Nutritional status of elderly patients previously ill with COVID-19: Assessment with nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and mini nutritional assessment (MNA-sf).

BACKGROUND: Long-term effects of COVID-19 showed a wide range of symptoms. Also, it was found that older patients were five times more likely than younger patients to develop long-COVID symptoms (1). This study aimed to investigate the use of Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and the Mini Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-sf) among COVID-19 in elderly patients in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of (n = 159) COVID-19 elderly patients were recruited in the study; the relationship between patients' characteristics, including age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), infection history, vaccination and chronic disease were evaluated using NRS-2002 and MNA-sf. Multivariate logistic regression to estimate the Odd Ratio (OR) by comparing the OR of different variables between normal nutritional Status and at-risk and Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficient was assessed to analyse the agreement between both tools. RESULTS: MNA-sf showed a positive association between age and malnutrition risk ≥ 66 years old P = 0.035. Both tools showed a negative association between BMI (P < 0.001 and P = 0.046), respectively and vaccination (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01), respectively, with risk for malnutrition. There was no significant association between Diabetes (DM) and malnutrition risk, but elderly Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) were at malnutrition risk using the NRS- 2002 tool P = 0.003. Inversely, people infected six months or more before malnutrition assessment have a lower risk of malnutrition P = 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Both tools were valuable and practical tools for screening elderly people with COVID-19 who are at nutritional risk and those in need of additional nutritional intervention. Further research needed to be applied in the relationship between nutritional status during and post-infectious disease for elderly people using cross-sectional and intervention studies in order to prevent malnutrition complications in Saudi Arabia.

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.

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.

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.

Body condition prepartum and its association with term placentome nutrient transporters, one­carbon metabolism pathway activity, and intermediate metabolites in Holstein cows.

We investigated linkages among BCS prior to calving and placentome concentrations of metabolites, proteins in one­carbon metabolism (OCM) and protein synthesis, and nutrient transport. Multiparous Holstein cows retrospectively divided by prepartal BCS at -4 weeks relative to parturition into high BCS (HBCS = 3.58 ± 0.23; n = 9) or normal BCS (NBCS = 3.02 ± 0.17; n = 13) were used. BCS was assessed using a 5-point scale (1 = thin, 5 = fat). Four placentomes per cow were collected at delivery and frozen in liquid N. Western blotting was used for protein abundance. Cystathionine-ß-synthase (CBS) and betaine-homocysteine-S-methyltransferase (BHMT) activity were measured via 14C assays. Amino acids (AA) and metabolites in OCM were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Compared with NBCS cows, the cellular stress sensor p-eIF2α was more than 2-fold greater (P = 0.04) in HBCS. Abundance of the AA-catabolism enzyme branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex was lower (P = 0.05) in HBCS cows. Although BHMT activity did not differ, greater concentration of betaine (P = 0.01) and lower (P = 0.05) concentration of dimethylglycine in HBCS cows suggested reduced flux through the methionine cycle. Despite a lack of difference in CBS activity, lower concentrations of cystathionine (P = 0.03) and hypotaurine (P = 0.04) along with lower cysteine and the tendency for lower total GSH (P = 0.10) in HBCS cows suggested a decrease in transsulfuration. Overall, associations between OCM in placentomes and BCS at calving exist. Identifying mechanisms responsible for these effects merits further research.

Influence of Cobalt Source, Folic Acid, and Rumen-Protected Methionine on Performance, Metabolism, and Liver Tissue One-Carbon Metabolism Biomarkers in Peripartal Holstein Cows.

Vitamin B12 plays a role in the remethylation of homocysteine to Met, which then serves as a substrate for Met adenosyltransferase (MAT) to synthesize S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). We investigated effects of feeding two cobalt sources [Co-glucoheptonate (CoPro) or CoPectin, Zinpro Corp.], an experimental ruminally-available source of folic acid (FOA), and rumen-protected Met (RPM) on performance and hepatic one-carbon metabolism in peripartal Holstein cows. From -30 to 30 d around calving, 72 multiparous cows were randomly allocated to: CoPro, CoPro + FOA, CoPectin + FOA, or CoPectin + FOA + RPM. The Co treatments delivered 1 mg Co/kg of DM (CoPro or CoPectin), each FOA group received 50 mg/d FOA, and RPM was fed at 0.09% of DM intake (DMI). Milk yield and DMI were not affected. Compared with other groups, the percentage of milk protein was greater after the second week of lactation in CoPectin + FOA + RPM. Compared with CoPro or CoPro + FOA, feeding CoPectin + FOA or CoPectin + FOA + RPM led to a greater activity of MAT at 7 to 15 d postcalving. For betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase, CoPro together with CoPectin + FOA + RPM cows had greater activity at 7 and 15 d than CoPro + FOA. Overall, supplying FOA with CoPectin or CoPectin plus RPM may enhance S-adenosylmethionine synthesis via MAT in the liver after parturition. As such, these nutrients may impact methylation reactions and liver function.

