Impact of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation on gut morphometry, behaviour and physiological parameters in growing male rabbits.

Moringa oleifera (MO), a cultivated species of the Moringa, is known for its high concentration of essential nutrients that promote growth. To assess its impact on rabbits' gut morphometric, behavioural, and physiological parameters, a study was conducted using sixty growing male white New Zealand rabbits at 40 days old. The rabbits were divided into four groups and supplemented with dried MO leaves at varying levels (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% of body weight) for four weeks. The results revealed significant increases in organ weights, such as liver and intestinal length, and the height of intestinal villi and crypt depth in the large intestine. The muscular layer's and submucosa's thickness also increased in different parts of the intestine in rabbits fed with MO compared to the control group. No significant effect was observed on the caecum mucosa depth. Interestingly, no significant differences were found in body weight or weight gain between the Moringa supplementation groups and the control group. However, rabbits offered 0%, 0.5% and 1% MO spent more time feeding and resting than those given 2% MO. The grooming and sniffing percentage remained unaffected by Moringa supplementation. Regarding blood parameters, rabbits that received MO leaves in their diet showed improvements in red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, total protein, globulin, and A/G ratio. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione and high-density lipoprotein levels, indicating an antioxidative effect. Overall, the study concluded that MO leaves supplementation in the rabbit diet positively influenced the rabbits' health by modulating the immune system, improving histological aspects of the intestine, liver, and spleen, and enhancing physiological parameters through its antioxidative properties.

Heat shock proteins as a key defense mechanism in poultry production under heat stress conditions.

Over the past years, the poultry industry has been assigned to greater production performance but has become highly sensitive to environmental changes. The average world temperature has recently risen and is predicted to continue rising. In open-sided houses, poultry species confront high outside temperatures, which cause heat stress (HS) problems. Cellular responses are vital in poultry, as they may lead to identifying confirmed HS biomarkers. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are highly preserved protein families that play a significant role in cell function and cytoprotection against various stressors, including HS. The optimal response in which the cell survives the HS elevates HSP levels that prevent cellular proteins from damage caused by HS. The HSP have chaperonic action to ensure that stress-denatured proteins are folded, unfolded, and refolded. The HSP70 and HSP90 are the primary HSP in poultry with a defensive function during HS. HSP70 was the optimal biological marker for assessing HS among the HSP studied. The current review attempts to ascertain the value of HSP as a heat stress defense mechanism in poultry.

Influence of using synbiotics by various routes on Mandarah male chicks: intestinal bacterial counts, gut morphology and histological status.

This experiment investigated the influence of different synbiotic processing methods on the intestinal bacterial count, morphology and histological status of developed male Mandarah chicks. Two hundred and ten male Mandarah line chicks aged 1 d were randomized to receive one of 7 chicks. The method and dose for 1-time synbiotics administration to the day-old chicks were as follows: G1: chicks on basal diet received no treatment (control); G2: 0.25 mL synbiotics sprayed; G3: 0.50 mL synbiotics sprayed; G4: 0.25 mL of synbiotics are added to drinking water; G5: 0.50 mL of synbiotics are added to drinking water; G6: 0.25 mL of synbiotics dripped into the mouth; and G7: 0.50 mL of synbiotics dripped into mouth drops. Lactic acid bacteria(LAB) were significantly increased (P<0.0001) compared to the control group and other treated groups and had the maximum values after the use of synbiotics via drinking water (0.25 or 0.50 mL). Furthermore, when comparing the treated birds (G4, G5) with the control birds, the Escherichia coli concentration in the drinking water containing synbiotics was significantly lower. In addition, treated chickens at (G7) showed a higher duodenum, ileum villus height (VH), and VH. - Ileum crypt depth (CD) ratio compared to other groups. In addition, birds treated with 0.50 mL of synbiotics in drinking water (G5) performed better in duodenum, ileum, CD and VH. - CD ratio than the other groups. Meanwhile, intestinal tract length and visceral pH did not differ significantly between groups. It can be concluded that the use of 0.25 mL of synbiotics in drinking water can improve the overall health of birds.

