Effect of Tempeh and Daidzein on Calcium Status, Calcium Transporters, and Bone Metabolism Biomarkers in Ovariectomized Rats.

Menopause marks a critical life stage characterized by hormonal changes that significantly impact bone health, leading to a heightened susceptibility to bone fractures. This research seeks to elucidate the impact of daidzein and tempeh on calcium status, calcium transporters, and bone metabolism in an ovariectomized rat model. Forty female Wistar rats, aged 3 months, participated in a two-phase experiment. The initial phase involved inducing a calcium deficit, while the second phase comprised dietary interventions across five groups: Sham (S) and Ovariectomy (O) with a standard diet, O with bisphosphonate (OB), O with pure daidzein (OD), and O with tempeh (OT). Multiple parameters, encompassing calcium levels, calcium transporters, bone histopathology, and serum bone metabolism markers, were evaluated. The findings revealed that the OT group showcased heightened levels of bone turnover markers, such as pyridinoline, C-telopeptide of type I collagen, bone alkaline phosphatase, and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, in contrast to S and O groups, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, both the OD and OT groups exhibited effects akin to the OB group, indicating a decrease in the surface area occupied by adipocytes in the femoral bone structure, although statistically non-equivalent, supporting the directionally similar trends. Although TRPV5 and TRPV6 mRNA expression levels in the jejunum and duodenum did not display statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), the OD and OT groups exhibited increased expression compared to the O group. We hypothesized that obtained results may be related to the effect of isoflavones on estrogen pathways because of their structurally similar to endogenous estrogen and weak estrogenic properties. In conclusion, the daily consumption of pure daidzein and tempeh could potentially improve and reinstate calcium status, calcium transport, and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. Additionally, isoflavone products demonstrate effects similar to bisphosphonate drugs on these parameters in ovariectomized rats.

Liver Antioxidant Capacity and Steatosis in Laying Hens Exposed to Various Quantities of Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) Seeds in the Diet.

Despite the many beneficial properties of legume plants, their use in diets for poultry is limited by the presence of antinutritional factors. The aim of the study was to determine the activity of DT-diaphorase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, and catalase, and the concentration of malondialdehyde in liver tissue, as well as the activity of SOD and CAT in the serum of Hy-line Brown hens fed a diet supplemented with various doses of Lupinus angustifolius seeds. The results indicate that the use of large amounts of lupin in the diet resulted in an increase in MDA concentration in the liver and the lipid vacuolization of hepatocytes. A significant increase in DTD activity was observed in chickens receiving 15% lupin. Regardless of lupin dose, no increase in SOD activity was observed in chicken serum after 33 days of the experiment. From the 66th day of the experiment, an increase in catalase activity in the serum of laying hens was observed, while low activity of this enzyme was found in the liver. It can be concluded that the short-term use of lupin in the diet of laying hens does not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes and, therefore, does not affect the oxidative-antioxidant balance of their body.

Effects of raw and fermented rapeseed cake on ruminal fermentation, methane emission, and milk production in lactating dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing raw rapeseed cake (RC) with fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) in the diet of dairy cows on methane (CH4) production, ruminal fermentation, and milk production, composition, and fatty acid composition. The Hohenheim gas test (exp. 1) was initially used to evaluate RC and FRC as substrates. Following batch fermentation, an in vitro study (exp. 2) was performed to assess the effects of replacing RC with FRC at 28.75, 57.5, 86.25, and 115 g/kg (FRC25, FRC50, FRC75, and FRC100) in the total mixed rations (TMR). Based on the in vitro results, the control TMR (115 g/kg dry matter (DM) of RC; CONRC) and experimental TMR (115 g/kg DM of FRC; FRC100) were chosen for an in vivo assessment. In exp. 3, four ruminally cannulated cows were used in a replicated 2 (group) × 2 (period) crossover design and fed the TMR ad libitum. In exp. 4, twenty multiparous Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in their mid-lactation (148 ± 26 d in milk) were used in a completely randomized design. The cows were fed a partial mixed ration without the RC and FRC, and the RC and FRC were supplied in a concentrate feeder at 2.65 kg/d/cow. The FRC100 markedly decreased CH4 production by 12% and archaeal population without adversely affecting nutrient digestibility. The molar proportion of propionate was increased, and the molar proportion of acetate and butyrate and acetate to propionate ratio were decreased by FRC100. No significant effects on milk production or composition, except an increase in milk urea concentration, were observed in cows fed FRC100. Milk C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 concentration was greater, and n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio was lower for FRC100 than CONRC. In-situ ruminal degradation of RC and FRC were explored using in-sacco techniques (exp. 5). The potential degradation and effective degradability of the DM, organic matter, and crude protein were significantly higher for FRC than RC. These results suggested that FRC could mitigate enteric CH4 production by decreasing archaeal abundances without adversely affecting milk production and ruminal fermentation in lactating cows.

