Control Diet Research Articles

Western diet promotes endometriotic lesion growth in mice and induces depletion of Akkermansia muciniphila in intestinal microbiota.

Endometriosis, affecting 10% of women in their reproductive years, remains poorly understood. Both individual and environmental unexplained factors are implicated in this heterogenous condition. This study aims to examine the influence of a Western diet on endometriosis lesion development in mice and to uncover the mechanisms involved. Mice were fed either a control diet or a Western diet (high in fatty acids and low in fiber) for 4weeks. Endometriosis was then surgically induced, and lesion development was monitored by ultrasound. After 7weeks, the mice were sacrificed for analysis of lesion characteristics through RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Additionally, the intestinal microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Mice on the Western diet developed lesions that were significantly twice as large compared to those on the control diet. These lesions exhibited greater fibrosis and proliferation, alongside enhanced macrophage activity and leptin pathway expression. Changes in the intestinal microbiota were significantly noted after endometriosis induction, regardless of diet. Notably, mice on the Western diet with the most substantial lesions showed a loss of Akkermansia Muciniphila in their intestinal microbiota. A Western diet significantly exacerbates lesion size in a mouse model of endometriosis, accompanied by metabolic and immune alterations. The onset of endometriosis also leads to substantial shifts in intestinal microbiota, suggesting a potential link between diet, intestinal health, and endometriosis development.

Longer-term effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of long-term intermittent fasting (IF) on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight and obesity. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2024 to identify original randomized trials that investigated the effects of IF versus either a control diet (CON) and/or continuous caloric restriction (CR). Participants were adults with overweight and obesity and intervention durations were ≥ 6 months. Overall, a total of 24 studies involving 2032 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with CON, IF significantly reduced body weight [WMD: -2.84 kg], BMI [WMD: -1.41 kg.m2], fat mass [WMD: -3.06 kg], fat-free mass [WMD: -0.81 kg], waist circumference [WMD: -3.85 cm], visceral fat [SMD: -0.37], fasting glucose [WMD: -0.14 mmol/l], triglycerides [WMD: -0.12 mmol/l], and diastolic blood pressure [WMD: -2.24 mmHg]. Conversely, IF significantly increased high-density lipoproteins [WMD: 0.04 mmol/l] when compared with CON, but had no effects on insulin, hemoglobin A1c%, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or systolic blood pressure. Compared with CR, IF significantly reduced fat mass [WMD: -0.70 kg], body fat percentage [WMD: -0.59%], and DBP [WMD: -0.91 mmHg], and increased HDL [WMD: 0.03 mmol/l], with no other significant effects. Subgroup analyses showed that the mode of IF and intervention duration were the primary moderators of IF effects on the markers. In adults with overweight or obesity, IF and CR are comparably effective for reducing body weight and adiposity, as well as for improving cardiometabolic health markers.

Efficacy of Ayurveda in the Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases or Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Lifestyle diseases occur due to an individual's everyday regimen and arise from an incorrect interaction between individuals and their environment. Bad eating habits, physical inactivity and a disrupted biological clock are primarily responsible for such diseases. In this context Ayurveda offers a well-organized system of conventional health care that promotes health maintenance and disease prevention via adherence to a balanced diet and vigorous lifestyle. There has been a strong connection between Ayurveda and Nutrition since ancient times. Interest in Ayurveda has grown across the globe due to its potential for managing and preventing lifestyle disorders. Acknowledged as one of the leading life sciences Ayurveda offers effective solution through Panchakarma, Rasayana, dietary control, lifestyle advice and rejuvenating therapies. The most effective and significant method in use is Ashtanga Yoga, a combination of Yogic and meditation exercises beneficial for regulating one's senses, focus and combating lifestyle disorders. Thus, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health designed to help people live long, healthy and balanced life free from illness and diseases. This paper examines the causative factor behind certain lifestyle diseases and lays stress on their prevention through Ayurvedic techniques.

Sex Differences in Response to Diet Enriched with Glutathione Precursors in the Aging Heart.

