Nano Zinc Supplementation Affects Immunity, Hormonal Profile, Hepatic Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) Gene Expression and Vital Organ Histology in Wister Albino Rats.

The study was conducted to assess nano zinc (ZnN) as a feed supplement with an aim to compare the supplemental dose of inorganic zinc (ZnI). ZnN was synthesized from 0.45 molar (M) zinc nitrate [Zn(NO3)2.6H2O] and 0.9 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and was confirmed to be of ZnN by TEM-EDAX measurements. Wister albino rats (rats; 84, 53.6 ± 0.65 g) were divided into seven groups (4 replicate with 3 rats each) and given feed supplemented with zinc for 60 days with either of the following diets: (1) normal control (NC): basal diet (BD) + no supplemental Zn; (2) ZnI-25: BD + 25 mg/kg Zn from inorganic ZnO; (3) ZnN-25: BD + 25 mg/kg of ZnN; (4) ZnN-12.5: BD + 12.5 mg/kg of ZnN; (5) ZnN-6.25: BD + 6.25 mg/kg of ZnN; (6) ZnN-3.125: BD + 3.125 mg/kg of ZnN; (7) ZnN-50: BD + 50 mg/kg of ZnN. T3 and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) hormone levels were similar among groups (P > 0.05), whereas T4 and testosterone were significantly affected, based on supplemented dose. Zn supplementation improved both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. However, both cell-mediated immunity at 24 h and humoral immunity were statistically similar in ZnI-25 and ZnN-6.25 groups. Superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression was found to be similar in all experimental groups. The vascular degeneration were found in liver tissues moderately in NC, mildly in ZnN-6.25 and ZnN-3.125 groups, and no observable changes were noticed in kidney and spleen tissues. However, there was a mild damage in intestinal epithelium of ZnN-25 group rats, hyperplasia of goblet cells, and moderate damage in intestinal villi were observed in ZnN-50 group rats. From the study, it can be concluded that ZnN at half the dose of ZnI showed similar or better responses in terms of immunity, SOD-1 expression, hormonal profiles, and the tissue architecture of vital organs in rats, i.e., 25 mg/kg of Zn from ZnI and 12.5 mg/kg of ZnN impacted similar biological responses like immunity, SOD-1 expression, hormonal profiles, and the tissue architecture of vital organs in rats.

Influence of boron supplementation on performance, immunity and antioxidant status of lambs fed diets with or without adequate level of calcium.

Little is known about biological significance of effects of dietary Boron (B) and Calcium (Ca) interaction on health and production of farm animals. This is a preliminary investigation to evaluate the effects of B supplementation in lambs fed diets with (normal) or without adequate (low) levels of Ca. Twenty-four crossbred ram lambs were randomly distributed into four groups with six animals each in a 2x2 factorial design namely, normal-Ca diet (NCa) and low-Ca diet (LCa) fed without or with 40 ppm B (NCaB-40 and LCaB-40). The lambs were fed paddy straw and hybrid napier hay-based total mixed ration (60 roughage: 40 concentrate) during 180 days experimental period. Compared to control, the LCa diet lowered (P<0.01) average daily gain of lambs, but B-supplementation (LCaB-40) of the same nullified the effect. The lowered (P<0.05) total antioxidant activity and humoral immune response in lambs fed LCa diet were restored (P>0.05) to become at par with the control (NCa) upon supplementation of B (LCaB-40). The mRNA expression of SOD1 was lowered (P<0.05) due to LCa diet feeding which too was normalized on B-supplementation to become at par (P>0.05) with the control (NCa). Further, B-supplementation restored lowered (P<0.05) SOD1 gene expression on LCa diet, but enhanced (P<0.05) that in NCaB-40 group, when compared to the control (NCa) diet fed animals. However, these variations were not reflected in the SOD activity in the erythrocytes. The cell-mediated immune response was higher (P<0.05) in lambs fed LCa and LCaB-40 groups and there was no significant interaction between the levels of either Ca or B in diets with the period of immune response measurement. B- supplementation of LCa diet ameliorated tissue degenerative changes in liver and kidney. It was concluded that feeding LCa diet to lambs resulted in reduced growth rate, total antioxidant activity, humoral immune response along with degenerative changes in liver and kidney tissues, but B-supplementation of such diet restored most of these changes and ameliorated histopathological alterations.

