Blood Parameters Research Articles

Dose Effect of Drinking Water Nitrate on Health, Feed Intake, Rumen Fermentation and Microbiota, and Nitrogen Excretion in Holstein Heifers for a Sustainable Water Use

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential hazardous effects of NO3− concentration in drinking water on health, feed intake, rumen fermentation and microbiota, and nitrogen excretion of Holstein heifers fed a high-concentrate diet for a sustainable water use. Twenty-four Holstein heifers were individually allocated and assigned to one of four treatments with increasing drinking water NO3− concentration: CTR, without NO3−; LOW, with 44 mg NO3−/L; MOD, with 110 mg NO3−/L; and HIGH, with 220 mg NO3−/L. The entire study lasted 168 days. Fortnightly water NO3− concentration and daily feed and water intake were recorded. Blood parameters, rumen pH, volatile fatty acids, NO3− and NO2− concentration, microbiota, and apparent total tract digestibility were determined at the beginning and at the end of the study. Most of the analyzed parameters were similar among treatments. Denitrifying bacteria population, estimated as nosZ gene copies, were greater in HIGH animals than in CTR animals at the end of the study. In conclusion, drinking water NO3− concentration up to 220 mg/L has no detrimental effect on health, feed intake, rumen fermentation, nor N excretion in dairy beef cattle for periods up to 168 days; moreover, denitrifying bacteria population increased, which are related with the neutralization of the greenhouse gas N2O.

The role of fulvic acid in feeding heifers of reproductive age in the conditions of the Novgorod region

Many domestic and foreign researchers have drawn attention to humic and fulvic acids, which are successfully used in animal husbandry, poultry farming and aquaculture. In search of new ways to increase livestock productivity, as well as the quality of livestock products, the number of scientific studies on the use of humic substances of various origins in animal husbandry has increased significantly, which emphasizes the role of feed additives obtained from local resources. In the article the effectiveness of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of young cattle is presented. Experimental studies were conducted in the Ilyich Agricultural Cooperative of the Starorussky district of the Novgorod region on heifers of the Holstein breed of Dutch breeding older than a year (repair heifers of reproductive age). The animals of the control group consumed a nutritionally balanced basic diet (HR), the first experimental group – HR + fulvic acid (10 ml/head / day), the second experimental group - HR + fulvic acid (15 ml/head /day), 10 heads in each group. As a result of the conducted studies, the positive effect of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of young animals was determined, its effect on the digestibility of nutrients in diets, biochemical parameters of blood, reproductive function was studied, the optimal dose of fulvic acid feeding in this age period was determined. The use of fulvic acid in the diet of young animals allowed to increase the absorption of nutrients from the diet, improve blood biochemical parameters, and improve the reproductive qualities of heifers by 15.5–20.2 %. The results obtained allow us to recommend fulvic acid for use in the diets of repair heifers of reproductive age on farms in the Northwestern region in the amount of 10 ml per head per day.

Protective Effects of Lactobacillus Strains Against Oxidative Stress and Immune Suppression in Mice Receiving Aflatoxin-Contaminated Diet.

Mycotoxins like aflatoxins pose a significant threat to the health of both people and animals because of their deadly effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Lactobacillus strains in reducing the toxicity caused by aflatoxins in mice receiving a diet contaminated with aflatoxins. The mice were split up into various treatment groups, including a control group, an aflatoxin-treated group, and groups treated with the aflatoxin-contaminated diet along with Lactobacillus strains. Various parameters, including liver enzymes, blood parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, morphometric analysis of ileum, and gene expression, were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the Lactobacillus strains in mitigating aflatoxins toxicity. Results showed that mice in the aflatoxin-treated group had increased MDA levels, indicating oxidative stress. Alternatively, the Lactobacillus cocktail treatment group showed a decreasing trend in MDA levels, suggesting a reduction in lipid peroxidation. The morphometric analysis of ileum tissue demonstrated that the Lactobacillus-treated group exhibited improved structural integrity compared to the aflatoxin-treated group. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed that the Lactobacillus treatment attenuated the downregulation of SOD gene expression and mitigated the upregulation of iNOS gene expression induced by aflatoxins. These findings suggest that Lactobacillus strains have the potential to reduce aflatoxin-induced toxicity by alleviating oxidative stress, preserving intestinal tissue integrity, and modulating gene expression associated with antioxidant defense and inflammation. This study provides evidence for the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus strains in reducing aflatoxin toxicity in mice. The findings obtained may contribute to the development of preventive or therapeutic strategies against mycotoxin-induced toxicity.

