Body Weight Gain Research Articles

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) powder ameliorates pituitary-liver-axis regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in malnourished rats

The endocrine system is critical for adapting to malnutrition, which can disrupt the pituitary-liver axis and induce inflammation, leading to health complications. Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.), known for their high protein content and anti-inflammatory properties, present a potential nutritional intervention. This study investigated the effects of lima bean powder on pituitary-liver axis regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in malnourished rats. Rats were divided into four groups: Normal (N), Malnourished (MAL), MAL treated with 25% lima bean flour (MAL + 25% LB), and MAL treated with 50% lima bean flour (MAL + 50% LB) for 6 weeks. Proximate composition was determined to analysed its major nutrients and metabolites in the methanol extract were analysed through LC–MS/MS. Parameters such as weight gain, serum albumin, total protein levels, Growth Hormone (GH), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), and liver inflammation markers were measured. Bioactive compounds such as L(-)-pipecolinic acid, choline, trigonelline, L-phenylalanine, and oleamide were identified, highlighting the nutritional and therapeutic potential of lima beans. Compared to the N group, the MAL group showed significant decreases in body weight gain, serum albumin, and total protein levels. However, both MAL + 25% LB and MAL + 50% LB groups demonstrated significant improvements in these parameters, approximating the levels observed in the N group. Lima bean supplementation appeared to regulate GH at both the cellular and mRNA levels, positively impacting the pituitary-liver axis. Additionally, the study revealed reduced liver inflammation in the MAL + 25% LB and MAL + 50% LB groups, suggesting the anti-inflammatory properties of lima beans. These findings indicate that lima bean flour supplementation can ameliorate disruptions in the pituitary-liver axis and reduce inflammation in malnourished rats.Graphical

Evaluating the Impact of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal on Growth Efficiency and Feed Utilization in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Juvenile

Aims: Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae meal is a promising alternative protein source in aquafeed, offering high nutritional value and essential amino acid profiles like fishmeal. Nepalese Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farming currently relies on imported shrimp meal, presenting economic and ecological challenges. The focus of this research was to examines the potential of BSFL meal to replace the shrimp meal in trout feed. Place and Duration of Study: Fisheries Research Station (FRS), Trishuli Nepal, between May 1 to August 7, 2023. Methodology: A feeding trial was conducted using 750 healthy Rainbow trout (mean individual body weight 5.39±0.55 g) randomly divided into five experimental groups, each having three replicates. The control diet contained no BSFL meal (CON), while experimental diets replaced 25% (BSF25), 50% (BSF50), 75% (BSF75), and 100% (BSF100) of shrimp meal with BSFL meal. Fish were raised in flow-through raceway tanks (300L) and fed twice daily until satiation. The growth efficiency parameters were measured. Results: The results demonstrated that diets with 25-50% BSFL meal substitution (B25, B50) significantly enhanced growth efficiency compared to the control, reflected in higher final body weight and weight gain, and improved feed conversion ratios (P<0.05). Conversely, higher replacement levels (75% and 100%) negatively impacted growth, possibly due to increased chitin content affecting digestibility. Statistical analysis confirmed the optimal BSFL inclusion range for growth efficiency, with specific growth rates peaking in the B50 group. Conclusion: In conclusion, BSFL meal can effectively replace 25-50% of shrimp meal in rainbow trout feed, offering a viable and sustainable protein source for trout farming in Nepal. This substitution could reduce dependency on imported shrimp, promoting more sustainable practices.

Effect of 3-Nitrooxypropanol Combined with Different Feed Additives on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Enteric Methane Emissions, and Physiological Responses in Feedlot Beef Cattle Fed a High-Concentrate Finishing Diet