Boron influences immune and antioxidant responses by modulating hepatic superoxide dismutase activity under calcium deficit abiotic stress in Wistar rats.

The influence of Boron (B) supplementation on immune and antioxidant status of rats with or without abiotic stress induced by dietary calcium (Ca) restriction was studied in a feeding trial of 90 days. Wistar strain rats (3-4 wk age, n=84) were divided into 7 dietary groups (4 replicates of 3 each) viz., normal-calcium (100%) basal diet alone (NC, control) or supplemented with B at 5 (NCB-5), 10 (NCB-10), 20 (NCB-20) and 40ppm (NCB-40) levels; low-calcium (50%) basal diet alone (LC) or supplemented with 40ppm B (LCB-40). After 75 days of experimental feeding, rats were challenged with intraperitoneal injection of sheep RBCs to assess their humoral immunity. At the end of the trial, cell-mediated immunity was assessed as foot pad reaction to sheep RBCs injected into the hind leg paws. Eight rats from each group were sacrificed to collect blood for estimation of minerals and total antioxidant activity, and liver for superoxide dismutase gene expression analysis. Supplementation of graded levels of B (5, 10, 20 and 40ppm) as borax in NC diets significantly increased (P<0.01) the footpad thickness and serum total antioxidant activity, hepatic expression levels of both Cu-Zn SOD (SOD1) and Mn-SOD (SOD2) mRNAs. The erythrocytic SOD activity and humoral response did not differ significantly among the dietary groups. In Ca restricted groups, humoral immune response was significantly decreased (P<0.01) compared to control but increased (P<0.05) with 40ppm B supplementation. Serum levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) remained similar among the dietary groups, while the manganese (Mn) content was significantly decreased (P<0.01) with increased levels of dietary B. In conclusion, B supplementation increased the hepatic mRNA expression levels of both SOD isoenzymes, thereby improving the immune and antioxidant status.

Effect of super dosing of phytase on growth performance, ileal digestibility and bone characteristics in broilers fed corn-soya-based diets.

A feeding trial was designed to assess the effect of super dosing of phytase in corn-soya-based diets of broiler chicken. One hundred and sixty-eight day-old broilers were selected and randomly allocated to four dietary treatment groups, with 6 replicates having 7 chicks per treatment group. Two-phased diets were used. The starter and finisher diet was fed from 0 to 3 weeks and 4 to 5 weeks of age respectively. The dietary treatments were consisted of normal phosphorus (NP) group without any phytase enzyme (4.5 g/kg available/non-phytin phosphorus (P) during starter and 4.0 g/kg during finisher phase), three low-phosphorus (LP) groups (3.2 g/kg available/non-phytin P during starter and 2.8 g/kg during finisher phase) supplemented with phytase at 500, 2500, 5000 FTU/kg diet, respectively, to full fill their phosphorus requirements. The results showed that super doses of phytase (at 2500 FTU and 5000 FTU/kg) on low-phosphorus diet improved feed intake, body weight gain, ileal digestibility (serine, aspartic acid, calcium, phosphorus), blood P levels and bone minerals such as calcium (Ca), P, magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) content. It could be concluded that super doses of phytase in low-phosphorus diet were beneficial than the normal standard dose (at 500 FTU/kg) of phytase in diet of broiler chicken.

Effect of copper- and zinc-methionine supplementation on bioavailability, mineral status and tissue concentrations of copper and zinc in ewes.