Relationship between morphometric measurements and blood parameters in horses with varying adiposity levels and physiological conditions.

Understanding and finding the correlation between morphometric measurements and horse blood parameters is crucial for predicting equine metabolic issues. This study aims to analyse morphometric measurements and blood samples in horses with varying adiposity levels. Cross-sectional observational. A total of 50 horses were included in the study and categorized into groups based on their body condition score (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS). The insulin concentration was significantly higher in overweight horses (p=0.022). Female horses exhibited higher cortisol concentrations (p=0.025) and girth circumference at the withers (p=0.004) compared to males. Lactating mares exhibited higher concentrations of serum total protein (p=0.012) and globulin (p=0.003). A positive correlation was observed between BCS and insulin concentrations (r=0.290, p=0.041). Negative correlations were found between neck circumference to height at withers and glucose (r=-0.309, p=0.029), CNS and glucose (r=-0.315, p=0.026) as well as between crest diameter and cortisol (r=-0.360, p=0.01). Increasing the sample size and conducting longitudinal studies would enhance the study's validity and reliability. Although insulin, glucose and cortisol concentrations have predictive capabilities based on signs and certain morphometric measurements, their correlations are not always strong. Therefore, this study challenges the notion that all overweight horses are unhealthy, as overweight horses can still have good metabolic health. Conversely, lean horses may also experience metabolic issues. Hence, relying solely on visual cues is insufficient to diagnose the metabolic status of horses. Other factors must also be considered to assess their health status accurately.

Lack of Cannabinoid Type 2 Promoter Activity in Normal or Injured Kidneys Using a Cnr2-GFP Reporter Mouse.

Introduction: Although cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor activity is known to promote diverse biological functions in the kidney, published data regarding CB2 receptor protein levels and cellular distribution within the kidney is inconsistent. The goal of the present study was to investigate the changes of CB2 in the kidney obtained from mice exposed to various forms of kidney injury using a genetic mouse model expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by the endogenous cannabinoid receptor 2 (Cnr2) promoter. Materials and Methods: Kidney injury was established in a genetic mouse model expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by the endogenous Cnr2 promoter. Kidney injury was initiated by either treatment with different chemicals [cisplatin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] or by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Changes in the detection of GFP were used as a proxy for CB2 levels and localization. Histological changes due to the injury stimuli were observed by time-related, morphological changes in kidney cytoarchitecture and blood parameters, such as serum creatinine levels. Cnr2 mRNA levels were detected by reverse transcription coupled to polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) while protein changes in the tissue lysates were measured by Western blot analysis. Cellular localization of GFP was detected by fluorescent microscopy. Results: Our data demonstrated that there was no band or a minimally detectable band for GFP using kidney lysates from vehicle- or cisplatin-treated mice. A similar lack of GFP was detected in the UUO kidney versus the contralateral control kidney. This is consistent with the low, albeit detectable levels of Cnr2 mRNA in the kidney samples from control or cisplatin treatment. In frozen kidney sections from vehicle and cisplatin-treated mice, GFP fluorescence was not detectable in tubular epithelia, glomeruli or blood vessels in the cortex. Instead, GFP was detected in rare cells within the interstitial space. A second chemical injury model using LPS found a similar lack of GFP protein levels and an absence of legitimate GFP fluorescence in the main cell types within the kidney. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Cnr2 promoter activity is minimally active in normal or injured kidneys, and that pharmacological manipulation of CB2 receptors may be associated with receptors being expressed in cells recruited to the kidney.

