Daily Feed Research Articles

Caloric restriction leading to attenuation of experimental Alzheimer's disease results from alterations in gut microbiome.

Caloric restriction (CR) might be effective for alleviating/preventing Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the biological mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we explored whether CR caused an alteration of gut microbiome and resulted in the attenuation of cognitive impairment of AD animal model. Thirty-week-old male APP/PS1 transgenic mice were used as AD models (AD mouse). CR was achieved by 30% reduction of daily free feeding (ad libitum, AL) amount. The mice were fed with CR protocol or AL protocol for six consecutive weeks. We found that with CR treatment, AD mice showed improved ability of learning and spatial memory, and lower levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, IL-1β, TNF-α, and ROS in the brain. By sequencing 16S rDNA, we found that CR treatment resulted in significant diversity in composition and abundance of gut flora. At the phylum level, Deferribacteres (0.04%), Patescibacteria (0.14%), Tenericutes (0.03%), and Verrucomicrobia (0.5%) were significantly decreased in CR-treated AD mice; at the genus level, Dubosiella (10.04%), Faecalibaculum (0.04%), and Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002 (0.01%) were significantly increased in CR-treated AD mice by comparing with AL diet. Our results demonstrate that the attenuation of AD following CR treatment in APP/PS1 mice may result from alterations in the gut microbiome. Thus, gut flora could be a new target for AD prevention and therapy.

Effects of probiotics on productive performances and serum lipid profile of broiler as substitute of antibiotics.

The present research was accomplished to characterize probiotics from broiler gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by profiling biochemical, antimicrobial, and antibiotic sensitivity properties. Eventually, probiotic potentiality was evaluated as a substitute for antibiotic supplements in broiler focusing growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum lipid profile. Probiotic bacteria were characterized based on morphological, physiological, and several biochemical tests. Antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of antibiotics and bacterial pathogens was detected. An in vivo trial was conducted on 40-day-old Ross 308 broiler strains during 21 days in an in vivo trial. The chicks were divided into total of five groups, a control group and four experimental groups (Antibiotic1, Antibiotic2, Probiotic1, and Probiotic2) in a completely randomized design. Probiotic was supplemented in broiler feed (2× 109 CFU/g feed) or by direct oral gavage (1× 109 CFU/chick). The variables of production performance like body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics and serum lipid profile were measured. 10 probiotic bacteria were presumptively identified as Lactobacillus sp. based on the morphological, physiological, and strong resistance properties in several biochemical tests. The mixture of Lactobacillus had favorable effects on productive performance of broilers regarding BW, ADG, and FCR (p < .05) compared with chickens that had no additive or had antibiotic during overall period of in vivo trial. Additionally, noteworthy efficacy on carcass characteristics and serum lipid profile were found (p < .05) in Lactobacillus mixture fed chicken groups of in vivo trial. Mixed Lactobacillus sp. can be considered as a potential additive for broiler diet attributable to noteworthy efficacy on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum lipid profile. Accordingly, the research highlights the need for suitable alteration of antibiotics through probiotic characterization and proper inclusion in broiler diet.

Hematological profile, rumen fermentation, antioxidant state, and immune response of Egyptian Nubian goats fed on Astragalus membranaceus root extract supplemented ration

Background In recent years, Astragalus membranaceus extract has been widely used in animals due to their antimicrobial activities, ability to enhance immunity, and antioxidant functions. Objective We aimed to determine the antioxidant and inhibitory activities of A. membranaceus root powder (AMP) and its cytotoxicity and effects on hematological profile, rumen fermentation, antioxidant status, and immune response in Egyptian Nubian goats. Materials and methods Twenty-five goats are used in this study were received 20 g/animal/day of AMP mixed with their basic diet for 28 days. The study involved measuring the antioxidant activity of AMP using the 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and determining the viability and cytotoxicity percentage using the methyl-thiazolyl tetrazolium protocol. Results After 14 and 28 days of the daily feeding with 20 g of AMP, there was a significant increase in hematological profile, leukocyte count, total volatile fatty acid, and rumen ammonium concentrations with an enhancement in protozoal activity. Also, there was an increase in catalase and total antioxidant capacities along with promoting immunoglobulin (A, M, and G) contents with no significant effect on the insulin level compared with 0 days. Malondialdehyde contents decreased significantly. For all examined concentrations, A. membranaceus showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It also showed a high cytotoxicity percentage in cancer cells. Discussion and conclusions A. membranaceus root extract supplementation significantly increases hematology parameters and rumen fermentation, and improves immune status and antioxidant activity both in-vitro and in live animals. It also exhibits potent cytotoxicity on cancer cells.

