Tomato pomace as a nontraditional feedstuff: productive and reproductive performance, digestive enzymes, blood metabolites, and the deposition of carotenoids into egg yolk in quail breeders.

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of tomato pomace (TP) into Japanese quail breeders' diet by investigating its effects on digestive enzymes, immune response, antioxidant status, blood biomarkers, productive performance, and the deposition of carotenoids into the egg yolk. A total of 150 mature 8-wk of age Japanese quails (100 females and 50 males) were allocated into 5 treatment groups, with 5 replicates, each of 6 quails (4 females and 2 males). The experimental diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, based on corn and soybean meal, and included 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12% of tomato pomace, respectively. The results showed that dietary supplementation of tomato pomace up to 12% significantly improved the immune response, antioxidant response, and digestive enzymes of Japanese quail breeders, significantly decreased cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Also, TP increased egg weight, egg mass and hatchability , where TP 6% had the greatest egg weight, egg mass and hatchability among other groups. Moreover, tomato pomace inclusion significantly had a positive effect on the deposition of lycopene into the egg yolk and it can be used as a good delivery system to improve human health. Tomato pomace up to 12% could be used as an alternative feedstuff in quail breeders' diets.

Ethnoveterinary study of galactogenic recipes used by ruminant breeders to improve milk production of local cows in Benin Republic.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Benin, traditional recipes are used to improve livestock dairy performance, but they are not sufficient documented. The study aimed to inventory the galactogenic recipes used by herders to improve production in cow farming. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to inventory the galactogenic recipes used by herders to improve production in cow farming. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews among 65 peuls camps, 4 bioclimatic zones, and 565 farmers dialogue partners, including agro-pastoralist, healers and pastoralists from the rainy season April and May 2019. Detailed information about homemade herbal remedies of galactogenic recipes (plant species, plant part, manufacturing process) and the corresponding use reports (dialogue partner, category of use and route of administration) was collected. Then other to classify the various recipes identified into homogeneneous groups according to their effectiveness in stimulating milk, a numerical classification was carried out on the recipes taking into account the milk gain. RESULTS: They showed that Peuls and Gandos sociocultural groups have a better knowledge of galactogenic recipes. Of the 295 recipes inventoried, 102 frequently cited recipes were divided into two groups. Group 2, consisting of 16 recipes, had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher milk yield than group 1. Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. and Arachis hypogaea L. were the main ingredients of the recipes (respectively 56 and 31% of incorporation rate). The composition of the recipes varied according to the agro-ecological zones. Herders in Northern Benin used more recipes based on Bobgunnia madagascariensis (Harms) J.H.Kirkbr. & Wiersema, Saba comorensis (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon and Euphorbia balsamifera Aiton. Those in Southern Benin mainly used recipes based on Gardenia aqualla associated with Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp or Arachis hypogaea L.. To improve the effectiveness of galactogenic recipes, socio-cultural and magical-religious practices are used when procuring the plant material to be used, preparing the galactogen and administering the recipe to the animals. These include pronounced incantations or recited Koranic verses. The most commonly used route of administration is the oral route with an average treatment duration not exceeding 5 days. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that the majority of breeders (90%) opt for the use of galactogenic plants rather than synthetic products to improve milk production.

Dietary tributyrin improves reproductive performance, antioxidant capacity, and ovary function of broiler breeders.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the influence of dietary tributyrin on reproduction performance and ovary function of broiler breeders with different egg laying rate. Two hundred fifty-six AA broiler breeders (48-wk-old) were allocated to 4 treatment in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the main effects of tributyrin supplementation (0 and 1,000 mg/kg tributyrin [TRI]) and 2 egg laying rate levels (average [AR, 81.01 ± 0.79%] and low [LR, 70.98 ± 0.95%]). The results shown that the LR breeders presented higher egg weight, but lower egg laying rate, qualified egg rate and feed efficiency than the AR breeders (P(laying) < 0.05). Also, the superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity in magnum was lower while malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher in ovary and magnum of LR breeders than that in the AR breeders (P(laying) < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with tributyrin significantly enhanced egg weight (P(TRI) < 0.05), increased albumen height as well as Haugh unit (HU) in AR breeders (P(interaction) < 0.05), and also had higher total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and lower MDA in ovary (P(TRI) < 0.05). The cell apoptosis rate and proapoptosis related gene expression (caspase 8, 9 and Bax) in the ovary of LR breeders was higher, while anti-apoptosis related gene (Bcl-2) expression were lower in LR breeders when compared with the AR breeders (P(laying) < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with tributyrin decreased the cell apoptosis rate and downregulated caspase 9 expression in LR breeders (P(Interaction) < 0.05), up-regulated the Bcl-2 expression in both 2 breeders (P(TRI) < 0.05). These findings suggest that the breeders with lower egg laying rate also characterized by deteriorate ovary function indicated by lower antioxidant capacity and higher cell apoptosis rate. Dietary supplementation with tributyrin increased egg albumen quality, decreased ovarian proapoptosis related gene expression to improve reproductive tract function; and the positive effect on egg albumen quality is more pronounced in average reproductive breeders.

