# Effects of different doses of oregano essential oil on growth performance, health parameters, and the gut microbiome-metabolome profile in heat-stressed Pinan cattle (Piedmontese × Nanyang)

## TL;DR

A study found that 7 g/d of oregano essential oil improved health and gut microbes in heat-stressed cattle, but higher doses did not provide extra benefits.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates that low-dose oregano essential oil optimally supports health and metabolism in heat-stressed cattle.

## Key findings

- Low-dose OEO improved liver function, immune response, and antioxidant status in heat-stressed bulls.
- Low-dose OEO increased ruminal Bacteroidota and Prevotella, linked to reduced acyl-glycine metabolites.
- High-dose OEO showed limited benefits and higher oxidative stress compared to low-dose.

## Abstract

This study investigated the dose–response efficacy of dietary oregano essential oil (OEO) in mitigating severe heat stress (THI ≈ 86) in beef cattle.

Thirty-six Pinan bulls were fed a basal diet alone (control) or supplemented with 7 (L-OEO) or 14 g/d (H-OEO) of OEO for 60 days.

The low-dose OEO (7 g/d) significantly improved hepatic function (reduced ALT, AST; increased ALB, TP), enhanced immune (increased IgA, IgM) and antioxidant status (decreased MDA, increased SOD, CAT), and increased the ruminal abundance of Bacteroidota and Prevotella, which correlated negatively with acyl-glycine metabolites. In contrast, the high dose (14 g/d) only increased GSH-Px and T4, resulted in higher MDA than L-OEO, and did not significantly affect the rumen microbiota.

Supplementation with 7 g/d OEO optimally improved overall health and metabolic function in heat-stressed bulls, whereas a 14 g/d dose offered no additional benefits.