Study of correlations between serum taurine, thyroid hormones and echocardiographic parameters of systolic function in clinically healthy Golden retrievers fed with commercial diet.

Taurine deficiency predisposes to the development of nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy and is widespread in dogs fed with non-traditional diets. However, Golden retrievers show lower plasma taurine concentration and an impaired systolic function compared to breeds of the same size and morphotype. For these reasons, it can be difficult to classify a subject from a cardiological point of view, with the risk of considering as pathological characteristics that can be completely normal in this breed. This is a cross-sectional multicenter study. The aims were 1) to identify breed-specific range of serum taurine concentration, 2) to describe a correlation between serum taurine concentration and echocardiographic parameters of systolic function in clinically healthy Golden retrievers fed with traditional diet, 3) to identify a correlation between thyroid hormones, serum taurine concentration and echocardiographic indices. Sixty clinically healthy Golden retrievers (33% males, 67% females) were included. Fifty-three dogs were fed with traditional diets and their range of serum taurine concentration was 398.2 (31.8-430) nmol/ml. Serum taurine concentration was found to be negatively correlated to systolic internal diameter of the left ventricle and systolic and diastolic left ventricular indices and volumes obtained with different methods, whereas was positively correlated to the left ventricle ejection and shortening fractions but difference was not statistically significative. A weak but significant correlation between serum taurine and T4 was demonstrated. Serum taurine median values in dogs with normal systolic function were higher than in dogs with impaired systolic function. A cut-off of serum taurine concentration of 140.6 nmol/ml had a moderate sensitivity and specificity in the identification of an impaired left ventricular systolic function (AUC 0.6, Se 78%, Sp 44%). This study showed that the median serum taurine concentration was significantly lower in dogs with impaired systolic function. Therefore, echocardiographic monitoring is recommended in all dogs with serum taurine concentration lower than 140.6 nmol/ml.

The effects of dietary Spirulina platensis or curcumin nanoparticles on performance, body chemical composition, blood biochemical, digestive enzyme, antioxidant and immune activities of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings.

CONTEXT: Recently, prioritize has been given to using natural phytogenic or nano compounds as growth promoters and immunostimulants in fish diets as an alternative to antibiotics. AIMS: The main propose of this trial was to determine the impact of supplementing diets with spirulina or curcumin nanoparticles on the performance and health indicators of Nile tilapia fingerlings. METHODS: In a 56-day feeding trial, 180 tilapia fingerlings were assigned into three main groups, as follows: 1st, control group, 2nd, Spirulina platensis (SP; 5 g kg-1 diet) and 3rd, curcumin nanoparticles (CUR-NPs; 30 mg kg-1 diet). KEY RESULTS: Incorporating tilapia diets with SP or CUR-NPs significantly improved performance, body chemical analysis, blood biochemical and hematological indices, digestive enzyme activities, and antioxidant and immunostimulant features compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Fortified tilapia diets with CUR-NPs or SP efficiently boost the productivity and health of Nile tilapia fingerlings. IMPLICATIONS: The research introduces new practical solutions for applying safe feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics in tilapia farming.

Framework for valorizing waste- and by-products through insects and their microbiomes for food and feed.

One third of the food produced for human consumption is currently lost or wasted. Insects have a high potential for converting organic waste- and by-products into food and feed for a growing human population due to symbiosis with microorganisms. These symbioses provide an untapped reservoir of functional microbiomes that can be used to improve industrial insect production but are poorly studied in most insect species. Here we review the most current understanding and challenges of valorizing organic waste- and by-products through insects and their microbiomes for food and feed, and emerging novel food technologies that can be used to investigate and manipulate host(insects)-microbiome interactions. We further construct a holistic framework, by integration of novel food technologies including holo-omics, genome editing, breeding, phage therapy, and administration of prebiotics and probiotics to investigate and manipulate host(insects)-microbiome interactions, and solutions for achieving stakeholder acceptance of novel food technologies for a sustainable food production.

Effects of replacing fishmeal with soybean meal on the immune and antioxidant capacity, and intestinal metabolic functions of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii.

