Leveraging browse and grazing forage estimates to optimize index-based livestock insurance.

African pastoralists suffer recurrent droughts that cause high livestock mortality and vulnerability to climate change. The index-based livestock insurance (IBLI) program offers protection against drought impacts. However, the current IBLI design relying on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) may pose limitation because it does not consider the mixed composition of rangelands (including herbaceous and woody plants) and the diverse feeding habits of grazers and browsers. To enhance IBLI, we assessed the efficacy of utilizing distinct browse and grazing forage estimates from woody LAI (LAIW) and herbaceous LAI (LAIH), respectively, derived from aggregate leaf area index (LAIA), as an alternative to NDVI for refined IBLI design. Using historical livestock mortality data from northern Kenya as reference ground dataset, our analysis compared two competing models for (1) aggregate forage estimates including sub-models for NDVI, LAI (LAIA); and (2) partitioned biomass model (LAIP) comprising LAIH and LAIW. By integrating forage estimates with ancillary environmental variables, we found that LAIP, with separate forage estimates, outperformed the aggregate models. For total livestock mortality, LAIP yielded the lowest RMSE (5.9 TLUs) and higher R2 (0.83), surpassing NDVI and LAIA models RMSE (9.3 TLUs) and R2 (0.6). A similar pattern was observed for species-specific livestock mortality. The influence of environmental variables across the models varied, depending on level of mortality aggregation or separation. Overall, forage availability was consistently the most influential variable, with species-specific models showing the different forage preferences in various animal types. These results suggest that deriving distinct browse and grazing forage estimates from LAIP has the potential to reduce basis risk by enhancing IBLI index accuracy.

Optimizing nutrient utilization, hydraulic loading rate, and feed conversion ratios through freshwater IMTA-aquaponic and hydroponic systems as an environmentally sustainable aquaculture concept.

Water quality in land-based fish production can be controlled through either instantaneous water exchange or costly wastewater treatment followed by recirculation. Agricultural-aquaculture integration is an excellent alternative technique for reducing nutrient discharge levels, boosting profitability, and converting fish culture wastewater into valuable products. The current study employed a solar energy system to power two separate IMTA-aquaponics systems (Nutrient Film Technique, NFT, and Floating Raft Systems, FRS) for the cultivation of Nile tilapia, African catfish, thin-lipped grey mullet, freshwater crayfish, freshwater mussels, and a variety of vegetables. Tilapia and catfish were fed exclusively on diets under the IMTA system. All wastewater from tilapia and catfish ponds, both dissolved and solid, flows sequentially to ponds containing other cultivated species. The water then flows through the IMTA system's terminal point to the NFT and FRS systems before returning to the tilapia and catfish ponds, allowing complete control of the nutrient flow throughout this entire circular system. Two 147-day production cycles were concluded. The results from the second production cycle are reported. Total biomass gain for aquatic species in the IMTA system was 736.46 kg, compared to 145.49 kg in the tilapia and 271.01 kg in the catfish monoculture systems. The current IMTA system had a cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 0.90, while the FCRs for tilapia and catfish were 1.28 and 1.42, respectively. Nile tilapia and catfish consumed 571.90 kg of feed containing 25.70 kg of nitrogen (N) and 9.70 kg of phosphorus (P), reflecting, and gaining 11.41 and 3.93 kg of dietary N and P, representing 44.40 and 40.46% dietary N and P retention, respectively. In the IMTA system, the addition of mullet and prawn as detrivores aquatic animals improves dietary N and P utilization efficiency to 59.06 and 51.19%, respectively, while the addition of mussels as herbivore animals improves dietary N and P utilization efficiency to 65.61 and 54.67%, respectively. Finally, using FRS and NFT as hydroponic systems increased dietary N and P efficiency to 83.51% N and 96.82% P, respectively. This study shows that the IMTA-Aquaponic system, as a bio-integrated food production system, can convert the majority of fish-fed residues into valuable products suitable for desert, rural, and urban areas in impoverished and developing countries.