Does the dietary supplementation of organic nano-zinc as a growth promoter impact broiler's growth, carcass and meat quality traits, blood metabolites and cecal microbiota?

The present investigation aimed to examine the impact of different dietary organic zinc nanoparticle (ZnNP) levels on gut bacteria, meat quality, growth performance, carcass traits, and blood indicators of broilers. A total of 180 unsexed one-wk broiler chicks (Cobb) were allotted to 3 experimental groups and received a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.2, and 0.4 mg ZnNPs/Kg diet, respectively. The results showed that, after 38 d of age, the supplementary ZnNPs at a level of 0.4 mg/kg raised body weight and weight gain compared to the control and 0.2 mg ZnNPs/kg diet. The addition of ZnNPs improved the daily feed intake. Some of the carcass characteristics in ZnNPs groups excelled that of the control. ZnNPs treatments gave higher dressing % and decreased (P < 0.05) the cholesterol rates, LDL, and uric acid in the blood. In addition, it gave the best concentrations of ALT and AST. The ZnNPs groups exhibited substantially (P < 0.05) improved moisture and fat values in meat samples. The group given ZnNPs at a concentration of 0.4 mg/kg had a substantially (P < 0.05) lower count of TYMC and E. coli. In conclusion, the high level of ZnNPs (0.4 mg/kg) improved the broilers' performance and some of their carcass traits, enhancing their health and meat quality.

Age-related changes in testicular histological structure, testosterone level, libido and semen traits in male Coturnix quail.

To investigate the effect of age in male quail on testicular weight and histology, sexual libido and semen characteristics, a study was performed on 100 quails at 10, 16, 22, 28 and 34 weeks of age. The body and testicular weights were significantly (p < .05) higher at 16 and 22 than at 28 weeks of age. The circumference and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were significantly (p < .05) higher at 28 and 34 than at 10 and 16 weeks of age. Histological evaluation of testicular slices revealed advanced and effective seminiferous tubes as early as 10 weeks, while spermatogenic activity peaked at 16 weeks of age. The highest semen volume, sperm motility and sperm concentration were observed at weeks of age and then decreased gradually with age. At the same time, the testosterone level and libido were significantly (p < .05) higher at 22 than at 10 weeks of age. Furthermore, the age was positive (p < .05), correlated to seminiferous tubule circumference and diameter, and negative (p < .05), correlated to sperm concentration. In conclusion, the age of quail markedly affected the testicular histological structure, libido, testosterone level and semen characteristics.

Dietary supplementation with Dunaliella salina microalga promotes quail growth by altering lipid profile and immunity.

The goals of the current research are to ascertain the impacts of Dunaliella salina (DS) on quail growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, and immune response. Two hundred and forty 7-day-old quail chicks were divided equally into 4 separate groups with 6 replicates with 10 birds each. The groups were as follows: 1) control diet (the basal feed without DS), 2) control diet enriched with 0.25 g DS/kg, 3) control diet enriched with 0.50 g DS/kg, and 4) control diet enriched with 1.00 g DS/kg. Results elucidated that the birds which consumed 0.5 and 1 g DS/kg diet performed better than other birds in terms of live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). There were no significant changes in feed intake (FI) and carcass characteristics due to different dietary DS levels. Compared to the control group, DS-treated groups had better lipid profile (low total cholesterol and LDL values and high HDL values) and immune response (complement 3 values). The quails consumed feeds with different levels of DS had greater (P < 0.038) C3 compared to control. Adding 0.5 and 1 g DS/kg lowered blood concentrations of triglycerides and total protein (TP) values. The high level of DS (1 g/kg) had higher albumin values and lower AST values than other groups (P < 0.05). The creatinine values were at the lowest levels in the group consumed 0.50 g DS/kg feed. No changes (P > 0.05) were demonstrated among experimental groups in the ALT, urea, and lysozyme values. In conclusion, adding D. salina to growing quail diets enhanced growth, immune system, blood lipid profile, and kidney and liver function.

