DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/MSNE2250
Article
Effects of Stevia rebaudiana and Hippophae rhamnoides on dairy cow metabolism and milk quality
2026, 91 (3) p. 12-12
Radena Nenova, Stanimir ENCHEV
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the phytogenic feed additives Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and Hippophae rhamnoides on the serum biochemical
profile and physicochemical characteristics of milk in dairy cows. Thirty clinically healthy Black-and-white dairy cows were assigned to three experimental groups (Each group n = 10) using the analogue-group method: a control group (C), a Stevia rebaudiana group (SR) receiving 100 g/day of dried stevia leaves, and a Hippophae rhamnoides group (HR) receiving 100 g/day of dried sea buckthorn leaves over a period of 30 days. No formal randomisation procedure was applied. Serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined on Days 0 and 30, while milk was analysed on Day 30. Supplementation had no statistically significant effect on milk fat, protein, lactose, total solids, solids-notfat, density, pH, titratable acidity, ash content, or freezing point (p > 0.05). No significant changes were observed in serum AST activity, urea concentration, or glucose levels. Although ALT activity increased significantly in both supplemented groups, the recorded values remained within physiological reference limits. Both supplements had a positive effect by reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. In this study, the tested supplements were not associated with adverse changes in the measured biochemical variables or physicochemical characteristics of milk and were associated with a more favourable serum lipid profile.
Keywords
Stevia rebaudiana, Hippophae rhamnoides, phytogenic additives, dairy cows, serum biochemistry
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