Grape Seed Extract as a Feed Additive Improves the Growth Performance, Ruminal Fermentation and Immunity of Weaned Beef Calves

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate effects of grape seed extract (Gse) supplementation on the growth performance; ruminal fermentation; nutrient digestibility; and serum biochemical, antioxidative, and immune parameters of weaned beef calves. A total of 30 Simmental crossbred male calves with similar age and body weight were randomly allocated to two groups: a control group with no Gse (CON) and a Gse supplementation group (GSE) (4 g/d Gse per animal). The results show that, compared with the CON group, the average daily gain significantly increased (p = 0.043) in the GSE group. The ruminal contents of microbial protein and butyrate in GSE group were higher (p p p < 0.05) in the GSE group than those in the CON group. However, opposite tendencies of non-esterified fatty acid, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were found between the two groups. Overall, the supplementation of Gse can improve ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant ability, and immunity, as well as promoting the healthy growth of weaned cross-breed beef calves.

Keywords

• grape seed extract
• weaned cross-breed beef calf
• ruminal fermentation
• antioxidant ability
• immune response