Performance, blood and antioxidant status in dual-purpose laying hens supplemented with aqueous extract of Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) leaves as phytogenic agent in subtropical conditions.

OBJECTIVE: The potential of aqueous extract of Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) leaves (SLAE) to reduce the negative impacts of heat stress on production performance and physiological traits was investigated in dual-purpose layers under subtropical farming. METHODS: A total of 200, 25-week-old laying hens (Inshas strain) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments including SLAE at 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mL/kg, respectively. The average temperature-humidity index value was 26.69 during the experimental period. The SLAE contained saponin (0.045%), total flavonoid content of 17.9 mg of quercetin equivalent/ 100 g and overall antioxidant capacity concentration of 17.9 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g. RESULTS: The maximum final body weight (BW), BW gain, egg weight, number, and mass occurred at the level of SLAE7.5 inclusion. The egg quality was significantly higher in SLAE groups than in control, and overall, SLAE7.5 had the most favorable influence at 28 and 32 weeks. Liver and kidney function, as well as lipids profile, improved significantly by SLAE inclusion; the lowest concentrations of these parameters were in SLAE7.5 hens. Treatment with SLAE7.5 increased total antioxidant capacity and endogenous antioxidant enzymes compared to control, whereas no effect on superoxide dismutase was noticed. CONCLUSION: The addition of SLAE at 7.5 mL/kg diet improved egg laying performance and quality, metabolic profiles, and antioxidant status during hyperthermia conditions.

Effect of rearing system (free-range vs cage) on gut and muscle histomorphology and microbial loads of Italian White breed rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The growing consumers' interest on animal welfare has raised the request of products obtained by alternative rearing systems. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of housing system on gut and muscle morphology and on microbial load in rabbits reared under free-range (FR) and cage system (CS). METHODS: A total of forty weaned (35 days of age) male Italian White breed rabbits were allotted according to the rearing system, and at 91 days of age were randomly selected and slaughtered for the morphological evaluation of tissue from duodenum and longissimus lumborum. Morphometric analysis of the villus height, villus width, crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and villus surface was performed. The microbial loads on hind muscle was determined by total mesophilic aerobic count (TMAC), Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae; whereas, total anaerobic bacteria count (TABC) and TMAC, E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae was determined on caecal content. RESULTS: Rearing system did not interfere with the duodenum and muscle histomorphology in both rabbit groups. Similarly, microbial load of caecal content showed no significant differences on the TABC and TMAC. Conversely, significant difference was found for E. coli strains in caecal content, with the lower counts in FR compared to CS rabbits (p<0.01). Microbiological assay of muscle revealed significant lower TMAC in FR vs CS rabbits (p< 0.05). All rabbit meat samples were negative for E. Coli and Enterobacteriaceae. CONCLUSION: Free-range could be considered a possible alternative and sustainable rearing system in rabbits to preserve gut environment and muscle quality.

Ameliorative Effect of Pomegranate Peel Powder on the Growth Indices, Oocysts Shedding, and Intestinal Health of Broilers under an Experimentally Induced Coccidiosis Condition.

Coccidiosis stands as one of the most prevalent enteric parasitic diseases in broilers. While antibiotics have traditionally been used for the control of coccidiosis, concerns related to drug residues and the emergence of resistance in chickens have prompted consumer apprehensions. In this study, 600 Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups: a control group without specific treatments (NC), broilers deliberately exposed to Eimeria tenella (positive control), broilers challenged with E. tenella but dosed with antibiotics (AT), and two groups experimentally exposed to E. tenella while simultaneously receiving pomegranate peel powder (PPE) at dosages of 3 g/kg (3PPP) and 6 g/kg (6PPP). The results revealed that all Eimeria-treated birds exhibited significantly worse growth performance compared to the NC. Notably, a marked improvement was observed in birds infected with E. tenella when supplemented with 6PPP. Both 3PPP and 6PPP supplementation significantly reduced lesion scores, mortality, and oocysts per gram (OPG). Furthermore, histological examination of the cecum indicated that the villus dimensions were restored by PPP supplementation in infected birds. In conclusion, Eimeria-infected birds supplemented with 6PPP experienced an enhanced growth rate, lowered lesion scores, alleviated oocyst shedding, and improved intestinal histological dimensions.

Intermittent light program impacts on reproductive performance, health and welfare of breeding hens.