Antibody response and abomasal histopathology of lambs with haemonchosis during supplementation with medicinal plants and organic selenium.

We evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with medicinal plants (Herbmix) or organic selenium (Selplex) on the immune responses and histopathology of lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus. Twenty-seven lambs were infected and reinfected with approximately 11,000 third-stage larvae of H. contortus during the experiment (on days 0, 49 and 77). Lambs were divided into two supplemented experimental groups (Herbmix and Selplex) and unsupplemented group (Control). The abomasal worm counts at necropsy on day 119 were lower for Herbmix (4230) and Selplex group (3220) than to the Control (6613) which resulted in 51.3% and 36.0% of reduction, respectively. The mean length of adult female worms was in the order Control > Herbmix > Selplex (2.1, 2.08, and 2.01 cm, respectively). The specific IgG response against adults was significantly affected by time (P < 0.001). Serum-specific and total mucus levels of IgA in the Herbmix group were highest on day 15. Mean levels of serum IgM against adults were influenced by treatment (P = 0.048) and time (P < 0.001). The Herbmix group had strong local inflammation in the abomasal tissue, with the formation of lymphoid aggregates and the infiltration of immune cells, but the tissues of the Selplex group had higher numbers of eosinophils, globule leukocytes, and plasma cells. The lymph nodes of each animal had reactive follicular hyperplasia due to the infection. Dietary nutritional supplementation with a mixture of medicinal plants or organic selenium could improve local immune responses and thus enhance the resistance of animals to this parasitic infection.

Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion Can Modulate the Fermentation, Fatty Acid Accumulation, and the Microbial Population in Rumen Batch Cultures.

In this study, three oil-in-water nanoemulsions were tested in two stages: In the first stage, three levels (on the substrate dry matter (DM)), namely 3%, 6%, and 9%, of three different oils, olive oil (OO), corn oil (CO), and linseed oil (LO), in raw and nanoemulsified (N) forms were used separately in three consecutive rumen batch cultures trials. The second stage, which was based on the first stage's results, consisted of a batch culture trial that compared the raw and nanoemulsified (N) forms of all three oils together, provided at 3% of the DM. In the first stage, NOO, NCO, and NLO preserved higher unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and less saturated fatty acid (SFA) compared to OO, CO, and LO, respectively; noticeably, NCO had UFA:SFA = 1.01, 1.16, and 1.34 compared to CO, which had UFA:SFA = 0.66, 0.69, and 0.72 when supplemented at 3%, 6%, 9% of DM, respectively. In the second stage, UFA:SFA = 1.04, 1.12, and 1.07 for NOO, NCO, NLO, as compared to UFA:SFA = 0.69, 0.68, and 0.72 for OO, CO, and LO supplemented at 3% of DM. In conclusion, oil-in-water nanoemulsions showed an ability to decrease the transformation of UFA to SFA in the biohydrogenation environment without affecting the rumen microorganisms.

