Control Diet Research Articles

The effect of processing or concentration of dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) on the growth of finishing lambs

Abstract Dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) are a popular by-product used in the livestock feed industry as it is a cost-effective feedstuff that is rich in crude protein and minerals. However, a common concern related to the use of DDGS in livestock diets is the negative impact that affect animal dry matter intake (DMI) and growth. To further investigate this challenge, the experiments aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding 1) two different diets, control versus heat processed DDGS or 2) increasing the concentration of DDGS and its effect on body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), DMI, and gain to feed ratio (G:F) in finishing lambs. In Experiment 1, both diets were the same except for heat processing of DDGS; the control diet used a commercial DDGS source directly from the supplier and the processed diet contained the same commercial DDGS source that differed through additional heat processing. For DDGS heat processing, 40% moisture was added to the DDGS and heated at 150°C for 70 minutes. After the heating process, the DDGS was placed in a second oven at 56°C for two days to allow for humidity evaporation. Lambs (n = 34), blocked by sex and BW, were housed in pens (2 to 3 lambs/pen, 6 pens/treatment) and were fed for 42 days. Lamb DMI was measured daily, and BW was measured every 14 days. In Experiment 2, lambs (n = 75) were blocked by BW (5 lambs/ pen, 5 pens/treatment) and fed diets differing in inclusion rates of DDGS (10%, 20%, and 30%). The feeding period lasted for 56 days, and lamb DMI and BW were measured daily or every 28 days, respectively. In both experiments, diets were isonitrogenous, and the feeding procedure utilized slick bunk management. Data were analyzed in SAS using a mixed model considering the treatments as fixed effect and pen and block as random effects. In Experiment 1, there were no treatment differences (P ≥ 0.13) in ADG, DMI, and G:F in finishing lambs. In Experiment 2, a linear and quadratic contrast were used to separate the mean and demonstrated that increasing the concentration of DDGS decreased lamb DMI (linear P < 0.01; quadratic P = 0.05), but did not affect lamb BW, ADG, or G:F (P ≥ 0.26). Despite that previous research shows differences in animal growth because of an increase in DDGS concentration, our experiments illustrated that heat processing or increased concentrations of DDGS up to 30% in finishing lamb diets are not responsible for a decrease in lamb performance.

Avaliação radiográfica dos efeitos da dieta hiperlipídica no osso mandibular em animais

Introduction: Considering the pathophysiology of apical periodontitis (AP), an inflammatory disease characterized by bone resorption, it is likely that bone changes promoted by high-fat- diet (HFD) are also able to influence the mechanism of AP lesions development. Objective: To evaluate by periapical radiography the main effects of a high-fat- diet on mandibular bone in animal models. Methods: Isogenic Wistar rats (n=16), 8 weeks old, were used. Half of the animals were submitted to HFD and the other half to control diet (CD). AP lesions were induced 8 weeks later by creating pulp exposure of the mandibular left first molars. After 40 days, the animals were euthanized. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis (total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL and serum triglycerides) and mandible for radiographic analysis (periodontal ligament space, condyle diameter and mandibular thickness). Results: The HFD promoted significant increase in serum triglyceride (p<0.05) and VLDL (p<0.05) concentrations in the HFD group. The HFD group animals showed a reduction in both condyle diameter (p<0.05) and mandibular thickness (p<0.05), and increased periodontal ligament space (p<0.05) when compared to the CD group. Conclusion: The HFD produced significant changes in the mandibular bone, modifying the periradicular response to endodontic infection. Keywords: Bone; Diet high-fat; Mandible.

Overweight Leads to an Increase in Vitamin E Absorption and Status in Mice.

