Microencapsulation of Mitragyna leaf extracts to be used as a bioactive compound source to enhance in vitro fermentation characteristics and microbial dynamics.

OBJECTIVE: Mitragyna speciosa Korth is traditionally used in Thailand. They have a high level of antioxidant capacities and bioactive compounds, the potential to modulate rumen fermentation and decrease methane production. The aim of the study was to investigate the different levels of microencapsulated-Mitragyna leaves extracts (MMLE) supplementation on nutrient degradability, rumen ecology, microbial dynamics, and methane production in an in vitro study. METHODS: A completely randomized design was used to assign the experimental treatments, MMLE was supplemented at 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of the total dry matter (DM) substrate. RESULTS: The addition of MMLE significantly increased in vitro dry matter degradability both at 12, 24, and 48 h, while ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration was improved with MMLE supplementation. The MMLE had the greatest propionate and total volatile fatty acid production when added with 6% of total DM substrate, while decreased the methane production (12, 24, and 48 h). Furthermore, the microbial population of cellulolytic bacteria and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens were increased, whilst Methanobacteriales was decreased with MMLE feeding. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that MMLE could be a potential alternative plant-based bioactive compound supplement to be used as ruminant feed additives.

Emerging trends and applications in health-boosting microorganisms-specific strains for enhancing animal health.

Recent advancements in specific strain of probiotics have shown promising trends and applications in both ruminant and non-ruminant animal health. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored probiotics for these animal categories, discussing their potential benefits in improving nutrient utilization, growth performance, and disease management. The study also explores the different routes of probiotics administration, highlighting the various methods of delivery. Specifically, it highlights the benefits of probiotics in ruminant production performance, including enhanced rumen health, growth rates, milk production, and reduced digestive disorders. Additionally, it discusses the advantages of probiotics in non-ruminant farming, such as improved feed conversion efficiency, nutrient absorption, growth rates, immune responses, and reduced gastrointestinal issues, leading to increased productivity and profitability. In conclusion, recent advancements in specific strain of probiotics offer promising prospects for improving animal health. Tailored probiotics have shown potential in enhancing growth, nutrient utilization, and disease prevention, contributing to sustainable and effective animal husbandry practices.

Response and Tolerance of Macleaya cordata to Excess Zinc Based on Transcriptome and Proteome Patterns.

Macleaya cordata is a dominant plant of mine tailings and a zinc (Zn) accumulator with high Zn tolerance. In this study, M. cordata seedlings cultured in Hoagland solution were treated with 200 µmol·L-1 of Zn for 1 day or 7 days, and then, their leaves were taken for a comparative analysis of the transcriptomes and proteomes between the leaves of the control and Zn treatments. Differentially expressed genes included those that were iron (Fe)-deficiency-induced, such as vacuolar iron transporter VIT, ABC transporter ABCI17 and ferric reduction oxidase FRO. Those genes were significantly upregulated by Zn and could be responsible for Zn transport in the leaves of M. cordata. Differentially expressed proteins, such as chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins, ATP-dependent protease, and vacuolar-type ATPase located on the tonoplast, were significantly upregulated by Zn and, thus, could be important in chlorophyll biosynthesis and cytoplasm pH stabilization. Moreover, the changes in Zn accumulation, the production of hydrogen peroxide, and the numbers of mesophyll cells in the leaves of M. cordata were consistent with the expression of the genes and proteins. Thus, the proteins involved in the homeostasis of Zn and Fe are hypothesized to be the keys to the tolerance and accumulation of Zn in M. cordata. Such mechanisms in M. cordata can suggest novel approaches to genetically engineering and biofortifying crops.