The effect of feeding Cu- and Zn-methionine to ewes was studied in a 240d feeding trial. The plasma and tissue Cu and Zn concentrations and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) activity were employed to assess the relative bioavailability from Cu- and Zn-methionine. The macro and micronutrient intake, utilization, plasma mineral status, tissue accumulation of Cu and Zn as well as wool concentration of Cu and Zn were studied in ewes (n=12) fed a corn-soybean meal based basal diet with 50% more Cu and Zn supplementation over the basal diet either from Cu- and Zn-sulfate (Cu-Sulf+Zn-Sulf group) or Cu- and Zn-methionine (Cu-Meth+Zn-Meth group). The average daily feed intake and body weight gain of ewes did not differ due to dietary supplementation of Cu- and Zn-methionine. However, dry matter intake was comparatively lower and thus resulted in better feed: gain in Cu- and Zn-methionine group as compared to ewes fed Cu- and Zn-sulfate. Supplementation of Cu and Zn over the basal diet either from methionine-chelated or sulfate sources resulted in increased plasma Cu and Zn as well as Cu/Zn-SOD activity on d-30, which indicated a positive correlation between plasma Cu and Zn and Cu/Zn-SOD activity. The gut absorption, liver concentrations of Cu and Zn, and liver Cu/Zn-SOD activity were significantly (P<0.01) higher in ewes supplemented with Cu- and Zn-methionine compared to Cu- and Zn-sulfate. Periodical analysis of wool samples indicated no significant difference in Cu and Zn content between Cu-and Zn-methionine and Cu- and Zn-sulfate groups. Feeding of Cu and Zn from methionine-chelated source resulted in reduced (P<0.01) excretion of Cu and Zn in feces indicating their better utilization, and this will have positive implication on environment. The gut absorption values, plasma and liver tissue concentrations of Cu and Zn supported the hypothesis that Cu- and Zn-methionine supplements have better bioavailability compared to Cu- and Zn-sulfate and Cu- and Zn-dependent enzyme (Cu/Zn-SOD) could be used to determine the bioavailability of Cu and Zn.

Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the expression of hepatic genes associated with biotransformation, antioxidant, and immune systems in broiler chicks fed aflatoxin.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin, an antioxidant found in turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder (TMP), to ameliorate changes in gene expression in the livers of broiler chicks fed aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). Four pen replicates of 5 chicks each were assigned to each of 4 dietary treatments, which included the following: A) basal diet containing no AFB(1) or TMP (control), B) basal diet supplemented with TMP (0.5%) that supplied 74 mg/kg of curcumin, C) basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mg of AFB(1)/kg of diet, and D) basal diet supplemented with TMP that supplied 74 mg/kg of curcumin and 1.0 mg of AFB(1)/kg of diet. Aflatoxin reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake and BW gain and increased (P < 0.05) relative liver weight. Addition of TMP to the AFB(1) diet ameliorated (P < 0.05) the negative effects of AFB(1) on growth performance and liver weight. At the end of the 3-wk treatment period, livers were collected (6 per treatment) to evaluate changes in the expression of genes involved in antioxidant function [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST)], biotransformation [epoxide hydrolase (EH), cytochrome P450 1A1 and 2H1 (CYP1A1 and CYP2H1)], and the immune system [interleukins 6 and 2 (IL-6 and IL-2)]. Changes in gene expression were determined using the quantitative real-time PCR technique. There was no statistical difference in gene expression among the 4 treatment groups for CAT and IL-2 genes. Decreased expression of SOD, GST, and EH genes due to AFB(1) was alleviated by inclusion of TMP in the diet. Increased expression of IL-6, CYP1A1 and CYP2H1 genes due to AFB(1) was also alleviated by TMP. The current study demonstrates partial protective effects of TMP on changes in expression of antioxidant, biotransformation, and immune system genes in livers of chicks fed AFB(1). Practical application of the research is supplementation of TMP in diets to prevent or reduce the effects of aflatoxin in chicks fed aflatoxin-contaminated diets.

Efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa), containing a known level of curcumin, and a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate to ameliorate the adverse effects of aflatoxin in broiler chicks.