Common features of the aging heart are dysregulated metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Elevated oxidative stress is another hallmark of cardiac aging that can exacerbate each of these conditions. We hypothesize that by increasing natural antioxidant levels (glutathione), we will improve cardiac function. Twenty-one-month-old mice were fed Glycine and N-Acetyl Cysteine (GlyNAC) (glutathione precursors)-supplemented or control diets for 12 weeks. Heart function was monitored longitudinally, and the exercise performance was determined at the end of the study. We found that the GlyNAC diet was beneficial for old male but not old female mice, leading to an increase of Ndufb8 expression (a subunit of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex), and higher enzymatic activity for CPT1b and CrAT, two carnitine acyltransferases that are critical to cardiomyocyte metabolism. Although no quantifiable change of collagen turnover was detected, hearts from GlyNAC-fed old males exhibited a slight but significant enrichment in Fmod, a protein that can inhibit collagen fibril formation, possibly reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and thus improving diastolic function. Cardiac diastolic function was modestly improved in males but not females, and surprisingly GlyNAC-fed female mice showed a decline in exercise performance. In summary, our work supports the concept that aged male and female hearts are phenotypically different. These basic differences may affect the response to pharmacological and diet interventions, including antioxidants.

MANEJO NUTRICIONAL E CONSCIENTIZAÇÃO NA PREVENÇÃO DA OBESIDADE EM GATOS CASTRADOS

Feline obesity is one of the most prevalent health issues in cats, especially following neutering, a method used for population control. Neutering is an essential measure for public health and animal welfare, which is also associated with increased food intake in cats. This procedure leads to a hormonal decrease, resulting in a reduced energy requirement for the animal. This combination often leads to weight gain if nutritional control is not implemented. With this in mind, the aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of cat owners, through a questionnaire, about nutritional management for neutered cats, emphasizing their specific needs, challenges following neutering, and dietary strategies to ensure their health and quality of life. A total of 54 responses were included, revealing that no owner follows the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations. Most owners understand the importance of nutrition but practice improper feeding, including the provision of treats. However, all respondents indicated a willingness to improve the animals' nutritional management with appropriate guidance. To address these issues, an informational guide was developed to provide advice on appropriate feeding and care for cats post-neutering. This guide includes information on specific nutritional needs, the importance of dietary control, suggestions for physical activities, and general care to promote feline well-being. The initiative aims to support owners in implementing more informed and effective practices, helping to prevent issues such as obesity and promoting a better quality of life for their pets. Continuous education for owners is essential to ensure that neutered cats receive adequate care, thereby contributing to their health and happiness.

Toxicity of Low-Level Multiple-Mycotoxin Mixture in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Is Prevented with Organically Modified Clinoptilolite Feed Additive

Organically modified clinoptilolite (member of the zeolite family of minerals; MinazelPlus®) feed additive, with an average weight of 30 ± 2 g, was used to prevent mycotoxicosis in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through its supplementation for 42 days to the diet contaminated with multiple mycotoxins: aflatoxin B1 (40 µg/kg), fumonisin B1 and B2 (600 µg/kg), zearalenone (50 µg/kg), and deoxynivalenol (150 µg/kg). The fish were divided randomly into four experimental groups (basal diet control—C; fed 2 g/kg MinazelPlus®—MZ; fed multiple mycotoxins—MT; and fed a combination of MinazelPlus® and multiple mycotoxins—MZ + MT). Each group consisted of triplicate aquarium setups, with six fish in each replicate. Sampling was performed in weeks 2, 4, and 6. The lymphocyte count was significantly higher in the MZ group compared with the MT group and the MT + MZ group in week 6. An overall decrease in the neutrophil count was observed in the experimental groups. Histopathological analysis was performed in weeks 2 and 6, revealing significant changes in the liver, intestines, kidney, and spleen of fish from the MT group, while the MT + MZ and MZ groups were similar to the control. The addition of 2 g/kg MinazelPlus® has the ability to prevent and reduce the adverse effects of chronic exposure to low concentrations of multiple mycotoxins in juvenile Nile tilapia.