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) in combination with different feed additives on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, enteric methane (CH4) emissions, nutrient intake and digestibility, and blood parameters in feedlot beef cattle. In experiment (Exp.) 1, one hundred sixty-eight Nellore bulls (initial bodyweight (BW) 410 ± 8 kg) were allocated to 24 pens in a completely randomized block design. In Exp. 2, thirty Nellore bulls (initial BW 410 ± 3 kg) were allocated to a collective pen as one group, and treatments were allocated in a completely randomized design. Three treatments were applied: Control (CTL): monensin sodium (26 mg/kg of dry matter, DM); M3NOP: CTL with 3-NOP (100 mg/kg DM); and Combo: 3-NOP (100 mg/kg DM) with essential oils (100 mg/kg DM), 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin-D3 (0.10 mg/kg DM), organic chromium (4 mg/kg DM), and zinc (60 mg/kg DM). In Exp. 1, bulls in the Combo group had greater (p < 0.01) dry matter intake (DMI) at d 28 compared to the CTL and M3NOP groups. During d 0 to 102, bulls’ final BW and average daily gain (ADG) were greater (p ≤ 0.03) for the Combo group compared to the CTL. The bulls in the Combo and M3NOP groups had better (p < 0.01) feed conversion (FC) and feed efficiency (FE) compared to the CTL. Hot carcass weight (HCW), carcass ADG, and carcass yield were greater (p ≤ 0.05) for bulls in the Combo group compared to the CTL and M3NOP groups. The bulls in the Combo group had greater (p = 0.01) dressing compared to the M3NOP group. Combo bulls had better (p = 0.02) biological efficiency compared to the CTL. The bulls in the Combo group had lower (p < 0.01) carcass pH compared to the CTL and M3NOP groups. In Exp. 2, bulls in the Combo group had greater (p = 0.04) DMI at d 28 compared to the CTL and had greater (p < 0.01) DMI at d 102 compared to the CTL and M3NOP groups. The bulls in the Combo group had greater (p = 0.04) HCW compared to the CTL and M3NOP groups and carcass ADG was greater (p = 0.04) for bulls in the Combo group compared to the M3NOP group. The bulls in the Combo and M3NOP groups had lower (p < 0.01) CH4 production (38.8%, g/d), yield (41.1%, g/kg DMI), and intensity (40.8%, g/kg carcass ADG) and higher (p < 0.01) H2 emissions (291%, g/d) compared to the CTL. Combo bulls had lower (p < 0.01) blood glucose and insulin, and higher nutrient intake and digestibility (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the CTL and M3NOP groups. Combining 3-NOP with different feed additives improved FC and FE, and reduced enteric CH4 emissions. Combo treatment improved growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient intake, and digestibility, and improved glucose and insulin responses in feedlot beef cattle on a high-concentrate finishing diet.

Sympathetic innervation of interscapular brown adipose tissue is not a predominant mediator of Oxytocin (OT)-elicited reductions of body weight gain and adiposity in male diet-induced obese rats

Recent studies indicate that central administration of oxytocin (OT) reduces body weight (BW) in high fat diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents by reducing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure (EE). Previous studies in our lab have shown that administration of OT into the fourth ventricle (4V; hindbrain) elicits weight loss and stimulates interscapular brown adipose tissue temperature (TIBAT) in DIO rats. We hypothesized that OT-elicited stimulation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation of IBAT contributes to its ability to activate BAT and reduce BW in DIO rats. To test this, we determined the effect of disrupting SNS activation of IBAT on OT-elicited stimulation of TIBAT and reduction of BW in DIO rats. We first confirmed that bilateral surgical SNS denervation to IBAT was successful based on having achieved ≥60% reduction in IBAT norepinephrine (NE) content from DIO rats. NE content was selectively reduced in IBAT by 94.7 ± 2.7, 96.8% ± 1.8% and 85.9% ± 6.1% (p < 0.05) at 1, 6 and 7 week post-denervation, respectively, and was unchanged in liver or inguinal white adipose tissue. We then measured the impact of bilateral surgical SNS denervation to IBAT on the ability of acute 4V OT (1, 5 µg) to stimulate TIBAT in DIO rats. We found that the high dose of 4V OT (5 µg) stimulated TIBAT similarly between sham and denervated rats (P=NS) and that the effects of 4V OT to stimulate TIBAT did not require beta-3 adrenergic receptor signaling. We subsequently measured the effect of bilateral surgical denervation of IBAT on the effect of chronic 4V OT (16 nmol/day) or vehicle infusion to reduce BW, adiposity, and energy intake in DIO rats. Chronic 4V OT reduced BW gain by −7.2 ± 9.6 g and −14.1 ± 8.8 g in sham and denervated rats (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle treatment), respectively, and this effect was similar between groups (P=NS). These effects were associated with reductions in adiposity and energy intake (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that sympathetic innervation of IBAT is not required for central OT to increase BAT thermogenesis and reduce BW gain and adiposity in male DIO rats.