Effect of Dried Apple Pomace (DAP) as a Feed Additive on Antioxidant System in the Rumen Fluid.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of dried apple pomace (DAP) as a feed additive on the enzymatic activity and non-enzymatic compounds belonging to the antioxidant system in cattle rumen fluid. The experiment included 4 Polish Holstein−Friesian cannulated dairy cows and lasted 52 days. The control group was fed with the standard diet, while in the experimental group, 6% of the feedstuff was replaced by dried apple pomace. After the feeding period, ruminal fluid was collected. The spectrophotometric technique for the activity of lysosomal enzymes, the content of vitamin C, polyphenols, and the potential to scavenge the free DPPH radical was used. The enzyme immunoassay tests (ELISA) were used to establish the activity of antioxidants enzymes and MDA. Among the rumen aminopeptidases, a significant reduction (p < 0.01) from 164.00 to 142.00 was observed for leucyl-aminopeptidase. The activity of glycosidases was decreased for HEX (from 231.00 to 194.00) and ß-Glu (from 1294.00 to 1136.00), while a significant statistically increase was noticed for BGRD (from 31.10 to 42.40), α-Glu (from 245.00 to 327.00), and MAN (from 29.70 to 36.70). Furthermore, the activity of catalase and GSH (p < 0.01) was inhibited. In turn, the level of vitamin C (from 22.90 to 24.10) and MDA (from 0.36 to 0.45) was statistically higher (p < 0.01). The most positive correlations were observed between AlaAP and LeuAP (r = 0.897) in the aminopeptidases group and between ß-Gal and MAN (r = 0.880) in the glycosidases group. Furthermore, one of the most significant correlations were perceived between SOD and AlaAP (r = 0.505) and AcP (r = 0.450). The most negative correlation was noticed between α-Gal and DPPH (r = −0.533) based on these observations. Apple pomace as a feed additive has an influence on lysosomal degradation processes and modifies oxidation−reduction potential in the rumen fluid. Polyphenols and other low-weight antioxidant compounds are sufficient to maintain redox balance in the rumen.

The effect of ensiled paulownia leaves in a high-forage diet on ruminal fermentation, methane production, fatty acid composition, and milk production performance of dairy cows.

BACKGROUND: The use of industrial by-products rich in bioactive compounds as animal feeds can reduce greenhouse gas production. Paulownia leaves silage (PLS) was supplemented to dairy cows' diet and evaluated in vitro (Exp. 1; Rusitec) and in vivo (Exp. 2, cannulated lactating dairy cows and Exp. 3, non-cannulated lactating dairy cows). The study investigated the PLS effect on ruminal fermentation, microbial populations, methane production and concentration, dry matter intake (DMI), and fatty acid (FA) proportions in ruminal fluid and milk. RESULTS: Several variables of the ruminal fluid were changed in response to the inclusion of PLS. In Exp. 1, the pH increased linearly and quadratically, whereas ammonia and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations increased linearly and cubically. A linear, quadratic, and cubical decrease in methane concentration was observed with increasing dose of the PLS. Exp. 2 revealed an increase in ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations, but no changes in total VFA concentration. Inclusion of PLS increased ruminal propionate (at 3 h and 6 h after feeding), isovalerate, and valerate concentrations. Addition of PLS also affected several populations of the analyzed microorganisms. The abundances of protozoa and bacteria were increased, whereas the abundance of archaea were decreased by PLS. Methane production decreased by 11% and 14% in PLS-fed cows compared to the control in Exp. 2 and 3, respectively. Exp. 3 revealed a reduction in the milk protein and lactose yield in the PLS-fed cows, but no effect on DMI and energy corrected milk yield. Also, the PLS diet affected the ruminal biohydrogenation process with an increased proportions of C18:3 cis-9 cis-12 cis-15, conjugated linoleic acid, C18:1 trans-11 FA, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and reduced n6/n3 ratio and saturated fatty acids (SFA) proportion in milk. The relative transcript abundances of the 5 of 6 analyzed genes regulating FA metabolism increased. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary PLS replacing the alfalfa silage at 60 g/kg diet can reduce the methane emission and improve milk quality with greater proportions of PUFA, including conjugated linoleic acid, and C18:1 trans-11 along with reduction of SFA. Graphical abstract of the experimental roadmap.

Effect of Paulownia Leaves Extract Levels on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation, Microbial Population, Methane Production, and Fatty Acid Biohydrogenation.

Paulownia is a fast-growing tree that produces a huge mass of leaves as waste that can be used as a feed source for ruminants. The previous study showed that phenolic compounds were the most active biological substances in Paulownia leaves, which affected the ruminal parameters and methane concentration. However, there are no scientific reports on the Paulownia leaves extract (PLE) containing phenolic compounds for their mode of action in the rumen. Phenolics constituted the main group of bioactive compounds in PLE (84.4 mg/g dry matter). PLE lowered the concentration of ammonia, modulated the VFA profile in the ruminal fluid, and decreased methane production. The PLE caused a significant reduction of in vitro dry matter degradability, reduced the number of methanogens and protozoa, and affected selected bacteria populations. PLE had a promising effect on the fatty acid profile in the ruminal fluid. Paulownia as a new dietary component or its extract as a feed additive may be used to mitigate ruminal methanogenesis, resulting in environmental protection and reducing ruminal biohydrogenation, improving milk and meat quality.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Secondary Metabolites in Morphological Parts of Paulownia Clon In Vitro 112® and Their Anticoagulant Properties in Whole Human Blood.

