Protective Application of Morus and Its Extracts in Animal Production

Abstract

Different components of the mulberry tree (fruits, leaves, twigs, and roots) are rich in active compounds, and have been reported to possess potent beneficial properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-allergenic, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective. The mulberry and its extracts can effectively improve the growth performance and fitness of animals. They not only possess the properties of being safe and purely natural, but also they are not prone to drug resistance. According to the literature, the supplemental level of the mulberry and its extracts in animal diets varies with different species, physiological status, age, and the purpose of the addition. It has been observed that the mulberry and its extracts enhanced the growth performance, the quality of animal products (meat, egg, and milk), the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory responses of animals. Furthermore, the mulberry and its extracts have antibacterial properties and can effectively moderate the relative abundance of the microbial populations in the rumen and intestines, thus improving the immunity function of animals and reducing the enteric methane (CH4) production in ruminants. Furthermore, the mulberry and its extracts have the potential to depurate tissues of heavy metals. Collectively, this review summarizes the nutrients, active compounds, and biological functions of mulberry tree products, as well as the application in livestock production with an aim to provide a reference for the utilization of the mulberry and its extracts in animal production.

— Invited Review — Translational gut microbiome research for strategies to improve beef cattle production sustainability and meat quality

“…Mulberry leaf powder supplementation improved the color (redness), tenderness, and water retention of the longissimus lumborum muscle in Hu lambs [ 67 ]. The mulberry and its extracts are known to improve immune function and suppress enteric methane production in ruminants [ 68 ], and it is speculated they could alter the rumen and gut microbiome which can impact on muscle growth and lipid profiles. Indeed, partial replacement of Chinese wild rye with mulberry leaves in the diet of sheep decreased saturated FA content and increased unsaturated FA content in longissimus dorsi muscle [ 69 ].…”

Effects of Mulberry Leaf Extract on the Liver Function of Juvenile Spotted Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus)

“…However, the utilization of mulberry leaves is less, and most of the mulberry leaves produced every year are discarded as waste, and a small part of mulberry leaf resources are mainly used for breeding, food processing and medicine etc. [ 11 , 12 ]. As a kind of Chinese herbal medicine, mulberry leaves contain bioactive components such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids [ 13 ], which have the functions of lowering blood sugar, blood fat, and protecting the liver [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Biochemical and protein nutritional potential of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf: partial substitution improves the nutrition of conventional protein

“…Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is widely planted worldwide and has advantages such as a well-developed root system, drought resistance, salinity tolerance and strong vitality. 4 It has been reported that mulberry leaves are rich in many natural active substances, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids and alkaloids, and have high nutritional and medicinal value. 5 However, the single mode of mulberry planting and silkworm raising leads to low utilization of sericulture resources.…”

“…5 However, the single mode of mulberry planting and silkworm raising leads to low utilization of sericulture resources. 4,6 By contrast, the market demand for livestock and poultry products continues to expand, whereas the primary source of feedstock for the livestock industry in China is grain crops. 1 Traditional sources of raw materials are no longer sufficient to support the enormous demand for livestock development, and the innovative development of new feed sources has been the general trend.…”

“…It has been reported that mulberry leaves are rich in many natural active substances, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids and alkaloids, and have high nutritional and medicinal value 5 . However, the single mode of mulberry planting and silkworm raising leads to low utilization of sericulture resources 4,6 . By contrast, the market demand for livestock and poultry products continues to expand, whereas the primary source of feedstock for the livestock industry in China is grain crops 1 .…”