Enhancement of culled ewes' meat quality: Effects of aging method and time.

This study assesses the impact of wet and dry aging, over 35 days, on various physico-chemical, colorimetric, oxidative, volatolomic, and sensory attributes of meat from culled ewes. Water holding capacity of dry-aged (DA) meat increased from day 28 and was significantly higher than wet-aged (WA) meat. Cooking loss of DA meat decreased, and it was lower than that of WA meat. Warner Bratzler shear force increased in DA meat but decreased in WA meat during aging. Higher oxidation product concentration in DA meat likely results from oxygen exposure. Some aldehydes and ketones peaked at day 7 in DA meat, surpassing levels in WA meat. Overall liking scores favored DA meat at day 14 and 21 but declined from day 14 to 35, coinciding with increased pentanal content. Dry aging could improve the acceptability of culled ewes' meat more than wet aging, but in short aging time (14 days).

Use of a commercial feed supplement based on diatom earth and yeast products on oxidative status and in vitro immune response in buffaloes during peripartum.

The transition period is a critical metabolic phase for dairy ruminants, especially those with high production levels. In spite of this, little is still known about dairy water buffalo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial feed additive based on diatomaceous earth and hydrolyzed yeasts on health status, milk quality and immune response of buffalo cows during the transition period. Eighty healthy Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of Italian Mediterranean breed were included in the trial. They were subdivided in two groups: one group received the additive (n = 40) while the control group (n=40) received a placebo. The trial lasted 120 days, from 60 days before calving to 60 days in milk. Blood samples were collected from each buffalo at -60d (60 days from the expected calving), -30 d, 0 d (calving), +15 d, +30 d, and +60 d (respectively, i.e., 15, 30 and 60 days in milking). The biochemical as well as the oxidative profile, and the antioxidant power and enzymatic activity were evaluated in the samples obtained. Moreover, acute phase proteins, reactive proteins and Interleukine plasma levels were determined. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and monocytes were isolated and viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were measured on PMBC and monocytes. The introduction of additives enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activity, while no differences were observed in oxidation products throughout the trial. Additionally, it significantly reduced the synthesis of ROS in polymorphonuclear cells, supporting a potential positive response in animals experiencing inflammation. The impact of oxidation on the products was not evident. Despite higher enzyme levels in plasma, this did not necessarily correspond to significantly increased enzymatic activity, but rather indicated a higher potential. From these results, it was evident that the transition period in buffaloes differs notably from what reported in literature for cows, probably due to the absence of common postpartum production diseases in dairy cows and lower metabolic challenges linked to lower milk production in buffaloes. Few parameters exhibited notable changes during the transition period in buffaloes, notably certain antioxidant enzymes, PBMC viability, PBMC ROS production, and Hp levels.

Deciphering the role of Moringa oleifera seeds and probiotic bacteria on mitigation of biogas production from ruminants.

Maintaining cleaner and more sustainable ecosystems by mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock through dietary manipulation is in demand. This study was aimed to assess the effect of Moringa oleifera seeds and probiotics (Pediococcus acidilactici BX-B122 and Bacillus coagulans BX-B118) as feed supplements on GHG production and fermentation profile from steers and sheep. The treatments included diets containing 0, 6, 12, and 18% of M. oleifera seeds meal and a mixture of probiotic bacteria (0.2 ml/g of diet). Total biogas production, CH4, CO, and H2S emission from animals (up to 48 h), rumen fermentation profile, and CH4 conversion efficiency were recorded using standard protocols. Results showed interaction among M. oleifera seeds and probiotics on asymptotic biogas production and total biogas production up to 48 h (P < 0.05). The rate of CH4 emission in steers was reduced from 0.1694 to 0.0447 ml/h using 6 and 18% of M. oleifera seeds (P < 0.05). Asymptotic CO and the rate of CO production were increased (P < 0.05) by supplementing different doses of M. oleifera seeds and probiotics. Adding 12% of M. oleifera seeds and probiotics reduced H2S production from 0.0675 to 0.0112 ml H2S/g DM (at 48 h of fermentation) in steers. In sheep, the additives mitigated H2S production from 0.0364 to 0.0029 ml H2S/g DM (at 48 h of fermentation), however there were not interaction (P = 0.7744). In addition, M. oleifera seeds and probiotics reduced the pH level and dry matter degradability (DMD) in steers and sheep (P < 0.0001) showing a positive impact on CH4:ME and CH4:OM (in steers) and CH4:SCFA (in sheep), while the interaction was not significant (P > 0.05) for CH4:SCFA (in steers) and CH4:ME and CH4:OM (in sheep). In conclusion, the interaction of M. oleifera seeds and probiotics in the feeding diet reduced GHG emissions and affected the fermentation profile of steers and sheep.