Cordyline fruticosa leaf powder supplemented in the diet of weaned pigs: effect on growth performance, heamatological and serum biochemical indices

In Sumitra Research Institute, Gujarat, a total of 50 cross-bred male piglets (Yorkshire × Landrace) with an initial body weight of 9.77 ± 0.06 kg weaned at 28 days were randomly distributed 5 treatments of 10 replicates containing 1 animal each in 60 days’ trial. According to the Nutritional Research Council’s recommendation in 2012, a basal diet was adequate in all nutrients. Pigs in treatment 1 were fed a basal diet without C. fruticosa leaf powder while treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 were fed the same diet supplemented with C. fruticosa leaf powder at 20 g, 40 g, 60 g, and 80 g respectively. Animals were given unrestricted access to fresh clean water and a completely randomized design was adopted. The experimental result showed that average daily weight gains and average daily feed intake which took the form of 0.29-0.46 kg and 0.68-0.77 kg were higher in the C. fruticosa leaf powder-supplemented group relative to the control (p &lt; 0.05). The treatments significantly influenced the best feed conversion ratio and mortality rate from 1.73-2.34 to 1.0-3.0% (p &lt; 0.05). Haemoglobin, red blood cell, pack cell volume, total platelet count, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell, lymphocytes, and monocytes count follow a similar trend as values were greater in treatment 3, 4 and 5, an intermediary in treatment 2 and lower in treatment 1 (p &lt; 0.05). The treatment significantly influenced total protein, glucose, cholesterol, Calcium, and Phosphorus values (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase values were similar among the treatments (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, Cordyline fruticosa leaf powder can be supplemented in the diet of weaned pigs without causing any negative effect on the growth and health status of weaned pigs.

육계농장유래 ICT-데이터의 분석을 통해 미생물의 정족수감지 (Quorum Sensing) 현상의 발견을 위한 연구

The current study obtained biometric data yielded by information and communication technology (ICT) equipment installed in the mobile phones of farmers from broiler farms and evaluated quorum sensing (QS) phenomenon (QSP), which can be considered as an emergency rescue request signal for chickens and the starting point of a disease. The results indicated that QSP was identified the most rapidly and sensitively during the analysis of digital data yielded by the ICT-equipped automatic feed feeder, followed by the water consumption data. In particular, in the data on daily feed consumption, QSP was identified to be the point where the consumption rapidly decreased by more than 100% compared with that on the previous day. It is believed that if farm owners responded to the QSP or chicken rescue signals and rapidly implemented disease prevention measures, then it would be the wisest field use of ICT data to minimize loss and damage to farms. In addition, the results of this study revealed the priority order of the introduction of ICT equipment. and the most urgent and important for farm management is daily feed consumption data by applying the scientifically based QS approach, for the first time, to our knowledge, in Korea. The results of this study uncovered the importance of installing ICT equipments.

