Effects of Artemisia argyi Aqueous Extract on Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microbiota in Lambs

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Manuscript: Effects of Artemisia argyi Aqueous Extract on Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microflora in Lambs.

The paper presents interesting results from a research where the effect of dietary supplementation of different concentrations of an Artemisia argyi extract on fermentation parameters and ruminal microbiota in lambs was evaluated. The paper is well written and easy to understand and comprehend. The manuscript should be accepted after addressing some minor observations.

Title: Change “microflora” by microbiota.

Lines 56-58: If neither the immune response nor the productive performance of the lambs were evaluated in the present study, then there is no way to prove this hypothesis. Make the adjustment according to what was evaluated.

Lines 203-207: Unify acronym for operational taxonomic units (OTU). Is OTUs or OUTs?

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Reviewer Report

Manuscript Title: Effects of Artemisia argyi Aqueous Extract on Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microflora in Lambs

Manuscript ID: fermentation-3413713

Journal: Fermentation

 

General Comments:

The manuscript presents a novel study exploring the supplementation of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract (AAE) on rumen fermentation parameters, microbiota, and overall health of lambs. The topic is timely and contributes to advancing sustainable livestock nutrition by utilizing plant-derived feed additives. While the study is valuable and relevant, the manuscript requires additional clarity, elaboration on methodologies, and stronger integration with existing research before publication. Certain aspects require clarification and elaboration to enhance the manuscript's scientific impact and clarity.

Introduction:

The introduction provides adequate background but should more explicitly highlight the novelty of this research compared to previous studies on Artemisia species.

Include a clearer rationale for using AAE in lamb diets and how it uniquely impacts rumen fermentation compared to other plant extracts.

Methodology:

The experimental design is robust, but further details are necessary:

Justify the selection of AAE doses (500, 1000, 1500 mg/kg) and their relevance to practical applications in livestock farming.

Provide information on how the preparation and extraction process of AAE ensures the retention of bioactive compounds.

Elaborate on the methods used for microbial diversity analysis, particularly the selection of primers and their coverage.

Results:

The results section is comprehensive but could benefit from more detailed biological interpretations:

Discuss the physiological implications of changes in the acetate-to-propionate ratio and microbial protein synthesis.

Explain the lack of significant effects on alpha and beta diversity indices despite changes in microbial composition at higher taxonomic levels.

Discussion:

While the discussion is thorough, it lacks critical integration with recent literature. Highlight comparisons with similar studies on other plant-derived feed additives.

Address potential limitations, such as variability in AAE composition due to plant origin or seasonal changes, which might affect reproducibility.

Discuss the broader implications of using AAE on methane emissions and overall sustainability in livestock production.

Conclusion:

The conclusion succinctly summarizes the findings but could better emphasize the practical applications of AAE in commercial lamb farming.

Figures and Tables:

Simplify some tables (e.g., Table 4) by focusing on key data points, as excessive detail may detract from readability.

Improve the quality and readability of figures, especially those related to microbiota diversity (e.g., Figures 2 and 3).

Language and Style:

The manuscript is well-written, but some grammatical errors and awkward phrases need revision. For example, replace “ruminal fluid pH” with “rumen fluid pH” for consistency.

Use consistent terminology for microbial taxa (e.g., use either full taxonomic names or abbreviations but not both).

References:

Include more recent references to strengthen the discussion, particularly those focusing on similar plant-derived extracts used in livestock.

 

 

 

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors addressed my comments. I can accept it in its present form.