A CASE REPORT OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS WITH EFFUSION IN A DOG AND ITS THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

The present study was aimed to know the chronic hepatitis with abdominal effusion in a beagle dog and its therapeutic management. A 2.5 year old male beagle was presented to Madras Veterinary College teaching Hospital, madras veterinary college, Chennai with the history of inappetence, abdominal distension for past 10 days and the clinical signs of inappetence, fever and palpablelymph node and congested mucous membrane. On Physical examination, dog showed respiratory distress and dull. Dog was subjected for radiography examination, haematology, biochemistry parameters and ultrasound examination. On first day of examination, dog was treated with Lasix at the dose rate of 3 mg/kg body weight, antibiotics and Tribivet injection. Hematology and biochemical values revealed neutrophilia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and decreased total protein and albumin. The lateral view radiography of abdomen revealed fluid shadow and ultrasound examination revealed that chronic hepatitis with moderate abdominal effusion. In case of clinical suspicion of hepatitis an ultrasonographic liver scan can be of diagnostic aid and the finding of an altered structure can be indicative of a liver problem. In many cases of chronic hepatitis may not be associated with ultrasound abnormalities but ascites can be easily identified. Dog was treated with antibiotic cefotaxime at the dose rate of 25 mg/Kg body weight and Lasix at the dose rate of 3 mg/Kg body weight with liver supplement of Lysibin which contain silymarin and supplement with Astymin syrup for 3 weeks. The animal was reviewed after three weeks of treatment which was subjected for haeamtology, biochemistry and ultrasound examination which revealed there was improvement in the blood parameters with decreased total protein and normal level of Alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin level and ultrasound examination revealed normal study of abdominal effusion and liver echogenicity and dog had normal appetite and normal vital parameters. In this case hepatitis may be due to any viral etiology like adenovirus that may cause hepatitis with effusion that may be respond to treatment and diuretics and brought normal parameters of vital in dog. Chronic hepatitis with effusion may be further confirmed by Liver biopsy and molecular diagnosis.

Crassocephalum crepidioides as a sustainable protein supplement in Chocolatemahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) diets: Implications for growth,health, and economic viability in sustainable aquaculture

This study investigated the potential of Crassocephalum crepidioides, an abundant weed as a protein supplement in chocolate mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) diets. The plant replaced a combination of fish meal and mustard oil cake at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in experimental diets. A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to assess growth performance, survival, biomass yield, digestive enzyme activity, blood parameters, and economic viability. Results indicated that C. crepidioides can effectively replace up to 61.3% of the combined fish meal and mustard oil cake protein without negatively impacting fish health or growth, while reducing feed costs. Fish fed diets with 25% replacement showed improved weight gain (15.5±0.7 g) and biomass yield (6.05±0.25 kg/m³) compared to the control (14.6±0.8 g and 5.75±0.28 kg/m³, respectively). Survival rates were high across all treatments (94.0- 97.3%). Digestive enzyme activities and blood parameters remained within normal ranges for inclusion levels up to 75%. Economic analysis revealed potential cost savings of up to 15.5% when incorporating C. crepidioides into mahseer diets. This finding presents an opportunity to develop low-cost fish feed for resource-poor farmers in Meghalaya, effectively converting a local weed into a valuable aquaculture input, with broader implications for sustainable aquaculture practices globally.

Cytokine profiles and their correlation with clinical and blood parameters in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The abnormal biological activity of cytokines and their imbalance are implicated in developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cytokine levels were measured in RA and SLE patients and compared to healthy controls using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The relationship between cytokine levels and blood and clinical parameters was assessed using Spearman's correlation test. Compared to healthy controls, both RA and SLE patients exhibited elevated levels of GM-CSF, CX3CL1, IFN-α2, IL-12p70, IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, which is evidence of their shared inflammatory signature. IL-2 levels were elevated exclusively in RA patients, while MCP-1 and IL-10 were uniquely increased in SLE patients. Notably, TNF-α showed the most significant increase in SLE patients. IL-4 was elevated in SLE patients with nephritis, correlating with IL-6, IL-10, sCD40L, and IL-8, suggesting B cell involvement in lupus nephritis. The negative correlation between CX3CL1 and TNF-α with HDL in RA and SLE respectively, highlights the potential association of these inflammatory markers with cardiovascular risk. These findings underscore the complex cytokine interplay in RA and SLE. CX3CL1 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for RA, while TNF-α and IL-4 show promise as therapeutic targets for SLE.