Excess utilization of plant protein sources in animal feed has been found to adversely affect the antioxidant properties and immunity of animals. While the role of gut microbes in plant protein-induced inflammation has been identified in various models, the specific mechanisms regulating gut microbes in crustaceans remain unclear. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with soybean meal (SM) on the hepatopancreas antioxidant and immune capacities, and gut microbial functions of crayfish, as well as the potential microbial regulatory mechanisms. 750 crayfish (4.00 g) were randomly divided into five groups: SS0, SS25, SS50, SS75, and SS100, and fed diets with different levels of soybean meal substituted for fishmeal for six weeks. High SM supplementation proved detrimental to maintaining hepatopancreas health, as indicated by an increase in hemolymph MDA content, GPT, and GOT activities, the observed rupture of hepatopancreas cell basement membranes, along with the decreased number of hepatopancreatic F cells. Moreover, crayfish subjected to high SM diets experienced obvious inflammation in hepatopancreas, together with up-regulated mRNA expression levels of nfkb, alf, and tlr (p<0.05), whereas the lzm mRNA expression level exhibited the highest value in the SS25 group. Furthermore, hepatopancreas antioxidant properties highly attenuated by the level of dietary SM substitution levels, as evidenced by the observed increase in MDA content (p<0.05), decrease in GSH content (p<0.05), and inhabitation of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST activities (p<0.05), along with down-regulated hepatopancreas cat, gpx, gst, and mmnsod mRNA expression levels via inhibiting nrf2/keap1 pathway. Functional genes contributing to metabolism identified that high SM diets feeding significantly activated lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, revealing gut dysfunction acted as the cause of inflammation. The global microbial co-occurrence network further indicated that the microbes contributing more to serum indicators and immunity were in module eigengene 17 (ME17). A structural equation model revealed that the genes related to alf directly drove the serum enzyme activities through microbes in ME17, with OTU399 and OTU533 identified as major biomarkers and classified into Proteobacteria that secrete endotoxins. To conclude, SM could replace 25 % of fishmeal in crayfish diets without negatively affecting immunity, and antioxidant capacity. Excessive SM levels contributed to gut dysfunction and weakened the innate immune system of crayfish.

Apparent digestibility and nutritional status of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) under human care.

BACKGROUND: Studing the nutritional needs and dietary habits of primates is essential to ensure their health and well-being. This includes the understanding of the use of nutrients and its correlation with health parameters. METHODS: Diet and nutritional parameters of 13 captive capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) were assesed. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and nutrients were evaluated. Nutritional status was established based on body condition score (BCS) and muscle mass score (MMS). RESULTS: High apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) were observed for crude protein and ether extract, but low for minerals and crude fiber. The ADC of EE and CF were related to MMS, and the biochemical parameters did not correlate with the AD coefficients obtained in the group. The nutritional status of the animals remained inadequate in 84.6% of the individuals, suggesting a reformulation of the diet and nutritional management.

Effects of harvest height and time on hay yield and quality of some sweet sorghum and sorghum Sudangrass hybrid varieties.

Background: This experiment was conducted in the Research and Application Field of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, during the 2020 and 2021 summer period. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of different harvesting heights on forage yields and crude ash, fat, protein, and carbon and nitrogen content of leaves and stalks of sweet sorghum (SS) and sorghum sudangrass hybrid (SSH) cultivars. Methods: Nutri Honey and Nutrima varieties of SSH and the M81-E and Topper-76 varieties of SS were used in this study. The experiment was conducted using the randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plots each included two early and late varieties of SS and SSH cultivars, while the subplots were used to test different harvesting heights (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cm) and physiological parameters of each crop. Results: The results of this study showed that dry forage yields increased with plant growth, with the amount of forage produced at the end of the growth cycle increasing 172.2% compared to the early growth stages. Carbon (C) content of leaves decreased by 6.5%, nitrogen (N) by 46%, crude protein (CP) by 54%, crude fat (CF) by 34%, while crude ash (CA) content increased by 6% due to the increase in plant height harvest. At the same time, in parallel with the increase in plant height at harvest, the nitrogen content of the stems of the plants decreased by 87%, crude protein by 65%, crude ash by 33% and crude fat by 41%, while the carbon content increased by 4%. As plant height at harvest increased, hay yield increased but nutrient contents of the hay decreased. However, the Nutrima, Nutri Honey and M81-E sorghum cultivars, harvested three times at heights of 90 to 120 cm, are recommended for the highest yield.

Viruses contribute to microbial diversification in the rumen ecosystem and are associated with certain animal production traits.

