Amylase Activity Research Articles

Effects of coated Enterococcus faecium on the growth performance, immunity, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphometry, and microbiota of crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of double-layer-coated Enterococcus faecium on the growth performance, liver biochemical indices, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphometry, immunity gene expression, and microbiota of crucian carps (Carassius auratus gibelio). A total of 320 fish (mean weight 11.0 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into 3 treatment groups of 4 replicates per treatment (20 fish/replicate). Three different experimental diets were designed: dietary C without double-layer-coated E. faecalis, dietary LP supplemented with 1.0 × 107 CFU/g, and dietary HP supplemented with 1.0 × 108 CFU/g double-layer-coated E. faecalis. The fish was fed for 70 days with different diets, followed by a challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that the weight gain and specific growth rate increased and the feed conversion rate decreased in the dietary HP (P < 0.05). The dietary LP had higher lipase and protease activities, and amylase activity increased in the dietary LP and HP after the LPS challenge (P < 0.05). The dietary HP had higher villi height (VH), thicker muscular thickness (MT), and higher VH/MT (VCR) in the intestine (P < 0.05). The intestines were damaged by the LPS challenge; the damage to the dietary HP was alleviated, showing a higher VH, thicker MT, and higher VCR (P < 0.05). The glutathione peroxidase activity of the liver was increased in the dietary HP (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in liver antioxidant capacity with the LPS challenge among all diets. There was no significant difference in the expression level of the Occludin and Claudin-12 genes among all diets that was up-regulated in dietary HP after LPS challenge (P < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing revealed that the supplementation of double-layer-coated E. faecium increased the species diversity of the intestinal. In conclusion, double-layer-coated E. faecium can improve the absorption of nutrients, enhance immunity, maintain balance in the intestine microbiota, and promote the growth of crucian carp. The supplementation of double-layer-coated E. faecium in the diet can alleviate the intestinal damage caused by LPS challenge.

Black soldier fly larvae efficiently bioconvert the organic fraction of municipal solid waste thanks to the functional plasticity of their midgut

Abstract The saprophagous larvae of Hermetia illucens show promising potential as effective agents for bioconverting organic waste and by-products into valuable biomass. Their capability to efficiently transform organic substrates, varying in nutrient content, origin, texture, and moisture, is strictly correlated with the morphofunctional complexity of their digestive system and the associated microbiota. In addition, post-ingestion mechanisms are set in motion to regulate the midgut activity depending on the feeding substrate, thus ensuring the nutritional requirements of the larvae. This study aims to assess the capability of H. illucens larvae to grow and biotransform the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). In particular, the larvae were reared on substrates mimicking the OFMSW with different nutrient content, and their growth and bioconversion performance, as well as the quality of larval and pupal biomass were evaluated. Our results demonstrate that the nutritional composition of the rearing substrates had minimal impact on the efficiency of the bioconversion process and on the protein, lipid, and chitin content of the insect biomass. This was due to a fine transcriptional regulation of genes encoding enzymes involved in protein, polysaccharide, and lipid digestion in midgut cells. As a consequence, larvae reared on OFMSW with the lowest protein, starch, and lipid content exhibited a significant increase in protease, amylase, and lipase activities. Overall, this study highlights the value of H. illucens larvae in valorising the OFMSW, demonstrating that variations in its composition do not significantly affect the quality of the bioconversion process. These findings hold significant practical implications as current strategies for OFMSW treatment remain unsatisfactory and innovative approaches are needed to enhance bio-waste recycling and reduce the environmental impact of waste management.

Effects of exercise training on growth and physiology of large-mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system

