Work

Dietary supplementation of Citrus bioflavonoids improves lactation performance in buffaloes during hot weather by regulating antioxidant capacity, immune function, and rumen microbes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Citrus bioflavonoids (CB) are well recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestion-promoting properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary CB supplementation on apparent nutrient digestibility, lactation performance, blood biochemical/immunological parameters, and the ruminal microbial community of dairy buffaloes during hot weather. A 35-day trial was conducted using 20 Mediterranean dairy buffaloes, which were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CON) fed a basal diet, and a CB-supplemented group (CB) fed the basal diet plus 20 g/d of CB. The results showed that compared with the CON group, CB supplementation significantly reduced ( p < 0.05) the respiratory rate, and increased ( p < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of acid detergent fiber in buffaloes. Regarding lactation performance, CB supplementation significantly elevated ( p < 0.05 ) milk yield, 4% fat corrected milk, and the percentage of milk protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat; it also increased the concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids in milk while decreasing ( p < 0.05) the concentration of saturated fatty acids. For blood parameters, the CB group exhibited significantly higher ( p < 0.05) blood catalase activity, immunoglobulin M concentration, and heat shock protein 70 concentration, as well as significantly lower ( p < 0.05) concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor- α , interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. In terms of ruminal function, CB supplementation significantly increased ( p < 0.05) ruminal microbial crude protein concentration. There was a tendency toward higher (0.05 < p < 0.10) microbial α -diversity indices (Chao 1, Ace, and Shannon) in the CB group, accompanied by the enrichment of several bacterial genera within the family Lachnospiraceae and other saccharolyti c taxa, and the suppression of the genus Segatella . In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 20 g/d CB enhances the lactation performance of heat-stressed dairy buffaloes by improving the ruminal microenvironment and host health status.

Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1707093