BACKGROUND: The rumen microbiome enables ruminants to digest otherwise indigestible feedstuffs, thereby facilitating the production of high-quality protein, albeit with suboptimal efficiency and producing methane. Despite extensive research delineating associations between the rumen microbiome and ruminant production traits, the functional roles of the pervasive and diverse rumen virome remain to be determined. RESULTS: Leveraging a recent comprehensive rumen virome database, this study analyzes virus-microbe linkages, at both species and strain levels, across 551 rumen metagenomes, elucidating patterns of microbial and viral diversity, co-occurrence, and virus-microbe interactions. Additionally, this study assesses the potential role of rumen viruses in microbial diversification by analyzing prophages found in rumen metagenome-assembled genomes. Employing CRISPR-Cas spacer-based matching and virus-microbe co-occurrence network analysis, this study suggests that the viruses in the rumen may regulate microbes at strain and community levels through both antagonistic and mutualistic interactions. Moreover, this study establishes that the rumen virome demonstrates responsiveness to dietary shifts and associations with key animal production traits, including feed efficiency, lactation performance, weight gain, and methane emissions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a substantive framework for further investigations to unravel the functional roles of the virome in the rumen in shaping the microbiome and influencing overall animal production performance. Video Abstract.

Performance and incidence of diarrhea in suckling Jersey calves supplemented with mineral-vitamin complex and Virginiamycin.

The rearing of calves is an essential activity of a dairy system, as it impacts the future production of these animals. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of diarrhea, performance, and blood parameters of suckling calves that received mineral-vitamin supplementation in milk plus virginiamycin that was offered in milk (via the abomasum) or by esophageal tube (via the rumen). Twenty-seven calves were used, from the first week to 60 days of age, submitted to the following treatments: CONTROL, without supplementation; MILK, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex with 100 mg of virginiamycin, diluted in milk; RUMEN, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex diluted in milk and 100 mg of virginiamycin in gelatin capsules via an esophageal applicator. MILK and RUMEN calves had lower fecal consistency scoring, fewer days with scores 2 and 3 throughout the experimental period, and lower spending on medication compared to the CONTROL animals. Supplemented calves had higher fat and protein intake and reached feed intake of 600 g earlier than CONTROL animals, but did not differ in performance and hematological parameters. Supplementation with virginiamycin and vitamin-mineral complex for suckling calves reduced the incidence and days of diarrhea, and reduced medication costs, with no difference in performance, but the supplemented animals had higher initial protein and fat intake and reached targeted feed intake earlier to begin the weaning process.

Evaluation of different ratios of neutral detergent-soluble carbohydrate fractions on performance, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen balance in dairy goats.

Cell components soluble in neutral detergent are a diverse group, both compositionally and nutritionally. The present study aimed to evaluate production responses, behavior (eating, ruminating, and idling), and nitrogen balance of dairy goats fed different ratios of neutral detergent-soluble carbohydrate fractions. Five multiparous Alpine does with mean ± SD initial body mass of 49.5 ± 7.9 kg and 60 days of lactation were randomly assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The treatments were the ratios of starch (starch associated with soluble sugar [StSS]) to neutral detergent-soluble fiber (NDSF) (StSS:NDSF): 0.89, 1.05, 1.24, 1.73, and 2.92. No effect was observed (P > 0.05) of StSS:NDSF on the intakes of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and NDSC. However, DM intake showed a quadratic behavior (P = 0.049). The ingestive behavior was affected by StSS:NDSF linearly increased (P = 0.002) the feeding efficiency. The increase in StSS:NDSF caused a linear increase in fecal (P = 0.011), urinary (P < 0.001), and milk nitrogen excretion (P = 0.024). The increase in StSS:NDSF affected (P = 0.048) milk yield and net energy lactation (P = 0.036). In conclusion, dairy goats experience reduced dry matter intake and milk yield when subjected to high-NDSC diets, specifically those above 1.24 StSS:NDSF ratio. Elevated NDSC levels in the diets lead to decreased feeding time, whereas rumination remains unaffected. Nitrogen losses in goats increase linearly with high-NDSC diets, and a significant impact on nitrogen balance.

The effect of supplementation with rubber seed kernel pellet on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and fatty acid profiles in swamp buffalo.