Short-term intermittent fasting and energy restriction do not impair rates of muscle protein synthesis: A randomised, controlled dietary intervention

BackgroundIntermittent fasting (IF) is an effective energy restricted dietary strategy to reduce body and fat mass and improve metabolic health in individuals with either an overweight or obese status. However, dietary energy restriction may impair muscle protein synthesis (MPS) resulting in a concomitant decline in lean body mass. Due to periods of prolonged fasting combined with irregular meal intake, we hypothesised that IF would reduce rates of MPS compared to an energy balanced diet with regular meal patterns. AimsWe assessed the impact of a short-term (ten days) alternate day fasting or a continuous energy restricted diet to a control diet on integrated rates of skeletal MPS in middle-aged males with overweight or obesity. MethodsTwenty-seven middle-aged males with overweight or obesity (age: 44.6±5.4 y; BMI: 30.3±2.6 kg/m2) consumed a three-day lead-in diet, followed by a ten-day controlled dietary intervention matched for protein intake, as alternate day fasting (ADF: 62.5 energy (En)%, days of 25 En% alternated with days of 100 En% food ingestion), continuous energy restriction (CER: 62.5 En%), or an energy balanced, control diet (CON: 100 En%). Deuterated water (D2O) methodology with saliva, blood, and skeletal muscle sampling were used to assess integrated rates of MPS over the ten-day intervention period. Secondary measures included fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormone concentrations, continuous glucose monitoring, and assessment of body composition. ResultsThere were no differences in daily rates of MPS between groups (ADF: 1.18±0.13, CER: 1.13±0.16, and CON: 1.18±0.18%/day, P>0.05). The reductions in body mass were greater in ADF and CER compared to CON (P<0.001). Lean and fat mass were decreased by a similar magnitude across groups (main time effect, P<0.001; main group effect, P>0.05). Fasting plasma leptin concentrations decreased in ADF and CER (P<0.001), with no differences in fasting plasma glucose or insulin concentrations between groups. ConclusionShort-term alternate day fasting does not lower rates of MPS compared to continuous energy restriction or an energy balanced, control diet with matched protein intake. The prolonged effects of IF and periods of irregular energy and protein intake patterns on muscle mass maintenance remain to be investigated. This trial was registered under Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au), identifier no. ACTRN12619000757112.

Evaluating the therapeutic effect of different forms of silymarin on liver status and expression of some genes involved in fat metabolism, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory in older laying hens.

Silymarin, the predominant compound of milk thistle, is an extract took out from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seeds, containing a mixture of flavonolignans with strong antioxidant capability. The experiment was conducted using 70 Lohmann LSL-Lite hens at 80 weeks of age with 7 treatments each with 10 replicates. Treatments included: (1) control diet without silymarin, (2) daily intake of 100mg silymarin powder/kg body weight (BW) (PSM100), (3) daily intake of 200mg silymarin powder/kg BW (PSM200), (4) daily intake of 100mg nano-silymarin/kg BW (NSM100), (5) daily intake of 200mg nano-silymarin/kg BW (NSM200), (6) daily intake of 100mg lecithinized silymarin/kg BW (LSM100) and (7) daily intake of 200mg lecithinized silymarin/kg BW (LSM200). The birds were housed individually, and diets were fed for 12 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy showed that NSM was produced with the average particle size of 20.30nm. Silymarin treatment improved serum antioxidant enzyme activity. All groups receiving silymarin showed a decrease in liver malondialdehyde content, expression of fatty acid synthase, tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6) genes in the liver, and hepatic steatosis than the control, except those fed the PSM100 diet. There were decreases in liver dry matter and fat contents, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocyte ballooning, and an increase in glutathione peroxidase gene expression and a decrease in iNOS gene expression in birds fed the NSM100, NSM200, LSM100 and LSM200 diets compared to the control group. Moreover, all groups receiving silymarin showed a significant decrease in liver weight compare to the control group. Overall, the effects of silymarin when converted to NSM or LSM and offered at the level of 200mg/kg BW were more pronounced on the hepatic variables and may be useful in the prevention of the liver disease in older laying hens.

Impact of maternal high-fat diet on offspring gut microbiota during short-term high-fat diet exposure in mice.