Brain changes following subchronic exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles: animal experimental data analysis

AbstractThe goal of this study was to assess the health effects of (copper oxide nanparticles) CuO NPs on the brain structure and function in rats. Morphology results showed that the number of axons with the damaged myelin sheath in basal ganglia and the proportion of pathologically altered mitochondria in olfactory bulbs and basal ganglia had increased, while the concentration of myelin basic protein in blood serum remained unchanged. We also have observed the lower body weight gain, signs of hemolytic anemia, an increased platelet count, reduced locomotion and exploratory activity. We propose that the central nervous system and haematopoiesis are the targets for toxicity of CuO NPs administered intranasally during six weeks at the total dose of 0.45 mg/kg body weight.

Effects of dietary mangosteen peel powder and extract on the growth performance, meat quality and indicators for immunity, gut health and antioxidant activity in broiler chicks

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary mangosteen peel preparations, either powdered (MspP) or ethanolic extract (MspE), on the growth performance, meat quality, immune response, gut health, serum biochemical profiles, and antioxidant activity of broiler chicks. A total of 480 day-old straight-run broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly placed into four treatments, with eight replicates of 12 chicks each, and subjected to one of the four experimental diets for 21 days. The corn and soybean meal-based diet was supplemented with 2% MspP (20 g per kg of diet) or 0.05% and 0.1% MspE (0.5 g and 1.0 g per kg of diet). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and post hoc comparisons of treatments were performed using Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test. From days 0 to 21, dietary mangosteen peel preparations did not affect growth performance (body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio), thigh meat and tibia characteristics, serum markers of innate immunity (interferon-r, interleukin-10, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and nitric oxide), and ileal morphology in broiler chicks (P > 0.05). Dietary mangosteen peel preparations increased the percentage of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreased the relative concentrations of isobutyrate and branched-chain fatty acids in the cecal digesta compared with the control chickens. Notably, dietary mangosteen peel preparations altered the antioxidant characteristics of the serum, liver, and thigh meat. Dietary MspE increased glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.039) and catalase (P = 0.008) in the serum and catalase in the liver (P = 0.05) and thigh meat (P = 0.01) compared to the control group. In addition, dietary MspP increased catalase levels in thigh meat compared to those in the control diet-fed chickens (P = 0.01). The concentration of malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was lower in all chicks-fed diets containing mangosteen peel preparations; however, statistical significance was only noted in the serum samples (P < 0.0001). Collectively, our study shows that dietary mangosteen peel preparations are potent natural antioxidants that can be used as functional dietary additives to effectively mitigate oxidative stress in broiler chicks.

Supplementation of precision biotic leads to improved growth performance by modulating the microbiome of broiler chickens fed corn or wheat-based diets

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a precision biotic (PB; Symphiome®, dsm-firmenich) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, litter quality, blood uric acid (UA) concentration, cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration, and ileal and cecal microbiome of broiler chickens fed corn or wheat-based diets. One-day-old broiler chicks were placed in a completely randomized design (2 × 2 factorial scheme) in 4 treatments, 8 replicates/treatment, and 16 birds/replicate. The treatments were a corn or wheat and soybean meal-based diet without or with supplementation of 0.9 kg/MT of PB. All the birds were vaccinated against coccidiosis at the time of placement (Paracox 5). Growth performance was evaluated weekly and at the end of the experiment. At d 35, blood was collected to determine UA concentration and cecal content for SCFA concentration analysis. Ileal digesta was also collected for nutrient digestibility analysis, and ileal digesta and cecal content were collected for microbiome analysis. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05), and LSM was used to separate the means in case of interaction. During the starter and grower phases of the study, a better body weight gain (P = 0.0008 and P = 0.04, respectively) was observed in birds fed wheat compared to corn-based diets. From 28 to 36 d of age, the supplementation of PB increased feed intake (P = 0.05), and tended (P = 0.06) to improve the feed conversion ratio by 4.3 points vs non-supplementated birds. Birds fed wheat-based diets had higher (P = 0.02) blood UA than corn based-diets fed birds, and the supplementation of PB led to a reduction (P = 0.02) of blood UA compared to non-supplemented birds. The supplementation of PB changed the abundance of core metabolic pathways of the microbiome, mostly related to protein metabolism, which led to a reduction in blood UA concentration and increase of cecal SCFA concentrations. In conclusion, by beneficially modulating the microbiome, the supplementation of PB was translated into improved growth performance of broiler chickens fed corn or wheat-based diets.

Expression of p53 in human adipose tissue correlates positively with FAS and BMI.

