A current insight into Salmonella's inducible acid resistance.

Salmonella is a diverse and ubiquitous group of bacteria and a major zoonotic pathogen implicated in several foodborne disease outbreaks worldwide. With more than 2500 distinct serotypes, this pathogen has evolved to survive in a wide spectrum of environments and across multiple hosts. The primary and most common source of transmission is through contaminated food or water. Although the main sources have been primarily linked to animal-related food products, outbreaks due to the consumption of contaminated plant-related food products have increased in the last few years. The perceived ability of Salmonella to trigger defensive mechanisms following pre-exposure to sublethal acid conditions, namely acid adaptation, has renewed a decade-long attention. The impact of acid adaptation on the subsequent resistance against lethal factors of the same or multiple stresses has been underscored by multiple studies. Α plethora of studies have been published, aiming to outline the factors that- alone or in combination- can impact this phenomenon and to unravel the complex networking mechanisms underlying its induction. This review aims to provide a current and updated insight into the factors and mechanisms that rule this phenomenon.

Effects of supplementary inulin on ewes milk composition and rumen fermentation parameters.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of inulin supplementation on milk production and composition, feed intake, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters in lactating ewes. The experimental treatments were (1) control group (basal diet), (2) basal diet plus 2% inulin (w/w) and (3) basal diet plus 4% inulin (w/w). The experiment was carried out for 21 d in a fully randomized design involving eighteen Ghezel ewes. Production and composition (percentages of fat, protein, lactose and fat-free solids and fatty acid profiles) of milk were measured. Faeces were collected in the last 3 days of the experiment to determine digestibility. On the last day of the experiment, rumen fluid samples were taken from the esophagus 3 h after feeding and fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and protozoal population) were examined. Daily milk production was not significantly affected by inulin supplementation, but the fat and protein content of the milk was increased whilst urea nitrogen (MUN) and unsaturated fatty acids were decreased (P < 0.05). The dry matter (DM) intake results showed that there was no significant difference between different diets. The highest digestibility of DM and NDF belonged to the inulin fed group (P < 0.05). Inulin consumption numerically increased the pH of the rumen fluid of the animals and significantly decreased the rumen N-NH3 value (P < 0.05). Inulin supplementation also significantly increased total VFA, acetate, and butyrate levels (P < 0.05). In general, it can be concluded that inulin supplementation can improve rumen fermentation, DM and NDF digestibility,as well as compositional aspects of the ewe's milk production.

Untargeted UHPLC-MS metabolic profiling as a valuable tool for the evaluation of eggs quality parameters after dietary supplementation with oregano, thyme, sideritis tea and chamomile on brown laying hens.

INTRODUCTION: Bioactive constituents of medicinal-aromatic plants used as feed additives may affect the metabolic profile and oxidative stability of hen eggs. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of dietary supplementation with a mixture of dried oregano, thyme, sideritis tea and chamomile on laying hen performance, egg quality parameters, and oxidative stability in the egg yolk were monitored. METHODS: In this trial 432 hens were allocated in two treatments (unsupplemented vs. supplemented with the mixture) and fed for 42 days. Eggs were collected at the end of the trial period, egg yolk was separated, extracted, and the total phenolic content (TPC) and oxidative stability was measured. Furthermore, LC-MS metabolic profile of eggs was studied and pathway analysis was elaborated in MetaboAnalyst to facilitate annotation of features. RESULTS: Overall, egg production and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the supplementation. However, eggs from the supplemented treatment showed improved shell thickness and strength, and yolk resistance to oxidation. Moreover, LC-MS metabolomic analysis of egg yolk of supplemented and unsupplemented layers showed significant variations and tight clustering in unsupervised principal component analysis due to different chemical profiling of egg yolk. LC-MS study showed that secondary metabolites of aromatic plants did not transfer into yolk, nevertheless the feed supplementation impacted the pathway metabolism of tyrosine, phenylalanine, propanate, and the biosynthesis of aminoacyl-tRNA, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary supplementation of layers with a mixture of dried medicinal aromatic plants affected shell thickness and strength, the lipid and protein oxidative stability and increased tyrosine and phenylalanine content in eggs.

Ultrasonographic findings in the ovine udder during lactogenesis in healthy ewes or ewes with pregnancy toxaemia.