Reproductive performance, metabolism and oxidative stress profile in Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens fed multiple levels of isoleucine.

1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary isoleucine (Ile) on reproductive performance and certain indices of metabolism and oxidative stress in Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens.2. A total of 600, 40-week-old Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens were fed a basal diet formulated with maize, corn gluten meal and spray-dried blood cell meal containing 3.3 g/kg Ile, or supplemented to contain 4.5, 5.7, 6.9, or 8.1 g/kg Ile for five weeks. Each dietary treatment had six replicates with 20 birds per replicate. After three weeks of receiving the trial diets, 24 eggs were collected at random from each replicate to measure egg quality. Starting after four weeks of treatment, 50 settable eggs per replicate were collected for 7 d in succession for hatching. After five weeks of being fed the treatment diets, birds were slaughtered for tissue and organ collection.3. For the overall period, laying rate, egg weight, egg mass and hatchling weight linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.05) increased with dietary Ile levels. Final body weight, feed intake and relative liver weight of birds fed 3.3 g/kg Ile was lower compared to birds fed the other diets (P < 0.05). There was no effect of Ile level on egg quality (P > 0.05). Hatchling weight was linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) in line with dietary supplemental Ile.4. After three weeks on the trial diets, birds fed the diet containing 3.3 g/kg Ile had decreased blood TG concentrations compared to breeders fed 6.9 or 8.1 g/kg Ile (P < 0.05). Activities of CK were significantly higher in breeders fed the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet compared to all other levels of dietary Ile after five weeks of treatment. A quadratic effect (P < 0.05) was evident for glucose at 8.1 g/kg Ile level. After five weeks of treatment, plasma TG concentrations in birds fed 3.3 g/kg Ile were significantly lower than in birds fed all other levels of Ile. Glucose concentrations in breeder hens receiving the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet were lowest and the highest concentrations were in birds fed 5.7 g/kg Ile (P < 0.05). Plasma activities of LDH were highest in breeders on the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet but were only significantly different (P < 0.05) for birds fed 5.7 g/kg Ile.5. The current study indicated that Ile deficiency decreased reproductive performance and appeared to serve as a stressor. The optimal dietary Ile for Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens in the laying period was 5.79 g/kg feed (0.75 g/d).

Bioactive (Poly)phenols, Volatile Compounds from Vegetables, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.

Polyphenols, as well as volatile compounds responsible for aromatic features, play a critical role in the quality of vegetables and medicinal, and aromatic plants (MAPs). The research conducted in recent years has shown that these plants contain biologically active compounds, mainly polyphenols, that relate to the prevention of inflammatory processes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disorders as well as to antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiparasitic properties. Throughout the years, many researchers have deeply studied polyphenols and volatile compounds in medicinal and aromatic plants, particularly those associated with consumer's choices or with their beneficial properties. In this context, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the presence of volatile and nonvolatile compounds in some of the most economically relevant and consumed vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants, with an emphasis on bioactive polyphenols, polyphenols as prebiotics, and, also, the most important factors that affect the contents and profiles of the volatile and nonvolatile compounds responsible for the aromatic features of vegetables and MAPs. Additionally, the new challenges for science in terms of improving polyphenol composition and intensifying volatile compounds responsible for the positive characteristics of vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants are reported.

Effect of Supplementation of Zinc-Methionine on Egg Production, Semen Quality, Reproductive Hormones, and Hatchability in Broiler Breeders.