Europium Nanoparticle-Based Lateral Flow Strip Biosensors for the Detection of Quinoxaline Antibiotics and Their Main Metabolites in Fish Feeds and Tissues.

Olaquindox (OLA) and quinocetone (QCT) have been prohibited in aquatic products due to their significant toxicity and side effects. In this study, rapid and visual europium nanoparticle (EuNP)-based lateral flow strip biosensors (LFSBs) were developed for the simultaneous quantitative detection of OLA, QCT, and 3-methyl-quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid (MQCA) in fish feed and tissue. The EuNP-LFSBs enabled sensitive detection for OLA, QCT, and MQCA with a limit of detection of 0.067, 0.017, and 0.099 ng/mL (R2 ≥ 0.9776) within 10 min. The average recovery of the EuNP-LFSBs was 95.13%, and relative standard deviations were below 9.38%. The method was verified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the test results were consistent. Therefore, the proposed LFSBs serve as a powerful tool to monitor quinoxalines in fish feeds and their residues in fish tissues.

Elements in Serum, Muscle, Liver, and Kidney of Rabbits Fed Macroalgae-Supplemented Diets.

The addition of marine macroalgae to animal feed has garnered interest due to the demonstrated benefits of gut health in many livestock species. Most macroalgae have a higher mineral content than terrestrial vegetables, making them an attractive, sustainable source of minerals. However, some macroalgae contain elevated concentrations of iodine and arsenic, which may be transferred to the meat of livestock fed with macroalgae. This study evaluated the mineral profile of rabbit serum, muscle, liver, and kidney of rabbits fed diets supplemented with different marine macroalgae, with the goal of improving post-weaning gut health and reducing reliance on antibiotics. We found increased deposition of iodine in muscle, liver, and kidney due to macroalgae supplementation, which is particularly promising for regions with low iodine endemicity. Higher, though relatively low arsenic concentrations, compared to those in other animal meats and food sources, were also detected in the muscle, liver, and kidney of macroalgae-fed rabbits. The absence of apparent interactions with other micronutrients, particularly selenium, suggests that the inclusion of macroalgae in rabbit diets will not affect the overall mineral content. Enhanced bioavailability of elements such as phosphorus and iron may provide additional benefits, potentially reducing the need for mineral supplementation.

The Effects of Aflatoxin B1 on Liver Cholestasis and Its Nutritional Regulation in Ducks.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on cholestasis in duck liver and its nutritional regulation. Three hundred sixty 1-day-old ducks were randomly divided into six groups and fed for 4 weeks. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the experimental group diet contained 90 µg/kg of AFB1. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin were added to the diets of four experimental groups. The results show that in the AFB1 group, the growth properties, total bile acid (TBA) serum levels and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) liver levels decreased, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) and TBA liver levels increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, AFB1 caused cholestasis. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin could reduce the TBA serum and liver levels (p < 0.05), alleviating the symptoms of cholestasis. The qPCR results show that AFB1 upregulated cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and cytochrome P450 family 8 subfamily B member 1 (CYP8B1) gene expression and downregulated ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 11 (BSEP) gene expression in the liver, and taurine and emodin downregulated CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 gene expression (p < 0.05). In summary, AFB1 negatively affects health and alters the expression of genes related to liver bile acid metabolism, leading to cholestasis. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin can alleviate AFB1-induced cholestasis.

Effects of guanidino acetic acid and betaine supplementation on growth, dietary nutrient digestion and intestinal creatine metabolism in sheep.

