The Protective Role of Heat Shock Proteins against Stresses in Animal Breeding.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play an important role in all living organisms under stress conditions by acting as molecular chaperones. The expression of different HSPs during stress varies depending on their protective functions and anti-apoptotic activities. The application of HSPs improves the efficiency and decreases the economic cost of animal breeding. By upregulating the expression of HSPs, feed supplements can improve stress tolerance in farm animals. In addition, high expression of HSPs is often a feature of tumor cells, and inhibiting the expression of HSPs is a promising novel method for killing these cells and treating cancers. In the present review, the findings of previous research on the application of HSPs in animal breeding and veterinary medicine are summarized, and the knowledge of the actions of HSPs in animals is briefly discussed.

Modulation of toxic effects of ammonia on growth, pathology of liver and kidney tissues and relative expression of GH and IGF-1 Genes by CoQ10 Supplementation in Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Reducing the negative impact of environmental and stressful factors is a crucial step in achieving sustainable aquaculture. Therefore, a study was aimed at evaluating the impacts of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on growth, relative gene expression of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), liver and kidney histopathology against stress induced by ammonia in Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The fish were given feed containing different levels of CoQ10 for 8 weeks: Control - CoQ10 0%, G1 - CoQ10 0.1%, G2 - CoQ10 0.5% and G3 - CoQ10 1%. At the end of the experiment, fish were exposed to ammonia stress concentration at 0.6mg/L for 24 h to assess liver and kidney tissue damage. Results showed that there was a significant activity increase in GH and IGF-1 genes due to supplementation with CoQ10 alone (p < 0.05). Gene expression for GH increased about two-fold whereas that for IGF-1 experienced a four-fold upregulation compared to controls (p < 0.05). CoQ10's-related antioxidant effects probably minimized liver and kidney cellular injuries, as significant decreases were observed in ammonia-induced mortality (p < 0.05). In summary, adding CoQ10 to the diet is a potential way to improve fish production through controlling the gene expression of GH and IGF-1, as well as making fish populations more resistant to possible future stress caused by ammonia in intensive or super-intensive aquaculture systems.

Dietary lipid supplementation alleviated the impacts of polystyrene nanoplastic exposure in Litopenaeus vannamei.

The widespread occurrence of nanoplastic (NP) pollution in the environment is a growing concern, and its presence poses a potential threat to cultured aquatic animals. Previously, we found that NPs can significantly affect the lipid metabolism of shrimp. However, relevant reports about the effects of increasing dietary lipid levels on NP toxicity are lacking. Therefore, we explored the effects of dietary supplementation with different lipid levels on the growth and lipid metabolism of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). We cultured L. vannamei at three dietary lipid levels (3 %, 6 %, and 9 %) and three NP concentrations (0, 1, and 3 mg/L) for 2 months. We evaluated the effects of lipid levels on growth indexes, hepatopancreas morphological structure, lipid metabolism-related enzyme activity, and gene expression of the shrimp. The results showed that as lipid intake increased, the survival rate, body weight growth rate, and hepatosomatic ratio of the shrimp increased while the feed conversion rate decreased. Additionally, the crude protein and crude lipid contents increased, whereas the moisture and ash contents did not change much. We found that the morphological structure of the hepatopancreas was seriously damaged in the 3 mg/L NPs and 3 % dietary lipid group. Finally, lipid metabolism-related enzyme activities and gene expression levels increased with increased dietary lipid levels. Together, these results suggest that increasing dietary lipid content can improve shrimp growth and alleviate lipid metabolism disorders caused by NPs. This study is the first to show that nutrition regulation can alleviate the toxicity of NPs, and it provides a theoretical basis for the green and healthy culture of L. vannamei.

Selenium Nanoparticles: Revolutionizing Nutrient Enhancement in Aquaculture - A Review.