This study investigates whether vitamin E (VE) deficiency in subjects with obesity could, at least partly, be due to a defect in VE intestinal absorption. Mice follow either a high-fat (HF) or a control (CTL) diet for 12 weeks. The study evaluates their VE status, the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in lipid and fat-soluble vitamin intestinal absorption, and VE absorption using a γ-tocopherol-rich emulsion. HF mice have a weight (+23.0%) and an adiposity index (AI, +157.0) superior to CTL mice (p<0.05). α-Tocopherol concentrations are higher in both plasma (+45.0%) and liver (+116.9%) of HF mice compared to CTL mice (p<0.05). α-Tocopherol concentration in the adipose tissue of HF mice is higher than that of CTL mice after correction by the AI (+72.4%, p<0.05). No difference is found in the expression of genes coding for proteins involved in intestinal lipid metabolism in fasting mice. After force-feeding, γ-tocopherol plasma concentration is higher in HF mice compared to CTL mice (+181.5% at 1.5h after force-feeding, p<0.05). HF mice display higher status and more efficient absorption of VE than CTL mice. VE absorption is thus likely not impaired in the early stages of obesity.

Common soluble carbohydrates affect the growth, survival, and fatty acid profile of black soldier fly larvae Hermetia illucens (Stratiomyidae).

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L. 1758), is an omnivorous saprophagous insect with a high potential for valorizing organic by-products rich in carbohydrates. Among carbohydrates, H. illucens relies on soluble sugars for the growth and storage lipid synthesis. This study aimed to assess the impact of common soluble sugars on the development, survival, and fatty acid composition of H. illucens. Monosaccharides and disaccharides were individually incorporated into a chicken feed diet. Cellulose was used as a control. Larvae fed glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose grew faster than control larvae. In contrast, lactose exhibited anti-nutritional effects on larvae, slowing down growth and reducing final individual weight. However, all soluble sugars produced larvae fatter than the control diet. Notably, the tested sugars shaped the fatty acid profile. Maltose and sucrose increased saturated fatty acid content compared to cellulose. Conversely, lactose increased the bioaccumulation of dietary unsaturated fatty acids. This study is the first to demonstrate the effect of soluble sugars on the fatty acid profile of H. illucens larvae. Our findings highlight that the tested carbohydrates have significant effects on black soldier fly fatty acid composition and can thus determine their final applications.

Enrichment of trimethyl histone 3 lysine 4 in the Dlk1 and Grb10 genes affects pregnancy outcomes due to dietary manipulation of excess folic acid and low vitamin B12.

The aberrant expression of placental imprinted genes due to epigenetic alterations during pregnancy can impact fetal development. We investigated the impact of dietary modification of low vitamin B12 with varying doses of folic acid on the epigenetic control of imprinted genes and fetal development using a transgenerational model of C57BL/6J mice. The animals were kept on four distinct dietary combinations based on low vitamin B12 levels and modulated folic acid, mated in the F0 generation within each group. In the F1 generation, each group of mice is split into two subgroups; the sustained group was kept on the same diet, while the transient group was fed a regular control diet. After mating, maternal placenta (F1) and fetal tissues (F2) were isolated on day 20 of gestation. We observed a generation-wise opposite promoter CpG methylation and gene expression trend of the two developmental genes Dlk1 and Grb10, with enhanced gene expression in both the sustained and transient experimental groups in F1 placentae. When fetal development characteristics and gene expression were correlated, there was a substantial negative association between placental weight and Dlk1 expression (r = -0.49, p < 0.05) and between crown-rump length and Grb10 expression (r = -0.501, p < 0.05) in fetuses of the F2 generation. Consistent with these results, we also found that H3K4me3 at the promoter level of these genes is negatively associated with all fetal growth parameters. Overall, our findings suggest that balancing vitamin B12 and folic acid levels is important for maintaining the transcriptional status of imprinted genes and fetal development.