BACKGROUND: The intestine of young ruminants is in the developmental stage and has weaker resistance to the changes of external environment. Improving intestinal health is vital to promoting growth of young ruminants. This study investigated effects of guanidino acetic acid (GAA) and rumen-protected betaine (RPB) supplementation on growth, dietary nutrient digestion and GAA metabolism in the small intestine of sheep. METHODS: Eighteen healthy Kazakh rams (27.46 ± 0.10 kg of body weight and 3-month old) were categorized into control, test group I and test group II, which were fed a basal diet, 1500 mg/kg GAA and 1500 mg/kg GAA + 600 mg/kg RPB, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with control group, test group II had increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain, plasma creatine level, ether extract (EE) and phosphorus digestibility on day 30. On day 60, the EE apparent digestibility, jugular venous plasma GAA, GAA content in the duodenal mucosa and GAA content in the jejunal and ileal mucosa of test group II were higher (p < 0.05) than other groups. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the duodenal pathways of oxidative phosphorylation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were significantly altered in test group II versus test group I (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the jejunum, the MAPK signalling pathway, complement and coagulation cascade and B-cell receptor signalling pathway were significantly enriched, with ATPase, solute carrier transporter protein, DHFR, SI, GCK, ACACA and FASN being the significantly DEGs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation of RPB on top of GAA in sheep diets may promote sheep growth and development by improving the body's energy, amino acid, glucose and lipid metabolism capacity.

Effects of finisher diet nutrients density and slaughter age on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and meat quality of broilers.

BACKGROUND: The current broilers have been greatly optimized for weight gain and breast yield, which necessitates the provision of nutrients-dense diets for maximum potential. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of finisher diet nutrients density (ND) on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and breast meat quality of broilers raised until different slaughter age. METHODS: A total of 600 23-day-old broiler male chicks (Cobb-500) were assigned to 10 treatments with six replicates and 10 birds each. Experimental treatments were included factorial arrangement of five increment (2.5%) levels of finisher diet ND (92.5%, 95%, 97.5%, 100% and 102.5% as strain recommendation) and slaughtered at 38 or 46 days of age. The relative difference in the energy level of experimental diets was used to increase ND levels at the same ratio. RESULTS: Feed intake (FI) and breast meat quality traits exception water holding capacity (WHC) were not affected by finisher diet ND. In response to increasing finisher diet ND, energy and protein efficiency, productive traits, bio-economic index (BEI) and breast relative weight (BRW) linearly improved. However, residual feed intake and breast meat WHC improved with a quadratic trend. By using broken-line regression analysis, the optimum dietary ND was obtained at 97.5%-102% of strain recommendation. Energy and protein efficiency, feed conversion ratio and BEI deteriorated by prolonging rearing period. The BRW, meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), hue angle (h*) and WHC values for the birds slaughtered at 46 days of age were significantly higher, and cooking loss was lower than those slaughtered at 38 days old. CONCLUSIONS: Broilers during the finisher period are not able to regulate their FIs with diet ND. The energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance were reduced when broilers were fed diluted diet or the rearing period was prolonged.

Pichia kudriavzevii as feed additive in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diet.

Yeasts are unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms extensively employed in various applications, notably as an alternative source of protein in feeds, owing to their nutritional benefits. Despite their potential, marine and mangrove yeast species used in the aquaculture industry have received little attention in the Philippines. Pichia kudriavzevii (A2B R1 ISO 3), sourced from bark samples, was selected and mass-produced due to its high protein content and amino acid profile. The dried biomass of P. kudriavzevii was incorporated into the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles at varying inclusion levels (0, 1, 2, and 4 g/kg diet) and its effect on their growth performance, body composition, and liver and intestinal morphology was assessed after 40 days of feeding. The groups that received P. kudriavzevii at a concentration of 2 g/kg diet exhibited higher final body weight, percent weight gain, and specific growth rate in comparison to the other treatment groups. Whole body proximate composition did not vary among the dietary groups. Intestinal and liver histopathology also indicated no abnormalities. These findings suggest the potential of ascomycetous P. kudriavzevii as a beneficial feed additive in Nile tilapia diets, warranting further investigation into its long-term effects and broader applications in fish culture.

Arthrospira platensis nanoparticles dietary supplementation improves growth performance, steroid hormone balance, and reproductive productivity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock.