Effects of Dietary Supplementations of Vitamin C, Organic Selenium, Betaine, and Pomegranate Peel on Alleviating the Effect of Heat Stress on Growing Rabbits.

The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activity and sustainable biorefinery development of vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel on the performance, cecal fermentation, and antioxidant status of growing rabbits to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress. A total of 105 male rabbits at 35 days old with an average weight of 752.55 ± 27.56 g were randomly assigned to five groups (21 rabbits in each). The experimental dietary groups included a control group fed a basal diet without additives (control group) and four treated groups, A, B, C, and D, fed a basal diet supplemented with either a 1000 mg vitamin C/kg diet, a 25 mg organic selenium/kg diet, a 1000 mg betaine/kg diet, or a 20 g pomegranate peel/kg diet, respectively. No negative group (not heat-stressed) was included in the trial. Rabbits given A, B, C, and D supplements showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in growth performance, nutrient digestion, concentration of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetic, and propionic acids, and total bacterial count, and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in NH3-N concentration, Enterococcus, coliforms, and E. coli counts in the cecum of rabbits. Total protein, albumin, globulin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups supplemented with A, B, C, and D supplements compared to those in the control group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in groups supplemented with A, B, C, and D supplements compared to those in the control group. In conclusion, the finding showed that the supplementation of vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel played a significant role in alleviating heat stress and had a further beneficial impact on rabbit performance, cecal fermentation and microbiota, and antioxidant status. However, betaine supplementation had a superior positive effect on the nutritional and physiological profile of heat-stressed rabbits.

Reproduction in the era of genomics and automation.

Much progress has been made in the reproductive efficiency of lactating dairy cows across the USA in the past 20years. The standardisation of evaluation of reproductive efficiency, particularly with greater focus on metrics with lesser momentum and less lag-time such as 21-day pregnancy rates (21-day PR), and the recognition that subpar reproductive efficiency negatively impacted profitability were major drivers for the changes that resulted in such progress. Once it became evident that the genetic selection of cattle for milk yield regardless of fertility traits was associated with reduced fertility, geneticists raced to identify fertility traits that could be incorporated in genetic selection programs with the hopes of improving fertility of lactating cows. Concurrently, reproductive physiologists developed ovulation synchronisation protocols such that after sequential treatment with exogenous hormones, cows could be inseminated at fixed time and without detection of oestrus and still achieve acceptable pregnancy per service. These genetic and reproductive management innovations, concurrently with improved husbandry and nutrition of periparturient cows, quickly started to move reproductive efficiency of lactating dairy cows to an upward trend that continues today. Automation has been adopted in Israel and European countries for decades, but only recently have these automated systems been more widely adopted in the USA. The selection of dairy cattle based on genetic indexes that result in positive fertility traits (e.g. daughter pregnancy rate) is positively associated with follicular growth, resumption of ovarian cycles postpartum, body condition score and insulin-like growth factor 1 concentration postpartum, and intensity of oestrus. Collectively, these positive physiological characteristics result in improved reproductive performance. Through the use of automated monitoring devices (AMD), it is possible to identify cows that resume cyclicity sooner after calving and have more intense oestrus postpartum, which are generally cows that have a more successful periparturient period. Recent experiments have demonstrated that it may be possible to adopt targeted reproductive management, utilising ovulation synchronisation protocols for cows that do not have intense oestrus postpartum and relying more heavily on insemination at AMD-detected oestrus for cows that display an intense oestrus postpartum. This strategy is likely to result in tailored hormonal therapy that will be better accepted by the public, will increase the reliance on oestrus for insemination, will improve comfort and reduce labour by reducing the number of injections cows receive in a lactation, and will allow for faster decisions about cows that should not be eligible for insemination.

Comprehensive Gene Expression Profiling Analysis of Adipose Tissue in Male Individuals from Fat- and Thin-Tailed Sheep Breeds.

It has been shown that tail fat content varies significantly among sheep breeds and plays a significant role in meat quality. Recently, significant efforts have been made to understand the physiological, biochemical, and genomic regulation of fat deposition in sheep tails in order to unravel the mechanisms underlying energy storage and adipose tissue lipid metabolism. RNA-seq has enabled us to provide a high-resolution snapshot of differential gene expression between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Therefore, three RNA-seq datasets were meta-analyzed for the current work to elucidate the transcriptome profile differences between them. Specifically, we identified hub genes, performed gene ontology (GO) analysis, carried out enrichment analyses of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and validated hub genes using machine learning algorithms. This approach revealed a total of 136 meta-genes, 39 of which were not significant in any of the individual studies, indicating the higher statistical power of the meta-analysis. Furthermore, the results derived from the use of machine learning revealed POSTN, K35, SETD4, USP29, ANKRD37, RTN2, PRG4, and LRRC4C as substantial genes that were assigned a higher weight (0.7) than other meta-genes. Among the decision tree models, the Random Forest ones surpassed the others in adipose tissue predictive power fat deposition in fat- and thin-tailed breeds (accuracy > 0.85%). In this regard, combining meta-analyses and machine learning approaches allowed for the identification of three important genes (POSTN, K35, SETD4) related to lipid metabolism, and our findings could help animal breeding strategies optimize fat-tailed breeds' tail sizes.

Marine Microalgae as a Nutritive Tool to Mitigate Ruminal Greenhouse Gas Production: In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Fresh and Ensiled Maize (Zea mays L.) Forage.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of marine microalgae (Dunaliella salina) as a food additive on biogas (BG), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production kinetics, as well as in in vitro rumen fermentation and the CH4 conversion efficiency of different genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) and states of forage. The treatments were characterized by the forage of five maize genotypes (Amarillo, Montesa, Olotillo, Tampiqueño, and Tuxpeño), two states of forage (fresh and ensiled), and the addition of 3% (on DM basis) of microalgae (with and without). The parameters (b = asymptotic production, c = production rate, and Lag = delay phase before gas production) of the production of BG, CH4, CO, and H2S showed an effect (p < 0.05) of the genotype, the state of the forage, the addition of the microalgae, or some of its interactions, except for the time in the CO delay phase (p > 0.05). Moreover, the addition of microalgae decreased (p < 0.05) the production of BG, CH4, and H2S in most of the genotypes and stages of the forage, but the production of CO increased (p < 0.05). In the case of fermentation characteristics, the microalgae increased (p < 0.05) the pH, DMD, SCFA, and ME in most genotypes and forage states. With the addition of the microalgae, the fresh forage from Olotillo obtained the highest pH (p < 0.05), and the ensiled from Amarillo, the highest (p < 0.05) DMD, SCFA, and ME. However, the ensiled forage produced more (p < 0.05) CH4 per unit of SFCA, ME, and OM, and the microalgae increased it (p < 0.05) even more, and the fresh forage from Amarillo presented the highest (p < 0.05) quantity of CH4 per unit of product. In conclusion, the D. salina microalga showed a potential to reduce the production of BG, CH4, and H2S in maize forage, but its effect depended on the chemical composition of the genotype and the state of the forage. Despite the above, the energy value of the forage (fresh and ensiled) improved, the DMD increased, and in some cases, SCFA and ME also increased, all without compromising CH4 conversion efficiency.

The Effect of Using Bovine Colostrum and Probiotics on Performance, Egg Traits, Blood Biochemical and Antioxidant Status of Laying Japanese Quails.