Activation of Fas (CD95) in adipocytes inhibits browning and may contribute to body weight gain in mice. Moreover, Fas expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) correlates positively with body mass index (BMI) in humans. However, molecular pathways involved in the inhibitory effect of Fas on energy metabolism remain incompletely understood. Herein, we report that protein levels of the tumor suppressor p53 were reduced in primary white adipocytes of adipocyte-specific Fas-knockout mice. Moreover, Fas ligand (FasL) treatment increased p53 concentrations in cultured adipocytes and decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption in control but not in p53-depleted cells, indicating that Fas activation reduces energy expenditure in a p53-dependent manner. In line, in differentiated human mesenchymal stem cells and WAT derived from different anatomical depots, FAS expression was positively associated with p53. Furthermore, p53 expression in human subcutaneous and visceral WAT correlated positively with BMI, whereas its expression in visceral WAT was inversely associated with insulin sensitivity (as assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp). Taken together, our data suggest that Fas regulates p53 expression in adipocytes, and may thereby affect body weight gain and insulin sensitivity.

Nutrient utilisation and growth performance of broiler chickens fed standard or moderately reduced dietary protein diets with and without β-mannanase supplementation

Use of reduced protein diets in broiler chicken production provides potential benefits for performance and environmental footprint of production. The effectiveness of β-mannanase supplementation in wheat and soy based standard protein (SP) and reduced protein (RP) diets was tested for growth performance, nutrient utilisation and selected intestinal gene expression of broiler chickens. In a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments, two main factors included dietary protein (standard and reduced protein) and β-mannanase supplementation (with or without). All diets contained phytase and carbohydrases (xylanase and glucanase). A total of 480 Ross 308 male off-sex day-old chickens were assigned to the four experimental diets in a 35-d study. Each diet was replicated 12 times with 10 birds per replicate. Using an additional 160 birds, separate apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nutrient digestibility assays were undertaken for the 4 experimental diets from d 21 to 24 of age. Selected gene involved in gut integrity, inflammation and immune response were quantified using quantitative PCR assays. There was no interaction between β-mannanase and dietary protein for any of the studied parameters except ileal viscosity. Enzyme had no effect on feed intake but tended to increase body weight gain (BWG) from d 0 to 35 of age (P=0.079). Birds fed RP diet consumed more feed when assessed from d 0 to 35 of age (P=0.029). At the same time, β-mannanase tended to reduce feed conversion ratio independent of dietary protein (P=0.069). β-mannanase reduced ileal viscosity of the birds fed RP diet (P<0.001). Reducing dietary protein increased nitrogen retention, nitrogen digestibility coefficient and digestibility coefficients of 11 amino acids (P<0.001). β-mannanase significantly improved digestibility coefficients of nitrogen and Arg, Gly, Thr, Lys, and Ile (P<0.05). Dietary treatments had no effect on AME or gene expression of selected tight junction proteins, interleukin-10, interleukin-1β, mucin-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B. In conclusion, supplementation of β-mannanase tended to improve feed efficiency and increased nutrient digestibility of broilers fed wheat-based diets independent of a moderate reduction in dietary protein. Complementary mode of actions of β-mannanase for intestinal health requires further investigation.

A dual strain probiotic administered via the waterline beneficially modulates the ileal and cecal microbiome, sIgA and acute phase protein levels, and growth performance of broilers during a dysbacteriosis challenge

Intestinal dysbacteriosis is increasing in broilers due to the reduced use of antibiotics in feed. This study tested the effect of daily waterline administration of a dual-strain probiotic comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus AG01 and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis AG02, on growth performance and intestinal health during a 3-step microbial challenge. In total, 900 Ross 308 males were assigned to 36 floor pens (25 birds/pen, 12 pens/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Birds were fed a corn, wheat and soybean-meal based diet. Diets were formulated in 3 phases (starter: 1 to 10; grower: 11 to 24; finisher: 25 to 42 d of age). Treatments comprised a non-challenged control (NC), challenged control (CC), and the CC supplemented with 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/bird/day of the probiotic (CC+Probiotic). The challenge comprised 1 × 108 CFU/bird of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli on d 7, 4,000 oocysts/bird of Eimeria on d 15 and 1 × 109 CFU/bird of C. perfringens on d 18, 19 and 20. Growth performance was monitored over 42 d, blood samples, and digesta were collected and intestinal dysbacteriosis scoring was performed. Compared to NC birds, CC birds exhibited reduced BW (all phases), reduced feed intake (starter and grower phase), increased FCR (grower phase and overall; P < 0.05), reduced ileal lactic acid bacteria concentrations (d 24 and 42), and increased cecal E. coli (d 24; P < 0.05). Compared to CC birds, CC+Probiotic birds exhibited increased BW, BW gain and feed intake during grower phase (P < 0.05), increased ileal lactic acid bacteria at d 24 and 42 and reduced ileal C. perfringens at d 24, increased mucosal secretory IgA and reduced serum alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein at d 42. The overall growth performance of CC+Probiotic birds was equivalent to NC birds. These results confirm the efficacy of the dual strain probiotic for mitigating the negative effects of a multi-microbial challenge, improving gut health and growth performance in commercial broilers under dysbacteriosis challenge.