A biological study was conducted to explore the effect of zinc-methionine (Zn-Met) supplementation on productive, reproductive, and immunological response in broiler breeders. Adult healthy 45-week breeder males (192) and females (288) were used in a completely randomized design. Birds were randomly divided into four treatments consisting of six replicates and fed basal diet (control, 40 mg/kg), basal diet supplemented with Zn-Met 20 (T1), 40 (T2), and 60 mg/kg (T3). There was no effect (P > 0.05) on body weight and feed consumption among the breeders due to the supplementation of organic Zn. The T3 group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher semen volume, sperm motility, concentration, and live sperm count. The seminal plasma calcium and alkaline phosphatase activity were higher (P < 0.05), and total cholesterol and aspartate transaminase levels were low in the T3 group. Birds fed with additional supplementation of Zn (60 mg/kg) had improved both cellular and humoral immunity. Throughout the experimental period, the hen day egg production was comparable (P > 0.05) among the experimental groups. Organic Zn-supplemented group showed significant difference in both the internal and external egg qualities-albumen, yolk index, and shell thickness. The higher dose of organic Zn-fed groups had a significant difference in estrogen and progesterone concentration, and the highest testosterone concentration was observed in the T2 group. Supplementary organic Zn had a significant effect on the concentration of Zn and Cu in the seminal plasma. Serum Zn and Cu concentration was significantly increased due to the supplementation of organic zinc in both male and female breeders. The fertility and hatchability percentage were higher (P < 0.05) in the T2 group. It could be concluded that the additional supplementation of organic Zn (zinc-methionine) at 40 mg/kg to the basal diet improved the reproductive performance in broiler breeders.

Impact of feeding n-3 fatty acids to layer breeders and their offspring on concentration of antibody titres against infectious bronchitis, and Newcastle diseases and plasma fatty acids in the offspring.

1. The impact of feeding sources of n-3 fatty acids (FA) to ISA Brown and Shaver White breeders and their offspring on antibody titres and plasma FA profile was examined.2. Breeders were fed either a control diet (CON); CON + 1% microalgae (DMA: Aurantiochytrium limacinum) as a source of docosahexaenoic acid; or CON + 2.6% of a co-extruded mixture of full-fat flaxseed (FFF) as a source of α-linolenic acid. Day-old female offspring were assigned to diets (breeder-offspring): 1) CON-CON, 2) CON-DMA, 3) CON - FFF, 4) DMA - CON, 5) DMA - DMA, 6) FFF - CON or 7) FFF - FFF, followed by a standard layer diet through 18 weeks of age (WOA) to 42 WOA.3. Antibody titres against infectious bronchitis (IBV) and Newcastle disease (NDV) were measured at six days and six WOA, and plasma FA profile was measured at 18 and 42 WOA.4. Pullets from FFF-fed breeders had higher antibody titres against IBV and NDV than pullets fed DMA (P < 0.05). Feeding FFF to offspring increased plasma ∑n-3 FA at 18 and 42 WOA, whereas feeding DMA to offspring reduced ∑n-6 FA at 18 WOA.5. In conclusion, independent of breeder strain, alpha linoleic acid (ALA) and DHA sources showed varied responses. Feeding breeders FFF increased plasma concentration of antibody titres and n-3 FA whereas DMA reduced plasma concentration of ∑n-6 FA.

Effects of feeding broiler breeder hens a coextruded full-fat flaxseed and pulses mixture without or with multienzyme supplement.

