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Biochanin A improves fibre fermentation by cellulolytic bacteria.
Brittany E Harlow1, Michael D Flythe1, Glen E Aiken1
1USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Forage-Animal Production Research Unit, Lexington, KY, USA.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|November 8, 2017
Summary
The isoflavone biochanin A (BCA) enhances fiber degradation in cattle by influencing rumen bacteria. This suggests BCA could be a valuable feed additive for high-fiber diets.
Area of Science:
- Rumen microbiology
- Animal nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rumen cellulolytic bacteria are crucial for fiber degradation in herbivores.
- Isoflavones are plant compounds with potential biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of biochanin A (BCA) on rumen cellulolytic bacteria and their fermentative activity.
- To assess BCA's effect on fiber digestibility.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of bovine rumen microbial suspensions with ground hay, Avicel, or filter paper.
- Addition of biochanin A (BCA) at 30 μg/ml.
- Enumeration of cellulolytic bacteria, measurement of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and pH monitoring.
- Assessment of total digestibility.
Main Results:
- BCA increased acetate, propionate, and total SCFA production without affecting cellulolytic bacteria numbers or pH.
- BCA improved total digestibility of various fiber sources.
- Direct inhibition of key cellulolytic bacteria (Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminococcus albus) by BCA was observed.
Conclusions:
- BCA enhances fiber degradation by modulating the competition and composition of cellulolytic bacterial guilds.
- BCA shows potential as a feed additive to improve fiber utilization in cattle on high-fiber diets.
- Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm BCA's efficacy.