Aquaculture, a cornerstone of global food production, confronts myriad challenges including disease outbreaks and environmental degradation. Achieving nutritionally balanced aquafeed is critical for sustainable production, prompting exploration into innovative solutions like selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). SeNPs offer potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and growth-promoting properties, bolstering gut immunity and digestive capacity in aquatic animals. Their high bioavailability and ability to traverse gut barriers make them promising candidates for aquafeed supplementation. This study investigates SeNPs as a cutting-edge solution to enhance nutrient supply in aquaculture, addressing key challenges while promoting environmental stewardship and food security. By synthesizing current research and highlighting future directions, this review provides valuable insights into sustainable aquaculture practices. SeNPs hold promise for revolutionizing aquaculture feed formulations, offering a pathway to improved production outcomes and environmental sustainability.

Applications of charcoal, activated charcoal, and biochar in aquaculture - A review.

Environmental pollution and poor feed quality pose potential threats to aquatic organisms and human health, representing challenges for the aquaculture industry. In light of the rising demand for aquatic organisms, there is an urgent need to improve aquacultural production and protect the products from contamination. Char, a carbonaceous material derived through pyrolysis of organic carbon-rich biomass, has proven advantages in soil, air, and water remediation. While char's performance and the associated physicochemical characteristics depend strongly on the pyrolysis temperature, residence time, and feedstock type, char generally shows advantages in pollutant removal from the environment and livestock. This enables it to enhance the health and growth performance of livestock. Given the growing attention to char application in aquaculture in recent years, this review summarises major studies on three applications: aquacultural water treatment, sediment remediation, and char-feed supplement. Most of these studies have demonstrated char's positive effects on pollutant removal from organisms and aquacultural environments. Moreover, adopting char as fish feed can improve fish growth performance and the condition of their intestinal villi. However, due to insufficient literature, further investigation is needed into the mechanistic aspects of pollutants removal in aquatic organisms by char as a feed additive, such as the transportation of char inside aquatic organisms, the positive and negative effects of char on these products, and how char alters the gut microbiota community of these products. This paper presents an overview of the current application of char in aquaculture and highlights the research areas that require further investigation to enrich future studies.

A Holistic Approach to Circular Bioeconomy Through the Sustainable Utilization of Microalgal Biomass for Biofuel and Other Value-Added Products.

Emissions from transportation and industry primarily cause global warming, leading to floods, glacier melt, and rising seas. Widespread greenhouse gas emissions and resulting global warming pose significant risks to the environment, economy, and society. The need for alternative fuels drives the development of third-generation feedstocks: microalgae, seaweed, and cyanobacteria. These microalgae offer traits like rapid growth, high lipid content, non-competition with human food, and growth on non-arable land using brackish or waste water, making them promising for biofuel. These unique phototrophic organisms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and more. This review delves into the realm of microalgal biofuels, exploring contemporary methodologies employed for lipid extraction, significant value-added products, and the challenges inherent in their commercial-scale production. While the cost of microalgae bioproducts remains high, utilizing wastewater nutrients for cultivation could substantially cut production costs. Furthermore, this review summarizes the significance of biocircular economy approaches, which encompass the utilization of microalgal biomass as a feed supplement and biofertilizer, and biosorption of heavy metals and dyes. Besides, the discussion extends to the in-depth analysis and future prospects on the commercial potential of biofuel within the context of sustainable development. An economically efficient microalgae biorefinery should prioritize affordable nutrient inputs, efficient harvesting techniques, and the generation of valuable by-products.

Microbial canthaxanthin: an orange-red keto carotenoid with potential pharmaceutical applications.

Canthaxanthin is an orange-red keto-carotenoid that occurs naturally and is also manufactured by synthetic methods for regular applications. In nature, canthaxanthin mainly exists in microbes such as different bacterial species, fungi, and algae, as well as in animals such as crustaceans, certain fishes, and birds. However, the amount of canthaxanthin produced in these organisms varies significantly. Additionally, the compound can be generated from genetically modified organisms using genetic engineering techniques Canthaxanthin finds extensive application as an additive in animal feed, in the pharmaceutical industry, as a coloring agent for various food products, and in cosmetics. It has powerful antioxidant properties and plays a role in lipid metabolism, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. This article gives an extensive insight into the structure and methods of synthesis of canthaxanthin along with its various newly discovered sources identified so far. The significant applications of canthaxanthin, particularly its role in pharmaceuticals, are critically evaluated. Furthermore, the article discusses future aspects and challenges associated with canthaxanthin production and regulation.