The lighting regime significantly impacts poultry production, reproductive performance, health and welfare. This study aimed to test the effect of the intermittent light (IL) regime on reproductive organs and hormones, semen quality, and behavioral performance. Thus, 270 Rhode Island Red hens aged 20 weeks were distributed among three groups of six replicates and 15 birds each, housed in floor pens. The first group was used as a control (C) and was exposed to constant light for 16 h d-1, while birds in other groups were exposed to IL for 20 min h-1 (T20) and 40 min h-1 (T40) during the 16 h light period. The outcomes were that follicle number was higher for T20 compared to T40 but not the controls, while T40 is different from T20 but not the controls. The same is true for testosterone. The sperm concentration is lower for T40 compared to the controls, with no difference between T20 and the controls. Body temperature was not different among groups. Conversely, differences were not noticed for leg alterations; plumage conditions; and relative ovary, oviduct, and/or testes weight and hatchability. Thus, the IL T20 program should be further investigated as a lighting regimen for managing Rhode Island Red laying hens for stimulating follicle number and testosterone without negatively impacting the physiological response and health traits. From a practical point of view, the IL schedule of 20 min h-1 during 20-36 weeks of age can be economically viable due to saving 66 % of the light cost.

Dietary Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Waste Inhibits Experimentally Induced Eimeria tenella Challenge in Japanese Quails Model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of dietary 3% oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) waste in enhancing the anticoccidial effects in broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella infection. The experiment involved a total of 600 Japanese quails, raised from one to thirty-five days of age, which were divided into four treatment groups. These included a negative control group that received a basal diet (BD) without any anticoccidial or antibiotic supplementation in the non-challenged birds (negative control, NC); a positive control (PC) group consisting of NC birds challenged with E. tenella; a group that received the BD with an anticoccidial drug (standard); and a group that received the BD supplemented with 3% waste from oyster mushrooms (3% Pleurotus ostreatus). The results showed that the feed intake, body weight gain, and feed efficiency were significantly lower in the PC (p < 0.05). However, the growth traits were similar in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups. Similarly, there was no difference (p < 0.05) in the mortality rate, oocyst count in the feces, and lesion score between the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus groups. Based on intestinal histology evaluation, the villi height and width were significantly higher in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups compared to those of the PC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, it was found that 3% Pleurotus ostreatus effectively mitigated the low growth rate of Japanese quails induced by coccidial infection.

Blood metabolic pattern and somatic cells dynamic in Achai and Holstein Friesian cows during transition period.

This study focused on assessing blood metabolites and somatic cell count (SCC) during the transition period in Achai and Holstein Friesian cows. Blood samples were collected from cows of both breeds on days -21, -14, -7 (pre-partum period), on day 0 (parturition day) and then on days 7, 14 and 21 (post-partum period). Additionally, milk samples were obtained on the day of parturition and on days 7, 14 and 21 post-partum for SCC assessment. Among Holstein cows, blood glucose levels showed a significant increase on day -21 before calving, and a decrease on the 14th and 21st days post-partum. Similarly, the blood triglycerides concentration exhibited a significant rise in Holstein cows 21 days before calving, while Achai cows experienced a significant decline in blood triglycerides on the day of parturition and throughout the entire post-partum period. Comparing Holstein and Achai cows, blood cholesterol was significantly higher in Holstein cows on day -21 before calving, whereas Achai cows had significantly lower blood cholesterol levels on the day of parturition. Regarding blood protein, Holstein cows exhibited significantly higher levels on day 14 post-partum, while Achai cows had lower protein levels 7 days before calving. The results further demonstrated that SCC was significantly elevated in Holstein cows on day 21 of parturition and lower on the day of parturition in Achai cows. Overall, the metabolic profile trend and SCC were comparable, yet the studied parameters were more pronounced in Holstein Friesian compared to Achai cows.

Dietary Supplementation with Oregano and Linseed in Autochthonous "Facciuta Lucana" Goats: Effects on Meat Quality Traits in Suckling Kids.

Extruded linseed (Linum usitatissimum) in ruminant diets has been investigated as a strategy to improve the nutritional value and healthiness of meat fat; however, increased polyunsaturated fatty acids may limit the shelf-life of meat. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has a documented antioxidant activity. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed and oregano on goat milk quality and whether the characteristics of goat milk affect the physical and chemical features, fatty acid profile, meat lipid oxidation, and sensory properties of meat from suckling kids. Thirty-six male kids were weaned and divided into three homogeneous groups (n = 12); each group was either fed a control diet (C), or a diet containing 3% extruded linseed with or without the addition of 0.6% oregano ("L + O" and "L", respectively). The diets containing linseed lowered (p < 0.05) the saturated fatty acid content in meat, and increased (p < 0.05) monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid. Oregano addition to the linseed diet proved to be effective in preserving meat shelf-life, as shown by a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the malondialdehyde concentration after 10 days of storage, and improved meat succulence, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptance.

Hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) cake as sustainable dietary additive in slow-growing broilers: effects on performance, meat quality, oxidative stability and gut health.

Hemp seed cake (HSC) (Cannabis sativa L.) is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, high-quality proteins and essential amino acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of HSC on growth performance, meat quality traits, fatty acids profile and oxidative status, and intestinal morphology in slow-growing broilers. A total of 180 male slow-growing broilers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments containing different levels of HSC: 0 (HSC0), 5 (HSC5) or 10% (HSC10). Birds were slaughtered at 49 days of age: breast and thigh muscles were analysed and duodenum mucosa histomorphological features were evaluated. Regardless the level of HSC inclusion, no differences among groups were found for performance and meat quality traits. The thigh and breast fatty acid profile were significantly improved in both HSC groups, with an increase of the long chain fatty acids of n-3 series and decrease of n-6/n-3 ratio. The HSC diets lowered the MDA concentration and lipid hydroperoxides in breast meat. Histomorphometrical analysis revealed a significant increase in villus height, surface area and villus/crypt ratio, with a decrease of crypt depth, suggesting that dietary supplementation with HSC may boost intestinal health status in poultry. In conclusion, dietary HSC did not affect performance, carcass traits and meat quality, while it positively influenced the lipid profile of meat, and improved the oxidative status and gut health, thus representing a valuable and sustainable alternative ingredient in broiler diet.

Mycotoxins in milk: Occurrence and evaluation of certain detoxification attempts.

Milk contaminated with mycotoxins is a significant issue affecting human health, especially in infants. The current study aimed to investigate the presence of mycotoxins in milk collected from women farmers' vendors (WFV), and to evaluate certain herbal plant fibers as green mycotoxin binders. Moreover, explore the binding efficiency ratios of mycotoxins using shaking or soaking process incorporated with herbal extracts. Furthermore, compare the taste evaluations of tested milk are enriched with herbal extracts. Results indicated that the fumonisins were not detected in the collected cow milk samples but realized a 25% occurrence ratio in buffalo's milk samples. A high occurrence ratio of aflatoxin M1 (aflaM1) was observed in buffalo and cow milk samples. The soaking process of plant fibers in contaminated milk overnight significantly degrades and adsorbs mycotoxins particles. The shacking process incorporated with plant fibers exhibited more effectiveness in mycotoxins degradation than soaking or shacking processes alone. The speed of shacking process played an important role in the mycotoxin's binding process. All the tested plant fibers effectively reduced all mycotoxin presence in contaminated milk, especially green tea, during the soaking or shacking process. Moreover, the shacking process incorporated with plant fibers promoted and supported the mycotoxins degradation process.

Biological Health Markers Associated with Oxidative Stress in Dairy Cows during Lactation Period.

This review aims to summarize and present different biological health markers in dairy cows during the lactation period. Biochemical health markers provide an indicator of how foreign chemical substances, whether external or internal, affect the animal's health. To understand the relationship between dairy cow health issues and oxidative stress, various biomarkers of oxidative stress must be investigated. Biochemical and hematological factors play a significant role in determining the biological health markers of animals. A variety of biochemical parameters are dependent on various factors, including the animal's breed, its age, its development, its pregnancy status, and its production status. When assessing the health of cattle, a blood test is conducted to determine the blood chemistry. To diagnose diseases in dairy animals, the blood biochemistry is necessary to determine the cause of many physiological, metabolic, and pathological problems. Observing blood alterations during pregnancy and at peak lactation may determine what factors lift oxidative stress in cows due to disturbances in feed intake and metabolic processes.

Influence of Dietary Protein Source and Level on Histological Properties of Muscle and Adipose Tissue of Lambs.

The muscle and adipose tissue histological properties in wether and ewe lambs of Gentile di Puglia breed, fed diets including two protein sources [soybean meal (SB) and SB plus distillers dried grain with solubles (DD)] and three protein levels (12.5, 15.7, and 18.9%) were evaluated. Muscle samples were collected from the longissimus/rump, cut, and stained (reciprocal aerobic and anaerobic stains) for muscle fiber typing and fat cell characterization. Fibers were classified as α-red, ß-red, and α-white. Lambs fed SB had larger α-white (p < 0.10) and smaller-diameter ß-red and α-red fibers (p < 0.05). Among dietary protein levels, lambs fed 12.5% protein exhibited the highest percentage of α-red and the greatest diameter of α-white fibers, whereas wethers had a higher percentage of α-red (p < 0.05), and ewes had a higher percentage of α-white fibers (p < 0.05). Intramuscular fat cells were larger (p < 0.10) in ewes than in wethers. Lambs in the group fed 12.5% protein had larger subcutaneous fat cells at the sacral vertebrae location. Overall, both sources and levels of dietary protein had significant effects on lamb muscle and fat histological features, suggesting the potential of modulating muscle or fiber types through dietary protein strategies.

