Search Results (17,712)

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and microstructural deterioration, often accompanied by increased bone marrow adiposity and systemic fat accumulation. Kun-Ling Wan Formula (KLW) is a compound Chinese medicine clinically used for gynecological disorders, though its effects on postmenopausal osteoporosis and associated fat accumulation remain unclear. Distinct from previous herbal formulation studies that primarily focused on bone outcomes, our study uniquely integrates bone protection, marrow adiposity reduction, systemic metabolic improvement, and multi-omics mechanistic dissection in a high-fat diet-fed ovariectomized mouse model. Methods: KLW chemical composition was analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6J mice fed high-fat or normal diet were treated with KLW at clinically equivalent or double doses, with estrogen and active compounds as controls. Bone microstructure was assessed by micro-CT, bone marrow fat by MRI-PDFF, and metabolism by OGTT, ITT, and metabolic cages. Network pharmacology, proteomics, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations identified core targets. C3H10T1/2 cells were used to assess osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation and mTOR pathway activation. Results: Twelve compounds were identified in KLW. In OVX mice, KLW significantly improved bone mineral density and trabecular microstructure, reduced adiposity and bone marrow fat, and enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In vitro, KLW promoted osteogenesis and suppressed adipogenesis in C3H10T1/2 cells. Integrative analyses identified mTOR as a central target, with chrysophanol, pyrogallol, and apigenin showing high-affinity binding. KLW inhibited mTOR/S6K phosphorylation during differentiation, an effect reversible by leucine. Conclusions: KLW ameliorates osteoporosis and reduces fat accumulation in OVX mice by shifting mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward osteogenesis via mTOR pathway modulation. Full article

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of hepatic metabolism and disease progression. The hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha antisense 1 (HNF1A-AS1) lncRNA modulates liver-specific transcription factors; however, its physiological role in diet-dependent lipid homeostasis remains poorly defined. Methods: In this study, we investigated the mouse ortholog, Hnf1a opposite strand 1 (Hnf1aos1), using AAV-mediated knockdown in C57BL/6J mice fed either a chow diet (10% kcal from fat) or a high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal from fat) for 12 weeks. Metabolic phenotyping included hepatic lipid quantification, histological analysis, serum biochemistry, and quantitative gene expression profiling. Results: Loss of Hnf1aos1 produced distinct, diet-dependent alterations in hepatic lipid handling. Under chow conditions, knockdown mice exhibited selective hepatic cholesterol accumulation (6.10 ± 2.9 mg/g tissue vs. 3.51 ± 1.1 mg/g in controls), accompanied by dysregulation of cholesterol clearance pathways. In contrast, under HFD conditions, knockdown precipitated severe macrovesicular degeneration, with hepatic triglyceride levels approximately doubled relative to HFD-fed controls (51.72 ± 19.8 mg/g vs. 26.34 ± 11.9 mg/g) and a numerically elevated triglyceride-to-cholesterol ratio (TG:TC ≈ 6.1:1; p = 0.0621, trend). Chow/Kd mice gained significantly less weight than chow-fed controls, whereas HFD/Kd mice exhibited weight gain comparable to HFD controls despite severe hepatic steatosis. This paradoxical phenotype suggests impaired metabolic feedback at the post-transcriptional level, in which compensatory upregulation of Hnf1a mRNA is insufficient to suppress lipid-associated genes such as Cd36, despite profound lipid overload; however, HNF1A protein levels were not directly measured in this study. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings identify Hnf1aos1 as a regulator of hepatic lipid homeostasis whose loss produces a phenotype consistent with inappropriate lipid accumulation during nutrient excess, without defining the underlying molecular mechanism. Our results support a role for Hnf1aos1 in shaping hepatic metabolic plasticity and provide insight into lncRNA-associated MASLD phenotypes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anabolic resistance is thought to underlie muscle loss in sarcopenia. Here, we investigated the adjuvant role of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), a leucine metabolite, on the acute muscle anabolic response to oral protein supplementation in older adults. Methods: A total of 24 community-dwelling older adults (68.5 ± 0.6 years; 13 men, 11 women) were randomized in a cross-over double-blind design to 40 g whey protein (Control) or 40 g whey protein with 3 g calcium–HMB (HMB). Subjects received a primed constant infusion of ¹³C₆ phenylalanine to assess muscle protein synthesis (MPS, by tracer incorporation in myofibrils) and muscle protein breakdown (MPB, via arterio-venous dilution) at baseline and post supplementation. Fasted and 3 h fed-state plasma HMB, aminoacidemia, rates of MPS, MPB, limb and muscle blood flow were measured. Results: In all subjects, both interventions displayed significant increases in MPS in response to feeding [fasted to 3 h-fed change (mean ± SEM, standard error of the mean). Males: control, +0.032 ± 0.006%.h⁻¹; HMB, +0.023 ± 0.004%.h⁻¹; females: control, +0.023 ± 0.006%.h⁻¹; HMB, +0.038 ± 0.006%.h⁻¹, p < 0.05]. In older women, the addition of HMB further enhanced the MPS response (fasted to 3 h-fed change, p = 0.0495) and area under the curve (p = 0.0364) versus protein alone. During the late-fed period, MPB significantly decreased in HMB versus control (p = 0.0298), and this was also observed when subjects were separated by sex (p = 0.0012). Conclusions: High-dose protein bolus feeding increased MPS in older adults. Surprisingly, 40 g whey did not maximize the anabolic response in older women, and HMB further increased the MPS feeding response to protein. HMB further suppressed the MPB feeding response over a longer period of time. Further work is needed to understand the apparent sexual dimorphic MPS response to high protein. Full article