A 3-wk feeding study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder (TMP), containing a known level of curcumin, and a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS; Improved Milbond-TX, IMTX, an adsorbent, Milwhite Inc., Houston, TX) to ameliorate the adverse effects of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) in broiler chicks. Four pen replicates of 5 chicks each were assigned to each of 7 dietary treatments, which included the basal diet not containing TMP, HSCAS, or AFB(1) (control); basal diet supplemented with 0.5% food grade TMP that contained 1.48% total curcuminoids (74 mg/kg); basal diet supplemented with 0.5% HSCAS; basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mg/kg AFB(1); basal diet supplemented with 0.5% TMP and 1.0 mg/kg AFB(1); basal diet supplemented with 0.5% HSCAS and 1.0 mg/kgAFB(1); and basal diet supplemented with 0.5% TMP, 0.5% HSCAS, and 1.0 mg/kg AFB(1). The addition of TMP to the AFB(1) diet significantly (P < 0.05) improved the weight gain of chicks, and the addition of HSCAS to the AFB(1) diet significantly (P < 0.05) improved feed intake and weight gain, and reduced relative liver weight. The addition of TMP or HSCAS and TMP with HSCAS ameliorated the adverse effects of AFB(1) on some of the serum chemistry parameters (total protein, albumin, cholesterol, calcium). Further, decreased antioxidant functions in terms of level of peroxides, superoxide dismutase activity, and total antioxidant concentration in liver homogenate due to AFB1 were also alleviated by the inclusion of TMP, HSCAS, or both. The reduction in the severity of hepatic microscopic lesions due to supplementation of the AFB(1) diet with TMP and HSCAS demonstrated the protective action of the antioxidant and adsorbent used in the present study.

Micronutrient content of certain tropical conventional and unconventional feed resources of Southern India.

The ash, silica and certain important micronutrients were estimated in conventional and unconventional feed and fodder resources available in Southern India. Commonly used dry roughages, such as paddy straw, ragi straw, maize kadbi/stalk, jowar kadbi/stalk, bajra stalk and wheat straw, were high in ash (9.9% +/- 0.77%) and silica (6.4% +/- 0.65%) and low in most of the other micronutrients, except iron, with paddy straw containing most silica (>9%). Cultivated non-leguminous (maize, jowar) and improved green crops (hybrid napier, guinea, green panic, NB-21, CO-1) were also high in ash (10.5% +/- 0.60% and 12.5% +/- 0.51%) but were moderate sources of P, Mg and Cu and good sources of Zn (98 +/- 13.8 ppm and 55 +/- 6.7 ppm). Leguminous green fodders (stylosanthus, lucerne, cow pea, soyabean) were excellent sources of Ca (1.9% +/- 0.16%), Mg (0.40% +/- 0.05%), Cu (30 +/- 5.2 ppm), Zn (121 +/- 14.7 ppm) and Fe (1234 +/- 166 ppm) and moderate sources of P. Mixed local grasses and weeds were high in silica (6.9% +/- 1.00%) but were good sources of Cu, Zn and Fe. Cereal grains (maize, wheat, rice, ragi) were low in ash (2.9% +/- 0.33%) and were relatively poor sources of Ca (0.22% +/- 0.03%), Mg (0.19% +/- 0.03%) and Cu (13 +/- 3.1 ppm). Pulses were low to medium sources of most minerals and good sources of Fe (1230 +/- 293 ppm). Oil seed cake/extractions (groundnut cake, cotton seed cake, soyabean meal, sunflower cake, safflower cake) and cereal by-products (rice polish, rice bran, wheat bran) were excellent sources of P (1.1% +/- 0.47% and 2.3% +/- 0.19%) and good sources of Zn (65 +/- 3.9 ppm and 66 +/- 10.7 ppm) and Fe (938 +/- 130 ppm and 662 +/- 126 ppm). Among the unconventional feeds screened, orange peel, sunflower heads, meat meal, rubber seed cake, spirulina algae and sea weeds contained plentiful Ca, Zn and Fe: tree leaves/top feeds (mulberry, erythrina, glyricidia, banana, subabul, groundnut haulms) were excellent sources of Ca (1.5% +/- 0.13%), Zn (120 +/- 22.9 ppm) and Fe (1033 +/- 133 ppm) but relatively poor sources of P. Soyabean husk, cocoa seed husk, rubber seed cake and meat meal were moderate to good sources of P (1.0% and 0.33%). The high Zn and Fe values of most feeds/fodders were probably due to soil contamination. This account of the micronutrient content of feed/fodder resources should help in strategic supplementation intended to alleviate local deficiencies.