A diet containing mango peel silage impacts upon feed intake, energy supply and growth performances of male dairy calves

The major challenges for disposal of waste from fruit processing factories are high transportation costs, limited landfill availability and environmental pollution. Therefore, developing efficient waste management techniques to reduce transportation costs and environment pollution is important. In 2021, global mango production was estimated to be at 57 million tons and mango peel (MP) represents 7–24% of the whole fruit weight. MP has been considered for use as ruminant feed in the form of fresh, dried, or silage. Fresh MP was abundant during the mango season and high in fermentable carbohydrate, which can easily breakdown and pollute the environment if a proper waste management method is not implemented. Thus, in this study, fresh MP was ensiled after sun-drying for one day and then fed to male dairy calves as a roughage source to evaluate its effect on feed intake, digestibility, energy balance, BW gain, feed efficiency and blood metabolites. Eight growing crossbred weaned male dairy calves (Holstein Friesians × Zebu) were allocated into two groups [Control (n = 4) and mango peel silage (MPS, n = 4)]. This experiment lasted for 12 weeks and calves were housed in 3.0 × 1.5 meters individual pen with concrete floor. Before feeding times, the weights of feed ingredients were weighed and mixed for 15 min. Calves were then given their respective diets ad libitum twice a day, at 0800 and 1600 h. Daily feed offered and refusals were recorded to determine the daily feed intake. A digestion trial was performed over the last five days of the experiment. BW and measurements were recorded every two weeks to determine the weight gain and body physical changes. Blood was collected at the end of experiment to analyze serum biochemical parameters. Ensiling improved the energy and protein content and decreased fiber content of MP, thereby improving the forage quality. Feeding a diet containing MPS at 30% of DM weight, compared to an isonitrogenous Control diet increased (P < 0.05) feed intake, energy supply and energy balance, changes in body measurements, weight gain, feed efficiency, and glucose concentration, as well as lowered (P < 0.05) the blood urea nitrogen concentration of male dairy calves. Ensiling fresh MP after sun-drying for one day led to stable, high-DM silage. Therefore, ensiling fresh MP could improve the feed supply for ruminant production and be an effective waste management strategy for fruit processing businesses.

Single-cell protein (SCP) meals from Methylovorus menthalis as feed ingredients for freshwater Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): Digestibility, growth performance, nutrient utilization, and fish health

This study provides nutritional evaluations of single-cell protein (SCP) meals produced from a naturally-occurring methylotrophic microorganism (Methylovorus menthalis) in feeds for freshwater-phase Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L., <30 g initial weight). Three trials were conducted (in triplicate) to: 1. determine ‘single-ingredient’ apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) in an 80:20 ingredient substitution digestion assay (Trial 1), 2. examine effects of partial (50 %) or complete (100 %) substitution of major plant-protein ingredients on feed consumption (a proxy for palatability) and digestibility using nutritionally-balanced test diets (Trial 2), and 3. evaluate effects of graded inclusion levels (up to 30 %) at partial or complete substitution of marine and plant-based ingredients on growth performance, nutrient utilization, and fish health (Trial 3). In Trial 1, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), and essential amino acids (EAAs) in M. menthalis SCP meal were highly digestible at 85, 92, 88, and 86–96 %, respectively. In Trial 2, feed consumption of nutritionally-balanced diets were unaffected by up to 26 % M. menthalis SCP meal inclusion (100 % substitution of major plant-proteins), but compared to the control diet showed higher ADCs for DM, GE, and methionine, the same ADC for tryptophan, and with only minor reductions in ADCs for CP and other EAAs. For Trial 3, inclusion of up to 30 % M. menthalis SCP meal did not impact fork length, Fulton's condition factor, survival, haematocrit, packed red blood cell counts, viscerosomatic index, feed conversion ratio, or protein efficiency ratio, however apparent feed intake, protein intake, final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate decreased, most notably at levels exceeding 10–20 % of the diet. Feed consumption (and nutrient/energy intakes) by fish fed increasing dietary SCP meal levels was linearly suppressed and had a cascading effect in reducing whole-body protein, lipid, and energy gains. However, this was not reflected in their corresponding apparent net retention efficiencies for protein, lipid, or energy, where no differences were observed at any SCP meal inclusion level, suggesting a possible ‘correctable’ diet palatability issue at high inclusion levels. Feeding diets with up to 30 % M. menthalis SCP meal had no impacts on plasma analyte biochemistry or intestinal histopathology. Collectively, results demonstrate that SCP meals derived from a naturally-occurring methylotrophic microorganism (M. menthalis) produced under scalable aerobic fermentation can be effectively included in Atlantic salmon pre-smolt feeds at 10–20 % at substitution of conventional marine and plant-protein ingredients with minimal or no effects on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, production performance, whole-body composition, nutrient utilization, intestinal histopathology, and fish health.