Large-mouth bass originally lived in rivers and lakes and now is often raised in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). However, the shortcoming of RAS is that there is very limited space for swimming fish in a high-density culture environment, thus leading to a lack of exercise. To investigate the effects of exercise training on growth performance, digestive enzymes, stress, and antioxidant capacity of large-mouth bass in a RAS, three training water flow velocities with three replicates were used in the present study: low water velocity: 0.5 body length per second (bl/s) (LV); medium water velocity: 1 bl/s (MV); and high water velocity: 1.5 bl/s (HV). 270 large-mouth bass (average initial body weight 47.51 ± 1.44 g, initial body length 12.71 ± 0.06 cm) were randomly divided into nine tanks (30 fish per tank). After 27 days experiment, the results showed that the growth performance of large-mouth bass, including feed intake, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate, in the HV group was significantly higher compared to the other groups. On the physiological level, the lipase and amylase activities were significantly increased in the HV group compared to the other groups. For the stress response parameters, the cortisol, glucose and lactate concentrations in the HV group were significantly increased, which may indicate higher stress in the HV group. Regarding the antioxidant enzyme activities, the activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in the LV group were significantly higher than those in the HV group, which indicated that fish suffered higher oxidative stress in the LV group. Regarding the immune-related parameters, LZM and ACP activities had no significant differences among the groups, while AKP activities in the MV and HV groups were significantly higher than that in the LV group. Overall, the results demonstrated that exercise training had significant effects on the growth, digestion, stress, and immune response of large-mouth bass. It is suggested that exercise training with 1.5 bl/s can enhance fish growth, however, it also presents a potential risk of inducing stress in fish. Therefore, in rearing large-mouth bass in RAS, the setting of water flow velocity should not only focus on the growth of large-mouth bass but also consider its welfare.

Isolation of α-Amylase Producing Microorganisms from Soil of Kachchh, Gujarat

The purpose of this study is to explore the soil of the Gujarat, Kachchh region to identify amylase-producing bacteria and characterize them using molecular methods. The unique ecological characteristics of the Kachchh region may facilitate the isolation of these bacteria. Samples were collected from multiple locations within the Kachchh District, including Gandhidham, Rapar, Bhuj, Nakhatrana, Mandvi, and Mundra Talukas. These samples were then screened to isolate amylase-producing bacteria. A total of 27 different types of colonies were identified, out of which 16 exhibited amylase production (M1-M16). Out of 27 colonies identified, 16 showed amylase production. Strains M2, M7, and M13 exhibited high amylase activity, with M2 showing a consistent increase over 72 hours, making it a strong candidate for amylase production. Further identification of M2 stain identified M2 as a Gram-positive, spore-forming, capsulated, and motile bacillus, specifically Bacillus licheniformis. This was confirmed through DNA sequencing and analysis in the NCBI database, which showed a 99.15% similarity with Bacillus licheniformis. The study concludes that Soil in Kachchh is rich with microorganisms that produce amylase, an enzyme with diverse industrial applications. These organisms are valuable for sectors like food, textiles, paper, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.

Antioxidative effect of astragalosides on acute pancreatitis in mice.

The research examined the antioxidative impact of astragalosides (AST) on experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) in mice. This study aims to assess the correlation between varying doses of astragalosides and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in an acute pancreatitis mouse model. By examining the interplay between astragaloside's protective effects and its antioxidant properties, we aim to deepen our understanding of its therapeutic potential in acute pancreatitis. The AP model in mice was induced by retrograde injection of sodium deoxycholate into the biliary and pancreatic ducts. Serum amylase activity was monitored at various time points following induction. Furthermore, 24 hours post-induction, levels of serum nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in pancreatic tissue were assessed. The findings of this study illustrated that AST, while exhibiting a protective effect in experimental AP, could effectively lower the elevated serum NO levels, reduce MDA production, and enhance SOD activity in model mice. AST notably reduced MDA levels in the pancreatic tissue of AP mice, underscoring its ability to inhibit membrane peroxidation induced by oxygen free radicals. Furthermore, AST was observed to elevate SOD activity in scavenging oxygen free radicals in pancreatic tissue. These findings suggest that AST enhances recovery in an experimental acute pancreatitis mouse model by exerting antioxidative effects.

Effect of casein bioactive peptides on performance, nutrient digestibility, enzyme activity and intestinal microbial population in broiler chickens.

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of bioactive peptides derived from casein on performance, nutrient digestibility, enzyme activity and intestinal microbial population in broiler chickens. In this study, 350 1-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were distributed among 35 pens in a completely randomized design with seven treatments, five replicates and 10 chicks in each replicate. The experimental treatments included: basal diet without any additives (control), basal diet + Avilamycin antibiotic, basal diet + 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg of peptides per kg of diet. Results showed no significant effects of the experimental treatments on weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the starter period, but there was a significant improvement in weight gain in grower, finisher and whole periods in chicks fed with diet containing 1000 mg/kg peptides (p < 0.05). Adding peptides improved intestinal morphology (in duodenum and ileum) (p < 0.05). Supplementation of casein peptides significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration in breast and thigh meat. The activity of amylase, lipase and protease enzymes improved in treatments containing 800 and 1000 mg peptides in comparison to the control treatment. The use of casein-peptides increased intestinal Lactobacillus and decreased Coliform populations.

