Capacity Profile Research Articles

Effects of yeast culture on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity and hormonal profile in Mongolian ram lambs.

As effective growth-promoters and immune-modulators, yeast fermented products have shown positive effects in ruminants. To explore the mechanisms of yeast culture promoting growth and regulating immunity, this study investigated the effects of yeast culture, and β-glucan as one of its main active ingredients, on the growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity and hormonal profile in Mongolian ram lambs. One hundred and five Mongolian ram lambs were randomly assigned to 3 groups, with 35 replicates in each group. The dietary treatments were: total mixed ration (TMR) as the control group, TMR supplemented with 50-70 g/kg yeast culture (YC) or 75 mg/kg β-glucan. The test period was 137 days. All the sheep were weighed and 6 serum samples were collected in each group on days 0, 30, 60, 90 and 130, respectively. The results showed that both YC and β-glucan could promote the growth performance with increased average daily gain and decreased feed to weight gain ratio. Moreover, these two feed additives facilitated the immune function by selectively increasing the serum levels of lysozyme, IgG, IgM, INF-γ, TNF-α and some interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8); ameliorated the antioxidant capacity with higher total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase; altered the metabolism-associated hormone levels with higher growth hormone and thyroid hormone T3 but lower cortisol and insulin. In conclusion, both YC and β-glucan could improve the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity, and regulate the serum levels of metabolism-associated hormones, thus exerting effects of promoting growth and improving immune function. Therefore, YC could be considered as a suitable potential alternative strategy to antibiotics and be used as an animal feed additive. This article provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of such yeast fermented preparations in mutton sheep husbandry.

A Comparison Analysis of Quality and Metabolic Compounds in Lilies with Different Drying Treatments.

The present study aimed to investigate the variations in the nutritional composition, antioxidant capacity, and metabolite profile of lilies subjected to different drying treatments, including vacuum freeze drying (VFD), hot air drying (HAD), vacuum drying (VD), and infrared drying (ID). The results show that VFD provided better preservation of the original coloration and displayed the highest levels of total amino acid content, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and polysaccharide and alkaloid content. Our results reveal that VFD treatment can be employed to obtain high-quality lilies with desirable appearance characteristics and nutrient compositions. Metabolomics analysis identified a total of 464 metabolites from various dried lilies. Differential metabolite screening found 150 differential metabolites across all pairwise comparisons. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) indicated that lilies subjected to VFD treatment exhibited a higher abundance of steroids, saponin, flavonoids, and phenolic glycoside, whereas those subjected to HAD, VD, or ID treatments showed relatively elevated levels of specific amino acids or derivatives. This study elucidates the significant impact of various drying treatments on the quality and metabolic profile of lilies, thereby providing valuable insights for enhancing the nutritional quality of processed lilies.

Inflammatory bowel disease associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with an altered gut microbiome and bile acid profile.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD-PSC) carries significant morbidity compared to IBD without PSC. Alterations in microbial composition and bile acid (BA) profiles have been shown to modulate chronic inflammation in IBD, but data in IBD-PSC is scarce. We aimed to assess the differences in gut microbiome composition as well as in the BA profile and BA-related microbial functions between IBD-PSC and IBD-only. 54 IBD-PSC and 62 IBD-only subjects were enrolled from 2012 to 2021. Baseline samples were collected for fecal DNA shotgun metagenomic sequencing, fecal and serum BA quantitation using mass spectrometry and fecal calprotectin. Liver fibrosis measured by transient elastography (TE) was assessed in the IBD-PSC group. Data was analyzed using general linear regression models and Spearman rank correlation tests. Patients with IBD-PSC had reduced microbial gene richness (p=0.004) and significant compositional shifts (PERMANOVA: R2=0.01, p=0.03) compared to IBD-only. IBD-PSC was associated with altered microbial composition and function, including decreased abundance of Blautia obeum, increased abundance of Veillonella atypica, Veillonella dispar and Clostridium scindens (q<0.05 for all), and increased abundance of microbial genes involved in secondary BA metabolism. Decreased serum sulfated and increased serum conjugated secondary BA were associated with IBD-PSC and increased liver fibrosis. We identified differences in microbial species, functional capacity and serum BA profiles in IBD-PSC compared with IBD-only. Our findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of IBD associated with PSC and suggest possible targets for modulating the risk and course of IBD in subjects with PSC.

