Body Weight Gain In Rats Research Articles

Effect of Bacillus licheniformis on Growth, Bone Mineralization, and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers Fed Cowpea Diets

This study investigates the effects of the Bacillus licheniformis (BL) ATCC 21424 strain, as a potential bacterial probiotic in broiler diets based on soybean meal (SBM) or cowpea seeds (CWP), on growth performance (GP), bone mineralization, and intestinal/fecal microbiota status (0 to 42 d age). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was employed in a completely randomized design, with four dietary treatments: SBM and CWP diets with or without BL supplementation (1.0 × 1011 CFU spores g−1 feed). A total of 480 one-day-old mixed-sex Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to the treatments, with 6 pens of 20 chicks each. The results showed that broilers fed with CWP diets showed comparable body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion rate to those fed the SBM diet (p > 0.05). The inclusion of BL improved BWG during the grower and finisher periods (p = 0.01) and overall study (p < 0.001), resulting in a numerical increase in FI (p = 0.054). In addition, BL in birds’ diets reduced abdominal fat (p = 0.032) and influenced cecum weight (p = 0.040). Additionally, BL improved tibia iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P) bone mineralization and reduced the calcium–phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio (p = 0.0001). Microbial analysis revealed that BL inclusion decreased Coliforms counts in the CWP diet (p = 0.073), reduced E. coli in the ileum (p ≤ 0.05), and lowered Clostridium spp. and Enterococcus spp. in the cecum broilers on SBM diets (p ≤ 0.05). The presence of Staphylococcus spp. in broiler feces was also reduced in both SBM and CWP groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of BL to broiler diets enhanced growth performance and bone mineralization and positively influenced gut and excreta bacterial populations in both SBM and CWP diets.

Intergenerational effects of maternal rate of body weight gain on the multi-omics hepatic profiles of bovine fetuses

Maternal periconceptual nutrition affects the growth trajectory of developing fetuses by modulating gene expression. The regulatory mechanisms and their role in fetal development remain underexplored in livestock models. Herein we investigated the effects of maternal rate of body weight (BW) gain during early gestation on the DNA methylation, microRNA profiles and their interaction with the hepatic gene expression in female fetuses. At breeding, 36 crossbred beef heifers (∼13 months of age) were randomly assigned to a nutritional plane to gain Low (0.28 kg/day; LG, n = 18) or Moderate (0.79 kg/day; MG, n = 18) BW through the first 83 days of gestation. A subset of pregnant heifers (n = 17) was selected, and fetal liver samples were collected on day 83 of gestation for DNA methylation and miRNA-Sequencing. After data quality control, miRDeep2 and Bismark tools were used to analyze miRNA and methylation data, respectively. The bta-miR-206 was the only differentially expressed miRNA (FDR = 0.02). Eight differentially methylated genes were identified (DMG, FDR < 0.1). The over-represented pathways and biological processes (adj. p < 0.05) for bta-miR-206 targeted genes were associated with embryonic development, energy metabolism, and mineral transport, whereas the DMGs regulated anatomical structural development and transcriptional regulation. Our results show that key genes involved with liver metabolism and function were regulated by DNA methylation and the miR-206. However, further investigation is warranted to determine physiological responses and long-term consequences on animal performance.

Evaluate the role of Moringa oleifera in improving the performance and productivity of broiler chickens