Alterations in the gut microbiome have been linked to obesity, with maternal high-fat diet (HF) playing a role in shaping offspring microbiome composition. However, the sex-specific responses to maternal HF diet and the impact of subsequent dietary challenges remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of maternal HF diet on offspring gut microbiota structure and predicted functional profile in response to short-term postnatal HF diet exposure with a focus on sex-specific responses. Female and male offspring of maternal control (C) diet or maternal HF diet were weaned onto C diet or HF diet. Offspring were euthanized at 13 weeks of age and cecal contents were collected for bacterial taxonomic profiling. Maternal HF diet reduced α-diversity, notably in male offspring weaned onto HF diet. Sex-specific differences were observed in the gut microbial composition and predicted functional potential. Furthermore, the influence of maternal diet on bacterial community structure and functional potential varied depending on postnatal diet. Maternal HF diet led to increased relative abundance of Corynebacterium in female offspring and decreased abundance of Akkermansia and Roseburia in male offspring. These findings underscore the sexually dimorphic nature of maternal HF diet effects on gut microbiota composition and function, with implications for developmental programming and metabolic health.

A growing-finishing diet formulated to reduce the soybean meal does not compromise the growth performance, health, behaviour and gut health of Italian heavy pigs

Soy contributes to the environmental impact of Italian pork production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a reduced soybean meal (SBM) and crude protein (CP) finishing diet on growth performance, health, behaviour and gut health of Italian heavy pigs. 1920 pigs (35.6 kg body weight; (BW)) balanced by sex and BW were assigned to the control diet (CO), or the treated diet (TRT) formulated by reducing SBM by 31%, 67% and 69% (replaced by pea and sunflower meal) in 3 feeding phases, respectively, and 1.2% CP in the third phase. 251 pigs were individually weighed at d11, d94 and d181. Feed intake (FI), behavioural indices and air gases at pen-level were monitored monthly. Faecal samples (20/pigs/group) for microbiota, ammonia and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and hair for stress biomarkers were collected. Diet did not affect final BW, faecal ammonia, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone. From d11–d94, the CO group had higher gain to feed (G:F) (p = .007), favourable faecal VFAs profile and a lower environmental ammonia (p < .0001). From d10–d181, the TRT diet increased the ADG (p = .04) and G:F (p = .01), reduced FI (p < .0001) and the lesions score index at d102 (p = .03) and promoted Methanobrevibacter (d94; padj. = 0.013) and Clostridium sensu stricto (d181; padj. = 0.001). Overall, the TRT diet combined with the stress of the transport and acclimatisation to the farm may limit the growth of pigs in the initial period, but it can increase their growth in the long term. Concluding, replacing 56% of SBM with sustainable alternatives seems promising for heavy pig.

Restricted Feeding Of Weight Control Diets Induces Weight Loss And Affects Body Composition, Voluntary Physical Activity, Blood Metabolites, Hormones, And Oxidative Stress Markers, And Fecal Metabolites And Microbiota Of Obese Cats.

Feline obesity puts many cats at risk for comorbidities such as hepatic lipidosis, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract diseases, and others. Restricted feeding of specially formulated diets may improve feline health and safely support weight loss while maintaining lean mass. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of restricted intake of weight control diets on weight loss, body composition, voluntary physical activity, serum metabolic and inflammatory markers, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of obese cats. Twenty-four obese adult domestic shorthair cats [body weight (BW) = 5.51 ± 0.92kg; body condition score (BCS) = 8.44 ± 0.53] were used. A leading grocery brand diet was fed during a 4-wk baseline to identify intake needed to maintain BW. After baseline (wk 0), cats were allotted to one of two weight control diets (DRY or CAN) and fed to lose 1.5% BW per wk for 18wk. At baseline and 6, 12, 18wk after weight loss, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed, blood and fecal samples were collected, and voluntary physical activity was measured. Change from baseline data were analyzed statistically using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P<0.05 being significant and P<0.10 being trends. BW was reduced by 1.54 ± 0.51% per wk. Restricted feeding of both diets led to BW (P<0.01) and fat mass loss (P<0.01), reduced BCS (P<0.01), reduced leptin (P<0.01) and insulin (P<0.01) concentrations, and increased superoxide dismutase (P<0.01) and active ghrelin (P<0.01) concentrations. Change from baseline fecal scores were reduced (P<0.01) with restricted feeding and weight loss, while total short-chain fatty acid, acetate, and propionate concentration reductions were greater (P<0.05) in cats fed CAN than those fed DRY. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity measures increased (P<0.01) with restricted feeding and weight loss. Fecal bacterial beta diversity was altered by time in all cats, with wk 0 being different (P<0.05) than wk 6, 12, and 18. Change from baseline relative abundances of 3 fecal bacterial phyla and over 30 fecal bacterial genera were impacted (P<0.05) or tended to be impacted (P<0.10) by dietary treatment. Our data demonstrate that restricted feeding of both weight control diets was an effective means for weight loss in obese adult domestic cats. Some changes were also impacted by diet, highlighting the importance of diet formulation and format, and nutrient composition in weight control diets.