Snail mucus is increasingly investigated as a biologically compatible source of multifunctional biomolecules for pharmaceutical and dermatological use. However, the chemical profile and biological activities of mucus from the Moroccan endemic terrestrial snail Otala tingitana remain poorly characterized. In addition, the influence of heliciculture diet on the composition and functional properties of the mucus remains unclear. Here, O. tingitana was reared for 140 days under controlled conditions and fed a basal flour diet or the same diet supplemented with 3% Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum compactum, or Thymus zygis subsp. zygis. Mucus from wild snails was included for comparison. Mucus samples were chemically profiled by GC–MS and evaluated for antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, wound-healing efficacy in mice, and histological anti-inflammatory effects, and evaluated semi-quantitatively based on the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. GC–MS identified 13 compounds and demonstrated clear diet-dependent shifts in dominant components. All mucus samples exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium (inhibition zones 10.31–14.30 mm; MIC 120–240 µg/mL), with predominantly bactericidal profiles (MBC/MIC < 4) and significantly enhanced activity in plant-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Antioxidant performance improved markedly with medicinal-plant supplementation, reaching low IC₅₀ values (best ≈ 1.18 mg/mL) compared with basal-diet mucus. In vivo, topical application accelerated wound closure, achieving complete healing in <21 days, versus 28 days in untreated controls. In addition, histological assessment showed faster resolution of inflammatory cell infiltration in treated groups. Collectively, these findings provide the first integrated evidence that O. tingitana mucus possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory activities, and that heliciculture diet is a practical lever to optimize its bioactive profile. Further studies should prioritize standardized manufacturing, contaminant control, and safety/toxicology assessment before translational development. Full article

The extent of, and limits of, the metabolic flexibility of feedlot cattle to cope with heat loads of varying intensity and duration is a research gap. Two cohorts of 12 Black Angus steers were housed in climate-controlled rooms (CCR) and subjected to three thermal periods: PreChallenge (5 days), Challenge (7 days) and Recovery (5 days). PreChallenge and Recovery provided thermoneutral conditions. The Challenge simulated a strong heatwave. Finally, the steers were returned to outdoor pens for 20 days. The animals were bled on days 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 24 and 38. A clinical plasma biochemistry panel was used to measure the concentrations of major metabolites and electrolytes. During Challenge, energy metabolites fell (except for β-hydroxybutyrate). Creatinine, urea and total bilirubin rose rapidly. In Recovery, the major liver enzymes were released into plasma, and total bilirubin remained high. Most analytes showed non-linear relationships with core temperatures during Challenge, suggesting threshold-dependent responses rather than gradual dose-dependent adjustments. The responses and relationships differed from those reported for moderate heat load challenge and recovery. We integrated the metabolic changes over the course of the experiment with previously reported metabolic hormone and physiological responses of these steers. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different feeding-promoting substances added to high plant protein diets on the growth, antioxidant, serum biochemical parameters, immune, and feeding-related genes of Procambarus clarkii. A total of 450 crayfish (3.94 ± 0.03 g) were selected and randomly divided into six groups, with each group consisting of three replicates and 25 crayfish per replicate. The crayfish were fed a basal diet without attractant (control group) and five experimental diets supplemented with 0.4% betaine (BET), 0.4% trimetlylamine oxide (TMAO), 0.4% squid paste (SQU), 0.4% dimethyl-β-propiothetin (DMPT), and 0.4% taurine (TAU). The feeding trial lasted for 6 weeks. The results showed that compared with the control group, the BET, SQU, DMPT, and TAU groups significantly improved in growth performance, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate of crayfish. Compared with the control group, the BET, MTAO, and SQU groups significantly increased hepatopancreas SOD, CAT, and T-AOC. Histological results showed that compared with the control group, all feeding attractant groups could alleviate hepatopancreas tissue damage. Compared with the control group, the TMAO and SQU groups significantly reduced serum GLU content as well as ACP and AKP activities. The results of gene quantitative analysis showed that, compared with the control, TMAO significantly upregulated the expression of tlr, nf-kb, propo, hsp70, and tgf-β, while TAU significantly increased the expression of hsp70, hsp90 and nf-kb genes. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of tor, 4ebp1, and s6k1 in the TMAO group were significantly increased. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of leptin and npy genes in the DMPT group were significantly increased. In summary, the addition of attractants to high plant protein feed has the effects of promoting growth, enhancing antioxidant capacity, improving digestive enzyme activity, alleviating hepatopancreas injury, improving immunity, and promoting feeding. Full article