Moringa oleifera, popularly known as the "tree of life" or "miracle tree," is considered an essential herbal plant due to its numerous medical and non-medicinal properties. So, the current study aimed to evaluate the role of M. oleifera in improving the performance and productivity of broiler chickens. 120 broiler chicks of the Lohman breed were raised in the poultry field belonging to the College of Agriculture/University of Tikrit for the period from February to April 2024. The herd was divided into three groups: the first group was the control treatment, and the second group was given 10% M. oleifera leaf powder to the diet. As for the third group, 10% M. oleifera seed oil was used with the feed, this study was designed to calculate the following criteria: live body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and mortality rate. The results showed that the live body weight was better in treatment with M. oleifera seed oil (2095.16±25.42) compared to treatment with M. oleifera leaves (1983.14±29.26) still, when compared to the control group (1842.65±13.57), the two groups had a significant difference (P≤0.05). The average weight gain was better in treatment with M. oleifera seed oil (1968.83±12.62) compared to treatment with M. oleifera leaves (1935.37±8.02), but the two groups showed a significant difference (P≤0.05) compared with the control group (1820.61± 11.35). The average of feed intake was better in treatment with M. oleifera seed oil (3391.41±9.57) compared to treatment with M. oleifera leaves (3315.27±11.82) still, when compared to the control group (3137.18±14.21), the two groups had a significant difference (P≤0.05). the mortality rate was better in treatment with M. oleifera seed oil (2.5%) compared to treatment with M. oleifera leaves (5.0%), but the two groups were better than the control group (7.5%). it is concluded that the leaves and seed oil of M. oleifera are a good enhancer in improving the performance and productivity of broiler chickens.

The effect of exogenous melatonin on the dynamics of body weight and the level of Klotho protein in the blood of female rats subjected to prolonged dark deprivation

The study of the effect of exogenous melatonin (0.3 mg/kg, intragastrically in 2% starch mucus, 14-day course) on the dynamics of body weight and the level of Klotho protein in the blood of 4-month-old white mongrel female rats subjected to 30-day dark deprivation (light-dark mode 24/0 h, artificial lighting 300 Lux). It has been shown that prolonged dark deprivation leads to a decrease in the level of Klotho protein, which is a marker of premature aging; a decrease in melatonin levels, fluctuations in the rate of body weight gain in sexually mature female rats. Exogenous melatonin contributed to an increase in the level of Klotho protein and the restoration of melatonin levels in the blood serum of animals, as well as a decrease in body weight, which indicates its protective effect on the condition of animals with accelerated aging caused by dark deprivation.

Balancing act: How cholesterol and phospholipids influence juvenile mud crab Scylla paramamosain growth and lipid metabolism

A 2 × 3 two-factor experiment was designed to assess the effects of dietary cholesterol (CHO) and phospholipids (PLs) on growth and lipid metabolism in early juvenile mud crabs (0.01 g crab−1). The experimental diets were designed with two CHO levels: 0.40 % (LCH) and 0.80 % (HCH), and three PLs levels: 1.80 % (LPL), 2.50 % (MPL), and 3.20 % (HPL). The 58-day aquaculture trial demonstrated that the LCH-HPL group achieved the best growth performance in mud crabs, characterized by the highest final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate. Regarding whole-body composition, dietary PLs increased total cholesterol (T-CHO), PLs, triglyceride (TG), and crude lipid content in the LCH groups. Mud crabs in the HCH groups had a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids, a lower proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids, and increased gene expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (srebp-1c) and fatty acid synthase (fas) compared to those in the LCH groups. As the dietary PLs increased, mud crabs in the LCH groups exhibited up-regulation in the expression of genes, including srebp-1c, fas, elongation of very long-chain fatty acid protein 4 (elovl4), elovl6, and Δ9-fatty acid desaturase (Δ9-fad). In the HCH groups, elevated dietary PLs resulted in the down-regulation of fatty acid binding protein (fabp) gene expression. In addition, high levels of dietary CHO and PLs (HCH-HPL) inhibited the catalase activity of mud crabs, resulting in a significant increase in the malondialdehyde content. Correlation analysis revealed that dietary CHO was positively correlated with the expression of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesizing genes, and dietary PLs were positively correlated with the whole-body lipid content of mud crabs. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the growth performance and whole-body content of crude protein, crude lipid, and antioxidant capacity in mud crabs.

