Blood Biochemical Profile Research Articles

Urea molasses mineral block under various feeding systems improved nutrient digestibility, productive performance and blood biochemical profile of Yaks

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the effect of urea molasses mineral blocks (UMMB) on nutrient digestibility, productive performance and blood biochemical profile of indigenous yaks under various feeding systems. A total of sixteen yaks were randomly divided into four groups (n = 4 animal per group) and offered the, following feeding systems: (A) stall feeding, (B), urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) + stall feeding, (C) yard feeding and (D) UMMB + yard feeding. Trial lasted for 40 days.ResultsResults showed that nutrients intake (g) and nutrient digestibility (%) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stall and yard feeding groups with UMMB licking. Blood zinc, cobalt, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), glucose and serum glutamate private transaminase (SGPT) significantly (p < 0.05) increased in stall and yard feeding with UMMB licking. Milk yield, Ca and monounsaturated fatty acid except milk composition improved significantly (p < 0.05) in stall and yard feeding groups with UMMB licking.ConclusionIt was concluded that feeding of UMMB improved utilization of low-quality roughages and best results were obtained from stall and yard feedings with UMMB licking as compared to other groups.

Effects of monolaurin on intestinal barrier, blood biochemical profile, immunity and antioxidant function in porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus-infected piglets.

The effects of monolaurin (ML) on the health of piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) have not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate its role in blood biochemical profile, intestinal barrier function, antioxidant function and the expression of antiviral genes in piglets infected with PEDV. Thirty-two piglets were randomly divided into four groups: control group, ML group, PEDV group and ML + PEDV group. Piglets were orally administrated with ML at a dose of 100 mg/kg·BW for 7 d before PEDV infection. Results showed that PEDV infection significantly decreased D-xylose content and increased intestinal fatty acid-binding protein content, indicating that PEDV infection destroyed intestinal barrier and absorption function. While it could be repaired by ML administration. Moreover, ML administration significantly decreased plasma blood urea nitrogen and total protein content upon PEDV infection. These results suggested ML may increase protein utilisation efficiency. ML administration significantly decreased the number of large unstained cells and Hb and increased the number of leucocytes and eosinophils in the blood of PEDV-infected piglets, indicating ML could improve the immune defense function of the body. In the presence of PEDV infection, ML administration significantly increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in blood and colon, respectively, indicating ML could improve antioxidant capacity. Besides, ML administration reversed the expression of ISG15, IFIT3 and IL-29 throughout the small intestine and Mx1 in jejunum and ileum, indicating the body was in recovery from PEDV infection. This study suggests that ML could be used as a kind of feed additive to promote swine health upon PEDV infection.

BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH ORGANOPHOSPHORUS POISONING: REPORT FROM A RURAL-BASED TEACHING HOSPITAL IN EASTERN INDIA

Objective: Organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a very common form of poisoning, especially in rural areas due to the use of OP poisons for agricultural purposes. There is high mortality and morbidity among patients with a history of consumption of this poison. This study aimed to find various biochemical test parameters among patients with OP poisoning admitted to a hospital in the state of West Bengal, India. Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study and conducted from January 2020 to July 2021. During the study period, any patients admitted to general medicine with a history of OP poisoning were included in the study. Aseptically collected venous blood was collected on admission, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h of admission and immediately sent to the central laboratory for analysis in an automated analyzer. Results: A total of 100 patients were analyzed. Among them, 80 patients were alive and 20 patients died. The majority of the patients were young adults (21–30 years [53%]). Among the patients, 64% were male, 91% were rural inhabitants, and 43% were a farmer in the profession. The level of hemoglobin was higher, total WBC count was lower, liver enzymes were lower, and urea and creatinine were lower among the patients who survived. However, the sodium, potassium, and calcium were not significantly different between dead and alive patients. Conclusion: In the management of OP poisoning, the biochemical profile of blood may help identify the patients at risk, and appropriate management can be started accordingly. The biochemical profile also helps in the prognosis of OP poisoning.