BACKGROUND: Rubber seed kernel is a by-product derived from rubber tree plantations. It is rich in C18 unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and has the potential to be used as a protein source for ruminant diets. This investigation has been conducted to determine the influence of rubber seed kernel pellet (RUSKEP) supplementation on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and fatty acid profiles in swamp buffalo. Using a completely randomized design (CRD) and supplementation of RUSKEP at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% dry matter (DM) of substrate. RESULTS: The supplementation with RUSKEP had no effect on gas kinetics, cumulative gas production, or degradability. Ruminal pH decreased linearly (P < 0.01) and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) by RUSKEP supplementation. The proportion of acetate (C2) decreased linearly (P < 0.01), but propionate (C3) and butyrate (C4) increased linearly (P < 0.01), resulting in a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) (P < 0.01) by RUSKEP supplementation. With an increasing level of dietary RUSKEP, there was a slight increase in UFA in the rumen by increasing the oleic acid (OA; C18:1 cis-9 + trans-9), linoleic acid (LA; C18:2 cis-9,12 + trans-9,12), and α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3 cis-9,12,15) concentrations (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Adding up to 10% of RUSKEP could improve in vitro rumen fermentation and C18 unsaturated fatty acids, especially ALA, in swamp buffalo.

Effects of high dietary inclusion of Arthrospira platensis, either extruded or supplemented with a super-dosing multi-enzyme mixture, on broiler growth performance and major meat quality parameters.

BACKGROUND: This investigation assessed the effects of high dietary inclusion of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on broiler chicken growth performance, meat quality and nutritional attributes. For this, 120 male broiler chicks were housed in 40 battery brooders (three birds per brooder). Initially, for 14 days, a standard corn and soybean meal diet was administered. Subsequently, from days 14 to 35, chicks were assigned to one of the four dietary treatments (n = 10 per treatment): (1) control diet (CTR); (2) diet with 15% Spirulina (SP); (3) diet with 15% extruded Spirulina (SPE); and (4) diet with 15% Spirulina plus a super-dosing enzymes supplement (0.20% pancreatin extract and 0.01% lysozyme) (SPM). RESULTS: Throughout the experimental period, both SP and SPM diets resulted in decreased final body weight and body weight gain compared to control (p < 0.001), with the SPE diet showing comparable results to CTR. The SPE diet prompted an increase in average daily feed intake (p = 0.026). However, all microalga treatments increased the feed conversion ratio compared to CTR. Dietary inclusion of Spirulina notably increased intestinal content viscosity (p < 0.010), which was mitigated by the SPM diet. Spirulina supplementation led to lower pH levels in breast meat 24 h post-mortem and heightened the b* colour value in both breast and thigh meats (p < 0.010). Furthermore, Spirulina contributed to an increased accumulation of total carotenoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA), while diminishing n-6 PUFA, thus altering the n-6/n-3 and PUFA/SFA ratios favourably (p < 0.001). However, it also reduced zinc concentration in breast meat (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that high Spirulina levels in broiler diets impair growth due to increased intestinal viscosity, and that extrusion pre-treatment mitigates this effect. Despite reducing digesta viscosity, a super-dosing enzyme mix did not improve growth. Data also indicates that Spirulina enriches meat with antioxidants and n-3 PUFA but reduces α-tocopherol and increases saturated fats. Reduced zinc content in meat suggests the need for Spirulina biofortification to maintain its nutritional value.

Hemolymph metabolism of black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), response to different supplemental fungi.

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is commonly used for organic waste recycling and animal feed production. However, the often inadequate nutrients in organic waste necessitate nutritional enhancement of black soldier fly larvae, e.g., by fungal supplementation of its diet. We investigated the amino acid composition of two fungi, Candida tropicalis (Castell.) Berkhout (Saccharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae) and Pichia kudriavzevii Boidin, Pignal & Besson (Saccharomycetales: Pichiaceae), from the black soldier fly gut, and commercial baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meyen ex E.C. Hansen (Saccharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae), and their effects on larval growth and hemolymph metabolites in fifth-instar black soldier fly larvae. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to study the effect of fungal metabolites on black soldier fly larval metabolism. Amino acid analysis revealed significant variation among the fungi. Fungal supplementation led to increased larval body mass and differential metabolite accumulation. The three fungal species caused distinct metabolic changes, with each over-accumulating and down-accumulating various metabolites. We identified significant alteration of histidine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in BSF larvae treated with C. tropicalis. Treatment with P. kudriavzevii affected histidine metabolism and citrate cycle metabolites, while both P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae treatments impacted tyrosine metabolism. Treatment with S. cerevisiae resulted in down-accumulation of metabolites related to glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. This study suggests that adding fungi to the larval diet significantly affects black soldier fly larval metabolomics. Further research is needed to understand how individual amino acids and their metabolites contributed by fungi affect black soldier fly larval physiology, growth, and development, to elucidate the interaction between fungal nutrients and black soldier fly physiology.

