (P < 0.05). Total volatile fatty acid and the molar proportion of acetate in the rumen was not affected (P < 0.05); however, the molar proportion of propionate increased linearly (P < 0.01) for treatments with 3 and 4% QTE. Total CH4 production decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as QTE increased in the diet, particularly with 3 and 4% concentration. When expressed as DMI and OMI by CH4, production (L/kg) was different between treatments with 0 vs 3 and 4% QTE (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the addition of QTE at 2 or 3% of dry matter ration can decrease methane production up to 29 and 41%, respectively, without significantly compromising feed intake and nutrients digestibility.

The effects of supplementing Acacia mearnsii tannin extract on dairy cow dry matter intake, milk production, and methane emission in a tropical pasture.

The study assessed the effect of Acacia mearnsii tannin extract supplementation grazing dairy cows on dry matter (DM) intake, enteric methane (CH4) emission, and performance. Twelve Holstein cows were divided into two groups and subjected to two treatments that consisted of millet pasture (Pennisetum glaucum L.) plus supplementation with 6 kg of concentrate (750-g/kg ground corn and 250-g/kg soybean meal) including or excluding 120-g tannin extract. The trial design was a double reversal using three periods of 28 days each, with 21 days for the adaption period, and 7 days for sample collection. Herbage intake was measured using the n-alkane technique, and daily CH4 emission was measured with the sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas technique. Individual total DM intake (mean = 17.1 kg/day), herbage DM intake (mean = 11.8 kg/day), and milk production (mean = 19.2 kg/day) were similar between treatments. CH4 emission significantly decreased (32%, P < 0.05) in the animals supplemented with tannin extract, compared to non-supplemented animals. On the other hand, as proportion of DM intake or milk production, methane emission tended to decrease in tannin-supplemented animals. Supplementing dairy cows grazing a millet pasture with 120-g tannin extract reduced daily CH4 emission without affecting animal performance.