Effect supplementation of black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermetia illucens L.) calcium salt on performance, blood biochemical profile, carcass characteristic, meat quality, and gene expression in fat metabolism broilers

This study evaluated the effect supplementation of black soldier fly larvae oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) on performance, blood biochemical profile, carcass characteristic, meat quality, and gene expression in fat metabolism broiler chickens. A total of 280 male New Lohmann strain MB 202 broiler chicks (1-day-old) were randomly placed into 4 treatments, including a control group (T0) were fed basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 1% (T1), 2% (T2), and 3% (T3) BSFLO-SCa. Each treatment consisted of 7 pens with 10 chickens each. Results showed that 1% BSFLO-SCa supplementation significantly reduced (P < 0.05) abdominal and meat fat, while gene expression on fat synthesis (FAS, ACC) was downregulated. Meat fatty acid profiles such as medium-chain fatty acid being dominant in lauric and myristic and monosaturated fatty acid significantly increased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, polyunsaturated fatty acid significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, the other parameters did not affect by supplementation of 1% BSFLO-SCa. The addition starting from 2% significantly reduced (P < 0.05) performance and carcass characteristics. Blood biochemical profiles (HDL, protein, albumin) and meat qualities (protein, cholesterol, water-holding capacity, cooking losses, a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) values) were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while gene expression on fat oxidation (CPT-1) was upregulated. In conclusion, broiler chicken that received of 1% BSFL-SCa does not negatively affect growth performance and carcass characteristics but reduced fattening in broiler meat.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers Are Related to High Intake of Ultra-Processed Food in Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

In the last few decades the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) worldwide has substantially augmented. Increasing evidence suggests that high UPF consumption is associated with an increase in non-communicable diseases, being overweight, and obesity. The aim of this study was to assess how UPF consumption affects oxidative and inflammatory status in the plasma, neutrophils, and urine of old adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants (n = 92) were classified into two groups according to UPF consumption. Dietary intakes were measured by a validated semi-quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire and UPF consumption was determined according to the NOVA classification system. Low UPF consumers showed higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet than high UPF consumers. A high intake of fiber and a high concentration of polyphenols in urine were also observed in subjects with low UPF consumption. Despite the absence of differences in biochemical profile, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers showed some significant changes. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were lower in high UPF consumers, whereas myeloperoxidase activity was higher. ROS production in neutrophils stimulated with zymosan was higher in high UPF consumers than in low UPF consumers. Biomarkers such as xanthine oxidase, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-15, and leptin levels were higher in participants with high intake of UPF. No differences were found in malondialdehyde and other inflammatory cytokines. The current study evidenced that MetS participants with high UPF consumption have a more pro-oxidant and inflammatory profile than those with low UPF consumption, despite showing similar blood biochemical profiles.

Hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Plectranthus amboinicus (lour.) spreng leaf in DMBA induced rats

The hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic of Plectranthus amboinicus Lour Spreng leaf extract (PEE) on blood biochemical profiles, non-specific immune system, liver histology were evaluated in rats induced DMBA. Twenty five female rats were divided into five groups, each with 5 rats. The negative control group (NC) received only food and water. The positive control group (PC) administered orally DMBA 20 mg/kg body weight (bw) once every four days for 32 days. The treatment groups received the PEE with three different doses of 175 (T1), 350 (T2), 700 (T3) mg/kg bw, respectively for 27 days after DMBA induction. At the end of the treatment, blood samples were collected to investigate the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, total protein, albumin and globulin as well as the hematological parameter, such as neutrophils, monocyte, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW) were monitored. The results showed an increased level in ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin in the PC group. However, the T3 group (PEE 700 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease value (p < 0.05) in ALT, ALP, and bilirubin compared to the PC group. Our finding revealed that all PEE treatments had a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the total protein, albumin and globulin compared to the PC group. The neutrophils (18.60 ± 4.64) and monocytes (61.40 ± 4.99) are lowest in the T2 groups as well as the value of MCH, RDW and MCV were significantly alleviated compared to all other groups. Histopathological observation demonstrated that the administration of PEE improved hepatocyte architecture and reduced the number of necrosis and hydrophilic degeneration. In conclusion, PEE has hepatoprotective activity by improving liver function, enhancing the non-specific immune system and recovering histopathological hepatocytes in rats exposed to DMBA.

