Unlocking the potential of willow condensed tannins: effects on rumen fermentation, microbiome, and metabolome for sustainable ruminant nutrition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sustainable livestock production is essential for meeting the growing global protein demand while minimising environmental impacts. Exploring alternative forages that enhance nutrient utilisation and reduce reliance on imported feeds is a potential strategy. Condensed tannins (CTs) can bind to proteins in the rumen, protecting them from ruminal degradation resulting in decreased ammoniacal N and enhanced nitrogen uptake in the hindgut. This pioneering research is the first to explore the potential of willow (Salix) as an alternative feed for ruminant nutrition. The study involved feeding ewe hoggets a control grass silage (SIL) or a SIL mix containing a 20% dry matter (DM) dietary inclusion of leaves from two willow varieties to investigate the impact the willow CTs have

SUBMITTER: Thompson JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12297716 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature