Growth performance, nutrients digestibility, intestinal microbiota and histology altered in broilers fed maize- or sorghum-based diets.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of varying levels of sorghum-based diets as an alternative to maize in broiler nutrition. A total of 320 one-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four treatment groups (5 pens per treatment and 16 birds per pen), comprising a control group with a basal diet and groups receiving sorghum-based diets with 20%, 40%, and 100% maize replacement. The overall weight gain was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in the control group, followed by 20%, 40%, and 100% sorghum replacement. Additionally, overall feed intake was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the 20% sorghum replacement group compared to the control and other groups. Broilers fed sorghum-based diets exhibited a significantly (p < 0.01) increased feed conversion ratio. Carcass characteristics showed no significant differences between broilers fed corn and sorghum; however, the digestibility of crude protein and apparent metabolizable energy significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the 20% sorghum-corn replacement compared to the 40% and 100% replacement levels. Ileal villus height and width did not differ among the corn-sorghum-based diets, regardless of the replacement percentage. Furthermore, among the cecal microbiota, Lactobacillus count was significantly (p < 0.041) higher in the 20% corn-sorghum diet compared to the 40% and 100% replacement levels. These findings suggest that replacing corn up to 20% of corn with sorghum in broiler diet positively impact growth performance, gut health, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota in broilers. However, larger replacements (40% and 100%) may have negative implications for broiler production and health.

Effects of hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) in diet on growth, gut health, and immunity in broilers.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of different levels of hempseed (HS) on growth performance, immunity and gut health in broiler chickens. A total of 192 Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into four groups and fed HS as follow: control (HS0), HS 10% (HS-10), HS 15% (HS-15) and HS 20% (HS-20). The study on HS supplementation in broilers revealed no significant impacts on feed intake during the starter (p = .2294) and finisher phases (p = .2294), or overall (p = .0944), though numerical increases were noted with higher HS levels. Body weight gain showed no significant influence in the starter and finisher phases, with overall weight gain also not significantly different (p = .0944), but numerically higher with increased HS. Feed conversion ratio was unaffected in the starter (p = .6986) and finisher phases (p = .6425), and overall (p = .2218). Dressing percentage (p = .1062) and mortality (p = .1631) were not significantly altered, but HS-20 had the highest dressing percentage and lowest mortality numerically. White blood cell counts increased significantly (p = .0377), especially in HS-15 and HS-20 groups. IgM and IgG production was higher in HS-20 on day 28 (p = .021). Gut pH (p > .05) and intestinal histomorphology (p > .05) were not significantly affected, although villus height increased numerically with higher HS levels. These results suggest potential benefits of HS, especially at higher inclusion levels. In conclusion, the obtained results indicated that HS incorporation into the diet of broilers did not affect the growth performance and gut health; however, the immune responses were significantly higher at 15 and 20% levels.

Evaluation of blood minerals and oxidative stress changing pattern in prepartum and postpartum Achai and Holstein Friesian dairy cows.

This research focused on evaluating blood mineral levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of oxidative stress before and after giving birth in Achai and Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cows. Blood samples were obtained from a total of 50 cows representing both breeds on the third, second, and first week prior to calving, as well as on the day of calving (day 0). Subsequently, samples were collected on the 1-3 weeks postpartum to allow a comprehensive evaluation of blood parameters throughout the peripartum period. Results showed a significant (p < .01) decrease in serum zinc (Zn) levels on the day of parturition in both breeds. Additionally, HF cows exhibited higher (p < .01) Zn levels on week 2 before giving birth. Interestingly, blood selenium (Se) concentration increased (p < .01) in HF cows on weeks 2 and 3 after calving. In contrast, Achai cows showed a rise (p < .01) in blood Se on week 3 of parturition. Blood copper (Cu) levels were higher (p < .01) on weeks 2 and 3 after parturition in HF cows and on third week before parturition compared to Achai cows, where serum Cu remained high on week 1 of parturition. The findings indicated that blood magnesium (Mg) was higher (p < .01) on third week before parturition in Achai cows and on weeks 2 and 3 after parturition. Serum calcium (Ca) was higher (p < .01) in both HF and Achai cows on weeks 2 and 3 after parturition, and lower (p < .01) on third week before giving birth in both breeds. The mean blood MDA levels in Achai cows were lower (p < .01) on weeks 1 to 3 postpartum or 3 weeks before giving birth. In HF cows, serum MDA increased (p < .01) just before 2 weeks of parturition and remained elevated until 3 weeks of parturition. Thus, both breeds exhibited a similar pattern of mineral fluctuations; yet, Achai cows demonstrated greater resilience to oxidative stress compared to HF cows during the transition period.

Effect of Puncture Vine on Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Traits, Metabolic and Immunological Blood Indicators, and Selected Cecal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens.

This study investigated the effects of puncture vine (Tribulus Terrestris) addition on the performance, carcass and meat characteristics, selected metabolic and immunological blood indicators, some microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids. A total of 252 1-day-old broilers were distributed to three treatments with 12 cages as replicates per treatment (T1 = 0.0%, T2 = 0.08%, and T3 = 0.16% puncture vine). Performance parameters and metabolic and immunological serum indicators were measured in each feeding phase, while carcass characteristics, meat quality, cecal microflora, and short-chain fatty acids were measured at 35 days. Results showed that live weight, weight gain, production efficiency, and meat component color were lower in initial and ultimate at T3, while the percentages of the legs and gizzard were higher at T2 than T1. The relative weight of cooking loss was higher in T2 and T3, but the myofibril fragmentation index was lower than T1. Total protein and globulin were higher in T2 and T3 (14 days old), and the glucose level was lower in T2 (35 days old) than at T1. Interleukins (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were higher in T2 than T1 and T3 (35 days old). Puncture vine has antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., while Lactobacillus spp. was higher in T2. The total short-chain fatty acid content was higher in chickens fed puncture vine. These results indicate that the use of puncture vine powder as a natural alternative at a dosage of 0.08% has a safe effect on the performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and health of broilers.

Dietary Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Waste Inhibits Experimentally Induced Eimeria tenella Challenge in Japanese Quails Model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of dietary 3% oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) waste in enhancing the anticoccidial effects in broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella infection. The experiment involved a total of 600 Japanese quails, raised from one to thirty-five days of age, which were divided into four treatment groups. These included a negative control group that received a basal diet (BD) without any anticoccidial or antibiotic supplementation in the non-challenged birds (negative control, NC); a positive control (PC) group consisting of NC birds challenged with E. tenella; a group that received the BD with an anticoccidial drug (standard); and a group that received the BD supplemented with 3% waste from oyster mushrooms (3% Pleurotus ostreatus). The results showed that the feed intake, body weight gain, and feed efficiency were significantly lower in the PC (p < 0.05). However, the growth traits were similar in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups. Similarly, there was no difference (p < 0.05) in the mortality rate, oocyst count in the feces, and lesion score between the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus groups. Based on intestinal histology evaluation, the villi height and width were significantly higher in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups compared to those of the PC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, it was found that 3% Pleurotus ostreatus effectively mitigated the low growth rate of Japanese quails induced by coccidial infection.

Novel Prion Protein Gene Polymorphisms in Awassi Sheep in Three Regions of the Fertile Crescent.

Scrapie is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease that affects sheep and goats, and genetic susceptibility to scrapie in sheep is associated with polymorphisms in the prion protein (PRNP) gene. The aim of this study is to identify PRNP polymorphism in Awassi sheep from Türkiye, the Palestinian Authority, and Saudi Arabia. A total of 150 healthy sheep were genotyped for PRNP, using Sanger sequencing. There were seven alleles and eleven genotypes observed based on codons 136, 154, and 171 of PRNP. The ARQ allele was predominant in all populations. The most resistant allele to scrapie, ARR, was present in all three regions. The VRQ allele, associated with the highest susceptibility to scrapie, was detected only in Türkiye at a low frequency. In this study, twenty-seven amino acid substitutions were found. Eight of them (R40Q, G65E, H88L, S98T, A118P, S138T, V192F and L250I) have not been previously reported. These data indicate that sheep breeds close to the sheep domestication center have maintained high genetic diversity in the PRNP region. Our findings on PRNP will provide valuable insights for sheep breeding programs, aiding in the selection of genotypes resistant to scrapie in Türkiye, the Palestinian Authority, and Saudi Arabia.