The present paper aims to evaluate the effect of different levels of bovine colostrum and probiotic dietary supplementation on egg production performance, egg traits, carcass characteristics, blood biochemistry and antioxidant status of laying Japanese quails. For the trial, 240 laying quails, aged between 24 weeks and 30 weeks, were involved in a 3 × 2 factorial experimental design, with 3 levels of bovine fresh colostrum (0, 2, and 4 percent of the total ratio) and 2 levels of probiotics (0 and 0.01 percent of the total ratio) administration. The colostrum supplementation improved the egg production performance, egg traits, carcass characteristics, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant status (p < 0.01). Probiotics used without colostrum did not affect the investigated traits of laying Japanese quails (p > 0.05), but a synergistic effect was observed when combined with colostrum. The overall results recommended that using 4% of bovine colostrum in laying Japanese quails, with the addition of 0.01% of probiotic feed additive results in positive effects on egg production performance, egg traits, carcass characteristics, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant status of laying Japanese quails in the late laying period.

Reserves of Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Sodium, Phosphorus, Strontium and Zinc in Goose Egg Yolk during Embryo Development.

This study evaluated the changes in calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn) values in goose egg yolk during the incubation period. This study was conducted on a completely random selection using 200 fertile eggs from a local flock of geese. A selection of 30 fertile eggs were randomly sampled on days 0, 9.5, 19.5, 25 and 30 of incubation (total: 150 eggs), and the yolks of 5 eggs in each replicate were mixed together and considered as one replicate (six replicates in each incubation period). The mineral content of the yolks was measured using the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy method. The results of this study show that, during the incubation of goose eggs from 0 to 30 days of embryo growth, except for Ca, the yolk content (absolute weight) of all the measured minerals, including Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr and Zn, on day 30 of incubation were statistically significantly lower than on day 0 of incubation. Additionally, the yolk concentrations of Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Zn declined, the yolk concentrations of Ca and Sr increased, and the yolk concentrations of Cu and Mn were unchanged on day 30 compared to the first day of incubation. The results of the current study demonstrate that goose egg yolks' mineral concentrations change in absolute value during the incubation period, which could be the basis for further studies on chick feeding during the embryonic and post-embryonic phases.

Moringa oleifera as a Natural Alternative for the Control of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Equines: A Review.

Studies have shown a wide variety of parasites that infect horses, causing major gastrointestinal damage that can lead to death, and although the main method of control has been synthetic anthelmintics, there are parasites that have developed resistance to these drugs. For generations, plants have been used throughout the world as a cure or treatment for countless diseases and their symptoms, as is the case of Moringa oleifera, a plant native to the western region. In all its organs, mainly in leaves, M. oleifera presents a diversity of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, saponins, and vitamins, which provide antioxidant power to the plant. The compounds with the greatest antiparasitic activity are tannins and saponins, and they affect both the larvae and the oocytes of various equine gastrointestinal parasites. Therefore, M. oleifera is a promising source for the natural control of gastrointestinal parasites in horses.

Use of a commercial feed supplement based on yeast products and microalgae with or without nucleotide addition in calves.

The use of feed additives with antioxidant and immune response modulatory activity could be a useful strategy in suckling calves to reduce morbidity and mortality. This strategy is based on several feed additives tested for these purposes. The aim of the paper is the examination of a commercial feed additive for adult cows for use in calves, with and without nucleotide supplementation. Seventy-five Holstein Friesian male calves were divided in 3 groups, with each calf randomly assigned to a group according to birth order. All calves received 2 L of pooled colostrum within 2 h of birth. The commercial feed supplement group was orally administered with 5 g/head of Decosel (dried brewer's yeast lysate (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), brewer's yeast walls (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), diatoms, spirulina, barley flour, calcium carbonate; Agroteam srl, Torrimpietra, Italy) and the nucleotides + commercial feed supplement group was orally administered with 5 g/head of an additive containing 2.5 g of Decosel and 2.5 g of nucleotides once daily from birth to 25 d. The control group was orally administered 20 mL of fresh water/head once daily. Calves that received the supplement and the nucleotides showed lower rates of protein and metabolizable energy conversion, with longer villi and greater crypt depth in duodenum. Moreover, the commercial feed supplement alone increased antioxidant capacity [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power] in plasma some activity of antioxidant liver enzymes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell viability after in vitro concanavalin A and H2O2 stimuli. Dietary supplementation with a commercial feed supplement containing yeast products (yeast cell walls and hydrolyzed yeast) and microalgae enhanced the redox balance and gut morphology in calves, allowing calves to improve their immune response, increasing resistance to stress. Moreover, these beneficial effects were strongly potentiated when dietary nucleotides were added to the supplement.