The prevalence, risk factors analysis and evaluation of two diagnostic techniques for the detection of Cryptosporidium infection in diarrheic sheep from Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium spp. is recognized as an opportunistic zoonotic parasite that infects humans as well as wild and domestic animals. This enteric protozoan is a major cause of diarrhea in humans and animals and often result in death due to severe dehydration. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence, identification of various risk factors and evaluation of sensitivity of the two diagnostic techniques for rapid and correct detection of Cryptosporidium infection in diarrheic sheep in Pakistan. METHODS: A total of 360 fecal samples were collected and processed for detection of Cryptosporidium infection after proper preservation. These samples were properly stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid staining and then examined under simple microscope at 100x magnification for confirmation of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The same samples were again processed through simple PCR for confirmation of the Cryptosporidium spp. RESULTS: The age wise prevalence was detected through simple microscopy and PCR. We found highest prevalence at the age of ≤1 year followed by 1-2 years of age while the lowest prevalence was recorded at the age of ≥ 2-3 years of sheep and found significant difference between different ages (P<0.05). The sex wise prevalence showed the highest prevalence in male (♂) animals detected compared to female (♀). The overall prevalence was detected 27.08% and 18.80% through PCR and simple microscopy, respectively, and significant difference between two diagnostic techniques were observed (P<0.05). Considering the seasonality, the highest prevalence was recorded through simple microscopy in autumn, summer, and spring, while the lowest in winter. These results were confirmed through PCR. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that molecular detection is the most efficient, specific and sensitive technique for detection of Cryptosporidium infection than simple microscopy. Moreover sheep is the major potential source of infection to other wild and domestic animals including humans.

Nutritional composition of various insects and potential uses as alternative protein sources in animal diets.

The aim of the present investigation is to determine the nutritional composition of various insects and their potential uses as alternative protein sources in animal diets. The feeding industry requires production systems that use accessible resources, such as feed resources, and concentrates on the potential impacts on production yield and nutritional quality. Invertebrate insects, such as black soldier flies, grasshoppers, mealworms, housefly larvae, and crickets, have been used as human food and as feed for nonruminants and aqua culture while for ruminants their use has been limited. Insects can be mass-produced, participating in a circular economy that minimizes or eliminates food- and feed-waste through bioconversion. Although the model for formula-scale production of insects as feed for domestic animals has been explored for a number of years, significant production and transformation to being a conventional protein resource remains to be deeply investigated. This review will focus on the nutritional composition of various insects and their potential use as alternative protein sources, as well as their potential use to promote and support sustainable animal production. Furthermore, nutritional compositions, such as high protein, lauric acid omega 6, and omega 3, and bioactive compounds, such as chitin, are of great potential use for animal feeding.

Evaluation of biological and chemical additives on microbial community, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas production of SuMu No. 2 elephant grass.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biological and chemical additives on microbial community, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas production of SuMu No. 2 elephant grass. RESULTS: Aerobic bacteria and yeast were not affected on days 5 and 7 but were significantly (P < 0.224) reduced on days 14, 30, and 60, whereas lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria were significantly (P > 0.001) higher in all ensiling days within all treatment groups. During the ensiling days, the pH, acetic acid, butyric acid, and yeast were decreased in all treatment groups, whereas the Lactobacillus plantarum group and L. plantarum + natamycin group were highly significantly (P > 0.001) decreased. During air exposure, the water-soluble carbohydrates, ammonia nitrogen, lactic acid, and acetic acid were not affected on days 1-4, whereas pH and aerobic bacteria (were significantly (P < 0.05) increased on days 2-4. The addition of Lactobacillus plantarum and natamycin increased the gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and in vitro neutral detergent fiber of SuMu No. 2 elephant grass silages. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of biological and chemical additives, such as L. plantrum alone and the combination with natamycin, affected the undesirable microbial community, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas of SuMu No. 2 elephant grass. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ensiling of whole-plant hybrid pennisetum with natamycin and Lactobacillus plantarum impacts on fermentation characteristics and meta-genomic microbial community at low temperature.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current research was to clarify the impacts of the ensiling of whole-plant hybrid pennisetum with natamycin and Lactobacillus plantarum on fermentation characteristics and the meta-genomic microbial community at low temperatures. RESULTS: During the ensiling process, lactic acid (LA) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) significantly (P < 0.05) increased and acetic acid (AA), water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), ammonia total nitrogen (NH3-N), and yeast significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in treatments as compared to controls. Different treatments and different ensiling days led to variations in the bacterial community at family and genus levels. The family Lactobacillaceae and genera Lactobacillus and Pediococcus are dominant communities in treatment silage. The family and genus levels bacterial ecology and fermentation quality were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). The PCO1, and PCO2 can be explained by 10.81% and 72.14% of the whole variance regularly, similarly in PCO1 and PCO2 can be explained 24.23% and 52.06% regularly. The core bacterial micro-biome operational taxonomic unit (OTU) numbers increased in treatments, as compared to controls, on different hybrid pennisetum ensiling days. CONCLUSIONS: The inoculation of L. plantarum alone and combined with natamycin influenced the fermentation quality and reduced undesirable microorganisms during the fermentation of hybrid pennisetum silage. Natamycin alone did not significantly enhance the concentration of organic acid but numerically enhanced in treatments group as compared to control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Integrated control of dry root rot of chickpea caused by Rhizoctoniabataticola under the natural field condition.