Objective of the study was to record, by means of ultrasonographic examination, changes occurring during lactogenesis in the udder of healthy ewes and of ewes with pregnancy toxaemia. The work was carried out in 28 ewes, 16 with pregnancy toxaemia (group A) and 12 healthy controls (group B). B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic examination of the udder of ewes was performed. During the last month of pregnancy, grey-scale intensity values of mammary parenchyma in group A were significantly greater than in group B (P = 0.007), as was also the progressive increase in grey-scale intensity values in both groups (P < 0.001). Blood mammary input was significantly greater in ewes of group B than in ewes of group A (P < 0.05), as was also the progressive increase in blood input in both groups (P < 0.001). Further, differences between the two groups were identified in pulsatility index (P = 0.007) and in mean blood velocity (P = 0.036), but only during the last fortnight of pregnancy. After lambing, grey-scale values decreased sharply compared to those in pregnancy (P < 0.01), whilst blood input, pulsatility index and mean blood velocity continued the same trend as at the last stage of pregnancy, with differences between the two groups still prevalent (P < 0.05). There was a reverse correlation between grey-scale intensity values and milk quantities (P < 0.035) and a correlation between blood input and milk quantities (P < 0.07). The progressive increase in the diameter of the external pudendal artery was significant (P < 0.001), but no significant differences were evident between the two groups (P > 0.35). Differences between group A and group B in all other haemodynamic parameters studied were not significant, neither throughout the last month of pregnancy (P > 0.25), nor during the first week of lactation (P > 0.06). However, their progressive changes during the last month of pregnancy were significant (P < 0.02).

Effect of dietary incorporation of a multi-strain probiotic on growth performance and health status in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Dietary supplementation with a multi-strain probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici and Lactobacillus reuteri has been examined for its effects on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, non-specific immune response and antioxidant status of rainbow trout. Three groups of sub-adult trout were stocked into experimental tanks. A commercial diet was used as control, while the other two groups received diets supplemented with the multi-strain probiotic at levels of 1 and 5 g kg(-1) diet. The fish were fed to apparent satiation three times daily for 8 weeks. Dietary probiotic at 1 g kg(-1) diet improved (P < 0.05) growth and feed efficiency compared to control diet. Lactic acid bacteria loads were higher in probiotic fed fish at both inclusion levels compared to control; however, Enterobacteriaceae, Coliforms and Aeromonas spp. were similar between groups. Dietary probiotics decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde formation on day 0 compared to control fish but not on day 5 of storage. Probiotics also increased (P < 0.05) the activity of glutathione-based enzymes. Serum lysozyme levels were similar among dietary treatments. Probiotic supplementation at 1 g kg(-1) diet reduced serum nitric oxide levels compared to control. In conclusion, dietary probiotics at the level of 1 g kg(-1) of diet exerted both a growth promoting and antioxidant protective activity.

The In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Phytogenic and Acid-Based Eubiotics against Major Foodborne Zoonotic Poultry Pathogens.

The aim of the study was to investigate in vitro the antibacterial activity of 8 commercial drinking water additives against major zoonotic poultry pathogens (Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria spp.). We tested two essential oil-based phytogenics (Phyto CSC Liquide B, AEN 350 B Liquid), two acid-based eubiotics (Salgard® liquid, Intesti-Flora), and four blends of essential oils and organic acids (ProPhorceTM SA Exclusive, Herbal acid, Rigosol-N and Eubisan 3000). The antibacterial activity was determined by estimating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using a microdilution method. The MICs of the products against Campylobacter spp. ranged from 0.071% to 0.568% v/v, in which Herbal acid, a blend rich in lactic and phosphoric acids, also containing thyme and oregano oils, exhibited the highest efficacy (MIC: 0.071% v/v) against all the tested strains. The MICs of the tested products against Escherichia coli ranged between 0.071% and 1.894% v/v. Specifically, the MIC of Rigosol-N, a blend of high concentrations of lactic and acetic acid, was 0.142% v/v for both tested strains, whereas the MICs of Intesti-Flora, a mixture rich in lactic and propionic acid, ranged from 0.284% to 0.568% v/v. The MICs of the products against Salmonella Typhimurium were between 0.095% and 1.894% v/v. Specifically, the MIC of Eubisan 3000, a blend rich in oregano oil, was 0.284% v/v. The MICs against Staphylococcus aureus were between 0.142% and 9.090% v/v. The MICs of Phyto CSC Liquide B, which is rich in trans-cinnamaldehyde, were between 3.030% and 9.090% v/v, showing the highest MIC values of all tested products. Finally, the MIC values of the tested commercial products against Listeria spp. were 0.095% to 3.030% v/v. The MICs of ProPhorceTM SA Exclusive, a highly concentrated blend of formic acid and its salts, were 0.095-0.142% v/v against Listeria spp., while the MICs of AEN 350 B Liquid were between 0.284% and 1.894% exhibiting high Listeria spp. strain variability. In conclusion, all the selected commercial products exhibited more or less antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria and, thus, can be promising alternatives to antibiotics for the control of zoonotic poultry pathogens and the restriction of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Oregano and thyme by-products of olive oil aromatization process with microwave assisted extraction as a rich source of bio-active constituents.