Effects of Mediterranean Diet on Endothelial Reactivity in Individuals with High Cardiometabolic Risk: A Randomized Controlled Parallel-Group Preliminary Trial

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as an early modification involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Evidence suggests that the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is associated with endothelial function improvement and, in turn, plays an important role in atherosclerosis development and progression. Objectives: To evaluate both acute and sustained effects of the MD on endothelial function in patients with high cardiometabolic risk. Methods: A total of 25 subjects were randomly assigned to either the MD group or the Control Diet (CD) group according to a single-blind, parallel-group study design. Endothelial function was evaluated through non-invasive flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurements at baseline (T0) and after 8 weeks (Tw8) of the MD or CD intervention, under both 12 h fast condition (fasting) and 2 h post-meal resembling the assigned diet (2 h). Assessments were conducted by a blinded sonographer. Results: FMD at T0-fasting was similar between MD and CD groups (6.11% ± 0.67 vs. 7.90% ± 1.65; p = 0.266). A significant difference in FMD between MD and CD groups was observed at T0-2h (12.14% ± 1.93 vs. 4.01% ± 1.03; p = 0.004), T8w-fasting (9.76% ± 1.18 vs. 5.03% ± 0.89; p = 0.008), and T8w-2h (8.99% ± 1.22 vs. 3.86% ± 0.52; p = 0.003). Oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) at T0 correlated with FMD percent changes from T0-fasting to T0-2h (r = 0.414, p = 0.044). After adjusting for age, gender, and OGIS, MD was an independent predictor of percent changes in FMD from T0-fasting to T0-2h (β: −0.582, p = 0.003), from T0-fasting to T8w-fasting (β: −0.498, p = 0.013), and from T0-fasting to T8w-2h (β: −0.479, p = 0.018). Conclusions: Adherence to the MD may improve endothelial function in both the short- and medium-term among patients at high cardiometabolic risk.

Different lines of camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) in broiler quails’ diets: effects on meat physicochemical traits and sensory profile

The present study investigated the effect of Camelina sativa cake dietary inclusion on quail meat fatty acids (FA), amino acids (AA), and sensory characteristics. To this, 480 broiler quails were allocated to four dietary treatments (12 replicated cages/treatment): a control diet (Control) and three diets with 15% camelina cake, containing a commercial cultivar (Calena) and two improved lines (Pearl: low linoleic acid; Alan: low glucosinolates). After slaughter, breast meat FA and AA profiles and contents were analysed, alongside a sensory evaluation by trained panellists. The dietary inclusion modified breast meat FA profile and contents (p < .001), notably increasing α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3), which improved overall n-3 PUFA and reduced the n-6/n-3 ratio to recommended levels. Health indices improved in a line-dependent manner: atherogenicity lowered in Alan compared to Control and Calena (p < .01), while thrombogenicity reduced in all camelina treatments than the Control (p < .001). Camelina-fed groups showed an AA profile in line with the Control one, and Pearl displayed a higher essential AA content compared to Alan (p < .05). Sensory results indicated no substantial changes in meat attributes across treatments, except for tenderness and animal fat flavour: the first lowered in Alan meat compared to the Control (p < .05), while the latter was higher in the Control than in Alan and Calena groups (p < .01). In conclusion, the 15% dietary inclusion of different camelina cakes in quail diets positively influenced meat FA, enhancing product healthiness without negatively impacting its nutritional quality and sensory attributes. Findings indicated that camelina cake is an effective feedstuff to improve quail meat quality. HIGHLIGHTS Once fed to quails, all tested camelina cakes increased meat n-3 PUFA and reduced the n-6/n-3 by about 5 and 7 times, respectively. Meat atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices of camelina-fed quails improved, indicating enhanced product healthiness. Camelina inclusion did not alter quail meat sensory attributes compared to the control group.

Cold-Pressed Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz Seed Oil Prevents Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in a High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Murine Model

