In vitro screening of the ethanolic extract of Spondias purpurea L. leaves on ruminal fermentation

Abstract Nutritional strategies that optimize the use of forage resources have received attention, including practices that favor ruminal degradability and microbial activity. Natural additives rich in phytochemicals have been shown to modulate the microbiota and fermentative processes, representing promising alternatives in ruminant nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of Spondias purpurea L. leaves on in vitro ruminal fermentation. The research used a completely randomized design with three treatments: control, monensin, and plant extract. Gas production kinetics, dry matter degradability, and pH values were evaluated at different incubation times. The extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenes, suggesting potential for modulating the ruminal microbiota. The results show that the extract increases gas production and dry matter degradability. A reduction in microbial colonization time and maintenance of pH within the appropriate range for fermentation were observed. Although the fermentation growth rate is lower than in the control, the cumulative gas production is higher with the extract, indicating greater fermentation. Monensin, in turn, reduces the fermentation rate and gas volume. It is concluded that the Spondias purpurea L. extract modulates ruminal fermentation in vitro, representing a promising alternative. It is recommended to evaluate different concentrations and their effects on short-chain fatty acids, methane production, ammoniacal nitrogen, and the degradability of fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates, as well as conducting in vivo experiments.