This study evaluates the impact of dietary supplementation of the blue-green alga Arthrospira platensis NIOF17/003 nanoparticles (AN) on the growth performance, whole-body biochemical compositions, blood biochemistry, steroid hormonal, and fry production efficiency of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock, during the spawning season. After a 21-day preparation period to equip the females and ensure that their ovaries were filled with eggs, mating between the mature females and males took place in a 3:1 ratio during a 14-day spawning cycle. A total of 384 tilapia broodstock 288 females and 96 males with an initial body weight of 450.53±0.75, were divided into four groups; AN0: a basal diet as a control group with no supplementation of Arthrospira platensis, and the other three groups (AN2, AN4, and AN6) were diets supplemented with nanoparticles of A. platensis at levels of 2, 4, and 6 g kg─1 diet, respectively. The results found that fish-fed group AN6 showed the highest significant differences in weight gain (WG), final weight (FW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed efficiency ratio (FER). Females fed the AN6 diet showed the highest significant fat content. Compared to the AN0 group, fish fed on the supplemented diets showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in triglyceride, glucose, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). A gradual increase in AN inclusion level resulted in a gradual increase in the concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, progesterone, and prolactin. The rates (%) of increase in fry production for females fed supplemented diets were 10.5, 18.6, and 32.2% for AN2, AN4, and AN6, respectively, compared to the control group. This work concluded that the inclusion levels of 6 g kg─1 of A. platensis nanoparticles in the diet of Nile tilapia broodstock significantly improved the growth performances, steroid hormone concentrations, and increased the fry production efficiency by 32.2%, respectively. These findings revealed that A. platensis nanoparticles resulted in a significantly enhanced female' reproductive productivity of Nile tilapia broodstock.

Transition milk or milk replacer powder as waste milk supplements to cold-stressed neonatal Holstein dairy calves: Effects on performance, feeding behavior, and health.

Young calves are more susceptible to cold than older animals due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature and lack of fat reserves and may have difficulty consuming the energy needed to cope with the cold by maintaining body temperature and meeting their metabolic needs, especially when fed constant levels of waste milk (WM) with less solids, which can be detrimental to health and future performance. An alternative to overcome this problem is increasing the milk's solids content to the existing volume by using different sources [milk replacer powder (MR) or transition milk (TM)]. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing the total solids of WM via MR (WM+MR) or TM (WM+TM) on the performance, feeding behavior, and health-related variables of cold-stressed dairy calves during pre- and post-weaning. We hypothesized that feeding WM supplemented with MR or TM as potential liquid feed enhancers would improve milk dry matter and energy intake of the calves with a positive impact on body development and have no negative impact on feeding behavior and health. Additionally, we hypothesized that MR would not differ from TM. As a sample size calculation at 80% power using power analysis (PROC POWER) in SAS 9.4, a total of 51 Holstein-Friesian vigorous male calves [vigor score 21-27; 17 per treatment; 4-d old; body weight (BW) = 40.0 ± 0.63 kg (mean ± SD)] were selected, assigned randomly to treatments, and housed in individual pens in an outdoor barn. Irrespective of the type of treatment, all calves were fed 6 kg/d liquid feed from d 1 to d 53 of the experiment. In a step-down weaning program, calves received 0.5 kg liquid feed from d 54 to d 60. All calves were weaned on d 61 and remained in the study until d 101 as post-weaning evaluation. The calves had ad libitum access to starter feed and fresh drinking water across the experiment. Intake, growth, and behavior data were analyzed using a general linear mixed model and health data were analyzed using mixed logistic regression, mixed linear regression, and survival analysis models in SAS. We found that supplementation was responsible for a greater dry matter intake (DMI; P = 0.004), superior average BW (P = 0.037), and increased crude protein (CP; P = 0.001) and crude fat (CF; P = 0.001) intakes, with the most favorable outcomes observed for the WM+TM group when compared with WM+MR. Animals fed WM (control group; CON) showed a smaller average daily gain during the first 40-d of life (P = 0.026), showing slight changes during the whole period of evaluation when compared with the supplemented groups (SUP; WM+MR and WM+TM). No difference between MR- and TM-SUP groups, probability of having abnormal appearance (P = 0.032) and pneumonia occurrence (P = 0.022) was reduced in the SUP than in CON animals, with no effect on diarrhea among treatment groups (P = 0.461). Using milk supplements added to WM is an alternative to improve the intake, performance, and health of young calves under cold stress. Our findings showed that SUP animals outperformed the CON group in terms of DMI, average BW, and intake of CP and CF, with the TM-SUP group displaying the most favorable outcomes. Moreover, the SUP groups demonstrated reduced odds of experiencing abnormal appearance and pneumonia, highlighting the positive impact of supplementation on calf health.

