Commercial Supplements Research Articles

171 The effects of supplementing a chelated mineral containing Ascophyllum nodosum on intake and performance of creep-fed hair lambs

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two commercial mineral supplements on ewes/lamb pairs DMI and ADG. All ewes prior to lambing were maintained a sheep pellet formulated for no mineral, vitamin, or probiotic content at a rate of 2% body weight, ad libitum Bermuda hay, and ad libitum access to the control mineral supplement. Ewe/lamb pairs were randomly assigned based on twining and parity to study groups four days post-lambing. The treatment (TRT) group had 12 ewes/18 lambs, and a control (CNTRL) group had 11 ewes/17 lambs, and was conducted over 6wks. Lambs in both groups were offered ad libitum alfalfa via a creep feeding gate. The TRT group received a commercial chelated mineral mix that included Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract in the blend and the CNTRL received a commercial non-chelated mineral without seaweed extract. Chelated minerals were Cu, Mn, and Zn. Daily feed and ort samples were collected 2x week and dried at 55℃ for analysis. Feed was adjusted daily to maintain a 3–5% refusal rate. Samples were compiled by week and analyzed for DM, Ash, aNDF, aADF, EE, and CP. Blood samples were collected from a subset of 7 ewes per group, 3x during the study (wk1, wk3, wk6) for later trace mineral analysis (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se). Results indicate a significant difference in mineral DMI between groups (P = 0.03), but no significant impact on DMI of Bermuda or alfalfa. ADG for lambs was numerically increased 0.25±0.01 TRT versus 0.23±0.01 kg CNTRL but was not statistically significant (P = 0.18). No significant differences in trace mineral levels between groups or over time were seen. All mineral levels were in the normal range for both groups. It appears the addition of the chelated mineral with Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract did not improve ADG or DMI, but the results of this study were potentially affected by severe weather conditions. Further study is needed under more favorable conditions to confirm product impacts in ewe/lamb pairs.

Comparative Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Mucus Induction Properties of Selected Bacillus Strains against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

Probiotics have been shown to bind to host receptors, which are important for pathogen adhesion and induce the host’s production of defence factors. They can activate the goblet-cell-derived production of mucins, a major component of the mucus layer and a physical barrier participating in limiting the proximity of microorganisms to the epithelial layer. In the last decade, Bacillus spp. strains have gained interest in human and animal health due to their tolerance and stability under gastrointestinal tract conditions. Moreover, Bacillus spp. strains can also produce various antimicrobial peptides that can support their use as commercial probiotic supplements and functional foods. The present study aimed to evaluate and determine the ability of selected Bacillus spp. strains to inhibit the growth of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 and to reduce binding of ETEC F4 to HT29-16E (mucus-secreting and goblet-like) human intestinal cells. Moreover, mucus production in the HT29 cells in the presence of the Bacillus spp. strains was quantified by ELISA. Bacillus spp. strains (CHCC 15076, CHCC 15516, CHCC 15541, and CHCC 16872) significantly inhibited the growth of ETEC F4. Moreover, the ability of the probiotic Bacillus spp. strains to stimulate mucin release was highly strain dependent. The treatment with Bacillus subtilis CHCC 15541 resulted in a significant increase of both MUC2 and MUC3 in HT29-16E cells. Therefore, this strain could be an up-and-coming candidate for developing commercial probiotic supplements to prevent infections caused by ETEC F4 and, potentially, other pathogens.

Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity of Stevia Extract, Stevioside, Rebaudioside A and Their Aglycon Steviol.