Enrichment of Dairy-Type Lamb Diet with Microencapsulated Omega-3 Fish Oil: Effects on Growth, Carcass Quality and Meat Fatty Acids.

The hypothesis that adding omega-3 oil to feedlot pellets will improve the meat's favourable n-3 PUFA composition was tested in this experiment. Therefore, we evaluated the productive traits and modification of the composition of n-3 PUFA of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in growing lambs supplemented with microencapsulated omega-3 oil (MEOIL) in pelleted total mixed rations (TMR). Thirty six one month old Valle del Belice male lambs (14.04 ± 0.1 kg) were randomly distributed to one of the three dietary treatments (n = 12 lambs each) and provided the supplemented diets up to 14 weeks of age: 1. control (CON) pelleted TMR without omega-3 oil supplementation; 2. omega-3 oil fortified pelleted TMR at 1% (MEOIL1) supplementation; and 3- Omega-3 oil fortified pelleted TMR at 3% (MEOIL3) supplementation. Supplementing MEOIL at both levels in diet positively impacted (p < 0.05) body weight (BW) and feed efficiency. At the end of feeding period, most carcass quality traits did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among groups, with the exception of carcass dressing and loin yield at both levels of MEOIL. The color and physical traits of LL muscle were affected by MEOIL supplementation (p < 0.05), with no significant change in chemical characteristics. Fatty acids composition of meat in term of linolenic, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by both levels of MEOIL. It was concluded that the tested microencapsulated omega-3 oil preparation may be included at 1% in lamb diet for increasing unsaturated fatty acids in meat without any detrimental effects on lamb productivity.

Quercetin: Putative effects on the function of cryopreserved sperms in domestic animals.

Quercetin is one of the most used antioxidant flavonoids and largely exists in many fruits and vegetables because of its capability to scavenge the free reactive oxygen species (ROSs) by repressing lipid peroxy radical fusion, metal ion chelating through enzyme inhibition, and adopting the repair mechanisms. It also exhibits various biological actions, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, it contributes well to sustaining the endogenous cellular antioxidant defence system. The process of cryopreservation is associated with increased oxidative stress, and some steps are potential sources of ROSs, including the method of semen collection, handling, cryopreservation culture media, and thawing, which result in impaired sperm function. Several antioxidants have been proposed to counteract the harmful impact of ROS during semen cryopreservation. The antioxidant capability of quercetin has been verified in different animal species for providing valuable defence to sperm during the cryopreservation process. The beneficial properties of quercetin on various parameters of fresh and post-thaw sperm in different species are clarified in this review. More in-depth investigations are required to clarify quercetin's mechanism of action in different animal species.

Impacts of sex steroids and aromatase inhibitor on performances, carcass characteristics and gonadal histology of broiler chickens slaughtered at different ages.

This experiment was established to evaluate the influence of synthetic steroid hormone and aromatase inhibitor on performance, carcass characteristics, hormonal profile and gonadal structure of broiler chickens slaughtered at two different ages. A total of 360 Cobb Avian48 chicks were sexed and distributed randomly into three groups: Tam10 group; birds received Tamoxifen10mg (Tamfen 10 mg@ ) orally at a level of 10 mg/kg body weight daily from the 3rd till the 9th day of age; BOL group: birds injected intramuscularly with Boldenone undecylenate (BOLD-GAN@ 0.1 mg/kg) at the 5th and the 9th day of age; and Control group. BOL injection or Tam supplementation improved performance traits compared with the control group. Although Tam positive effect appeared early before the 5th week of age, the BOL effect was delayed to the 6th week. BOL injection improved carcass characteristics of both sexes at both 5 and 6 weeks slaughtering ages. Regardless of treatment effect, the mortality% was higher in the late weeks of age than in the early weeks. Moreover, BOL treatment increased comb% compared with control and Tam treatments. Generally, males had significantly higher testosterone levels and lower oestrogen levels than females. Males treated with Boldenone had the highest testosterone level, although testosterone levels did not differ considerably among females of the various groups. BOL treatment females had the lowest oestrogen level. Both Tam10 and Boldenone had adverse effects on testicular and ovarian histology, affecting the typical structures. Finally, we concluded that the anabolic effect of Tam10 may be achieved in griller broilers production without changing the sex hormones assay. Although Boldenone achieved an anabolic effect without changing blood sex hormone levels, this effect is induced early with females and delayed with males, which prolongs the marketing period. The goal is to shorten this period. Therefore, this material can only be used with the possibility of separating females from males to be used with females only.