Agro-industrial by-products as ruminant feed: Nutritive value and in vitro rumen fermentation evaluation.

In recent years, agricultural by-products have generated increasing interest as ruminant feed. In a completely randomized design with five experimental treatments, this in vitro study investigated the nutritional value of citrus pulp and onion peel as alternative feed for ruminants and their effects on rumen fermentation, digestibility, and gas production. The first group was the control (50% grass hay/50% concentrate mixture). The other four treatments represented citrus pulp and onion peel at inclusion levels of 10 and 20%, replacing the expensive, high-quality feed ingredients such as the concentrate mixture. The chemical composition showed that citrus pulp is an energy-rich material that could be included up to 20% to replace part of the concentrate in a mixed diet without any adverse impacts on rumen fermentation parameters. The onion peels were rich in fiber and minerals. Their inclusion in the diet of over 10% had detrimental effects on rumen fermentation. The inclusion of either citrus pulp or onion peel in the diet did not have the potential to reduce enteric methane production. In conclusion, citrus pulp showed promising results as a new feed for ruminants. It was effective when included in up to 20% of a ruminant diet, replacing the concentrate mixture.

Live performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response and fecal microbial load modulation in Japanese quails fed a Bacillus-based probiotic alone or combination with xylanase.

Animal industry seeks cost-effective solutions to enhance performance and health of domestic animals. This study investigated the effects of supplementing Bacillus spp. probiotics and xylanase on 2000 one-day-old Japanese quails, randomly assigned to four treatment groups (10 replicates). The control group received no supplementation, while the others were supplemented with a Bacillus-based probiotic at 7.5 × 107 cfu/kg of feed, xylanase enzyme (2,000 U/kg) alone or in combination. Quails receiving both probiotic and enzyme exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher weekly and overall weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratios compared to the control group. Dressing percentage was higher (p < 0.01), and mortality lower in birds supplemented with a combination of enzyme and probiotic. Antibody titres against infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in quails receiving combined probiotic and enzyme supplementation, while titres against Newcastle disease virus were higher (p < 0.01) in groups supplemented with probiotic and enzyme individually or in combination. Additionally, digestibility was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in groups receiving combined enzyme and probiotic supplementation, with higher apparent metabolizable energy compared to the control. The populations of beneficial Lactobacillus increased, while harmful E. coli and Salmonella decreased significantly in quails supplemented with both probiotic and enzyme. In conclusion, supplementing xylanase enzyme and probiotic together in Japanese quails positively influenced growth, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and cecal microbiota.

Dietary incorporation of brown seaweed spent oyster mushroom substrate alters growth performance, physiological responses and meat quality parameters in Boschveld roosters.

Use of brown seaweed (Ecklonia maxima) as a nutraceutical source in indigenous chicken diets is limited by high dietary fibre levels. Inoculating seaweeds with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) spawn (OMS) could enhance the utility of the spent mushroom substrate (SMS). This study investigated the effect of feeding incremental levels of brown seaweed SMS on growth performance, physiological responses, and meat quality parameters in Boschveld roosters. A total of 324, 4-week-old Boschveld roosters were weighed and randomly allotted to 36 pens (9 birds per pen) to produce six replicates per dietary treatment. The diets were formulated as follows: a standard grower diet (CON); and CON containing 150 g/kg of brown seaweed inoculated with OMS at 0 (SMS0), 20 (SMS20), 30 (SMS30), 40 (SMS40) and 50% (SMS50). Birds fed diet CON had the least feed intake (p < 0.05) than all the other SMS treatment levels in weeks 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15. Diet SMS40 promoted higher (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) than CON in weeks 6, 7, 9 and 14. Gain-to-feed ratio linearly increased in weeks 7 [R2 = 0.288; p = 0.010], 11 [R2 = 0.581, p = 0.0001] and 14 [R2 = 0.389, p = 0.004], respectively. Quadratic responses (p < 0.05) were observed for BWG in week 5, white blood cells, heterophils, platelets, lymphocytes, monocytes, and relative spleen and large intestine weights as OMS levels increased. Linear increases were recorded for slaughter [R2 = 0.197, p = 0.017] and breast weights [R2 = 0.197, p = 0.020] as OMS levels increased. Diet SMS0 promoted higher (p < 0.05) relative caeca weights than the CON and SMS treatment groups. Neither quadratic nor linear responses (p > 0.05) were observed for breast meat quality parameters. In conclusion, feeding brown seaweed SMS improved growth performance and slaughter weight, altered some blood parameters and internal organs, without affecting breast meat quality of Boschveld roosters. Based on the quadratic response for BWG, the optimum OMS level was deduced at 20% in a brown seaweed-based Boschveld rooster diet.