Enhancing mortadella formulations: Exploring the impact of curcumin microcrystals, cochineal carmine, and annatto dyes on sensory preferences, stability, and antioxidant potential

The effects of adding cochineal carmine and annatto dyes in five mortadella formulations made with curcumin microcrystals were compared, and the preference was evaluated and described sensorially. Based on the optimized formulation obtained with color parameters, two formulations were elaborated: curcumin microcrystals and cochineal carmine were added. During 60 days, pH, objective color, water retention capacity, lipid oxidation, and texture profile analyses were performed. The results demonstrate the possibility of excluding sodium erythorbate from formulations containing curcumin microcrystals. There was no significant difference in lipid oxidation between the samples, presenting at the end of 60 days a value of 0.11 mg and 0.10 mg of MDA kg−1 for the two samples, respectively. There were also no significant differences between the two samples or the evaluated storage times, and the average values obtained for pH, WRC, objective color, and TPA were expected for this type of cooked meat sausage. In the presence of curcumin microcrystals, the synthetic antioxidant, sodium erythorbate, can be eliminated from the formulations, as it does not affect the physical-chemical parameters studied, such as pH, water retention capacity, color objective, and texture profile.

Marine macroalgae in rabbit feed – Effects on meat quality

The addition of macroalgae to livestock diets has demonstrated to enhance the quality of meat by improving the muscle stability, antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile. However, information regarding rabbit meat is scarce. This study evaluated the effect of adding 1.025% of different macroalgae, dehydrated and as extracts (Saccharina latissima, Himanthalia elongata and Ulva spp.) to the diet of growing rabbits. Dietary supplementation with the Ulva spp. extract increased the fat content (0.96% vs 0.33% in control group) and the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (by 22%; P ≤ 0.022), but did not affect the moisture, protein or ash contents or the physicochemical properties of the rabbit longissiumus lumborum muscle. The antioxidant status of the meat was adequate and was not affected by the dietary supplements. The sensorial properties of the meat were also not affected, and dietary supplementation with both S. latissima and H. elongata actually enhanced the flavour and juiciness of the meat (P ≤ 0.01). Altogether, the study findings indicate that the addition of these sustainable ingredients to rabbit feed did not negatively affect meat quality, and some of them may potentially improve specific characteristics, which could make this meat more attractive to consumers.

Dependence of Electrochemical Performance of Ni-Rich NCM Cathode Materials on Recycling Methods

In this study, electrochemical analysis of the hydrometallurgy-recycled and direct-reused Li[Ni0.90Co0.05Mn0.05]O2, Li[Ni0.86Co0.08Mn0.06]O2 cathode materials were conducted to investigate performance difference depending on recycling methods. Electrochemical analysis showed direct-reused cathode have lower capacity and cycle retention than hydrometallurgy-recycled cathode. From the differential capacity profile (dQ dV-1), it was found that the direct-reused cathode was more vulnerable to structural changes due to phase transition than the hydrometallurgy-recycled cathode. Microcracking resulting from phase transition expedited electrolyte permeation and accelerated surface degradation of cathode materials. As a result of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the direct-reused cathode has higher charge transfer resistance (Rct) than the hydrometallurgy-recycled cathode, which means the more surface degradation occurred in the direct-reused cathode. These results indicate that direct reused cathode material without any other process such as hydrometallurgy recycling, can lead to significant capacity fading, and in particular, solution to surface degradation are required.