Features of the biochemical profile of blood in the pre-breeding period in breeding goats with various manifestations of sexual reflexes during the breeding season

Serum biochemical analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool to evaluate the metabolic and health status of animals. Сcompared with females, the relationship between biochemical components of blood and the effectiveness of the male reproductive system have been poorly understood. The aim of the work was to determine the biochemical blood profile before the start and at the peak of the breeding season in male Saanen goats with differences in the manifestation of sexual behavior. Blood sampling from animals (n = 16) was carried out twice: before the start of the breeding season (4th week of July) and at the peak of the breeding season (4th week of September). In the blood serum, the concentration of total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, glucose, total cholesterol, total bilirubin was determined, as well as the activity of enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). At the end of the observation period, the animals were divided into groups: group I (n=10) - males with a full manifestation of sexual reflexes when taking sperm and group II (n=6) - individuals with incomplete manifestation of sexual reflexes. The biochemical profile of blood had features in males with differences in the manifestation of sexual behavior. At the peak of the breeding season in group I compared to group II in the blood of animals, the concentration of creatinine, triglycerides and total bilirubin increased by 37.4%, 170%, 48.3%, respectively (at least p&lt;0.05). Before the mating period, the content of total bilirubin in the blood in group II was 63.9% higher than in group I (p&lt;0.01) and 12.1% higher than the upper limit of the reference interval. We assume that an increase in the concentration of total bilirubin in the blood of males in the pre-mating period above the boundary of the reference interval is negatively associated with the full manifestation of sexual reflexes in the breeding season.

Effect of Rubber Seed Meal (Hevea brasiliensis) on Blood Biochemical Parameters and Enzyme Profiles of Broiler Birds

An experiment was conducted at Department of Animal Nutrition in C.V.Sc. &amp; A.H., C.A.U., Aizawl, Mizoram, in the month of September to November, 2022 to assess the effect of feeding rubber seed meal (Hevea brasiliensis) on biochemical parameters and enzyme profiles of broiler birds. 200 one-day old broiler chicks were purchased from commercial broiler chick distributor of Aizawl city, Mizoram. The chicks were distributed randomly into four experimental groups in a Completely Randomized Block Design. 50 birds of each group were further divided into five replicate with ten chicks in each replicate. The Group-1, Group-2, Group-3 and Group-4 were fed with standard basal ration formulated as per BIS (2007), standard basal ration with 10%, 15% and 20% replacement of maize with rubber seed meal, respectively. Overnight water soaked rubber seed was dried and incorporated in the diet of broiler birds as replacement of maize. The rubber seed were collected from Tripura and were subjected to grinding followed by water soaking for overnight, sun drying for 5–7 days and incorporated in the diet of the broiler birds. Feeding trial was conducted for 42 days. Blood biochemical parameters did not show any significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between different treatment groups. ALT and AST values were not found significantly different (p&gt;0.05) among different treatment groups. It can be concluded that rubber seed meal can be incorporated in the diet as a replacement of maize up to 20% without adversely affecting blood biochemical and enzyme profiles of broiler chickens

Biochemical blood profile in water buffalo: alterations related to natural infection by Trypanosoma spp.

Blood and biochemical profiles of animals can be used to evaluate the physiological state of an individual and relate it to that individual’s health. In many countries, water buffaloes are currently evaluated using blood parameters from other bovine species. To accurately interpret the biochemical results from individual animals, species-specific reference ranges should be established. One hundred and twenty-eight water buffaloes, without clinical signs of disease and of different ages, were analyzed, and reference intervals were calculated (95% CI; p &lt; 0.05). The data were analyzed according to three age groups (calves, young animals, and adults) and the infection status (infected or uninfected with Trypanosoma spp.). All the biochemical values of total serum proteins, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma globulin, urea nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus were included; these are parameters that are generally affected by parasites or by infection with hemotropic agents. Natural infection with Trypanosoma spp. gave rise to differences (p &lt; 0.05) in terms of increased calcium and decreased total protein, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Thus, it can be inferred that the infection follows a chronic course in the affected animals, in this case, young animals or young animals.