Food deprivation induces intestinal adaptations in Triatoma pallidipennis, a hematophagous insect with intermittent feeding habits. The ability to survive long periods without food promotes the persistence of this vector in the environment and contributes to its evolutionary success. This study employed one- and two-dimensional electrophoretic techniques combined with Western blot to evaluate the abundance of α-tubulin, β-actin, and the heat shock protein HSP70. These proteins were more abundant in the anterior midgut tissue of unfed insects than in that of fed insects. As these responses were similar in females and males, the observed adaptations primarily depend on feeding status and intestinal region. These findings provide further insight into the intestinal physiology of T. pallidipennis, a vector of the flagellate parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Full article

Nowadays, it is central to generate innovations that convert agricultural by-products and food waste into valuable animal products while promoting the long-term resilience and sustainability of vulnerable animal production systems. Nutraceuticals (i.e., ‘nutrition + pharmaceutical’) are derived from foods that offer health benefits. In animal production, nutraceutical supplementation with Withania somnifera and Lepidium meyenii has shown positive effects on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. We aimed to evaluate the possible impact of nutraceutical supplementation on rams fed a diet based on surplus feed from a highly industrialized Holstein cow production system, on corporal (live weight [LW], kg; body condition score [BCS], units), metabolic (blood glucose [GLU], mg dL⁻¹; serum protein [PRO], g 100 mL⁻¹), and sexual–testicular variables [sexual odor (ODOR, units); scrotal circumference (SC, cm); testicular volumes (TVOL, cm³); and estimated daily sperm production (EDSP, millions)]. Black Belly rams (n = 12; LW = 70.36 ± 1.2 kg; BCS = 2.96 ± 0.03 units; age = 3.8 ± 0.2 years; 25° N) were divided into 3 experimental groups: (1) WITH, supplemented with Withania somnifera (400 mg kg⁻¹ LW d⁻¹); (2) LEPI, supplemented with Lepidium meyenii (400 mg kg⁻¹ LW d⁻¹); and (3) CONT, not supplemented. The variables LW, BCS, GLU, PRO, and SC, as well as some components of TVOL, did not differ (p > 0.05) among the main effects of treatment or time; only ODOR, right transverse testicular diameter, and total testicular volume differed among treatments, generally favoring the WITH group. Furthermore, the TRT × T interaction demonstrated superior performance (p < 0.05) in the WITH group, with the largest values for LW, GLU, PRO, ODOR, SC, width of the right testicle, volume of the right testicle, total testicular volume, and EDSP. From a productive–reproductive perspective, the Robin Hood Effect—through the use of rejected dairy cattle rations as the base diet for rams—and supplemented with nutraceuticals (WITH and LEPI), emerges as a viable alternative to improve not only the productive–reproductive performance of Black Belly rams, but also other productive and socioeconomic outcomes; the latter contributing to the strengthening of producer and family well-being. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bromoform (CHBr₃) dose on in vitro rumen fermentation and on CHBr₃ and dibromomethane (CH₂Br₂) concentrations in solution and the gas cap. In vitro treatments consisted of CHBr₃ (DOSE: 0, 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 µg of CHBr₃), with five replicates per DOSE at each time-point (TIME: 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). The 10,000 µg CHBr₃ DOSE inhibited fermentation completely and was removed from the dataset. The acetate:propionate ratio, nitrogen, and methane (CH₄) produced per gram of DMD decreased as DOSE increased (p = 0.01). As the DOSE increased, CH₄ decreased, and H₂ increased in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). The CHBr₃ concentration dropped below the detection limit within 3 h of incubation. Dibromomethane concentrations for DOSE 1000 and 100 µg of CHBr₃ increased in solution and gas cap beginning at 0.25 h and 1 h post incubation and plateaued by hour 3 and 5, respectively (p < 0.01). The addition of CHBr₃ alters the molar proportion of volatile fatty acids, decreases CH₄, and increases H₂ production, and it is dehalogenated to CH₂Br₂ within 3 h of incubation in an in vitro system. Full article