Effects of supplemental vitamin A on reproduction and antioxidative status of aged laying hens, and growth, blood indices and immunity of their offspring.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impacts of vitamin A (VA) supplementation in feed at levels of 0 (control), 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 8,000 IU VA/kg diet on the reproductive efficiency and antioxidative properties of aged Sinai laying hens at 52 wk of age (n = 300 females and 30 males) in 6 replicates (10 females + 1 male/replicate). As well as blood biochemical indicators, carcass characteristics, growth performance, immunity, and the antioxidative status of their chicks. Results showed that diets supplemented with 2,000 or 6,000 IU/kg of VA increased fertility rate and decreased early embryonic mortality (P < 0.05). Increasing VA from 4,000 to 6,000 IU/kg significantly boosted hatchability rates. All VA levels significantly enhanced glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and late embryonic mortality. In the shell gland, dietary supplementation of 6,000 or 8,000 IU/kg of VA enhanced actions of GPx actions, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In hatched chicks, all VA levels boosted (P < 0.05) hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and serum concentration of total proteins and IgA while decreasing eosinophils percentage and aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) concentration. Dietary VA supplementations from 4,000 to 8,000 IU/kg improved lymphocytes, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), SOD, and IgM, while decreasing heterophils, heterophils/lymphocytes ratio, and creatinine in hatched chicks. Serum triglyceride concentration was reduced by adding 6,000 or 8,000 IU/kg of VA, while globulin and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were heightened only by 8,000 IU/kg of VA. It could be concluded that the dietary supplementation of VA (6,000 IU/kg) improved reproductive efficiency and antioxidative status in the liver and the shell gland of aged laying hens and improved hemato-biochemicals parameters, antioxidative status, and immunity of their offspring.

Effects of varying dietary microalgae levels on performance, egg quality, fertility, and blood biochemical parameters of laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica).

This experiment was carried out to investigate the nutritional value of Spirulina and Dunaliella (SD) combination levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg) that affected the laying Japanese quail's efficiency, egg quality, fertility, and blood biological indicators. A total of 150 adult Japanese quails, aged 8 wk, were divided into 5 treatments at random, each consisting of 30 quails. There were 5 duplicates for every treatment, with 2 male and 4 female quails in each. Comparing the addition of various concentrations of a mixture of SD to the control treatment, the results showed no substantial rise in egg production, egg weight, or egg mass. When compared to the control group, final body weight (FBW) was improved with SD supplementation. The quails in control consumed more feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05), and they were different from the groups who got SD therapy in that they had a regular feed conversion ratio (FCR). The percentages of hatchability and fertility increased when SD was added to quail meals at up to 1.00 g/kg. When compared to the control quail, the quail supplemented with SD levels showed a non-significant rise in albumin%, yolk%, Haugh unit, and unit surface shell weight (USSW), as well as an increase in eggshell percentage and a drop in egg shape index (p < 0.05). Renal and hepatic enzyme functioning improved when SD was added to the diets. Additionally, lipid profile indicators were reduced by SD supplementation (except low-density lipoprotein-LDL). Moreover, compared to the control, incorporating SD led to a nonsignificant rise in immunoglobulin concentrations (IgG and IgM). In conclusion, adding SD to the diet can improve body weight, lipid profile, immunological response, and liver and kidney functions in Japanese quail.

Impact of bee venom supplement on productive performance, health status and economics of weaned male rabbits: Considering breed and dosage factors.