Inclusion of Azolla pinnata as an unconventional feed of Zaraibi dairy goats, and effects on milk production and offspring performance.

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of using sun-dried Azolla (Azolla pinnata) meal (SDAM) protein to replace sunflower meal protein in the diets of Zaraibi goats dams on nutrient digestibility, milk yield, composition, and economics. Method: A total of 15 Zaraibi goats (32.23 ± 0.2 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups, R1, R2, and R3 which were fed based on average milk production. The basal ration was a concentrated feed mixture containing 0, 10, and 20% SDAM which replaced 0, 25, and 50% of sunflower meal protein in the respective groups. Results: Nutrient digestibility and feeding values were improved with R3 goats, which had the highest level of azolla (20%) R3 versus R2 and R1 goats. The total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration in the in-rumen liquor was elevated by increasing the level of azolla up to 20% in R3 goats. The results revealed significantly higher (P<0.05) mean milk yield in the SDAM groups in comparison to R1 (1184, 1131 and 1034 respectively). The beneficial effects of the tested groups were observed in milk composition, milk fat, milk protein, and non- fats solids. Whereas the milk fat yield was higher in the SDAM group in comparison with the control group (40.84, 37.20, and 33.92). Ration inclusion of SDAM improved economic feed efficiency (relative feed cost and relative daily profit) and had a significant effect on the yield of milk constituents. In general, using up to a level of 20% SDAM in place of sunflower meal for feeding lactating Zaraibi goats improved milk production, milk fat yield, and cost-benefit ratio. Discussion: This study recommended that, inclusion of sun-dried azolla meal up to 20%, as an unconventional feed for Zaraibi dairy goats and offspring, improved milk production and economically feed efficiency.

Effect of mango seeds as an untraditional source of energy on the productive performance of dairy Damascus goats.

Eighteen dairy Damascus goats weighing 38-45 kg live body weight and aged 3-4 years were divided into three groups according to their body weight, with six goats in each group. Yellow corn grain in their concentrate feed mixture was replaced with mango seeds (MS) at levels of 0% MS in group 1 (G1, control), 20% MS in group 2 (G2), and 40% MS in group 3 (G3). The digestibility coefficients of the organic matter, dry matter, crude fiber, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and total digestible nutrients increased (P < 0.05) upon feeding MS to G2 and G3. The amounts of dry matter, total digestible nutrients, and digestible crude protein required per 1 kg 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) were lower (P < 0.05) in G2 and G3 vs. G1. Actual milk and 3.5% FCM yield increased (P < 0.05) with the increasing MS dietary level. G2 and G3 had the highest significant (P < 0.05) total solids, total protein, non-protein nitrogen, casein, ash, fat, solids not fat, lactose, and calcium contents compared with G1. Replacing yellow corn grain with MS in G2 and G3 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the cholesterol concentration and AST activity. Feeding MS increased the concentrations of caprioc, caprylic, capric, stearic, oleic, elaidic, and linoleic acids and decreased the concentrations of butyric, laueic, tridecanoic, myristic, myristoleic, pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, cis-10-Heptadecanoic, cis-11-eicosenoic, linolenic, arachidonic, and lignoseric acids in the milk fat. The results show that the replacement of corn grain with MS improved the digestibility, milk yield, feed conversion, and economic efficiency, with no adverse effects on the performance of Damascus goats.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Phytochemicals Found in the Yucca Genus.

The Yucca genus encompasses about 50 species native to North America. Species within the Yucca genus have been used in traditional medicine to treat pathologies related to inflammation. Despite its historical use and the popular notion of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there is a limited amount of research on this genus. To better understand these properties, this work aimed to analyze phytochemical composition through documentary research. This will provide a better understanding of the molecules and the mechanisms of action that confer such antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. About 92 phytochemicals present within the genus have reported antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects. It has been suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are mainly generated through its free radical scavenging activity, the inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism, the decrease in TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), iNOS (Inducible nitric oxide synthase), and IL-1ß (Interleukin 1ß) concentration, the increase of GPx (Glutathione peroxidase), CAT (Catalase), and SOD (Superoxide dismutase) concentration, and the inhibition of the MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase), and NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa B), and the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor) signaling pathway. These studies provide evidence of its use in traditional medicine against pathologies related to inflammation. However, more models and studies are needed to properly understand the activity of most plants within the genus, its potency, and the feasibility of its use to help manage or treat chronic inflammation.