Characterization of hepcidin gene and protection of recombinant hepcidin supplemented in feed against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus).

Hepcidin is a small peptide of defensins with antibacterial activity, and plays an important role in innate immunity against pathogenic microorganisms, which can also participate in the regulation of iron metabolism. The hepcidin gene in Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) (CcHep) was cloned and identified. The total length of CcHep cDNA was 480 bp, containing an open reading frame (ORF) that encoded 91 amino acids (aa), which contained a 24-aa signal peptide, a 42-aa propeptide, and a 25-aa mature peptide. The mature peptide had a typical RX (K/R) R motif and eight conserved cysteine residues forming four pairs of disulfide bonds. Homology and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that CcHep had the closest relationship with that of crucian carp. The expression levels of hepcidin mRNA in healthy and Aeromonas hydrophila stimulated fish were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results showed that CcHep mRNA was expressed in different tissues of healthy fish with the highest relative expression level in liver, followed by kidney and intestine, and the lowest expression level was observed in heart. The hepcidin gene was extremely significantly up-regulated in head kidney, intestine, liver, skin, spleen, and gill at 6 h and 12 h after A. hydrophila infection. Furthermore, the immunoregulation effect of dietary recombinant protein was evaluated. The recombinant hepcidin protein (rCcHep) was successfully expressed by Pichia pastoris X-33 and showed strong antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Vibrio anguillarum and Bacillus subtilis in vitro. In order to evaluate the preventive effect of rCcHep, fish were fed with basal diet or diet supplemented with different doses of rCcHep, and then challenged with A. hydrophila. The results showed that immune genes were up-regulated to varying degrees, and feed additive groups exhibited a significantly improved up-regulation expressions of Lysozyme, Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR 5), Major histocompatibility complex classⅡ (MHCⅡ), while inhibited up-regulation expressions of Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), Interleukin 8 (IL-8), and Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in liver and spleen compared to the control. Meanwhile, the relative immune protection rate in 120 mg/kg feed additive group was 28%, and the bacterial clearance rate in tissues of this group was higher than that of the control. Collectively, these results indicated that rCcHep had antibacterial activity and showed an immune protection effect against A. hydrophila, and could be considered as a dietary supplement to apply in aquaculture.

Assessment of cecal microbiota modulation from piglet dietary supplementation with copper.

BACKGROUND: Swine production expanded in the last decades. Efforts have been made to improve meat production and to understand its relationship to pig gut microbiota. Copper (Cu) is a usual supplement to growth performance in animal production. Here, two performance studies were conducted to investigate the effects of three different sources of Cu on the microbiota of piglets. A total of 256 weaned piglets were randomly allocated into 4 treatments (10 replicates per treatment of 4 piglets per pen in Trial 1 and 8 replicates of 3 piglets per pen in Trial 2). Treatments included a control group (fed 10 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO4), a group fed at 160 mg/kg of Copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) or tri-basic copper chloride (TBCC), and a group fed with Cu methionine hydroxy analogue chelated (Cu-MHAC) at 150, 80, and 50 mg/kg in Phases 1 (24-35 d), 2 (36-49 d), and 3 (50-70 d), respectively. At 70 d, the cecum luminal contents from one pig per pen were collected and polled for 16 S rRNA sequencing (V3/V4 regions). Parameters were analyzed in a completely randomized block design, in which each experiment was considered as a block. RESULTS: A total of 1337 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified. Dominance and Simpson ecological metrics were statistically different between control and treated groups (P < 0.10) showing that different Cu sources altered the gut microbiota composition with the proliferation of some bacteria that improve gut health. A high abundance of Prevotella was observed in all treatments while other genera were enriched and differentially modulated, according to the Cu source and dosage. The supplementation with Cu-MHAC can modify a group of bacteria involved in feed efficiency (FE) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production (Clostridium XIVa, Desulfovibrio, and Megasphera). These bacteria are also important players in the activation of ghrelin and growth hormones that were previously reported to correlate with Cu-MHAC supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that some genera seem to be directly affected by the Cu source offered to the animals. TBCC and Cu-MHAC (even in low doses) can promote healthy modifications in the gut bacterial composition, being a promising source of supplementation for piglets.