Effect of hydroponic barley fodder on growth performance, carcass yield and carcass quality of cobb 500 broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of hydroponic barley fodder supplementation on growth performance, carcass yield and carcass quality of Cobb 500 broilers. An accustomed proper feeding and brooding have been given to the chicks for up to three weeks of age. After three weeks, 144 three-week-old birds were randomly assigned to four treatments and replicated three times with 12 chicks per replication in a completely randomized design. Treatments were arranged as follows; T1: Home formulated Broiler diet (control group), T2: Home formulated Broiler diet +3.5 % hydroponic barley fodder, T3: Home formulated Broiler diet +7 % hydroponic barley fodder, and T4: Home formulated Broiler diet +10.5 % hydroponic barley fodder. The proximate analysis revealed that, hydroponic barley fodder contained 15.63 % crude protein, 10.6 crude fiber, and 4.04 ether extract. Increasing the level of hydroponic barley fodder was associated with an improvement of both growth performance and weight of carcass components of Cobb 500 broilers. Higher average daily feed intake (112.72 g/bird), daily body weight gain (56.37 g/bird), total body weight gain (1579.39 g/4 weeks) were obtained from T4 (home formulated feed +10.5 % HBF). Similarly, higher feed conversion efficiency (1.99 g of feed/g of weight gain) was recorded in T4. Hydroponic barley fodder had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the mortality rate and carcass quality of broiler chickens. Economically, the highest net return was obtained from birds fed on T4 (Home formulated Broiler diet +10.5 % hydroponic barley fodder). In conclusion, supplementing hydroponic barley fodder up to 10.5 % improves carcass characteristics and result higher net income compared to other treatments. The current study recommended that further investigation like inclusion and substitution trial should be conducted to determine whether hydroponic barley fodder can replace expensive poultry ration ingredients.

The use of the complex drug "Optibak®-F" in feeding young ferrets

The use of probiotics and symbiotics allows you to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, normalize the microflora, increase immunity, prevent infectious diseases, and increase the safety of livestock. The aim of the research was to study the effect of complex application preparation "OptiBak®-F" in diets on the growth of young ferrets during the growing period. The experiment was carried out on slaughtered young ferrets of pearl type at the ferret farm FSUE "Russian Sable" of Moscow region. It was found that daily introduction of "OptiBak®-F" preparation into ferrets' feed in July-September in the amount of 0,05-0,06 g per head per day increases live weight gain of young animals in a month by 137,2 g (p&lt;0,05) in comparison with animals of the control group. The similar tendency was maintained three weeks after completion of the preparation introduction into the general ration: at the end of September the live weight of young animals was significantly higher by 138.7 g (p&lt;0.05) and was 2003.0 g against 1864.3 g in the control. High safety of young animals was recorded in both groups. Average daily feed intake in the groups was 225 g per head. During the experiment period when "OptiBak®-F" was used, absolute live weight gain of young ferrets in the experimental group was higher than in the control by 109.7 g (795.5 g vs. 685,8 g), relative - by 4.5% (49.6% vs. 45.1%), while feed costs in physical weight per unit of live weight gain decreased by 13.7%, and in terms of feed cost - by 11.0%, taking into account the cost of the preparation.

Protective effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-derived nonapeptide in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

This study aims to explore the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-derived nonapeptide (BAP) on growth and immune function in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed mice. The results showed that BAP alleviated the reduction of the body weight, daily feed intake and spleen and thymus index caused by Cy, and restored jejunal tissue morphology, goblet cell numbers and tight junction proteins. BAP enhanced the expression of immunoglobulins, including immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), jejunal CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, and cytokines including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), while it inhibited the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). The oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzymes induced by Cy were also reversed by BAP. Moreover, BAP modulated the structure of gut microbiota and promoted the colonization of potential intestinal probiotics. Our findings establish the groundwork for comprehending the function of BAP and its potential utilization as an immunomodulator.

Biogas production performance using soybean residue and hydrothermal pretreated food waste hydrolysate in a continuously anaerobic two-stage pilot plant

In this study, a continuously anaerobic two-stage pilot plant was established for bioenergy production, comprising 5 major pieces of equipment: a mixing tank, 1st anaerobic digester (AD), 2nd AD, sediment tank, aeration tank, and final sediment tank, all operating at ambient conditions. The operation of the continuously anaerobic two-stage pilot plant was automatically controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) using a designed control logic concept to set the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and inlet substrate concentration. The organic loading rate, pretreatment of hydrolysis pressure, and microbial community analysis were investigated for their effects on biogas production performance using different substrates: soybean residue (SR) and food waste hydrolysate (FWH), respectively. It was found that the peaks of biogas production rate on daily volumetric feeding were 1.20 m³·m⁻³·d⁻1, and the biogas yield on VS added was 760 dm³·kg⁻1 from food waste hydrolysate with a pretreatment hydrolysis pressure of 10 kg cm⁻2, at an OLR in COD concentration of 3.56 kg m⁻³·d⁻1, and an HRT of 11 days, respectively. The Methanobrevibacter genus was found to be abundant in the 1st AD, approximately 6.7 times more abundant than in the 2nd AD. The continuous anaerobic two-stage pilot plant was properly examined for its application in treating food waste and soybean residue with the goal of obtaining renewable bioenergy.