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the potential effects of purified bee venom (BV) on various aspects of growth, carcass, antioxidant, intestinal bacterial count and economic considerations in rabbits. A total of 240 male rabbits, comprising two distinct breeds (V-Line and New Zealand White [NZW]), 5 weeks old, with an average live body weight (BW) of 680 ± 20 g, were randomly divided into six groups, each containing 30 rabbits. Each group had five replicates, with six rabbits in each replicate. The allocation of animals to the groups followed a fully factorial design, incorporating two factors: breed (V-Line and NZW) and four levels of purified BV derived from Apis Mellifera. The control group (G1) received a basal diet without additives. The other three groups (G2, G3 and G4) received the basal diet with BV supplementation in their drinking water at 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/L respectively. The study results indicated that NZW rabbits significantly enhanced feed conversion ratio while maintaining consistent carcass attributes compared to the V-Line breed. Despite variations in growth parameters being less pronounced, the supplementation of BV at levels of 1-2 mg/L demonstrated significant improvements in various other parameters. Notably, the interaction between the BV supplement and the breed factor (p < 0.001) yielded notable distinctions in most production metrics, encompassing BW, weight gain, feed conversion, carcass attributes and blood parameters. Increasing levels of BV supplementation, particularly at 1 mg/L, led to substantial improvements in serum and tissue metabolites. Moreover, the levels of total bacterial count and Escherichia coli in the jejunum and colon were significantly diminished, while the population of Lactobacilli in the colon was augmented (p < 0.001) in rabbits from both breeds receiving BV supplementation (1-2 mg/L) compared to the control group. The results underscore the potential of the BV supplement to enhance final weights, bolster antioxidant status and mitigate the presence of pathogenic bacteria, thereby contributing to enhanced economic efficiency in rabbits. Further inquiries are warranted to comprehensively investigate BV supplementation's potential advantages and limitations across different breeds and dosage levels.

Impact of ß-glucan dietary supplementation on productive, reproductive performance and physiological response of laying hens under heat stress conditions.

The exploration for effective in-feed additives is growing owing to the global climatic change trend to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress in laying hens. This research assessed the potential of using B-glucan (G) as an antiheat stress agent in Matrouh laying hens subjected to early heat shock programs during the growing period. Factorial design (3 × 3) was used, including 3 levels of heat stress (control, heat shock at 3 d and at 3 d and 8 wk of age) and 3 levels of ß-glucan (0, 100, and 200 mg ß-glucan /kg diet). During the first 12 wk of egg production (EP), treatments were exposed to heat challenge. The results revealed that heat shock program applications at 3 d and 8 wk of age significantly decreased body weight at 36 wk of age (P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (FI). While significantly (P < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), hemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs, immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Heat shock protein (HSP70) of the Liver (P < 0.01) as compared with the control group. At the same time, there was a decrease in lymphocyte%, H/L ratio, cortisol, and T3 compared to the thermo-neutral control. When compared to the control group, hens fed a diet containing 200 mg of ßG significantly (P < 0.05) improved body weight at 16 wk and final weight at 36 wk, feed conversion (FCR) (g. feed/g. egg mass), hen-day egg production, and egg mass, as well as the digestibility coefficients of crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy (ME), and cortisol. The interactions between heat chock programs and ßG levels were nonsignificant for the most studied traits except daily feed intake. Therefore, the early heat shock exposure 2 times and supplementation of Β-glucan (ßG) at 200 mg/kg diet during the growth period for laying hens that are exposed to heat stress during the reproductive period could improve productive, reproductive performance, HSP70 level and enhance immunity responses.

Protective impacts of mitochondria enhancers against thermal stress in poultry.

Heat stress (HS) is still the essential environmental agent influencing the poultry industry. Research on HS in poultry has progressively acquired growing interest because of increased attention to climate alteration. Poultry can survive at certain zone of environmental temperatures, so it could be considered homoeothermic. In poultry, the normal body temperature is essential to enhance the internal environment for growth, which is achieved by normal environmental temperature. Recently, many studies have revealed that HS could cause mitochondrial dysfunction in broilers by inducing redox dysfunction, increasing uncoupling protein, boosting lipid and protein oxidation, and oxidative stress. Moreover, HS diminished the energy suppliers supported by mitochondria activity. A novel strategy for combating the negative influences of HS via boosting the mitochondria function through enrichment of the diets with mitochondria enhancers was also described in this review. Finally, the current review highlights the mitochondria dysfunction induced by HS in broilers and attempts to boost mitochondria functionality by enriching mitochondria enhancers to broiler diets.