Enhanced cholesterol utilization and impact on growth through taurine supplementation in high plant-based diets of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei in biofloc system

Cholesterol is vital for the optimal growth and physiological function of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. Due to limited availability of fish meal, plant-based ingredients are increasingly added in the shrimp diet which limit the availability and utilization of cholesterol. This study investigated the synergistic effects of dietary taurine and cholesterol supplementation on growth and physio-metabolic responses of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei fed with high plant-based protein diets reared in a biofloc system for 60 days. A basal diet (control) comprised 82.55 % plant-based ingredients and 36 % crude protein. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared (T1-T5) with cholesterol and taurine supplements at inclusion levels of 0.15 % and 0.16 % in T1 and T2, respectively. In the rest of the treatments, T3, T4, and T5, the combinations of cholesterol and taurine were 0.15 % and 0.16 %; 0.05 % and 0.24 %; 0.25 % and 0.08 %, respectively. The experimental diets were allocated to triplicate groups of 100 shrimp per tank following a completely randomized design. The results showed that shrimp fed T3 diet have a significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentage of weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), percentage of survival, and protein efficiency ratio (PER) with efficient feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.14±0.06) compared to other treatments. The hematological, antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activities, except amylase activity, were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in shrimp fed T1 and T3. Total bile acid content in T3 fed shrimp was higher than in other dietary treatments (P < 0.05). The results indicated that supplementing a combination of 0.15 % cholesterol and 0.16 % taurine in a high plant-based diet significantly improved growth performance, nutrient utilization, and physio-metabolic responses of P. vannamei.

Chemical characterization and biological properties of oyster and shiitake mushrooms extracts and their liposomal formulations

In recent years, the production of liposomal formulations using mushroom extracts has gained increasing interest to increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds in the nutraceutical field. Based on this information, we aimed to determine the antioxidant capacity (by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC and FRAP assays) and enzyme inhibition (against cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase and tyrosinase) activities of alone and liposomal formulations of Pleurotusostreatus (OYE) or Lentinusedodes (SHE) in different extracts solvents which were methanol (MeOH), aqua (Aq), methanol/aqua (MeOH/Aq). The extracts and formulations were chemically characterized using HPLC-DAD. The mean diameter of SL:SHE and SL:OYE (in MeOH/Aq) extended in range between 60 and 165 nm. The entrapment yields of SL:SHE and SL:OYE (in MeOH/Aq) were 63.8% ± 3.7% and 71.2% ± 2.8%, respectively. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that ferulic and cinnamic acids were main components in the liposomal formulations. Liposomal formulations (in MeOH) showed higher antioxidant activity in the FRAP and CUPRAC assays. SL:SHE (in Aq) showed effective enzyme inhibition activity on acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase enzymes. Based on our findings, the liposomal formulations can be a valuable strategy in preparing functional applications with shiitake and oyster mushrooms.

The effect of various dietary MUFA content and n-6/n-3 ratios on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed on a whole plant protein based diet: growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, intestinal morphometry and fatty acids profile of muscle and liver.

The effect of diets with various dietary MUFA content and n-6/n-3 ratios, diets 1 (55.33, 1.00), 2 (25.30, 1.00), 3 (55.13, 2.05), 4 (24.92, 2.03), 5 (54.94, 8.06) and 6 (24.91, 8.06) and a control diet with fish oil (FO), diet 7 (33.60, 5.97), was studied on growth and digestive physiology of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Juveniles, 14.65g ± 0.17, were fed the experimental diets for eight weeks. Those fish fed diet 1 (55.33, 1.00) had the lowest growth and nutritional indices, while fish fed diet 6 (24.91, 8.06) possessed the highest indices. However, fish fed D7 (33.60, 5.97) was intermediate in this regard. Proximate body composition results revealed no significant differences among various experimental groups (P > 0.05). Fish fed on diet 1 possessed the highest alkaline protease activity, while fish raised on diet 2 showed the lowest enzyme activity (P < 0.05). Fish fed on diets 1, 3 and 4 had the highest lipase activity (P > 0.05). Amylase activity and intestinal parameters did not differ among groups (P > 0.05). MUFA contents of liver and muscle reflected the MUFA contents of the diets; however, liver PUFA contents was not affected by dietary PUFA contents (P < 0.05). However, 18:3n-3 contents of liver decreased as dietary n-6/n-3 ratio increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the liver 20:4n-6 contents considerably increased as dietary n-6/n-3 increased to 8.06 (P < 0.05). Muscle 22:6n-3 content of groups 1 to 6 was lower than group 7 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, rainbow trout was considerably capable of de novo synthesis of 22:6n-3. Meanwhile, increasing dietary n-6/n-3 ratio to 8.06 decreased the muscle 22:6n-3 content which requires further considerations regarding fish immune competence and nutritional quality for human consumption.