Influence of daily feed ration on growth and condition of juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)

Influence of daily feed ration on growth and condition of juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)

Enhancing growth performance, feed efficiency, and economic feasibility of turkey production through the incorporation of zootech feed fortifier in a high-fiber turkey diet

This study evaluated the impact of incorporating Zootech feed fortifier mix into a graded ration of sawdust and palm kernel cake (PKC); a high fibre diet, on the growth performance, carcass, organoleptic, and bio-economics of turkey birds. This eight-week feeding trial involved 320 unsexed indigenous strains of turkey poults brooded in deep litter and assigned to four dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4). The experimental design involved four treatments with four replicates, with a total of twenty birds per replicate. The treatment diets/groups were as follows: T1 (farmer’s practice turkey diet/standard turkey feed), T2 (5% sawdust/18% PKC), T3 (10% sawdust/13% PKC), and T4 (15% sawdust/8% PKC). It was revealed from this study that turkeys fed T4 diets exhibited significantly higher differences (p < 0.01) in final weight gain and average daily weight gain compared to other treatments. At the same time, T1 (control) had the lowest weight gain. Average daily feed intake had a significantly higher difference (p < 0.01) in turkeys fed T4 diets, with the lowest intake in the control group. Turkeys fed T4 and control diets achieved the best feed conversion ratio, while T2 and T3 groups were less efficient. Carcass traits and internal organ proportions were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in turkeys fed T4 diets. The organoleptic assessment indicated superior meat quality (p < 0.05) in treatment four groups . Economic analysis revealed significantly lower costs per kilogram of feed and total feed consumed in T2, T3, and T4 groups compared to the control (p < 0.05) groups. In summary, incorporating a Zootech feed fortifier into a sawdust/palm kernel diet positively influenced turkey growth, feed efficiency, carcass traits, tastes, and economic viability.

Relationship between stocking rate and production of stocker hybrid tilapia and water quality in a mixtotrophic biofloc system

AbstractIntensified production of stocker‐size tilapia can be accomplished using the biofloc technology production system. Stocker‐size tilapia (ca. 10–200 g/fish) are raised for subsequent stocking for grow‐out to market size. The relationship between stocking rate and the production of stocker‐size hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis aureus × O. niloticus) was evaluated in two studies in outdoor mixotrophic biofloc tanks. Hybrid tilapia were stocked in 18.6‐m2 (15.7‐m3) tanks at 50–150 fish/m2 (59–178 fish/m3) in 25 fish/m2 (30 fish/m3) increments in Study 1 and grown for 141–143 days. Stocking rates evaluated in 4.7‐m2 (3.6‐m3) tanks during Study 2 over 78–79 days ranged from 100 to 300 fish/m2 (132–396 fish/m3) in 25 fish/m2 (33 fish/m3) increments. Linear regression models best described growth to stocker size in both studies. Fish yield increased linearly with stocking rate and ranged from 20.1 to 38.3 kg/m3. Individual weight at harvest was inversely related to stocking rate and ranged from 389.8 to 163.4 g/fish and 155.2 to 81.4 g/fish in Studies 1 and 2, respectively. Partial budget analyses suggested positive net changes in profit with incremental increases in stocking rate for producing a 75‐g stocker. Water quality concentrations were impacted directly by daily feed ration and total feed fed, which increased linearly with stocking rate. In Study 2, whole‐body dry matter, protein, protein retention, and lipid were unaffected by stocking rate, whereas whole‐body ash increased with stocking rate. Whole‐body energy retention significantly decreased with stocking rate. The outdoor mixotrophic biofloc production system is well suited for intensive production of hybrid tilapia stockers. However, additional replicated research and economic analysis are needed to evaluate stocking rate and culture duration to produce specific‐sized stocker hybrid tilapia.