Biocontrol potential of Apilactobacillus kunkeei EIR/BG-1 against infectious diseases in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.).

The significant reduction of honey bee colonies due to the various infectious agents highlights the need for the development of new alternatives and integrated management strategies to keep a hive strong and healthy. The main purpose of this study was to develop an environmentally and friendly microbial feed supplements to prevent honey bee mortality and keep the bee colony population healthy and productive. For this aim, Apilactobacillus kunkeei EIR/BG-1 isolated from honey bee gut microbiota was evaluated for its preventive role against American Foulbrood disease and nosemosis. To test the ability of the strain EIR/BG-1 for suppressing Paenibacillus larvae growth under in vitro conditions, the agar well diffusion method was used and viable cells of the strain EIR/BG-1 inhibited the growth of P. larvae with an efficient inhibition zone (24 ± 0.8 mm) similar to tetracycline antibiotic (30 µg). To determine the preventive role of the strain EIR/BG-1 on infection progression, its viable cells were applied against nosemosis in a laboratory experimental setting. Our results showed that prophylactic supplementation of Al. kunkeei EIR/BG-1 (106 cfu/bee) significantly reduced the spore load (66 ± 6.1%). Besides, gene expression of antimicrobial peptides in gut tissue has been up-regulated and infected midgut epithelium integrity and peritrophic membrane production were improved. In conclusion, our findings suggest that prophylactic supplementation of Al. kunkeei EIR/BG-1 as a natural strategy may enhance the honey bee's response when challenged by pathogens. Field applications towards gaining a better understanding of its biocontrol role will be the main goal of our future researches.

Impact of Camellia sinensis Iron Oxide Nanoparticle on Growth, Hemato-biochemical and Antioxidant Capacity of Blue Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) Fingerlings.

The effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) iron oxide nanoparticles (nano-Fe) on the effectiveness, growth, antioxidant capacity, and immunological response of Trichogaster trichopterus (Blue gourami) fingerlings was investigated. UV-Visible, Fourier Transform Infrared, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, Dynamic Light Scattering, and Zeta Potential spectroscopy were used to evaluate the biologically synthesized nano-Fe. Characterization revealed the hexagonal and spherical morphology with an average diameter of 114 nm. Six different experimental diets were supplied to the fish in duplicate for 60 days. The first diet served as a control (no nano-Fe supplementation), whereas the remaining five diets contained nano-Fe at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg (D1 to D5). The results indicated that fish fed a nano-Fe diet at a concentration of 40 mg/kg had improved growth performance, biochemical constituents, hematological parameters, and antioxidant activity in T. trichopterus, implying that it might be used as a vital feed supplement in ornamental fish culture.

Yeast Products Mediated Ruminal Subenvironmental Microbiota, and Abnormal Metabolites and Digestive Enzymes Regulated Rumen Fermentation Function in Sheep.

Yeast products (YP) are commonly used as rumen regulators, but their mechanisms of action are still unclear. Based on our previous studies, we questioned whether yeast products would have an impact on rumen solid-associated (SA) and liquid-associated (LA) microorganisms and alter rumen fermentation patterns. Thirty 3-month-old male sheep weighing 19.27 ± 0.45 kg were selected and randomized into three groups for 60 days: (1) basal diet group (CON group), (2) basal diet add 20 g YP per day (low YP, LYP group) and (3) basal diet add 40 g YP per day (high YP, HYP group). The results demonstrated that the addition of YP increased rumen cellulase activity, butyrate and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentrations (p < 0.05), while it decreased rumen amylase activity and abnormal metabolites, such as lactate, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and histamine (HIS) (p < 0.05). Metagenomic analysis of rumen microorganisms in three groups revealed that YP mainly influenced the microbial profiles of the SA system. YP increased the relative abundance of R. flavefaciens and decreased methanogens in the SA system (p < 0.05). With the addition of YP, the abundance of only a few lactate-producing bacteria increased in the SA system, including Streptococcus and Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). However, almost all lactate-utilizing bacteria increased in the LA system, including Megasphaera, Selenomonas, Fusobacterium and Veillonella (p < 0.05). In addition, YP increased the abundance of certain GHs family members, including GH43 and GH98 (p < 0.05), but decreased the abundance of some KEGG metabolic pathways involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, biosynthesis of antibiotics and purine metabolism, among others. In conclusion, the addition of YP to high-concentrate diets can change the abundance of major functional microbiota in the rumen, especially in the solid fraction, which in turn affects rumen fermentation patterns and improves rumen digestibility.