Beneficial Synergistic Effect of Supplementation with Combined M. oleifera and L. speciosa Leaf Capsules in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic non-communicable chronic disease in which the body's ability to process glucose is impaired, resulting in higher blood glucose levels. If not controlled, this disease can lead to severe complications. Various plants with medicinal properties can treat chronic diseases, such as diabetes, due to therapeutically important phytochemicals and bioactive compounds. This study investigated the effect of antidiabetic medicinal plant leaves in controlling blood glucose levels among Wakhi diabetic patients in the Hunza district of Pakistan. The "Wakhis" are an ethnic group living in the remote region of Pakistan. The method used in this study was a placebo-controlled study. Leaf powders of Moringa oleifera and Lagerstroemia speciosa were filled in capsules of 1000 mg each. The antidiabetic potential of the medicinal plants was estimated by performing the biochemical blood profiles of diabetic patients before and after the trial. After the intervention, the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduced from 8.3±1.8 to 7.5±1.2% significantly (P = 0.0401). The fasting blood sugar (FBS) in the intervention group reduced significantly from 191±49 mg/dL to 169±41 mg/dL (P = 0.0041) after the trial. According to the findings of this study, the combined herbal capsules effectively controlled the blood sugar of type 2 diabetic patients. Conclusively, the combination of M. oleifera and L. speciosa have the potential to lower blood sugar levels supplementary to existing regimens. Further investigation is warranted to explore the mechanism resulting in the observed reduction in sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients.

Influence of high-bromine poultry products on clinical-biochemical blood parameters of white rats

Bromine content in fodder and water for laying chickens in Ukraine gradually increasing, thereby accumulating in the poultry production (eggs and meat): according to the data, intake of bromine with chicken eggs in 2020 has almost doubled, compared with 2016. Taking into account the ability of bromine to accumulate and the scales of consumption of poultry products, it is relevant to study the effects of high bromine concentration on the level of thyroid hormones and clinical-biochemical parameters of blood of white rats. At the laboratory of Toxicological Monitoring of the National Scientific Center the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology of the State Institution V.Y. Danylevskyi Institute of Problems of Endocrine Pathology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, we carried out studies on white outbred male rats (n = 144). The diet of experimental groups was supplemented with eggs and meat containing high bromine concentration. We determined increase in the coefficients of liver weight and decrease in the coefficients of lung weight in the experimental rats. Moreover, we determined changes in the biochemical blood profile, in particular: after egg consumption, there occurred 20.0–22.0% decrease in the enzymatic activity of alanine aminotransferase, 23.0–48.4% in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, and on average 21.3% decrease in alkaline phosphatase, compared with the control; after meat consumption, the level of total proteins decreased by 8.6%, glucose by 12.2–14.5%, also there were 13.8–18.5% decrease in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and 12.1–83.0% increase in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase on the 28th day, and 23.2–35.3% decrease in the activity of alkaline phosphatase. After the intake of both poultry products, the blood serum of animals was observed to have decrease in the level of overall thyroxine and overall triiodothyronine (1.3 times on average, depending on the period of study). The results of the studies can help in prediction and timely alleviation of the negative impact of poultry products with high bromine content on the human organism.