It is not easy to find data in the scientific literature on the quantitative content of individual phytochemicals. It is possible to find groups of compounds and even individual compounds rather easily, but it is not known what their concentration is in cultivated or wild plants. Therefore, the subject of this study was to determine the content of individual compounds in the new Paulownia species, Oxytree, developed in a biotechnology laboratory in 2008 at La Mancha University in Spain. Six secondary metabolites were isolated, and their chemical structure was confirmed by spectral methods. An analytical method was developed, which was then used to determine the content of individual compounds in leaves, twigs, flowers and fruits of Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112®. No flavonoids were found in twigs and fruits of Oxytree, while the highest phenylethanoid glycosides were found in twigs. In this study, we also focused on biological properties (anticoagulant or procoagulant) of extract and four fractions (A-D) of different chemical composition from Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112 leaves using whole human blood. These properties were determined based on the thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS), which imitates in vivo conditions to assess whole blood thrombogenecity. We observed that three fractions (A, C and D) from leaves decrease AUC10 measured by T-TAS. In addition, fraction D rich in triterpenoids showed the strongest anticoagulant activity. However, in order to clarify the exact mechanism of action of the active substances present in this plant, studies closer to physiological conditions, i.e., in vivo studies, should be performed, which will also allow to determine the effects of their long-term effects.

Dietary Coleus amboinicus Lour. decreases ruminal methanogenesis and biohydrogenation, and improves meat quality and fatty acid composition in longissimus thoracis muscle of lambs.

BACKGROUND: Methane production and fatty acids (FA) biohydrogenation in the rumen are two main constraints in ruminant production causing environmental burden and reducing food product quality. Rumen functions can be modulated by the biologically active compounds (BACs) of plant origins as shown in several studies e.g. reduction in methane emission, modulation of FA composition with positive impact on the ruminant products. Coleus amboinicus Lour. (CAL) contains high concentration of polyphenols that may potentially reduce methane production and modulate ruminal biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BAC of Coleus amboinicus Lour. (CAL) fed to growing lambs on ruminal methane production, biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA and meat characteristics. In this study, the in vitro experiment aiming at determining the most effective CAL dose for in vivo experiments was followed by two in vivo experiments in rumen-cannulated rams and growing lambs. Experiment 1 (RUSITEC) comprised of control and three experimental diets differing in CAL content (10%, 15%, and 20% of the total diet). The two in vivo experiments were conducted on six growing, rumen-cannulated lambs (Exp. 2) and 16 growing lambs (Exp. 3). Animals were assigned into the control (CON) and experimental (20% of CAL) groups. Several parameters were examined in vitro (pH, ammonia and VFA concentrations, protozoa, methanogens and select bacteria populations) and in vivo (methane production, digestibility, ruminal microorganism populations, meat quality, fatty acids profiles in rumen fluid and meat, transcript expression of 5 genes in meat). RESULTS: CAL lowered in vitro methane production by 51%. In the in vivo Exp. 3, CAL decreased methane production by 20% compared with the CON group, which corresponded to reduction of total methanogen counts by up to 28% in all experiments, notably Methanobacteriales. In Exp. 3, CAL increased or tended to increase populations of some rumen bacteria (Ruminococcus albus, Megasphaera elsdenii, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens). Dietary CAL suppressed the Holotricha population, but increased or tended to increase Entodiniomorpha population in vivo. An increase in the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportion in the rumen of lambs was noted in response to the CAL diet, which was mainly attributable to the increase in C18:3 cis-9 cis-12 cis-15 (LNA) proportion. CAL reduced the mRNA expression of four out of five genes investigated in meat (fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, lipoprotein lipase, and fatty acid desaturase 1). CONCLUSIONS: Summarizing, polyphenols of CAL origin (20% in diet) mitigated ruminal methane production by inhibiting the methanogen communities. CAL supplementation also improved ruminal environment by modulating ruminal bacteria involved in fermentation and biohydrogenation of FA. Besides, CAL elevated the LNA concentration, which improved meat quality through increased deposition of n-3 PUFA.