An intensified trans-sectoral nutritional intervention in malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis improves diseases prognosis and identifies potential biomarkers of nutritional status.

Malnutrition is a common complication in chronic pancreatitis and associated with reduced quality of life and life expectancy. Nutritional support is considered mandatory in malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis but there is only scarce evidence on optimal treatment modalities and the efficacy of nutrition therapy. Here, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of an intensified nutritional intervention in malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis and aimed to identify suitable indicators for monitoring nutritional status. We performed a single-arm feasibility study, in which malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis received an intensified trans-sectoral nutritional intervention for 6 months. Multimodal treatment comprised face-to-face dietary counseling, oral nutritional supplementation, and a complementary telephone-based nutrition and exercise coaching. Patients underwent follow-up examinations after 28, 90, and 180 days, when we assessed changes in anthropometric and body composition measures, muscle function, Chronic Pancreatitis Prognosis Score (COPPS), as well as blood parameters and intestinal microbiota composition. Eleven out of 73 patients initially screened for study participation were enrolled in the trial of which 9 subjects (age (mean ± SD): 56.2 (±14.8) years; male: 67%; alcoholic etiology: 44%) underwent the complete intervention. Patients gained a median of 5.3 kg (8.6%) body weight, including 1.6 kg skeletal muscle mass, and significantly increased gait speed (p < 0.001). Ameliorated nutritional status and muscle function were associated with increased blood levels of IGF-1 and cholinesterase as well as altered gut microbiota composition on the phyla and genera level. Moreover, significant improvements in COPPS indicated reduced disease severity after 90 and 180 days. Malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis benefit from intensified nutritional therapy. Besides ameliorated nutritional status, a multimodal intervention can improve muscle function as well disease prognosis. Future studies are needed to prove superiority to standard-of-care and to validate potential biomarkers for prospective monitoring of nutritional status. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04476056, NCT04476056.

Fibromiyalji Sendromunda Sistemik İmmün-İnflamasyon İndeksi ve Hematolojik Laboratuvar Bulgularına Genel Bakış

Bu çalışmada fibromiyalji sendromunda (FMS) Sistemik İmmün-İnflamasyon İndeksi (SII) ile kan parametreleri arasındaki ilişki değerlendirilerek hastalık aktivitesinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmaya Ocak 2021 ve Ocak 2022 tarihleri arasında Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Kliniğine başvuran 109 FMS hastası ve 82 sağlıklı kontrol dahil edilmiştir. Yaş, cinsiyet, C-reaktif protein (CRP), eritrosit sedimentasyon hızı (ESR), beyaz kan hücresi (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), ortalama korpusküler hacim (MCV), ortalama korpusküler hemoglobin (MCH), ortalama korpusküler hemoglobin konsantrasyonu (MCHC), kırmızı hücre dağılımı (RDW), trombosit dağılım genişliği (PDW), ortalama trombosit hacmi (MPV), trombosit (PLT), trombosit kriteri (PCT), lenfosit (LYM), monosit (MONO), nötrofil (NEU) düzeyleri hastane bilgi sisteminden retrospektif olarak taranmıştır. Trombosit-lenfosit oranı (PLR), nötrofil-lenfosit oranı (NLR), monosit-lenfosit oranı (MLR) ve sistemik immün-inflamasyon indeksi (SII) hesaplanmıştır. CRP ve ESR düzeyleri FMS hastalarında sağlıklı kontrollere göre daha yüksekti ancak değer aralığının dışında değildi (p&amp;lt;0,001). PDW (p&amp;lt;0,001), HGB (p&amp;lt;0,001), MCV (p&amp;lt;0,001), MCH (p&amp;lt;0,001) ve MCHC (p=0,02) düzeyleri hastalarda sağlıklı gruba göre daha düşüktü. Hasta ve kontrol grupları arasında yaş, WBC, NEU, LYM, MONO, RDW, MPV, PLT, PCT, SII, PLR, NLR ve MLR değerleri açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark yoktu. FMS hastalarında WBC düzeyleri ile SSS değerleri arasında (r=0,2; p=0,005) ve lenfosit düzeyleri ile WPI değerleri arasında (r=0,2; p=0,01) anlamlı pozitif korelasyon bulunmuştur. Çalışma sonuçlarına göre, SII'nin FMS'de belirleyici bir rolü yoktur, ancak hastalığın tanıda yararlı olabilecek bazı inflamatuvar bileşenleri vardır ve daha ayrıntılı çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.