Deoxynivalenol induces ovarian damage and uterine changes in prepubertal and adult mice

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is associated with reproductive toxicity in animals. The frequent contamination of cereal-based foods with DON and the high intake of these by children raises particular concern about the susceptibility of this subpopulation to adverse effects from this mycotoxin. However, age-related differences in the in vivo reproductive toxicity of DON have not been evaluated. Therefore, the effects of DON on serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, histology, and inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in the ovaries and uteruses of prepubertal and adult mice were investigated. Twenty female prepubertal Swiss mice (21 days old) and 20 young adult mice (65 days old) were fed a control diet or a diet containing 10 mg of DON/kg of feed for 15 days (prepubertal mice) and 28 days (adult mice). In the ovaries, DON induced an increase in the lesional score in both age groups. Ingestion of DON decreased FSH levels in prepubertal females, whereas an increase was observed in adult mice. In prepubertal mice, a reduction in the number of macrophages and increased levels of TNF-α were observed in the ovaries of the DON group, while in adult animals, an increase in the number of macrophages and higher levels of TNF-α were noted. The prepubertal animals showed edema in the uterine tissue and increased thickness of the uterine wall and endometrium. Exposure to DON led to an increase in type I collagen in the uteruses of adult mice, while in prepubertal mice, a decrease in type III collagen was observed. DON exposure also resulted in a decrease in FRAP levels and an increase in ABTS and lipid peroxidation in the uteruses of prepubertal mice. Taken together, the results indicate that the effects of DON on reproductive organs are age-specific, with toxicity established as early as the prepubertal period.

Effects of Fungus (Aspergillus niger) Treated Castor seed Cake on the Performance and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Castor seed cake (CSC) has been recognized as a potential protein source for livestock due to its high Protein and amino acids profile. However, the cake contains some anti-nutrients and toxic compounds that may prevent its full utilization in Livestock feed. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of partial substitution of Groundnut cake with Fungus (Aspergillus niger) treated Castor seed cake (FCSC) on performance characteristics, egg quality and biochemical blood parameters of Japanese quail. Seventy-two quail chicks used for this experiment were subjected to three dietary treatments: Control diet (A, 0% FCSC), B (30% FCSC) and C (60% FCSC).

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 Enhances Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis via the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Male Mice with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity

Our study was designed to investigate the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 (LP1008) on testicular antioxidant capacity, spermatogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, and metabolic function in male mice with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. A total of thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (denoted as the NC group) or a high-fat control diet (denoted as the HFC group) for 16 weeks, then half of the HFC group was randomly chosen and subsequently fed with LP1008 for the final 8 weeks (high-fat diet + LP1008; denoted as the HFP group). The HFP group expressed improved blood cholesterol, insulin resistance, hepatic function, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels compared to the HFC group. Meanwhile, the HFC group displayed decreased testicular testosterone levels, sperm quality, and 17β-HSD protein expression, which were rescued after LP1008 treatment. Moreover, the HFC group had lower superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activities. After LP1008 treatment, enhanced antioxidative activities and decreased lipid peroxidation were observed. The HFC group also exhibited aggravated apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy proteins in the testis, which were ameliorated by LP1008 supplementation. Furthermore, the gut microbiota analysis results revealed that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly elevated in the HFC and HFP groups compared to the NC group and that LP1008 treatment diminished Ruminococcaceae and enhanced Bifidobacteriaceae diversity. In summary, LP1008 treatment strengthened antioxidative enzyme levels and regulated microbiota-ameliorated HFC-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy, and thus improved testicular function and semen quality.

