Ran Zhang

Dr. Ran Zhang


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 May 2025 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RZRan Zhang
Ran Zhang
XBXinran Bao
Xinran Bao
XSXingqi Shi
Xingqi Shi
SJShixuan Jin
Shixuan Jin
YMYing Meng
Ying Meng
XYXuebing Yan
Xuebing Yan
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) saponins (AS), primarily pentacyclic triterpenoids, may reduce methane emissions from goats (Capra hircus L.). This study evaluated the methane-suppressing potential of Aspergillus niger β-glucosidase-modified AS using in vitro rumen fermentation (0.10 mg/mL inoculum, 24 h incubation, gas chromatography detection). Among the 21 alfalfa cultivars, Pegasis (fall dormancy 9) exhibited the highest antioxidant efficacy (half maximum effective concentration 2.13 mg/mL) and the lowest ferric-reducing activity (0.32 μM Fe2+/g) (p < 0.05). Fresh/silage AS reduced methane proportions to 4.50–5.21% of total gas, while enzymatic biotransformation further decreased it to 3.34–3.48% (p < 0.05). Methanogen abundance declined by 20.10–44.93%, and general anaerobic fungi declined by 34.22–44.66% compared to untreated AS (p < 0.05). Metabolomics linked methane suppression to six pathways, including zeatin biosynthesis (via nucleotide metabolites accumulation) and prolactin signaling pathway (via bioactive molecules downregulation), suggesting impaired methanogen energy metabolism and hydrogen flux redirection as mechanisms. Enzymatic AS also enhanced volatile fatty acid production, indicating improved fiber digestion. These in vitro findings demonstrate that enzyme-treated AS modulates rumen fermentation through dual methane mitigation and nutrient utilization enhancement, offering a sustainable feed additive strategy for livestock.

12 November 2024 in Journal of Food Science
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
RZRan Zhang
Ran Zhang
ZDZhumei Du
Zhumei Du
ZLZhiwei Li
Zhiwei Li
YFYuxi Feng
Yuxi Feng
XYXuebing Yan
Xuebing Yan