Innovative high fat diet establishes a novel zebrafish model for the study of visceral obesity.

Obesity is a complex chronic condition associated with multiple health risks, including visceral obesity, which is particularly detrimental. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying obesity and its associated pathologies, a novel zebrafish model was established using an innovative high-fat diet (HFD). The primary goal was to induce visceral obesity in zebrafish and study the associated structural changes. To achieve this, a unique HFD consisting of 40% beef fat (HFD40) was developed and supplemented with magnesium aluminometasilicate to improve stability in a high humidity environment. Feeding regimens were initiated for both juvenile (starting at 2 weeks post-fertilization, lasting 18 weeks) and adult zebrafish (3 months post-fertilization, 8 weeks feeding duration). The innovative dietary approach successfully induced visceral obesity in both juvenile and adult zebrafish. This new model provides a valuable tool to study obesity-related pathologies, metabolic syndrome, and potential therapeutic interventions. Most importantly, the low-cost and easy-to-prepare composition of HFD40 was seamlessly incorporated into the water without the need for separation, was readily absorbed by the fish and induced rapid weight gain in the zebrafish population. In conclusion, this study presents a novel HFD40 composition enriched with a high beef fat concentration (40%), which represents a significant advance in the development of an experimental zebrafish model for the study of visceral obesity and associated metabolic changes.

The Effect of a Diet Supplemented with Organic Minerals and l-Carnitine on Egg Production and Chemical Composition and on Some Blood Traits of Pheasant Hens (Phasianus colchicus).

The study aimed to determine the effect of replacing 75% of inorganic calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts with organic forms (glycine chelates of these elements) with or without the addition of l-carnitine on some reproductive traits and the blood lipid and mineral profile, as well as mineral and fatty acid profile of pheasant egg yolk. The study was performed on three groups of pheasant hens using glycine chelates with calcitriol (group II) or analogical treatment with the addition of l-carnitine at the level of 100 mg/kg of feed (group III) instead of Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn salts (control). The replacement of inorganic forms with glycinates contributed to an increase in the number of laid eggs with a concomitant lower share of rejected eggs. The supplementation of organic forms of minerals improved mineral absorption and bioavailability in blood serum as well as in the egg yolk of experimental groups. Egg yolk fat was characterized by a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a favorable ratio of PUFA ω-3/ω-6. The proposed nutritional supplementation of the pheasant's diet might be a good strategy for increasing the nutritional reserves of poultry and improving their reproduction.

N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as a Nutritional Support of the Reproductive and Immune System of Cattle-A Review.

This paper focuses on the role of n-3 fatty acids as a nutrient crucial to the proper functioning of reproductive and immune systems in cattle. Emphasis was placed on the connection between maternal and offspring immunity. The summarized results confirm the importance and beneficial effect of n-3 family fatty acids on ruminant organisms. Meanwhile, dietary n-3 fatty acids supplementation, especially during the critical first week for dairy cows experiencing their peripartum period, in general, is expected to enhance reproductive performance, and the impact of its supplementation appears to be dependent on body condition scores of cows during the drying period, the severity of the negative energy balance, and the amount of fat in the basic feed ration. An unbalanced, insufficient, or excessive fatty acid supplementation of cows' diets in the early stages of pregnancy (during fetus development) may affect both the metabolic and nutritional programming of the offspring. The presence of the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 family in the calves' ration affects not only the performance of calves but also the immune response, antioxidant status, and overall metabolism of the future adult cow.

Effects of Supplementation with an Herbal Mixture on the Antioxidant Capacity of Milk.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the addition of a standardized herbal mixture to the feed ration for Holstein-Friesian cows on the antioxidant capacity of milk. The study was carried out on a farm specialized in breeding dairy cattle. The exact study involved 30 cows in lactation III, which were in the first phase of lactation at the beginning of the experiment (15 cows-control group; 15 cows-experimental group). The nutrition supplied to the cows was based on the TMR (total mixed ration) system, with roughage and concentrate fodder used as the basis of the feed ration. The addition of a standardized blend of dried herbs, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), was the experimental factor. Powdered herbs were administered as a component of the concentrate fodder at the dose of 3% DM ration/day/head. Milk samples were collected four times during the experiment (term 0 after the colostrum period and then after lactation weeks 2, 4, and 6). The following parameters were determined in the milk: the basic chemical composition, i.e., the content of total protein, fat, lactose, and casein; somatic cell count; content of selected whey proteins (α-lactalbumin, ß-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, BSA); and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E). Additionally, the milk antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH) was determined and the degree of antioxidant protection (DAP) was calculated. It was shown that the milk from cows receiving the herbal blend-supplemented fodder had a higher content of casein, compared to the control group. The herbal supplementation contributed to a significant increase in the content of bioactive compounds, i.e., selected whey proteins (ß-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin) and lipophilic vitamins (A, E). The milk was also characterized by significantly higher antioxidant potential (regardless of the measurement method) and a higher degree of antioxidant protection (DAP).