Effect of Cellulase Enzyme Produced from Penicilliumchrysogenum on the Milk Production, Composition, Amino Acid, and Fatty Acid Profiles of Egyptian Buffaloes Fed a High-Forage Diet.

The experiment was conducted to study the effects of supplementing a cellulase enzymes cocktail to lactating buffaloes' diet, on the nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and milk production performance and composition. Twenty-four lactating Egyptian buffaloes were assigned into one of the following treatments: CON-control consisted of a total mixed ration, CENZ-the total mixed ration supplemented by a commercial source of cellulase enzyme, FENZ-the total mixed ration supplemented with cellulase enzyme cocktail produced in-farm. Supplementing the diet with the in-farm source of cellulase (FENZ) had a significantly higher impact on crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber digestibility. However, FENZ tended to increase the EE digestibility compared to CENZ. FENZ showed significantly higher nutrient digestibility percentages compared to other groups. Supplementing the diet with cellulase enzymes (CON vs. ENZ) significantly increased the daily milk yield and the fat correct milk yield; both yields were significantly higher with FENZ than all groups. Oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid concentration were significantly higher with cellulase enzymes supplementation (CON vs. ENZ) and the conjugated linoleic acid concentration. Supplementing fungal cellulase enzyme produced on a farm-scale has improved milk productivity, fat yield, and milk fat unsaturated fatty acids profile in lactating buffaloes.

Changes in the Antioxidant and Mineral Status of Rabbits After Administration of Dietary Zinc and/or Thyme Extract.

This study was aimed at determining the impact of organic zinc (Zn) and thyme extract (TE) administration, given alone or together for 6 weeks, on the antioxidant and mineral status (Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) in the plasma and tissues of growing rabbits. A total of 96 rabbits of age 35 days were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: a control group (C), a Zn group supplemented with dietary zinc (50 mg/kg), a TE group receiving thyme extract applied in drinking water (1 ml/L), and a Zn + TE group treated with both additives. Lipid peroxidation in the plasma was influenced by Zn intake and in the kidney was affected by both the Zn and TE treatment (P < 0.05). Zn supplementation led to a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase activity (P = 0.017), total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.009) and total thiol groups level (P = 0.047) in the kidney, with the highest values occurring in rabbits receiving the combination Zn + TE. Administration of TE influenced Zn content in the kidney (P < 0.001), while zinc intake decreased Cu concentration in muscle (P = 0.021). In conclusion, the simultaneous administration of organic Zn and TE positively affected the antioxidant response of kidneys and can be used for improving the antioxidant status of growing rabbits.

The Effect of Different Concentrations of Total Polyphenols from Paulownia Hybrid Leaves on Ruminal Fermentation, Methane Production and Microorganisms.

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different concentrations of polyphenols of Paulownia Clon In Vitro 112® leaves or their particular parts on in vitro ruminal fermentation, methane production and microbial population. Paulownia leaves with high (PLH; 31.35 mg/g dry matter (DM)), medium (PLM; 26.94 mg/g DM), and low level of polyphenols (PLL; 11.90 mg/g DM) were used from three plantation areas. Lamina (PLLA; 33.63 mg/g DM) and twigs (PLT; 2.53 mg/g DM) of leaves were also collected from the PLM plantation. The chemical analyses of Paulownia leaves indicated that the content of the most basic nutrients (e.g., crude protein concentration of 185 g/kg of DM) were similar to dehydrated alfalfa. The in vitro results showed that the use of Paulownia leaves with the highest content of total polyphenols (PLH and PLLA) decreased methane production, methanogens numbers, and acetate to propionate ratio. In PLT, lowered methane production was followed by reduced substrate degradability and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration along with higher acetate to propionate ratio. Therefore, reduction of methane production in PLH and PLLA was attributed to the lowered methanogen population, whereas in PLT it was caused by decreased substrate degradability with the resultant of limited hydrogen availability to the methanogens.

The Association between Selected Dietary Minerals and Mastitis in Dairy Cows-A Review.

