Endoplasmic reticulum stress and associated apoptosis are linked with the pathogenesis of white striping in broiler breast muscles.

White striping (WS) that appears as white stripes parallel to the muscle fibrils is an emerging growth-related abnormality of broiler breast meat. The pathomechanism of this defect has not been fully understood despite intensive studies over the past decade. In the present study, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its associated apoptotic pathways were investigated to elucidate the potential role of these pathways in the development of WS. To this end, a total of 60 Pectoralis major (Pm) muscle samples were collected from 55-d-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens according to the severity of gross WS lesions (normal, mild, and severe). Histopathological and molecular analyses were conducted to evaluate the lesions and genes involved in the ER stress and related apoptosis. All the Pm samples, both with and without macroscopic WS lesions, showed varying degrees of myodegenerative lesions. Molecular analysis revealed that the transcript abundances of many components related to protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme type 1 (IRE-1) signals of the ER stress response were significantly greater in severely WS-affected breast tissues compared to their mildly affected and normal counterparts. Similarly, the transcript abundances of apoptotic markers related to both signaling pathways were significantly greater in severe WS lesions than those of mildly affected and normal Pm tissues. Besides these, a significant increase in caspase-3 transcript abundance was seen in severe WS lesions in comparison with mild WS and normal breast muscles. Findings of this study suggest that ER stress response and its related apoptotic pathways are possibly activated in the breast muscle of broiler chickens with severe WS lesions. Based on these findings, it is speculated that ER stress-mediated apoptosis occupies a central role in the progression of WS in broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary Chinese herbal preparation on dry matter intake, milk yield and milk composition, serum biochemistry, hematological profile, and reproductive efficiency of Holstein dairy cows in early postpartum period.

The present study investigated the effects of various inclusion levels of dietary Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) preparation on feed consumption, milk yield and milk composition, serum biochemistry, hematological profile, and reproductive efficiency of Holstein dairy cows. A total of 117 lactating Holstein cows were randomly divided into four groups as control (n = 27; without CHM supplementation) and treatment groups CHM-0.5 (n = 31), CHM-0.75 (n = 29), and CHM-1 (n = 30) fed diet supplemented with 0.5, 0.75, and 1 kg/cow/d for 30 days, respectively. The study began at d 20 postpartum (d 0 of the study). At d 50 postpartum, the cows in all groups were subjected to estrus synchronization using a modified Ovsynch protocol (GPGMH) and observed for reproductive variables. Feed intake, milk yield and milk composition, serum biochemistry and hematological profile, and reproductive efficiency were measured. A significantly higher milk yield with improved milk lactose, milk protein and milk fat were found in the CHM-0.75 group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Besides, the estrus response, ovulation rate, ovulatory follicle diameter, and pregnancy rate increased in CHM-0.75 compared to CHM-0 or CHM-0.5 group (p < 0.05). The serum metabolites (glucose, AST, arginine, BUN, and NO) showed variations among the treatment groups at different time points (synchronization, AI, or post-AI). In conclusion, CHM supplementation improves the milk yield, milk composition, and serum metabolites in dairy cows. Daily supplementation of 0.75 kg CHM before the GPGMH protocol application enhances the reproductive traits in dairy cows under summer conditions.

Minerals and trace element compositions of some seaweeds from the Marchica lagoon, North-East Mediterranean coast of Morocco.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mineral and heavy metals composition of different seaweeds growing in Marchica lagoon. To this end, green seaweeds, red seaweeds, and brown seaweeds were collected from three different stations in the Marchica lagoon. The highest concentration of Ca was measured in Centroceras clavulatum (17.12 ± 0.60), K in Caulerpa prolifera (15.17 ± 0.20), Na in Gracilaria dura (4.16 ± 0.03) and Hypnea musciformis (4.09 ± 0.03), Mg in Ulva rigida (2.80 ± 0.06), and the highest concentration of P was registered in Ulva intestinalis (3658 ± 14). Centroceras clavulatum and Gracilaria dura had the highest Al, Fe, and Sr levels. Cystoseira compressa had the highest As (53.8 mg/kg) and Rb (43 mg/kg). These findings suggest that seaweeds collected from Marchica lagoon could be used as potential sources of minerals and trace elements in seaweed-based products for human and animal nutrition alike.