Glucose oxidase (GOD) is a natural enzyme with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but its effects on sows remain insufficient. This study investigated the effects of dietary GOD supplementation during gestation on inflammatory response, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and gut microbiota of farrowing sows. Twenty-four primiparous sows were randomly assigned to two groups and fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with GOD (300 mg/kg diet) from gestation day 30 to farrowing. GOD supplementation significantly increased triglyceride, superoxide dismutase, and immunoglobulin M levels (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase and interleukin-6 levels in serum (p < 0.05); significantly reduced placental interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and NF-κB gene expression (p < 0.05), and elevated glutathione peroxidase activity and relative mRNA expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, GPX1 and SOD2 (p < 0.05). Moreover, GOD supplementation altered the fecal microbial community structure (p < 0.05), significantly reducing Clostridium, dgaA-11_gut_group, Bacteroides, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group abundance (p < 0.05), while enriching Lachnospira, unclassified_f_Erysipelotrichiaceae, and Anaerostipes (p < 0.05). Collectively, 300 mg/kg glucose oxidase supplementation during mid-to-late gestation improved the health status of farrowing sows by improving nutrient utilization, immune function and antioxidant capacity, and altering fecal microbial structure and relative abundances. Full article

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are vital for brain health and cognitive function. The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) regulates mood via serotonin, while the hypothalamus (HYP) controls energy homeostasis. Flaxseed oil (FLAX) is rich in omega-3 PUFAs like α-linolenic acid (ALA), and has been reported to influence serotonergic signaling in mammals, but data in poultry are scarce. This study investigated the effects of FLAX on metabolites crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to serotonergic brain regions and on growth performance in broiler chickens. Day-old chicks (n = 160) were assigned to two diets (5 replicates/treatment): control (CON; poultry fat-based diet) or FLAX (3% inclusion level). Growth performance was recorded, and DRN, HYP, and plasma were analyzed using HPLC-MS metabolomics. Serotonin and its metabolite 5-HIAA were quantified using LC-MS/MS. FLAX-fed birds had higher body weight gain (p < 0.0055) and better feed conversion ratio (p < 0.0049) than CON. Metabolomics identified 2271 features, of which 650 were annotated as metabolites. Of 35 differentially abundant plasma metabolites, eight were also differentially abundant in brain tissues. In the DRN, tryptophan (serotonin precursor) and corydaline (neuroprotective) were upregulated. Serotonin levels were significantly higher in both the DRN and HYP of FLAX-fed birds compared to CON. This suggest that dietary flaxseed oil may modulate stress responses, behavior, and welfare in broilers. In the HYP, dethiobiotin (energy), galanthamine (neuroprotective), and gambogic acid (antioxidative) were upregulated, while xanthoxyletin (anti-inflammatory) was downregulated. In conclusion, flaxseed oil improved growth and elevated serotonin in the DRN and HYP via enhanced tryptophan availability, suggesting potential benefits for stress resilience and welfare. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is characterized by severe hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, and fibrosis. Although hesperidin, a citrus-derived flavanone, has been reported to exert metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects, its role in severe inflammatory and fibrotic conditions such as MASH remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hesperidin in MASH using integrated in silico and in vivo approaches. Methods: Potential targets of hesperidin were identified using network pharmacology and molecular docking. For in vivo validation, C57BL/6 mice were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for five weeks, with oral administration of hesperidin (150 or 300 mg/kg/day) starting from week two. The MCD model induces severe hepatic inflammation and fibrosis but does not fully reflect metabolic features such as obesity and insulin resistance. Hepatic histology, serum transaminases, immune cell populations, and hypothalamic neuroinflammatory markers were assessed. Results: In silico analyses suggested that hesperidin interacts with key regulators associated with MASH, including PPARG, TGFB1, and TNF. In the in vivo MCD-induced model, hesperidin treatment reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and collagen deposition, accompanied by significant decreases in serum ALT and AST levels (by approximately 30–34% and 42–53%, respectively, depending on dose). These effects were associated with downregulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic gene expression and increased expression of antioxidant markers. In addition, hesperidin decreased circulating Ly6C^high monocytes and hepatic Kupffer cells, along with reduced hypothalamic microglial and astrocyte activation. Conclusions: Hesperidin attenuated key pathological features of MASH, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, and was associated with modulation of peripheral immune responses and central neuroinflammatory markers. These findings suggest that hesperidin may influence the liver–immune–brain axis and warrant further investigation in models that more closely reflect human metabolic conditions. Full article