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.

Identification of Genetic Polymorphisms of PI, PIII, and Exon 53 in the Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase-α (ACACα) Gene and Their Association with Milk Composition Traits of Najdi Sheep.

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to sheep milk products, which are high in saturated fatty acids (SFA), and the extent of their impact on human health. This study aimed to identify SNPs for PI, PIII, and Exon 53 in the ACACα gene and their association with the MC and FA profiles in Najdi sheep milk. A total of 76 multiparous Najdi ewes were used, and they were maintained using the same feeding system. Milk and blood samples were collected during the first lactation. A genetic polymorphism analysis identified 20 SNPs: 4 SNPs on PI, 6 SNPs on PIII, and 10 SNPs on Exon 53. In PI, the SNP g.4412G > A was associated (p < 0.05) with palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1 n-7) and linoleic acid (LA), while SNP g.4485C > G was associated with CLA and vaccenic acid (VA) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in PIII, two SNPs (g.1168A > G and g.1331G > T) were associated with milk protein (p < 0.05), while the SNP g.6860G > C in Exon 53 was associated with milk fat (p < 0.05). SNPs in the Najdi breed have been shown to be strongly related to milk fat and EFA contents. This could support a genetic selection program and the control of milk traits in the Najdi breed of high-quality dairy sheep.

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.

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.

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.

Effect of Exogenous Enzymes Cocktail on Performance, Carcass Traits, Biochemical Metabolites, Intestinal Morphology, and Nutrient Digestibility of Broilers Fed Normal and Low-Energy Corn-Soybean Diets.

Ross 308 broilers in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement (four treatments with 12 replications of six chicks each) were fed corn and SBMbased diets with two concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME) (normal (positive control, PC) and low (negative control, NC)) and two amounts of enzyme cocktail (EC) (0% and 0.005%) for 35 days. Performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, ileal histology, and apparent nutrient digestibility were evaluated. Compared with the non-supplemented diet, the use of EC improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) over 26−35 and 0−35 days (p < 0.01), European performance efficiency factor (EPEF) over 26−35 days (p < 0.05), dressing yield (p < 0.01), villus height (p < 0.05), nitrogen-corrected apparent ME (AMEn) (p < 0.01), and serum glucose (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC diet, feeding the PC diet improved FCR over all experimental periods (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively), EPEF over 0−10 days (p < 0.05), and AMEn retention (p < 0.01). To conclude, the AMEn of broilers fed corn and SBM diets could be improved by adequately adjusting dietary ME and using a cocktail of non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, improving commercial benefits to producers.

Growth performance, carcass and meat quality, bone strength, and immune response of broilers fed low-calcium diets supplemented with marine mineral complex and phytase.

Influence of marine mineral complex (CeltiCal) as a partial substitute for limestone on growth efficiency, carcass traits, meat quality, bone strength, calcium (Ca) retention, and immune response was investigated in broilers fed low-Ca diets with or without phytase (PHY) addition for a 35-d trial period. A total of 300 one-day-old Ross 308 straight-run broilers were randomly allocated to: T1 (positive control), recommended Ca levels + PHY; T2 (negative control), 0.2% below the recommended Ca levels + PHY; T3, 0.1% below the recommended Ca levels + 0.2% CeltiCal + PHY; T4, 0.2% below the recommended Ca levels + 0.4% CeltiCal + PHY; T5, 0.2% below the recommended Ca levels + 0.4% CeltiCal. PHY was added at 500 phytase units/kg diets. Each dietary treatment had 10 replications of 6 chicks each. Results revealed that production efficiency factor was greater for T4 compared to T2 and T5 during 22-35 d and for T1, T3, and T4 compared to T2 during 0 to 35 d (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was lower for T3 and T4 compared to T2 and T5 during 0 to 35 d (P < 0.05). T4 had a greater (P < 0.05) dressing percentage than T2, which had a lighter (P < 0.01) small intestinal relative weight than all other treatments. Breast meat temperature at 15 min postmortem was highest for T1 and lowest for T3 (P < 0.001). Breast meat pH was greater for T1 compared to T5 at 15 min postmortem and for T3 compared to T4 at 24 h postmortem (P < 0.05). T5 had a lower breast meat redness than all other treatments at 15 min postmortem and then T1 and T3 at 24 h postmortem (P < 0.01). Tibia and femur weights were greater (P < 0.05) for T3, T4, and T5 compared to T2, which had the lowest tibia ash content (P < 0.05) and femur geometric properties (P < 0.001). Greater antibodies to infectious bronchitis virus (P < 0.01) and Ca retention (P < 0.001) were observed for T3 and T4 in comparison to T2. Based on the findings of this research, CeltiCal can adequately replace a considerable portion of limestone in broiler reduced-Ca diets containing PHY.