Metabolomic analysis of rumen-protected branched-chain amino acids in primiparous dairy cows.

Introduction: Peripartal cows are susceptible to a negative energy balance due to inadequate nutrient intake and high energy requirements for lactation. Improving the energy metabolism of perinatal dairy cows is crucial in increasing production in dairy cows. Methods: In this study, we investigated the impact of rumen-protected branched-chain amino acid (RPBCAA) on the production performance, energy and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and immune function of primiparous dairy cows using metabolomics through a single-factor experiment. Twenty healthy primiparous Holstein cows were selected based on body condition scores and expected calving date, and were randomly divided into RPBCAA (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The control group received a basal diet from calving until 21 d in milk, and the RPBCAA group received the basal diet and 44.6 g/d RPLeu, 25.14 g/d RPIle, and 25.43 g/d RPVal. Results: In comparison to the control group, the supplementation of RPBCAA had no significant effect on milk yield and milk composition of the dairy cows. Supplementation with RPBCAA significantly increased the concentrations of insulin, insulin growth factor 1, glucagon, and growth hormones, which are indicators of energy metabolism in postpartum cows. The very low density lipoprotein, fatty acid synthase, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, and hormone-sensitive lipase contents of the RPBCAA group were significantly greater than that of the control group; these metrics are related to lipid metabolism. In addition, RPBCAA supplementation significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase and immunoglobulin G concentrations and decreased malondialdehyde concentrations. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed 414 serum and 430 milk metabolic features. Supplementation with RPBCAA primarily increased concentrations of amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways and upregulated the abundance of serotonin, glutamine, and phosphatidylcholines. Discussion: In summary, adding RPBCAA to the daily ration can influence endocrine function and improve energy metabolism, regulate amino acid and lipid metabolism, mitigate oxidative stress and maintain immune function on primiparous cows in early lactation.

Carcass traits and morphometry, typification of the Longissimus dorsi muscle and non-carcass components of hair lambs: can biscuit bran completely replace corn? A machine learning approach.

Biscuit bran (BB) is a co-product with worldwide distribution, with Brazil as the second largest cookie producer in the world with 1,157,051 tons. We evaluate the impact of completely replacing corn with BB on the characteristics and morphometry of carcass of purebred and crossbred Morada Nova lambs using machine learning techniques as an auxiliary method. Twenty male lambs from two genetic groups (GG) were used: purebred red-coated Morada Nova (MNR) and crossbred MNR × white-coated Morada Nova (MNF1). Supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques were used. No interaction (P > 0.05) was observed between diets (D) and genetic groups (GG) and no simple isolated effect was observed for carcass characteristics, qualitative-quantitative typification of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, weight of non-carcass components, weight and yield of commercial cuts and carcass morphometric measurements. The formation of two horizontal clusters was verified: (i) crossed lambs with corn and BB and (ii) purebred lambs fed corn and BB. Vertically, three clusters were formed based on carcass and meat characteristics of native lambs: (i) thermal insulation, body capacity, true yield, and commercial cuts; (ii) choice, performance, physical carcass traits, and palatability; and (iii) yield cuts and non-carcass components. The heatmap also allowed us to observe that pure MN lambs had a greater body capacity when fed BB, while those fed corn showed superiority in commercial cuts, true yields, and non-carcass components. Crossbred lambs, regardless of diet, showed a greater association of physical characteristics of the carcass, performance, palatability, and less noble cuts. Crossbred lambs, regardless of diet, showed a greater association of physical characteristics of the carcass, performance, palatability, and less noble cuts. BB can be considered an alternative energy source in total replacement of corn. Integrating of machine learning techniques is a useful statistical tool for studies with large numbers of variables, especially when it comes to analyzing complex data with multiple effects in the search for data patterns and insights in decision-making on the farm.

Effect of a garlic drench on Galectin gene expression in ovine whole blood.