Blood metabolic pattern and somatic cells dynamic in Achai and Holstein Friesian cows during transition period.

This study focused on assessing blood metabolites and somatic cell count (SCC) during the transition period in Achai and Holstein Friesian cows. Blood samples were collected from cows of both breeds on days -21, -14, -7 (pre-partum period), on day 0 (parturition day) and then on days 7, 14 and 21 (post-partum period). Additionally, milk samples were obtained on the day of parturition and on days 7, 14 and 21 post-partum for SCC assessment. Among Holstein cows, blood glucose levels showed a significant increase on day -21 before calving, and a decrease on the 14th and 21st days post-partum. Similarly, the blood triglycerides concentration exhibited a significant rise in Holstein cows 21 days before calving, while Achai cows experienced a significant decline in blood triglycerides on the day of parturition and throughout the entire post-partum period. Comparing Holstein and Achai cows, blood cholesterol was significantly higher in Holstein cows on day -21 before calving, whereas Achai cows had significantly lower blood cholesterol levels on the day of parturition. Regarding blood protein, Holstein cows exhibited significantly higher levels on day 14 post-partum, while Achai cows had lower protein levels 7 days before calving. The results further demonstrated that SCC was significantly elevated in Holstein cows on day 21 of parturition and lower on the day of parturition in Achai cows. Overall, the metabolic profile trend and SCC were comparable, yet the studied parameters were more pronounced in Holstein Friesian compared to Achai cows.

Curcumin Co-Encapsulation Potentiates Anti-Arthritic Efficacy of Meloxicam Biodegradable Nanoparticles in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Animal Model.

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of curcumin and meloxicam co-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating curcumin (nCur) and meloxicam (nMlx) alone and in combination (nCur/Mlx) were used to characterize zeta size and potential, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency (%), compound-polymer interactions (FT-IR analysis), and surface morphology (SEM imaging). In vivo, Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered with curcumin, meloxicam, curcumin plus meloxicam, nCur, nMlx, and nCur/Mlx for 28 consecutive days. Results showed that nCur, nMlx, and nCur/Mlx significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced paw swelling and arthritic score, restored body weight and the immune organ index (thymus and spleen), as well as attenuated serum inflammatory markers (RF, CRP, and PGE2) and oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, and CAT) in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats compared to free compounds. In addition, mono- and dual-compound-loaded nanoparticles significantly (p ≤ 0.05) down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6), up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ), and modulated OPG and RANKL expressions in paw tissue. The aforementioned results were further confirmed through radiological and histopathological examinations. Furthermore, the anti-arthritic effect of nCur/Mlx was notably (p ≤ 0.05) enhanced compared to nCur or nMlx alone. In conclusion, the co-nanoencapsulation of curcumin could potentiate the anti-arthritic activity of meloxicam and could provide a novel therapeutic approach for the formulation of nanocarrier pharmaceutical products for the management of arthritis.

Evaluation of Carcass Attributes and Physical, Chemical, and Qualitative Characteristics of Breast Meat of Broiler Chickens Fed on Pulicaria jaubertii Powder.

Pulicaria jaubertii (PJ) is a medicinal plant used as a synthetic antioxidant and as a traditional medicine due to its bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of PJ on carcass traits and breast meat quality parameters of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty male broilers (1 day old) were divided into four groups (0, 3, 6, and 9 g of PJ/kg of basal diet). Performance indicators were evaluated during the feeding stages, and carcass characteristics and physiochemical and qualitative parameters of breast meat were measured at 36 days old. The results showed that PJ improved performance parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency index (p < 0.05) in the finishing stage. The diets supplemented with PJ were associated with better carcass characteristics (p < 0.05), but some body parts, such as legs (6 and 9 g PJ) and backs (3-9 g PJ) decreased (p < 0.05). Temperature and initial pH were decreased by PJ (p < 0.05). Meat color was not affected by PJ (p > 0.05), although the yellowness and saturation index were lower at 9 g PJ. Total saturated fatty acid content was higher at 3 g PJ, while total polyunsaturated fatty acids and unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio were lower at 3 and 6 g PJ (p < 0.05). Total monounsaturated fatty acid content increased at 6 and 9 g PJ. Omega-6 fatty acids and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 were lower at 3 g PJ. PJ resulted in higher weight loss on cooking (6 and 9 g PJ) and shear force (3-9 g PJ). In conclusion, PJ had a positive influence on performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile, and some meat quality traits were generally improved by PJ, but knowledge of its mode of action is still limited and therefore requires further investigation.