Introduction: Processing of Medicinal Aromatic Plants (MAPs) results in the production of a significant amount of by-products, which are not commercially exploitable. Towards this direction, we studied extensively the by-products of oregano and thyme, remaining after the aromatization of olive oils with microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The purpose of the study was the exploitation of the "wastes" of these two economically significant herbs of Greece, for the potential development of innovative bioactive products. Methods: Hence, superior and inferior quality plant material from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum and Thymus vulgaris, were extracted with extra virgin olive oil using MAE. For the evaluation of raw plant material, beside the characterization of the essential oils (EOs), the hydroalcoholic extracts of superior and inferior plant material were afforded by ultrasound assistant extraction (UAE). In addition, the remaining plant material after the flavoring of olive oil by MAE, was extracted with c-Hex, MeOH, H2O:MeOH using UAE. All the extracts were evaluated for their DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (TPC) as well as their chemical profile was investigated by HPTLC. In parallel, the EOs, the olive oils and the c-Hex extracts were analyzed by GC-MS and Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME)-GC-MS. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the composition of the EOs and the volatile fraction of the olive oil extracts were similar for the superior quality material whereas for the inferior the composition of the volatile fraction of olive oil extracts was not analogous to the respective EOs. GC-MS analyses of oregano and thyme by-products revealed the presence of carvacrol, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene among the major constituents. Moreover, the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the plant material remaining after olive oil flavoring with MAE showed similar phenolic content and scavenging activity with the hydroalcoholic extracts of the corresponding raw plant materials underlying their potent use in the preparation of high-added value products such as nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals as well as enriched animal nutrition products.

Larval performance of Zophobas morio (F.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on various diets enriched with post-distillation residues and essential oils of aromatic and medicinal plants.

The increasing demands for resources driven by the global population necessitate exploring sustainable alternatives for affordable animal protein over the use of traditional protein sources. Insects, with their high protein content, offer a promising solution, especially when reared on agricultural post-distillation residues for enhanced sustainability and cost-effectiveness. We assessed the development of Zophobas morio (F.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae on diets enriched with essential oils and post-distillation residues from Greek aromatic and medicinal plants. Two aromatic plant mixtures (A and B) were examined. Mixture A consisted of post-distillation residues, while Mixture B incorporated these residues along with essential oils. Insect rearing diets were enriched with different proportions (10, 20, and 30 %) of these mixtures, with wheat bran serving as the control. Enrichment positively influenced larval development without compromising survival. Larval weight remained unchanged with Mixture A, but improved with Mixture B. No adverse effects were detected in the case of the enriched diets, although higher concentrations of Mixture B prolonged development time.

Diet replacement with whole insect larvae affects intestinal morphology and microbiota of broiler chickens.

Insect-based diets are gaining interest as potential ingredients in improving poultry gut health. This study assessed the dietary treatment with whole dried Tenebrio molitor larvae (TM) on broiler chickens' gut microbiota and morphology. 120 Ross-308 broilers received treated diets with 5% (TM5) and 10% (TM10) replacement ratio in a 35-day trial. Intestinal histomorphometry was assessed, as well as claudin-3 expression pattern and ileal and caecal digesta for microbial community diversity. Null hypothesis was tested with two-way ANOVA considering the intestinal segment and diet as main factors. The TM5 group presented higher villi in the duodenum and ileum compared to the other two (P < 0.001), while treated groups showed shallower crypts in the duodenum (P < 0.001) and deeper in the jejunum and ileum than the control (P < 0.001). Treatments increased the caecal Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and led to significant changes at the genus level. While Lactobacilli survived in the caecum, a significant reduction was evident in the ileum of both groups, mainly owed to L. aviarius. Staphylococci and Methanobrevibacter significantly increased in the ileum of the TM5 group. Results suggest that dietary supplementation with whole dried TM larvae has no adverse effect on the intestinal epithelium formation and positively affects bacterial population richness and diversity.