This study evaluated the effects of cold-pressed maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) seed oil (MO) on liver metabolism and biochemical markers in a high-fat diet (HFD) murine model. In it, the fatty acid profile, tocopherol and tocotrienol contents, and antioxidant capacity of MO were analyzed. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (i.e., a, b, c, and d groups) and supplemented for 12 weeks according to the following distribution: (a) control diet (CD)-sunflower oil (SO), (b) CD+MO, (c) HFD+SO, and (d) HFD+MO. Total body and organ weights, serum markers, and liver fat infiltration were assessed. MO contained 32.31% oleic acid, 46.41% linoleic acid, and 10.83% α-linolenic acid; additionally, α- and γ-tocopherol levels were 339.09 ± 5.15 and 135.52 ± 38.03 mg/kg, respectively, while β-, δ-tocopherol, and α-tocotrienol were present in trace amounts and the antioxidant capacity measured was 6.66 ± 0.19 μmol Trolox equivalent/g. MO supplementation significantly reduced the visceral fat (0.76 ± 0.06 g vs. 1.32 ± 0.04 g) and GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) levels (71.8 ± 5.0 vs. 35.2 ± 2.6 U/L), and the liver fat infiltration score (6 vs. 3) in the HFD+MO group compared to HFD+SO. It is suggested that MO may effectively prevent fatty liver disease, warranting further research on its potential benefits for human health.

Metabolomics Reveals the Mechanism by Which Sodium Butyrate Promotes the Liver Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Fatty Acid Synthesis in Lactating Goats

This study aimed to explore the effects of sodium butyrate on liver metabolism in goats subjected to a high-concentrate diet. We randomly assigned twelve Saanen-lactating goats into two groups, one of which received a high-concentrate diet (concentrate: forage = 60:40, control group), while the other received the same basal diet supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB) (10 g/kg basal diet, SB group). Compared with the control diet, the SB diet considerably increased the milk fat percentage and content (p &lt; 0.05), with an increase of 0.67% in the milk fat content of the SB group. By employing a global metabolomics approach based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS), we identified 6748 ions in ESI+ mode and 3573 ions in ESI− mode after liver isolation from both groups. A total of twenty-three metabolites, including phospholipids, fatty acids, and ribose phosphate, were found to be dysregulated according to a search against the human metabolome database (HMDB). Pathway analysis revealed activation of the pentose phosphate pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid synthesis. The SB diet also modulated the expression of key lipogenic enzymes, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD-1), which are downstream targets of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c (SREBP-1c), inducing a significant upregulation (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) levels in the liver were elevated after the lactating goats were fed the SB diet (p &lt; 0.05). Our study reveals that the SB diet may offer substantial benefits in enhancing the milk quality of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) goats. This is accomplished by augmenting the activity of the liver pentose phosphate pathway and the process of de novo fatty acid synthesis in lactating goats.

Partial replacement of soybean with local alternative sources: effects on behavior, cecal microbiota, and intestinal histomorphometry of local chickens

Interest in partially replacing soybean meal in poultry diets with alternative protein sources such as agri-industrial by-products and black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) has gained significant attention due to sustainability concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of broiler diets in which soybean meal was partially substituted with agri-industrial by-products with or without BSF larvae meal, on the behavior, intestinal histomorphometry, and microbiome profile of a local broiler chicken strain. There were three dietary treatments. (1) A corn-soybean-based diet (Control), (2) a diet in which soybean was partly replaced (SPR) with local agri-industrial by-products, namely sunflower meal, brewers' dried grain, and wheat middlings, and (3) a diet in which BSF (5%) meal was added to SPR (SPR+BSF). Behavior was recorded on days 14, 35, and 49 at the pen level. On day 55, intestinal segments and cecal contents were collected from eight chickens per pen for histomorphometry and microbiome analysis. Dietary manipulations did not affect the behavior of broiler chickens (P &amp;gt; 0.05) suggesting that the experimental diets had no influence on behavior. A significant interaction between the intestinal segment and diets revealed that the SPR and SPR+BSF diets decreased duodenal villus height (VH) compared to the control diet (P &amp;lt; 0.05). However, this effect was not consistent across all of intestinal segments. Diet did not affect villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD; P &amp;gt; 0.05), indicating no significant impact on the absorptive capacity of the digestive system. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in the cecal samples. Colidextribacter and Oscillibacter spp. were more abundant in chickens fed the SPR diet compared to those fed the control diet. The SPR+BSF diet resulted in higher abundance of Rikenella and Colidextribacter spp. compared to the control diet, while Desulfovibrio, Ruminococcus torques group, and Lachnoclostridium were more abundant in the ceca of birds fed the SPR diet than those fed SPR+BSF. In conclusion, replacement of soybean with agri-industrial by-products and BSF larvae meal could regulate the cecal microbiota composition without negatively affecting the behavior and intestinal histomorphometry of the local chickens.