Evaluating fructose content in poultry feed: electrochemical insights

AbstractThe global demand for poultry meat has increased, but consumers have become more picky in their nutritional choices. The fat content of poultry meat has risen since genetic advancement has resulted in higher rates of body weight gain and fat deposition, which are closely linked. The increase in further processing for fast-food poultry items has resulted in larger birds with more body fat. Usually, carbohydrates are used for easy weight gain in poultry. This study focuses on the electrochemical detection of fructose as a feed additive in poultry. The catalyst used was silver–silver oxide–zinc oxide (Ag–AgO–ZnO) and it was prepared by sol–gel method. Further, the surface morphology of the catalyst was analysed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (XRD, FTIR and TEM). Cyclic voltammetry was carried out to find out the effectiveness of this catalyst in detecting fructose and our results revealed a sensitivity of 0.3 M with an electrochemical current of 1 mA cm−2, indicating the effectiveness of the chosen electrochemical approach. And further investigation was carried out to monitor effects of various parameters including scan rate, catalyst loading and fructose concentration. This research contributes valuable insights into assessing fructose levels in poultry feed, with potential implications for optimising nutritional formulations and enhancing overall poultry health. The electrochemical method demonstrates promise as a reliable tool for sensitively analysing fructose in feed additives. Precision and accuracy assessments further underscore the reliability of our electrochemical approach in differentiating fructose content within the poultry feed matrix. Graphical Abstract

Synergistic Benefits of Dietary Silymarin and Selenium on Growth, Immune Functions, Antioxidants, and Gut/Liver Health of Thinlip Mullet (Liza ramada) Juveniles

Abstract This study investigates the synergistic impact of silymarin (SI) levels combined with inorganic selenium (sodium selenite: Se) on growth, feed utilization, biochemical parameters, antioxidants, innate immunity, intestinal and liver histology, and gene expression of thinlip mullet (Liza ramada) juveniles. The experimental design involved thinlip mullets initially weighing 3.5±0.13 g, distributed in a completely randomized design with 30 fish per hapa (0.5 × 0.5 × 1 m), and conducted in triplicate over 60 days. Seven experimental diets were employed, including a control (without SI and Se supplementation), a negative control (with only Se supplementation), and four treatments with varying levels of silymarin (250, 450, 650, 850 mg/kg) alongside selenium (0.5 mg/kg diet). The growth performance results highlighted significant enhancements in final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, particularly in the SI 850 mg/kg + Se treatment. Survival rates, feed intake, and feed conversion ratios showed positive trends across the SI-Se supplemented groups. Biochemical profiles of serum exhibited that the control diet induced elevated concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea, while Se or SI supplementation significantly mitigated these levels, with the lowest concentrations observed in the SI-Se supplemented groups. Moreover, SI supplementation increased serum protein content. Antioxidant enzyme activities, represented by superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and catalase (GPx), demonstrated notable improvements in the SI-Se fortified groups, with significantly elevated GPx activity compared to the Se-supplemented and control groups. Immune system responses, including lysozyme, bactericidal, nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT%), and serum alternative complement pathway (ACH50) activities, were highest in the SI-Se augmented groups. SI and Se in L. ramada reduce liver pro-inflammatory gene expression (IL-1 β, hepcidin) vs. control group. Histological examinations of the intestine and liver depicted structural enhancements, especially at moderate and high levels of SI with Se supplementation. The results indicate improved intestinal villi morphology and hepatic architecture, supporting the positive influence of dietary treatments on the health of thinlip mullet juveniles. In conclusion, the combined supplementation of SI at 850 mg/kg diet and Se at 0.5 mg/kg diet positively influenced the growth, biochemical profiles, antioxidant status, immune responses, gene expression, and histological integrity of thinlip mullet juveniles, providing valuable insights for optimizing aquafeed formulations.