Effects of Feeding Different Levels of Sprouted Barley on Fermentation Characteristics, Bacterial Quantification, and Rumen Morphology of Growing Lambs.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of sprouted barley inclusion level on the growth performance, digestibility, volatile fatty acids, bacterial quantification, and rumen morphology of growing lambs. Five dietary treatments with sprouted barley (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) and nine replicates per dietary treatment were performed on forty-five Awassi lambs (90 days old). The average weight gain, intake, and digestibility of dry and organic matter were recorded. The pH, color, volatile fatty acids, bacterial quantification, and rumen histomorphometry were also determined. The results showed that the average dry and organic matter intake in T2 to T4 and the average weight gain in T4 decreased linearly. In contrast, the digestibility of dry and organic matter by sprouted barley (T2 to T4) was higher. The pH values and rumen color were not affected. Concentrations of formic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid were increased, while lactic acid and total volatile fatty acids were lower in all levels of sprouted barley. In addition, lambs fed T4 had a higher quantification of Anaerovibrio Lipolytica, Butyrivibrio Fibrisolvens, and Streptococcus Bovis quantification. Selenomonas Ruminantium was higher in T1, T2, and T4, whereas Megashpaera Elsdenii was lower in T1 to T3. The rumen histomorphometric was improved by sprouted barley (T2 and T3). Sprouted barley improved digestibility and rumen histomorphometry and increased the concentration of some volatile fatty acids and rumen bacteria but resulted in a decrease in average dry and organic matter intake, which negatively affected weight gain in lambs fed 100 % sprouted barley. Further studies are required to determine the potential effects on growing lambs fed sprouted barley.

Soybean Oil Replacement by Poultry Fat in Broiler Diets: Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Plasma Lipid Profile and Muscle Fatty Acids Content.

Continuous genetic improvements of commercial broiler strains has led to the necessity of using fats in their rations to fulfill a large portion of the energetic requirements. Several fat sources have been introduced in poultry nutrition, such as rendering poultry fat (PF) an available and cheap lipid source compared to conventional sources such as soybean oil (SO). The present study investigated the effect of partial or full replacement of SO by PF on performance, nutrient digestibility, blood lipids, and fatty acids (FAs) content of pectoral muscle. Four hundred and eighty one-day-old male Ross-308 chicks were distributed into four experimental groups (12 replicates each): the first group (control) was fed a diet formulated with soybean oil as a fat source while the second to fourth groups (PF25, PF50, and PF100) were fed diets formulated with 25, 50 and 100% of PF as a fat source instead of SO. Results revealed no synergistic effect between SO and PF in any of the studied parameters. Replacing SO by PF did not alter birds' growth, carcass characteristics, and plasma indices of birds. Abdominal fat% was increased (p < 0.01) in PF50 and PF100. Dry matter digestibility was improved (p < 0.05) in PF50 and PF100, while crude fat and protein digestibility was not affected. Contents of palmitic and docosahexaenoic acids in the pectoral muscle of PF50 and PF100 were reduced (p < 0.01) while concentrations of oleic and linolenic acids, total unsaturated FAs, and polyunsaturated FAs/Saturated FAs ratio were elevated (p < 0.05) in the same groups. Liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and muscle vitamin E contents were not altered. The dietary addition of PF greatly improved economic parameters. In conclusion, PF can be used as a lipid source in broiler diets to produce inexpensive meat while maintaining its growth performance.

Insight View on the Role of in Ovo Feeding of Clenbuterol on Hatched Chicks: Hatchability, Growth Efficiency, Serum Metabolic Profile, Muscle, and Lipid-Related Markers.

