Feed Additive Research Articles

Effect of Plant-Derived Feed Additives on Enteric Methane Emission, Nutrient Digestibility and Immune Status of Adult Male Goats.

Ruminal methanogenesis reduces animal feed utilizing efficiency and is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. The present study aimed to study the effect of plant secondary metabolites on methane emission, nutrient digestibility and immune status of adult male goats. To fulfil the goal, 20 adult male goats (2.5-3 years of age, body weight [BW] 25.90 ± 1.46 kg) were divided into four groups of five animals. The control was fed a basal diet containing wheat straw and concentrate in a 50:50 ratio without additives. In groups T1, T2 and T3, the basal diet was supplemented with ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) oil @ 0.06% dry matter intake (DMI), bahera (Terminalia belirica) @ 0.8% DMI and combination of ajwain oil and bahera @ 0.06% and 0.8% DMI, respectively. The DMI, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen intake, outgo and nitrogen balance were similar (p > 0.05) in all four groups. Methane emissions (g/kg DDMI) reduced (p < 0.05) by 22.16%, 23.88% and 33.49% in T1, T2 and T3 compared to control. Both cell-mediated immunity and humoral immune response significantly improved in T3 than other supplemented groups and control. In conclusion, the combination of behera and ajwain oil effectively reduced methane emissions and improved the immune status of adult male goats without affecting nutrient digestibility.

Paeonol Inhibits the Replication of Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 In Vitro Through Regulating the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

The bovine herpesvirus type I (BHV-1) is a significant pathogen that poses a threat to the healthy development of the cattle industry and has a global prevalence. Paeonol is a phenolic constituent extracted from the dried root bark of peony in the buttercup family. Although paeonol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, its antiviral capacity remains unclear. Here, we conducted a cytotoxicity assay to screen the safe concentration of the paeonol using bovine turbinate (BT) cells as a model. Antiviral studies showed that paeonol inhibited BHV-1 gB gene and VP8 protein expression, and reduced cytopathic effect and viral titer. Furthermore, paeonolalso demonstrated a potent effect on BHV-1 replication with an EC50of 18.54μg/mL and a Selectivity Index (SI) of 28.64. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the PI3K/AKT pathway might be involved in the antiviral mechanism of paeonol. Molecular docking combined with western blot assay further confirmed that paeonol was able to bind stably to the active sites of PI3K and AKT proteins, and significantly inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway. Interestingly, 740Y-P (a PI3K/AKT pathway agonist) significantly attenuated the anti-BHV-1 effect of paeonol. The above experiments are the first to confirm the inhibitory effect of paeonol on BHV-1 replication, which not only adds evidence to the biological function of paeonol as an antiviral agent, but also lays the foundation for the prevention and control of this disease and the development of feed additives.

Effects of combined use of compound acidifiers and plant essential oils in feed on the reproductive performance and physiological status of Xianjv chickens.

This study investigates the effects of combined compound acidifiers and plant essential oils on the production performance, egg quality, and health parameters of Xianjv chickens. A total of 240 healthy 34-week-old Xianjv chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups and given 5 different feed additives: a control group with a basal diet, and four experimental groups with varying doses of compound acidifiers (CA) and essential oils (EO). The results revealed that the addition of compound acidifiers and essential oils did not significantly affect average daily feed intake, egg production rate, or feed-to-egg ratio. However, supplementation with CA and EO significantly improved eggshell strength, albumen height, and Haugh unit, enhancing overall egg quality. Additionally, the combination of these additives enhanced serum antioxidant capacity by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. It also lowered inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and improved intestinal health by enhancing digestive enzyme activities, including trypsin and lipase, in the duodenum and jejunum. The study concludes that the combined use of compound acidifiers and plant essential oils offers a promising alternative to antibiotics in poultry feed, improving egg quality and supporting better health status in Xianjv chickens. Nevertheless, careful optimization of the dosages and combinations is necessary to maximize their benefits without adversely affecting the birds' physiological balance.