Dietary intervention of propolis and/or turmeric boosted growth, hematology, biochemical profile, and antioxidant-immune responses and their associated gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) challenged with Edwardsiella tarda

AbstractImmunostimulant phytogenic feed additives are given great concern for improving fish health, growth, immune responses, and resistance to diseases. This research investigated the impact of dietary propolis (PRO), turmeric (TUR), and their combination on the growth, hematology, antioxidant-immune responses, and their regulating genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during Edwardsiella tarda challenge. For 8 weeks, a total number of 320 fish (20.70 ± 0.14 g) were allocated into four groups at random, each with eight replicates (10 fish each). The first group (1st) was given the basal diet (control) without any supplements. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups were supplemented with 1% PRO, 1% TUR, and the mixture (1%PRO + 1%TUR), respectively. The experimental groups were challenged intraperitoneally with E. tarda at a dose of 0.1 mL (1 × 105 CFU) at the termination of the feeding trial, and the fish survival was estimated for an additional 7 days. The results demonstrated that fish-fed diets supplemented with PRO and/or TUR showed higher body weight, condition factor, specific growth rate, feed intake, and feed efficiency utilization than the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The hematological, protein profile, and antioxidant-immune (total antioxidant capacity, lysozymes, and IgM) parameters were substantially improved in the challenged fish fed on PRO and/or TUR diets compared to the challenged non-fed fish. The lipid profile and malondialdehyde were substantially decreased in the challenged fish fed on PRO and/or TUR diets compared to the challenged non-fed group. Notably, a down-turning of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression with up-turning of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) expression was noticed in the challenged fish fed on PRO and/or TUR diets compared to the challenged non-fed fish. Noteworthy, dietary PRO and/or TUR improved the fish survival during E. tarda challenge. The mixture of PRO and TUR can be added to Nile tilapia diets to enhance their growth, immune response, and resistance to E. tarda. These outcomes help in the sustainable development of the Nile tilapia culture industry. Graphical Abstract

Maternal obesity changes the small intestine endocannabinoid system and fecal metabolites of weanling rats associated with reduced intestinal permeability and impaired glucose homeostasis.

The small intestine, including the endocannabinoid system (ECS), regulates the energy homeostasis. If maternal obesity modifies the intestinal ECS of the offspring favoring metabolic disorders throughout life is unexplored. Regardless maternal insults, overaction of the ECS has been related to obesity, mainly via type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) signaling, while type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) signaling and the endocannabinoid-like compounds, such as oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), have been associated with anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that maternal obesity changes the ECS in the small intestine of weanling rat offspring in a sex-specific manner associated with altered fecal metabolites. Female rats received a control diet (C; 9% fat) or an obesogenic diet (OD; 37.2% fat, 11.8% sucrose) 9 weeks before mating, gestation and lactation. Offspring were euthanized at weaning. Maternal obesity increased CB2 protein content and mRNA levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the small intestine in male offspring, while decreased fecal content of PEA and OEA in both sexes. Maternal obesity decreased gut permeability, but impaired glycemic homeostasis. Concerning fecal levels of γ-aminobutyric acid, amino acids and hypoxanthine, maternal obesity induced a fecal signature related to inflammatory and glycemic homeostasis impairment and dysbiosis. Maternal obesity induced intestinal inflammation and the signaling of CB2, PEA, and OEA might be part of a counter-regulatory response, contributing to reduced gut permeability, but not enough to avoid overweight and glycemic impairment in the offspring at weaning. Our findings provide molecular insights into the intestinal and fecal biomarkers for metabolic disorders.