A sex-based growth performance, gene expression, fillet quality and fatty acid profile in GIFT tilapia cultured in field conditions

A 180 day field trial was carried out to study the growth performance, gene expression, fillet quality and fatty acid profile of male and female GIFT tilapia. Four month old male (180 fish with an average body weight of 72.75 ± 0.76 g) and female (180 fish with an average body weight of 72.25 ± 0.76 g) tilapia were segregated manually by seeing their genital papilla and were stocked, separately, in six hapas (60 fish/hapa) with each sex in triplicate conditions. The stocked fish were fed twice a day, with GROWPIA feed (floating pellet – 3 mm dia; crude protein - 28 %), at the rate of 5–8 %. The study found significant difference in growth performance between male and female GIFT tilapia. After 180 days of culture, male GIFT tilapia showed significantly higher specific growth rate (4.31 ± 0.001 % /day), average body weight gain (737.85 ± 0.25 g) and feed utilization indicators in terms of better apparent feed conversion ratio (1.69 ± 0.05), higher feed efficiency ratio (0.59 ± 0.02) and protein efficiency ratio (2.10 ± 0.07) compared to female GIFT. On the other hand, the female GIFT tilapia displayed downregulation in the gene expression of IGF-1/IGF-2, myoD, myogenin and upregulation of myostatin. However, the study did not find any significant difference in survival rate at the end of experiment. Similarly, there was no significant difference in fillet yield (%) and it was in the range of 43.93–45.49 % between male and female GIFT tilapia. Fillet nutritional quality analysis indicated significantly lower moisture (76.43 %) and ash (4.27 %) contents and higher crude lipid content (12.41 %) in female GIFT tilapia. Interestingly, the study found statistically similar fatty acid profile between male and female tilapia, however, the fatty acid contents of PUFA (19.38 ± 0.69 %), DHA/EPA (2.56 ± 0.38), omega-3 fatty acid (5.11 ± 0.32 %) and omega-6 fatty acid (14.27 ± 0.37 %) was found to be slightly better in male GIFT tilapia. Overall, the study found better growth performance in male GIFT tilapia and nutritionally similar fillets quality between male and female GIFT tilapia.

Impacts of dietary different levels of thyme leave powder as a natural growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood indices of broilers

The objective of the present study was to ascertain the influence of thyme leaf powder (TLP) on growth rate, carcass features, and blood indicators in broiler diets as a natural antioxidant and antibiotic substitute. A fully randomized design experiment divided 264-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) into 4 experimental groups. Six replicates of each group, each containing 11 unsexed chicks, were created. The following were the therapies: control group without additive (basal diet); TLP1, TLP2 and TLP3: basal diet + 1, 2 and 3 g thyme leaves powder/kg diet, respectively. Results showed that TLP added at 2 or 3 g/kg of feed significantly enhanced body weight gain (except for the period from 16 to 30 d of life), feed intake (except for the period from 1 to 15 d of life), and feed conversion ratio throughout study period. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with different TLP levels, particularly at a 3 g TLP/kg diet. Compared with the control group, the birds' 2 g TLP/kg diet included the highest levels of albumin and total protein and A/G (albumin/globulin) ratio. Furthermore, the birds fed 1 g TLP/kg feed had the lowest concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC). Moreover, chicks fed all treatment diets containing TLP had higher IgY concentrations than the control group. Nevertheless, the group that was fed a diet including 2 g TLP/kg had the highest IgM levels. Additionally, the superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) levels were highest in the birds fed a 1g TLP/kg diet and minimum in the birds fed the control diet. Notably, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were maximum in birds fed a control meal and lowest in birds with a diet containing 1 g of TLP/kg. We may conclude that using TLP in broiler diets increases the birds' immunity, productivity, and overall health, especially at level 2 g of TLP/kg diet.