Impact of Co-Ensiling of Maize with Moringa oleifera on the Production of Greenhouse Gases and the Characteristics of Fermentation in Ruminants.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of maize co-ensiling with increasing percentages of MOL forage on the kinetics of biogas, methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production, as well as the characteristics of ruminal fermentation and CH4 conversion efficiency, using steers (STI) and sheep (SHI) as inoculum sources. With the STI, the inclusion of MOL reduced (linear: p ≤ 0.0199; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0267) biogas production (mL g-1 DM incubated and degraded), CH4 (mL g-1 DM degraded), CO (mL g-1 DM degraded), and H2S (mL g-1 DM incubated and degraded), without affecting (p > 0.05) the parameters (b = asymptotic gas, c = rate of gas production and Lag = initial delay time before gas production) of CH4 and H2S, and the proportion and production of CH4 per kg of dry matter (DM). In addition, with this inoculum, pH, and dry matter degradation (DMD) increased (linear: p ≤ 0.0060), and although short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) decreased (linear: p < 0.0001; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0015), this did not affect (p > 0.05) the CH4 conversion efficiency. Meanwhile, with the SHI, the inclusion of MOL only decreased (linear: p ≤ 0.0206; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0003) biogas per dry matter (DM) degraded and increased (linear: p ≤ 0.0293; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0325) biogas per DM incubated, as well as the production (mL g-1 DM incubated and degraded and g-1 kg DM) and proportion of CH4, and CO per DM incubated and degraded. In addition, it did not impact (p > 0.05) on the CH4 and H2S parameters, and in the H2S by DM incubated and degraded, and although it increased (linear: p ≤ 0.0292; quadratic: p ≤ 0.0325) the DMD, SCFA, and ME, it was inefficient (quadratic: p ≤ 0.0041) in CH4 conversion. It is concluded that regardless of the percentage of MOL, the STI presented the highest values in the production of biogas, CH4, H2S, DMD, SCFA, and ME, and the lowest pH, so it turned out to be the most efficient in CH4 conversion, while with the SHI only the highest production of CO and pH was obtained, and the lowest DMD, SCFA, and ME, so it was less efficient compared to STI.

Effects of Microencapsulated Essential Oils on Equine Health: Nutrition, Metabolism and Methane Emission.

This review examines the available data regarding the positive effects of microencapsulated essential oils (EOs) on the nutrition, metabolism, and possibly the methane emission of horses. A literature review was conducted on the effect of microencapsulated (EOs) on the health of horses. The information comprises articles published in recent years in indexed journals. The results indicate that mixtures of microencapsulated EOs may be beneficial to equine health due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, as well as their effects on enteric methane production, nutrient absorption, and immune system enhancement. Moreover, encapsulation stabilizes substances such as EOs in small doses, primarily by combining them with other ingredients.

Dietary utilization of mealworm frass in rabbit feeding regimes and its effect on growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality.

This study aimed to shed light on the use of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) frass (TMF) in rabbit diets and its effects on growth performance, blood profiles, rabbit meat quality, and fatty acid profiles. A total of 48 Gabali rabbits were divided equally and randomly into four groups to be fed one of four dietary treatments: a control (T0) group and three TMF groups, which included TMF meal at 1 (T1), 2 (T2), and 3 (T3) %, respectively. The rabbits were fed on isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets for 11 weeks, and the growth performance data were recorded. Six rabbits per group were slaughtered at the end of the 11th week, then the pharmacochemical parameters and carcass traits were measured, and meat quality and fatty acid profiles were analyzed. The results indicated that the growth performance of different groups was similar (P > 0.05). The levels of globulin, glucose, and alanine transaminase (ALT) were lower in the mealworm frass groups compared with the control group. Carcass traits were not affected by experimental regimes. Fat was higher in the TMF treatment groups, while moisture was lower compared with the control group. The shear force had a lower value in the treatment groups T3 and T2 compared with the control group. The highest values of redness and chroma (color parameter) of rabbit meat were observed in the treatment groups vs. the control group. Moreover, the proportion of total saturated fatty acids in the meat of rabbits that were fed on the T2 and T3 diets was higher compared to those fed on the control (i.e., T0) and T1 diets. Furthermore, the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acid was higher in the T2, T3, and T1 groups vs. T0 rabbits, whereas the PUFA proportions were lower. It could be concluded that frass has great potential to be used as a partial substitute for rabbit diets.

