Investigating the Potential Influence of Ganoderma lucidium on Gastrointestinal Functionality and Immune Status of Goats

View the project final report

Commodities

• Animals: goats

Practices

• Animal Production: animal protection and health, parasite control

Current disease control programs in livestock, based on anthelmintics and antimicrobial administration, fail due to their reduced effectiveness and resistance in animals. Due to the shortcomings of traditional methods for controlling diseases, a more natural and sustainable way of disease prevention is being explored. Recent studies have shown that some mushrooms possess beneficial health properties, which may improve livestock's immune status if incorporated into their feed regimen. Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom and traditional Chinese medicine, which has been reported to possess immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiangiogenic properties.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of daily supplementation of GL extracts on biomarkers of immunity and overall health in adult female Spanish goats. Seven adult female Spanish goats received a daily dose(10g) of GL extracts for 60 days. The control group received no GL extracts (n=7). Blood (10ml) and fecal samples were collected on Day 0, Day 30, and Day 60 of the study period. Blood was used to isolate RNA and packed cell volume. Fecal samples were used for microbial DNA isolation and enumeration of parasite eggs. The nanodrop spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentrations and purity of RNA and DNA. Whole blood was centrifuged to form Plasma and cells. RNA was isolated in blood cells using the Trizol method and converted to cDNA. Total plasma protein concentration was determined using BCA assay. A D2Dx immunity kit was used to analyze plasma samples. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed using specific primers for TLR2, TLR4, NFKβ1, TNF-α, IL1β, IL10, MPO, SOD2, Bifidobacterium spp, Lactobacillus spp, Bacterium 16S rRNA, Lactoferrin and Lipocalin. Data was analyzed using R studio software (p<0.05). Livak's method was used to calculate fold changes (FC) in relative gene abundance. GAPDH and βactin served as internal controls and for normalization purposes. Fold changes (FC) were considered significant at -2≥FC≥2. Findings did not reveal statistically significant effects of GL supplementation on BW, BC, PCV, FEC, and FAMACHA scores (p≤0.05).  GL had an effect on reducing beneficial bacteria in the gut while it significantly increased fold change for TLR2, TLR4, TNF-α, IL10, and MPO. The modulation of these innate immunity genes holds promise in goat health and production.

General objectives

To contribute to the reduction of animal and foodborne related diseases by using natural immunomodulators such as Ganoderma lucidum to improve gastrointestinal functionality and immune status of goats. The aim is to provide the farmer with a cost-effective, eco-friendly means to help reduce, if not prevent, the incidence of disease in their herd. This project will broadly contribute to efforts to make livestock production safer and more sustainable.

 Specific objectives

1. To investigate the effect of daily supplementation of Ganoderma lucidum on gastrointestinal Nematodes in Spanish goats
2. To investigate the effect of daily supplementation of Ganoderma lucidum on systemic innate immune Biomarkers in Spanish goats
3. To investigate whether daily supplementation of Ganoderma lucidum reduces oxidative stress by promoting antioxidant production in Spanish goat blood.