UPLC-QTOF-MS characterized, herbal medicine, pancogrit modulates NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways in cell-based model of TNF-α dependent acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis develops as a local inflammatory condition of the pancreas due to a wide range of factors including overdose of alcohol or drugs, gall stones, etc. At present, medications based on herbal formulations have gained importance due to their better safety profile. Current study assessed the pharmacological effects of Pancogrit, an herbal medicine, in caerulein and TNF-α-induced in vitro pancreatitis models. A comprehensive evaluation of phytometabolites present in Pancogrit was conducted and 85 phytometabolites were identified through UPLC-QTOF-MS and UPLC-UV. The bioactivity and mode of action of Pancogrit were assessed in caerulein-induced AR42J (rat pancreatic acinar) cells, TNF-α-induced PANC-1 (human pancreatic duct) cells, and NF-κB reporter cells. Pancogrit was found to decrease the elevated amylase and lipase activity in caerulein-induced AR42J cells. It ameliorated the increased ROS levels, IL-6, IL-8 release and NF-κB activity in TNF-α-induced PANC-1 and NF-κB reporter cells. Pancogrit also downregulated IL-6, IL-1β, ICAM-1, and STAT3 gene expression in PANC-1 cells. Moreover, Pancogrit inhibited the protein expression levels of phosphorylated STAT3, phosphorylated and total JAK2 in TNF-α-induced PANC-1 cells. Taken together, Pancogrit is a clinically relevant therapeutic agent for mitigation of pancreatitis.

Moisture content in diets in the co-feeding phase of Pseudoplatystoma sp. influences performance and digestive process.

Live food in the initial life stages of neotropical fish is essential for their development and health; however, it can significantly increase production costs. This study uses complete diets with varying moisture contents (47%, 35%, 24%, and 8%) as a cost-effective alternative in the co-feeding phase of surubim larvae, assessing their influence on development, digestive enzymes, and liver metabolism. In a completely randomized design, 3200 three-day-old Pseudoplatystoma sp. larvae (0.001g) were distributed evenly among 16 aquariums (20L), with 200 individuals per aquarium. For the first five days, all larvae were fed Artemia exclusively, after which they were fed experimental diets with varying levels of humidity (47%, 35%, 24%, and 8%) six times a day across four treatments and four replicates. The 21-day feeding trial demonstrated that larvae fed with 24% and 8% moisture diets exhibited increased (p < 0.05) weight gain, final length, and protein efficiency rate. The remaining growth parameters (i.e., specific growth rate and condition factor) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) among the dietary treatments. Enzymatic analysis revealed that the 47% moisture diet enhanced the amylase and alkaline phosphatase activities, whereas the 24% and 35% moisture diets elevated the lipase and protease activities. The 47% moisture diet also resulted in increased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin levels, along with visible hepatic histopathologies in samples, such as visible lipid vacuoles, displacement of the nucleus of the hepatocyte, and increased sinusoid spaces. No significant liver changes were observed in fish fed with other diets. Principal component analysis showed that diets with 8-24% moisture content were the most beneficial during the co-feeding phase of surubim larviculture.