The present study aimed to assess the in ovo administration of clenbuterol on chick fertility, growth performance, muscle growth, myogenic gene expression, fatty acid, amino acid profile, intestinal morphology, and hepatic lipid-related gene expressions. In this study, 750 healthy fertile eggs from the local chicken breed Dokki-4 strain were analyzed. Fertile eggs were randomly divided into five experimental groups (150 eggs/3 replicates for each group). On day 14 of incubation, in addition to the control group, four other groups were established where 0.5 mL of worm saline (30 °C) was injected into the second group of eggs. In the third, fourth, and fifth groups, 0.5 mL of worm saline (30 °C), 0.9% of NaCl, and 10, 15, and 20 ppm of clenbuterol were injected into the eggs. Results suggested that clenbuterol increased growth efficiency up to 12 weeks of age, especially at 15 ppm, followed by 10 ppm, decreased abdominal body fat mass, and improved hatchability (p < 0.01). Clenbuterol also modulated saturated fatty acid levels in the breast muscles and improved essential amino acids when administered at 10 and 15 ppm. Additionally, clenbuterol at 15 ppm significantly decreased myostatin gene expression (p < 0.01) and considerably increased IGF1r and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) expression. Clenbuterol administration led to a significant upregulation of hepatic PPARα, growth hormone receptor, and Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA expression with a marked decrease in fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1c) expression. In conclusion, the current study revealed that in ovo injection of clenbuterol showed positive effects on the growth of hatched chicks through reduced abdominal fat deposition, improved intestinal morphology, and modulation of hepatic gene expressions in myogenesis, lipogenesis, and lipolysis.

Effects of Nano Emulsified Vegetable Oil and Betaine on Growth Traits and Meat Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Reared under Cyclic Heat Stress.

The effects of nano-emulsified vegetable oil (NEVO) and betaine (BET) supplements on growth performance and meat qualities of broilers reared under cyclic heat stress (HS) were investigated. Two hundred and eighty-eight mixed-sex broilers at 21 d were randomly distributed to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments formed by two environmental temperatures (thermoneutral (TN; 24 ± 1 °C) and cyclic high-temperature (HT; 35 ± 1 °C)) and three dietary treatments (control (CON), NEVO, and BET). The cumulative performance (21-35 d) revealed a reduction in average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) in the CON compared to NEVO. NEVO and BET groups had a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) and performance efficiency factor (PEF) compared with the CON (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). The environmental temperature affected daily feed intake (DFI), ADG, FCR, and PEF. The addition of BET improved breast fillets yield, temperature, pH15min, and pH24hr (p < 0.05) in comparison with the CON. Moreover, the TN group had lower fillet temperature and higher pH15min compared to the HT. Moreover, HT increased shear force (SF), hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of the fillets compared to TN. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with BET and NEVO could effectively improve performance parameters and meat characteristics under HS conditions.

Protective influence of betaine on intestinal health by regulating inflammation and improving barrier function in broilers under heat stress.

This research was executed to study the impacts of adding betaine (BT) to broiler diets on intestinal inflammatory response and barrier integrity under heat stress (HS). At 21 d of age, 150 male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups: control (CON) group, in which broilers were provided standard finisher feed under thermoneutral condition (22 ± 1°C); HS group and HS + BT group, in which broilers were given the standard feed supplied with 0 and 1,000 mg/kg BT, respectively, under cyclic HS condition (33 ± 1°C for 8 h from 08:00 to 16:00 h and the thermoneutral temperature for the residual hours). Each treatment was replicated ten times with 5 broilers per replicate. The HS group showed an elevation (P < 0.05) in serum corticosterone (CORT) concentration, D-lactate acid (D-LA) content, and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, mucosal interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) level, and expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene, and a reduction (P < 0.05) in mucosal interleukin-10 (IL-10) level and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) content and relative abundance of mRNA for occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1 (CLDN1), and claudin-4 (CLDN4). In contrast, broilers in the HS + BT group exhibited a raise (P < 0.05) in mucosal IL-10 level and SIgA content and relative expression of OCLN and ZO-1 genes, and a decline (P < 0.05) in serum CORT concentration and DAO activity, mucosal IL-1ß level, and expression of HSP70 mRNA. These results indicate that supplemental BT can ameliorate intestinal injury in heat-challenged broilers by suppressing inflammatory responses and enhancing mucosal barrier function.