Effects of feeding phytobiotics on growth performance, breast meat quality, blood biochemical indices, and liver enzymes of broiler chickens

Abstract The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of feeding different doses of phytobiotics on growth performance, breast meat quality, blood biochemical profiles, and liver enzymes of broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were randomly assigned to four feeding treatments with six replicates. Phytobiotics (natural extracts of Macleaya cordata plant) were administered at the following doses: no phytobiotics (control); phytobiotics at the rate of 0.15Â g/kg; phytobiotics at the rate of 0.20Â g/kg; and phytobiotics at the rate of 0.25Â g/kg feed. A similar managemental practise was followed and corn-soya based mash diet was fed in two phases: starter (0–14 days) and grower (15–28 days). Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and polynomial analysis was used to determine the linear and quadric effects. No significant difference in growth data was observed with the addition of phytobiotics. However, breast meat yield was significantly (PÂ =Â 0.02) improved by the inclusion of phytobiotics at 0.20Â g/kg feed. Lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) of breast meat were significantly (PÂ =Â 0.01) enhanced with increasing doses of phytobiotics at 0.25Â g/kg of feed. The pH of breast meat was unchanged after 0 hours, but after 24 hours, the addition of phytobiotics had significantly decreased the pH (PÂ =Â 0.03). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (PÂ =Â 0.02) and total protein (TP) (PÂ =Â 0.01) levels were maximum at 0.25Â g phytobiotics/kg feed. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (PÂ =Â 0.01) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased with increasing doses of phytobiotics. All statistically significant parameters were characterized by both linear and quadratic contrasts.

KID-T, a unique polyherbal extract, improves feline patients with azotemia and uremia: A pilot study

Cats with azotemia and uremia are increasingly treated with integrative and alternative treatments, including herbal medicines. KID-T (Sin-gi-hwan) is a supplement made of 100% natural herbs and contains 18 herbs, and the components were designed to improve renal function in. Feline renal patients with azotemia and uremia were recruited, and the efficacy of KID-T was examined. Four cats were treated with oral KID-T twice a day for 3 months, and blood biochemical profiles were examined to monitor the toxicity and efficacy of KID-T each month. KID-T was well-tolerated and relatively safe during the treatment period. After 3 months, ammonia, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels were relatively close to the normal reference range in all cats, and the urine protein–creatinine ratio decreased. Biochemical profile and clinical examination exhibited a stabilized status of renal function for 3 months. Overall, KID-T improves and maintains feline renal function, and future studies should evaluate other potential benefits of KID-T in feline renal patients, including correlative assessments of renal function, quality of life improvement, and patient-owner satisfaction.

Effect of Lipase and Lysolecithin Supplementation with Low Energy Diet on Growth Performance, Biochemical Attributes and Fatty Acid Profile of Breast Muscle of Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary lysolecithin (LYSO) and lipase supplementation on productive performance, nutrient retention, and meat quality of broiler chicken fed a low energy diet. For this purpose, a total of 360 chicks were randomly alienated into six treatments, having six replicates (no = 10) birds each replicate. The dietary treatments were followed as control (CON fed as normal energy diet), LE (CON-100 kcal/kg from BD. basal diet), LIP 0.04 (LE + 0.04% lipase), LYSO 0.04 (LE + 0.04% lysolecithin), LIP + LYSO 0.04 (LE + 0.04% lipase and lysolecithin), and LIP + LYSO 0.08 (LE. + 0.08% lipase and lysolecithin). The birds fed with LIP + LYSO 0.04 exhibited higher weight gain than LYSO 0.08 and CON (p < 0.05), and higher feed intake (F.I.) was also observed in LIP + LYSO 0.04 than CON. However, lipase and emulsifier dietary effects were non-significant on FCR. (p > 0.05). Effects of experimental diets on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and fat digestibility were also non-significant (p > 0.05). Similarly, the blood biochemical profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL) of the broiler showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) by dietary treatments. Similarly, liver enzymes, AST and A.L.T., were also not statistically significant (p > 0.05) among all dietary treatments. Similarly, supplementation of LIP and LYSO had a non-significant (p > 0.05) effect on breast meat fatty acids composition. Conclusively, adding LIP + LYSO 0.08 to a low energy diet could demonstrate better growth performance and reduce the negative impact of a low-energy diet.