Supplementation of Broiler Chicken Feed Mixtures with Micronised Oilseeds and the Effects on Nutrient Contents and Mineral Profiles of Meat and Some Organs, Carcass Composition Parameters, and Health Status.

In this study, we included 15% doses of infrared-irradiated camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds in the diets of broiler chickens (grower and finisher) and focused on assessing the effects on the production traits, selected slaughter analysis parameters, nutrients, and minerals in breast and drumstick meat and some organs, i.e., liver, proventriculus, and heart. In total, 200 one-day-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to four treatments with five replicate cages of 10 broiler chickens per cage (five females and five males). The experiment lasted 6 weeks. In the group of broiler chickens in which diets were supplemented with micronised camelina and flax seeds, there was an increase in (p < 0.05) breast, thigh, and drumstick weight and a decrease (p < 0.05) in the abdominal fat of the carcasses. The oilseed treatments reduced the ether extract content and the calorific value in the breast and drumstick muscles and organs. The flax seeds contributed to an increase in the contents of Ca (breast muscle and liver), Cu (breast muscle and proventriculus), and Fe (drumstick muscle and heart). Likewise, some blood parameters were influenced by supplementation with infrared-irradiated camelina and flax seeds, for example, there was a decrease in the haemoglobin level and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (p < 0.05). The oilseed treatments also modified the contents of Fe and Ca in the blood plasma of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). It may be concluded that infrared-irradiated camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds can be regarded as good diet components exerting positive effects on the dietary value of poultry meat and organs used in dietetics.

Mineral Composition of Traditional Non-GMO Soybean Cultivars in relation to Nitrogen Fertilization.

Soybean is widely used as food. Genetic factors, as well as agrotechnical procedures, affect the yield and quality of soybeans. The subject of our research was the synchronization between soil N supply (from both mineralization and fertilization) and crop N demand. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the cultivar and nitrogen application on the seed yield and mineral content in soybeans. Two non-GMO soybean cultivars (Amandine and Merlin) and four mineral nitrogen fertilizers ((A) N 0, control; (B) N 30:0, 30 kg N ha-1 before sowing; (C) N 0:30, 30 kg N ha-1 at BBCH 73-75; (D) N 30:30, 30 kg N ha-1 before sowing and 30 kg N ha-1 at BBCH 73-75) were tested. The highest soybean yield was obtained following nitrogen application at a rate of 60 kg ha-1. The genetic factor was found to significantly influence the content of some macronutrients (P, K, and Mg) and micronutrients (Cu, Mn, and Fe). In general, the Merlin cultivar had better macronutrient parameters except nitrogen, while Amandine had a higher content of Cu and Fe. Nitrogen fertilization decreased the content of P, K, and Zn in the soybeans but significantly increased the content of Ca, Mg, Cu, and Mn.

Inclusion of Camelina, Flax, and Sunflower Seeds in the Diets for Broiler Chickens: Apparent Digestibility of Nutrients, Growth Performance, Health Status, and Carcass and Meat Quality Traits.

The study determined the effect of the addition of 15% of camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds to iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets for broiler chickens during 21-42 days of age on the nutrient digestibility, production traits, slaughter analysis parameters, hematological indices, blood mineral elements, and dietary value of breast and drumstick meat. Two hundred one-day-old broiler chickens were assigned to four groups (treatments) with five replicates (10 birds per cage, 5 females and 5 males). The experiment lasted 6 weeks. Broiler chickens receiving diets supplemented with camelina and flax seeds exhibited an increase (p < 0.05) in average body weight and a decrease (p < 0.05) in the ether extract content and energy digestibility of the diets. Moreover, the best carcass quality with a high proportion of muscles and low abdominal fat content (p < 0.05) was noted in broilers fed flax- and sunflower-enriched diets. The treatments with the oil seeds reduced the ether extract content and the calorific value of breast and drumstick muscles. The flax seeds contributed to an increase in the Fe content in drumstick muscles. Additionally, some blood parameters were influenced by the flax seed supplementation, e.g., the level of hemoglobin declined (p < 0.05) and the iron level in plasma increased (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that the camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds can be regarded as good dietary components with positive effects on the dietary value of poultry meat.