Effects of Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) Powder on Characteristics of Carcass and Breast Meat Quality Parameters in Male Broiler Chickens.

Gum Arabic, one of the soluble fibers, is considered a source of natural prebiotics that can be fermented by the activity of the intestinal microbiota and, therefore, may have a positive effect on the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of gum Arabic on performance, carcass characteristics, physicochemical properties, and quality of broiler breast meat. Six dietary treatments (T1-T5) with a basal diet (CON) containing 0.12%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% gum Arabic, respectively. A total of 432 one-day-old male broiler chickens were conducted for 35 days. Performance and carcass characteristics, as well as physical, qualitative, and chemical indicators of breast meat, were evaluated. The results showed that the treatments improved overall performance (p < 0.05), such as body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and performance index, except for feed intake, which was lower at T1, T2, and T5 than at CON. Carcass characteristics, body components, and breast meat color or initial pH were not affected by dietary treatments (p > 0.05), but ultimate pH (T1 and T2) and color lightness were comparatively lower, and color change (T2-T3) was comparatively higher. Cooking water loss (T2-T4) and shear force (T1-T5) were higher in the treatments. Cohesiveness and resilience were higher in T2, while gumminess and chewiness were lower in T4 and T5. T1 breast meat had higher crude protein content and lower crude fat content, but the other chemical compositions were not affected by the treatments. Some fatty acids in the breast meat were more affected by treatments compared to CON. In conclusion, the present findings showed that gum Arabic (0.12% to 0.75%) has favorable effects on growth performance and some quality indicators of breast meat (such as cooking water loss, shear force, protein, and fat content), especially at the level of 0.12% with no alterations on the carcass characteristics and body components or physical indicators of breast meat.

Effects of increasing levels of lasalocid supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry, ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and gas production of growing goats.

Introduction: Lasalocid is a feed additive widely used in ruminant nutrition and plays a crucial role in improving livestock productivity, digestibility, immunity, and overall wellbeing. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of lasalocid (LAS) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry, ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and gas production of growing goats. Methods: A total of 60 growing Aardi male goats with an average body weight of ~17.12 kg (3-month-old) were used for an 84-day trial. Animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 5 replicates of 3 goats each. All four groups were provided with a basal diet supplemented with lasalocid (LAS) at 0 (without supplementation; LAS0), 10 (LAS10), 20 (LAS20), or 30 (LAS30) ppm LAS/kg dry matter (DM). Feed intake was measured weekly, and goats were weighed every 2 weeks for an evaluation of the performance parameters. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of biochemical variables. In vitro nutrient digestibility and gas production were evaluated. Results and discussion: The supplementation of LAS at level 30 ppm/kg DM increased (P < 0.05) the body weight gain and average daily gain without linear or quadratic effect. The serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the LAS20 group than in other groups with linear and quadratic effects, while low-density lipoprotein concentration was significantly lower in the LAS20 group than in LAS0 and LAS30 with a linear effect. Different levels of lasalocid supplementation had no effect on the ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro gas production, and nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, the addition of LAS (20-30 ppm/kg DM) to the goat's diet can improve the growth performance and lipoprotein profile.

Heavy Metals Levels in Soil, Water and Feed and Relation to Slaughtered Camels' Tissues (Camelus dromedarius) from Five Districts in Saudi Arabia during Spring.

Soil, water, and forage contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, and Co can affect the meat and liver quality of camels raised in this area which affect human health. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd and Co in soil, water, feed and young camels' carcass tissues (meat, liver, whole blood, rumen fluid and rumen tissue) from five districts in Saudi Arabia during the spring. All samples were wet-digested and analyzed by ICP-OES for heavy metals. In the liver, a significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentration of Pb and Co was observed in camels reared in the central and southern districts, while Cd was found significantly higher in the western and northern districts. The concentration of Pb, Cd and Co in meat of camels in the northern district was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the meat of camels in the west had a higher (p < 0.05) concentration of Co. In addition, the Cd and Co concentrations in rumen fluid samples from camels in the eastern district were significantly higher than in the central district. A negative correlation between the concentration of Pb and Cd in rumen fluid and rumen tissue was reported. The accumulation of Cd, Pb, and Co in meat and liver was below the recommended maximum limit. Therefore, the harmful risk of human consumption of camel meat and liver is not possible.

