Exploring the Impact of Ampelopsis Grossedentata Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Ruminal Microbiota, and Plasma Physiology and Biochemistry of Kids

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In the face of the challenge posed by antibiotic prohibition, the identification of sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to antibiotics is important. Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids, a plant-based extract, have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities provide a non-toxic and innocuous option for the extended application of additives. This study examined the viability of Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids as a potential substitute for antibiotics. The results showed that supplementation of Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids in the diet exhibited the capacity to enhance rumen microbial diversity and immune competence, thereby fostering improved growth performance among weaned kids. Consequently, this study provides an important reference for the future development of Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids as a new environmentally friendly additive. ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to evaluate the influences of supplementing Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids (AGF) on the rumen bacterial microbiome, plasma physiology and biochemistry, and growth performance of goats. Twenty-four Nubian kids were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments: the control (CON, basal diet), the 1.0 g/kg AGF treatment (AGF), and the 12.5 mg/kg monensin treatment (MN). This trial consisted of 10 days for adaptation and 90 days for data and sample collection. The results reveal that Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria are the dominant phyla in kids’ rumen. Compared with the CON group, the alpha diversity in the MN and AGF groups significantly increased (p < 0.01). Beta-diversity shows that rumen microbial composition is more similar in the MN and AGF groups. LEfSe analysis shows that Prevotella_1 in the AGF group were significantly higher than those in the MN and CON group. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose levels in the AGF group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05), whereas the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase levels exhibited the opposite trend. The average daily gains in the AGF and MN groups significantly increased, while the feed-to-gain ratios were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The results suggest that adding AGF to the diet improves microbial composition and has important implications for studying juvenile livestock growth and improving economic benefits.