The effects of coextruded full-fat flaxseed and pulses (FFF; 1:1 wt/wt) mixture on n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) enrichment in egg yolk, hepatic attributes, apparent retention (AR) of components, and ceca metabolites were evaluated in broiler breeder hens. The diets were as follows: 1) corn-soybean control, 2) control diet plus 18% FFF (FFF-), and 3) FFF plus enzyme supplement (FFF+) containing galactanase, protease, mannanase, glucanase, xylanase, amylase, and cellulase activities. Twenty-six-week-old Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens were allocated to 30 identical cages (2 hens/cage) and given 1-week adaptation period. The 3 diets were assigned to 10 replicate cages based on postadaptation BW and fed based on breeder curve for 30 D. Excreta samples were collected from day 24 to 27 for determination of AR of components, and eggs were collected from day 28 to 30 for yolk polyunsaturated fatty acids analyses. On day 30, birds were weighed, killed via cervical dislocation, liver weighed, and stored for fat analyses. Ceca digesta samples were taken for concentration of short-chain fatty acids. Liver and yolk weights as well as total yolk FA were not influenced by diets (P > 0.05). Control birds had lower yolk concentration of α-linolenic acid than birds fed either FFF- or FFF+ (P < 0.01) corresponding to 7.5, 36.8, and 37.3 mg/g for the control, FFF-, and FFF+, respectively. Control birds also exhibited lower yolk concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (P < 0.01). Control birds had higher hepatic concentration of crude fat and apparent retention of dry matter and crude protein compared with either the FFF- or FFF+ birds (P < 0.05). Birds fed FFF- diet had lower ceca digesta concentration of lactic acid than control and FFF+ (P < 0.05) birds. Results showed broiler breeder hens enriched egg yolk with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids without effects on the liver while the supplemental enzyme did not improve the utilization of FFF.

Effects of Replacing Inorganic with Respective Complexed Glycinate Minerals on Apparent Mineral Bioavailability and Deposition Rate in Tissues of Broiler Breeders.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) with respective low-dose complexed glycinate minerals (CGMs) on their bioavailability and retention during peak laying period of broiler breeders. In this experiment, 648 ZhenNing broiler breeders (23 weeks old) were randomly allocated to four treatments with six replicates (27 birds/replicate) and fed for 14 weeks including 2 weeks adaptation period. The treatments were T1-ITM, commercially recommended levels of ITMs (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn sulphates); T2-MIX, half of the minerals were supplemented with ITMs and half with CGMs; T3-L-CGMs, minerals were supplemented with CGMs (50% level of T1); and T4-M-CGMs, minerals were supplemented with CGMs (70% level of T1). The results showed that birds fed on ITM had lower bioavailability of Fe, Mn, and Zn (P < 0.05) than those fed on L-CGMs, but the highest (P < 0.01) bioavailability of Cu was found in those fed on MIX. Mineral retention (in serum, muscle, bone, and tissues) was not affected by reducing supplementation levels of trace minerals up to 50% of ITMs, but Zn (in serum, liver, kidney, heart, and albumen) and Fe (in serum and the yolk) retention was negatively affected (P < 0.05). In conclusion, replacing dietary ITMs with low-dose complexed glycinate minerals increases the apparent bioavailability of Fe, Mn, and Zn without compromising the mineral retention rates in most of the tissues tested.

Effect of Dietary Zinc Level on Egg Production Performance and Eggshell Quality Characteristics in Laying Duck Breeders in Furnished Cage System.

In order to investigate the effect of dietary Zn levels on laying performance, eggshell quality, and eggshell microstructure in Muscovy duck breeders under furnished cages. Firstly, the effects of age (35 weeks vs 40 weeks) and rearing system (littered floor vs furnished cage) on eggshell quality of laying duck breeders were studied (Exp. 1). Then, a total of 324 30-week-old Muscovy duck breeders were allotted into 3 dietary Zn groups with 6 replicates (18 ducks per replicate), including 0 mg Zn/kg (control-Zn group, C-Zn), 40 mg Zn/kg (normal-Zn group, N-Zn), and 140 mg Zn/kg (high-Zn group, H-Zn). The experimental period for 6 weeks was divided into 3 periods of 30-32, 32-34, and 34-36 weeks of age (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, duck breeder eggs in the furnished cage system had lower the average shell thickness than birds in the littered floor system at 40 weeks of age (P < 0.05), not at 35 weeks of age. In Exp. 2, N-Zn and H-Zn groups had greater egg weight, egg production, and egg to feed ratio of duck breeders than C-Zn group (P < 0.05). Additionally, H-Zn group had higher laying rate, qualified egg ratio, and Haugh unit as well as lower mammillary cone width than C-Zn group (P < 0.05), with no differences between C-Zn and N-Zn groups (P > 0.05). Diet supplemented with 140 mg Zn/kg increased shell thickness and palisade layer thickness of duck breeders at 36 weeks of age (P < 0.05), but not at 32 and 34 weeks of age. In conclusion, diets with 40 or 140 mg Zn/kg improved egg production performance and egg quality of laying duck breeders during 30-36 weeks of age in a furnished cage system. Dietary supplementation of 140 mg Zn/kg level increased the ultrastructural palisade layer thickness contributing to greater eggshell thickness of duck breeders at 36 weeks of age.