Consequences of dietary cinnamon and ginger oils supplementation on blood biochemical parameters, oxidative status, and tissue histomorphology of growing Japanese quails.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of various concentrations of ginger and cinnamon oils as antibiotic substitutes on some blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and histopathological profile of the liver and gut of growing Japanese. A total of 900 Japanese quails were randomly allotted into 6 treatment groups. Each group had 5 replicates (30 chicks each). The first group received a basal diet and served as the control, while the second received a basal diet plus 0.5 g of colistin antibiotic/kg diet. The third and fourth groups were supplemented with 0.5 mL and 1.0 mL of ginger oil (GO)/kg diet, respectively. While the fifth and sixth groups received basal diet with 0.5 and 1.0 mL of cinnamon oil (CO)/kg diet, respectively. Results showed that adding herbal oils significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels compared to control and colistin groups. Various levels of GO and CO significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol levels compared to control birds. Compared to the control and antibiotic groups, Japanese quails supplemented with various levels of herbal oils (GO and CO) had more extraordinarily significant (P < 0.05) values for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GSR). Regarding histopathologic examination, the jejunum displayed a nearly empty lumen, a few fusions, and mild goblet cell metaplasia. On the other hand, the duodenum looked tall and had a few fusions of villi and remnants of removal in its lumina. It could be concluded that cinnamon and GO improved birds' blood biochemical parameters, electorate oxidative stress, and enhanced intestinal and hepatic histology of the treated quails. Also, the levels of 0.5 mL CO and 0.5 mL GO may be an acceptable substitute for antibiotics (colistin) in the diets of growing Japanese quail.

Olive oil and its derivatives for promoting performance, health, and struggling thermal stress effects on broilers.

Olive oil (OL) production is the most significant agro-industrial business and has a high impact on the economy of numerous Mediterranean countries. However, OL extraction results in massive amounts of byproducts, including a solid residue (olive cake or olive pomace) and an aqueous stage (olive mill wastewater), which have serious environmental effects due to their hazardous nature and excessive organic content. Despite these byproducts causing environmental pollution, they can be applied for animal feeding. According to the literature, OL or its derivatives have been used to promote broiler performance, feed utilization, and health status in broilers as growth promoters or protein sources. Furthermore, using OL and its derivatives could improve heat resistance in stressed broilers via struggling thermal stress effects. In this framework, we highlighted the use of OL and its byproducts in broiler feeding to promote performance and health status. Additionally, the role of these byproducts and OL in combating thermal stress is investigated for sustainable strategy and promoting circular economy in broiler industry.

Growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with amylase and protease enzymes individually or combined.

Background: Feed additives that increase nutrient availability in feeds have gained a lot of interest. Aim: An experiment was conducted to determine whether amylase, protease, and their combined supplementation affected broiler performance. Methods: Two hundred eighty broiler chicks were selected and distributed randomly into 28 replicate pens with four treatment groups and seven replicates under a completely randomized design. A total of four diets were developed, having 0, 100, 100, and 100 + 100 g of control (AP0), amylase (A1), protease (P1), and amylase + protease (AP1)/ton of feed, respectively. Four replicates of each treatment were fed each diet. Each diet was randomly allotted to each group. Ad-libitum feeding was provided to the birds. The feeding program had starter and finisher diets. Upon completion of the experiment, three birds from each pen were slaughtered to analyze the carcass characteristics and organ weight. Results: Differences were insignificant between 100 g/ton of amylase supplementation and FI, body weight gain (BWG), or feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p > 0.05). Supplementation with 10 0g/ton of protease did not significantly affect FI, BWG, and FCR (p > 0.05). Similarly, 100 + 100 g/ton of amylase + protease addition had no significant effect on FI, BWG, and FCR (p > 0.05). None of the treatments significantly affected carcass weight, abdominal fat percentage, dressing percentage, drumstick, wings, breast, and thigh weights (p > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant effects (p > 0.05) on the weight of the heart, liver, gizzard, and spleen. Conclusion: In conclusion, amylase, protease, and their combined supplementation at a rate of 100 g/ton of feed did not influence BWG, FI, FCR, carcass characteristics, or organ weight.