Nutrition, Growth, and Age at Puberty in Heifers

Puberty onset and age at first calving have a critical impact on livestock production for good reproductive efficiency of the herd and to reduce the duration of the non-productive stage of the growing heifer. Besides genetic factors, sexual maturation is also affected by environmental factors, such as nutrition, which can account for up to 20% of the observed variability. The rate of body weight gain during growth is considered the main variable influencing the age at puberty, dependent on planes of nutrition in growing animals during the prepubertal-to-pregnancy stage. This paper reviews current knowledge concerning nutrition management and attainment of puberty in heifers, considering the relevance of some indicators such as body measurements and hormones strictly linked to the growth and puberty process. Puberty onset is dependent on the acquisition of adequate subcutaneous adipose tissue mass, as it is the main source of the hormone leptin. Until a certain level, body condition score and age at puberty are negatively correlated, but beyond that, for fatter animals, such correlation is gradually lost. Age at puberty in heifers was reported to be negatively related to IGF-1. Future research should be planned considering the need to standardize the experimental animals and conditions.

Rate of body weight gain during early gestation in F0 beef heifers has effects that extend multigenerationally to the F2 fetuses.

Our aim was to investigate the effects of maternal (F0) body weight (BW) gain during the first 84 d of gestation on body composition, ovarian reserve, and hormonal and metabolic parameters of breeding-age F1 heifers, as well as the body weight and morphometry of F2 fetuses. The study also evaluated the effect of maternal body weight gain (F0) on the mRNA relative abundance of the small intestine of both F1 heifers and F2 fetuses. Crossbred Angus heifers (F0; n = 100) were managed to gain 0.20kg/d (low gain [LG], n = 50) or 0.75kg/d (moderate gain [MG], n = 50) for the first 84 d of gestation. Subsequently, F0 dams were managed on a common forage-based diet for the rest of gestation until the weaning of the F1 offspring. At 15 months of age a subset of F1 heifers was randomly selected for the current experiment (n = 8 LG and n = 8 MG). Heifers were bred via artificial insemination (AI; d 0), then harvested on d 84 of gestation. On d -10, 42, and 84, BW was recorded, and blood was collected and analyzed for concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, progesterone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1. Weight of F1 carcasses, organs, gravid uteri, and F2 fetuses and organs were recorded at harvest. Visible follicles were counted on F1 ovaries at harvest, and histology was used to count microscopic follicles. Liver and jejunal samples from F1 heifers were collected to measure tissue oxygen consumption and jejunal samples from F1 heifers and F2 fetuses were collected for mRNA relative abundance analysis. Body weight of F1 heifers from MG dams tended to be 12kg greater (P = 0.06) than for F1 heifers from LG dams. Concentrations of glucose were greater (P = 0.03) in F1 heifers from the MG group, with no differences in other blood metabolites or follicular populations (P ≥ 0.16). Interestingly, mammary glands were heavier (P = 0.05) and placentas and body depth tended to be heavier and greater, respectively (P ≤ 0.10), for F2 fetuses from F0 LG heifers. Oxygen consumption in the liver and jejunum, as well as mRNA relative abundance in the jejunum of F1 heifers, were not affected by F0 rate of gain (P ≥ 0.16). However, the NDUFC1, SDHA, UQCR1, and PPARG genes were upregulated (P ≤ 0.05) in the jejunum of F2 fetuses from the LG group. In conclusion, BW gain of F0 heifers during early gestation exerts subtle effects on pre-breeding BW and blood metabolites in F1 offspring, with impacts present in F2 placenta, mammary gland, and intestine.

PSVII-13 Influence of early maternal gestational body weight gain on liver gene expression across generations in offspring