Investigation of Potential Gut Health Biomarkers in Broiler Chicks Challenged by Campylobacter jejuni and Submitted to a Continuous Water Disinfection Program.

The exploration of novel biomarkers to assess poultry health is of paramount importance, not only to enhance our understanding of the pathogenicity of zoonotic agents but also to evaluate the efficacy of novel treatments as alternatives to antibiotics. The present study aimed to investigate potential gut health biomarkers in broiler chicks challenged by Campylobacter jejuni and subjected to a continuous water disinfection program. A total of 144 one-day-old hatched broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with four replicates each, according to the following experimental design: Group A received untreated drinking water; Group B received drinking water treated with 0.01-0.05% v/v Cid 2000™ (hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and paracetic acid); Group C was challenged by C. jejuni and received untreated drinking water; and Group D was challenged by C. jejuni and received drinking water treated with 0.01-0.05% v/v Cid 2000™. The use of Cid 2000™ started on day 1 and was applied in intervals until the end of the experiment at 36 days, while the C. jejuni challenge was applied on day 18. Potential biomarkers were investigated in serum, feces, intestinal tissue, intestinal content, and liver samples of broilers. Statistical analysis revealed significant increases (p < 0.001) in serum cortisol levels in C. jejuni-challenged broilers. Serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) increased significantly (p = 0.004) in broilers challenged by C. jejuni and treated with drinking water disinfectant, while fecal ovotransferrin concentration also increased significantly (p < 0.001) in broilers that received the drinking water disinfectant alone. The gene expression levels of occludin (p = 0.003) and mucin-2 (p < 0.001) were significantly upregulated in broilers challenged by C. jejuni, while mucin-2 significantly increased in birds that were challenged and received the drinking water disinfectant (p < 0.001). TLR-4 expression levels were significantly (p = 0.013) decreased in both groups that received the drinking water disinfectant, compared to the negative control group. Finally, the C. jejuni challenge significantly increased (p = 0.032) the crypt depth and decreased (p = 0.021) the villus height-to-crypt-depth ratio in the ileum of birds, while the tested disinfectant product increased (p = 0.033) the villus height in the jejunum of birds. Furthermore, the counts of C. jejuni in the ceca of birds (p = 0.01), as well as its translocation rate to the liver of broilers (p = 0.001), were significantly reduced by the addition of the water disinfectant. This research contributes to novel insights into the intricate interplay of water disinfection and/or C. jejuni challenge with potential intestinal biomarkers. In addition, it emphasizes the need for continued research to unveil the underlying mechanisms, expands our understanding of broiler responses to these challenges and identifies breakpoints for further investigations.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Essential Oils, Lysozyme, and Vitamins' Blend on Layer Hen Performance, Viral Vaccinal Response, and Egg Quality Characteristics.

Maintaining respiratory tract health is crucial for layers, impacting gut health, laying performance, and egg quality. Viral diseases and standard vaccinations can compromise tracheal epithelium function, leading to oxidative stress. This study assessed the impact of a blend of feed additives, predominantly lysozyme (L), essential oils (EO), and vitamins (VIT) (referred to as L + EO + VIT), on young layers during an oral vaccination schedule. The supplementation significantly enhanced antibody titers for Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) after vaccination, trachea functionality and intestinal health in the jejunum, increased egg production, and exhibited a trend toward higher egg weight. Although feed intake showed no significant difference, egg quality remained consistent across experimental groups. Moreover, L + EO + VIT supplementation elevated total phenolic content in eggs, improving oxidative stability in both fresh and stored eggs, particularly under iron-induced oxidation. Notably, it substantially reduced yolk lipid peroxidation and albumen protein carbonyls. In conclusion, water supplementation with L + EO + VIT may enhance humoral immune response to IBV and NDV, positively impacting hen productivity. These findings indicate improved tracheal function and enhanced oxidative stability, emphasizing the potential of this blend in promoting overall health and performance in layers.

Combined Dietary Supplementation of Tenebrio molitor Larvae and Chitosan in Growing Pigs: A Pilot Study.