Enhancement of protein production in Aspergillus niger by engineering the antioxidant defense metabolism

BackgroundResearch on protein production holds significant importance in the advancement of food technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. Aspergillus niger stands out as an ideal microbial cell factory for the production of food-grade proteins, owing to its robust protein secretion capacity and excellent safety profile. However, the extensive oxidative folding of proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers ER stress, consequently leading to protein misfolding reactions. This stressful phenomenon results in the accelerated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby inducing oxidative stress. The accumulation of ROS can adversely affect intracellular DNA, proteins, and lipids.ResultIn this study, we enhanced the detoxification of ROS in A. niger (SH-1) by integrating multiple modules, including the NADPH regeneration engineering module, the glutaredoxin system, the GSH synthesis engineering module, and the transcription factor module. We assessed the intracellular ROS levels, growth under stress conditions, protein production levels, and intracellular GSH content. Our findings revealed that the overexpression of Glr1 in the glutaredoxin system exhibited significant efficacy across various parameters. Specifically, it reduced the intracellular ROS levels in A. niger by 50%, boosted glucoamylase enzyme activity by 243%, and increased total protein secretion by 88%.ConclusionThe results indicate that moderate modulation of intracellular redox conditions can enhance overall protein output. In conclusion, we present a strategy for augmenting protein production in A. niger and propose a potential approach for optimizing microbial protein production system.

Revealing sodium storage mechanism of graphitic carbons with various dimensions by a new strategy

Two kinds of graphitic carbon materials without closed pores were obtained by a new strategy in an effort to thoroughly characterize the sodium storage mechanism in the graphitic carbon anodes of sodium-ion batteries. In the first strategy, the interlayer distance is constant, but the defect concentration varies, while in the second strategy, the defect concentration is constant, but the interlayer distance varies and the graphitic crystallites are of different sizes. In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was employed to detect the intercalation/de-intercalation process of Na+ ions in these graphitic carbon materials. The results showed that Na+ intercalation in the interlayer space proceeds in two stages at 1.0–0.5 V and 0.5–0 V, contributing to both sloping and plateau capacity profiles. Moreover, the size of the graphene layers in the graphitic crystallites exerts an effect on the slope and plateau capacities in addition to the interlayer distance and defect concentration. Furthermore, the rate performance of a graphitic anode is mainly determined by the defect content, polar groups, and surface area, rather than the interlayer distance. This is due to the influence of defects and polar groups on the diffusion coefficients of Na+ in the insertion/extraction process in the interlayer space and in the Na+ adsorption/desorption process. This work provides new insight for the design of hard carbon anode materials for high-energy-density sodium-ion batteries.

Bending performance of laminated veneer lumber timber beams strengthened in the compression side with near-surface mounted CFRP plates

This study investigated the bending behavior of timber beams that were strengthened using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates. Fourteen laminated veneer lumber (LVL) timber beams, each measuring 60 mm×200 mm x 2400 mm, were subjected to four-point bending tests. The objective was to investigate the effect of using CFRP plates as near-surface mounted (NSM) strengthening in the compression zone on the bending behavior of the LVL timber beams. In this experiment, two beams were left unstrengthened while the remaining beams were strengthened with varying lengths, depths and numbers of CFRP plates. The beams load-midspan deflection relationship, ultimate load capacity, stiffness, failure mode, and strain profile distribution were analysed based on experimental results. The use of CFRP plates in the compression zone of LVL beams has been found to improve their strength and stiffness. The test result showed timber beams strengthened with CFRP plates with a reinforcement ratio ranging from 1.67 % to 5.00 % experienced a significant increase in bending strength of 4.24–28.85 % and an increase in bending stiffness of 16.48–62.51 %. These results indicate that NSM CFRP plates can effectively strengthen timber materials, offering improved bending performance and durability.