Diet-induced changes in the jejunal microbiota of developing broilers reduce the abundance of Enterococcus hirae and Enterococcus faecium.

Modern broiler breeds allow for high feed efficiency and rapid growth, which come at a cost of increased susceptibility to pathogens and disease. Broiler growth rate, feed efficiency, and health are affected by the composition of the gut microbiota, which in turn is influenced by diet. In this study, we therefore assessed how diet composition can affect the broiler jejunal gut microbiota. A total of 96 broiler chickens were divided into four diet groups: control, coated butyrate supplementation, medium-chain fatty acid supplementation, or a high-fibre low-protein content. Diet groups were sub-divided into age groups (4, 12 and 33 days of age) resulting in groups of 8 broilers per diet per age. The jejunum content was used for metagenomic shotgun sequencing to determine the microbiota taxonomic composition at species level. The composed diets resulted in a total of 104 differentially abundant bacterial species. Most notably were the butyrate-induced changes in the jejunal microbiota of broilers 4 days post-hatch, resulting in the reduced relative abundance of mainly Enterococcus faecium (-1.8 l2fc, Padj = 9.9E-05) and the opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus hirae (-2.9 l2fc, Padj = 2.7E-08), when compared to the control diet. This effect takes place during early broiler development, which is critical for broiler health, thus exemplifying the importance of how diet can influence the microbiota composition in relation to broiler health. Future studies should therefore elucidate how diet can be used to promote a beneficial microbiota in the early stages of broiler development.

Nano copper in the diet of laying quails: productive performance, metabolism, and tissue concentration.

The study evaluated the use of nano copper in semi-purified diets for laying quails and its effect on performance, metabolic state, and bioavailability. A total of 160 (180-days-old) quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 3x3+1 factorial. The copper sources used were copper sulfate, copper oxide, and nano copper oxide, at levels of 200, 400, and 800 ppm each, totaling nine treatments plus a negative control (with no copper inclusion). The following variables were determined: weight gain, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, hemoglobin, hematocrit, Cu in the tissues and Cu bioavailability. Data were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% probability. The effect of sources and levels, as well as the interaction between the factors were evaluated. When interaction was observed, the effect of sources was evaluated separately by the Tukey's test and the effect of levels by regression, both at 5% probability. Copper nano oxide can be used at up to 800 ppm in the diet of laying quails without altering the productive performance, and with higher bioavailability than conventional copper oxide. Hemoglobin increases with the inclusion of 200 and 400 ppm of nano copper oxide and the hematocrit with 400 ppm.

Dietary algal-sourced zinc nanoparticles promote growth performance, intestinal integrity, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