The aim of this paper is to describe the association between selected dietary minerals and mastitis in dairy cows. Minerals are a group of nutrients with a proven effect on production and reproductive performance. They also strongly affect immune system function. In particular their deficiencies may result in immunosuppression, which is a predisposing factor for udder inflammation occurrence. The role of selected dietary minerals (including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, copper and zinc) has been reviewed. Generally, minerals form structural parts of the body; as cofactors of various enzymes they are involved in nerve signaling, muscle contraction and proper keratosis. Their deficiencies lead to reduced activity of immune cells or malfunction of teat innate defense mechanisms, which in turn promote the development of mastitis. Special attention was also paid to minerals applied as nanoparticles, which in the future may turn out to be an effective tool against animal diseases, including mastitis. To conclude, minerals are an important group of nutrients, which should be taken into account on dairy farms when aiming to achieve high udder health status.

Mineral status and enteric methane production in dairy cows during different stages of lactation.

BACKGROUND: Lactating dairy cows are the greatest livestock contributor of methane, a major global greenhouse gas (GHG). However, good feeding management with adequate mineral intake can offers an effective approach to maintaining high levels of milk production and the health of dairy cows over the entire course of lactation, while also helping to reduce methane emission. The study described here investigated the plasma concentrations of both macroelements (Ca, Na, K, Mg, P) and microelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn), as well as enteric methane emission and milk composition in high-yielding dairy cows in different lactation periods. The experiment was performed on Holstein-Friesian dairy cows with the average milk yield of 41 (± 9) L/day in a Polish commercial farm with modern dairy systems. A total of thirty high-yielding dairy cows were randomly assigned into three groups differing by lactation stage: early stage (Early, days 25-100), middle stage (Middle, days 101-250), and late stage (Late, day 250 and later). Dietary treatment for all cows was a total mixture ration (TMR) with maize and alfalfa silage the main forage components. RESULTS: The greatest milk yield and methane production were recorded in early-stage lactating cows, but the greatest methane intensity per kg of corrected milk was recorded in the late stage of lactation. Plasma concentrations of macroelements and microelements did not differ by lactation stages, but increased plasma concentrations of Zn and Fe and decreased plasma levels of Mg were noted during lactation. A positive correlation was found between plasma levels of Mg and other macroelements (Ca, Na, K), and between the concentrations of Fe and Zn, P in plasma, but no correlation between methane emission and mineral status was detected in the different lactation stages. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed different mineral requirements and enteric methane emissions in each lactation stage. The feeding strategy and mineral utilization were adequate to maintain the health, mineral status, and milk production of the Holstein cows during the entire lactation period, and suggest an effective way of reducing methane emission.

Rumen Ciliated Protozoa of the Free-Living European Bison (Bison bonasus, Linnaeus).

This study aims to perform population analysis of the rumen ciliated protozoa of the free-living European bison (wisent, Bison bonasus, Linnaeus). The samples of the rumen fluid from the 18 bison subjected to the controlled culls within the free-ranging population in the Bialowieza primeval forest in Poland were collected and examined. The examined ciliates population consisted of the species of the families Isotrichidae and Ophryoscolecidae. There were 12 genera (Isotricha, Dasytricha, Diplodinium, Elytroplastron, Entodinium, Eodinium, Epidinium, Eremoplastron, Eudiplodinium, Metadinium, Ophryoscolex, and Ostracodinium) and 32 morphospecies of the ciliates. We observed the prevalence of a type B protozoan population (56% animals) with the typical Epidinium and Eudiplodinium genera members. Other examined animals possessed the mixed A-B population with Ophryoscolex genus, distinct for type A ciliate population. The average total ciliates count was 2.77 ± 1.03 × 105/ml (mean ± SD). The most abundant genera were Entodinium, 83%, and Dasytricha, 14%. The abundance of other genera was <1% of the total count. Within the 16 Entodinium species determined, the most abundant species was Entodinium nanellum (16.3% of total ciliates count). The average Shannon-Wiener diversity index was 2.1 ± 0.39, evenness was 0.7 ± 0.11, and species richness was 24 ± 3.0 (mean ± SD). Our study is the first report on the population composition and diversity of rumen ciliates of European bison. The composition and counts of ciliate genera and species were similar to the composition and counts of the rumen ciliated protozoa of American bison and many other kinds of free-living and domestic ruminants. Our European bison ciliate population analysis has shown medium ciliate density and high diversity typical for large free-living ruminants with mixed feeding behavior.

