Cecropin supplementation improves growth performance by regulating immune function, rumen fermentation and microbiota...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial components of innate immunity.
• Cecropin, a specific AMP, has shown potential in modulating animal health and performance.
• Understanding its effects on ruminants like goats is essential for optimizing livestock production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dietary cecropin supplementation on growth performance in goats.
• To evaluate the effects of cecropin on antioxidant capacity and immune function.
• To analyze changes in rumen fermentation parameters and microbial community structure.

Main Methods:

• Twelve male goats were divided into control and cecropin-supplemented (500 mg/kg) groups for 60 days.
• Growth performance metrics (weight gain, feed conversion) were recorded.
• Serum antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH-Px, CAT), immune indicators (IgG, IgA, cytokines), rumen fluid metabolites (propionate, TVFA), and rumen microbiota composition were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Cecropin supplementation significantly improved final weight, average daily gain, and feed-to-gain ratio.
• Enhanced serum antioxidant status (higher SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, T-AOC; lower MDA) and improved immune markers (increased IgG, IgA, IL-10; decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines) were observed.
• Cecropin increased rumen propionate and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), reduced the acetate/propionate ratio, and altered rumen microbiota diversity, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bacteroidota and decreasing others.

Conclusions:

• Dietary cecropin supplementation at 500 mg/kg positively influences goat growth performance.
• Cecropin enhances antioxidant capacity and immune response in goats.
• Cecropin modulates rumen fermentation and microbial composition, contributing to improved goat health and productivity.