Lycopene Enhances the Beta Cell Capacity and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Metformin on Type 2 Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia causes dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin monotherapy is known to be less effective at improving glycemic status, insulin function, and lipid profiles. Lycopene is a potential antioxidant and has been shown to be hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic. However, the effects lycopene and metformin combination are still up for debate. This study was conducted to determine the potential of lycopene in enhancing the ability of metformin to improve glycemic status, insulin resistance, beta cell capacity, and lipid profile of T2DM rats.METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control (N), T2DM-untreated (D), T2DM + metformin (DM), T2DM + metformin + 10 mg/kgBW lycopene (DMLy-10), T2DM + metformin + 20 mg/kgBW lycopene (DMLy-20), and T2DM + metformin + 40 mg/kgBW lycopene (DMLy-40). The treatment was administered once daily through oral route and lasted for 28 days, before blood samples were collected. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was assessed by oxidase-peroxidase method, fasting serum insulin and HbA1c were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while lipid profile was determined using enzymatic methods. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (Homa-IR) as well as the homeostatic model evaluation of β-cell function (Homa-B) were then calculated.RESULTS: Fasting serum insulin levels increased significantly (p&lt;10.05) in the DMLy-20 and DMLy-40 groups, but Homa-B or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) did not significantly increase. Additionally, the FBG, HbA1c, Homa-IR, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were not significantly decreased than in the group treated with metformin alone.CONCLUSION: Lycopene can enhance the ability of metformin to improve the glycemic status, insulin resistance, beta-cell capacity, and lipid profile of T2DM rats.KEYWORDS: dyslipidemia, Homa-B, insulin resistance, lycopene, metformin, type 2 diabetes mellitus

Influence of Boiling Time on Chemical Composition and Properties of Tender and Mature Moringa Pods.

Moringa oleifera is a plant native to India that is well adapted to warm climates with a high yield and low agronomic requirements. Pods are one of the edible parts of this plant and are commonly consumed in some places, (India, Morocco, etc.) when in an early vegetative state. However, both production and consumption of this plant are scarce and seasonal in Europe and treatments to extend its shelf life are required. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to evaluate the variation in the physicochemical properties of Moringa oleifera pods at two stages of maturity, tender and mature, in terms of mass variation, optical and mechanical properties, protein content, total antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile, after boiling them in tap water at 100 °C for different lengths of time (0, 2, 5, 8, 12, 16, and 20 min). The mass of the tender pods increased by 15% during cooking, while the mature pods gradually lost weight. The protein content was approximately 4% with no significant change brought about by cooking. Ferulic, trans-cinnamic, p-coumaric, and ellagic acids were found in the fresh pods. During cooking, these phenols disappeared, and others appeared, including epicatechin and quercetin 3-glucoside, especially in the tender pods. In conclusion, boiling could contribute to an improvement in the organoleptic properties of moringa pods and to an extension of their storage and to wider availability on the market.

Formulation and evaluation of Dorzolamide hydrochloride microsponges loaded in situ gel for ocular administration

Due to the unique structure of the eye, which inhibits the entry of drug molecules into the desired site, the ophthalmic delivery of the drug has been one of the most challenging tasks for a pharmaceutical scientist. For this reason, in this investigation a novel microsponge for an anti-glaucoma drug, Dorzolamide hydrochloride, was formulated as in situ gel for ocular administration with an aim to improve its therapeutic efficacy and reduce the systemic adverse effects. The microsponges were prepared by the quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method and was incorporated into 20% pluronic F-127 which led to consistent in situ gel at 35°C. They were evaluated for physicochemical properties like pH, gelling capacity, gelation time, rheological properties and release profile and ocular irritancy test. The prepared Dorzolamide hydrochloride microsponges showed high entrapment efficiency of 85% and mean particle size of 2 μm with polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.77 which are ideal for ocular delivery. These microsponges is formulated into in situ gel which showed higher therapeutic efficacy compared to free drug in gel. It was found to be non-irritant to the rabbit’s eye. These results confirms that Dorzolamide hydrochloride microsponges in situ gels have promising features, benefits and advantages for a novel ophthalmic drug delivery to treat glaucoma.

Effect of Lentinus sajor-caju on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of highland barley straw under solid-state fermentation.

