Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A009
Published online: 22 April 2026
In vitro digestibility of selected herbs and their mixtures as potential components of immunonutrition strategies in ruminants
Julia Fabjanowska*1, Derya Merve Karagöz2, Szymon Milewski1, Hıdır Gümüş2 and Edyta Kowalczuk-Vasilev1
1 Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
2 Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy, 15030 Burdur, Türkiye
* Corresponding author: julia.fabjanowska@up.edu.pl
Immunity in newborn calves largely depends on the passive transfer of immunoglobulins via colostrum, the quality of which is influenced by the nutritional status and the dams’ diet composition. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to phytobiotics as functional feed components that support cows’ immune function during the periparturient period. Their effects may extend to offspring by improving colostrum quality and indirectly supporting the early development of immune competence in calves. Their effectiveness depends on their digestibility and bioavailability. Controlled ruminal degradation may be desirable, enabling the gradual release of bioactive compounds. These properties are important for the practical application of phytobiotics in ruminant nutrition. The aim of the study was to assess the in vitro digestibility of selected herbs (thyme, purple coneflower, sage, rosemary, cinnamon) and their mixtures (Mix1, Mix2) to identify components with the greatest potential for use in immunonutrition strategies for ruminants. Digestibility of herbs and their mixtures was determined using the IVTDMD (in vitro true dry matter digestibility) method with a Daisy II incubator (ANKOM Technology, NY, USA). Rumen fluid collected from Holstein cows was used as the inoculum, and incubation was carried out for 48 hours. Digestibility was evaluated based on dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF).
The results demonstrate substantial variability in in vitro digestibility among individual herbs, with thyme exhibiting the highest degradability (~88%), while cinnamon and sage showed marked resistance to ruminal digestion (~59%). The remaining herbs and mixtures showed intermediate values (~66–79%), with consistent trends in both DM and OM digestibility. Notably, the herbal mixtures, especially Mix 1, showed improved digestibility compared to individual components, suggesting potential synergistic interactions that enhance nutrient availability.
The observed differences in in vitro digestibility among the tested herbs may have important implications for their biological effectiveness in ruminant nutrition, particularly in the context of immunonutrition of the dams and subsequent effects on offspring. These findings support the concept that appropriately formulated phytogenic blends may be more effective than single-herb supplementation. Overall, the study highlights that the functional value of herbs in ruminant nutrition should be evaluated not only on their chemical composition but also on their ruminal degradability. Further research, including in vivo studies and detailed characterization of phytochemical profiles, is required to understand the mechanisms of these effects and to define optimal inclusion levels in practical feeding systems.
Keywords: calves; dairy cows; herbs; immunonutrition: in vitro digestibility; phytobiotics
How to cite
Fabjanowska J., Karagöz D.M., Milewski S., Gümüş H., Kowalczuk-Vasilev E., 2026. In vitro digestibility of selected herbs and their mixtures as potential components of immunonutrition strategies in ruminants. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A009