The study investigated the effect of three fungicides Bavistin®, Aliette®, and Biomagic® at the rate of 2 g/L were tested In vitro and In vivo to control dry root rot and their impact on yield were evaluated at the rate of 4 g/L against R. bataticola while varieties used were Karak-1, Karak-2, Karak-3, and Sheenghar. Disease severity was recorded lowest (19 %) and highest yield (1467 Kg/ha), plant height (47.5 cm), number of pods/plant (15.0) and number of grain/pods (1.66) were recorded in cultivar Karak-1. Among the fungicides drugs, the Bavistin®, significantly reduced the disease severity (5 %) and Kg/ha), highest plant height (64.1 cm), highest grain yield (1488 Kg/ha), number of pods/plant (24.5) and number of grain/pods (2.25). It is concluded that the integrated use of Karak-1 and Bavistin®, fungicide drugs gave promising results for controlling dry root rot of chickpea, and increased plant height, number of pods/plant and number of grain/pods.

Effects of natamycin and Lactobacillus plantarum on the chemical composition, microbial community, and aerobic stability of Hybrid pennisetum at different temperatures.

This study evaluated the effects of natamycin and Lactobacillus plantarum on the chemical composition, microbial community, and aerobic stability of Hybrid pennisetum at different temperatures. Different concentrations of natamycin (0.50 g L-1, 1.00 g L-1, and 1.50 mg L-1) significantly (p > 0.05) reduced the growth of undesirable microorganisms. During the ensiling periods the pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), acetic acid (AA), butyric acid (BA), aerobic bacteria (AB), and yeast were significantly (p > 0.05) reduced, while the lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced in the SLP and SLNP groups as compared to the SP and SNP groups at high temperature (29-30 °C). During air exposure, water-soluble carbohydrate, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), lactic acid (LA), and acetic acid (AA) were not influenced, while pH and aerobic bacteria were significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced after three days (72 hours) of air exposure, and lactic acid bacteria were significantly (p > 0.05) reduced at ambient temperature (9-10 °C). It is concluded that the addition of L. plantarum CICC 20765 alone and in combination with natamycin reduced the content of AA, pH, NH3-N, BA, and undesirable microbial community, and enhanced the chemical composition, fermentation quality, and air exposure. Natamycin alone did not significantly enhance the organic acid profile but improved the air exposure. Furthermore, more effort is needed to evaluate the effects on silage preservation on a large scale and on animal performance.

Potential effect of the microbial fermented feed utilization on physicochemical traits, antioxidant enzyme and trace mineral analysis in rabbit meat.

The study investigated the potential effect of the microbial fermented feed utilization on physicochemical traits, antioxidant enzyme and trace mineral analysis in rabbit meat. A total of 72 six-week-old male rabbits were weighed and randomly divided into four groups (1) (SRKC) control; (2) (SRKP) Lactobacillus plantarum 1 × 106  cfu/g fresh weight (FW); (3) (SRKG) Pediococcus acidilactici 1 × 106 cfu/g FW and (4) (SRKPG) P. acidilactici + L. plantarum 1 × 106 cfu/g FW. Performance characteristic, weekly body weight, was positively (p < .05) enhanced, while daily feed intake (DFI) and feed convention ratio (FCR) were not influenced in treatments group as compared to untreated. The water, protein, water holding capacity (WHC) and dry matter (DM) concentration were positively (p < .05) influenced, while ash, pH, lightness, redness and yellowness were not influenced in treated group as compared to untreated. The concentration of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was positively (p < .05) influenced in treatments group as compared to control. Regarding trace minerals, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were positively (p > .05) reduced in treated group as compared to untreated. It is concluded that the addition of lactic acid bacteria (L. plantarum and P. acidilactici) in Hybrid pennisetum silage had a constructive influence on rabbit health performance and meat biochemistry.