Effects of dietary lysine on productivity, reproductive performance, protein and lipid metabolism-related gene expression in laying duck breeders.

This study investigated whether dietary lysine (Lys) affects productive performance and expression of genes related to protein and lipid metabolism in laying duck breeders. Longyan duck breeders (n = 540, 19 wk of age) were randomly assigned to 6 groups with 6 replicates of 15 birds each. Breeders were fed diets with 6 total Lys levels (6.4, 7.2, 8.0, 8.8, 9.6, and 10.4 g/kg) for 26 wk duration. Egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, hatchability, hatchling weight, albumen weight, eggshell weight, yolk weight, and yolk proportion increased with dietary Lys levels (P < 0.05). Dietary Lys level had a linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic (P < 0.05) effects on maternal hepatic expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1, ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2K (UBE2K), cathepsin B (CTSB), and quadratically (P < 0.05) increased the concentrations of plasma Lys, leucine, threonine, and tryptophan in duck breeders. In contrast, maternal dietary Lys suppressed expression of proteasome 26S subunit, UBE2K, and CTSB in the liver of hatchlings. Moreover, relative expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A, and very low density apolipoprotein-II increased linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.05), and that of VLDL receptor (VLDLR) decreased quadratically (P < 0.05) in the liver of duck breeders with increasing dietary Lys levels; hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol contents were reduced. Maternal dietary Lys suppressed hepatic expression of VLDLR in the hatchlings. A diet containing 8.6 g Lys/kg promoted protein turnover and lipid metabolism in laying duck breeders, which positively reflected in the productivity and reproductive performance.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 on production, hatching performance, egg quality, serum antioxidant capacity and immune response of laying breeders.

To investigate the supplemental effects of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 on the production, hatching performance, egg quality, serum antioxidant capacity and immune response of laying breeders, a total of 480 Xuefeng black-bone (25-week-old) hens were randomly assigned into four treatment groups: Hens fed the basal diets with 0 (CON), 3.0 × 105 (BS-1), 6.0 × 105  cfu/g (BS-2) and 9.0 × 105 (BS-3) cfu/g of B. subtilis C-3102. As the B. subtilis C-3102 level increased, egg weight (linear, p < 0.01; quadratic, p = 0.003), fertility (linear, p = 0.021; quadratic, p = 0.059), hatchability (linear, p = 0.038; quadratic, p = 0.119) and yolk colour (linear, p = 0.006; quadratic, p = 0.021) increased in a linear or quadratic manner. Yolk index increased quadratically (linear, p = 0.054; quadratic, p = 0.017), and eggshell thickness (linear, p = 0.036; quadratic, p = 0.128), the activity of GSH-Px (linear, p = 0.024; quadratic, p = 0.078), the concentration of IgM (linear, p = 0.016; quadratic, p = 0.056) and the level of AIV-Ab (linear, p = 0.034; quadratic, p = 0.103) in the serum increased linearly as dietary supplementation of B. subtilis C-3102 increased. The results showed that dietary treatments did not affect egg production, feed conversion ratio, egg mass, hatchability of fertile eggs, eggshell-breaking strength, egg-shape index, yolk percentage, Haugh unit, T-SOD, T-AOC, MDA, IgA and IgG concentrations and the level of NDV-Ab in the serum. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 9.0 × 105  cfu/g B. subtilis C-3102 in laying breeders diets may be a feasible means of effectively increasing egg weight, fertility and hatchability, and improving egg quality such as eggshell thickness, yolk index and yolk colour. Besides, B. subtilis C-3102 can enhance the activity of GSH-Px, the concentration of IgM and the level of AIV-Ab in the serum.

Changes to mineral levels in the yolk of meat chicken embryos during incubation.