Abstract Maternal nutrition in the periconceptional period influences gene regulation in the fetal liver across generations, affecting long-term metabolism. This study aimed to examine the effects of the rate of body weight (BW) gain of the dam (F0) during early gestation on the differential gene expression of the liver of first (F1) and second-generation (F2) offspring. Crossbred Angus heifers (F0) were assigned into two groups based on their targeted rate of BW gain during the first 84 d of gestation: low gain (LG; 0.28 kg/d; n = 8) or moderate gain (MG; 0.79 kg/d; n = 8). Following this period, all heifers (F0) were kept on a forage-based diet until the F1 offspring were weaned at 8 mo. The F1 heifers underwent estrus synchronization and were artificially inseminated at 15 mo of age. Liver samples were obtained from the F1 heifers at birth and later when harvested at 84 d of gestation, along with liver samples from their F2 fetuses, for a comprehensive multigenerational RNA-Seq analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the DESeq2 R-package, focusing on significant genes determined by a P-value ≤ 0.05 and a log2 fold change |0.5|. Metabolic pathways and biological processes were analyzed using the WebGestalt tool to understand the implications of the observed gene expression changes. At birth, F1 heifers from MG dams exhibited 281 DEGs, comprising 152 downregulated and 129 upregulated genes compared with the offspring of LG dams. These genes were over-represented in lipid metabolism, cellular homeostasis, and signaling pathways, such as MAPK and chemokine signaling. At harvest, 159 DEGs were identified in F1 heifers, with 67 genes downregulated and 92 genes upregulated in the MG group. These genes were related to cellular morphogenesis and biogenesis processes, with a notable downregulation of metabolic pathways. For the F2 fetuses, 192 DEGs were identified, where 71 genes were downregulated, and 121 genes were upregulated. These genes were involved in biological functions such as peptide secretion to cell proliferation and signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt and Hippo signaling. The analysis of DEGs shared between F1 heifers and F2 fetuses highlighted the influence of the moderate BW weight gain of the F0 dams. At birth and harvest, F1 heifers shared three genes (NAV2, FAM131C, SH3D21). F1 heifers at birth and F2 fetuses shared five genes (CD3E, H1-12, SLC7A11, PIP4P2, ENSBTAG00000051730). From the harvest at d 84 in F1 heifers and F2 fetuses, five genes were shared (DCDC2, RIN1, ENSBTAG00000008911, ENSBTAG00000040518, ENSBTAG00000048049). No DEGs were shared across all comparisons. These findings emphasize the multigenerational impact of early gestational BW gain of the dam on liver gene expression, influencing metabolic pathways and signaling across generations.

Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies of the Effect of Melatonin Monotherapy on Body Weight Gain and Eating Behavior in Rats on Different Diets

In an earlier meta-analysis, we showed that long-term melatonin administration minimizes diet-induced changes in lipid profiles. The purpose of our present work was to use a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of melatonin monotherapy on body weight gain (BWG) and eating behavior in rats depending on diet. To this end, we conducted a meta-analysis of 43 publications examining the effects of melatonin monotherapy on BWG, leptin levels, food and water intake in rats fed a standard diet (37 publications), as well as high-fructose diets (5 publications) and fats (9 publications). Our findings suggest that although melatonin reduced the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol and leptin in rats fed high-fructose and high-fat diets but not those fed a standard diet, melatonin treatment prevented BWG in rats on either diet. Increasing the dose of melatonin did not enhance the effect of therapy with any of the diets studied. We did not obtain convincing evidence that the effect of melatonin depends on the initial body weight and age of rats. On a standard diet, melatonin has been found to reduce food and water intake. Melatonin did not reduce BWG with a standard diet when administered intraperitoneally. Our research suggests that melatonin may be beneficial for diet-induced metabolic disorders by improving lipid profiles and preventing BWG. However, a decrease in appetite and BWG when taking melatonin may also be associated with negative side effects of the drug, which requires further research.

PSVI-2 Multigenerational effects of maternal rate of body weight gain on fetal liver miRNA expression

PSVI-2 Multigenerational effects of maternal rate of body weight gain on fetal liver miRNA expression

