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)

Abstract

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