BACKGROUND: Trace elements play a crucial role in fish nutrition, with zinc (Zn) being one of the most important elements. BIO-sourced zinc nanoparticles were synthesized using the green microalga Pediastrum boryanum (BIO-ZnNPs, 29.35 nm). 30 or 60 mg/ kg dry feed of the BIO-ZnNPs (BIO-ZnNPs30 and BIO-ZnNPs60) were mixed with the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) basal diet and fed to the fish for 8 weeks to evaluate their impact on fish growth, digestion, intestinal integrity, antioxidative status, and immunity. RESULTS: A significant enhancement was observed in all investigated parameters, except for the serum protein profile. BIO-ZnNPs at 60 mg/kg feed elevated the activities of reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), enzymatic antioxidants, but did not induce oxidative stress as reflected by no change in MDA level. Fish intestinal immunity was improved in a dose-dependent manner, in terms of improved morphometry and a higher count of acid mucin-producing goblet cells. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) was upregulated in BIO-ZnNPs30 compared to BIO-ZnNPs60 and control fish groups, while no significant expressions were noted in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), and Caspase3 genes. CONCLUSION: Overall, BIO-ZnNPs inclusion at 60 mg/kg feed showed the most advantage in different scenarios, compared to BIO-ZnNPs at 30 mg/kg feed. The positive effects on growth and intestinal health suggest that BIO-ZnNPs supplementation of aquafeeds has many benefits for farmed fish.

Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Effects of Walnut Kernel Cake on Adipose Deposition in Pigs.

With the rising cost of animal feed protein, finding affordable and effective substitutes is crucial. Walnut kernel cake, a polyphenol-, fiber-, protein- and fat-rich byproduct of walnut oil extraction, has been underexplored as a potential protein replacement in pig feed. In this study, we found that feeding large Diqing Tibetan pigs walnut kernel cake promoted adipose deposition and improved pork quality during pig growth. Transcriptome analysis revealed the upregulation of genes ANGPTL8, CCNP, ETV4, and TRIB3, associated with adipose deposition. Pathway analysis highlighted enrichment in adipose deposition-related pathways, including PPAR, insulin, PI3K-Akt, Wnt, and MAPK signaling. Further analysis identified DEGs (differentially expressed genes) positively correlated with adipose-related traits, such as PER2 and PTGES. Single-cell transcriptome data pointed to the specific expression of CD248 and PTGES in adipocyte progenitor/stem cells (APSCs), pivotal for adipocyte differentiation and adipose deposition regulation. This study demonstrates walnut kernel cake's potential to substitute soybean cake in pig feed, providing high-quality protein and promoting adipose deposition. It offers insights into feed protein replacement, human functional food, fat metabolism, and related diseases, with marker genes and pathways supporting pig breeding and pork quality improvement.

Evaluation of long-term supplementation of a Bacillus subtilis direct-fed microbial and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast cell culture product used alone or in combination on Clostridia, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella prevalence in beef steers.

The objective was to determine the influence of long-term supplementation (258 d) of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) and/or yeast cell wall (YCW) product on bacterial populations in beef steers. Single-sourced Charolais × Red Angus steers (n = 256; body weight = 246 ±â€…1.68 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design and blocked by location into one of four treatments: 1) fed no DFM and no YCW (Control); 2) fed only the DFM (DFM; Certillus CP B1801 Dry, 28 g/steer d-1 ); 3) fed only the YCW (YCW; Celmanax; 18 g/steer d-1 ); and 4) fed the DFM and the YCW (DFM+YCW). Steers were vaccinated for respiratory and clostridial diseases and treated for internal and external parasites at processing and individually weighed on days 1, 14, 42, 77, 105, 133, 161, 182, 230, and 258. To determine bacterial prevalence, fecal samples were collected on days 1, 14, 77, 133, 182, and 230 and environmental (pen area, feed, and water) samples were collected at the beginning of the week when cattle were weighed. No treatment × day interactions or treatment effects (P > 0.05) were observed between treatment groups at any sampling days for the bacterial populations. Samples on days 1, 133, and 182 had greater (P < 0.05) Clostridia levels compared to the other sampling points but were not different from each other. Clostridia levels were also greater (P < 0.05) on day 77 compared to days 14 and 230. Samples on days 77 and 230 had greater (P < 0.05) Clostridium perfringens levels compared to the other sampling points but were not different (P > 0.05) from each other. Samples on days 1 and 14 had lower (P < 0.05) total Escherichia coli levels compared to the other sampling points but were not different (P > 0.05) from each other. Escherichia coli levels on day 77 were higher (P < 0.05) compared to days 133, 182, and 230. Little Salmonella prevalence (1.5%) was observed throughout the study. This study had greater levels of Clostridia compared to small and large commercial feedlots in the Church and Dwight research database, but C. perfringens, total and pathogenic E. coli, and Salmonella prevalence were notably lower. Collectively, there were no appreciable treatment influences on bacterial populations. These data further indicate a low pathogenic bacterial challenge at the trial site, which could partially explain the lack of differences with DFM or YCW supplementation. The DFM and YCW used alone or in combination cannot be expected to show additional benefits when animals are relatively unstressed with a low pathogenic bacterial challenge.