Nowadays, the global animal industry faces considerable challenges in securing sufficient feed resources. Responding to consumer demands for reduced use of antibiotics in animal nutrition, better animal welfare status, and reduced impact on the environment, there is an increased urgency to develop innovative functional feeds with a reduced environmental footprint and the ability to improve meat quality and safety. In an effort to explore innovative feed ingredients for growing pig diets, the combined dietary supplementation of Tenebrio molitor larvae and chitosan was investigated. An experimental trial was performed with 48 weaned pigs (34 days of life; mixed sex) that were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (with six males and six females each): Group A (control), Group B (supplemented with T. molitor larvae at 10%), Group C (supplemented with chitosan at 0.05%), and Group D (supplemented with both ingredients at 10% and 0.05%, respectively). On the 42nd day of the experimental trial, samples of blood, feces, and carcass parts were taken for analysis. The results indicated that the insect larvae meal significantly improved (p < 0.05) overall performance, increased (p < 0.05) blood red blood cell content, increased meat phenolic content (p < 0.05), improved meat oxidative stability (p < 0.05), and affected meat fatty acid profile (p < 0.05). On the other hand, chitosan had no significant effect on overall performance (p > 0.05), but it significantly increased blood lymphocyte content (p < 0.05), affected the fecal microbiota (p < 0.05), improved meat oxidative stability (p < 0.05), increased meat phenolic content (p < 0.05), and affected meat fatty acid composition (p < 0.05) and (p < 0.05) meat color. Finally, the combined use of both T. molitor and chitosan significantly affected some important zootechnical parameters (p < 0.05), fecal microbial populations (p < 0.05), meat color (p < 0.05), and fatty acid profile (p < 0.05). Further investigation into the potential interaction between insect larvae meals and chitosan in pig diets is advised.

Functional properties of carotenoids originating from algae.

Carotenoids are isoprenoid molecules which are synthesised de novo by photosynthetic plants, fungi and algae and are responsible for the orange, yellow and some red colours of various fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are lipophilic compounds, some of which act as provitamins A. These compounds can be divided into xanthophylls and carotenes. Many macroalgae and microalgae are rich in carotenoids, where these compounds aid in the absorption of sunlight. Industrially, these carotenoids are used as food pigments (in dairy products, beverages, etc.), as feed additives, in cosmetics and in pharmaceuticals, especially nowadays when there is an increasing demand by consumers for natural products. Production of carotenoids from algae has many advantages compared to other sources; for example, their production is cheap, easy and environmentally friendly; their extraction is easier, with higher yields, and there is no lack of raw materials or limited seasonal variation. Recently, there has been considerable interest in dietary carotenoids with respect to their antioxidant properties and their ability to reduce the incidence of some chronic diseases where free radicals are involved. Possibly, carotenoids protect cells from oxidative stress by quenching singlet oxygen damage with various mechanisms. Therefore, carotenoids derived from algae could be a leading natural resource in the research for potential functional ingredients.

The effects of plant extracts on lipid metabolism of chickens - A review.

The fat deposition is an important factor affecting chicken meat quality, which is closely related to lipid metabolism of chickens. Therefore, it is important to regulate the lipid metabolism of chickens to improve the chicken meat quality. Plant extracts have special regulatory effects on animal's growth and health and have been widely used in chicken breeding. Some plant extracts have been reported to have functions of changing the fatty acid composition, reducing abdominal fat percentage, and enhancing the intramuscular fat content of chickens by improving the antioxidant capacity, regulating the expression of genes, enzymes, and signaling pathways related to lipid metabolism, modulating intestinal microbiota, affecting hormones level, and regulating DNA methylation. This paper reviewed the application and mechanism of plant extracts on regulating lipid metabolism of chickens to provide a reference for the further application of plant extracts in chicken breeding.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Pomegranate Peel with Xylanase on Egg Quality and Antioxidant Parameters in Laying Hens.