Garlic, known for its immune-modulating and antibiotic properties, contains lectins that possess antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. Galectins (Gals), which bind ß-galactosides, play a role in modulating immunity and pathological processes. It is hypothesized that garlic's lectin components interfere with animal lectins. St. Croix sheep, known for their resistance to parasites and adaptability, are influenced by dietary supplements for innate immunity. This study evaluated the impact of garlic drench on Galectin gene expression in St. Croix sheep. Adult non-lactating ewes received either garlic juice concentrate or sterile distilled water for four weeks. Blood samples were collected, and plasma and whole blood cells were separated. Galectin secretion was assessed using a Sheep-specific ELISA, while Galectin gene transcription was analyzed through real-time PCR. Garlic administration upregulated LGALS-3 gene expression and significantly increased total plasma protein concentration. Garlic supplementation also affected Galectin secretion, with Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9 showing differential effects.

Effects of replacing of alfalfa hay with Plantago lanceolata hay on digestibility, methane production and microbial protein production of total mixed diet.

The aim of current experiment was to determine the effect of replacement of alfalfa hay with ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) hay in ruminant diets on the fermentation parameters such as gas production, methane (CH4) production, true digestible dry matter (TDDM), true digestibility (TD), partitioning factor, microbial protein, and efficiency of microbial protein using in vitro gas production technique. The alfalfa hay was replaced with P. lanceolata hay in a diets isocaloric (2650 kcal/kg DM) and nitrogenic (17% CP kg DM) at the ratio of 0, 5, 10 and 15%. Partial substitution of alfalfa hay with P. lanceolata hay had no significant effect on gas and methane (ml/incubated substrate or %) production whereas the partial substitution had a significant effect on TDDM, TD, gas (ml/digested DM), CH4 (ml ml/digested DM) and microbial MP of diets. The replacement of alfalfa hay with ribwort plantain hay shifted the fermentation pattern from gas and methane production to microbial protein production. Therefore alfalfa hay can be replaced with ribwort plantain hay with high digestibility and anti-methanogenic potential in ruminant diets up to 15% to decrease methane production and improve microbial protein production. However further in vivo experiments are required to determine the effect of replacement on feed intake and animal production.

Nutrient utilization, growth performance, and antioxidative status of Barki lambs fed diets supplemented with black (Nigella sativa) and rocket (Eruca sativa) seeds.

The current study aimed to determine the polyphenol compounds in Nigella sativa (NS) and Eruca sativa (ES) seeds, and evaluate the impact of their addition either as a sole additive or in combination on the growth performance, digestibility, some rumen and blood parameters and antioxidative status of Barki lambs. Forty-eight male lambs (27.18 ± 0.22 kg, 5-6 months), were divided into 4 balanced groups. The experimental diets were randomly distributed to the control group (CON); fed alfalfa hay plus concentrate feed mixture at a ratio of 30:70% without additives, while, NSD, ESD, and NESD groups: fed CON diet plus 2% NS, 2% ES or 1% NS + 1% ES, respectively as a ratio from total mixed ration (TMR). Results indicated that rutin and catechin were the most phenolic compounds observed either in NS or ES seeds. The NS and ES-supplemented groups recorded the highest (P < 0.05) values for dry matter digestibility, nutritive values, average daily gain, and the best feed conversion ratio. However, growth performance, nutritive value, and all nutrient digestibility except for dry matter were not significantly altered with the NESD group. Concentrations of ruminal NH3-N and TVFA were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with the NESD group, with no significant differences in pH values among different groups. Values of blood parameters showed significant increases in WBCs, PCV, and T-AOC, and decreases in cholesterol, triglycerides, and MDA with the addition of NS and ES seeds or both. Therefore, the addition of NS and ES seeds is recommended to improve lambs' health and antioxidant status.

Synergistic Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Sodium Butyrate, ß-Glucan and Vitamins on Growth Performance, Cortisol Level, Intestinal Microbiome and Expression of Immune-Related Genes in Juvenile African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

The effect of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate, ß-glucan and vitamins (A, D3, E, K, C) on breeding indicators and immune parameters of juvenile African catfish was examined. The fish were fed with unenriched (group C) and enriched feed with a variable proportion of sodium butyrate/ß-glucan, and constant content of vitamins (W1-W3). After the experiment, blood and the middle gut were collected. The microbiome of the gut was determined using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Liver tissue was collected for determination of expression of immune-related genes (HSP70, IL-1ß, TNFα). W2 and W3 were characterized by the most favorable values of breeding indicators (p < 0.05). The highest blood cortisol concentration was in group C (71.25 ± 10.45 ng/mL), and significantly the lowest in W1 (46.03 ± 7.01 ng/ mL) (p < 0.05). The dominance of Cetobacterium was observed in all study groups, with the largest share in W3 (65.25%) and W1 (61.44%). Gene expression showed an increased number of HSP70 genes in W1. IL-1ß and TNFα genes peaked at W3. The W3 variant turns out to be the most beneficial supplementation, due to the improvement of breeding and immunological parameters. The data obtained can be used to create a preparation for commercial use in the breeding of this species.