Effects of maternal hawthorn-leaf flavonoid supplementation on the intestinal development of offspring chicks

Metabolic disorders in maternal generation during the late egg-laying period have adverse effects on neonatal development. The study was conducted to clarify the effects of maternal feeding of hawthorn-leaf flavonoid (HF) on the microbial community and intestinal development of chicks. Breeder hens were fed a basic corn-soybean diet, while the treatment groups were supplemented with 30 or 60 mg/kg HF. The offspring chicks were divided into CON, LHF, and HHF groups according to the maternal treatments. Maternal HF supplementation at 60 mg/kg increased the average daily gain and decreased the feed conversion rate of chicks (P < 0.05), but did not affect the average daily feed intake. HF treatments increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio and up-regulated the protein expressions of PCNA, IGF-1R, PI3K and p-mTOR in the jejunum (P < 0.05) of 1-day-old and 14-day-old chicks. Additionally, maternal HF treatment up-regulated the mRNA expression of tight junction transmembrane proteins (occludin) and scaffolding proteins (ZO-1 and ZO-2) in the jejunum of 1-day-old chicks (P < 0.05). Moreover, the maternal effects of HF on ZO-1 expression could last for 14 d (P < 0.05). Interestingly, dietary HF supplementation altered the vertically transmitted microbial community from breeder hens to chicks, especially increased the relative abundance of probiotics (i.e., Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1) in the meconium of chicks (P < 0.05), which may help with early gut microbiota colonization and intestinal development. In summary, dietary HF supplementation for breeder hens altered the bacterial community of neonates and might promote intestinal development of chicks through the IGF-1R/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Valorisation of grape stem as an alternative ingredient in rabbit feed.

Grape stem is a winery by-product that it is currently disposed as waste or at best as soil conditioner. However, it is rich in fibres and polyphenols which makes it interesting for animal feeding. In this regard, rabbit farming emerges as a target livestock farming since fibre content is essential in rabbit's diets for preventing digestive troubles and polyphenols are associated with improved performances in animals due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This study aims to assess the suitability of a grape stem-based ingredient for rabbit feeding. The stem was dried using flash drying technology to prevent rapid spoilage and stabilise the ingredient. Then, its nutritional value was evaluated resulting in a high fibre (>40%) and polyphenol (>6%) content ingredient with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. A feed efficiency trial was conducted and inclusion rates of up to 10% of grape stem-based ingredient did not affect animals' mortality, average daily feed intake, daily gain or feed conversion ratio. In conclusion, grape stem-based ingredient arises as a secondary feedstuff for cuniculture reducing the dependence on other fibre sources, such as cereals or sunflower hulls. This could also contribute to reduce the environmental footprint of the wine sector by giving a second life to an existing waste, while generating a new activity based on circular economy.

Replacing soybean meal with lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus improves broiler productive performances, haematology, intestinal morphology and meat quality

Abstract Insects are becoming more popular as a soybean meal substitute because they can be raised sustainably on food and feed residues, which improves farming efficiency, sustainability, and animal welfare. In the current study, we replaced 4, 8 and 12% SBM with lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and determined its effects on productive performances, blood parameters, gut morphometry and meat quality of the broiler chickens. We also compared commercially available black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae. A total of 350 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets (5 pens/treatment and 10 birds/pen). The results found that 12% A. diaperinus and H. illucens diets significantly () increased the live weight (LW) and average daily weight gain (ADG) while improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the broilers. Daily feed intake (DFI) did not show a significant difference () among all the dietary treatments. Haematology and serum biochemistry traits were significantly () improved except MCHC, monocytes, Eosinophils (EO), albumin and creatinine. The 12% A. diaperinus and H. illucens diets showed the highest villus height (Vh) and the lowest crypt depth than other diets. The meat quality traits were statistically () improved except meat pH, drip loss and shear force (). The results of the study highlight the importance of substituting SBM up to 12% with either A. diaperinus or H. illucens larvae, which improves the productive performances, blood parameters, gut morphometry and meat quality of broilers and thus can be incorporated as an alternative protein source in poultry feed.