Dietary Intake and Content of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn in Selected Cereal Products Marketed in Poland.

This paper aims to verify whether cereal products are a good source of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn in the diets of Poles. The study material comprised of 445 cereal products including baked goods, breakfast cereals and groats, pasta, and rice. Products that required culinary treatment (pasta, groats, rice) were boiled in drinking quality water as recommended by the producer. The content of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn was determined by using the FAAS method. The average content of microelements in the analyzed products can be represented as Fe (17.9 mg kg-1 ± 10.3) > Zn (12.4 mg kg-1 ± 5.2) > Mn (9.6 mg kg-1 ± 6.7) > Cu (3.9 mg kg-1 ± 2.9). Considering the daily requirement of the analyzed minerals among adult Poles, it was determined that cereal products supply 58% RDA Cu, 61% AI Mn (men)-78% AI Mn (women), 19% RDA Fe (women)-34% RDA Fe (men), and 16% RDA Zn (men)-22% RDA Fe (women). Baked goods account for as much as about 90% of all Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn consumed as cereal products in a daily diet. Based on the results, it can be concluded that cereal products are the main source of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn in the diets of Poles. In connection with low assimilability of minerals, they should not be considered the fundamental source of those microelements in the diets of Poles.

Gut-bone axis response to dietary replacement of soybean meal with raw low-tannin faba bean seeds in broiler chickens.

It seems that faba bean (FB) seeds could be a good protein-energy component in animal feed, but the presence of anti-nutritional substances limits their use as a substitute of soybean meal. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of different concentrations of raw, low-tannin, FB seeds on the gut-bone axis in Ross 308 broilers. One-day old chickens were randomly subjected to one of the 3 dietary treatments: the control group was fed standard diet based on soybean meal and without FB seeds, and two groups were fed 8%/15% and 16%/22% of raw low-tannin FB seeds in the starter and grower, respectively. On the 35th day, hematological and serum biochemical analyses as well histomorphometry of the small intestine and liver tissue and bone mechanical tests were performed. The diet type had no effect on the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. However, the basal intestinal structures were significantly reduced in birds fed the lower concentration of FB. The enlargement of nerve plexuses was dependent on the concentration used in the diet and, additionally, on the kind of plexus and location in the intestinal tract. The liver was characterized by an increase in non-hepatocytes. There was no influence of the low-tannin FB seeds on most of the analyzed serum parameters in the 35-day-old broiler chickens, except the decreased concentration of total cholesterol and Ca in both experimental groups, triglycerides in group I, and P and uric acid in group II. Furthermore, the increasing concentration of the dietary low-tannin FB did not influence the activities of AspAT (except the group fed the higher amount of FB), ALAT, and LDH. The broiler chickens had no visible leg lesions and no problem in the locomotor function, but the tibiae were lighter mainly in birds fed the higher concentration of FB seeds. Geometric analysis revealed reduction of the cross section area and wall thickness, indicating a decline in the bone midshaft, which influenced the densitometric parameters and the results of mechanical tests. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of raw low-tannin FB seeds had no negative effects on broiler growth, but disturbed the intestine structure and tibia characteristics. Therefore, all these negative effects necessitate additional examinations before inclusion of raw low-tannin FB seed into poultry diet.

Peroxidation and unsaturation indices as potential biomarkers of multifarious zinc and copper micro-supplementation in Helix pomatia L.