Delivery of dendritic cells targeting 3M2e-HA2 nanoparticles with a CpG adjuvant via lysosomal escape of Salmonella enhances protection against H9N2 avian influenza virus

Avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 still poses a great threat to the poultry farming industry and public health worldwide, and the development of a new influenza vaccine that is safe and conservative and able to address influenza virus mutations is highly promising for application. HA2, the neck of the HA protein, and M2e, the extracellular N-terminal structural domain of the M2 protein, are conserved and effective protective antigens.In this study, the HA2 sequences were fused with three M2e copies (H9N2, H1N1 and H5N1) to the norovirus VP1 protein via the SpyTag-SpyCatcher platform to form self-assembled nanoparticles and display antigenic proteins on its surface, yielding pYL262. The chicken dendritic cells (DCs) targeting the nanobody phage-54 were then fused to HA2-3M2e to yield pYL327. Finally, a synthesized 20-repeat CpG adjuvant gene fragment was inserted into pYL327, resulting in the plasmid pYL331. All the constructed plasmids were then transformed into the sifA gene-deficient Salmonella vector χYL56 for oral immunization.The results showed that sifA-deficient Salmonella could efficiently increase antigen-specific mucosal sIgA antibody titers, especially in alveolar lavage samples, whereas the presence of the phage-54 nanobody could dramatically increase intracellular IFN-γ mRNA levels, indicating its ability to enhance the Th1-type immune response. Finally, the presence of the CpG adjuvant clearly increased T-cell proliferation and promoted DC activation, with elevated splenic TLR21 levels observed. Strikingly, after oral immunization with χYL56 (pYL331), chickens were protected against challenge with the G57 genotype H9N2 virus, which presented similar or even better levels of virus shedding and body weight gain compared with the commercial inactivated vaccine, providing a new option for controlling H9N2 virus infection in the future.

477 Ultraviolet irradiation increases appetite and prevents body weight gain through upregulation of norepinephrine in mice

477 Ultraviolet irradiation increases appetite and prevents body weight gain through upregulation of norepinephrine in mice

The digestibility, ruminal fermentation and methane product of Cajanus cajan forage as a concentrate substitute in goats

Sixteen local goats (9.3 kg bodyweight) were assigned to different groups based on a 21-day com-pletely randomized design and fed with Cajanus cajan forage. The objectives of the study were to eval-uate digestibility, ruminal fermentation and estimation of methane production of C. cajan forage as a concentrate substitute in goats. Four treatments were used in the feeding trial: T0CC = 100% concen-trate; T25CC = 75% concentrate + 25% C. cajan forage; T75CC = 25% concentrate + 75% C. cajan forage; and T100CC = 100% C. cajan forage. Ruminal fluid was collected during the last week of the experiment after feeding and used to determine pH, ammonia, partial VFA, and methane gas produc-tion. Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, and total body weight gain were not significantly differ-ent (P&gt;0.05) between goats fed with T0CC and T25CC. The addition of C. cajan forage to the diet did not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affect pH, ammonia content, and total VFA but influenced acetate, propio-nate, butyrate, AP, and estimated CH4 produced. Hence, C. cajan forage may replace 25% of concen-trates in a rice straw-based diet for goats.