The objective of this research was to determine the influence of long-term supplementation (258 d) of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) and/or yeast cell wall (YCW) product on bacterial populations in beef steers. Collectively, there were no appreciable treatment influences on bacterial populations. These data further indicate a low pathogenic bacterial challenge at the trial site, which could further explain the reasons for little differences. The DFM and YCW used alone or in combination cannot be expected to show productive benefits when animals are relatively unstressed with a low pathogenic bacterial challenge.

Mulberry leaves supplementation alters lipid metabolism and promotes fatty acid ß oxidation in growing mutton sheep.

Mulberry leaves (MLs) are an unconventional feed with fiber and various active ingredients, and are acknowledged as likely to regulate lipid metabolism, while the molecular mechanism remains undefined. Therefore, our objective was to define the role of MLs on the overall lipid metabolism. We conducted a feeding experiment of three groups on growing mutton sheep fed with dried mulberry leaves (DMLs), with fermented mulberry leaves (FMLs), or without MLs (as control). Analyses of transcriptome and widely target lipids demonstrated the addition of MLs triggered big perturbations in genes and metabolites related to glycerolipid, phospholipid, ether lipid, and sphingolipid metabolism. Additionally, the variations of the above lipids in the treatment of MLs possibly facilitate immunity enhancement of growing mutton sheep via the activation of complement and coagulation cascades. Furthermore, treatments with MLs could expedite proceedings of lipid degradation and fatty acid ß oxidation in mitochondria, thereby to achieve the effect of lipid reduction. Besides, added DMLs also fuel fatty acid ß-oxidation in peroxisomes and own much stronger lipolysis than added FMLs, possibly attributed to high fiber content in DMLs. These findings establish the novel lipid-lowering role and immune protection of MLs, which lays the foundation for the medicinal application of MLs.

Mulberry leaves (MLs) are rich in a wide variety of active ingredients and are also a kind of traditional Chinese medicine with the same origin as medicine and food. Previous studies have found that MLs may regulate lipid metabolism. But the exact mechanism remains unclear. Our study reveals that ML supplement not only alters lipid metabolism including glycerol phospholipid, ether lipid as well as sphingolipid metabolism, which may help to improve immunity but also promote fatty acid degradation as well as ß oxidation to achieve the effect of fat reduction.

Effects of Antrodia cinnamomea solid culture mycelium by-products on growth performance and immune response in weaning black piglets.

This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium by-product (ACBP) on growth performance and immune response in weaning piglets. Total available content and antioxidant capacity of ACBP were determined. Ninety-six black pigs were randomly distributed to 24 pens. Study compared four groups which were supplemented with ACBP at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, or 10% for 6 weeks after weaning at 4 weeks. Results showed that ACBP on total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total triterpenoids contents were 13.68 mg GAE/g DW, 1.67 µg QE/g DW, and 15.6 mg/g, respectively. Weaning piglets fed 2.5% ACBP showed a significant decreased body weight gain compared with those supplemented with 5% ACBP, 10% ACBP, and control groups. Results showed that all ACBP groups increased the villi height of jejunum significantly. Incidence of diarrhea in 11 weeks with supplementation with 5% and 10% ACBP diets were lower than in control group. The 10% ACBP group showed significantly lower expression of immune response genes (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) than the 2.5% and 5% ACBP groups. Based on results, dietary supplementation with 10% ACBP did not significantly affect body weight but could decrease piglet diarrhea condition and expression of IL-1ß and IL-6 genes.