Semaglutide in patients with kidney failure and obesity undergoing dialysis and wishing to be transplanted: A prospective, observational, open-label study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and obesity are major global health challenges, eventually leading to kidney replacement therapy (KRT), but body mass index (BMI) thresholds hinder kidney transplantation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists induce weight loss, thereby offering attractive treatment options; however, their safety and efficacy have not been systematically investigated in patients undergoing dialysis. We conducted a prospective 12-week, open-label trial with 13 patients who had a BMI ≥ 30.00 kg/m2, were undergoing dialysis (12 haemodialysis and 1 peritoneal dialysis) and had not been listed for transplantation due to their weight. Semaglutide was administered once weekly subcutaneously, and the dose was increased from 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg and then to 1 mg. Study endpoints included change in body weight and BMI (primary - statistically evaluated by repeated measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]), side effects, adverse events, blood parameters and patient-reported outcomes (secondary). At baseline, the mean age ± standard deviation of patients was 64.0 ± 6.4 years, the mean weight was 113.9 ± 16.6 kg, and the mean BMI was 37.3 ± 3.9 kg/m2. At week 12, average weight reduction under semaglutide treatment was 4.6 ± 2.4 kg and ranged from 2.0 to 9.7 kg (p < 0.001 for weight and BMI reduction across the study period). One patient discontinued treatment due to nausea/vomiting, two patients died of unrelated causes and six patients reported side effects. Approximately 9 months after the treatment started, three patients were able to seriously reconsider being listed for transplantation. Semaglutide treatment resulted in significant reduction in weight and BMI in patients with obesity undergoing dialysis, while maintaining an acceptable side effect profile comparable to that of the non-dialysis population.

Improving nutrient digestibility and health in rabbits: effect of fermented rapeseed meal supplementation on haematological and lipid parameters of blood

BackgroundMany studies conducted on livestock point to fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) as a component that provides adequate quality and quantity of protein. Additionally, it is a very good source of probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants. A study was undertaken to assess the impact of a feed supplemented with FRSM fermented with Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y on production parameters, nutrient digestibility, and haematological and lipid indicators of the blood in growing rabbits. Forty New Zealand White rabbits (body weight 816,25 ± 24,98 g) aged 35 days were used in this study. The animals were divided into four groups, a control group (C) was fed a standard diet, while in the diet of three experimental groups, soybean meal (SBM) was replaced with FRSM at 4% (FR4 group), 8% (FR8 group), or 12% (FR12 group).ResultsDetailed analysis revealed that the contribution of FRSM in the rabbit feed, regardless of the amount, had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG), as well as average daily gain (ADG), compared to the control group (C), (P = 0.017). All groups receiving FRSM had a significantly lower (P = 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. In rabbits fed a diet containing 8% FRSM, the blood haematological parameters, such as red blood cells (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HGB), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were significantly higher compared to the control group (P = 0.037). In addition, a significant reduction in the plasma levels of the low-density lipoprotein fraction (LDL-chol), the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (CHOL/HDL), (P = 0.001), and triacylglycerols (TG), (P = 0.004) were observed in the experimental groups compared to the control group.ConclusionsBased on the encouraging outcomes, it is possible to recommend domestically produced FRSM as a viable substitute for genetically-modified (GM) SBM in rabbit feed.

The importance of blood parameters in the detection of intestinal metaplasia and early diagnosis of gastric cancer