The Effect of Geranylgeraniol and Ginger on Satellite Cells Myogenic State in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in muscles, leading to basal satellite cell (SC) myogenic impairment (i.e., reduction in SC pool), which is critical for maintaining skeletal muscle mass. T2D may contribute to muscle atrophy, possibly due to reductions in the SC pool. Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) and ginger can reduce inflammation and enhance SC myogenesis in damaged muscles, thereby alleviating muscle atrophy; however, their effect on basal SC myogenic state and muscle mass in T2D rats is limited. Rats consumed a control diet (CON), high-fat diet with 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin (HFD), a HFD with 800 mg/kg body weight of GGOH (GG), or a HFD with 0.75% ginger root extract (GRE). In the eighth week, their soleus muscles were analyzed for Pax7, MyoD, and MSTN gene and protein expression, SC myogenic state, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). The HFD group had a significantly lower number of Pax7+/MyoD− and Pax7+/MSTN+ cells, less Pax7 and MyoD gene expression, and less MyoD and MSTN protein expression, with a smaller CSA than the CON group. Compared to the GG and GRE groups, the HFD group had a significantly lower number of Pax7+/MSTN+ cells, less MyoD protein expression, and smaller CSA. The GRE group also had a significantly lower number of Pax7−/MyoD+ and greater MSTN protein expression than the HFD group. Nevertheless, the CON group had a significantly greater number of Pax7+/MyoD− than the GG and GRE groups, and a greater number of Pax7−/MyoD+ cells than the GRE group with a larger CSA than the GG group. GGOH and ginger persevered muscle CSA, possibly through increased MyoD and the ability to maintain the SC pool in T2D rats.

Growth performance, serum metabolites, plasma protein fraction, meat lipid profile and antioxidant activities of breast meat of broiler chicken fed diets containing Cinnamomum ceylon powder, Zingiber officinale powder and Moringa oleifera leafmeal supplem

An experiment was conducted to determine growth performance, serum metabolites, plasma protein fraction, meat lipid profile and antioxidant activities of meat of broilers as affected by Cinnamomium ceylon, Zingiber officinale and Moringa oleifera supplementation. A total of 112 day old chicks were allotted into four treatments replicated four times with seven birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Basal diets were formulated for broiler starters (0-28days) and finisher phase (29-56) days. The basal diets were divided into 4 diets : diet 1- control diet without supplementation; diet 2- contained 0.2% Cinnamomum ceylon supplementation (CCS); diet 3- contained 0.2% Zingiber officinale supplementation (ZOS), diet 4-contained 0.2% Moringa oleifera leafmeal (MOLM) supplementation. The experiment lasted for 56 days. Results showed an improvement in final liveweight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of birds on 0.2% MOLM. Birds on phytogenic feed additives have lower values of urea, cholesterol, glucose, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein. Birds administered phytogenic supplements exhibited much greater plasma albumin levels. Low levels of meat cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein were found in birds fed phytogenic feed additives while high levels of high density lipoprotein were recorded for birds on phytogenic feed additives. The supplementation of broilers diets with phytogenic feed additives increased the glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and decreased lipid peroxidation. It was concluded that supplementation of broiler diets with Moringa oleifera leaf meal enhanced body weight gain, antioxidant activities also reduced cholesterol level in both serum metabolites and meat.

