Effects of different doses of oregano essential oil on growth performance, health parameters, and the gut microbiome-metabolome profile in heat-stressed Pinan cattle (Piedmontese × Nanyang)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction This study investigated the dose–response efficacy of dietary oregano essential oil (OEO) in mitigating severe heat stress (THI ≈ 86) in beef cattle. Methods Thirty-six Pinan bulls were fed a basal diet alone (control) or supplemented with 7 (L-OEO) or 14 g/d (H-OEO) of OEO for 60 days. Results The low-dose OEO (7 g/d) significantly improved hepatic function (reduced ALT, AST; increased ALB, TP), enhanced immune (increased IgA, IgM) and antioxidant status (decreased MDA, increased SOD, CAT), and increased the ruminal abundance of Bacteroidota and Prevotella , which correlated negatively with acyl-glycine metabolites. In contrast, the high dose (14 g/d) only increased GSH-Px and T4, resulted in higher MDA than L-OEO, and did not significantly affect the rumen microbiota. Conclusion Supplementation with 7 g/d OEO optimally improved overall health and metabolic function in heat-stressed bulls, whereas a 14 g/d dose offered no additional benefits.
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology
Authors: Jiangge Wang, Lei Liu, Jiashun Sheng, Liyang Zhang, Qiaozhen Li, Tengyun Gao, Xian Liu
Institution: Henan Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7125894602