Effects of silybin supplementation on nutrient digestibility, hematological parameters, liver function indices, and liver-specific mi-RNA concentration in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Hepatopathies are an important group of disorders in dogs where proper nutritional care is crucial. Supplementation with a hepatoprotectant like silybin can improve liver function and should not interfere with nutrient digestibility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of both pure silybin and commercial hepatoprotectant on nutrients digestibility, liver function indices and health status in healthy dogs (EXP1). Moreover, the second experiment (EXP2) investigated the effect of commercial hepatoprotectant on liver function tests and liver-associated miRNAs concentration in dogs with idiopathic liver disorder. RESULTS: Nutrient digestibility was not affected by treatment in EXP1. Supplementation did alter the serum fatty acid profile, with no clinical relevance. The levels of liver markers such as ALT, AST and GGT significantly decreased. In EXP2, supplementation with commercial hepatoprotectant containing silybin improved liver function tests. A decrease was observed in liver serum markers such as ALT, AST and miR122 concentration. CONCLUSIONS: EXP1 confirmed that silybin (whether pure or as a commercial hepatoprotectant) does not interfere with digestion which subsequently exerts no detrimental effect on dogs' health and metabolism. In EXP2, dietary supplementation with commercial hepatoprotectant containing silybin resulted in a decreased activity of serum liver markers, accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of liver-specific miRNA molecules. Liver function indices were consequently improved. Silybin supplementation can thus serve as an effective therapeutical tool in dogs with hepatopathies.

Effects of Medicinal Plants and Organic Selenium against Ovine Haemonchosis.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of traditional medicinal plants typical to Central Europe as well as organic selenium on increasing the resistance of lambs to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection with Haemonchus contortus. 21 female lambs were infected with third-stage larvae of H. contortus on the day (D) 0 and re-infected on D49 and D77. The animals were divided into three groups based on a treatment diet: a basal diet (control), a diet enriched with dry plants (Herbmix), and a diet enriched with selenized yeast (Selplex). The number of eggs per gram (EPG) of feces was quantified on D21, D28, D35, D42, D49, D56, D63, D70, D77, D84, D91, D98, D105, D112, and D119. The mean reductions in EPG on D28 were 43.4 and 28.6% for Selplex and Herbmix, respectively. The reduction in egg output was nearly uniform throughout the experiment for Selplex. However, for Herbmix the mean reduction was only 19.8% up to D91 and 46.1% after D91. Glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood from D35 to D98 was two to three-fold higher for Selplex than the other groups. Both supplements slowed the dynamics of GIN infection and gradually increased the resistance of lambs against ovine haemonchosis.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activities of Coleus amboinicus Lour. Cultivated in Indonesia and Poland.

Coleus amboinicus Lour., Lamiaceae, is a perennial herb that is native to Indonesia and also cultivated in Africa, Asia and Australia. The major phytochemicals responsible for its bioactivity are rosmarinic acid (RA) and its analogues, flavonoids and abietane diterpenoids. The possibility of cultivation in a colder climate would extend the use of this herb and provide new opportunities to herb growers and livestock farmers. Our study to compare feed value and phytochemical composition of C. amboinicus plants cultivated in its original region, Indonesia, and in Poland. The crude protein content was significantly higher in plants cultivated in Indonesia compared to those cultivated in Poland-21% and 13% of dry matter, respectively. The higher ADF contents were detected in C. amboinicus cultivated in Indonesia, 38-41%, in comparison to 34% in plants cultivated in Poland. The phytochemical composition was also significantly influenced by the cultivation location. Polish samples were higher in polyphenols (RA and its analogues), and also had 1.5-2-fold higher antioxidant potential, as measured by DPPH scavenging, phosphomolybdenum reduction and Fenton reaction driven lipid peroxidation. The Indonesian samples contained more diterpenoid compounds, such as dihydroxyroyleanone, and the sum of terpenoids was ca. 10 times higher than in samples from Poland (15.59-23.64 vs. 1.87 µg/g of extracts). In conclusion, C. amboinicus is suitable for cultivation in non-optimal climatic conditions but some nutritional properties and bioactivity are significantly affected.

Corrigendum: Impact of Zinc and/or Herbal Mixture on Ruminal Fermentation, Microbiota, and Histopathology in Lambs.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.630971.].