Biobased functional feed additives in Asian aquaculture: Trends, impacts, and future directions

Biobased functional feed additives in Asian aquaculture: Trends, impacts, and future directions

Performance of broilers supplemented with pandan leaf (Pandanus amaryllifolius roxb) water extract in drinking water

The prohibition of Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGP) has encouraged the use of natural feed additives such as pandan leaf (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb) water extract. This study aims to evaluate the effect of administering pandan leaf water extract in drinking water on broiler performance. A total of 100 one-day-old broiler chicks with uniform body weight were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups, each with 5 replicates, and each replicate consisted of 5 broilers. The treatments included broilers provided with drinking water without pandan leaf extract (P0), while groups P1, P2, and P3 were given drinking water containing 3%, 6%, and 9% pandan leaf water extract, respectively. The results showed that the addition of pandan leaf water extract at levels of 3%, 6%, and 9% had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on feed intake, water intake, final body weight, weight gain, and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). It was concluded that the addition of pandan leaf water extract up to a level of 9% in drinking water does not influence broiler performance, however there is a trend of increasing feed efficiency when adding 3-6% pandan leaf water extract to broiler drinking water.

From feed to field: effect of dietary protein level and use of a blend of feed additives on gaseous emissions from growing-finishing pig slurry

The environmental impact of livestock waste has driven the need for nutritional strategies to enhance digestive efficiency in pigs, aiming to reduce nutrient excretion and associated emissions of pollutants like ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases (GHG). This study investigated the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) reduction by 1.5%, combined with supplementation of a dietary treatment that included feed additives and higher soluble fiber levels, on nutrient digestibility, slurry composition, and emissions across growing and finishing phases. Eighty male pigs were assigned to four different diets in a 13-week trial under a 2 × 2 factorial design: standard protein (SP) and low protein (LP) diets, with or without the dietary treatment. Key measurements included slurry composition, NH3-N and CH4 emissions, and crop yield when slurry was applied as fertilizer. The low-protein diet supplemented with additives (LPA) significantly reduced slurry pH (P ≤ 0.001) and urinary NH3-N excretion (interaction, P = 0.03), improving nutrient digestibility and lowering organic matter content in slurry (P &amp;lt; 0.05). NH3 emissions from the room and slurry pit decreased by over 38%, while CH4 emissions, although higher in LP diets, were mitigated with the LPA diet. Field application of slurry as fertilizer resulted in trends favoring sustainable wheat production, with increased yield and nitrogen use efficiency, alongside reduced CH4 emissions (P &amp;lt; 0.001). These findings underscore the potential of combined dietary strategies to mitigate environmental impacts while enhancing agricultural sustainability.

Dietary addition of compound organic acids improves the growth performance, carcass trait, and body health of broilers

IntroductionThe poultry industry constantly seeks strategies to enhance broiler growth performance and overall health. Organic acidifiers, including L-lactic acid, L-malic acid, and acetic acid, have gained attention as potential feed additives to improve animal production by modulating gut health, enhancing nutrient absorption, and supporting immune function. Despite their promising effects in other animal species, the impact of this novel compound organic acidifier on broiler performance, metabolism, and immune response has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of this compound acidifier on growth performance, serum lipid profile, antioxidant status, and immune parameters in broilers, providing insights into its potential benefits as a dietary supplement for broiler health and productivity.MethodsA total of 240 broilers were randomly divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1.0% acidifier, with six replicates of ten birds each. Over a 6-week period, various parameters were measured, including serum triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, lysozyme, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, IL-2, TNF-α, and gene expressions related to lipid metabolism.ResultsOver a 6-week period, the acidifier decreased serum triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins while also enhancing growth performance. Additionally, it raised the serum levels of lysozyme, IgA, IgM, and the SOD. Additionally, IL-2 and TNF-α concentrations in the jejunum mucosa decreased. The acidifier upregulated PPARα, AMPK, FABP1 and MTTP expressions, and downregulated APOB100. Overall, the acidifier effectively improved broiler growth performance during the early development phase primarily by enhancing hepatic lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune function.ConclusionThese results suggest that the acidifier may accelerate liver lipid metabolism in broilers by modulating the gene expression profiles involved in lipid metabolism.