Effects of rumen-native microbial feed supplementation on milk yield, composition, and feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two rumen-native microbial feed supplements (MFS) on milk production, milk composition, and feed efficiency. A total of 90 multiparous cows between 40 and 60 d in milk were enrolled in a randomized block design study. Within each block (baseline milk yield), cows were randomly assigned to: control (no microbial feed supplementation), MFS1 (0.33 g/kg total mixed ration [TMR] of an MFS containing a minimum of Clostridium beijerinckii at 2 × 106 CFU/g and Pichia kudriavzevii at 2 × 107 CFU/g), or MFS2 (0.33 g/kg TMR of a MFS containing a minimum of C. beijerinckii at 2 × 106 CFU/g, P. kudriavzevii at 2 × 107 CFU/g, Ruminococcus bovis at 2 × 107 CFU/g, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens at 2 × 107 CFU/g). Cows were housed in a single group and fed the study diets ad libitum for 270 d. Individual milk yield was recorded using electronic milk meters, and milk fat and protein were measured using optical in-line analyzers at each of two daily milkings. Treatment and treatment by time effects were assessed through multiple linear regression analyses. Treatment effects were observed for milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yields, milk fat and protein yields and concentrations, dry matter intake (DMI), and feed efficiency; those effects were conditional to time for milk yield, DMI, and feed efficiency. Overall, milk, ECM, fat, and protein yields were higher for MFS2 compared with control cows (+3.0, 3.7, 0.12, and 0.12 kg/d, respectively). Compared with MFS1, milk yield was higher and protein yield tended to be higher for MFS2 cows (+2.9 and 0.09 kg/d, respectively). In contrast, MFS1 cows produced 0.17 and 0.08 units of percentage per day more fat and protein than MFS2 cows, and 0.07 units of percentage per day more protein than control cows. Dry matter intake and feed efficiency were higher for MFS2 cows compared with MFS1 cows (+1.3 kg/d and 0.06, respectively), and feed efficiency was higher for MFS2 cows compared with control cows (+0.04). Where observed, treatment by time effects suggest that the effects of MFS2 were more evident as time progressed after supplementation was initiated. No effects of microbial supplementation were observed on body weight, body condition score, somatic cell count, or clinical mastitis case incidence. In conclusion, the supplementation of MFS2 effectively improved economically important outcomes such as milk yield, solids, and feed efficiency.

This study evaluates the effects of two rumen-native microbial feed supplements (MFS) on milk yield, composition, and feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows. Ninety multiparous Holstein cows between 40 and 60 d in milk were assigned to control (no microbial feed supplementation), MFS1 (Clostridium beijerinckii and Pichia kudriavzevii), or MFS2 (C. beijerinckii, P. kudriavzevii, Ruminococcus bovis, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens) total mixed ration supplementation. Overall, MFS2 cows had higher milk and milk component yields than control and MFS1, while MFS1 cows had higher milk component concentrations than control and MFS2. Feed efficiency was higher for MFS2 compared with control and MFS1 cows. Microbial feed supplementation improved economically important outcomes such as milk yield, solids, and feed efficiency.

Identification of the economics, composition, and supplementation of maggot meal in broiler production.