Investigating the Effect of Pulicaria jaubertii as a Natural Feed Additive on the Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Immunological Response, and Cecal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens.

Based on the biologically active compounds of Pulicaria jaubertii studied so far, there are no studies on the use of this plant in broilers. Therefore, the present study aims is to investigate the effect of Pulicaria jaubertii on the performance, blood biochemistry, internal organs, gene expression related to immune response, and the cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of two hundred and forty male broilers were used and divided into four diet groups (T1 = 0, T2 = 3, T3 = 6, and T4 = 9 g Pulicaria jaubertii powder/kg basal diet). The performance evaluation, serum biochemical parameters, internal organ indicators, cytokines' gene expression, and microbiota colonization were determined. The study results showed that this plant was rich in nutrients, some fatty acids, and bioactive phenolic compounds. All growth performance indicators and relative liver weight were improved by Pulicaria jaubertii levels (T2 to T4) with no effect on feed intake. T3 and T4 showed higher total protein and lower triglycerides and total cholesterol. Birds fed Pulicaria jaubertii showed immune regulation through the modulation of pre-inflammatory cytokines and increased mucin-2 and secretory Immunoglobulin A compared with the control group. Diet groups (T2 to T4) had higher quantities of Lactobacillus spp. and lower levels of Salmonella spp. than the control group. We conclude that Pulicaria jaubertii could be used as a feed supplement for broilers due to its beneficial effects on overall performance, immune response, and microbiota. Further studies are recommended to investigate the potential mechanism of Pulicaria jaubertii in broilers.

Effects of Different Levels of Yucca Supplementation on Growth Rates, Metabolic Profiles, Fecal Odor Emissions, and Carcass Traits of Growing Lambs.

Sixty male Awassi lambs were used to investigate the effects of dietary Yucca schidgera extract (YS) on the production, fecal and urinary odor emissions, and carcass traits of growing lambs fed complete pellets. Lambs were fed either a complete pelleted diet without yucca (control) or supplemented with 300 or 600 mg YS/kg dry matter (DM) during the 84-day experiment. The weights and feed consumption of the lambs were measured weekly. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 28, 58, and 84, and ruminal fluid samples were collected on day 70. On day 90, the odor emissions from feces and urine were measured. On day 84, 12 lambs were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass and meat quality. The final values for bodyweight, bodyweight gain, and feed efficiency of lambs fed the YS300 diet were 3.40%, 6.64%, and 6.17%, respectively, higher (p < 0.05) than those fed the YS600 diet. Additionally, the percentage of dressing, myofibril fragmentation index, and ruminal isovalerate percentage of lambs treated with YS600 were higher than those treated with YS300. Compared with the control, the addition of yucca reduced odor emissions from feces and urine. In conclusion, dietary YS300 had no additional benefits on growth rate, feed efficiency, and carcass traits, while dietary YS600 improved fecal and urinary odors.

Growth Rates, Carcass Traits, Meat Yield, and Fatty Acid Composition in Growing Lambs under Different Feeding Regimes.

