Seaweed as a supplement for improved immuno-regulatory response, enhanced antioxidant activity and gut microbiome stabilisation in sheep: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Abstract Seaweed is a dietary supplement for sheep and other ruminant animals that possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, antibacterial, prebiotic, antiviral, antifungal, and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing literature regarding the effects of seaweed supplementation on sheep/lamb health, and how these health attributes influence production performance and product quality. This systematic review compiled recent literature from SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, MDPI, and Frontiers. The primary health parameters impacted including gut microbiota dynamics, immunomodulatory responses, antioxidant mechanisms, and their respective biomarkers were analysed. The results indicated that the moderate dietary inclusion of brown or red seaweed improved composition and diversity of the rumen microbiota. It also improved the immune function by enhancing immune, cellular, and humoral responses. The in vivo studies demonstrated that the administration of seaweed elicits enhancement in the total antioxidant capacity within the blood of lipopolysaccharide-challenged sheep. Because of improved health status, sheep fed diets containing seaweed had improved production performance, e.g., average daily gain, increased milk yield, and lower serum non-esterified fatty acids levels. Meat quality was also improved as evidenced by increased concentration of essential micronutrients and omega-3…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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