Scopolamine administration in repeat breeder cows on the day of heat.

Scopolamine is a parasympatholytic drug that can modulate uterine contractile activity. Based on the hypothesis that deficiency in uterine contractility is a cause of Repeat Breeder (RB) syndrome in cows, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of scopolamine administration in RB cows, on the day of heat, in increasing conception rates. Forty RB cows were randomly divided into treated group [T; 20 cows treated with scopolamine butylbromide 40 mg/100 kg of body weight (BW) by the intramuscular (IM) route after clinical confirmation of heat (T0)] and the control group [C; 20 cows treated with 2 mL/100 kg of BW of saline solution, IM, at T0]. Twelve hours later (T1), all of the cows were artificially inseminated (AI). Blood plasma-progesterone (P4), hydroxyproline, and prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM), concentrations were assessed at T0 and T1. Additionally, the uterine tone was evaluated by transrectal palpation. Conception rates were recorded. Drug administration increased the conception rates in group T to 80% unlike group C (25%) (P < 0.0001). Higher PGFM concentration levels were registered in the treated group than in the control group. The higher PGF2α secretion in pregnant cows of the T group may have reduced the P4 levels, making conception possible. Scopolamine administration at the time of heat can improve uterine contractility. This makes it more suitable for promoting conception in RB cows, where hormonal alterations and contractile and biochemical deficits are responsible for the syndrome.

Tannin in Ruminant Nutrition: Review.

Tannins are polyphenols characterized by different molecular weights that plants are able to synthetize during their secondary metabolism. Macromolecules (proteins, structural carbohydrates and starch) can link tannins and their digestion can decrease. Tannins can be classified into two groups: hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins. Tannins are polyphenols, which can directly or indirectly affect intake and digestion. Their ability to bind molecules and form complexes depends on the structure of polyphenols and on the macromolecule involved. Tannins have long been known to be an "anti-nutritional agent" in monogastric and poultry animals. Using good tannins' proper application protocols helped the researchers observe positive effects on the intestinal microbial ecosystem, gut health, and animal production. Plant tannins are used as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics, and many factors have been described by researchers which contribute to the variability in their efficiencies. The objective of this study was to review the literature about tannins, their effects and use in ruminant nutrition.

Mammary gland physiology and farm management of dairy mares and jennies.

Equid milk is arousing increasing interest in consumers and researchers because of its similarity in composition to human milk. The low and different protein content makes equid milk it suitable for children with cow milk protein allergy. Both horse and milk production, in many farms, still follow a characteristic and traditional method of separating the foal from the mother to allow milking procedures. This separation lasts at least 2 to 3 h before milking, a time in which the foal remains fasting. This operation is repeated several times a day, as the equid udder has little collection capacity, and milking frequency is one of the most important parameters to increase milk production; it must be emptied often. New partial artificially suckling techniques have been developed that allow the foal to be separated from its mother for many hours without starving. Furthermore, mechanical milking has been introduced in equid milk production, although in-depth knowledge is lacking on milking parameters and how these aspects affect milk production and udder health. Moreover, in some farms, new milking parlors for Equidae have been developed, ensuring that stress is minimized and production and animal welfare are ensured. It is important to develop and apply technologies for equid milk production, evaluating potential effects on welfare, health, and milk production. This represents the broadest perspective and the greatest challenge because of the need to understand management best practices, thinking to the possibility to introduce as soon as possible automatic milking systems that could ensure a good milking frequency.