Phytogenic Feed Additives as a Sustainable Alternative to Antibiotics: Enhancing Growth and Disease Resistance in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Pathogens and challenging conditions in fish farming are common problems that cause mortality and reduce growth performance. Phytogenic feed additives can support the immunity of fish and thereby improve performance, production, and disease resistance. Two experiments with Nile Tilapia aimed to evaluate the effects of a matrix-encapsulated phytogenic additive (Digestarom® P.E.P. MGE) in different feed formulations, which vary in the marine meal inclusion level (5% and 12.8%), on growth performance and resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae. Fish were stocked in a recirculating aquaculture tank system per experiment and were fed with diets with or without the phytogenic supplementation for 8 weeks (six replicates per group). After an intraperitoneal injection with a sterilized saline solution and bath immersion with S. agalactiae (5 × 106 CFU/mL), mortality of the fish was recorded for 20 days. Independent of the diet formulation, the supplementation with the phytogenic feed additive significantly improved the fish production; feed conversion ratio; immune response (mainly lactic acid dehydrogenase, differential blood cell counts, and the lysozyme activity in blood); and fish survival after the S. agalactiae challenge. Thus, phytogenic feed additives are promising strategies to improve Nile tilapia production by enhancing fish growth performance, health, and protection against S. agalactiae infections.

Mycotoxin binder for immune and intestinal histopathology ameliorations against Newcastle disease in vaccinated broilers

Background In broiler farming, vaccination against Newcastle disease (ND) is essential. Nonetheless, during the post-vaccination phase, production may be negatively impacted by mycotoxin contamination in feed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mycotoxin binders on immune and intestinal histopathology ameliorations against newcastle disease in vaccinated broilers with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) toxication. Methods A total of 20 broilers were randomly assigned into 4 groups with 5 replications i.e. (C-) broiler groups with basal feed, (C+) broiler groups with AFB1 and OTA feed contamination, (T1) and (T2) broiler groups with exposed AFB1, OTA, and toxin binders as feed additives with dose 1.1 g/kg and 1.6 g/kg feed, respectively. ND vaccination was carried out on day 7 and 21. Antibody titers were evaluated from serum samples of broiler on days 14, 28, and 35 for further hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Histopathology of the cecum and colon organs was evaluated using HE staining on day 36. HI test and histological scoring were analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s test with a p &lt; 0.05 in SPSS v.26 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results As a result, histopathological improvement of the cecum and colon was reported based on mucosal rupture, hemorrhage and necrosis on day 35. An increase in the mean antibody titer compared to days 14 and 28 was observed on day 35, with significant changes observed in serum samples based on the C+ group, which was significantly different from the C- and T2 groups (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions This study revealed that a 1.6 g/kg toxin binder dose in feed can increase antibody titer and histopathology of cecum and colon in broiler chickens after ND vaccination fed with mycotoxin-contaminated feed.

Pivotal Roles of Fish Nutrition and Feeding: Recent Advances and Future Outlook for Brazilian Fish Farming

The aquafeed industry evolved alongside fish farming, utilizing scientific and technological advancements to incorporate a variety of feed additives, supplements, and alternative ingredients in the nutrition and feeding of fish in aquaculture. These advances played a significant role in improving the production, health, and welfare of farmed fish. Recent research in Brazil highlighted the importance of using fish feed additives, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, to ensure that farmed fish receive all the necessary nutrients for growth and health. Functional additives can enhance the immune system, boosting disease resistance and promoting the overall health of fish. Antimicrobial and antiparasitic additives help prevent and treat infections and infestations, reducing the occurrence of disease outbreaks. Additionally, some additives improve feed digestibility, leading to better nutrient absorption and reduced feed requirements. Overall, nutritional strategies are essential for optimizing fish farming practices in Brazil and globally, promoting fish health and sustainability in the industry. This review emphasizes the significance of certain additives, supplements, and ingredients strategically incorporated into experimental feeds for research in Brazilian fish farming. It also underscores the necessity for ongoing research. There is a noticeable trend towards developing more sustainable and efficient feeds, which is essential for the future of sustainable aquaculture. The goal is to minimize environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability in aquaculture operations.

Potential benefits of early-life supplementation of feed additives on the growth and health of lambs

Potential benefits of early-life supplementation of feed additives on the growth and health of lambs

Probiotics in Poultry: Unlocking Productivity Through Microbiome Modulation and Gut Health

This review explores the role of probiotics in improving productivity and gut health in poultry through microbiome modulation, particularly during early life. Gut health is pivotal to poultry performance, influencing nutrient absorption, immune function, and disease resistance. Early-life interventions target the microbiome to shape long-term health and productivity. Probiotics, live microorganisms providing health benefits, improve gut health through the competitive exclusion of pathogens, immune modulation, antimicrobial compound production, and enhancing gut barrier integrity. Applying probiotics improves growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, body weight gain, and carcass quality by promoting lean muscle growth and reducing fat deposition. For laying hens, probiotics enhance egg production and quality. These benefits are linked to better nutrient utilization, a well-balanced microbiome, and reduced gastrointestinal disorders. However, the efficacy of probiotics depends on strain specificity, dosage, and administration methods. Factors like environmental conditions, storage stability, and interactions with other feed additives also influence their effectiveness. Despite these challenges, advancements in microbiome research and probiotic technologies, such as precision probiotics and synbiotics, provide promising solutions. Future research should focus on optimizing formulations, understanding host–microbiome interactions, and leveraging new technologies for targeted microbiome management.