Governments are creating regulations for consumers to reduce their sugar intake, prompting companies to increase the ratio of artificial sweeteners in their products. However, there is evidence of some deleterious effects ascribed to the aforementioned synthetic agents and therefore consumers and food manufacturers have turned their attention to natural dietary sweeteners, such as stevia, to meet their sweetening needs. Stevia is generally considered safe; however, emerging scientific evidence has implicated the agent in gut microbial imbalance. In general, regulation of microbial behavior is known to depend highly on signaling molecules via quorum sensing (QS) pathways. This is also true for the gut microbial community. We, therefore, evaluated the possible role of these stevia-based natural sweeteners on this bacterial communication pathway. The use of a commercial stevia herbal supplement resulted in an inhibitory effect on bacterial communication, with no observable bactericidal effect. Purified stevia extracts, including stevioside, rebaudioside A (Reb A), and steviol revealed a molecular interaction, and possible interruption of Gram-negative bacterial communication, via either the LasR or RhlR receptor. Our in-silico analyses suggest a competitive-type inhibitory role for steviol, while Reb A and stevioside are likely to inhibit LasR-mediated QS in a non-competitive manner. These results suggest the need for further safety studies on the agents.

Real-World Treatment Patterns, Healthcare Resource Utilization and Associated Costs Among Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Later Lines of Therapy

Real-World Treatment Patterns, Healthcare Resource Utilization and Associated Costs Among Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Later Lines of Therapy

3D Cell Culture of Human Salivary Glands Using Nature-Inspired Functional Biomaterials: The Egg Yolk Plasma and Egg White

The egg yolk plasma (EYP)—a translucent fraction of the egg yolk (EY) obtained by centrifugation—was tested as a developmentally encouraging, cost-effective, biomaterial for salivary gland (SG) tissue engineering. To find optimal incubating conditions for both the human NS-SV-AC SG acinar cell line and SG fibroblasts, cells were stained with Live/Dead®. The cellular contents of 96-well plates were analyzed by high content screening image analysis. Characteristically, the EYP biomaterial had lipid and protein content resembling the EY. On its own, the EYP was non-conducive to cell survival. EYP’s pH of 6 mainly contributed to cell death. This was demonstrated by titrating EYP’s pH with different concentrations of either commercial cell culture media, NaOH, or egg white (EW). These additives improved SG mesenchymal and epithelial cell survival. The best combinations were EYP diluted with (1) 70% commercial medium, (2) 0.02 M NaOH, or (3) 50% EW. Importantly, commercial medium-free growth was obtained with EYP + NaOH or EYP + EW. Furthermore, 3D cultures were obtained as a result of EW’s gelatinous properties. Here, the isolation, characterization, and optimization of three EYP-based biomaterial combinations are shown; two were free of commercial medium or supplements and supported both SG cells’ survival.

Comparison of functional characteristics of distinct Saccharomyces boulardii strains isolated from commercial food supplements

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast with several health benefits. An important number of products are available in the market claiming to contain probiotic S. boulardii strains and these numbers are increasing. In this study, S. boulardii strains were isolated from commercial products, identified and characterised in terms of several probiotic features. Eleven distinct S. boulardii strains were identified by genotypic tests followed by FT-IR spectroscopy and biochemical analysis which were used to differentiate S. boulardii strains from other yeasts including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. All tested strains showed high level of survival under harsh conditions and auto-aggregation characteristics. The hydrophobicity of S. boulardii strains revealed strain specific features and only two strains survived at pH of 2.5. A high level of survival under bile salts conditions were observed for all tested strains. Distinct S. boulardii strains were found to be resistant to bacterial antibiotics whereas they were sensitive to fungal antibiotics. Finally, S. boulardii strains showed high level of antibacterial and antifungal activities particularly against Salmonella Typhimurium and Aspergillus niger, respectively. This study revealed the differences in the functional characteristics of S. boulardii strains available in the market.

Desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros alimentados com dieta de alto grão

Neste estudo investiga-se o efeito de diferentes composições de dietas de alto grão na terminação de cordeiros sobre o desempenho e alterações no comportamento ingestivo e fisiológico. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos, sem padrão racial definido com peso inicial médio de 20,9 kg, com 6 meses de idade. Foram elaboradas três dietas com diferentes proporções de concentrado e volumoso (100:0, 80:20 e 60:40), sendo a porção concentrada das dietas compostas por grão de milho inteiro associando ao suplemento protéico-mineral-vitamínico. Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) das dietas teste para os consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria mineral (MM), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), carboidratos totais (CT) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT), expressos em g/dia e % de peso vivo. As médias de ganho de peso total e diário e peso de abate foram semelhantes (P > 0,05) entre as dietas, registrando-se ganho de peso diário de 0,302, 0,254 e 0,259 g/dia com 100, 80 e 60% de concentrado, respectivamente. Os cordeiros alimentados exclusivamente com concentrado diminuíram o tempo dedicado a ruminação (P ≤ 0,05), e apresentaram maior eficiência na alimentação (EAL) e ruminação (ERU). Os animais da dieta sem volumoso apresentaram acentuada variação de temperatura na região do rúmen, enquanto que cordeiros das dietas com 80 e 60% de concentrado apresentaram alterações de temperaturas próximas no mesmo período de avaliação. Todas as dietas avaliadas apresentaram desempenho satisfatório, e apesar das alterações observadas no comportamento ingestivo dos animais, essas não foram suficientes para prejudicar os índices de desempenho dos cordeiros.

ω-3 and ω-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Obesity and Cancer.

Recently, nutraceutical bioactive compounds in foods have been discovered for their potential health benefits regarding the prevention of chronic disorders, such as cancer, and inflammatory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3PUFAs), including alpha-linolenic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid, are mostly attractive. They are available for the customers worldwide from commonly used foods and/or as components of commercial food supplements. The anti-inflammatory and hypotriglyceridemic effects of these fatty acids are well known, whereas pro-inflammatory properties have been recognized in their dietary counterparts, the ω-6PUFAs. Both ω-3 and ω-6PUFAs contribute to the production of lipid mediators such as endocannabinoids that are notably involved in control of food intake, energy sensing, and food–related disorders. In this review, we present ω-3 and ω-6PUFAs and their derivatives, endocannabinoids; discuss the anti-obesity effects of ω-3PUFAs; their roles in inflammation and colorectal cancer development; and how their action can be co-preventative and co-therapeutic.

Effects of probiotic supplementation to diets on apparent fibre digestibility in Indonesian thin-tailed rams

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of commercial probiotic supplementation in diet on apparent digestibility of forage fibre fractions, namely acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), cellulose, and hemicellulose in Indonesian thin-tailed rams. Twenty Indonesian local rams (22 ± 0.7 kg of live weight) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. The treatments were the percentage of probiotic supplementation on basal diet: PP0 (control/basal diet with no probiotic supplementation); PP025 (basal diet with 0.25% probiotic); PP050 (basal diet with 0.50% probiotic); PP075 (basal diet with 0.75% probiotic). The calculated amount of probiotic is then mixed to the basal diet prior to supplying to the animals. Rams fed diet with 0.50% and 0.75% probiotic supplementation had higher ADF, NDF, and cellulose digestibility compared with other treatments. In conclusion, the supplementation 0.50% probiotic in the diet is beneficial to enhance forage fibre digestibility in rams without giving any negative effect on performance.

Phosphorus supplementation does not affect the intake, digestibility, and meat quality of Nellore young bulls fed with high-grain diets

This study evaluated the effect of phosphorus (P) supplementation on the intake, digestibility, and quality of aged meat from Nellore young bulls fed on high-grain diets finished in feedlot. Forty young bulls (30 months old) with an initial body weight (IBW) of 296 ± 25 kg were used. It was distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. The treatments were: without P supplementation (CO), commercial mineral supplement (CM), and supplementation with dicalcium phosphate (DP) with 2.4, 4.2, or 5.0 g of P per kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. Diets were composed of sugarcane bagasse (200 g kg-1) plus concentrate (800 g kg-1) on a dry matter (DM) basis. The meat quality parameters analyzed were pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, and water-holding capacity. P supplementation did not affect the intake and digestibility of nutrients There was no interaction (p > 0.05%) between diets and the aging time for the meat quality parameters. However, bulls fed with DP exhibited lower pH (5.98) compared to CO and CM (6.19 and 6.14, respectively). The longer aging time increased the cooking losses and intensity of yellow (b*). Under Brazilian conditions, feedlot Nellore cattle fed with high-grain diets do not require additional mineral supplements.