Effects of dietary selenium on growth performance, antioxidant status, and gut microbial diversity of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Selenium (Se), is an essential trace element in the diet of fish and aquatic animals needed for growth, thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant activity, and immunity. Thus, this study has evaluated the dietary selenium yeast (Se-yeast) impact on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut bacterial community of zebrafish, Danio rerio. The fish with an average weight of 0.247 g ± 0.005 were distributed in 12 glass aquariums. 30 fish per aquarium in three replicates per group were exposed to different dietary Se-yeast concentrations: 0.3 mg/kg (control), 0 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg for three weeks. The result indicated a higher body weight gain and specific growth rate in the 3 mg/kg group in all groups. Se significantly accumulated in the liver, muscle, gill, and gut. The antioxidant genes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), and the gut marker genes: solute carrier family 15 member 1b (slc15a1b), fatty acid binding protein 2 (fabp2), cytochrome P450 family 8 subfamily B member 1 (cyp8b1), and cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A, polypeptide 65 (cyp3a65) were significantly expressed in the gut tissue. The 16 s rRNA sequencing showed a significant difference at phyla Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria and Cetobacterium, Aeromonas, mycobacterium, and Lactobacillus at the genus level. It was concluded that dietary Se 3 mg/kg can promote growth performance and antioxidant status, furthermore, dietary Se yeast has a significant impact on the gut microbiota of D. rerio.

Effect of postbiotics on the productive traits and economic efficiency of broiler chickens

The metabolized substance was produced in the laboratory (postbiotics), according to three successive stages. The first stage included: isolating and identifying lactic acid bacteria from the ileum area in the small intestine of poultry, while the second stage included: activating the isolated bacteria on sterilized sorted milk media for three consecutive times. The third stage included: producing the biologically metabolized substance or biologically active compounds, in the form of a fine powder. This substance was added to the diets of broilers at a level of (0, 1, and 2) g /kg feed, for three experimental treatments, T0, T1, and T2, respectively, during the rearing period of 35 days. To study its effect on the productive traits and economic efficiency of broilers. The results of the statistical analysis showed: a significant improvement (P≤0.05) in the rates of body weight and weight gain, in addition to a significant improvement (P≤0.05) in the food conversion rate and in the economic efficiency measure in favor of the postbiotics T1 and T2 treatments compared to the control treatment. T0, while there are no significant differences in the rate of feed consumption between all the treatments studied.

Effects of rate of body weight gain during the first trimester of gestation on beef heifer and offspring performance, concentrations of hormones and metabolites, and response to vaccination.

Our study objectives were to evaluate the effects of divergent rates of body weight (BW) gain during early gestation in beef heifers on F0 performance, metabolic and endocrine status, colostrum immunoglobulins, and subsequent F1 calf characteristics, growth performance, concentrations of hormones and metabolites, and response to vaccination. Angus-based heifers (n = 100; BW = 369 ± 2.5kg) were adapted to individual feeding for 14 d and bred using artificial insemination with female-sexed semen. Heifers were ranked by BW assigned to either a basal diet targeting 0.28kg/d gain (LG, n = 50) or the basal diet plus an energy/protein supplement targeting 0.79kg/d gain (MG, n = 50) until d 84 of gestation. Dam BW and blood samples were collected at 6 time points during gestation; body composition was evaluated at d -10 and 84; and fetal measurements were taken on d 42, 63, and 84. At calving (LG, n = 23; MG, n = 23), dam and calf BW were recorded; and colostrum, calf body measurements, and blood samples were collected. Cow-calf pairs were managed on a common diet from calving to weaning, followed by a common postnatal development period for all F1 female offspring. Growth performance, hormone and metabolite profiles, feeding behavior, and reproductive performance were assessed from birth to pre-breeding in F1 heifers. Offspring were vaccinated against respiratory disease and bovine viral diarrhea pathogens on d 62.3 ± 4.13 and 220.3 ± 4.13 post-calving. By design, MG dams were heavier (P < 0.0001) than LG at d 84, and the BW advantage persisted until subsequent weaning of F1 calves. Concentrations of serum IGF-1 and glucose were increased throughout gestation (P < 0.001) for MG dams, whereas concentrations of NEFA were decreased (P < 0.001) in LG dams. Calves from MG dams were 2.14kg heavier (P = 0.03) and had larger chest circumference (P = 0.04) at birth compared with LG cohorts. Heifers from MG dams continued to have greater (P ≤ 0.03) BW gain and feed efficiency during the development period, but no differences were observed (P ≥ 0.13) in body composition, concentrations of hormones and metabolites, feeding behavior, puberty attainment, and response to vaccination in F1 offspring. Hence, early gestation rate of gain impacted BW and concentrations of glucose and IGF-1 throughout gestation in the F0 dam, resulting in altered F1 calf BW and measurements at birth and increased gain and efficiency during the development period.

