ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2023 71 Furthermore, the inclusion of PUFAs in the diet has been shown to modulate the immune response through various mechanisms. This includes reducing tissue levels of immunosuppressive agents like arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2. These immunomodulatory effects are particularly important in reducing stress during transportation and the entry of ruminants into feed yards. Additionally, PUFAs have the potential to alter the composition of fatty acids in milk, while also improving productive performance and metabolic health. When incorporating PUFAs into diets, it is crucial to consider sources that are protected from rumen biodegradation. This is important to ensure their effective utilization and benefits. Another significant benefit of PUFA-enriched diets, such as those rich in linseed or supplemented with fish oil, is their potential to mitigate enteric methane production. As methane is a greenhouse gas produced in the rumen, reducing its emissions is a social and environmental priority. In summary, dietary lipids, particularly PUFAs, have important functions in nutrition and biological processes. They contribute to reproductive performance, immune modulation, milk fatty acid composition, and overall animal health. The selection of appropriate PUFA sources is crucial for their effective utilization, while also considering their potential in reducing methane emissions in ruminants. NUTRACEUTICAL PROTEINS AND PEPTIDES Biologically active peptides refer to specific protein fragments obtained through natural enzymatic digestion or fermentation of food products. These peptides play a role in promoting bodily functions, improving overall health, and aiding in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Depending on their type and concentration, these peptides have various effects on the body, such as enhancing nutrient absorption, bolstering the immune system, regulating bodily processes, and supporting the nervous system. In the context of ruminants, nutraceutical proteins and peptides like casein phosphopeptides (CPPs), milk whey protein, egg white proteins, soybean proteins, and antimicrobial peptides are commonly used. These compounds have the ability to bind and make macro elements (such as calcium, magnesium, and iron) as well as trace elements (such as zinc, barium, chromium, nickel, cobalt, and selenium) more soluble. CPPs, for example, have potential applications in preventing conditions like osteoporosis, hypertension, anemia, and dental caries. Additionally, they can contribute to the humanization of bovine milk by increasing phosphorus levels. Whey has been found to enhance the quality and digestibility of grass and legume silage, while also reducing concentrations of ammonia nitrogen. In addition, whey has a positive impact on the growth rates of calves. When whey protein is formulated into an emulsion gel, it acts as a protective barrier, preventing unsaturated fatty acids from undergoing rumen biohydrogenation. This preservation allows for better absorption of these compounds in the small intestine, ultimately leading to their incorporation into milk fat. Egg white proteins, including ovalbumin, Ovo transferrin, ovomucoid, ovomucin, and lysozyme, show significant potential for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These proteins possess antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, metal-binding/transporting, and nutrient supplementation properties in organisms. Soybean peptides have the remarkable ability to bind to bile acids, reducing cholesterol levels by in-
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