Effects of a multi-strain probiotic on rabbits productive traits, antioxidant defence, caecal microbiota and short‑chain fatty acids, and intestinal histomorphology.

This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of a multi-strain probiotic as natural feed additives on the productive performance, blood parameters, antioxidant defence, caecal short‑chain fatty acid profile as well as the effectiveness on the intestinal morphology and on the equilibrium modification of caecal microbiota of growing rabbits. Eighty-six-week-old Italian White rabbits were assigned into two dietary groups: the control group was fed without any additive, while the test group received a diet supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic (MS-Prob; Slab51®) at a dosage of 250 mg/kg diet. The feeding trial lasted up to 12 weeks of age. Rabbits MS-Prob diet had significantly higher daily and final body weight recording also the best of feed efficiency compared to control group. Rabbits in MS-Prob group showed improved slaughter weight and carcass dressing yield. No significant effect was found on meat protein, lipids and ash contents. Serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides decreased significantly in rabbits fed the test-diet. In rabbits fed MS-Prob, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased significantly, whereas the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) decreased significantly. Caecal pH, ammonia-N and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were not significantly influenced by dietary treatments. Conversely, VFAs molar proportions were statistically affected by diets, with higher acetic and butyric acid concentrations in caecum of rabbits fed MS-Prob. Feeding of MS-Prob reduced harmful bacterial growth (Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., Clostridium spp.) while promoting beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus spp., Bacteroides spp.). Moreover, MS-Prob positively influences rabbit gut histomorphology, showing higher villus height, villus width, and crypt depth. s: This study indicated that MS-Prob (Slab51®) supplementation stimulated the performance of growing rabbits and positively affected blood serum parameters, intestinal morphology, and caecal environment and microbiota.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ДОБАВКИ НА ОСНОВЕ ПЕРЕРАБОТАННОЙ ПИВНОЙ ДРОБИНЫ В КОРМЛЕНИИ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОЙ ПТИЦЫ

Brewer's grain is a by-product of beer production, has a high biological potential due to dietary fiber and beta-glucan, which help animals to modulate the balance and activity of microbial populations in the intestine, so its use in combination with a mineral complex can increase the productivity of poultry. The paper discusses the effect of feeding complex feed additives based on processed brewer's grains as part of complete feed on the productivity, safety and control slaughter of quail-laying quails of the Texas white breed. The experiment was carried out in the vivarium of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Krasnodar Scientific Center for Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine on Texas white laying quails from 42 days of age to the 222nd day of rearing. The content of the bird was cellular in one tier. The conditions of detention corresponded to generally accepted zootechnical standards, the groups were formed by the method of pairs-analogues of 20 animals each. The first group was the control group and received a balanced complete feed (CF). For feeding the second group, CF was used with the addition of 1.5 % of the developed complex feed additive № 1 by weight of the feed. The third group received a complete mixed feed with the addition of 1.5 % complex additive № 2 by weight of the feed. It has been established that the use of the studied additives has a positive effect on the egg production of birds, increasing the gross collection of eggs by 3.17 and 3.82 % in the groups that received the studied additives. In the experimental groups, the slaughter qualities of laying quails improved. Thus, the weight of the gutted carcass increased by 8.30 % (P≤0.01) in the second group, and by 9.08 % (P≤0.001) in the third experimental group in relation to the control one. The use of complex additives based on processed brewer's grains contributed to an increase in production profitability by 3.22 and 3.24 % and additional profit per head by 11.9 and 12.6 % in the second and third groups, respectively, compared with the control group.