A total of 864 settable Cobb 500 eggs were used to explore changes in yolk mineral content during incubation. Eggs were individually weighed and then placed in a commercial incubator. On embryonic day (ED) 0, 6.5, 13.5, and 17.5, 36 eggs were sampled and yolk weight and mineral content were determined. The concentration of iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) declined (P < 0.05) from ED0 to ED17.5. The concentration of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and strontium (Sr) increased (P < 0.05) from ED0 to ED17.5. The concentration of copper (Cu), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) increased initially (ED0 to ED6.5) but declined thereafter. There was no change (P > 0.05) in the concentration of yolk manganese (Mn) from ED0 to ED17.5. Substantial changes in yolk mineral concentration occur during incubation and are presumably associated with mobilization of shell reserves and flux between albumen and yolk. These data may be useful in designing in ovo interventions, optimizing meat chicken breeder premix formulation or assembly of suitable neonatal or pre-starter diets for meat chicken chicks.

Effects of Different Forms and Levels of Selenomethionine on Productive Performance and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Breeders and Its Offspring.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different selenomethionine (SM) forms and levels on productive performance and antioxidant status of broiler breeders and its offspring. Four hundred eighty 48-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly divided into four groups, provided basal diet with 0.15 or 0.30 mg/kg Se coming from two SM forms of DL-SM and L-SM. The experiment included a 4-week pretreatment period and an 8-week trial period. During the trial period, eggs were incubated once a week under standard conditions. The broiler breeders were slaughtered after the trial period. At the same time, 15 1-day-old chicks were selected at random per replicate and killed. The results showed that different SM forms and levels had no significant differences in average egg weight, feed intake, and feed-to-egg ration. The DL-SM group in contrast to the L-SM group induced a notable elevation of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in serum (P < 0.01) and liver (P < 0.05), and the 0.15 mg/kg group had higher GPx activity than 0.30 mg/kg in serum (P < 0.01) and pancreas (P < 0.05). Different SM forms showed no significant differences in total antioxidant capability (T-AOC). Diets with 0.15 mg/kg Se exhibited a higher level of T-AOC in serum (P < 0.01) and some tissues. Besides, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in serum, liver, and kidney significantly decreased due to the supplementation of DL-SM. Supplemental 0.15 mg/kg Se reduced MDA concentrations in kidney and muscle. The offspring of broiler breeders fed on DL-SM had higher GPx activity in liver and kidney than L-SM treatment. Supplemental 0.15 mg/kg Se also improved GPx activity in kidney and muscle and T-AOC in kidney of 1-day-old chicks. In summary, our study demonstrated that compared with L-SM, DL-SM was more effective for enhancing the antioxidant status of broiler breeders and its offspring. Moreover, the recommended level of Se supplementation was 0.15 mg/kg Se in Lingnan Yellow broiler breeder diets.

Effects of different selenium sources and levels on antioxidant status in broiler breeders.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted with the objectives to examine the impacts of inorganic selenium (Se) and different types and levels of organic selenium on the serum and tissues Se status and antioxidant capacity in broiler breeders. METHODS: Five hundred and forty 48-wk-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments, provided same basal diet (0.04 mg/kg of Se) with 0.15 mg/kg, or 0.30 mg/kg of Se from sodium selenite (SS) or from selenium-enriched yeast (SY) or from selenomethionine (SM). The broiler breeders were slaughtered after an 8-wk experiment. RESULTS: The results showed that SM was better than SY and SS, 0.30 mg/kg level was better than 0.15 mg/kg level in Se deposition (p<0.05) in serum, liver, kidney, pancreas and muscle; in antioxidant status, organic selenium had better effects than SS in broiler breeders (p<0.05), but SM and SY had a similar result, and 0.15 mg/kg level was better than 0.30 mg/kg (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated the evident advantage of supplementation of broiler breeders with 0.15 mg/kg SM, which improved tissue Se concentrations and antioxidant status, and can be considered as the best selenium source.

Effects of environmental temperature and dietary zinc on egg production performance, egg quality and antioxidant status and expression of heat-shock proteins in tissues of broiler breeders.