The primary goal of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of maggot meal protein supplements in broiler production. Maggot meal comprises 55 percent crude protein (CP), 27.65% ether extract, 8.33% Ash, 3.37 crude fiber (CF), 2.14 NFE, 94.7 percent Dry Matter, 5702 kcal/kg gross energy, and 3955 kcal/kg metabolizing energy, according to proximate analysis. Maggot meal supplementation affected broiler meat feed intake, body weight gain, FCR, dressing %, mortality, antibody titer against ND, and organoleptic features. The cost-effectiveness of maggot supplementation was also evaluated. Birds were put into four experimental groups after a week of adaptation:Control group (M0), the first experimental group (M1), the second experimental group (M2), and the third experimental group (M3), which received supplements of 0, 2, 3, and 4 g/kg, respectively. A plane ratio was given to the control group as well. The overall feed intake findings were inversely proportional to the supplementation rate. Thus, the highly supplemented group (M3) showed the lowest feed intake than the control group (M0). Bodyweight gain was directly proportional to the supplementation rate, as evident by a considerable increase in the highly supplemented group (M3) compared to the control group.

Extracts of Citrus Juice Processing Wastes Induce Weight Gain and Decrease Serum Glucose in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

In this study, the safety and functionality of using citrus juice processing waste (CJPW) was confirmed. Large quantities of CJPW are generated on Jeju Island and cause environmental problems. CJPW extract (2,000 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically to male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for 14 days and the rats were analyzed. No general signs of toxicity were observed in SD rats administered CJPW extract. Feed intake did not differ between experimental and control animals. However, male and female rats administered CJPW extract had greater weight gain (102.9±5.53% and 114.15±6.89%, respectively) compared with the control animals. Higher weight gain was found in male and female experimental animals, but the difference was only significant in female animals. Serum analyses indicated that total protein and albumin, indicators of nutritional status, were significantly increased in animals administered CJPW. Further, serum glucose values were lower in male and female rats treated with CJPW (91.6±9.02% and 69.9±4.11%, respectively) compared with the controls; again, the difference was significant only for female animals. From the results of this study, CJPW can be considered as a safe material that does not induce toxicity in experimental animals. Therefore, CJPW is a potential raw material that can be used as a supplement in animal feed to help improve weight gain and achieve serum glucose con-trol.

Extracts of Sida cordifolia contain polysaccharides possessing immunomodulatory activity and rosmarinic acid compounds with antibacterial activity.

BACKGROUND: The overuse of antibiotics has led to increased antimicrobial resistance, but plant-derived biological response modifiers represent a potential alternative to these drugs. This investigation examined the immunomodulatory and antibacterial activities of Sida cordifolia (used in ethnomedicinal systems to treat infectious disease). METHODS: Successive extractions were performed from the roots of these plants in hexane, chloroform, methanol and water. Immunomodulatory activity was determined in a series of experiments measuring the responses of splenocytes, macrophages and an in vivo model of innate immunity (Galleria mellonella). Antibacterial activity was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBCs) for various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. RESULTS: Immunomodulatory activity was confined to the aqueous extract, and further fractionation and biochemical analysis yielded a highly potent polysaccharide-enriched fraction (SCAF5). SCAF5 is a complex mixture of different polysaccharides with multiple immunomodulatory effects including immune cell proliferation, antibody secretion, phagocytosis, nitric oxide production, and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, Galleria mellonella pre-treated with SCAF5 produced more haemocytes and were more resistant (P < 0.001) to infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with a 98% reduction in bacterial load in pre-treated larvae compared to the negative control. The antibacterial activity of Sida cordifolia was confined to the methanolic fraction. Extensive fractionation identified two compounds, rosmarinic acid and its 4-O-ß-d-glucoside derivative, which had potent activity against Gram-positive antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA. CONCLUSIONS: Sida cordifolia counters bacterial infections through a dual mechanism, and immunomodulatory polysaccharides from this plant should be isolated and characterised to realise their potential as anti-infective agents. Such properties could be developed as an antibiotic alternative (1) in the clinic and (2) alternative growth promoter for the agri-food industry.

Influence of Dietary Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Broiler Zinc Uptake, Bone Quality, and Antioxidative Status.