Background: We aimed to determine whether complete blood count(CBC) parameters, such as the white blood count(WBC), hemoglobin(Hb), platelet(PLT), red cell distribution width(RDW), mean platelet volume(MPV), platelet distribution width(PDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR), have a predictive value in the detection of gastric cancer(GC) and intestinal metaplasia(IM). Methods: While proven GC, IM, and healthy control(HC) patients were included, patients with the comorbid disease were excluded, and univariate analyses compared three groups. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was run for CBC parameters. The area under the curve(AUC) was evaluated, and a cut-off value was determined. The sensitivity and specificity of each parameter were considered. Results: The GC, IM, and HC groups consisted of 72(33%), 73(34%), and 72(33%) patients, respectively. RDW, PLT, NLR, PLR, and MLR were significant between GC and IM. The highest AUC (0.727) was obtained for the PLT yielding a 56.9% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity at a cut-off value of 151.8. The AUC of RDW was found as 0.691 and 0.626 for pairwise comparisons of GC-HC and IM-HC, respectively. At a cut-off value of 13.4, PLR yielded 70.8% sensitivity and 61.1% specificity in the detection of GC, while 64.4% sensitivity and 51.1% specificity for IM. Conclusion: CBC parameters, such as RDW, PLT, NLR, PLR, and MLR, have value in detecting GC. RDW also has diagnostic value in helping to detect IM. PLR can help to distinguish patients with GC from those with IM. These inexpensive, easily accessible parameters may help in the timely diagnosis of GC and IM. Keywords: Gastric cancer; intestinal Metaplasia; Monocyte to lymphocyte ratio; red cell distribution; hemoglobin; platelet; neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio; platelet-lymphocyte ratio; inflammation.

Investigating Alterations in Blood Parameters pre-lipolysis and Post-lipolysis Surgical Intervention

Background: Laser lipolysis is one of the most prevalent liposuction techniques and is widely preferred in cosmetic surgical procedures globally. Compared to traditional liposuction, some investigations have demonstrated a reduction in complications when using the laser lipolysis technique. However, the amount of research in this area remains limited. Objectives: This study aims to investigate changes in pre- and post-operative blood parameters, including hemoglobin level, hematocrit, WBC count, and platelet level. Additionally, the research explores potential complications following laser lipolysis. Methods: This retrospective study, conducted at the Isfahan Clinical Center (Najaf Abad Branch), included 100 patients (without previous hematological disorders) who underwent laser lipolysis. Demographic information about the patients was collected. Blood parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC, and platelets) were measured before and 24 hours after the operation. Laser liposuction was performed using a 1064-nm Nd laser. Postoperative care instructions were provided. Statistical analysis included t-tests and mixed linear regression using SPSS 20 software for data analysis, with a significance level of P &lt; 0.005. Results: Significant alterations were observed in hemoglobin, WBC, and platelet levels. Hemoglobin and platelet levels showed a notable reduction of 16.9% and 7.9%, respectively. Conversely, the WBC count increased by 100.5%. Conclusions: Our study found a significant decrease in hemoglobin levels following laser lipolysis surgery, likely due to intraoperative bleeding. Further research is recommended to compare hemoglobin level changes using different laser types.

Effects of In Ovo Administration of Freeze-Dried Royal Jelly on Hatchability, Blood Parameters, and Organ Weights of Day-Old Chicks.

Royal jelly renowned for its robust nutritional, functional, and biological properties, is a pivotal product derived from honeybees. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the theory that in ovo injection of freeze-dried royal jelly (FDRJ) solutions at varying concentrations can influence the hatchability, blood properties and hatching characteristics of day-old chicks. A total of 480 eggs (54.81 ± 0.187 g) were allocated into four experimental groups: negative control (NC), without injection, positive control (PC), administered with regular saline, a low FDRJ dose group (9 mg/egg), and a high FDRJ dose group (18 mg/egg). The in ovo injections were administered on Day 18 of incubation, and the experiment was subsequently continued until the incubation period concluded at 21 days. Results revealed that the lower FDRJ dose (9 mg/egg) significantly improved hatchability percentages compared to other treatments. Conversely, the higher FDRJ dose (18 mg/egg) and control groups (NC and PC) resulted in significantly higher chick yield percentages than the lower FDRJ and PC groups. The NC group showed the supreme yolk sac (YS) percentage, whereas the yolk-free body mass (YFBM) percentages displayed an inverse trend. Furthermore, the in ovo FDRJ injection did not affect haematological values or the relative organ weight of day-old chicks. In conclusion, in ovo FDRJ injection demonstrated beneficial effects on hatchability and chick weight, as evidenced by the studied parameters.

Trade-offs between selection of crude protein and tannins in growing lambs.