Physical characterization of fatty acid supplements with varying enrichments of palmitic and stearic acid by differential scanning calorimetry

Saturated fatty acid supplements commonly fed to dairy cows differ in their fatty acid (FA) profile. Some supplements with very high enrichments of palmitic acid (PA) or stearic acid (SA) have been reported to have low total-tract digestibility. Saturated FA have the potential to form crystalline structures at high purity that may affect digestibility. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a thermal technique commonly used in materials science to measure the change in heat flow as energy is absorbed or released from a sample during heating, and it was used to characterize a series of experimental and commercial fat supplements. Our hypothesis was that products with very high enrichment of either PA or SA would differ in thermal characteristics compared with those that include moderate levels of a second FA because of the formation of secondary crystalline structures, which may contribute to decreased digestibility. First, replicated runs demonstrated low variation in melting temperature (MT) and enthalpy (coefficient of variation <4%). The effect of physical form was evaluated by comparing an initial thermal cycle to a second, successive thermal cycle after samples had resolidified in the test pan. Melting temperature was slightly increased by 1.3°C by the second cycle compared with the first, but there was no change in enthalpy. Next, supplements with 98% SA, 98% PA, and an SA/PA (44%/55%) blend with undetectable levels of unsaturated FA were compared. Melting temperature of the SA/PA mixture was 61.2°C and similar to the expected MT of PA (62.9°C). However, the MT of the high-purity SA and PA were increased to 73.7°C and 67.8°C, respectively, and enthalpy increased by 12.5% compared with the SA/PA blend. An FA stock highly enriched in SA (>98%) had the highest MT, and one moderately enriched in PA (∼85%) that contained 10.1% unsaturated FA had the lowest enthalpy value of all FA supplements and experimental stocks that were characterized. Differential scanning calorimetry may be useful to screen and design supplements with improved physical properties that may be associated with digestibility.

Characterization of Different Commercial Dietary Supplements in the Peri-Weaning Period on Consumption and Growth Performance in C57Bl/6J Mice.

Simple SummaryThe current study compares two different commercially available nutritional supplements promoted as caloric support for weanlings for acceptability and effect on weight and survival in mouse pups and lactating dams in the peri-weaning phase with standard diet mash or no supplementation. Our aim was to provide an independent characterization of nutritional supplementation on survival and weight gain in a commonly used mouse strain. These factors influence animal welfare and are essential for the success of a general breeding program. Similarly, supplementation in the peri-weaning phase can alter early nutrition depending on type, which can introduce unintentional confounding that affects the reliability of subsequent experimental outcomes. This study was also designed to consider pragmatic aspects including timing, cost-effectiveness, diet composition, and practicality in an effort to identify supplements capable of optimally supporting pup growth and survival for various research applications in diverse animal use programs.This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of common commercially available dietary supplementation in the peri-weaning period on feed intake, growth, and survival in C57Bl/6J mouse pups and lactating dams. A total of 96 pups and their dams were randomized to the control group or one of three nutritional supplement treatment groups: (i) control group without supplementation, or (ii) weanling-targeted Clear H2O gel (Gel), (iii) transgenic-targeted Bio-Serv dough (Dough), or (iv) dam diet as a mash (Chow), in the peri-weaning period (from 11 to 28 days). Stool was observed daily for a dye marker indicating supplement consumption. Pups were weaned at 21 days and followed for a total of 42 days. No pup morbidity or mortality was observed. There was a higher proportion of pups consuming dough and gel earlier than chow (p = 0.0091). The majority of treated pups (>95%) were consuming the supplement by day 23 (range 15–23), suggesting interplay between organoleptic properties of the supplement and pup maturity. All groups gained weight, with typical sexual dimorphism observed in the growth curves. Dough treatment led to significantly higher average daily gain in male pups (0.64 ± 0.03 g/d) as compared with controls (0.58 ± 0.03 g/d). The highest average daily gain in all groups was observed pre-weaning between days 21 and 28. Compared with controls, the weight gain slope was significantly higher in the Dough and Chow treatment groups and lower in Gel treatment groups, with a more pronounced effect in males. In this study, the composition of nutritional supplementation was the dominant factor in increasing the growth trend as opposed to energy density. Peri-weaning supplementation with Dough and Chow treatments improved pre- and post-growth performance in a comparable way and was more effective than Gel treatment during adaptation to solid feeding. Proper application of supplements to support weanlings can directly improve welfare and limit unintended experimental variability.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of five commercial turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) supplements

We evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of five commercial turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplements: (1) bulk samples, (2) turmeric root from India, (3) curcuma turmeric Pronat® , (4) turmeric & black pepper Swanson® , and (5) C3 complex® turmeric curcumin. Glucose diffusion and enzymatic starch digestion assays, using α-amylase and α-glucosidase, were performed. The antioxidant activity of turmeric supplements was measured through lipid peroxidation inhibition and the scavenging radical assay. A starch dose of 102mg/Kg of body weight (equivalent to 1g/day in humans) was used to perform the oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) in Wistar male rats. All turmeric supplements decreased glucose diffusion and α-glucosidase enzyme activity, and inhibited lipid peroxidation. The rats that received bulk samples and CT showed significantly lower glucose levels than rats receiving acarbose and those of negative control group. Our results show that biological activities of turmeric supplements vary according to the commercial presentation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study results suggest that the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of five commercial turmeric supplements vary among them. The information provided would be useful to physicians and individuals using these supplements.

In vitro evaluation of different organic matrices used to modulate silicon bioavailability.

Silicon (Si) has numerous health properties. It is an element of the extracellular matrix; it is involved in collagen synthesis, bone mineralization, and immune system modulation; and it reduces metal accumulation in Alzheimer's disease and the risk of atherosclerosis. Given its poor intestinal absorption, Si is ingested in the form of orthosilicic acid (OSA) to promote its bioavailability. The aim of this work was to compare different commercial dietary supplements containing stabilized OSA to ascertain their bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and safety in a model of human intestinal epithelium. Biocompatibility with the glycocalyx was also investigated. Supplements containing collagen, maltodextrins, and choline as OSA stabilizers were analyzed. Bioaccessibility was explored by means of an in vitro digestive process. Bioavailability was investigated using a Caco2 cell line alone, or co-culturing with a HT29-MTX cell line. The safety of the compounds tested (in terms of intestinal epithelium integrity) was judged on the grounds of MTS assay, transepithelial electrical resistance, and apparent permeability. The three formulations were also tested in a Caco2 cell model of intestinal glycocalyx Si retention. The choline-formulated OSA formulation outperformed the maltodextrin-stabilized supplement, with a Si bioavailability about 14 times higher (P<.05). The choline-formulated OSA formulation increased cell permeability, with consequent intestinal epithelium disruption. The supplements' absorption and bioavailability (and harmfulness) differed considerably, depending on the OSA stabilizer involved. Of the three formulations tested, the collagen-formulated OSA represents the best Si dietary supplement.