Biological and biochemical characteristics of male reproductive system, serum metabolites and carcass quality of Japanese quails by the supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves (pine leaves) and α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) powder on male reproductive system, serum metabolites and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails. A total of 360-day-old male quails were purchased from the open market and kept at poultry shed for ninety-four days. After ten days of adaptation, all quails were randomly assigned into 4 groups, control (IC); supplemented with α-tocopherol acetate (IE) at the rate of 150 mg/L; Pinus ponderosa leaves (IP) at the rate of 150 mg/L; and 70 mg α-tocopherol acetate and 70 mg Pinus ponderosa leaves (IEP). Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate supplementation had not significantly (p > .05) effected on final body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of quails. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly (p > .05) affected by IE and IP groups as compared to IC and IEP groups. Triglyceride (TG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly (p < .05) increased in all treatment groups except for the IC group. Aspartate transaminase (AST) significantly (p > .05) decreased in treatment groups as compared to control group. Overall, the mineral levels significantly (p < .05) increased in treatment groups as compared to control. Cloacal gland index values, the quantity of foam production and testis weight were significantly (p < .05) increased in treatment groups. It was concluded that the supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate improved the testis weight, foam production, serum antioxidant enzymes and mineral level especially zinc in Japanese quail considered an indicative characteristic of higher sperm production rate and improved sexual activity. Further, higher gametogenesis rate, sperm production or reproductive behaviour including different hormonal level will be analysed in future study.

Supplementing dietary rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) powder and vitamin E in broiler chickens: evaluation of humoral immune response, lymphoid organs, and blood proteins.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) powder (RP) and vitamin E (VE) at different levels on humoral immunity of broilers during a 42-day production cycle. A total of 270 1-day-old male chicks were assigned to nine groups with three replicates of ten birds each, and diets were supplemented with 0, 0.5, or 1.0% RP and 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg VE, respectively. Commercial-inactivated vaccines against avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) viruses, and living infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccine were administered by spray method. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were administered subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected from birds 1 week after each vaccination to determine antibody titers. At the 42nd day, blood samples were also assessed for globulin level, and lymphoid tissues (thymus, spleen, and bursa) were weighed. Neither antibody titers against viruses nor lymphoid tissues weight were affected by RP and/or VE (P > 0.05) treatments. However, broilers supplemented with 0 mg/kg of VE had lower antibody titers against SRBC than those fed 100 mg/kg of VE (P < 0.05) at the 24th day. A significant RP × VE interaction effect (P < 0.05) on plasma globulin level was observed. The findings of our study suggest that dietary RP and VE additives can interact and modulate the humoral immunity of broilers, but not sufficiently to improve antibody titers against specific virus during a 42-day production cycle.

Microbiological and chemical profiles of elephant grass inoculated with and without Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici.

The study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological and chemical profiles of elephant grass inoculated with and without different wild strains of lactic acid bacteria. Silage was prepared of four treatments and one control with three replicates as control (EKC, adding 2 ml/kg sterilizing water), Lactobacillus plantarum (USA commercial bacteria) (EKP), Lactobacillus plantarum (EKA), Pediococcus acidilactici (EKB), and Pediococcus acidilactici (SKD) isolated from King grass. Silage were prepared using polyethylene terephthalate bottles, and incubated at room temperature for different ensiling days. The pH and acetic acid (AA) were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced and lactic acid (LA), butyric acid (BA), and ethanol were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 3, 5, 7, and 14 days in treatment groups as compared to control. Water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and NH3-N concentration was not affected at days 3, 5, and 7, but significantly (P < 0.05) reduced at 14 days in treatment groups as compared to control. The LA, BA, and ethanol were significantly (P < 0.05) increased and AA, WSC NH3-N, and yeast were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased at 30 days of ensiling in treatment groups as compared to control. It is recommended that the inoculation of LAB could improve the fermentation quality of elephant grass silage and further effort is needed to evaluate these effects on silage produced on farm scale and on animal production performance.