A total of 180 broiler chickens (Cobb500) were randomly allotted to five experimental groups consisting of six replicates and six birds in each pen. Each group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg ZnO (control) and 10, 40, 70, and 100 mg/kg ZnO NPs for 35 days. Resultantly, Zn uptake and accumulation in serum, breast muscle, tibia bone, and liver were linearly and significantly (p < 0.05) increased with increasing dietary ZnO NPs supplementation at 100 mg/kg compared to the control group (dietary 100 mg/kg ZnO), implying effective absorption capacity of ZnO NPs. This was followed by lower Zn excretion in feces in broilers fed ZnO NPs compared to controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary ZnO NPs at 40, 70, and 100 mg/kg levels improved broiler tibia bone morphological traits, such as weight, length, and thickness. Similarly, tibia bone mineralization increased in broilers fed ZnO NPs at 100 mg/kg compared to the control (p < 0.05), as demonstrated by tibia ash, Zn, Ca, and P retention. Antioxidative status in serum and liver tissue was also increased in broilers fed dietary ZnO NPs at 70 and 100 mg/kg compared to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary ZnO NPs increased Zn absorption in broiler chickens and had a positive influence on tibia bone development and antioxidative status in serum and liver tissue, with dietary ZnO NPs supplementation at 70 and 100 mg/kg showing the optimum effects.

The effect of pumpkin seed cake and ground cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) supplementation on gastrointestinal nematode egg shedding in sheep.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed additives (pumpkin seed cake and cloves) on the egg excretion of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in sheep. Thirty ewes naturally infected with GIN were randomly selected from a flock and assigned to the following groups of 10 animals each: clove group (received 1.8 g ground cloves/ewe/day, for 7 days), pumpkin seed cake group (200 g pumpkin seed cake/ewe/day, for 7 days) and control group. Before starting the study, on day 0, and 5 days after the 7-day supplementation, on day 12, the body condition and FAMACHA scores were assessed and individual faecal egg counts (FEC) were performed. The mean body condition and the FAMACHA scores did not change significantly between day 0 and 12 with the exception of a significantly deteriorated FAMACHA score in the clove group. The percentage reduction of FEC was 40.7% on day 12 in the clove group and 52.9% in the pumpkin seed cake group. In the control group, FEC increased by 8.7%. A coproculture of faecal samples from four of the most infected animals on day 0 revealed Trichostrongylus spp. larvae L3 in all four selected ewes, Ostertagia spp. and Cooperia spp. in three and Haemonchus contortus in one ewe. These results are promising and encourage further studies aimed to evaluate the possibility that these plant supplements could be a complementary method for parasite control, thus reducing the need for chemotherapy.

TITLE: Effet de la supplémentation en tourteau de graines de citrouille et en clous de girofle moulus (Syzygium aromaticum) sur la production d'œufs des nématodes gastro-intestinaux chez les moutons. ABSTRACT: Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer l'effet des additifs alimentaires (tourteaux de graines de citrouille et clous de girofle) sur la production d'œufs par les nématodes gastro-intestinaux (NGI) chez le mouton. Trente brebis naturellement infectées par des NGI ont été sélectionnées au hasard dans un troupeau et réparties dans les groupes suivants de 10 animaux chacun : groupe clou de girofle (1,8 g de clous de girofle moulus / brebis / jour, pendant 7 jours), groupe tourteau de graines de citrouille (200 g de tourteau de graines de citrouille / brebis / jour, pendant 7 jours) et groupe témoin. Avant de commencer l'étude, au jour 0, et cinq jours après la supplémentation de 7 jours, au jour 12, l'état corporel et les scores FAMACHA ont été évalués et des dénombrements d'œufs fécaux (DOF) individuels ont été effectués. L'état corporel moyen et les scores FAMACHA n'ont pas changé de manière significative entre le jour 0 et le jour 12 à l'exception d'un score FAMACHA significativement détérioré dans le groupe clou de girofle. Le pourcentage de réduction du DOF était de 40,7 % au jour 12 dans le groupe clou de girofle et de 52,9 % dans le groupe tourteau de graines de citrouille. Dans le groupe témoin, le DOF a augmenté de 8,7 %. Une coproculture d'échantillons fécaux de quatre des animaux les plus infectés au jour 0 a révélé des larves L3 de Trichostrongylus spp. chez les quatre brebis sélectionnées, Ostertagia spp. et Cooperia spp. dans trois et Haemonchus contortus dans une. Ces résultats sont prometteurs et encouragent de nouvelles études visant à évaluer la possibilité que ces suppléments végétaux puissent être une méthode complémentaire de contrôle des parasites, réduisant ainsi le besoin en chimiothérapie.