To investigate the effects of environmental temperature and dietary Zn on egg production performance, egg quality and antioxidant status, as well as expression of heat-shock proteins (HSP) in tissues, of laying broiler breeders, we used a completely randomised design with a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The two environmental temperatures were normal (21±1°C, NT) and high (32±1°C, HT). The three dietary Zn sources were a Zn-unsupplemented basal diet (CON), and the basal diet supplemented with 110 mg Zn/kg as either the inorganic Zn sulphate (iZn) or the organic Zn proteinate with a moderate chelation strength (oZn). HT decreased (P<0·002) egg weight, laying rate, eggshell strength, thickness and weight, but increased (P≤0·05) rectal temperature, broken egg rate, misshapen egg rate, feed:egg ratio, Cu Zn superoxide dismutase activities in liver and pancreas, as well as metallothionein (MT) level in pancreas, and HSP70 mRNA levels in liver and pancreas of laying broiler breeders. Broiler breeders fed the oZn diet had higher (P<0·04) Zn content in the liver, as well as MT levels in the liver and pancreas, compared with those fed the CON diet. Under HT, broiler breeders fed the oZn diet had higher (P<0·05) Zn content in the pancreas compared with those fed the iZn and CON diets. The results from this study indicated that HT impaired egg production performance and eggshell quality possibly because of the disturbed redox balance and HSP homoeostasis, whereas the oZn is more available than the iZn for pancreatic Zn of heat-stressed laying broiler breeders.

Transcriptomics-Related Mechanisms of Supplementing Laying Broiler Breeder Hens with Dietary Daidzein to Improve the Immune Function and Growth Performance of Offspring.

Daidzein (DA) is an isoflavone that is primarily extracted from soy plants. This study evaluated the effects of supplementing laying broiler breeder hens with dietary DA on the immune function and growth performance of their offspring and the underlying mechanism. A total of 720 breeders were divided into three treatment groups that were fed either a control diet (CON), a DA-low-supplemented diet (DLS, CON+20 mg/kg DA), or a DA-high-supplemented diet (DHS, CON+100 mg/kg DA) for 8 weeks, and eggs were collected for hatching during the final week. The broiler offspring received a basal diet for 42 days, and blood, livers, and immune organs were collected at 21 and 42 days of age. DLS treatment promoted embryonic development and increased growth hormone levels, body weight, feed intake, and carcass traits on days 21 and 42 of broilers. Additionally, the IgA and IgG concentrations, antibody titers, and antioxidant capacity of broilers were increased at 21 days of age, and B lymphocyte differentiation was increased at 42 days. Besides, DLS treatment upregulated the expression of genes related to embryonic and muscle development in offspring and regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor signaling. DHS treatment decreased the percentage of abdominal fat in the broilers at 42 days, but it did not significantly affect embryonic development, growth performance, or IgA and IgG concentrations. In summary, providing dietary DA supplementation at 20 mg/kg to broiler breeders can improve their immune function and growth performance.

Supplementation of broiler breeders with fat sources and vitamin e: carry over effect on performance, carcass yield, and meat quality offspring / Suplementação de matrizes de frangos de corte com fontes de gordura e vitamina E: transferência dos efeitos sobre a performance, o rendimento da carcaça e a qualidade da carne da progênie

The aim of this study was to evaluate two sources of oil (soybean and fish) and four additional levels of vitamin E (0, 150, 250 and 350mg/kg diet) in breeder diets between the 42nd and 56th week of age and its effect on performance and meat quality of offspring. The supplementation of fish oil in the maternal diet increased the deposition of DHA and CLA in egg yolk. From 1 to 35 days of age, intermediate levels of vitamin E resulted in lower weight gain and feed intake. To feed conversion, the best result was obtained supplementing the maternal diet with soybean oil, regardless of vitamin inclusion. In addition, the evaluation of meat quality, the fish oil-supplemented-diet resulted in lower moisture loss of the breast fillets. For maternal diet supplemented with fish oil, the inclusion of vitamin E resulted in a linear increase of the pH value of the meat. Greater levels of vitamin E in the maternal diet influenced the functional properties of meat according to the type of oil that was added to the diet. The deposition of different fatty acids in the embryonic egg yolk can directly influence the meat quality of offspring.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar duas fontes de óleo (soja e peixe) e quatro níveis adicionais de vitamina E (0, 150, 250 e 350mg/kg dieta), em dietas de matrizes entre a 42º e a 56º semana de idade, sobre o desempenho e a qualidade de carne da progênie. A suplementação de óleo de peixe na dieta das matrizes aumentou a deposição de DHA e CLA na gema dos ovos. Entre um e 35 dias de idade, níveis intermediários de vitamina E resultaram em menor ganho de peso e consumo de ração. Para a conversão alimentar, o melhor resultado foi obtido suplementando a dieta materna com óleo de soja, independentemente da inclusão vitamínica. Dietas suplementadas com óleo de peixe resultaram em menor perda de umidade nos filés de peito. Para a dieta materna suplementada com óleo de peixe, a inclusão de vitamina E resultou em um aumento linear do valor de pH da carne. Níveis mais altos de vitamina E na dieta materna influenciaram as propriedades funcionais da carne de acordo com o tipo de óleo adicionado à dieta. A deposição de diferentes ácidos graxos na gema de ovos embrionados pode influenciar diretamente a qualidade da carne da progênie.(AU)

Effect of dietary manganese on antioxidant status and expressions of heat shock proteins and factors in tissues of laying broiler breeders under normal and high environmental temperatures.