Pomegranate contains bioactive compounds in all its parts. In this study, two levels of pomegranate peel byproduct (PPB) with or without the inclusion of xylanase enzyme were used to supplement laying hens' diet, in a 2 × 2 full factorial design. A total of 48 Isa brown laying hens were fed the following experimental diets for 8 weeks: T1 (2.5% PPB); T2 (2.5% PPB and xylanase); T3 (5% PPB); T4 (5% PPB and xylanase). Eggs collected were analyzed for egg quality parameters. Moreover, egg yolks were analyzed for Malondialdehyde content (MDA), fatty acid profile and total phenolic content. The T2 eggs showed enhanced yolk coloration and greater yolk total phenolic content. The T3 and T4 egg yolks showed lower MDA levels compared with T1, T2. Overall, results have shown that (a) xylanase inclusion affected egg yolk coloration and total phenolic content when combined with 2.5% PPB dietary supplementation; (b) dietary supplementation of 5% PPB resulted in eggs with reduced MDA levels.

Microclimate and Genotype Impact on Nutritional and Antinutritional Quality of Locally Adapted Landraces of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

This study aimed to assess the impact of genotype, location, and type of cultivation (organic) on the nutrient and anti-nutrient components of seven large-seeded bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) populations. All genotypes were cultivated during 2014 and 2015 in randomized complete block (RCB) experimental designs in three areas of the Prespa region (Pili, Patoulidio, Agios Germanos) in Greece. Particularly, total protein (18.79-23.93%), fiber (7.77-12%), starch (40.14-55.26%), and fat (1.84-2.58%) contents were analyzed and showed significant differences. In order to assess mineral content, firstly, the total ash percentage (4.31% to 5.20%) and secondly, trace elements and heavy metals were determined. The concentrations of identified inorganic metals showed large variations. The total phenolic content of the samples varied from 0.18 to 0.29 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE). A major limitation of increasing the use of grain legumes as feed is the presence of diverse compounds in their grain, commonly referred to as antinutritional factors, and these are mainly trypsin inhibitors. Trypsin inhibitor levels were evaluated, with results varying from 21.8 to 138.5 TIU/g. Pili 2014 and 2015 were differently associated regarding the year of cultivation. Pili 2015 location was also very closely associated with the Patoulidio region, whereas Agios Germanos and Pili 2014 were the most different in terms of nutritional and antinutritional content.

In Vitro Investigation of the Antibacterial Activity of Nine Commercial Water Disinfectants, Acidifiers, and Glyceride Blends against the Most Important Poultry Zoonotic Bacteria.

Identifying and monitoring the efficiency of alternative biocides that are presently used in livestock is gaining vast attention. The objective of this study was to determine, in vitro, the antibacterial activity of nine commercial water disinfectants, acidifiers, and glyceride blends against clinical isolates or reference strains of zoonotic pathogens belonging to the genera Escherichia spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., and Staphylococcus spp. For each product, the antibacterial activity was tested in concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 1.136% v/v and expressed as the minimum concentration of the product that inhibits bacterial growth (MIC). Water disinfectants Cid 2000™ and Aqua-clean® recorded MICs ranging from 0.002 to 0.142% v/v, while the lowest MICs were recorded at two strains of Campylobacter (0.002-0.004% v/v). Virkon® S displayed various MICs (0.013-0.409% w/v) and was highly effective at suppressing the growth of Gram-positive bacteria such as S. aureus (0.013-0.026% w/v). The MICs of water acidifiers (Agrocid Super™Oligo, Premium acid, and Ultimate acid) and glyceride blends (CFC Floramix, FRA®LAC34, and FRA®Gut Balance) ranged from 0.036 to 1.136% v/v, and for most of these products, MICs were closely correlated by their ability to modify the pH of the culture medium close to 5. In conclusion, most of the tested products showed promising antibacterial activity; as a result, they would be good candidates for pathogen control in poultry farms and for reducing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. However, further in vivo studies are recommended to provide relevant information for the underlying mechanisms, as well as for the establishment of the optimal dosage scheme for each product and their possible synergies.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of a Resin-Purified Aqueous-Isopropanol Olive Leaf Extract on Meat and Liver Antioxidant Parameters in Broilers.