Testing the regulatory framework in South Africa \u2013 a single-blind randomized pilot trial of commercial probiotic supplementation to standard therapy in women with bacterial vaginosis

BackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV) increases HIV risk and adverse reproductive outcomes. Standard-of-care (SOC) for BV are antibiotics; however, cure rates are low. Probiotics for vaginal health may be useful in improving cure and recurrence although the regulatory framework governing probiotics and the conduct of randomized clinical trials to evaluate these has not been established in South Africa. We performed an exploratory single-blind trial evaluating a commercial oral-vaginal-combination probiotic as adjunct to SOC for BV treatment.MethodsWomen with symptomatic vaginal discharge were screened for BV and common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). BV+ (Nugent 7–10) but STI- women were randomized to vaginal metronidazole alone (n = 12) or to metronidazole followed by a commercial oral/vaginal probiotic (n = 18). The primary qualitative outcome was to test the regulatory landscape for conducting randomized probiotic trials in South Africa; and acceptability of vaginal application by women. BV cure at 1 month (Nugent≤3) was the primary quantitative endpoint. Secondary quantitative endpoints were BV recurrence, symptoms, vaginal microbiota and genital cytokine changes over 5 months post-treatment.ResultsThe South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) reviewed and approved this trial. As probiotics continue to be regulated as health supplements in South Africa, SAHPRA required a notification application for this trial. Acceptability and adherence to the oral and vaginal application of the probiotic were high, although women reported a preference for oral capsules. 44.8% of women cleared BV one-month post-treatment, and no significant differences in BV cure (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.24–1.16), recurrence, vaginal pH, symptoms, microbiota or vaginal IL-1α concentrations were found between SOC and intervention groups in this pilot study with an over-the-counter product.ConclusionNavigation of the SAHPRA registration process for evaluating a commercial probiotic in a randomised trial laid the foundation for planned larger trials of improved probiotic products for vaginal health in South Africa. Although adherence to the vaginally delivered probiotic was high, women preferred oral application and we recommend that improvements in the content and method of application for future probiotics for vaginal health should be considered.Trial registrationThis trial was registered on 17 October 2017 with the South African National Clinical Trial Register (http://www.sanctr.gov.za/; BV-trial1; DOH-27-1117-5579).

Protein quality and safety evaluation of sarcoplasmic protein derived from silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) using a rat model.

Consisting of 25 to 30% of protein in carp, water-soluble sarcoplasmic proteins lost in wash water, have been recovered and freeze-dried into a protein-rich powder. Study objectives were to evaluate protein quality and safety of a silver carp sarcoplasm derived protein powder (CSP) compared to commercial protein supplements, casein, and whey. In vivo protein quality assessment of CSP showed a lower (P<0.05) protein digestibility corrected amino acid score compared to the commercial protein sources. Despite greater (P<0.05) fecal amino acid excretion in casein-fed rats, there were no significant differences in liver and muscle amino acid profiles. All low (10%kcal) protein diets supported growth with the normal range. However, whey protein supplementation resulted in greater (P<0.05) adiposity. CSP, casein, or whey-fed rats showed no differences in major organ weights, renal damage biomarkers, or bone indices. Collectively, results indicated CSP was safe with protein quality comparable to casein. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: As much as 40 percent of protein in fish can be lost due to sarcoplasmic protein solubilization in processing wash water. Silver carp sarcoplasm protein powder may have similar commercial potential as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to whey and casein proteins. This project aimed to verify the protein quality and safety of this economical protein source.

Pleurotusostreatus and Agaricus subrufescens: investigation of chemical composition and antioxidant properties of these mushrooms cultivated with different handmade and commercial supplements

AbstractIn this study, the chemical composition, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ORAC and FRAP assays) of A. subrufescens and P. ostreatus, cultivated with handmade and commercials supplements, were compared. Additionally, the compounds ergosterol, saccharopine, and hexitol were identified in A. subrufescens by HPLC‐MS/MS. The antioxidant compound p‐coumaric acid and dihexoses was found in both mushroom species. A. subrufescens presented higher total phenolic content (73.8 ± 0.6 mg GAE 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity than P. ostreatus (16.6 ± 0.5 mg GAE 100 g−1). The handmade supplement based on the waste of noble grains presented statistically similar phenolic content to the mushrooms cultivated with commercial ones Spawn Mate II SE (86.1 ± 1.4 and 92.9 ± 0.3 mg GAE 100 g−1, respectively). Therefore, the results support the use of handmade supplements based on agro‐wastes as a viable alternative to the use of high‐cost commercial ones.