Comparative near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy calibrations performance of dried and undried forage on dry and wet matter bases.

The application of Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for analyzing wet feed directly on farms is increasingly recognized for its role in supporting harvest-time decisions and refining the precision of animal feeding practices. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of NIR spectroscopy calibrations for both undried, unprocessed samples and dried, ground samples. Additionally, it investigates the influence of the bases of reference data (wet vs. dry basis) on the predictive capabilities of the NIR analysis. The study utilized 492 Corn Whole Plant (CWP) and 405 High Moisture Corn (HMC) samples, sourced from various farms across Italy. Spectral data were acquired from both undried, unground and dried, ground samples using laboratory bench NIR instruments, covering a spectral range of 1100 to 2498 nm. The reference chemical composition of these samples was analyzed and presented in two formats: on a wet matter basis and on a dry matter basis. The study revealed that calibrations based on undried samples generally exhibited lower predictive accuracy for most traits, with the exception of Dry Matter (DM). Notably, the decline in predictive performance was more pronounced in highly moist products like CWP, where the average error increased by 60-70%. Conversely, this reduction in accuracy was relatively contained (10-15%) in drier samples such as HMC. The Standard Error of Cross-Validation (SECV) values for DMres, Ash, CP, and EE were notably low, at 0.39, 0.30, 0.29, 0.21% for CWP and 0.49, 0.14, 0.25, 0.14% for HMC, respectively. These results align with previous studies, indicating the reliability of NIR spectroscopy in diverse moisture contexts. The study attributes this variance to the interference caused by water in 'as is' samples, where the spectral features predominantly reflect water content, thereby obscuring the spectral signatures of other nutrients. In terms of calibration development strategies, the study concludes that there is no significant difference in predictive performance between undried calibrations based on either 'dry matter' or 'as is' basis. This finding emphasizes the potential of NIR spectroscopy in diverse moisture contexts, although with varying degrees of accuracy contingent upon the moisture content of the analyzed samples. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the calibration strategies of NIR spectroscopy and its practical applications in agricultural settings, particularly for on-farm forage analysis.

Effects of supplementation of different selenium sources on lipid profile, selenium, and vitamin E concentration of yolk.

Egg preference as a source of protein also provides beneficial fatty acids, vital for human consumption. However, rich in lipid products are prone to oxidative damage. The study aims to determine the effect of supplementing biogenic selenium (Se) from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, ADS18 (ADS18) in laying hens' diet on yolk lipid oxidation status (MDA), beta-carotene (ß-carotene) content, cholesterol, fatty acids, Se, and vitamin E (VE) level. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) laying hens of Lohmann Brown strains aged 50 weeks, weighing 1500 to 2000 g were reared individually in A-shape two-tier stainless-steel cages sized 30 cm x 50 cm x 40 cm (width, depth height). The hens were randomly allotted into four treatments with six replications in a complete randomised design for the period of 12 weeks. The basal diet contains 100 mg/kg VE. Treatment diets consist of basal diet as control, SS containing 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite, Se-yeast containing 0.3 mg/kg selenised yeast, and VADS18 containing 0.3 mg/kg of ADS18. Forty-eight eggs were collected and freeze-dried biweekly for analysis. The results of the present study showed that hens supplemented ADS18 had significantly (P < 0.05) lower MDA and cholesterol levels while their egg yolks had higher levels of Se and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The control group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents than the VE and dietary Se-supplemented groups, while the ADS18 group had the lowest SFA contents. Conversely, in comparison to the inorganic and control groups, the VE content of the egg yolk was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in organic Se-supplemented (Se-yeast and VADS18) groups. Hens with SS supplementation had significantly (P < 0.05) higher egg yolk ß-carotene content. When compared to other treatment groups, the control group had higher (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content. The ADS18 is therefore deemed comparable to other Se sources. To prevent Se toxicity, however, a better understanding of the levels of ADS18 incorporation in poultry diets is required.