The efficient utilization of straw resources as animal feed has gained considerable attention. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Lentinus sajor-caju treatment alters the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of highland barley straw and enhances its functional value as a ruminant feed. The chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and metabolomic profile of highland barley straw were determined after 21 days of solid-state fermentation with L. sajor-caju at 25°C. The differential metabolites between fermented and unfermented highland barley straw were identified by LC-MS and the relationship between the identified metabolites and antioxidant capacity was elucidated. The results showed that, compared with untreated highland barley straw, the crude protein and ether extract contents were higher (51.55 and 76.43%, respectively) in highland barley straw after 21 days of incubation with L. sajor-caju, whereas the hemicellulose, cellulose, and acid detergent lignin contents were lower (2.48, 25.08, and 45%, respectively). The total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in L. sajor-caju-treated than in untreated highland barley straw. In total, 600 differential metabolites (301 upregulated and 299 downregulated) were identified between L. sajor-caju-fermented and unfermented highland barley straw. Correlation analysis results showed that Fe2+ scavenging and total phenolic content were strongly correlated with total antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, the differential flavonoid metabolites between fermented and unfermented highland barley straw were primarily associated with antioxidant activity, with kaempferol 3-xylosylglucoside, isoginkgetin, and rhoifolin being the most representative. Thus, this study demonstrates that L. sajor-caju could enhance the functional value of highland barley straw, showing the potential of L. sajor-caju for improving the utilization of agricultural straws in ruminants.

Effect of microbial biostimulants on the antioxidant profile, antioxidant capacity and activity of enzymes influencing the quality level of raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.)

The influence of four microbial biostimulants containing various strains of Bacillus subtilis and/or Paenibacillus sp. on the quality of raspberries cv. Delniwa, Poemat, and Enrosadira cultivated in two consecutive seasons was investigated. The biostimulants influenced the antioxidant level, antioxidant capacity, phenolic acids and flavonoids profiles, enzymatic activity, and the degree of methylation and acetylation of the pectin in the raspberry fruits. The biostimulants had the greatest effect on the antioxidant content (16% - 20% increase) and capacity in the Delniwa raspberry fruits from the first season. A positive correlation was found between the activity of the β-galactosidase enzyme and ferric reducing power. In the second season, a decrease in the activity of pectin esterase and α-L-arabinofuranosidase and an increase in the degree of methylation of pectin were noted. Our results suggest that the changes in raspberry quality were related to the type of biostimulant applied.

Contribution to Characterizing the Meat Quality of Protected Designation of Origin Serrana and Preta de Montesinho Kids Using the Near-Infrared Reflectance Methodology.

The aims of this study were to describe and compare the meat quality characteristics of male and female kids from the "Serrana" and "Preta de Montesinho" breeds certified as "Cabrito Transmontano" and reinforce the performance of near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectra in predicting these quality characteristics and discriminating among breeds. Samples of Longissimus thoracis (n = 32; sixteen per breed; eight males and eight females) were used. Breed significantly affected meat quality characteristics, with only color and fatty acid (FA) (C12:0) being influenced by sex. The meat of the "Serrana" breed proved to be more tender than that of the "Preta de Montesinho". However, the meat from the "Preta de Montesinho" breed showed higher intramuscular fat content and was lighter than that from the "Serrana" breed, which favors its quality of color and juiciness. The use of NIR with the linear support vector machine regression (SVMR) classification model demonstrated its capability to quantify meat quality characteristics such as pH, CIELab color, protein, moisture, ash, fat, texture, water-holding capacity, and lipid profile. Discriminant analysis was performed by dividing the sample spectra into calibration sets (75 percent) and prediction sets (25 percent) and applying the Kennard-Stone algorithm to the spectra. This resulted in 100% correct classifications with the training data and 96.7% accuracy with the test data. The test data showed acceptable estimation models with R2 > 0.99.

Seasonal and Morphology Effects on Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, and Sugars Profile of Black Carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.).