Integrated biofloc technology in red tilapia aquaculture: Salinity-dependent effects on water quality, parental stock physiology, reproduction, and immune responses

The study examines the impact of integrated biofloc technology (BFT), different salinity levels, and their combined effects over 90 days on various physiological parameters. The investigation includes growth performance and feed utilization, water quality, the chemical composition of biofloc and fish, digestive enzymes, reproductive performance, stress and biochemical indicators, and antioxidant-immune responses in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) broodstock. The fish were initially weighed (males: n = 270; 104 ± 0.96 g; females: n = 270; 93.2 ± 0.66 g) and subsequently divided into 12 treatment groups (6 for males and 6 for females) spread across 36 separate tanks (3 tanks per treatment; 45 fish per treatment; 15 fish/tank). The treatments involved three salinity levels (18, 28, and 36 ppt) in both clear water (CW) and BFT systems. The outcomes demonstrated that fish in the 36 ppt salinity with BFT treatment demonstrated significant improvements (P < 0.05) in growth parameters (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio). The condition factor in BFT groups increased in all salinity situations. The survival rates of broodstock were consistently high in all experimental conditions The study found that BFT and salinity significantly impacted (P < 0.05) whole body contents (moisture, protein, lipid, and ash) in both males and females. Water quality parameters showed variations between BFT and CW, with notable impacts (P < 0.05) on dissolved oxygen and pH. The BFT and salinity influenced digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase, and lipase) and reproductive performance (males) and the 36 ppt salinity with BFT recorded the highest values. The hemato-biochemical and antioxidant-immune responses were also impacted by BFT and salinity exposure. The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating BFT into red tilapia aquaculture systems, particularly in optimizing growth, health, and reproductive performance under various salinity conditions, which can enhance sustainable intensification, disease control, and environmental stewardship.

Evaluation of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid and Sodium Butyrate in Juvenile Red Seabream (Pagrus major) Diets Containing Graded Levels of Fish Meal and Soy Protein Concentrate.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the supplementary effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and sodium butyrate (SB) when a graded level of fish meal (FM) was replaced with soy protein concentrate (SPC) in diets for juvenile red seabream (Pagrus major). A control diet was designed to contain 60% FM (F60). Two other diets were formulated by reducing FM levels to 40% and 20% with SPC (F40 and F20). Six more diets were formulated by adding 0.02% GABA or 0.2% SB to each F60, F40 and F20 diets (F60G, F60S, F40G, F40S, F20G and F20S). Each diet was randomly assigned to a triplicate group of fish (5.52 g/fish) and provided for eight weeks. Final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of fish fed F60G, F60S, F40G and F40S diets were comparable and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than other groups. The growth of fish fed SB-containing diets was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to fish fed the respective control diets. The feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratios were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the fish fed all diets containing 60% and 40% FM compared to F20 and F20G groups. The F40S diet resulted in the highest feed utilization values. The F20S group exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) feed utilization than the F20 and F20G groups. Serum lysozyme activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fish fed the GABA- and SB-containing diets compared to the F20 group. The F60S group exhibited the highest lysozyme activity which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the F20 and F40 groups. Therefore, the growth performance, feed utilization and innate immunity of red seabream can be enhanced by dietary supplementation with GABA or SB in low-FM diets containing SPC. The FM level in the juvenile red seabream diet can be reduced to 40% with SPC and GABA or SB while maintaining performance better than a diet containing 60% FM.