Dietary Oregano Oil Supplementation Improved Egg Quality by Altering Cecal Microbiota Function in Laying Hens

Improving egg quality is one of the main objectives of the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary oregano oil supplementation with different concentrations on the egg quality, intestinal morphology and cecal microbiome of late-phase laying hens. A total of 300 55-week-old Snowy white laying hens were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (control) or basal diets supplemented with oregano oil at 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg (O25, O50, O75 and O100) over a 100-day period. Compared with the control group, eggshell thickness and eggshell weight were increased significantly in eggs when oregano oil was added (p &lt; 0.05). The highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and C18:2n6c was observed in yolks with 25 mg/kg supplement among 5 groups (p &lt; 0.05). The highest average content of riboflavin in egg yolk and thiamine in egg white was observed in the O25 group (p &lt; 0.05). When the supplemental levels of oregano oil were 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, the selenium and phosphorus content in the egg was significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05). The ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) and villus height of the small intestine was significantly increased compared with the chickens fed the basal diet (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the control group, the abundance of Megamonas was increased in the O50 group (p &lt; 0.05). The unclassified_o__Bacteroidales in the O25 group were significantly higher than those in the other four groups (p &lt; 0.05). These differential microorganisms were significantly correlated with egg quality characteristics. Dietary supplementation of oregano oil can significantly improve egg quality via gut microbiota alteration in laying hens.

Assessing functional properties of diet protein hydrolysate and oil from fish waste on canine immune parameters, cardiac biomarkers, and fecal microbiota

Locally produced fish hydrolysate and oil from the agrifood sector comprises a sustainable solution both to the problem of fish waste disposal and to the petfood sector with potential benefits for the animal’s health. This study evaluated the effects of the dietary replacement of mainly imported shrimp hydrolysate (5%) and salmon oil (3%; control diet) with locally produced fish hydrolysate (5%) and oil (3.2%) obtained from fish waste (experimental diet) on systemic inflammation markers, adipokines levels, cardiac function and fecal microbiota of adult dogs. Samples and measurements were taken from a feeding trial conducted according to a crossover design with two diets (control and experimental diets), six adult Beagle dogs per diet and two periods of 6 weeks each. The experimental diet, with higher docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids contents, decreased plasmatic triglycerides and the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme, also tending to decrease total cholesterol. No effects of diet were observed on serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and IL-12/IL-23 p40, and of the serum levels of the anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin. Blood pressure, heart rate and echocardiographic measurements were similar between diets with the only exception of left atrial to aorta diameter ratio that was higher in dogs fed the experimental diet, but without clinical relevance. Diet did not significantly affect fecal immunoglobulin A concentration. Regarding fecal microbiome, Megasphaera was the most abundant genus, followed by Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella, being the relative abundances of Fusobacterium and Ileibacterium genera positively affected by the experimental diet. Overall, results from the performed short term trial suggest that shrimp hydrolysate and salmon oil can be replaced by protein hydrolysate and oil from fish by-products without affecting systemic inflammatory markers, cardiac structure and function, but potentially benefiting bacterial genera associated with healthy microbiome. Considering the high DHA and EPA contents and the antioxidant properties of fish oil and hydrolysate, it would be worthwhile in the future to assess their long-term effects on inflammatory markers and their role in spontaneous canine cardiac diseases and to perform metabolomic and metagenomics analysis to elucidate the relevance of microbiota changes in the gut.

Fermented Rice Bran Mitigated the Syndromes of Type 2 Diabetes in KK-Ay Mice Model

