Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Bovine Lactoferricin on Rumen Microbiota, Lactation, and Health in Dairy Goats

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the biological effects of supplementation of bovine lactoferricin (BLFc) at the rate of 100 mg/kg/day (LF-1) or 200 mg/kg/day (LF-2) in lactating dairy goats. Dietary BLFc supplementation increased the concentration of lactoferrin (LF) in the milk and serum (p < 0.05) without affecting the feed intake. In the LF-1 group, serum Fe, total antioxidant (T-AOC), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were increased (p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased (p < 0.05). In the LF-2 group, ruminal fluid pH value was decreased (p < 0.05), and the composition of ruminal microflora on day 42 was more diversified. Firmicutes phylum in the LF-2 group was the most abundant phyla. In contrast, Bacteroidetes phylum in the control group and the LF-1 group were the most abundant. Lower milk somatic cell count and higher IgA were observed in the LF-1 group and the LF-2 group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). These results suggested beneficial effects of supplementation of 100 mg/kg/day BLFc on reducing the oxidative stress and altering diversity of ruminal microflora.