Hematological profile, rumen fermentation, antioxidant state, and immune response of Egyptian Nubian goats fed on Astragalus membranaceus root extract supplemented ration

Abstract

Background In recent years, Astragalus membranaceus extract has been widely used in animals due to their antimicrobial activities, ability to enhance immunity, and antioxidant functions. Objective We aimed to determine the antioxidant and inhibitory activities of A. membranaceus root powder (AMP) and its cytotoxicity and effects on hematological profile, rumen fermentation, antioxidant status, and immune response in Egyptian Nubian goats. Materials and methods Twenty-five goats are used in this study were received 20 g/animal/day of AMP mixed with their basic diet for 28 days. The study involved measuring the antioxidant activity of AMP using the 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and determining the viability and cytotoxicity percentage using the methyl-thiazolyl tetrazolium protocol. Results After 14 and 28 days of the daily feeding with 20 g of AMP, there was a significant increase in hematological profile, leukocyte count, total volatile fatty acid, and rumen ammonium concentrations with an enhancement in protozoal activity. Also, there was an increase in catalase and total antioxidant capacities along with promoting immunoglobulin (A, M, and G) contents with no significant effect on the insulin level compared with 0 days. Malondialdehyde contents decreased significantly. For all examined concentrations, A. membranaceus showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It also showed a high cytotoxicity percentage in cancer cells. Discussion and conclusions A. membranaceus root extract supplementation significantly increases hematology parameters and rumen fermentation, and improves immune status and antioxidant activity both in-vitro and in live animals. It also exhibits potent cytotoxicity on cancer cells.