A total of 75 male Awassi (mean BW 23.5 ± 2.0 kg; 3 months old) were used in an 84-day trial to investigate the effects of different feeding regimes on productive performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality, and the fatty acid profile of growing lambs. Animals were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 25 lambs each. The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) whole barley grain (60%) plus alfalfa hay (40%; GB-AH; the basal diet); (2) a concentrate pelleted diet plus alfalfa hay (CP-AH); and (3) a complete pelleted diet (CPD). Feed intake was measured weekly, and all lambs were weighed every two weeks for an evaluation of the productive parameters. Blood samples were collected from all lambs for the measurement of biochemical and enzymatic variables. At the end of the experiment, 13 lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid composition. The final body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed efficiency of lambs were lowest (p < 0.05) in lambs on the grain and alfalfa diet compared with the other groups. Feeding lambs either the CP-AH or CPD diets resulted (p < 0.05) in increases in slaughter weight, carcass weights (hot and cold), the percentage of liver and shoulder, carcass length, back fat thickness, and the area of longissimus thoracis muscle compared with those lambs on the GB-AF diet. The proportion of saturated fatty acids in meat was greater (p = 0.04) in lambs fed on the GA-AH diet than in those of lambs fed on the pelleted diets. Lambs on the CP-AH diet had (p < 0.05) the highest ratios of PUFA to SFA and omega 6 to omega 3, and the proportion of omega 6. The atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes were lower (p < 0.05) in the CP-AH group compared with the GB-AH group. In conclusion, the results indicate that feeding growing lambs on concentrate pellets instead of whole barley grain improves the growth rate, traits, meat quality, and fatty acid profile, which have important implications for productivity, efficiency, and profitability in the livestock industry.

Regional and Seasonal Variability of Mineral Patterns in Some Organs of Slaughtered One-Humped Camels [Camelus dromedarius] from Saudi Arabia.

Camel products are receiving great interest worldwide because of their high functional properties and nutritive values. Therefore, this study was focused on the variation of copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], manganese [Mn], selenium [Se], iron [Fe], iodine [I], and some heavy metals, cobalt [Co], lead [Pb], and cadmium [Cd], in the blood and tissues of slaughtered camels from five regions in Saudi Arabia [SA] during the summer and winter seasons, because environmental factors vary from region to region. Whole blood, meat, liver, rumen fluid, and rumen tissues were collected from the slaughterhouse in each region during the two seasons. Moreover, samples were prepared and analyzed for trace mineral and heavy metal concentrations using ICP-MS. The data were statistically analyzed as part of a complete randomized design and correlation analysis for season and location using SAS. The findings revealed a pattern in the minerals, with Ca being the only mineral that was unrelated to other minerals in the liver. For lead and cadmium, our mean value in liver [0.40 µg/g] was below the limit of the EU standard for cadmium [0.50 µg/g], while in meat and liver, lead contents [1.62 µg/g and 2.57 µg/g, respectively] were above the limit of the EU standard [0.10 and 0.20 µg/g, respectively]. For meat, the significantly highest positive correlations were observed between P and Mg [R2 = 0.928], Fe and Mn [R2 = 0.860], and Co and Mn [R2 = 0.821]. For rumen tissues, P and Mg were highly correlated [R2 = 0.958] as well as Zn and Mg [R2 = 0.857], Zn and P [R2 = 0.836], and Fe and Ca [R2 = 0.802]. As a result, a region and season reflect variations in mineral concentrations in SA during the summer and winter seasons. Further intensive research is needed to investigate the minerals' biological mechanisms in camels under different environmental conditions.

The Effect of Gum Arabic Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Indicators, Immune Response, Cecal Microbiota, and the Duodenal Morphology of Broiler Chickens.

Gum Arabic (GA) belongs to the Fabaceae family and contains indigestible soluble fibers (80-85%) that could be fermented by commensal bacteria to enhance performance, immune response, and intestinal integrity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GA on performance, serum biochemical indicators, microbiota, immune-related gene expression, and histological changes in chickens. Six GA levels (0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0%) were allocated using a total of 432 1-day-old male chickens (12 replicates with 6 chickens each). Growth performance was evaluated on days 10 and 24 of age. Blood parameters, organ pH levels, and intestinal health were determined on day 10 of age. Results showed that GA at 0.12% increased weight gain and 0.12 to 1.0% decreased feed intake but was best in feed conversion ratio and production efficiency except for 1.0% on day 1-10 of age. There was an increase in the thymus weight at GA level 0.25 to 0.75%. GA decreased the pH value of the proventriculus (at 0.50 and 1.0%) as well as the duodenum and cecum (at 0.12 and 1.0%). Chickens fed GA between 0.25 to 1.0% had higher protein and HDL, but lower cholesterol, LDL, and creatinine. Globulin was increased at 0.50% GA, while glucose and triglycerides were decreased (at 0.25 and 0.75% GA, respectively). The immune-related gene expression was reduced, except for 0.25% GA, which increased IL-10. Furthermore, chickens fed GA (0.25 to 0.75%) had higher Lactobacillus spp. and lower Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. When chickens received GA, the villus length and length to crypt ratio were higher, which also improved the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells and early duodenal development. We conclude that using GA (0.25 to 0.75%) as a natural prebiotic positively affects the performance, microbiota, immune response, morphology, and gut health of post-hatched chickens. More studies are needed to determine the potential mechanism of GA on broiler chickens.