The green seaweed Ulva: tomorrow's "wheat of the sea" in foods, feeds, nutrition, and biomaterials.

Ulva, a genus of green macroalgae commonly known as sea lettuce, has long been recognized for its nutritional benefits for food and feed. As the demand for sustainable food and feed sources continues to grow, so does the interest in alternative, plant-based protein sources. With its abundance along coastal waters and high protein content, Ulva spp. have emerged as promising candidates. While the use of Ulva in food and feed has its challenges, the utilization of Ulva in other industries, including in biomaterials, biostimulants, and biorefineries, has been growing. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges and opportunities associated with using Ulva in food, feed, and beyond. Drawing on the expertise of leading researchers and industry professionals, it explores the latest knowledge on Ulva's nutritional value, processing methods, and potential benefits for human nutrition, aquaculture feeds, terrestrial feeds, biomaterials, biostimulants and biorefineries. In addition, it examines the economic feasibility of incorporating Ulva into aquafeed. Through its comprehensive and insightful analysis, including a critical review of the challenges and future research needs, this review will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable aquaculture and Ulva's role in food, feed, biomaterials, biostimulants and beyond.

Biomass yield, quality, nutrient composition, and feeding value of oat (Avena sativa) silage subjected to different wilting durations and/or inoculant application.

In this study, we evaluated the biomass yield, physico-chemical characteristics, nutrient composition, and feeding value of oat (Avena sativa) grown without irrigation ensiled with or without supplemental inoculant following different wilting durations. Oat forage at early dough stage (79 days after sowing) were harvested to assess the biomass yield, nutrient contents, and mineral composition. Oats were ensiled with or without the addition of inoculant and different wilting durations (0, 24, and 48 h) in 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. After the ensiling (120 days), the oat silages were opened, quality was measured in terms of pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), smell, structure, color, and Flieg point. Nutritional composition and feeding values were analyzed in oat silages. Oat grown without irrigation yielded 32 ton/ha fresh matter. Mean dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein (CP), crude fiber, crude ash, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, non-structural carbohydrates, hemicellulose, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of oat forage were 32.77%, 90.41%, 11.31%, 28.69%, 9.59%, 3.99%, 46.43%, 36.32%, 63.98%, 7.22%, 11.14%, 27.67%, and 74.81%, respectively. Addition of inoculant had no effect on the quality, nutritional composition, and feeding values of oat silages. Increasing wilting durations linearly increased the pH (P = 0.005) and decreased the smell score (P = 0.028) of ensiled oat. A linear increase was seen in the DM content of ensiled oat after increasing wilting durations (P = 0.001). Oat ensiled without wilting had greater CP content (P = 0.010 and linear P = 0.011) and lower ADF content than those ensiled after 24 or 48 h of wilting (P = 0.013 and linear P = 0.007). Silages subjected to 24 or 48 h of wilting had lower hemicellulose content (P = 0.019 and linear P = 0.012) and digestible DM (P = 0.013 and linear P = 0.007) than those without wilting. In conclusion, inoculant may not affect the quality, composition and feeding values of ensiled oat grown without irrigation whereas, wilting at different durations may negatively affect the pH, smell, CP, ADF, and feeding values of ensiled oats.

Effect of phased reduction of dietary digestible lysine density on growth performance, thigh meat, and biomechanical characteristics of tibia in broiler chickens.