ВЛИЯНИЕ КОРМОВЫХ ДОБАВОК ИЗ МОЛОК РЫБ И ГЛИЦЕРИНА НА ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ ФОРЕЛИ

In order to study the effect of newly developed feed additives from fish milt and glycerin on the indicators of productivity, quality and maturation rate of salmon gametes, a study was conducted on females of amber trout in the conditions of recirculating water supply plants in the peasant farm Azhogin Alexander Anatolyevich (the Rostov Region, Shakhty) in 2022. There were 50 fish in the control and 2 experimental groups. All groups used complete mixed feed for salmon fish produced by BISKO LLC (Bryukhovetsky District of the Krasnodar Region). In the experimental groups, the fish received an emulsion of milt with glycerin – a newly developed reproductive food to stimulate and optimize the maturation of gametes. The research results were processed biometrically according to N.A. Plokhinsky (1969) and G.F. Lakin (1990). The economic effect was calculated in accordance with the recommendations of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2007). The inclusion of milt with glycerin in the ratio of 80 to 20 % in the amount of 2 % by weight of the feed into the complete feed for trout contributes to the absolute and relative productivity to the greatest extent, leads to an increase in fertility by 2.8 % (P&lt;0.05) and a decrease the number of days to reach the 4th stage of maturity by 4.0 % (P&lt;0.05) in comparison with the control; The use of additives from fish milk and glycerin in fish feeding makes it possible to increase the profitability of trout caviar production by 4.4–7.1 %.

The use of Mahad leaf pellet feed affects the fermentation process and rumen micro-biota in beef cattle

Abstract The study’s objective was to assess how Mahad leaf pellet feed affected the microbial ecology and rumen fermentation in beef cattle. Using a 4×4 Latin square design, 4 Brahman crossbred heifers weighing 250 ± 40 kg (1–1.5 years old) were randomly allocated to each of the following treatments: The powder for concentration in the experiment following: (1) Control (0 g concentrate powder), (2) 50 g concentrate powder, (3) 100 g concentrate powder, and (4) 150 g concentrate powder. The cows received ad libitum rice straw and concentrate at 1% BW. None of the treatments affected ruminal temperature, NH 3 -N, microbial protein production, or pH. Hematocrit (Hct) and blood urea N were unaffected by the addition of Mahad leaf pellet feed. On the other hand, the addition of Mahad leaf pellet feed to the diet led to a linear reduction in the ruminal concentration of acetic acid (P = 0.01) and an increase in the ruminal concentration of propionic acid (P = 0.02). We projected a decrease in ruminal CH 4 production (P = 0.02) as the amount of Mahad leaf pellet feed in the diet increased. The addition of Mahad leaf pellet feed to the diet resulted in a linear decrease in the protozoal population (P = 0.01) as the amount increased. According to the current study, Mahad leaf pellet feed alters ruminal fermentation by reducing the acetate-to-propionate ratio and estimating the amount of CH 3 produced. It has no influence on ruminal pH, microbial synthesis or blood parameters. Decreases in the ruminal protozoa may account for some of the changes in ruminal fermentation parameters. The ideal level for animal feed supplementation is 150 g of the total ration, as supplementing beyond 150 g of the concentrate portion did not significantly enhance these beneficial effects.

Influence of lemongrass and oregano essential oils and their combination on in vitro ruminal fermentation and greenhouse gas emissions in total mixed ration for dairy cows

Ruminants play a crucial role in the food chain, but are also considered contributors of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions . Essential oils (EOs) are emerging as natural feed additives in ruminants’ nutrition to enhance animal health, performance and reduce environmental footprint. Among EOs, lemongrass (Cymbopogon winterianus) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) EOs (LEO and OEO) have attracted attention as modulators of ruminal fermentations, but their role needs to be clarified. The experiment was designed using a randomised setup to assess the effects of LEO and OEO on in vitro ruminal fermentation and GHGs, using total mixed ration (TMR) as substrate (incubation time 24h). Experimental treatments included (doses as % of TMR on DM basis): 1) control only TMR (0% EOs) 2) 0.07% LEO 3) 0.07% OEO 4) 0.035% LEO + 0.035% OEO 5) 0.07% LEO + 0.07% OEO. Each treatment was repeated three times in two experimental runs. Only EO combinations reduced total gas (−9%, p=0.001). All EOs decreased CO2 emissions by −5 to −12% with no significant differences between treatments (p<0.001), although anti-methanogenic effects were not observed (p=0.192). Volatile fatty acids were slightly affected only by EOs blend at the highest dose, resulting in a reduction of propionate (−1.3%, p=0.02), an increase in acetate:propionate (+0.16%, p=0.04) and isovalerate (+0.7%, p=0.03). LEO reduced pH (−0.6%, p=0.004), while OEO increased oxidation capacity (+4.2%, p=0.004), but both parameters remained within physiological ranges. Canonical discriminant analysis confirmed distinct EOs effects, highlighting their potential as natural additives for improving ruminal fermentation and mitigating ruminant environmental footprint.