Isolation and molecular identification of lactic acid bacteria from King grass and their application to improve the fermentation quality of sweet Sorghum.

The aim of the present study was isolation and molecular identification of lactic acid bacteria from King grass and their application to improve the fermentation quality of sweet Sorghum. Seventy-six strains of LAB were isolated; five strains were selected for Physiological and morphological tests and 16S rRNA sequencing. All five strains grew at different pH 3.5-8.0, different temperature 35, 40, 45, 50 °C and different NaCl concentrations 3, 6.5, 9.5%. Strains HDASK were identified Lactobacillus plantarum and SK3907, SK2A32, SK3A42 and ASKDD Pediococcus acidilactici. Three isolated strains and one commercial strain were added to sweet sorghum. Silage was prepared of four treatments and one control with three replicates as control (SKC, adding 2 ml/kg sterilizing water), L. plantarum commercial bacteria (SKP), L. plantarum (HDASK) isolated from King grass (SKA), P. acidilactici (SK3907) isolated from King grass (SKB) and P. acidilactici (ASKDD) isolated from King grass (SKD). All silage were prepared using polyethylene terephthalate bottles, and incubated at room temperature for different ensiling days. The level of pH, acetic acid, NH3-N, water soluble carbohydrate and butyric acid was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Lactic acid, ethanol and propionic acid (PA) was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treatments compared to control. The dry matter, propionic acid neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber did not significantly (P < 0.05) differ among the treatments but the values were increased and decreased. The number of yeast, mold and LAB were significantly (P < 0.05). It is suggested that the supplementation of LAB could enhanced the fermentation quality of sweet Sorghum silage.

Interactive effects of glutamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid on growth performance and skeletal muscle amino acid metabolism of 22-42-day-old broilers exposed to hot environment.

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effects between dietary glutamine (Gln, 0 and 5 g/kg) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 0 and 100 mg/kg) on growth performance and amino acid (AA) metabolism of broilers under hot environment. A total of 360 22-day-old Arbor Acres male chickens were randomly assigned to five treatment groups under thermoneutral chamber (PC, 23 °C) and cyclic heat stress (HS, 30-34 °C cycling) conditions. Compared with the PC group, cyclic HS decreased (P < 0.05) daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed consumption (DFC), the concentrations of Gln, glutamate (Glu), and GABA, and the activities of glutaminase and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in breast muscle at 28, 35, and 42 days, while it increased (P < 0.05) the activities of glutamine synthetase (GS) and gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) at 28, 35, and 42 days. Dietary Gln and GABA improved (P < 0.05) DWG and DFC of broilers under cyclic HS during 28-42 days. In breast muscle, the Gln supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of Gln (28, 35, and 42 days), Glu (28, 35, and 42 days), and GABA (42 days) and the activities of glutaminase (28, 35, and 42 days) and GAD (28, 35, and 42 days) but decreased (P < 0.05) GS activities at 28, 35, and 42 days and GABA-T activities at 28 days. The addition of GABA increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of Gln and Glu and activities of glutaminase and GAD, while it decreased (P < 0.05) GABA-T activities at 28, 35, and 42 days. Significant interactions (P < 0.05) between Gln and GABA were found on breast skeletal muscle Gln concentrations, glutaminase activities, GS activities at 28 and 35 days, and DWG, GABA concentrations, and GABA-T activities at 28, 35, and 42 days in broilers under cyclic HS. In conclusion, the present results indicated that the interactions of exogenous Gln and GABA could offer a potential nutritional strategy to prevent HS-related depression in skeletal muscle Gln and GABA metabolism of broilers.