Responses of sperm mitochondria functionality in animals to thermal stress: The mitigating effects of dietary natural antioxidants.

The reproductive consequences of global warming representing heat stress (HS) have been widely received more attention in the last decades. HS induced significant influence on the male reproductive cell, especially sperm functionally. Reduction in the sperm function induced by HS leads to failure of fertility potential. The main effects of HS on sperm are reducing sperm motility, increased abnormalities and changes in the fluidity of the membrane as well as cell morphology. Moreover, the destruction of mitochondrial function could be the result of adverse influences of HS. The protein contents and enzymes of mitochondria were lowered after the exposure of sperm to HS. Some natural antioxidants were used for improving sperm mitochondrial function under HS conditions. In this review, it was highlighted the potential influences of HS on sperm function through reduction in ATP Synthesis yield, mitochondrial activity, mitochondrial protein contents and mitochondrial enzymes, which involves the interference of mitochondrial remodelling in sperm of animals.

Aloe vera: A Sustainable Green Alternative to Exclude Antibiotics in Modern Poultry Production.

Over the past 50 years, there has been a rapid increase in the need for poultry meat on a global scale to meet the rising demand from health, ecology, safety and equity. However, there has been a significant rise in recent years in both public demand and scientific interest for organic poultry farming, particularly when using medicinal herbs due to the rising concern of antibiotic resistance in end users. Ban on the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry has resulted in the demand of herbs as alternatives to antibiotics. Various research efforts have illustrated the nutritional value of Aloe vera in improving growth performance and immune status and acting as an antibacterial and anticoccidial agent in poultry. Aloe vera has been used as a supplement in the form of gel, alcoholic extract, powder, polysaccharide and aqueous extract. Aloe vera contains more than 200 nutrients, bioactive compounds, polysaccharides and saponins. In the current review, we have detailed the effect of Aloe vera as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities and blood biochemical alternations in poultry.

Impacts of rare earth elements on animal health and production: Highlights of cerium and lanthanum.

Because the use of antibiotics as growth promoters was banned due to global health concerns, researchers are focusing on exploring alternative safe and effective feed additives. Rare earth elements (REEs) are located in group III of the periodic table, which includes cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), and other elements. Recently, REEs have been involved in many medical, industrial, zootechnical, and agricultural applications. They play a pivotal role in functional and structural molecules in the biological system. Currently, in veterinary practice, REEs have been introduced as new feed additives to improve animal health and production. Based on the previous literature, REEs reportedly enhance milk, egg, and meat production. However, the controversy between adverse (e.g., toxicological and ecotoxicological) and favourable REE-associated effects has not been fully discussed. This review summarizes the relevant literature on the impacts of REEs on animal production and health; specifically, this review emphasizes the application of REEs as alternative safe feed additives used to promote animal growth and performance.

Particulate matter air pollution and respiratory impact on humans and animals.

Air pollution is now fully acknowledged to be a public health problem and a social issue. Particulate matter (PM) concentration has been linked with several clinical manifestations of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and is associated with morbidity and mortality induced by respiratory diseases both in human and animals. Current research on airborne particle-induced health effects investigates the critical characteristics of particulate matter that determine their biological effects. Scientific evidence assessed that the size of the airborne particles and their surface area determine the potential to elicit inflammatory injury, oxidative damage, and other biological effects. Thus, the present review paper aims to summarize the current evidences and findings on the effect of air pollution on lung function in both humans and animals.

The vital roles of boron in animal health and production: A comprehensive review.

Boron (B) has many beneficial functions in biological, metabolic and physiological processes for plants and animals. It plays a vital role in maintaining animal health and preventing nutritional disorders. Boron deficiency has been correlated with low immune function and high incidence of osteoporosis which increases mortality risk. Extraordinary boron level causes cell damage and toxicity in human and different animal species. In the past few years, attention has been paid to clear the pleiotropic effects of boron including activating of immune response, antioxidant detoxification activities, affecting bone metabolism, enhancing animal performance and modulating various body systems. Furthermore, the role of boron as anti-heat stress agent has been identified in plants and suggested in animals. Liver metabolism also shows significant alterations in dairy cows in response to the dietary supplementation of boron. Likewise, adding boron to animal feed enhances bone density, wound healing and embryonic development. Additionally, boron has a potential impact on the metabolism of numerous minerals and enzymes. In view of the information about boron benefits, high or low level boron merits the concern. As well, researches are required to do more in-depth investigations on boron influences, and to adjust its requirements in different animal species.