Effect of Supplementation on Performance of Indigenous Chicken under Farmer’s Condition at Barishal District of Bangladesh

The study was carried out to know the effect of supplementation on growth performance of indigenous chicken in Barishal district of Bangladesh. The study was conducted at Babuganj upazila of Barishal district, Bangladesh. Randomly ten households were selected with a pretested questionnaire by face to face interview and direct observation. The major constraints of rural poultry production were dirty, non-structured poultry house. As a part of the study the existing chicken house of the farmers was modifying first. Feeder and drinker also supplied for easy supply of feed and water. Body weight and body weight gain was recorded both cock and hen in indigenous chicken at selected farmers house feeding supplementation compared with scavenging group. Mean body weight with standard error showed significance differences from 4th weeks of age to 22nd weeks of age in cock. Indigenous cock gained 1kg body weight at 22nd weeks of age feeding supplementation where highest body weight gain at 18th weeks of age. Hen also showed significance differences in body weight and body weight gain between supplemented group and scavenging group. Where hen attained 1004.46±1.72g body weight at 22nd week of age in supplemented group and 792.35±5.38g at scavenging group. Body weight gain of hen highest at 102.30.±2.35g at 16th weeks of age. Fertility, hatchability and mortality in artificial and natural incubator showed no significance difference between supplemented and scavenging group. Chick mortality showed significance difference during brooding period and it recorded highest 18.3± 1.31% during first week of age. Finally we can conclude that supplementation can improve the body weight gain and lower the risk of chick mortality of indigenous chicken in rural condition. We hope that this study will support farmers by enhancing their knowledge about supplementation feeding of indigenous chicken for better body weight gain and lower mortality of chicks.

Determination of growth potentials of two chicken strains using day old phenotypic markers

This study focused on assessing one day old effect of some phenotypic markers on production traits in Ross broiler chickens (ROBROS) and Southern ecotype breeds of chicken (SEC) as an alternative for genetic markers. The study was conducted at the Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) Animal farm unit in Asante Mampong Campus of Ghana from June to December, 2022. One hundred and eighty (180) Ross broiler and 180 Southern ecotype breeds of chicks were used for the research. For each breed, the chicks were put into four groups with 45 chicks in each group. Breast length (BRL), Back length (BL), Circumference of the head (CH) and day-old body weight (DOBW) were taken on the chicks at one day old in group 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively using a tailor’s tape and a weighing scale. Chicks within each group were classified into three (3) sub groups and considered as treatments (T) 1, 2 and 3. The treatments were described as higher (T1), medium (T2), and lower (T3) ranges based on the values obtained from the measurement and reared under randomised completely block design (RCBD). Data on production traits were taken up to week 8 for the Ross broiler and 18 weeks for the Southern ecotype chicken. The results from ANOVA using Statistix indicated that for the Ross broiler chickens, T1 in all the groups were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) superior over T3 for feed intake, body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. T2 were significantly better than T3 in terms of body weight. For the Southern ecotype chickens, T1 were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) better than T3 for feed intake, body weight, and body weight gain. However, for feed intake and body weight gain, T2 were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) better than T3. Pearson correlation analysis also indicated a high, strong and significant (P &lt; 0.05) correlation between day-old phenotypic markers with body weight. Regression equations of day-old phenotypic markers with body weight were positive and significant (P &lt; 0.05) with coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.64 to 0.76 for Ross broilers and 0.81 to 0.95 for Southern ecotype chickens. CH and DOBW had the highest R2 values and thus the best predictors of body weight. Breast length, back length, circumference of the head, and day-old body weight taken on the chicks at one day old were effective in predicting final body weight. It was concluded that, the four (4) phenotypic markers could be used for selection purposes efficiently.

Effect giving leaf extract of Asystasia gangetica (L) subsp. Micrantha on the performance of bali duck male

Bali duck has the potential to be a provider of meat to meet food needs, but is still constrained by the low growth rate of bali ducks as meat producers in terms of quality and quantity. This study aims to determine the effect of giving leaf extract of Asystasia gangetica (L) subsp. Micrantha on the performance of bali ducks male. The experimental design used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and five replications and each treatment unit was with 3 ducks, so that were used 60 bali duck male. Treatment leaf extract of Asystasia gangetica (L) subsp. Micrantha through drinking water: 0% Asystasia gangetica leaf extract (A); 2% Asystasia gangetica leaf extract (B); 4% Asystasia gangetica leaf extract (C); and 6% Asystasia gangetica leaf extract (D). The variables observed were initial body weight, feed consumption, drinking water consumption, final body weight, weight gain, and FCR. The results showed that feed consumption, final body weight, weight gain, and FCR of bali ducks male giving leaf extract Asystasia gangetica was not able to improve duck performance, but giving 4-6% could reduce duck drinking water consumption. It can be concluded that the administration leaf extract of Asystasia gangetica (L) subsp. Micrantha through drinking water has not been able to improve duck performance, administration of 4-6% can reduce drinking water consumption of bali duck male.