X-ray irradiation maintains soluble sugar content and regulates expression of genes related to sugar metabolism of figs (Ficus carica L. ‘Siluhongyu’)

Fig is susceptible to lose fruit sensory quality due to its delicate skin and the natural bottom fruit pore. X-ray irradiation is an effective strategy for fruit preservation. This study investigated appearance and basic quality attributes of ‘Siluhongyu’ fig and evaluated the effects of X-ray on fig sugar metabolism and relative expression of genes. Results indicated that ‘Siluhongyu’ fig could be accepted by consumers with suitable overall dimension, soluble sugar, titratable acidity (TA), soluble protein, and dietary fiber contents. Sugar metabolism assay revealed that 3.0 kGy X-ray effectively inhibited the decline of glucose, fructose and sucrose contents. The starch degradation and the increase of amylase activity of figs were alleviated. In addition, the neutral invertase (NI), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SS) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) activities in figs were activated by 3.0 kGy X-ray. About 22 % higher hexokinase (HK) activity was found in 3.0 kGy irradiated fruit than non-irradiated figs. Furthermore, 3.0 kGy X-ray upregulated gene expressions of NI, SS, HK, and PFK. The study proves that 3.0 kGy X-ray could be used as the feasible preservation means to regulate sugar metabolism and maintain quality of figs.

Effects of High Dietary Starch Levels on the Growth Performance, Liver Function, and Metabolome of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

In this study, we conducted a 16-week feeding trial to investigate the effects of a high-cassava starch diet on growth performance, liver function, and metabolism in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). We formulated five diets containing varying levels of cassava starch: 12%, 9%, 6%, 3%, and 0% (termed M12, M9, M6, M3, and M0, respectively). We distributed these diets among largemouth bass with the initial body weight of 83.33 ± 0.55 g via an in-pond “raceway” aquaculture system. Our findings suggest that high level (12%) of cassava starch dietary inclusion adversely affected growth performance metrics such as weight gain rate and specific growth rate, along with feed utilization efficiency indicators, including protein efficiency, protein deposition rate, and the apparent digestibility of dry matter and protein. This negative impact was accompanied by a decrease in intestinal amylase activity. Through further transcriptomic analysis, we identified several key genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, which underwent changes influencing liver function. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed the involvement of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle). Comparative metabolomics analysis further indicated that the M9 group showed significant enrichment in pathways related to amino acid metabolism and alterations in the levels of metabolites involved in carbohydrate metabolism. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that incorporating up to 9% cassava starch in the diet can enhance growth performance in largemouth bass by stimulating digestive enzyme activities and promoting glucose utilization.

Impact of Rye Malt with Various Diastatic Activity on Wholegrain Rye Flour Rheology and Sugar Formation in Scalding and Fermentation Processes.

Amylase activity in rye flour plays a crucial role in the production of rye bread. When preparing a scald in rye bread production, diastatic rye malt is utilized to augment the amylase activity of the rye flour. This study investigated the effects of the diastatic power (DP) and concentration of rye malt on the Falling Number (FN) and the rheological properties of rye flour. Additionally, it examined reducing sugars in the scalding process and fermentation. Mixolab results provided comprehensive data on dough properties at different temperature stages, highlighting significant changes in starch gelatinization and enzyme activity due to varying malt diastatic power and concentrations. The decline in the gelatinization index (C3-C2) indicated faster starch gelatinization with increased diastatic power. Adding rye malt significantly increased maltose content in the saccharified and fermented scald, promoting a favorable environment for lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. FN and Amylograph results showed that less active malt (DP 170, 179 °WK), at a 1.5% concentration, could achieve similar effects as the more active malt (DP 362, 408 °WK) at 0.5%. Adding rye malt to rye flour allows for the regulation of the flour's rheological properties and FN, adjustable based on malt DP and concentration.

Deciphering the Potential Therapeutic Effects of Hydnocarpus wightianus Seed Extracts using in vitro and in silico approaches

Phytocompounds possess the potential to treat a broad spectrum of disorders due to their remarkable bioactivity. Naturally occurring compounds possess lower toxicity profiles, which making them attractive targets for drug development. Hydnocarpus wightianus seeds were extracted using ethanol, acetone, and hexane solvents. The extracts were evaluated for phytochemicals screening and other therapeutic characteristics, such as free radicals scavenging, anti α-amylase, anti α-glucosidase, and anti-bacterial activities. The ethanolic extract exhibited noteworthy antibacterial characteristics and demonstrated considerable antioxidant, and anti-diabetic effects. The IC50 value of the ethanolic extract for Dpph, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase were found to be 77.299 ± 3.381 μg/mL, 165.56 2.56 μg/mL, and 136.58 ± 5.82 μg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extract was effective against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (26 mm zone of inhibition at 100 μL concentration). Molecular docking investigations revealed the phytoconstituent's inhibitory mechanisms against diabetic, free radicals, and bacterial activity. Docking score for phytocompounds against targeted protein varies from −7.2 to −5.1 kcal/mol. The bioactive compounds present in the ethanolic extract were identified by Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry analysis, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies to further explore the phytoconstituent's inhibitory mechanism of α-glucosidase, ∝-amylase, radical scavenging, and bacterial activity. The electronic structure and possible pharmacological actions of the phytocompound were revealed through the use of Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis. Computational and in vitro studies revealed that these identified compounds have anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial activities against antibiotic-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus.

