Herbal Formulations and Their Role in Gut Microbiome of Ruminants

Supporting rumen microflora: a shift towards natural solutions

Animal nutritionists have attempted to manipulate rumen fermentation not only to improve fibre digestibility but also to reduce CH4 (methane) emissions and nitrogen excretion. Excessive methane emissions can indicate inefficiencies in the digestive process, potentially resulting in reduced feed efficiency and overall productivity. Therefore, efforts to mitigate methane emissions from cattle involve improving rumen health and optimizing feed efficiency to maximize nutrient utilization.

The use of antibiotics as feed additives has been a useful tool in the past. However, antibiotic feed additives have raised public concern due to the potential for residues in milk and meat production. As a result, there is a growing focus on the use of herbal extracts as alternatives to address the challenges of rumen health. By prioritising the health of the gastrointestinal microbiome, we can significantly increase the productivity of our ruminant livestock, and by using herbal veterinary products to achieve this goal, we can demonstrate our commitment to sustainable practices.

The importance of rumen microflora

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is home to a vast population of immune cells and microbes, that actually outnumber the host cells. This means that maintaining a healthy gut is crucial for promoting optimal performance and overall health in ruminants as well. The rumen is perhaps the most diverse and complex microbial ecosystem, with a symbiotic community of anaerobic bacteria, methanogenic archaea, protozoa, fungi, and phages, providing a significant evolutionary advantage to ruminants by enabling them to effectively utilise lignocellulosic materials and non-protein nitrogen sources to produce high quality nutrients for themselves.

• Rumen microbes can ferment dietary carbohydrates to VFA (volatile fatty acids), which provide up to 80% of the total energy required by ruminants.
• Some rumen microbes also synthesise their own proteins for growth – MCPs – using energy and nitrogen acquired from the diet. MCPs are digested in the small intestine and absorbed by the host, thereby contributing to the nutrition and health of the host.
• Some microbes can produce vitamins, such as vitamins B and K. Rumen microbes have many enzymes involved in the de novo synthesis of vitamin B12.
• The main advantage of rumen microbes is their ability to utilise plant polysaccharides and non-protein nitrogen in the diet, that cannot be digested and utilised by the host. Several rumen microbes can secrete cellulase, a key enzyme for the utilisation of plant cell wall materials by ruminants.

The gastrointestinal (GIT) microbiome plays a critical role in protecting the host animal from environmental challenges and disease through multiple mechanisms. These mechanisms include regulation of the immune system and improvement of overall health and productivity in ruminants. It is noteworthy that microbial populations within the GIT are highly responsive and susceptible to even minor environmental changes. To support this symbiotic relationship, the host organism must create and maintain an ideal environment and provide appropriate nutrients to ensure the survival and thriving of these microorganisms. However, modern production practices of feeding high levels of concentrates to meet increased physiological energy requirements can disrupt this ecosystem, resulting in microbial dysbiosis, which in turn can lead to rumen acidosis, bloat, nutrient toxicity and diarrhoea.

Antibiotics have been used to prevent ecological dysbiosis. However, due to their negative impact on animal health, they are now being phased out of livestock production. This has opened the way to effective, natural ways of promoting ruminal health, such as the use of herbal extracts.

Phytogenic Feed Additives and Herbal Medicines

Traditional medical systems (such as the Indian medical system, Ayurveda) have a rich history of using herbal medicines for both humans and animals. Ayurveda uses potent and proven herbal combinations to increase the number of rumen microbes and improve nutrient digestibility in ruminants. The effect of these herbal combinations is primarily attributed to increased activity of fibrolytic enzymes and reduced stress on the animal.

Herbal feed additives are intentionally added to animal diets, feeds or water to improve feed quality, promote growth, reduce anti-nutritive factors, absorb toxins, alleviate nutrient deficiencies, influence animal production, performance or welfare, and reduce energy wasting processes, including methane production in the rumen. The beneficial effects of herbs can be attributed to a wide range of phytochemicals such as tannins, saponins, essential oils and more.

These compounds contribute to the beneficial effects of phytogenics on the rumen microflora in several ways:

1. Stimulation of enzyme activity

Phytogenics can stimulate the activity of fibrolytic enzymes in the rumen. These enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down complex plant materials, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, into simpler compounds that can be digested by microorganisms.

2. Antimicrobial properties

Some components of phytogenics, such as essential oils, have antimicrobial properties. They can help control the population of harmful micro-organisms in the rumen and promote a more favourable microbial balance. This is particularly important in preventing the overgrowth of undesirable bacteria.

3. Increased microbial diversity

Phytogenics can contribute to increased microbial diversity in the rumen. A diverse microbial population is generally associated with more efficient digestion and nutrient utilisation.

4. Anti-inflammatory effects

Certain compounds in phytogenics have anti-inflammatory effects that can contribute to a healthier environment in the rumen. Reduced inflammation can lead to improved nutrient absorption and utilisation.

5. Modulation of rumen pH

Phytogenics can play a role in modulating rumen pH. Maintaining an optimal rumen pH is critical for the activity of the rumen microflora. Fluctuations in pH can adversely affect microbial function and digestion.

6. Reduced oxidative stress

Some phytogenic compounds have antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress in the rumen. This can contribute to a more stable and conducive environment for the growth and activity of beneficial micro-organisms.

7. Improved feed intake

Phytogenics, with their aromatic compounds, can enhance the palatability of feed, leading to improved feed intake. This increased feed intake can have a positive effect on the microbial population in the rumen. A notable example is the inclusion of a phytogenic feed additive in the diet of dairy cows, which resulted in a significant 6.5% reduction in methane emissions. This highlights the potential environmental benefits of botanical supplementation.

Proven herbal products to improve rumen health

A good example of a herbal product to improve rumen health is RUCHAMAX premix. RUCHAMAX is a combination of selected medicinal herbs that help to restore and optimise vital digestive functions, thereby contributing to the overall good condition of treated animals and increasing their productivity.

RUCHAMAX:

• Helps reduce the incidence of digestive disorders and naturally supports the healthy functioning of the digestive system.
• It increases the motility of the rumen, stomach and intestines and the secretion of saliva and other digestive juices and enzymes.
• It supports the development of optimal microflora in the rumen, stomach and intestines.
• It improves the utilisation of nutrients in the feed and increases overall performance.
• It helps to restore the ideal pH of the rumen and the beneficial microflora of the digestive system, thereby supporting complete digestion.
• It promotes the production of digestive juices and supports fermentation processes.
• It increases appetite, thus supporting the recovery of anorexic, exhausted, sick and convalescent animals.
• It is recommended to promote recovery after illness or in animals subjected to severe physical stress.

Rumen health: the broader picture

In addition to enhancing productivity and ecological balance, prioritizing rumen health also contributes to the overall health and welfare of ruminant animals. By promoting a diverse and balanced gastrointestinal microbiome, herbal formulations support optimal nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall resilience in livestock. Furthermore, sustainable livestock management practices that prioritize rumen health contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for antibiotics and synthetic additives, thereby minimizing negative impacts on soil and water quality.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, optimizing rumen health can also play a crucial role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane production, associated with dairy cattle. By promoting a balanced rumen microbiome and improving nutrient utilization, herbal formulations and sustainable management practices help reduce the fermentation of feed in the rumen, leading to decreased methane emissions per unit of milk produced. This ecological aspect of rumen health aligns with global efforts to address climate change and reduce the environmental footprint of livestock agriculture. This holistic approach not only benefits individual animals but also supports the long-term viability of food production systems within broader ecosystems.