A pilot study of chemotherapy combinations in rats: Focus on mammary cancer treatment in female dogs

The use of combined chemotherapy is an essential alternative in treating breast cancer. However, knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of drugs is necessary to obtain maximum efficiency of the protocol and reduce adverse reactions. This study suggests for the first time the effect of the association of carboplatin with ivermectin and carboplatin with cyclophosphamide. This investigation was performed with 36 healthy Wistar rats, divided into four groups: group control, carboplatin (C), carboplatin preceded by ivermectin (C + IV), and carboplatin associated with cyclophosphamide (C + CI). Plasma concentrations quantification was performed using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) equipment with an Ultraviolet (UV) detector at eight different time points. Then, the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The bioanalytical method was validated for the two matrices (dogs and rats' plasma), with full validation in female dogs and partial validation in rats, as recommended by the EMA. In both matrices, the method was linear and reproducible. Here, we show the results in female rats' plasma. When comparing the experimental rats' groups (C; C + IV, and C + CI), there is a tendency to increase the bioavailability of carboplatin when used in association, a slight increase for C + IV and more evident to the C + CI group with an AUC rise higher than 2-fold (AUC0–∞ = 2983.61 for C; 4459.06 for C + CI; 7064.68 for C + CI min·mg·mL−1). The blood count, biochemistry profile, and histopathology of the organs revealed only alterations inherent to the metabolic effects of the drugs used. The carboplatin association with ivermectin appeared safe for this pilot group. We believe the carboplatin dose can be maintained without risk to the patient. However, in the carboplatin association with cyclophosphamide, a slight reduction in carboplatin's amount is suggested, seeking to avoid increased effects due to cyclophosphamide. Thus, studies with a more significant number per group must confirm the relevance of this pilot study.

Effect of Supplementation of Tinospora cordifolia on Nutrient Utilization, Blood Biochemical Profile, Cell Mediated Immune Response and Rumen Microbial Profile in Beetal Goat Kids

Background: Tinospora cordifolia is a common climbing shrub that grows on other trees. It is native to India. Its root, stems and leaves are used in Ayurvedic medicine. Methods: Experimental animals (n=10) were equally divided into two groups of five animals each (average body weight 16.53 kg), designated as control (C) and treatment (C + T. cordifolia) group. A 60 day growth trial was conducted after giving adaptation period of 20 days. A 7-day metabolic trial was conducted towards the end of the experiment using standard protocol. Blood samples were collected at the end of study to determine biochemical and antioxidant profile. Rumen liquor samples were collected by oral intubation and used for quantification of microbial population. Result: T. cordifolia supplemented at the rate of 2% of DM intake in the total mixed ration of goat kids reduced the relative abundance of methanogens in the rumen, without any significant effect on nutrient digestibility, N balance, blood biochemical profile, cell mediated immune response and growth performance.

Suplementação com fontes lipídicas em dietas para vacas Jersey no terço inicial de lactação

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition of whole-crude oilseeds of linseed, sunflower, and soybean to the diet of Jersey cows, in the first third of lactation, on the following characteristics: intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, milk production and its variables, energy-corrected milk, feed efficiency, energy balance, milk fatty acid profile, and blood metabolic profile. Eight multiparous Jersey cows were used in a double Latin square design. The treatments were the experimental diets with the oilseeds, and calcium salts of fatty acids were used as the control. Protein digestibility was lower for soybean, whereas that of ether extract was higher in the control, not differing between the evaluated oilseeds. There was no difference between oilseeds for milk production, milk production corrected for fat, milk nutritional content, feed efficiency, energy balance, and blood metabolic profile. The levels of mil k monou n sat u rated fatty acids increased with the use of sunflower. Higher levels of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk were observed in the control. The addition of the evaluated whole-crude oilseeds to the diet of Jersey cows in the first third of lactation does not affect milk production variables, feed efficiency, energy balance, and blood biochemical profile, but alters the fatty acid profile.