In this study, growth performance, nutrient intake, thigh meat quality, fatty acid composition of thigh meat, and biomechanical characteristics of tibia of broiler chickens in response to phased restriction of dietary digestible lysine (dLys) were evaluated. A total of 180 male broiler chickens distributed to 3 experimental groups were fed control diets, 85% dLys diet in grower phase (GRO 85% dLys), or 85% dLys diets in grower and finisher phases (GRO-FIN 85% dLys). Feeding 85% dLys suppressed the feed intake that suppressed the growth performance, slaughter weight, and thigh weight of broiler chickens compared to control group (P < 0.05). Average daily dLys, Ca, and P intakes were suppressed in groups fed 85% dLys diets in comparison with control group (P < 0.05) due to the suppression of feed intake. While most fatty acid concentrations in thigh meat were not different among the groups, eicosanoic acid (C20:0) in thigh meat was greater in GRO-FIN 85% dLys group than control group (P = 0.002). Antioxidant status of thigh meat of broiler chickens was not affected by the phased restriction of dietary dLys compared to control group. Bone breaking strength and ultimate strength were greater in control group than 85% dLys groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, phased dilution of dietary dLys to 85% of the required allowance yields weaker legs and tibia bones by suppressing the Ca and P intakes as a function of reduced feed intake in broiler chickens.

Clinicians', patients' and carers' perspectives on borderline personality disorder in Pakistan: A mixed methods study protocol.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a condition characterised by significant social and occupational impairment and high rates of suicide. In high income countries, mental health professionals carry negative attitudes towards patients with BPD, find it difficult to work with patients with BPD, and even avoid seeing these patients. Negative attitudes and stigma can cause patients to fear mistreatment by health care providers and create additional barriers to care. Patients' self-stigma and illness understanding BPD also affects treatment engagement and outcomes; better knowledge about mental illness predicts intentions to seek care. The perspectives of mental health clinicians and patients on BPD have not been researched in the Pakistani setting and likely differ from other settings due to economic, cultural, and health care system differences. Our study aims to understand the attitudes of mental health clinicians towards patients with BPD in Pakistan using a self-report survey. We also aim to explore explanatory models of illness in individuals with BPD and their family members/carers using a Short Explanatory Model Interview (SEMI). The results of this study are important as we know attitudes and illness understanding greatly impact care. Results of this study will help guide BPD-specific training for mental health clinicians who care for patients with BPD and help inform approaches to interventions for patients with BPD in Pakistan.

Intermittent dilution of dietary digestible lysine lowers the incidence of white striping by suppressing the growth, lipid synthesis, and muscle damage in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: White striping (WS) is a myopathy of breast muscle (Pectoralis major) that affects the quality and consumer acceptance of breast fillets of broiler chickens. Previous studies have shown that intermittent dilution of dietary nutrients suppresses the development of WS on the breast muscle of broiler chickens. However, the mechanism by which these interventions reduce the occurrence of WS remains inconclusive. In this study, we adopted intermittent reduction of dietary digestible lysine (dLys) density or metabolizable energy (ME) and amino acid (AA) density using chemical and fatty acid composition of breast fillets, and blood metabolites to understand the mechanism while histopathology and immunohistochemistry of breast muscles were used for confirmation. RESULTS: Occurrence of WS was lower in broiler chickens fed 85% dLys diets in comparison with other groups. Crude protein and ether extract in breast meat of 85% dLys groups were greater (P < 0.001) and lower (P = 0.010), respectively. Serum concentrations of lipid metabolites and enzymes were lower in broiler chickens fed 85% dLys diets than control group (P < 0.05). Feeding 85% dLys diets had low degree of myodegeneration and necrosis, inflammation, lipid deposition, infiltration of T-lymphocyte (CD3+) and macrophages (Iba-1+), and low expression of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) than other groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dilution of dietary dLys to 85% of the required quantities reduces the development of WS in broiler chickens by slowing the growth, lipid synthesis, and muscle damage confirmed by lower extent of histopathological lesions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Growth performance, carcass yield and characteristics, meat quality, serum biochemistry, jejunal histomorphometry, oxidative stability of liver and breast muscle, and immune response of broiler chickens fed natural antioxidant alone or in combination with Bacillus licheniformis.