Shelf life determination of two palm wine varieties and its effect on biochemical properties and enzyme production.

In palm wine, the available complex microbiota plays very vital roles in the general attributes of the beverage as well as the significance of the various metabolites generated. This research focused on evaluating the biochemical properties of the palm wine obtained from two different varieties of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and its potential enzyme activity, as well as assessing the effect of the changes that occur during the keeping time. The biochemical contents (alcohol, total titratable acid, reducing sugar, and pH) were evaluated every 2 h over a period of 144 h. The palm wine varieties were also analyzed for cellulase and amylase production. There was an increase in ethanol for both varieties from 7.29±0.02% (1 h) to 14.82±0.02 (144 h) for variety 1, and from 8.35±0.01% (1 h) to 16.32±0.03% (144 h) for variety 2; the TTA increased with keeping time from 2.25±0.03% (1 h) to 4.42±0.03% (144 h) for variety 1, and from 2.35±0.02% (1h) to 5.01±0.04 (144 h) for variety 2. Reducing sugar decreased from 476.58±0.04 mg/L (1 h) to 42.84±0.75 mg/L (144 h) for variety 1, while variety 2 decreased from 238.18±0.05 mg/L (1 h) to 43.73±0.63 mg/L (144 h). The pH of the palm wine also experienced a decrease for variety 1 from 5.2±0.06 at 1 h to 2.8±0.17 at 144 h, while the variety 2 decreased from 4.8±0.17 at 1 h to 2.8±0.1 at 144 h. There was a reduction in the sugar content with the accumulation of alcohol, which occurred in both varieties, and a drop in the pH due to an increase in organic acids. The palm wine varieties were screened for cellulase and amylase activity, with the highest amylase yield for varieties 1 and 2 at 0.62 U/ml and 0.21 U/ml, respectively on the first day, while that of cellulase was observed at 48 h (0.34 U/ml) for V1 and at 1 h (0.2 U/ml) for V2. The result of this current study proves the importance of the microbial consortium in fresh palm wine as well as its potential as a source of enzyme production, and also shows that these parameters are affected by the keeping time.

Evaluation of Nymphaea nouchali leaf meal based diets on growth, digestive enzymes and haematological parameters of Labeo catla fingerlings (Hamilton, 1822)

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the nutraceutical traits of Nymphaea nouchali herbal plant ingredients on the growth performance, digestive enzymes and health status of Labeo catla fingerlings owing to the abundance of phytoconstituents. Methodology: Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diet with different inclusion levels of Nymphaea nouchali leaf meal (NNLM) i.e., 0%, 20%, 30% and 40% were formulated and designated as T-0, T-I, T-II and T-III treatment groups. A total of 144 fingerlings of L. catla were randomly distributed into the experimental cisterns in triplicates following completely randomized design. Results: At the end of the experiment, the percent weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) with significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) in T-II group as compared to the other experimental groups. Significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) percent weight gain and SGR with significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) FCR were recorded in T-0 and T-III. The protease and amylase activities were found to be significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the T-II with lower (P&lt;0.05) values recorded in T-0 and T-III groups. The red blood cell count and haemoglobin level were found to be significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the T-I and T-II groups as compared to T-0 and T-III, respectively. Interpretation: The present study demonstrated that dietary inclusion of Nymphaea nouchali leaf meal with 30% improved growth, nutrient utilization and better health benefits of L. catla fingerlings in the present culture condition. Key words: Digestive enzymes, Herbal plant, Labeo catla, Leaf meal, Nymphaea nouchali

Organic Iodine Improves the Growth Performance and Gut Health of Fujian Yellow Rabbits.