Background: Diabetes is a devastating disease that causes millions of deaths. Fermented rice bran (FRB), made by fermenting rice bran with Aspergillus kawachii and a mixture of lactic acid bacteria, was hypothesized to b able to improve diabetes-related symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FRB supplementation in mitigating type 2 diabetes symptoms and identifying FRB bioactive compounds. Methods: In this study, KK-Ay mice (4 w.o. male) were used as a model for type 2 diabetes. Mice were divided into three different groups. The first group received a control diet, the second received a 12.5% non-fermented rice bran (RB) supplemented diet, and the last group was fed a 12.5% FRB-supplemented diet. Supplementation was done for 4 weeks. Results: FRB supplementation lowered the blood glucose level, OGTT, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, liver RAGE protein, and glucokinase in KK-Ay mice. Metabolome analysis of RB and FRB showed that fermentation increased bioactive compounds in rice bran, such as GABA, L-theanine, and carnitine. It also increased the levels of various free amino acids while converting some amino acids such as arginine, tyrosine, and tryptophan into other metabolites. Conclusions: This research showed the potency of FRB supplementation as a preventive agent against type 2 diabetes.

Effect of dietary Anabaena supplementation on nutrient utilization, metabolism and oxidative stress response in Catla catla fingerlings

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary Anabaena blue-green algae (ABGA) meal on the growth performance, digestibility, and physio-metabolic responses of Catla catla fingerlings (initial average weight 9.45 ± 0.15 g). Six iso-nitrogenous (30% crude protein) and iso-caloric (378.09 Kcal. digestible energy/100 g) diets were formulated: a control diet (A0, 0% ABGA) and five experimental diets with varying ABGA inclusion levels (A3: 3%, A6: 6%, A9: 9%, A12: 12%, A15: 15%). The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in percentage weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the experimental groups. Additionally, dietary ABGA did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) body carcass composition among different groups. However, amylase activity significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the A12 and A15 fed groups, whereas lipase and protease activities remained insignificant (P > 0.05) across all groups. Notably, oxidative stress responses (SOD; superoxide dismutase and CAT; catalase), carbohydrate metabolic enzymes (LDH; lactate dehydrogenase and MDH; malate dehydrogenase), and serum glucose levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) with higher ABGA inclusion. Conversely, serum albumin content significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the ABGA-fed groups. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) observed in serum total protein, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities among the experimental groups. Hematological parameters revealed that RBC (red blood cell) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while WBC (white blood cell) count significantly (P < 0.05) increased with higher dietary ABGA inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of dietary ABGA up to 15% did not impair nutrient utilization and supported normal growth performance in C. catla fingerlings. However, higher inclusion levels may have a detrimental effect on their growth, nutrient utilization, and physio-metabolic responses.

An investigative study to utilise the Fusarium-damaged wheat as a feedstock for the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Abstract This study investigated Fusarium-damaged wheat kernels (FDK) as a potential feeding substrate for black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL). Fusarium-damaged kernels are considered unsuitable for food and feed due to the presence of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins, like deoxynivalenol (DON), pose health risks when consumed by animals at concentrations exceeding the limits established by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. However, BSFL have shown higher tolerance to mycotoxins, suggesting that FDK may be used as a feeding substrate for BSFL intended for animal consumption. To assess this, three FDK-based diets with varying concentrations of DON (4.49 ± 0.08 ppm, 6.04 ± 0.02 ppm, and 6.83 ± 0.04 ppm) and a healthy wheat-based diet (0 ppm DON; control diet) were formulated to grow the larvae. The diets were fed to larvae to assess their preference based on DON concentration. Concurrently, the accumulation of DON in BSFL biomass and its effects on growth parameters were evaluated. The larvae showed no preference for any DON concentration. The DON levels accumulated in the BSFL biomass were minimal, regardless of the DON concentration in the feed (), with the highest recorded at 0.87 ± 0.04 ppm compared to 6.83 ± 0.06 ppm in the diet. Despite the potential harm of FDK to animals, the growth parameters of BSFL improved, with larvae on FDK-based diets reaching a live body weight of 185.0 ± 3.2 mg compared to 177.6 ± 4.2 mg for the control on Day 15. The nutritional profile remained nearly identical across all DON concentrations (∼41% crude lipid and ∼39% crude protein in dried biomass). These findings suggest that BSFL raised on FDK-based diets can be used effectively for feed purposes.