Tannins are phenolic compounds that provide benefits to ruminants due to their protein-binding affinities and antioxidant properties. However, tannins may also have negative orosensorial and postingestive effects that decrease feed intake. This study explored how lambs trade-off the ingestion of crude protein (CP) with the ingestion of potentially beneficial and toxic condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, and the ensuing impacts on diet digestibility, animal performance, and blood parameters. Thirty-two lambs were housed in individual pens for 8 weeks and had access to two isoenergetic diets that varied in the concentration of CP (High-HP or Low-LP) and the presence of a mix of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins (4% DM). Animals were assigned to 4 treatment groups (N=8 lambs/group) and received a simultaneous offer of: HP and LP (Control); HP and LP+tannins (HP-LP+); HP+tannins and LP (HP+LP-); and both HP and LP with tannins (HP+LP+). All lambs preferred HP over LP and they avoided tannins in the diets (P < 0.001). Dry matter and CP intake were the lowest in HP+LP- (P < 0.0001), and DMD did not differ between Control and the other groups (P > 0.05), but it was greater for HP-LP+ (P < 0.0001). Crude protein digestibility was greater for groups without tannins in HP (P < 0.0001), but ADG did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). No differences between Control and HP+LP+ were found in plasma antioxidant activity, total phenolic concentration, or haptoglobin concentration (P > 0.05). Intake of tannins was HP+LP+ > HP+LP- > HP-LP+ (P < 0.0001), and fecal excretion of nitrogen (N) was HP+LP+ > HP-LP+ = HP+LP- > Control (P < 0.05). In addition, intake of tannins with both diets reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration relative to Control (P < 0.05), thus suggesting a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. In summary, lambs prioritized selection of HP over LP, regardless of the presence of a tannin extract in either or both diets. Nevertheless, lambs modulated their tannin consumption as a function of the specific diet where the tannin extract was added, with increasing levels of intake as tannins were present in just LP, then in just HP, and finally in both diets. Dietary tannins did not constrain ADG and resulted in a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. Such shifts have been found to result in reduced production of environmental pollutants such as ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrates.

Evaluation of Praziquantel effectiveness in treating Nile tilapia clinostomid infections and its relationships to fish health and water quality

This study aimed to conduct a multidisciplinary investigation integrating detailed morphology, molecular characterization, water parameters, histopathology alteration, and the trials of treatment of Clinostomum spp. In this study, 300 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were collected from the farmed and wild Nile River at Al Bahr Al Aazam, Giza Governorate to assess Clinostomid infection prevalence. Fish and water samples were collected from private fish farms, and water drains at Dakahlia, and Giza, Egypt. Analysis of the water revealed inadequate water quality, particularly in the fish farms. Snails and piscivorous birds were abundant at fish collection sites. The recovered Clinostomid MCs morphological characteristics and COI gene sequence analysis identified them as Clinostomum complanatum, C. phalacrocoracis, and Euclinostomum heterostomum. Clinostomid MCs disturbed the fish’s hematological and biochemical blood parameters. Bath treatment of parasitized fish with praziquantel (2 mg/L for 24 h) revealed a significant reduction in the number of vital MCs vs. infected fish (non-treated). Praziquantel (PZQ) is an effective and safe therapy for controlling Clinostomid infections affecting farmed Nile tilapia. The current findings indicate a link between poor environmental conditions and Clinostomum infections in tilapia. The study highlights the impacts of Clinostomid MCs on fish health and recommends bath treatment with PZQ as an efficient control method for these dangerous parasites to protect human and fish health.

The effect of biochar supplementation on feed utilization, milk production and methane emission in lactating dairy cows