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality worldwide and is significantly driven by hyperlipidemia. While ganglioside GM3 is known to regulate cellular lipid metabolism, its systemic pharmacological effects on atherosclerosis remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic efficacy of exogenous GM3 and elucidate its underlying systemic mechanisms. Methods: C57BL/6N ApoE^−/− mice fed a high-fat diet were intravenously treated with exogenous GM3 (1 or 4 mg/kg) every three days for 12 weeks. Atherosclerotic progression and lipid profiles were evaluated through histological analyses of the aortic arch and aortic sinus, alongside biochemical and molecular assessments of plasma, hepatic, and intestinal tissues. Results: GM3 treatment significantly reduced plaque formation in the aortic arch and aortic sinus, along with decreased plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C. Mechanistically, GM3 suppressed hepatic VLDL secretion by downregulating ApoB100 and MTTP expression. Concurrently, hepatic lipid clearance was enhanced via the upregulation of Ldlr, Scarb1, and Lrp1. GM3 also lowered circulating PCSK9 levels and reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption by decreasing NPC1L1 expression. Although GM3 promoted lipid accumulation in the liver, no evidence of liver dysfunction or systemic toxicity was observed. Conclusions: Exogenous GM3 acts as a potent multi-target modulator that attenuates atherosclerosis by coordinating hepatic lipoprotein metabolism and restricting intestinal cholesterol uptake. This multi-organ metabolic partitioning strategy highlights the potential of GM3-based therapeutics for managing complex dyslipidemia. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction, a hallmark of diet-induced obesity (DIO), is increasingly attributed to alterations in intestinal nutrient and electrolyte transport. Yet the mechanisms that drive obesity-associated functional alterations of intestinal transporters remain incompletely understood. In this context, the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity on sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1), Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 3 (NHE3), and Cl⁻/HCO₃⁻ exchangers (DRA/PAT1), the primary glucose, sodium, and chloride absorptive pathways in mice small intestinal villus cells, were investigated. SGLT1 activity significantly increased in intact villus cells and brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from HFD-fed mice. Kinetic analysis demonstrated reduced Km without a change in Vmax, indicating enhanced transporter affinity. Notably, SGLT1 mRNA and protein expression, including BBM localization, were unchanged. Basolateral Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was decreased, excluding enhanced Na⁺ gradient generation as the mechanism for SGLT1 stimulation. In contrast, DRA/PAT1 activity was significantly increased in HFD-fed mice, and kinetic studies revealed elevated Vmax without a change in Km, indicating increased transport capacity. DRA/PAT1 mRNA, total protein, and BBM expression were all significantly elevated. NHE3 activity and expression remained unchanged. These findings demonstrate that DIO enhances intestinal glucose absorption by increasing SGLT1 affinity and chloride absorption by upregulating DRA/PAT1 transcription. These transporter-specific alterations may amplify nutrient absorption and contribute to metabolic dysregulation in obesity. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary bile acids (BA) supplementation on serum antioxidant capacity, fecal fermentation characteristics, microbial diversity, and community composition in culled ewes. Twenty 5-year-old culled Hu ewes with similar body weights (42.95 ± 1.07 kg) were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 10 per group). The control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the treatment group (BA400) was fed the same basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg BA. Compared with the CON group, the BA400 group showed enhanced serum activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, while also showing reduced concentrations of cortisol, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species (p < 0.05). Fecal pH, ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, and the concentrations and proportions of individual volatile fatty acids remained unaffected by BA supplementation (p > 0.05). Microbial analysis revealed that the BA400 group exhibited higher fecal bacterial richness and diversity than the CON group (p < 0.05). Analysis of similarities revealed significant differences between the CON and BA400 groups (R = 1.000, p = 0.007). Specifically, BA supplementation increased the relative abundances of beneficial taxa, including Verrucomicrobiota and Akkermansia, while decreasing potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacterota and Proteobacteria. These findings indicate that dietary BA supplementation improves serum antioxidant capacity and modulates fecal microbial diversity and community structure in culled ewes, suggesting that hindgut microbiota may contribute to the health benefits of BA supplementation in ruminant production. Full article