Effect of seaweed-fed on fecal IgA and VFA concentration, and fecal characteristics in Japanese Black cow

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of feeding seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) on the activating intestinal immune system of Japanese Black cow. We studied the influence of feeding seaweed on fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA), volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, and fecal characteristics of Japanese Black cow. The examination was carried out by a 2×2 cross-over design with arranging two cattle each treatment group (SW ; seaweed fed group, C ; seaweed non-fed group). Measuring items were as follows : fecal score, pH, water content, IgA and VFA concentrations. Difference on day1 to day10 of fecal IgA concentration was significantly higher in the SW group compared with C group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in fecal pH and VFA concentration between the groups. There was no correlation between fecal IgA and VFA concentrations. These results indicated that intake of seaweed improved intestinal immune system of Japanese Black cow. On the other hand, we considered that the intestinal microbiota does not appear to be involved in this effect.