Iommelli, Piera (2024) Medicinal plant supplementation in the diet of lactating ruminants: investigations on milk productive traits, quality and nutrigenomics. [Tesi di dottorato]

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  • Medicinal plant supplementation in the diet of lactating ruminants: investigations on milk productive traits, quality and nutrigenomics. (deposited 30 Gen 2025 06:35) [Attualmente visualizzato]

Abstract

The objective of this doctoral research project was to evaluate the effects of incorporating medicinal plants into the diet of lactating ruminants on their productive characteristics in terms of both quantity and quality. The decision to use medicinal plants was driven by the necessity to identify more natural supplements capable of enhancing animal performance and wellbeing. In light of the aforementioned considerations, medicinal plants, given their plethora of properties, present themselves as an optimal supplement. Three plants were selected for this purpose: fennel seeds, green aniseeds and milk thistle, specifically chosen for their galactagogue and antioxidant properties in order to test their benefits on production in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Over the course of the three-year doctoral program, four trials were conducted: one in 2022, one in 2023, and two in 2024. For this purpose, specific plant parts were selected that had undergone only thermal treatments, such as drying or grinding. These plants have not been the subject of extensive investigation in the field of animal feeding, albeit their widespread use in human nutrition. The advantages of using natural supplements in the nutrition of ruminants have been the subject of considerable investigation in recent years and have been well received by consumers, who are increasingly aware of and concerned about the impact of the use of synthetic supplements on product quality and the environment. The nutritional characteristics of the products obtained from the trials (milk and cheese) were evaluated through chemical composition analysis, fatty acid analysis, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Moreover, much of the work was dedicated to the examination of the expression of candidate genes associated with lipid metabolism, lactation and the antioxidant system. In each trial, with the exception of the first, the RNA was extracted, and the selected gene panel was evaluated. The objective of these analyses is to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of the galactagogue and antioxidant effects associated with the selected herbs. Results indicated that the inclusion of medicinal herbs increased milk yield without altering its chemical composition, ensuring that quality components such as fat and protein remained intact. This outcome is particularly relevant for species like goats and buffaloes, whose milk is often used in cheese production. The trials also highlighted the potential to improve antioxidant activity in dairy products, enhancing stability, nutritional value, and consumer appeal.

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