Olive leaves are byproducts οf the agro-industrial sector and are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. They could be supplemented in poultry diets powdered or less frequently as extracts to improve performance, health and product quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of an aqueous isopropanol olive leaf extract-purified through filtration (250-25 µm) and a resin (XAD-4)-when supplemented in broiler chickens' diets, on meat quality parameters, focusing mainly on antioxidant parameters as there is limited published information. For this purpose, four-hundred-and-eighty-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: T1 (control: basal diet); T2 (1% olive leaf extract); T3 (2.5% olive leaf extract); T4 (positive control: 0.1% encapsulated oregano oil commercially used as feed additive). At the end of the experimental period (day 42), the birds were slaughtered, and samples from breast, thigh meat and liver were collected for antioxidant parameters evaluation. On day 1, after slaughter, in thigh meat, Malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in T2 compared to T3, and total phenolic content (TPC) was higher in T2 compared to T3 and T4. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was increased in T2 and T4 breast meat compared to the control. In liver, T4 treatment resulted in higher TPC. The lack of dose-dependent effect for olive leaf extract may be attributed to the pro-oxidant effects of some bioactive compounds found in olive leaves, such as oleuropein, when supplemented at higher levels. In summary, it can be inferred that the inclusion of 1% olive leaf extract in the feed of broilers has the potential to mitigate oxidation in broiler meat and maybe enhance its quality.

Dietary Supplementation with Pomegranate and Onion Affects Lipid and Protein Oxidation in the Breast Meat, Thigh, and Liver, Cellular Stress Protein Responses, and Gene Expression of Liver Enzymes Involved in Protein Synthesis in Broilers.

The present study examined the effects of dietary supplementation with extracts of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and onion (Allium cepa), either encapsulated in cyclodextrin (POMALCD group) or in an aqueous (POMALAQ group) form, on breast meat, thigh meat, and liver composition, oxidative stability, cellular signaling pathways, and the gene expression of certain hepatic genes. The results showed that breast and thigh meat contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher moisture content in the group with the aqueous extract, compared to the control and POMALCD groups. Moreover, the protein content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the thigh and liver samples of the treated groups in comparison to the control. The iron-induced challenge deteriorated (p < 0.001) the lipid and protein oxidative status of the control group, whereas both supplemented groups showed considerable tolerance in all tissues. The supplementation of pomegranate and onion extracts mitigated or maintained heat shock protein (HSP) levels and elevated (p < 0.05) the Bcl-2/Bad ratio in thigh and breast meat, whereas mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was modulated at a lower rate. After normalization to ß-actin expression, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) induction in the expression of MTR and MSRB1 genes in the liver of the supplemented groups. No differences were observed for the TAT, SMS, and BHMT genes. In conclusion, dietary mixtures of herbal extracts with pomegranate and onion improved protein and lipid oxidative stability in meat, enhanced the hepatic energy status, and exerted ameliorative effects on stress-related proteins. The encapsulated extract of pomegranate and onion, using cyclodextrin as a carrier, appeared to reduce lipid oxidation to a greater extent than the aqueous extract. In contrast, the aqueous extract exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values and provided better protection against protein carbonyl formation.

Feeding Flaxseed and Lupins during the Transition Period in Dairy Cows: Effects on Production Performance, Fertility and Biochemical Blood Indices.

Flaxseed and lupin seed were offered as an alternative dietary approach in dairy cows, through the partial substitution of soybean meal. Milk production and fertility traits were investigated. A total of 330 animals were allocated into two groups, treated (n = 176) and control (n = 154). From each group, 30 animals were selected for hematological and cytological studies. The experimental feeding period lasted for 81 days (25 days prepartum and 56 days postpartum). The control ration (group C) contained corn, barley, soybean meal, rapeseed cake, corn silage and lucerne hay; whereas, in the treatment group (group T), 50% of the soybean meal was replaced by an equal mixture of flaxseed and lupins. The two rations were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Milk samples were analyzed for chemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC) content and total colony forming units (CFU). Blood samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), acute phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid) and lipid oxidation indices, namely thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase activity. To assess polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) numbers, endometrial samples from each cow were collected on days 21 and 42. No difference was recorded between groups in milk yield (p > 0.05). In multiparous cows, NEFA (mMol/L) concentrations were significantly lower in group T than in group C on day 14 (p > 0.009) and on day 42 (p = 0.05), while no difference was detected in the group of primiparous cows. At all time points, serum TBARS and catalase values were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Multiparous cows in group T expressed the first postpartum estrus and conceived earlier than cows in group C (p ≤ 0.05). Between days 21 to 42 postpartum, the PMN reduction rate was higher in group T animals (p ≤ 0.05). Acute phase protein levels were in general lower in group T animals, and at specific time points differed significantly from group C (p ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that the partial replacement of soybean meal by flaxseed and lupins had no negative effect on milk yield or milk composition, and improved cow fertility; which, along with the lower cost of flaxseed and lupins mixture, may increase milk production profitability.