Enhancing growing rabbit heat stress resilience through dietary supplementation with natural antioxidants

Animal husbandry development is influenced by various factors, with heat stress (HS) being a significant factor. The aim of this experiment was to explore the potential of natural antioxidants such as vitamin C (VITC), vitamin E (VITE), lycopene (LYC), and allicin (AL) in enhancing growth, immune function and maintaining the redox status of fattening rabbits under HS. Male weaning rabbits (n = 150, 5 weeks of age) were randomly assigned to 5 groups. The rabbits were fed a basal diet (control group) or supplemented with 40 mg of vitamin E (VE40), 5 mg of vitamin C (VC5), 150 mg of lycopene (LYC150), or 150 mg of allicin (AL150) per kg of diet, respectively, under summer Egyptian conditions. The overall temperature humidity index (THI) value was 29.76, indicating severe HS during the experimental period. The findings indicated that all dietary supplemented groups showed significant improvements in live body weight at 8 weeks (P < 0.0001) and 11 weeks (P < 0.05) of age compared to the control group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved with all additives (P < 0.05), while feed intake and carcass traits were not affected by the treatments (P > 0.05). The AL group had the highest dressing percentage compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Feeding stressed rabbits with antioxidant supplements resulted in a higher hemoglobin concentration compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Aspartate transaminase (AST), triglycerides, and creatinine levels were decreased with all additives as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Total protein and albumin were significantly higher in AL group than in other groups (P < 0.05). The serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was significantly increased, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were decreased by all feed additives (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) did not differ among all experimental groups (P > 0.05). Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH) levels were higher in all supplement groups compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). All dietary supplements significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues and blood serum compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Collectively, allicin emerged as a potent shield against heat stress, bettering lycopene and vitamins E and C in safeguarding the well-being of growing rabbits.

Application of Natural Antioxidants as Feed Additives in Aquaculture: A Review.

Oxidative stress, a critical factor affecting the health and productivity of aquatic organisms, arises from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses. In aquaculture, natural antioxidants have gained increasing attention as sustainable feed additives to mitigate oxidative damage, enhance immune responses, and improve overall growth performance. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the antioxidative mechanisms of key natural antioxidants, including carotenoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. By neutralizing ROS and modulating cellular signaling pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, these compounds offer significant protective effects against oxidative damage in aquatic species. The manuscript consolidates recent advancements in antioxidant research, highlighting their practical applications in feed formulation and their role in promoting sustainability in aquaculture. This review aims to provide an integrative framework for understanding natural antioxidants' potential, guiding future research and practical implementation in aquaculture systems.

Lactobacillus acidophilus alleviate Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium-induced murine inflammatory/oxidative responses via the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and cecal microbiota.

Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, leading to gastroenteritis, fever and other diseases in humans and animals. More and more studies have emphasized the broad prospects of probiotics in improving inflammation and oxidative stress, but the ability and mechanism of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) to alleviate the inflammatory/oxidative reaction caused by pathogens are still unclear. In this study, we treated the mice with LA for 14 days, infected them with S. Typhimurium for 24 h, and sacrificed the mice to collect samples. We found that the early intervention of LA alleviated the pathological injury and reversed the down-regulation of the duodenal and hepatic tight junction protein mRNA levels caused by S. Typhimurium infection. Compared with S. Typhimurium group, LA early intervention increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes, but decreased the levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Additionally, LA early intervention significantly increased Nrf2 mRNA expression in the liver and decreased Keap1 mRNA expression in the duodenum compared to the S. Typhimurium group. Furthermore, early LA treatment reduced the abundance of Bacteroides acidificiens, increased the abundance of Akkermansia, and alleviated the decrease in SCFAs levels in the cecum of S. Typhimurium-infected mice. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a certain correlation between cecal flora and serum indicators and short chain fatty acids. Taken together, the results indicate that LA early intervention may alleviates S. Typhimurium-induced inflammation and oxidative responses in mice by activating the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and regulating the gut microbial community. Exploring the ability of LA to resist animal oxidative stress and microflora regulation caused by pathogenic microbes, so as to provide more options for developing healthy disease-resistant feed additives.