Low resistance, high mobility reduced graphene oxide films prepared with commercial antioxidant supplements

In this work, conductive reduced graphene oxide films onto glass substrates were prepared by immersion of the substrate at room temperature in a suspension of graphene oxide and antioxidant commercial supplements such as resveratrol, omega-3, triple-dosed omega-3 and astaxanthin. The films prepared with triple-dosed omega-3 and astaxanthin showed a defined diffraction peak at the graphite 2 theta position and the lower oxygen contents. Raman spectra indicate the restoring of the sp2 character and increase in the crystallite size, which increased the electron mobility from 0.009 cm2V−1s−1 in the GO film to 68 cm2V−1s−1 and decreased sheet resistance from 4.6 × 1010 ohm/sq in the graphene oxide film to the lowest achieved sheet resistance of 92.5 O/sq in the film reduced with astaxhantin.

EVALUACIÓN DE UN CONCENTRADO DE PASTA DE CANOLA Y MAZORCA DE MAÍZ PARA VACAS LECHERAS EN PASTOREO DE PASTIZALES NATIVOS EN LOS VALLES ALTOS DE MÉXICO

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; Native grasslands are a resource utilized for livestock feeding due to their low cost and mainly during the rainy season. However, native grasslands do not meet the nutritional requirements of dairy cows. Consequently, commercial supplementation with a high cost is used. &lt;strong&gt;Objective. &lt;/strong&gt;The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a supplement mixture of canola and ground corn ears compared to a commercial concentrate during the rainy season. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; Ten cows on continuous grazing for 9 h/d were used following the management of the participating farm in a double cross-over experimental design for animal variables, and a split plot design for the grassland evaluation. &lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;There were no significant differences (P&amp;gt;0.05) for animal variables, with mean milk yields of 13.5 kg/cow/day, 35.7 g/kg for milk fat, and 32.0 g/kg for protein content. There were also no differences (P&amp;gt;0.05) for grassland height and herbage mass, nor for chemical composition, with crude protein content of 100.4 g/kg DM, and 526 g/kg DM of &lt;em&gt;in vitro &lt;/em&gt;digestibility. Chemical composition of concentrates was similar, but the experimental concentrate had lower cost. &lt;strong&gt;Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;Given the scenario of rising prices of concentrates, an alternative to the producer is preparing its own concentrate, with corn harvested in the production units and some ingredient that is high in crude protein. &lt;strong&gt; Conclusions. &lt;/strong&gt;It is concluded that the experimental concentrate made on farm resulted in the same performance as a commercial concentrate, which may reduce feeding costs.&lt;/p&gt;

Microbial Profile of the Ventriculum of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, 1806) Fed with Veterinary Drugs, Dietary Supplements and Non-Protein Amino Acids.

The effects of veterinary drugs, dietary supplements and non-protein amino acids on the European honey bee (Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, 1806) ventriculum microbial profile were investigated. Total viable aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci, Escherichia coli, lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., aerobic bacterial endospores and Enterococcus spp. were determined using a culture-based method. Two veterinary drugs (Varromed® and Api-Bioxal®), two commercial dietary supplements (ApiHerb® and ApiGo®) and two non-protein amino acids (GABA and beta-alanine) were administered for one week to honey bee foragers reared in laboratory cages. After one week, E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. were significantly affected by the veterinary drugs (p < 0.001). Furthermore, dietary supplements and non-protein amino acids induced significant changes in Staphylococcus spp., E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results of this investigation showed that the administration of the veterinary drugs, dietary supplements and non-protein amino acids tested, affected the ventriculum microbiological profile of Apis mellifera ligustica.