In this study, oxidative stability of liver and breast meat, and immune response were evaluated in broiler chickens fed supplemental phytogenic feed additive (PFA) alone or in combination with Bacillus licheniformis. Three experimental groups - control, PFA (60 mg kg - 1 ), and PFA (60 mg kg - 1 )  +  0.5 mg kg - 1 B. licheniformis (1.6  × â€¯10 12  cfu g - 1 ), each consisting of 5 replicates - were established with 20 one-day-old chickens per replicate (300 birds in total). Growth performance, carcass yield and characteristics, and meat quality remained unaffected. However, supplemental PFA and PFA  +  B. licheniformis improved the serum biochemistry and jejunal histomorphometry of broiler chickens ( P < 0.05 ). PFA and PFA  +  B. licheniformis groups had lower thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) in liver, and freeze-thaw breast meat after 30, 60, and 90 d of storage ( P < 0.05 ). PFA and PFA  +  B. licheniformis supplementation lowered the carbonyl group in fresh and stored breast meat ( P < 0.05 ). Antibody titer against infectious bursal disease virus was higher in the PFA  +  B. licheniformis group than the control group ( P < 0.05 ). It can be concluded that PFA or PFA  +  B. licheniformis in broiler diets improves the health, oxidative stability of liver and breast meat, and immune response of broiler chickens.

Use of Camelina sativa and By-Products in Diets for Dairy Cows: A Review.

Camelina sativa, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, has been grown since 4000 B.C. as an oilseed crop that is more drought- and cold-resistant. Increased demand for its oil, meal, and other derivatives has increased researchers' interest in this crop. Its anti-nutritional factors can be reduced by solvent, enzyme and heat treatments, and genetic engineering. Inclusion of camelina by-products increases branched-chain volatile fatty acids, decreases neutral detergent fiber digestibility, has no effect on acid detergent fiber digestibility, and lowers acetate levels in dairy cows. Feeding camelina meal reduces ruminal methane, an environmental benefit of using camelina by-products in ruminant diets. The addition of camelina to dairy cow diets decreases ruminal cellulolytic bacteria and bio-hydrogenation. This reduced bio-hydrogenation results in an increase in desirable fatty acids and a decrease in saturated fatty acids in milk obtained from cows fed diets with camelina seeds or its by-products. Studies suggest that by-products of C. sativa can be used safely in dairy cows at appropriate inclusion levels. However, suppression in fat milk percentage and an increase in trans fatty acid isomers should be considered when increasing the inclusion rate of camelina by-products, due to health concerns.

Growth performance and meat quality of meat-type guinea fowl fed different commercial diets.

The aim of study was to assess the growth performance, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of meat-type guinea fowl fed balanced commercial diets under two different feeding programs, similar to those for slaughter turkeys and broiler chickens, respectively. A total of 80 4-week-old meat-type guinea fowl divided into two groups (four replicates per group; 10 birds in each replicate) were raised for 14 weeks. One group received commercially available diets in a three-phased program (TM group), whereas the other group was fed commercial diets in a two-phased program (CM group). Growth-performance-related traits were recorded. At the end of rearing (14 weeks of age), eight birds from each group were slaughtered. Carcass yield and technological traits of meat (pH, color, water-holding capacity, natural and thermal loss, tenderness, fatty acid profile) were analyzed. Groups did not differ in terms of body weight as well as carcass yield and characteristics. There was no difference in meat quality and the fatty acid profile of breast and thigh meat of guinea fowl from TM and CM groups. The findings of this study suggest that both commercial diets (for broiler chickens and turkeys) can be used in meat-type guinea fowl rearing. Due to the lower price of diets fed to the CM group and the lack of significant variation in meat quality traits, its use seems to be more justified from an economic point of view.

Effect of humate supplementation to feed and/or litter on performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and occurrence of footpad dermatitis in broilers fed barley-based diets.

