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In vitro effects of saponins, tannins and lipids on rumen fermentation and intestinal health markers in a ruminant weaning context

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Dairy ruminants often experience physiological disturbances during the post-weaning, including suboptimal rumen fermentation due to an underdeveloped rumen microbiota, and diarrhoea associated with intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress. This study explored six commercial feed additives with a potential dual mode of action to optimise both rumen fermentation and intestinal health in a post-weaning scenario. The experimental treatments included dietary supplementation with saponins (SAP), tannins (TAN), lauric acid (LAU), fish oil (FIO), high-unsaturated olein (HUO) and high-saturated olein (HSO). Additives were tested at four doses (0, 100, 300 and 600 mg/L) with four experimental replicates. Effects on rumen fermentation were evaluated in batch cultures using inocula from dairy lambs and a high concentrate substrate, while intestinal health responses were evaluated in Caco-2 cells. Saponins (p = 0.01) and tannins (p < 0.01) linearly decreased rumen ammonia-N concentration in batch cultures. In Caco-2 cells, saponins improved metabolic activity (p = 0.04), whereas tannins reduced pro-inflammatory IL-6 concentration (p < 0.01), suggesting beneficial effects on intestinal health. Lipid sources exerted minimal effects on rumen fermentation and induced intestinal inflammation when supplemented at high doses. Overall, the physiological constrains of dairy ruminants during the post-weaning period, such as an immature rumen microbiota, absence of protozoa and low rumen pH, may limit the efficacy of additives in improving rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, saponins and tannins showed potential to reduce rumen proteolysis and support intestinal health during this critical developmental stage. Further in vivo research is required to validate these findings.

Source: Italian Journal of Animal Science

DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2026.2622223

Authors: Jennifer Muñoz-Grein, Estela Solanas, Manuel Fondevila, Alejandro Belanche

Institutions: Universidad de Zaragoza, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Instituto de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón

Language: English

Topic: Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,590