Black carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) is widely recognized for its bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. The black carrot of Cuevas Bajas (Málaga) is a local variety characterized by a black/purple core, which differs from other black carrot varieties. Therefore, this autochthonous variety was characterized according to the root size and the harvesting season by means of a study of its antioxidant capacity analyzed by three methods, its total carotenoids content, and its sugars and phenolic compounds profile by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). A total of 20 polyphenolic compounds were quantified in 144 samples analyzed. The anthocyanidins group was observed to be the most abundant, followed by the hydroxycinnamic acids group. Moreover, pelargonidin 3-sambubioside was observed in black carrot for the first time. The medium-sized carrots presented the highest content of phenolic compounds, largely due to their significantly higher anthocyanidins content. Comparatively, the small carrots showed a higher content of simple sugars than the large ones. Regarding the influence of season, significantly higher quantities of glucose and fructose were observed in the late-season carrots, while sucrose was the main sugar in early-season samples. No significant differences were observed in the total carotenoid content of black carrot.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN CACHICHÍN NUTS (Oecopetalum mexicanum Greenm. &amp; C.H. Thomps.) EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT THERMAL TREATMENTS

The cachichín tree (Oecopetalum mexicanum Greenm. &amp; C.H. Thomps.), present in the Sierra de Misantla, Veracruz, Mexico, produces fruits with bitter-tasting nuts, traditionally consumed as a healthy snack, boiled or toasted. These nuts have significant concentrations of lipids, proteins, fiber, and ash, although their antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile in response to different thermal treatments have not been explored. The objective of this study was to analyze the antioxidant activity and determine the concentrations of free and total phenolic compounds in the raw (T1) cachichín nuts and nuts subjected to different thermal treatments, including boiled (T2), commercial toast (T3), and controlled toast at laboratory level (T4). The nuts subjected to controlled toasting (T4) showed the highest mean in antioxidant activity (20.73 %), followed by commercial toasting (T3; 19.41 %) and raw nuts (T1; 15.38 %), while the boiled nuts (T2) showed the lowest values (9.68 %). Regarding free phenols, the highest concentration of catechin was found in raw nuts (T1), with 278.91 mg g-1 fresh biomass weight (FBW). Trans-ferulic acid was more abundant in the toasting treatments (7.09 ng g-1 FBW in T3 and 6.13 ng g-1 FBW in T4) compared to raw nuts (T1; 3.77 ng g-1 FBW). Trans-coumaric acid was higher with controlled toasting (T4; 2.67 ng g-1 FBW). In terms of total phenols, raw nuts (T1) showed the highest concentration of catechin (613.95 mg g-1 FBW), while chlorogenic acid was more abundant in commercial toasting (T3; 89.12 ng g-1 FBW). Total trans-ferulic acid was higher in boiled and toasted nuts (T2, T3, and T4), while trans-coumaric acid was highest in controlled toasting (T4) and lowest in boiled (T2). Cachichín nuts are concluded to contain phenolic compounds with beneficial functions, whose concentrations can be altered in response to the thermal treatments applied.

PSVI-16 Inclusion of dietary micelle silymarin on production performance, egg quality, storage capacity, and blood profile Sin Hy-line brown laying hens

Abstract Silymarin is known to have immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of micelle silymarin (MS) supplementation on production performance, egg quality, egg water loss, and blood profile in Hy-line brown laying hens. For 12 wk, a total of 288, 28-wk-old laying hens were randomly allocated into one of three treatment groups. The dietary treatments were control (CON) a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 0.03, and 0.06% of MS. All hens were housed in an individual cage with 38 cm width × 50 cm length × 40 cm height. Growth performance was recorded at d 1, wk 6, and wk 12. The egg production and feed conversion ratio were recorded at the end of every week. The egg quality and water loss were measured at the end of wk 4, 8, and 12. At initial and at the end of wk 12, 5 mL of blood was collected to analyze aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglycerides, albumin, and cholesterol concentrations. All data were analyzed by the GLM procedure of SAS. The polynomial orthogonal contrasts of increasing dietary MS supplementation were examined by linear and quadratic effects. The inclusion of MS supplement in laying hen diet did not exhibit significant impact on growth performance. However, MS group showed linear improvement in egg weight, Haugh Units, and eggshell strength throughout the trial period (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, egg yolk color and eggshell thickness indicated linear improvements particularly at wk 4 and 8 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). While albumen height and egg water in MS group were linearly increased at wk 12 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Compared with CON, laying hens fed MS supplement has linearly decreased the ALP and cholesterol concentrations in the serum (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Based on the findings, we inferred that the inclusion of 0.04 to 0.06% MS in the laying hen diet would not only increase the production performance, egg quality, and egg water loss traits but also to improve laying hens’ health.