Organic iodine is a new trace element additive that is highly efficient in regulating cell growth, function, and metabolism. This study demonstrated that organic iodine improves the growth performance and gut health of Fujian yellow rabbits. A total of 160 healthy rabbits of similar weight were randomly divided into four groups, which were treated with organic iodine (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/kg) for 60 days. Our results indicated that organic iodine improved the growth performance, including significantly increased BW, ADG, and ADFI, and decreased F/G notably. Organic iodine improved the content of T3, T4, IgM, IgA, and IgM in serum, and intestinal mucosal immunity (IL-1α, IL-2, and sIgA). Organic iodine supplementation ameliorated gut morphometry and morphology, such as higher villus height and lower crypt depth. Organic iodine increased the amount of goblet cells significantly. The 0.5 mg/kg organic iodine most increased the activities of amylase, cellulase, and trypsin in caecum. Organic iodine induced more active caecum fermentation, higher NH3-N, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, while lowering PH. In conclusion, organic iodine improved the growth performance and gut morphometry and morphology, and increased caecum enzyme activities, active caecum fermentation, and intestinal immunity of Fujian yellow rabbits.

Effects of oregano and/or rosemary extracts on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, cecal bacteria, tight junction proteins, and antioxidants-related genes in heat-stressed broiler chickens

The study examined the impact of adding oregano extract and/or rosemary to broiler diets to counteract the growth inhibition caused by heat stress (HS). It also investigated the effects on the activity of digestive enzymes, microbiological composition, and the expression of antioxidant and tight junction-related proteins. Three hundred- and fifty-day-old male broilers, were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups, with each group comprising 5 replicates, and each replicate containing 10 chicks in a cage. The diets were: 1) a basal diet, 2) a diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of rosemary, 3) a diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of rosemary, 4) a diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of oregano, 5) a diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of oregano, 6) a combination diet containing 50 mg/kg each of rosemary and oregano, and 7) a combination diet containing 100 mg/kg each of rosemary and oregano. Dietary oregano extract enhanced the growth and feed utilization of heat-stressed birds, especially at a concentration of 50 mg/kg. Moreover, oregano extract improved jejunal protease and amylase activities. The extracts of rosemary and oregano significantly reduced IgG and IgM levels. Dietary 50 mg oregano extract significantly upregulated intestinal integrity-related genes including jejunal CLDNI, ZO-1, ZO-2, and MUC2. Dietary 50 mg oregano extract significantly downregulated hepatic NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) expressions. Our results suggest that incorporating oregano leaf extract into the diet at a concentration of 50 mg/kg improves the growth performance of broilers exposed to heat stress. This improvement could be attributed to enhanced gut health and the modulation of genes associated with oxidative stress and tight junction proteins.

Potassium diformate affects the growth and development of broilers by improving intestinal function and digestive enzyme activity

Gut health of broiler chickens is essential for production performance. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation with potassium diformate (KDF) on growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens. A total of 180 Arbor Acres (AA) broiler chickens were randomly allocated into 3 treatments, with 6 replicates, containing 10 chicks in each replicate. The treatment groups were: control group (CON) was fed a basal diet; KDF-4 groups fed the basal diet with 4 g/kg KDF; KDF-8 groups fed the basal diet with 8 g/kg KDF. The experiment period lasted for 42 d. During the starter phase, the ADFI and F/G of broilers in KDF groups were lower (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. Furthermore, the BW and ADG in KDF-4 group was improved (P<0.05). The treatment groups exhibited a significant increase (P < 0.05) in both ADG and ADFI during the grower and overall phase. Moreover, the F/G in KDF-4 group was lower (P < 0.05) compared to the CON and KDF-8 groups. The semi-eviscerated weight rate (SEWR), eviscerated carcass weight rate (ECWR), pectoral muscle rate (PMR), and leg muscle rate (LMR) of broilers were improved (P < 0.05) in KDF groups. The serum levels of glucose (GLU) and UREA (UA) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in KDF-8 group. Additionally, the nutrient apparent utilization rate of dry matter (DM), energy (EE), and crude protein (CP) were improved (P < 0.05) in KDF-4 group. The villus height (VH) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were higher (P < 0.05) in KDF groups compared to the CON group, while crypt depth (CD) was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The digestive enzyme activities of lipase (LIP), amylase (AMS), or trypsin (TPS) were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) in the intestinal chyme, while the total bacterial count, Escherichia coli, Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Bacillus were reduced (P < 0.05) in the ileum. This study demonstrates that the inclusion of KDF in the diet of broilers leads to improvements in growth, slaughter performance, nutrient utilization rate, and maintenance of intestinal health.