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Life (Basel, Switzerland)2025; 15(12); 1928; doi: 10.3390/life15121928

Effect of Supplemental Bamboo Leaf Extract on Milk Production, Composition, Biochemical Indices, and Fecal Microbiota Diversity in Grazing Yili Mares.

Abstract: : This study investigated the effects of dietary bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on milk parameters and intestinal microbiota in lactating mares. : Twenty-four mares of similar age (10 ± 2 years), weight (360.62 ± 15.23 kg) and body condition were selected for this study and randomly divided into four groups of six mares each: an untreated control group (CG) and three experimental groups (EG1, EG2, EG3) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 10, 20, or 30 g/day of BLE, respectively, for 60 days. Then, horse milk composition, antioxidant activity, and immunoglobulin levels along with the relative abundance of fecal microbiota were measured. : Compared with the control group, supplementation with BLE for 60 days significantly improved milk yield and composition. The protein content in the EG1 was significantly higher than that in the CG, the milk yield and fat content in the EG2 was significantly higher than that in the CG, and the lactose content in the EG3 was significantly higher than that in the CG. BLE also significantly increased the milk's antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, IgG, IgM, and IgA levels, with the antioxidant and immune properties in the EG2 being significantly higher than those in the CG. Furthermore, BLE feeding promoted communities of beneficial intestinal microbes. Bacteria associated with energy metabolism and organic matter decomposition increased significantly in BLE-fed groups, especially the EG2, which had elevated abundance of and the . BLE also significantly reduced the abundance of Euryarchaeota, Verrucomicrobiota, , and . : Dietary supplementation with bamboo leaf extract is a safe and inexpensive way to enhance milk yield and quality and to promote the growth of beneficial intestinal microbes in horses.
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Publication Date: 2025-12-17 PubMed ID: 41465866PubMed Central: PMC12735208DOI: 10.3390/life15121928Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study explored how giving bamboo leaf extract (BLE) to lactating Yili mares affects their milk production, milk quality, antioxidant and immune factors, and the diversity of their gut bacteria.
  • The research found that BLE supplementation improved milk yield and composition, enhanced antioxidant and immune factors in the milk, and promoted beneficial gut microbiota diversity.

Study Design and Methods

  • Subjects: 24 Yili mares, approximately 10 years old, with similar weight (~360.6 kg) and body condition.
  • Grouping: Divided randomly into four groups of six mares each:
    • Control group (CG): no BLE added.
    • Experimental group 1 (EG1): 10 g/day BLE supplementation.
    • Experimental group 2 (EG2): 20 g/day BLE supplementation.
    • Experimental group 3 (EG3): 30 g/day BLE supplementation.
  • Duration: 60 days supplementation period with basal diet + BLE levels.
  • Measurements Taken:
    • Milk production and composition (protein, fat, lactose content)
    • Milk antioxidant capacity and vitamin C levels
    • Immunoglobulin levels in milk (IgG, IgM, IgA)
    • Relative abundance and diversity of fecal microbiota (gut bacterial communities)

Effects on Milk Production and Composition

  • Compared with controls, BLE supplementation for 60 days had positive effects on milk yield and components.
  • Specific findings by group:
    • EG1 (10 g BLE): Significantly increased milk protein content.
    • EG2 (20 g BLE): Significantly increased overall milk yield and fat content.
    • EG3 (30 g BLE): Significantly increased lactose content in milk.

Antioxidant and Immune Properties of Milk

  • BLE supplementation enhanced the milk’s antioxidant capacity and vitamin C levels.
  • Immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, IgA) were significantly higher in the BLE groups compared to controls.
  • The EG2 group showed the most notable improvements in antioxidant and immune indicators.

Impact on Intestinal Microbiota

  • BLE promoted beneficial intestinal bacterial communities in the mares’ gut.
  • Bacterial groups associated with energy metabolism and organic matter breakdown increased in abundance, especially in the EG2 group.
  • Specific beneficial bacteria and microbial phyla increased, while potentially less beneficial groups such as Euryarchaeota and Verrucomicrobiota decreased in BLE-fed mares.
  • This shift indicates improved gut health and microbial diversity due to BLE supplementation.

Conclusions and Implications

  • Dietary bamboo leaf extract supplementation is a safe, cost-effective strategy to improve milk yield, composition, and quality in lactating mares.
  • BLE also enhances the antioxidant and immune properties of milk, potentially benefiting the health of both mares and their offspring.
  • Gut microbiota improvements suggest BLE supports better intestinal health, which may further aid metabolism and nutrient absorption.
  • This research supports the use of natural plant extracts like BLE as functional feed additives in horse husbandry to enhance production and health outcomes.

Cite This Article

APA
Wang C, Wang J, Ma B, Liu T, Yuan X, Meng J, Zeng Y. (2025). Effect of Supplemental Bamboo Leaf Extract on Milk Production, Composition, Biochemical Indices, and Fecal Microbiota Diversity in Grazing Yili Mares. Life (Basel), 15(12), 1928. https://doi.org/10.3390/life15121928

Publication

Life (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2075-1729
NlmUniqueID: 101580444
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 12
PII: 1928

Researcher Affiliations

Wang, Chuankun
  • College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural Vocational and Technical University, Changji 831100, China.
Wang, Jianwen
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, No. 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, China.
Ma, Bingqiang
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, No. 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, China.
Liu, Ting
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, No. 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, China.
Yuan, Xinxin
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, No. 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, China.
Meng, Jun
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, No. 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, China.
Zeng, Yaqi
  • Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, No. 311 Nongda East Road, Urumqi 830052, China.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest with any financial organizations regarding the material discussed in this manuscript.

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