To investigate the effect of Mn on antioxidant status and on the expressions of heat shock proteins/factors in tissues of laying broiler breeders subjected to heat challenge, we used a completely randomised design (n 6) with a factorial arrangement of 2 environmental temperatures (normal, 21±1°C, and high, 32±1°C)×3 dietary Mn treatments (a Mn-unsupplemented basal diet (CON), or a basal diet supplemented with 120 mg Mn/kg diet, either as inorganic Mn sulphate (iMn) or as organic Mn proteinate (oMn)). There were no interactions (P>0·10) between environmental temperature and dietary Mn in any of the measured indices. High temperature decreased (P<0·003) Mn content, and also tended (P=0·07) to decrease Cu Zn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) activity in the liver and heart. However, an increased Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity (P<0·05) and a slight increase in malondialdehyde level (P=0·06) were detected in breast muscle. Up-regulated (P<0·05) expressions of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) and HSF3 mRNA and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA and protein were found in all three tissues. Broiler breeders fed either iMn or oMn had higher tissue Mn content (P<0·0001), heart MnSOD and CuZnSOD activities (P<0·01) and breast muscle MnSOD protein levels (P<0·05), and lower (P<0·05) breast muscle HSP70 mRNA and protein levels compared with those fed CON. Broiler breeders fed oMn had higher (P<0·03) bone Mn content than those fed iMn. These results indicate that high temperature decreases Mn retention and increases HSP70, HSF1 and HSF3 expressions in the tissues of laying broiler breeders. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with Mn in either source may enhance the heart's antioxidant ability and inhibit the expression of HSP70 in breast muscle. Finally, the organic Mn appears to be more available than inorganic Mn for bone in laying broiler breeders regardless of environmental temperatures.

Maca (lepidium meyenii) supplementation increase the sexual capacity of low but not high sexual performance rams (ovis aries) / La suplementación con maca (lepidium meyenii) incrementa la capacidad de servicio en carneros (ovis aries)de bajo pero no de alto desempeño sexual

To evaluate the effect of maca (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on the sexual capacity of males, 40 rams were classified as high (HP) and low performers (LP). Within each category (n = 20), ten rams were supplemented with 233 mg of dry maca/kg of body weight/day during four weeks, followed by four weeks of a control diet (residual), while the rest of the animals remained as controls during the eight-weeks period. LP rams increased (P < 0.05) all sexual behaviors during maca supplementation up to HP levels, decreasing to control planes one week after the supplementation ceased. In contrast, in HP rams, maca supplementation only increased genital sniffs and nudging, while mounts and ejaculations remained unaffected during both supplementation and residual phases. It was concluded that maca supplementation affects males differently, according to their original sexual capacity.

Con el propósito de evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con maca (Lepidium meyenii) en la capacidad de servicio de los machos, 40 carneros se clasificaron como de alto (HP) y bajo desempeño sexual (LP). Dentro de cada categoría (n = 20), diez carneros se suplementaron con 233 mg de maca seca/kg de peso corporal/día durante cuatro semanas, seguidos de cuatro semanas de dieta control (residual), mientras que el resto de los animales permanecieron como testigos durante las ocho semanas. Los carneros LP incrementaron (P<0.05) todas sus conductas sexuales durante la suplementación hasta niveles similares a los mostrados por carneros HP, disminuyendo a niveles del grupo control una semana después de terminada la suplementación. En contraste, en los carneros HP, la suplementación con maca sólo incrementó las conductas de olfateo genital y cortejo, sin embargo montas y eyaculaciones permanecieron sin cambios tanto durante la fase de suplementación como la residual. Se concluye que la suplementación con maca actúa diferente en machos de acuerdo a su capacidad de servicio.