Analysis of Fatty Acid and Protein Content in Chicken Heart Fed Maggot (Hermentia illucens) and Microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp

Chicken is the most consumed food commodity in Indonesia. Chicken also contains protein which is needed by the body to maintain body strength. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, chicken prices have soared due to the increasingly expensive feed prices along with the increase in demand for chicken in the market. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of feeding Maggot Hermetia illucens and Microalgae Aurantiocyhtrium sp. as a source of protein and fatty acids in Joper chickens (Gallus domesticus). Using a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 6 treatments and 4 repetitions. Treatment P0 (100% Bran, Corn, Pur feed), P1 (Maggot 30%, microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. 1.5%, Bran, Corn, Pur 68.5%), P2 (Maggot 35% and microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. 2%, Bran, Maize, Pur 63%), P3 (Maggot 40% and microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. 2.5%, Bran, Maize, Pur 57.5%), P4 (Maggot 45% and microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. 3%, Bran, Maize, Pur 52%), P5 (Maggot 50% and microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. 3.5%). Parameters observed were final body weight and daily weight gain rate of joper chickens. The results of this study showed that the provision of P5 treatment gave the best results in increasing protein and omega-3 levels with results of 18.19% and 4.53% respectively compared to the protein and omega-3 content of the control treatment which only amounted to 16.62% and 1.17% respectively. This study provides results with treatment P5 which has a major effect on the growth of joper chicken (Gallus domesticus). The results of this study can be an option for chicken feed because it is proven to increase protein and omega-3 content in chickens.

Laserpuncture Shooting Duration Effect at the Growth Point on the Weight Gain and Growth Rate of Male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Aim of this research is to find the effect of laserpuncture shooting at growth points on body weight gain and growth rate of male Japanese quail. This research used 20 samples Japanese male Day Old Quail (DOQ) with complete randomized design research method. These samples were divided into four groups. Group P0 (control) was treated by laserpuncture everyday with power supply off for 5 seconds. Group P1 was treated by laserpuncture every day with power supply at 50 mWatt and the dose was 0.2 Joule for 5 seconds. Group P2 was treated by laserpuncture every three days with power supply at 50 mWatt and the dose was 0.2 Joule for 5 seconds. Group P3 was treated by laserpuncture every five days with power supply at 50 mWatt and the dose was 0.2 Joule for 5 seconds. The samples was reared until 42 days. The result of the research were obtained from weighing the body weight every week and then substracting the results from the previous week. The data was analyzed statictically using the Multivariate Analysis of Variance (Manova) and continued with Duncan test. Group P3 showed the best results compared to other groups.

Effects of Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) Juice Byproduct Administered Using Different Feeding Methods on the Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Antioxidant Status, and Disease Resistance against Streptococcus iniae of Juvenile Black Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) juice byproduct (YJB) on the growth performance, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities, and disease resistance against Streptococcus iniae of juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) based on different feeding schedules. Four different YJB feeding strategies were evaluated: feeding the fish a basal diet continuously (control, T0), feeding them YJB (2.5 g/kg) continuously (T1), feeding them YJB for 1 day and the basal diet the next day (T2), and feeding them YJB for 1 day and the basal diet for the following 2 days (T3). No difference in survival among the treatments was found after the 8-week feeding trial (p &gt; 0.05). However, the T1 and T2 groups exhibited significant enhancements in final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate compared with the T0 and T3 groups. Furthermore, the T1 and T2 groups showed a significant improvement in feed consumption, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio compared with the T0 and T3 groups. No significant differences in the condition factor or viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic indices were observed among all the groups. Intestinal amylase, trypsin, and lipase activity was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in the T1 and T2 groups than in the T0 and T3 groups. Lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity along with glutathione peroxidase content were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher under all YJB feeding regimens than those under the control treatment. The survival rates in all the YJB treatment groups after the S. iniae challenge were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) enhanced. In conclusion, we recommend offering YJB at day-to-day intervals to improve growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, and disease resistance against S. iniae.