Effect of changing the proportion of C16:0 and cis-9 C18:1 in fat supplements on rumen fermentation, glucose and lipid metabolism, antioxidation capacity, and visceral fatty acid profile in finishing Angus bulls

This study evaluated the effects of different proportions of palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (cis-9 C18:1) acids in fat supplements on rumen fermentation, glucose (GLU) and lipid metabolism, antioxidant function, and visceral fat fatty acid (FA) composition in Angus bulls. The design of the experiment was a randomized block design with 3 treatments of 10 animals each. A total of 30 finishing Angus bulls (21 ± 0.5 months) with an initial body weight of 626 ± 69 kg were blocked by weight into 10 blocks, with 3 bulls per block. The bulls in each block were randomly assigned to one of three experimental diets: (1) control diet without additional fat (CON), (2) CON + 2.5% palmitic calcium salt (PA; 90% C16:0), (3) CON + 2.5% mixed FA calcium salts (MA; 60% C16:0 + 30% cis-9 C18:1). Both fat supplements increased C18:0 and cis-9 C18:1 in visceral fat (P < 0.05) and up-regulated the expression of liver FA transport protein 5 (FATP5; P < 0.001). PA increased the insulin concentration (P < 0.001) and aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST; P = 0.030) in bull's blood while reducing the GLU concentration (P = 0.009). PA increased the content of triglycerides (TG; P = 0.014) in the liver, the content of the C16:0 in visceral fat (P = 0.004), and weight gain (P = 0.032), and up-regulated the expression of liver diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2; P < 0.001) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1; P < 0.05). MA increased plasma superoxide dismutase activity (SOD; P = 0.011), reduced the concentration of acetate and total volatile FA (VFA) in rumen fluid (P < 0.05), and tended to increase plasma non-esterified FA (NEFA; P = 0.069) concentrations. Generally, high C16:0 fat supplementation increased weight gain in Angus bulls and triggered the risk of fatty liver, insulin resistance, and reduced antioxidant function. These adverse effects were alleviated by partially replacing C16:0 with cis-9 C18:1.

Effects of selenium nanoparticles on larval development, ontogeny of antioxidant enzymes and fatty acid profile in Arabian yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus arabicus)

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that has vital effects on growth, antioxidant capacity and early development in marine fish larvae. However, traditional livefoods such as rotifer and artemia lack of Se. In this regard, a 50-day feeding experiment was conducted in order to examine the effects of Rotifer and Artemia enrichment with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on growth, antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile of Arabian yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) larvae. Four levels of SeNPs were used to prepare the experimental emulsions,including control (0), 0.5, 1.0 and 5 mg SeNPs L−1. Larvae were stocked at density of 50 larvae L−1 into twelve 250-L cylindrical tanks. Tanks supplied with seawater (23 ± 1 ºC; 40.0 ± 1.0 g L−1). Green water was used from day first until 20 days after hatch (DAH). Rotifers (15 ml−1) were offered to larvae from day 2–21 DAH and Artemia metanauplii (1–3 Artemia ml−1) were offered to larvae from day 18–45 DAH. Fish were sampled at 0, 7, 10, 15, 22, 30, 40, 45, 50 DAH. The Se concentration in the livefoods and larval whole body linearly increased with the increment of SeNPs level in the experimental emulsions. Larvae wet weight showed quadratic response and increased with SeNPs up to 1 mg mg SeNPs/L, then decreased in SeNPs (5.0) group. The activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity increased but malondialdehyde level decreased in larvae fed the SeNPs-enriched livefoods and showed both linear and quadratic responses. Lysozyme activity in the whole body of larvae fed SeNPs-enriched livefoods had both linear and quadratic responses and in the most of the sampling times was higher than the control group. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) level in the livefoods and larval whole body increased with SeNPs. In conclusion, livefoods enrichment with SeNPs at 1 mg L−1 is recommended to elevate the antioxidant capacity and non-specific immune response in A. arabicus larvae.