Introduction: The residual black wolfberry fruit (RBWF) is rich in nutrients and contains a diverse range of active substances, which may offer a viable alternative to antibiotics. This experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of varying levels of RBWF on the growth performance and rumen microorganisms of fattening sheep, and to quantify its economic benefits.Methods: In this experiment, 40 three-month-old and male Duolang sheep with an average weight of 29.85 kg, selected for their propensity to gain weight, were randomly assigned to one of four groups, with ten sheep in each group. To this end, each group was fed with a different proportion of RBWF (0%, 2%, 5%, 8%), and rumen fluid samples were collected to detect differences in fermentation parameters and microbial structure.Results: The findings indicate that the dry matter intake, OM and NDF apparent digestibility of Duolang sheep in the H2 group were found to be significantly higher than those observed in the other groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), including acetate, propionate, iso-butyrate, butyrate and iso-valerate, in rumen fluid demonstrated a linear increase with the supplementation of RBWF in the diet (P < 0.05). The dominant bacteria in the rumen of Duolang sheep were identified as Prevotella, Christensenellaceae R7 group, NK4A214 group, Ruminococcus, and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group. Compared with the CK group, the relative abundance of Prevotella, NK4A214 group, unclassified Prevotellaceae and Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group in the rumen of sheep in each experimental group increased to varying degrees. The gross profit of the H2 group was significantly higher than that of the other groups.Conclusion: In conclusion, the supplementation of RBWF has been demonstrated to enhance the growth performance of Duolang sheep, optimise rumen fermentation parameters, and ultimately increase gross profit, of which 5 % is the best.

Crop residues have shown promise as non-conventional feed sources to enhance animal health and growth. This study evaluated the effects of chili straw (CS) on rumen fermentation, meat quality, amino and fatty acid composition, and rumen microbial diversity in sheep. Fifty F1 Dorper×Hu lambs (29.58 ± 2.06 kg) were randomly assigned to five groups, fed pelleted feed with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% CS over a 63-day period, including a 7-day pre-test. Post-trial, rumen fluid was sampled to assess fermentation and microbial profiles, and slaughter performance and meat quality were evaluated. Key findings include: (1) No significant differences were observed in rumen pH, NH₃-N, or acetic acid-to-propionic acid ratio across groups (P > 0.05). (2) Rumen microbial diversity indices did not vary significantly between groups (P > 0.05), though the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria increased, and Bacteroidota decreased in CS-fed groups, with specific genus-level changes. (3) Carcass weight decreased in the CS20% group (P < 0.01). (4) Cooking loss decreased in CS10%, 15%, and 20% groups (P < 0.05), and meat redness increased in CS15% and 20% groups (P < 0.01). (5) Saturated fatty acids decreased, while the PUFA/SFA ratio and amino acid profiles, including sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), dibasic amino acids (DAA), essential amino acids (EAA), and total amino acids (TAA), increased with CS, with a significant rise in Gly content in the CS15% group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating CS into lamb diets can enhance meat quality without adversely affecting rumen fermentation, with recommended levels between 10% and 15%.

Methane emissions from ruminants significantly contribute to greenhouse gases. This study explores the methane mitigation effect and mechanism of S. mcclurei through in vitro rumen fermentation, aiming to establish its potential as a feed additive. We investigated the effects of freeze-dried and dried S. mcclurei at supplementation levels of 2%, 5%, and 10% of dry matter on nutrient degradation, ruminal fermentation, methane inhibition, and microbial community structure in in vitro rumen fermentation. The freeze-dried S. mcclurei at 2% supplementation significantly reduced CH₄ emissions by 18.85% and enhanced crude protein degradability. However, total VFA and acetate concentrations were lower in both treatments compared to the control. The microbial shifts included a decrease in Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group and Ruminococcus and an increase in Selenomonas, Succinivibrio, and Saccharofermentans, promoting propionate production. Additionally, a significant reduction in Methanomicrobium was observed, indicating direct methane mitigation. Freeze-dried S. mcclurei at a 2% supplementation level shows potential as an effective methane mitigation strategy with minimal impact on rumen fermentation, supported by detailed insights into microbial community changes.

(1) Background: Hydroponic forage plays an increasingly important role in animal breeding during winter and spring in arid and cold regions due to its rich nutrient and good palatability. In the present study, the profiles of growth, physiological indexes, nutritional value and in vitro degradation of hydroponic forage cultivated with different salt concentration were evaluated. (2) Methods: The compound salt was extracted from soil surrounding the Tarim River Basin, and five compound salt solution treatment groups (three replicates each) with concentrations of 0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2% and 1.6% were prepared. Winter wheat seeds were selected as hydroponic forage for germination experiments, and the germination, physiological indicators, nutritional value and in vitro fermentation degradation rate were analyzed. (3) Results: The results showed that the germination and growth of hydroponic herbage were significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited by compound salt concentration higher than 0.8% from the third day. Compared with the 0% concentration group, the chlorophyll content in the 0.4% concentration group was significantly increased (p < 0.05), and contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were 729.71 mg·g⁻¹, 223.19 mg·g⁻¹ and 952.9 mg·g⁻¹, respectively. The total chlorophyll content in the 0.8% and 1.2% concentration groups were significantly lower than those in the 0% and 0.4% concentration groups (p < 0.05), and in the 1.6% concentration group, the content undetected. With the increase in compound salt concentration, the contents of soluble sugar and proline were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The nutrient compositions were significantly increased (p < 0.05) under the 0.4% and 0.8% concentration groups, in which the content of crude protein in 0.4% concentration group was 15.23%. The results of gas production and fermentation parameters suggested that the 0.8% concentration group could enhance rumen fermentation characteristics. (4) Conclusions: In summary, 0.8% as the upper limit concentration and 0% to 0.4% as the optimal concentration range of compound salt can be considered for cultivating hydroponic forage wheat.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with roughage derived from black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum) branches on plasma biochemical indices, and rumen microbiota in sheep. Forty male F1 lambs of Dupo×Hu sheep crossbreeds, approximately 4 months of age with similar body weight (29.58 ± 2.06 kg) and in good health, were selected and randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 per group). The control group was fed a full-mixed pelleted ration, and the experimental groups received the same diet supplemented with 10% (H1), 20% (H2) or 30% (H3) L. ruthenicum branch roughage. The addition of different amounts of L. ruthenicum roughage to the feed significantly increased the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, and antioxidant and immune indices of the sheep without negative effects on liver function. Additionally, the relative abundance of the gut bacteria NK4A214_group in the Oscillospiraceae family increased linearly and quadratically with the amount of L. ruthenicum roughage added to the diets. This findings suggest that bioactive components (e.g., flavonoids, terpenoids, organic acids) in L. ruthenicum branches may strengthen nutrient digestibility and immune performance by altering the type and abundance of rumen microbiota associated with fiber digestion and immunoregulation. Addition of 20–30% L. ruthenicum branch roughage to sheep fodder remarkably improved the growth performance and overall health.