Partial or complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal improves feed efficiency in laying hens between 22 to 30 weeks of age

Abstract The European Commission recently authorised the inclusion of insect meal in poultry feed. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF) has comparable nutritional value to soybean meal (SBM) and higher calcium content, making it an attractive alternative protein source for laying hens While a few studies have explored this objective, inconsistent results have been reported, likely due to variations in hen age, breed, husbandry systems, and sunflower meal composition across studies, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions. We hypothesised that partial or complete replacement of SBM with BSF has no adverse effects on egg production and quality in laying hens at the initiation of laying (22-30 weeks of age). This study consisted of three dietary treatments and nine replicates per treatment. Diets were a control diet, and two diets containing 5% (BSF5%) and 10% (BSF10%). The experimental unit was a pen (100 × 200 × 200 cm) of 14 Brown Nick laying hens resembling an aviary setting. We found that complete replacement of SBM with BSF10% in the diet of laying hens improved feed efficiency attributed to a lower feed intake in comparison to laying hens fed the BSF5% or the control diets, while production performance, body weight, and egg quality were maintained and the colour of the egg yolk increased. Therefore, replacing SBM with up to 10% BSF in brown laying hens in aviary pens at the initiation of laying had no adverse effects on production performance, chemical and physical characteristics, and sensory attributes of eggs. Maintaining production and egg quality with a lower intake of nutrients requires further investigation.

Effect of Dietary Crude Protein Reduction Levels on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Utilization, Blood Parameters, Meat Quality, and Welfare Index of Broilers in Welfare-Friendly Environments

We investigated the effects of feeding different levels of crude protein (CP) on broiler performance, blood characteristics, meat quality, nutrient and nitrogen (N) availability, stress levels, and welfare indicators in a welfare environment. A total of 625 eight-day-old male broilers were assigned to five dietary CP levels (control (CON) and 1–4% CP reductions) during the grower (8–21 days) and finisher (22–35 days) periods. The CON diet contained 20% CP in the grower phase and 19% in the finisher phase, while all birds received a 22% CP diet during the starter period (1–7 days). Intriguingly, reducing CP levels in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance. These results may be due to the adequate supplementation of essential amino acids in the diets of all treatments and the compensatory growth observed in the finisher phase. Low-CP diets reduced CP digestibility, N intake, and N excretion, while N retention efficiency improved (p &lt; 0.001). Serum total protein (TP) levels decreased equally with decreasing CP in the diet, and the crude fat content in meat increased linearly (p &lt; 0.01). The litter moisture content and pH decreased with lower CP levels, and the welfare indices (footpad dermatitis (FPD), serum corticosterone, etc.) improved (p &lt; 0.01). In conclusion, an appropriate reduction in CP levels in their diet can enhance broiler welfare by reducing N excretion and improving litter quality without adversely affecting performance.

Does Eating Disorders and Flexible Dietary Control Effects the Food Craving Arise?

It is a hypothesis often thought that food craving may be associated with particularly strict dietary control. However, it is often not thought that a similar situation can be associated with flexible diet control, and even that it can even lead to eating disorder. Therefore, research on flexible diet control and food craving has been very limited to date.

In vitro gas production, in situ digestibility, intake, weight gain and ruminal characteristics of calves fed a diet containing 60% waste papaya silage.

Our aim was to evaluate a whole-grain diet containing 0 (T1) and 60% (T2) waste papaya silage in vitro, in situ and in vivo. In vitro, biogas, methane and dry matter degradation (DMDiv), neutral detergent fiber (NDFDiv) and crude protein (CPDiv) were determined at 72h; in situ, DM (DMDis), NDF (NDFis) and CP (CPDis) digestibility was determined at 72h; in vivo, consumption and apparent digestibility of DM (DMI and DMD) and NDF (NDFI and NDFD), daily weight gain (DWG), rumen characteristics (pH, bacterial and protozoan counts) were determined. In addition, we performed coproparasitoscopic analysis and interviews with producers. Biogas production, methane, DMDiv, CDPiv, DMDis, DMD, NDFD, pH, bacterial and protozoan counts, and parasite load of nematodes and coccidia were not different between treatments (p > 0.05). T2 showed more NDFDiv, CPDis, DMI, NDFI, DWG than T1, while T1 was higher than T2 in NDFDis (p < 0.05). The results obtained from in vitro, in situ and in vivo techniques indicate that the diet with 60% waste papaya silage (T2) showed a similar response to the control diet (T1). Therefore, waste papaya silage is a non-conventional feeding alternative for weaned calves in the Costa Chica region of the state of Guerrero, Mexico.