Inhibited Methanogenesis in the Rumen of Cattle: Microbial Metabolism in Response to Supplemental 3-Nitrooxypropanol and Nitrate.

3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) supplementation to cattle diets mitigates enteric CH4 emissions and may also be economically beneficial at farm level. However, the wider rumen metabolic response to methanogenic inhibition by 3-NOP and the N O 2 - intermediary metabolite requires further exploration. Furthermore, N O 3 - supplementation potently decreases CH4 emissions from cattle. The reduction of N O 3 - utilizes H2 and yields N O 2 - , the latter of which may also inhibit rumen methanogens, although a different mode of action than for 3-NOP and its N O 2 - derivative was hypothesized. Our objective was to explore potential responses of the fermentative and methanogenic metabolism in the rumen to 3-NOP, N O 3 - and their metabolic derivatives using a dynamic mechanistic modeling approach. An extant mechanistic rumen fermentation model with state variables for carbohydrate substrates, bacteria and protozoa, gaseous and dissolved fermentation end products and methanogens was extended with a state variable of either 3-NOP or N O 3 - . Both new models were further extended with a N O 2 - state variable, with N O 2 - exerting methanogenic inhibition, although the modes of action of 3-NOP-derived and N O 3 - -derived N O 2 - are different. Feed composition and intake rate (twice daily feeding regime), and supplement inclusion were used as model inputs. Model parameters were estimated to experimental data collected from the literature. The extended 3-NOP and N O 3 - models both predicted a marked peak in H2 emission shortly after feeding, the magnitude of which increased with higher doses of supplement inclusion. The H2 emission rate appeared positively related to decreased acetate proportions and increased propionate and butyrate proportions. A decreased CH4 emission rate was associated with 3-NOP and N O 3 - supplementation. Omission of the N O 2 - state variable from the 3-NOP model did not change the overall dynamics of H2 and CH4 emission and other metabolites. However, omitting the N O 2 - state variable from the N O 3 - model did substantially change the dynamics of H2 and CH4 emissions indicated by a decrease in both H2 and CH4 emission after feeding. Simulations do not point to a strong relationship between methanogenic inhibition and the rate of N O 3 - and N O 2 - formation upon 3-NOP supplementation, whereas the metabolic response to N O 3 - supplementation may largely depend on methanogenic inhibition by N O 2 - .

Physiological status of broiler chickens with diets supplemented with milk thistle extract.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In recent decades, the use of various feed supplements is the current trend in poultry farming, among which phytogenics serve as alternatives to feed antibiotics. This study aimed to examine the effect of feeding various doses of milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum) on the morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood in broiler chickens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were carried out in an industrial poultry farm on broiler chickens of the Hubbard ISA F15 cross for 40 days. One control group and five experimental groups of day-old chickens were formed. The number of birds in each group was 50. Broilers of all groups received complete feed, and the experimental groups received an additional milk thistle extract at doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/kg of body weight. Milk thistle medicinal plant extract was obtained using water-ethanol extraction followed by low-temperature vacuum drying. For the assessment of blood analyses, samples were collected from the wing vein of six chickens per group. Using unified methods recommended by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry, the content of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, total protein, protein fractions, triglycerides, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, and the concentration of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood serum were determined. RESULTS: It was found that the introduction of milk thistle extract into the diet of broiler chickens with the aforementioned doses increased the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells in the blood, as well as a decrease in the level of albumin and an increase in the content of γ-globulins in its serum. CONCLUSION: The authors assume that the introduction of milk thistle extract into a complete feed for broiler chickens increased the anabolic processes in their bodies, accompanied by increased use of proteins of the albumin fraction as the main material for organogenesis.