EFFECT OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF GROUNDNUT CAKE WITH GUAR MEAL ON BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN SHEEP FED DENSIFIED CROP RESIDUE BASED COMPLETE FEED BLOCKS

A 120 day trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacement of 50% Groundnut cake (GNC) nitrogen with guar meal (GM) on the blood biochemical profile in the ram lambs fed maize and sorghum stover based complete feed blocks. Twenty-four growing ram lambs of 3-4 months age were randomly selected and allocated into 4 groups consisting of 6 animals in each group. The Maize and sorghum stover based complete diets (50 roughage: 50 concentrate) with and without inclusion of GM was prepared and densified into block form and fed to ram lambs. The four dietary treatments were: M1: Maize stover based complete feed blocks (MSCFB) with GNC (34.8% CP) as protein supplement; M 2: MSCFB with guar meal (52 % CP) replacing 50 % GNC nitrogen of M1; S1: sorghum stover based complete feed blocks (SSCFB) with GNC as protein supplement and S2: SSCFB with guar meal replacing 50 % of GNC nitrogen of S2. Blood was drawn at the end of the trial for serum collection and serum metabolites were analyzed according to standard procedures. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect on the concentration of all serum biochemical constituents among the different experimental groups of lambs and all serum biochemical constituents had mean values that were within the normal range. According to the findings of this investigation, replacing 50% GNC nitrogen with GM had no detrimental effect on blood biochemical parameters in lambs.

COVID-19 and androgenic status: testosterone or dihydrotestosterone have a pivotal role?

The aim of our study is analysis of the androgenic status including testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in men hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and them relationship with the course of the disease. This is a monocentric prospective study performed on 125 male patients hospitalized for COVID-19. We conducted hematological examination, blood biochemical profile, hemostasis analysis and hormonal examination (T and DHT levels) lung and chest computed tomography and also assessed outcomes of hospitalization. Low DHT serum level was found only in 18 patients (14.4%). Subjects with low DHT were significantly older compare to subjects with normal DHT. At the same time in patients with normal DHT white blood cells (WBC) count, neutrophils at admission were higher than in patients with low DHT. No correlation was observed between T and DHT serum blood levels. C-reactive protein (CRP) has a weak positive correlation of DHT serum blood concentration (r = 0.22; p = 0.016). The inverse pattern was obtained for T serum blood concentration (r = −0.285; p = 0.001). After divided all males according to T concentrations we conducted next correlation analysis for DHT and CRP in two different groups: with normal T levels and with low T levels. We found that in males with normal T DHT levels are not correlated with CRP (r = 0.095; p = 0.462). However, in males with low T DHT and CRP had weak positive correlation with r = 0.317 (p = 0.012). Higher DHT concentrations are associated with higher CRP levels, however correlation is weak and in patients with normal T is absent, that may indicate anti-inflammatory effect of T and possible proinflammatory effect of DHT.

A ureia extrusada pode substituir a fonte de proteína verdadeira em suplementos para cordeiros terminados em pastagens tropicais

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing 50% of the true protein from soybean meal with extruded urea on the performance and carcass characteristics of lambs finished on pasture. Twenty lambs with initial weight of 29.9±6.2kg and 5 months of age, distributed in two treatments in blocks at random, were kept in pastures of Urochloa spp. Supplemented with 2% of body weight (BW). The treatments consisted of supplements containing soybean meal as the only true protein source (control), or extruded urea replacing 50% of soybean meal (NPN treatment). There was no effect of treatment on total supplement intake. There were differences in average daily gain (242.1 vs. 264.6g/day), slaughter weight (41.9 vs. 45.0kg) and carcass weight (18.9 vs. 20.1kg). There was no effect of the treatment on the final body condition score, hot carcass yield, carcass length, breast depth, subcutaneous fat thickness or rib eye area. The group of animals that received extruded urea showed superior carcass finishing characteristics (99.0% vs. 66.0%), maturity (22.0% vs. 0.0%), marbling (55.0% vs. 33.0%), meat texture (44.0% vs. 33.0%) and fat (66.0% vs. 22.0%). There were no significant effects on tenderness (7.5kg/f) or flesh color (L* = 33.2; a* = 16.2; b* = 8.3). There were no significant changes in the biochemical profile of the animals' blood during the experiment for both treatments. The replacement of 50% of protein from soybean meal by the extruded urea as NPN source in the supplement for lambs finished in Urochloa spp pastures provides better animal performance and qualitative characteristics of meat, without altering quantitative carcass characteristics.