The work is a continuation of two previous studies in which biomarker fatty acids (12 of 56 FA pools) were analysed in Helix pomatia L. after heterogeneous micro-supplementation of Zn and Cu (administered in five micro-doses in the form of salts and EDTA and lysine chelates). This time, peroxidation (PI) and unsaturation coefficients (UI) as biomarker were analysed. These indices were calculated based on the FA profile in the foot and hepatopancreas of snails. The correlation of frequently used oxidation status indicators of organisms (catalase - CAT, glutathione peroxidase - GPx, selenium-dependent peroxidase - se-GPx, superoxide dismutase - SOD, glutathione transferase - GST, glutathione reductase - GR, glutathione - GSH, carbonyl protein - CP, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) with the rarely used UI and PI ratios was analysed. It was found that the 12-week micro-exposure to Zn and Cu did not inhibit but rather stimulated antioxidative defence at a sufficient level to increase the values of peroxidation/unsaturation indices in comparison to the control groups. Induction of an opposite process to oxidation of fatty acids was demonstrated. Maximum activities and amounts of antioxidants as well as minima of protein and lipid decomposition were recorded in groups supplemented with 0.75mg/l Zn and 1.0mg/l Cu. The possibility of a direct use of fatty acids as well as peroxidation/unsaturation indices as sensitive and reproducible biomarkers of exposure and oxidative physiological status in snails was confirmed.

Content of Minerals and Fatty Acids and Their Correlation with Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Leguminous Seeds.

The aim of the study was to determine the mineral composition and fatty acid profile in the seeds of selected Fabaceae species and cultivars and to assess their correlations with phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The Andean lupine was characterised by a particularly high level of Mg and K as well as Cu, Zn, and Fe (P < 0.05). There were various correlations (P < 0.05) between the total phenols and tannins and these elements. The highest contribution of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3, n-3) in total fatty acids was noted in the lentil (13.8 in 100 g-1 fat), common bean (11.9 in 100 g-1 fat), and pea seeds (10.4 in 100 g-1 fat) (P = 0.028). In turn, the white lupine contained the highest content of ALA-0.67 g 100 g-1 seeds; its lowest level was determined in the broad bean-0.03 g 100 g-1 seeds. The seeds exhibited a high proportion of hypocholesterolemic fatty acids (on average 86%). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antiradical activity was positively correlated with UFA and PUFA (P < 0.05). This indicates great protective potential of legume seeds for prevention and treatment of diet-dependent diseases.

Biological Response of Broiler Chickens to Decreasing Dietary Inclusion Levels of Zinc Glycine Chelate.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Zn-Gly supplementation on the selected antioxidative enzymes and on the mineral composition in the liver and faeces as well as the biochemical and haematological parameters of chicken blood. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, each of which was replicated five times (10 birds in each cage). Five experimental groups were formed: control negative (CN)-without Zn, control positive supplemented with 100 mg ZnO, and three groups supplemented with 100, 50, and 25 mg Zn-Gly. An increase (P < 0.05) was recorded in the concentration of Cu and Zn in chicken livers after Zn-Gly supplementation, irrespective of the level of supply with the diet. The addition of 100 mg·Zn-Gly improved the activity of SODCuZn (P < 0.05) and reduced the MDA value (P < 0.05) in chicken livers. The addition of 100, 50, and 25 mg Zn-Gly reduced the concentration of zinc in the birds' droppings, compared to the CN and 100 mg ZnO group. Zn-Gly at the level of 50 mg increased the concentration of Cu and Ca in chicken blood. The results indicate that the addition of Zn-Gly increased the antioxidative capacity of the body and storage of Zn and Cu in the liver; it also reduced the amount of Zn excreted with faeces. Zn-Gly can be an alternative to ZnO in providing a good source of Zn to enrich feed mixtures for broilers.

The chemical composition and sensory properties of raw, cooked and grilled thigh meat of broiler chickens fed with Fe-Gly chelate.

The study aimed to determine the effect of Fe-glycinate chelate (Fe-Gly) on the chemical composition and sensory value of thigh meat in Ross 308 broiler chickens. Two experimental factors were introduced: (1) organic or inorganic Fe, and (2) Fe level at 40, 20 or 10 mg/kg of feed. No negative effect of using 40, 20 or 10 mg Fe-glycine chelate was recorded on the chemical composition (crude protein, fat, ash, total cholesterol, Cu, Zn, Ca and total fatty acids: SFA, MUFA, PUFA and UFA, and the n-3 and n-6 fatty acid ratio) and on the sensory properties of raw, cooked and grilled thigh meat. However, an increase in Fe content in the meat of birds receiving 40 and 20 mg of Fe-Gly was found, which had no significant effect on the sensory attributes of meat. Based on the study results it can be concluded that Fe-Gly can be used in broiler feed instead of Fe sulphate.