There is an increasing trend in agriculture to use biochar (BC) as a means for carbon storage and soil improvement, and it has been suggested, that feeding BC to livestock can improve animal health and performance, and reduce enteric methane emissions. The aim of this study was to investigate if adding BC to a balanced ration of a group of lactating Holstein dairy cows had an effect on their milk yield and quality, methane emission, nutrient digestibility and health. In a crossover experiment lasting for two 36-day periods, eight cows received their basal ration with and without 1 % DM BC. During the last week of each period, the cows were kept in tie stalls where milk yield and composition, feed intake and nutrient digestibility, as well as blood parameters were quantified. On the last two days, methane emissions were measured in respiration chambers. The results indicate that there was no significant effect of the addition of BC on any of the measured variables. Voluntary intake was not affected by the addition of BC (P=0.52) and none of the cows exhibited health problems in response to the treatment. There was no increase in milk yield (P>0.46) or composition (P>0.23) and methane emissions were not significantly affected (P>0.37). While the beneficial effects of feeding BC to animals suffering from health problems or receiving a poor diet cannot be excluded, the data of this experiment indicate that BC is not an effective feed additive to improve performance or reduce methane emission in dairy cows.

Effect of feeding two types of concentrates in morning and evening meals and two types of fat supplement on diurnal patterns of plasma parameters in lactation dairy cows

The diurnal patterns of feed intake and TMR composition influence blood parameters in dairy cows; however, the effect of feeding TMR with different compositions in the morning and evening meals is not well characterized. In a completely random design, forty Holstein cows (110 ± 30 days postpartum) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, with 10 cows per treatment. The treatments were as follows: a base diet containing 50 % cereal starch from barley grain and 50 % cereal starch from corn grain in the morning and evening meal + either prilled fatty acids supplement (EqP) or calcium salts of fatty acids supplement (EqCS); a base diet containing 25 % cereal starch from barley grain, 75 % cereal starch from corn grain in the morning meal, and 75 % cereal starch from barley grain and 25 % cereal starch from corn grain in the evening meal + either prilled fatty acids supplement (DiP) or calcium salts of fatty acids supplement (DiCS). Dry matter intake was affected by treatments (P ˂ 0.01). The highest intake was observed for EqP, EqCS, DiP,and DiCS. 3.5 % fat-corrected milk and milk fat percentage was significantly higher for EqP than other treatments (P ˂ 0.01), but other milk components were not significantly different among treatments (P ˃ 0.05). A significant difference was observed for glucose, cholesterol, TG, AST, and insulin concentration among treatments (P ˂ 0.01). The concentrations of all plasma parameters (glucose, cholesterol, TG, BUN, AST, insulin, and NEFA) significantly changed over 24-h period (P ˂ 0.01). Plasma concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, TG, BUN, AST, insulin, and NEFA displayed a treatment-by-time interaction (P ˂ 0.01). In general, changes in the cereal starch ratio (corn and barley) in TMR in each meal during a day affect the 24-h concentration of plasma parameters, but there was no strong evidence of leverage for cows’ metabolism.

The effect of Vachellia eriolaba leaf meal inclusion on growth performance, blood parameters and methane gas emission in lambs fed diets containing ammoniated maize stover

The study evaluated the effect of Vachellia erioloba leaf meal in diets containing ammoniated maize stove on growth performance, methane emission and heath of growing lambs. Thirty-two female lambs were allocated to the following four dietary treatments: total mixed ration (TMR, control), 20% inclusion of untreated maize stover (UMS), 20% inclusion of ammoniated maize stover (AMS), and combined inclusion of 10% ammoniated maize stover and 10% Vachellia erioloba leaves (AMSVL). Each treatment was replicated 8 times and a lamb in an individual pen was regarded as an experimental unit in a completely randomized design. Feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed the AMS and AMSVL diets compared to those fed UMS. Final body weights were higher in lambs fed the AMS and AMSVL diets. Both average daily gain (ADG) and feed convention ratio (FCR) were not affected by diet. In comparison with the AMS and AMSVL diets, the lambs fed the UMS diet had the highest (P < 0.05) methane emission. Overall, lambs fed the control diets had the lowest (P < 0.05) methane gas emission. Blood hematological values were affected by diet with the AMSVL fed lambs having the highest (P < 0.05) mean platelet volume (MPV) and procalcitonin (PCT) values. Furthermore, total albumin, amylase and total bilirubin were the highest (P < 0.05) in lambs fed on the AMSVL diet. Lambs fed on AMS diet had the highest (P < 0.05) serum urea levels. It can be concluded that combined inclusion of ammoniated maize stover and Vachellia leaves improved feed value and lamb performance when compared to the individual inclusion of both UMS and AMS.