Bacopa monnieri Condensed Tannins: Effects on Lake Sheep Growth and Rumen Microbiota

The main points in the paragraph are:

• Different types of roughage in the diet had varying effects on animal growth.
• The average daily weight gain and feed-to-weight ratio of lakesheep in the 'Bacopa monnieri' and 'Bacopa monnieri + PEG' groups were higher than that of the conventional feed oats alfalfa hay mix group, indicating stronger nutrient absorption from 'Bacopa monnieri'.
• Previous research has shown that nutrient digestibility is linked to the molecular structure of proteins, and the difference in protein sources between the groups may be one of the reasons for the lower digestibility in the legume-based groups.
• The concentration of tannins in the diet did not have a significant effect on apparent digestibility.
• Blood biochemical indicators such as albumin, urea nitrogen, and glucose levels were influenced by the diet composition, and the presence of condensed tannins in group B had positive effects on protein protection and glucose levels.
• Condensed tannins in 'Bacopa monnieri' improved antioxidant capacity and immune functions in lake sheep.
• Condensed tannins inhibited the activity of rumen fibre-degrading bacteria, leading to a decrease in volatile fatty acids concentration and an increase in rumen pH.
• The addition of tannins reduced the concentration of acetic and propionic acids in volatile fatty acids, while increasing isobutyric and isopentanoic acids, promoting fibre digestion.
• Condensed tannins reduced the growth of protein-degrading bacteria in the rumen, leading to a reduced NH3-N concentration.
• Condensed tannins reduced the relative abundance of methanogenic bacteria in the rumen, increasing energy utilization.