Growth, carcass criteria, and blood biochemical parameters of growing quails fed Arthrospira platensis as a feed additive.

This study investigated the impact of Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) as a dietary supplement on growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity of growing Japanese quails. In a 28-day experiment, 240 unsexed 7-day-old quail chicks were used. The quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment sets, each comprising 6 replicates and 10 quail chicks. Group (1) fed the basal diet with no supplements, group (2) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.25 g A. platensis/kg diet, group (3) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.50 g A. platensis/kg diet, and group (4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet. The results of this study revealed that the birds that were fed 0.50 g. or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had superior final body weights, body weight gains, feed conversion ratios, and carcass criteria compared to control, furthermore, had significant (P < 0.05) lower levels of liver enzymes and kidney function markers compared to control. Furthermore, birds fed 0.50 g or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels compared to control. Dietary supplementation of A. platensis at 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased total antioxidant capacity, total immunoglobulin, and lysozyme activity levels. Using A. platensis at 0.5 or 1 g/kg diet levels during the Japanese quails' growth period can improve growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity.

The efficacy of some probiotics and prebiotics on the prevalence of E. coli and the immune response of chickens.

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics in controlling Escherichia coli (E. coli) spp. isolated from chicken. A total of 230 birds representing 19 different commercial breeds were taken from various points. Birds were monitored for postmortem and clinical investigation. Aseptically collected liver samples, lungs, kidneys, hearts, and yolk sacs were then subjected to bacterial isolation and identification. E. coli were observed in 9 pooled samples from 120 examined with an incidence of 7.5%. Nine farms were E. coli-positive, with an incidence of farm infection of 47.3%. The 9 suspected isolates of E. coli were profiled by morphological and microbiological identification of the colony, motility, and gram reaction. The serogroup analysis showed 9 different E. coli for which 3 other groups were identified: 2 E. coli O78, 3 E. coli O111, and 4 untyped groups. Nine isolates of E. coli were subjected to PCR. Molecular detection of 9 strains was conducted to find the virulence genes of E. coli strains (8 STX1, 4 STX2, and 9 EAE). Probiotics and prebiotics significantly increased the total erythrocytic and leukocytic counts throughout the experiment. The phagocytic percentage's main values at 14 d were 47 and 30%, respectively. An increase in the humoral immunity against Newcastle disease (ND) was noticed after ND vaccination. The geometric mean (HI) was 5.9 and 4.2 for probiotic and prebiotic, respectively. It could be concluded that probiotics and prebiotics could stimulate a nonspecific immune response against experimental infection with a virulent strain of E. coli spp.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Organic Selenium Nanoparticles on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chickens.

This study examined how broilers up to 38 days of age fared regarding growth efficiency and carcass characteristics concerning selenium nanoparticle activities (SeNPs). A total of 180 one-week-old broiler (Cobb 500) chicks without sex were randomly allocated into three groups, each with six replications of 10 chicks. The trial took 38 days to complete. The three study dietary groups were fed ad libitum feed and water throughout their 38-day of age, along with corn-and-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0 (control), 1.5, and 2.0 ml SeNPs (concentration = 5%) /kg diet, respectively. According to the current findings, the SeNP supplementation groups had greater body weight, weight gain, and performance indicators than the control group after 38 days of the feeding experiment. The findings demonstrated that dietary interventions did not affect the amount of feed consumed (FC) per chick per day or the feed conversion ratio (FCR). The conclusion is that adding SeNPs to broiler diets at 1.5 or 2.0 ml/kg increased productivity. In contrast, lower levels of selenium (Se) (1.5 ml/kg diet) showed encouraging results and could be employed as a useful feed additive in broilers.

Does dietary linseed or canola oil affect lipid metabolism, immunity, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content in quail eggs?