High-fiber basil seed flour reduces insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet mice

The incidence of insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis is increasing, with dietary fiber playing a protective role against these disorders. Ocimum basilicum L., widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, but their health-promoting properties remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of a fiber-rich fraction of partially defatted basil seeds (BSF) on IR, hepatic steatosis, and polyunsaturated fatty acid and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 J male mice. Mice were assigned to four groups and fed either a control diet or HFD, supplemented with BSF or oat flour for 4 weeks. HFD induced IR, hepatic steatosis, proinflammatory state, and a significant decreased in SCFA production. In contrast, supplementation with BSF attenuated IR, steatosis, liver damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, while increasing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver, adipocytes, and erythrocytes, and enhancing SCFA production, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in managing these conditions.

Plasma Proteome Alterations of Laying Hens Subjected to Heat Stress and Fed a Diet Supplemented with Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.): New Insights in the Identification of Heat Stress Biomarkers

Heat stress can disrupt the balance between the heat poultry release into the environment and the heat they generate. Pequi oil has antioxidant properties, which may mitigate the heat stress effects. This study aimed to investigate the response of laying hens to pequi oil supplementation under heat stress using a proteomic approach. A total of 96 Lohmann White laying hens with 26 weeks old were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. They were housed in two climate chambers, thermal comfort temperature ± 24.04 °C with the relative humidity ± 66.35 and heat stress (HS) ± 31.26 °C with the relative humidity ± 60.62. They were fed two diets: a control diet (CON), basal diet (BD) without additives, and with Pequi oil (PO), BD + 0.6% PO. After 84 days, plasma samples were analyzed using Shotgun and LC-MS/MS. Proteins related to anti-inflammation, transport, and the immune system were differentially expressed in hens fed PO and CON under heat stress compared to those in thermoneutral environments. This helps protect against oxidative stress and may support the body’s ability to manage heat-induced damage, stabilizing protein expression under stress conditions. The ovotransferrin proteins, fibrinogen isoforms, apolipoprotein A-I, Proteasome activator subunit 4, Transthyretin, and the enzyme serine Peptidase Inhibitor_Kazal Type 5, which presented Upregulated (Up) equal to 1, present characteristics that may be crucial for enhancing the adaptive responses of hens to thermal stress, thereby increasing their tolerance and minimizing the negative effects of heat on egg production. The data presented in this manuscript provides new insights into the plasma proteome alterations of laying hens fed a diet supplemented with pequi oil during heat stress challenges.

Effects of sex and obesity on immune checkpoint inhibition-related cardiac systolic dysfunction in aged mice.

Despite accumulating data on underlying mechanisms, the influence of sex and prevalent cardio-metabolic co-morbidities on the manifestation and severity of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced cardiotoxicity has not been well defined. To elucidate whether sex and prevalent cardio-metabolic co-morbidities affect ICI-induced cardiotoxicity, we randomized 17-month-old male and female mice to receive control diet (CON) or high-fat diet (HFD) + L-NAME-a well-established mouse model of cardio-metabolic co-morbidities-for 17weeks (n = 5-7), and evaluated markers of T-cell function in the spleen. As expected, HFD + L-NAME significantly increased body- and heart weight, and serum cholesterol levels, and caused no systolic dysfunction, however, led to diastolic dysfunction, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and increased fibrosis only in males compared to corresponding CON. Western blot analyses of splenic immune checkpoint protein levels showed differential expression depending on sex and prevalent cardio-metabolic co-morbidities, suggesting T-cell exhaustion in both sexes on HFD + L-NAME, but more pronounced in males. In a sub-study with a similar setup, we tested cardiotoxic manifestations of ICI by treating mice with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (ICI) for the last 2weeks of diet administration (n = 5-7). After 2weeks of ICI treatment, cardiac systolic functions significantly decreased in CON, but not in HFD + L-NAME groups of both sexes compared to baseline (before ICI administration). In conclusion, in this exploratory study using aged mice, we describe for the first time that ICI-related systolic dysfunction is diminished in both sexes when obesity and hypercholesterolemia are present, possibly due to obesity-related T-cell exhaustion.