We investigated the effect of in-feed and/or in-litter supplemental humate against footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broilers fed diets based on barley. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly distributed to 24 floor pens (4 treatments, each consisting of 6 replicate pens; 15 chickens per pen) as a completely randomized design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of two levels of supplemental humate in feed (0 and 1 g/kg feed) and litter (0 and 5 g/kg litter). Growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and incidence and severity of FPD in broilers were measured. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined in blood and footpad tissues of broilers with different FPD scores. The results revealed that there was no interaction between humate supplementation to feed and litter. Neither dietary nor litter supplementation of humate had a significant effect on growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and occurrence of FPD. And also, MDA and SOD levels in serum and footpad tissue did not affect by either dietary or litter supplementation of humate. The presence of FPD (score 1) had no effect on MDA and SOD levels in serum, however, increased the MDA and SOD levels (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively) in footpad tissue of broilers. The intestinal viscosity did not differ between FPD scores 0 and 1. In conclusion, findings of this experiment suggest that humate supplementation to feed and litter did not alleviate FPD development in broilers fed diets based on barley. In addition, the presence of FPD lesions increases the MDA and SOD levels in the footpad tissues.

Supplemental boric acid does not prevent the development of footpad dermatitis in broilers subjected to high stocking density.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of dietary boric acid supplementation on the development of incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens subjected to normal or high stocking densities (NSD or HSD). A total of 576 1-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (8 replicate pens per treatment) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary boric acid (0 and 60 mg/kg) and stocking density (NSD 14 birds/m2 and HSD 22 birds/m2). Basal diets were formulated for starter, grower, and finisher phases. Growth performance, litter quality (litter pH, moisture, temperature, and NH3 volatilization), serum and litter boron levels, and incidence and severity of FPD were recorded. The HSD affected the body weight gain and feed intake of broiler chickens during all phases and 0 to 42 (P < 0.05), whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) was poor at 0 to 21 days only. Dietary boric acid had no effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Litter pH, moisture, and NH3 volatilization were higher in broiler chickens subjected to HSD (P < 0.05). Thus, the incidence and severity of FPD increased in response to HSD (P < 0.05). Dietary boric acid reduced the litter pH and NH3 volatilization on day 42 of experiment (P < 0.05). However, dietary boric acid supplementation had no effect on the incidence and severity of FPD. Boric acid supplementation in broiler diets increased the serum and litter boron levels at day 42 in broiler chickens subjected to NSD or HSD (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HSD resulted in poor growth performance, litter quality, and greater incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens. Dietary boric acid was ineffective against FPD in broiler chickens although it improved the litter quality by lowering the litter pH and NH3 volatilization.

Effect of dietary probiotic and high stocking density on the performance, carcass yield, gut microflora, and stress indicators of broilers.

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary probiotic supplementation and stocking density on the performance, relative carcass yield, gut microflora, and stress markers of broilers. One-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens (n = 480) were allocated to 4 experimental groups for 42 d. Each treatment had 8 replicates of 15 chicks each. Two groups were subjected to a high stocking density (HSD) of 20 birds/m² and the other 2 groups were kept at low stocking density (LSD) of 10 birds/m². A basal diet supplemented with probiotic 1 and 0.5 g/kg of diet (in starter and finisher diets, respectively) was fed to 2 treatments, one with HSD and the other with LSD, thereby making a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. There was no interaction between stocking density (LSD and HSD) and dietary probiotic (supplemented and unsupplemented) for all the variables. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly low and feed conversion ratio was poor in broilers at HSD. Dietary probiotic significantly enhanced the feed intake and weight gain in starter phase only. Dietary probiotic supplementation had no effect (P > 0.05) on total aerobs, Salmonella sp., and Lactobacilli populations in the intestines of broilers. However, HSD reduced the Lactobacilli population only (P < 0.05). Relative breast yields were significantly higher in broilers reared at LSD than HSD. Thigh meat yield was higher in broilers in HSD group compared to LSD. Dietary probiotic did not affect the relative carcass yield and weight of lymphoid organs. Serum malondialdehyde, corticosterone, nitric oxide, and plasma heterophil:lymphocyte ratio were not affected either by stocking density or dietary probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, HSD negatively affected the performance and intestinal Lactobacilli population of broilers only, whereas probiotic supplementation enhanced the performance of broilers during the starter phase only. Total aerobes, Salmonella, Lactobacilli carcass yield, and stress indicators of broilers were not affected by the dietary supplementation of probiotic under the conditions of the present study.