One of the most intriguing areas of research and innovation in the animal production and food sector recently has been designed-enriched products. These items are regarded as functional foods because they feature components that have advantageous physiological impacts on human health. In the production of poultry, designed eggs constitute a significant category of functional foods. The present study hypothesized that adding different kinds of oils to quail diets will help produce designer eggs rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in addition to enhancing productive performance. So, this study examined how linseed (flaxseed) and canola oils with various levels can affect lipid metabolism, immune function, and the amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in Japanese quail eggs. This work was conducted using 3 different vegetable oils (sunflower, linseed, and canola oils) and 3 different antioxidant supplements (0, 250 mg vitamin E/kg feed, and 1,000 mg ginger/kg feed) in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment. When linseed or canola oil was added to the diet, the number of fatty acids in the egg yolks of Japanese quail layers fell by (12.7 and 18.9%) and (41.4 and 24.6%), respectively. The amounts of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in total eggs fell by 21.9 and 14.6% and 24.5 and 15.8%, respectively, at 20 wk of age. However, when linseed and canola oil were added to the diet, the sum n-3 PUFA content in the egg yolk of Japanese quail-laying hens was noticeably raised at 15 and 20 wk of age. At 15 and 20 wk of age, the same groups' total n-6 PUFA content considerably increased compared to the group that did not receive flaxseed. In conclusion, during the laying period of Japanese quail, linseed oil, canola oil, vitamin E, or ginger positively affected productivity, blood hematology, constituents, resistance, lipid digestion system, and antioxidative properties in serum and egg yolk.

Peppermint essential oil and its nano-emulsion: Potential against aflatoxigenic fungus Aspergillus flavus in food and feed.

A facultative parasite called Aspergillus flavus contaminates several important food crops before and after harvest. In addition, the pathogen that causes aspergillosis infections in humans and animals is opportunistic. Aflatoxin, a secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus flavus, is also carcinogenic and mutagenic, endangering human and animal health and affecting global food security. Peppermint essential oils and plant-derived natural products have recently shown promise in combating A. flavus infestations and aflatoxin contamination. This review discusses the antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic properties of peppermint essential oils. It then discusses how peppermint essential oils affect the growth of A. flavus and the biosynthesis of aflatoxins. Several cause physical, chemical, or biochemical changes to the cell wall, cell membrane, mitochondria, and associated metabolic enzymes and genes. Finally, the prospects for using peppermint essential oils and natural plant-derived chemicals to develop novel antifungal agents and protect foods are highlighted. In addition to reducing the risk of aspergillosis infection, this review highlights the significant potential of plant-derived natural products and peppermint essential oils to protect food and feed from aflatoxin contamination and A. flavus infestation.

Growth, sex reversal pattern, and reproductive characteristics of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) broodstock candidates reared in floating cages.

Sex reversal of male to female is a characteristic of barramundi (Lates calcarifer), which is affected by several factors, thereby changing the broodstock population. A study was conducted in floating cages in Langkawi, Malaysia, to determine the weight point at the onset of the sex reversal phenomena. A total of 75 female and 55 male adult individuals (3-4 weeks of age) were sampled from the fish cultured in cages to ascertain their sex at different weights. The water temperature and salinity values were 29.82 °C and 33.12 ppt, respectively. The specimens were classified into twelve bodyweight classes (2.00-8.00 ± 0.5 kg intervals). Female specimen body weight distribution was highest in the 6.01-6.50 kg class (22.6%), followed by the 5.51-6.00 kg and 4.51-5.00 class (13.3%), while male specimen body weight distribution was highest in the 4.51-5.00 kg class (32.1%), followed by the 4.01-4.50 kg class (30.3%). Length-to-weight relationships for females and males of Asian Seabass indicated positive allometric growth. The correlation between body weight and GSI, using Pearson's correlation, for both sexes, for the male and female barramundi, there was a weak correlation between body weight and GSI, which was 37 and 30%, respectively. Based on the present study's findings, it can be concluded that sex reversal from male to female in Barramundi largely occurred at 4.57 kg body weight and 66.8 cm total length.