Blood Trace Element Status in Camels: A Review.

Trace minerals play an important role in animal health and productivity. They are involved also in many physiological activities, and their deficiency causes a variety of pathological problems and metabolic defects, reducing consequently the animal productivity. The demand for animal products in semi-arid areas is rapidly increasing, and the supply is still below the required level, partially due to low animal productivity. Camels (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus) are considered one of the main sources of healthy, high-quality meat and milk for human consumption within most of the countries in the semi-arid regions. Despite their efficient adaptation to their environment, camels can suffer from the growth retardation of newborns, low feed efficiency, anemia, poor fertility, poor reproduction and many other metabolic disorders. It is well known that trace mineral deficiencies and trace mineral toxicities can influence camels' production and reproductive efficiency, as well as many aspects of their growth and metabolism. Evaluating the trace minerals status of camels and their variability is an obvious step toward improving camels' productivity and health. Thus, the present article reviews the data regarding the status of trace minerals (copper, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, iodine, fluorine, molybdenum, sulfur, bromide and nickel) in camel blood and their physiological variability, with a focus on their deficiency and toxicity effects.

Evaluation of gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve growth performance and health status of broiler chickens.

Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural product containing soluble fiber that is indigestible in the gastrointestinal tract and has been used as a traditional medicine to treat many diseases such as intestinal inflammation, kidney disease, and liver disorders, which may be reflected in the improved performance of broiler chickens when used. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of GA on the performance, immune system, visceral organs, functional tests, and histological changes of the ileum, liver, and kidneys of broilers. A total of 432 1-day-old male broilers were allocated to six dietary treatments (0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% GA) for 35 days. Performance, internal organs, and blood biochemical indices were measured. Morphology and histometry of the intestine were also performed. Meanwhile, tissues of the ileum, liver, and kidney were examined and evaluated microscopically to observe histological changes. All levels of GA (0.12 to 1.0%) had a positive effect on growth performance and feed conversion ratio. In addition, GA had no effect on the relative weight of lymphoid and visceral organs, except for a linear response in the bursa and liver. The levels of GA (0.12 and 0.25%) showed the potential to decrease serum uric acid, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase. The remarkable increase in small intestinal morphology of chickens fed GA and an increase in all histometric values of the ileum. All histological changes in the intestine, liver, and kidneys improved in chickens fed the basal diet containing 0.12 to 0.50% GA. These results provide useful evidence for the potential use of GA powder (Acacia senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve performance and intestinal, liver, and kidney health in broiler chickens.

Evaluation of the Nutritive Value and Digestibility of Sprouted Barley as Feed for Growing Lambs: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of freshly sprouted barley on the growth of lambs, in addition to its nutritional value and digestibility. In addition, sprouted barley digestibility and rumen fermentation were studied in vitro on a dry matter (DM) basis. A total of 45 three-month-old Awassi lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments of sprouted barley (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%) diets. Bodyweight, weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded every two weeks. Nutrient analyses were performed on feed, faecal, and urine samples. DM and non-fibrous carbohydrates were measured. Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), as well as gas production, pH value, ammonia-N, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs), were determined in vitro using continuous culture. The results showed that final bodyweight was lower (p < 0.05), while feed intake and the feed-to-gain ratio were increased (p < 0.05) in sprouted barley treatments. Nutrient analysis indicators of sprouted barley treatments (25 to100%) were lower (p < 0.05) for DM, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, lignin and ash, and higher for total digestible nutrients, NDF, fat, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and net energy than the traditional diet. In the in vivo study, the digestibility of nutrients in sprouted barley treatments was improved (p < 0.05), while the diet (sprouted barley 100%) had the lowest digestibility of DM, OM, and NDF compared with the other treatments in the in vitro study. In conclusion, the addition of sprouted barley improved digestibility, and fermentation characteristics, while having a negative effect on growth. Further studies are recommended for optimal growth performance.