Unobserved mortality occurs early in larval walleye (Sander vitreus) aquaculture

One of the most persistent challenges in walleye larviculture is the high rate of unobserved mortality occurring within the first 30 days post-hatch. Walleye larviculture is characterized by high mortality rates, but oftentimes, only a fraction of the total mortality in walleye larviculture is observed. Unobserved mortality is frequently attributed to a high rate of cannibalism, but decomposition of larvae and other factors may also be important contributors. Unobserved mortality can make walleye larviculture especially challenging as accurately estimating daily feed rations and forecasting larval production rely on accurate counts of surviving fish. Despite the importance of unobserved mortality, there is little empirical evidence available that assesses the temporal occurrence and causes of unobserved mortality in walleye larviculture. This study assessed when unobserved mortality occurs during walleye larviculture by examining survival at three timepoints (8, 15, and 30 days post-stocking). Tanks were cleaned daily and dead fry were enumerated to account for observed mortality. At the end of each treatment period, the tanks were drained, all remaining fry were enumerated, and the unobserved mortality rate was calculated. While observed mortality trended higher as trial duration increased, unobserved mortality did not increase significantly from the 8-day treatment suggesting that the bulk of unobserved mortality occurs during the first 8 days of walleye larviculture.

Effects of dietary glucosamine sulfate sodium on early laying performance and eggshell quality of laying hens

This study was conducted to determine the influence of dietary glucosamine sulfate sodium (GSS) on laying performance, blood profiles, eggshell and inner quality of eggs and relative expression of the genes related to eggshell in laying hens at early stage. A total of 640 twenty-weeks-old Lohmann laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 10 replicates of 16 hens each. The experiment lasted for 8 wk, and dietary treatments were: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) G1, CON + 0.2% GSS; 3) G2, CON + 0.4% GSS; 4) G3, CON + 0.6% GSS. The inclusion of GSS increased average daily feed intake, laying rate, and egg mass (P < 0.05) linearly during wk 21 to 25, 25 to 29, and 21 to 29, egg weight during wk 21 to 25 and 25 to 29, and improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio linearly during wk 21 to 25. The supplementation of GSS increased (P < 0.05) albumen height quadratically, Haugh unit, calcium content, calcium mass, phosphorus content and phosphorus mass linearly at the end of 25th and 29th wk. At the end of 29th wk, the eggshell strength, eggshell weight, eggshell ratio, and eggshell thickness were increased (P < 0.05) linearly in GSS treatments compared with CON. The addition of GSS increased (P < 0.05) serum calcium, estrogen 2, and calcitonin, while decreased (P < 0.05) serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), parathormone, IL-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) at the end of 29th wk. The inclusion of GSS increased (P < 0.05) the relative expression of ovocalyxin-32 and ovocalyxin-36 linearly at the end of 29th wk, and ovalbumin, osteopontin, calbindin 1, and ovocleidin-116 linearly at the end of 25th and 29th wk. Quadratic effects were observed (P < 0.05) in the laying rate during wk 21 to 25, serum TRAP and PGE2, the relative expression of ovocleidin-116 at the end of 29th wk. In summary, the inclusion of GSS up-regulated relative expression of osteopontin, ovocleidin-116, ovocalyxin-32 and ovocalyxin-36 in uterus, promoted the serum PGE2 and calcitonin, thus increased the calcium content of eggshell and finally enhanced eggshell quality.

Effects of four types of natural bait on water quality, feeding, growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity of Monopterus albus in a recirculating aquaculture system

Monopterus albus is one of China’s renowned and superior aquaculture species, with its seedlings mainly sourced from wild capture. One of the bottlenecks in M. albus aquaculture is the high mortality rate and low feeding initiation rate from stocking wild fry to the initiation of feeding. In production, trash fish is commonly used to wean M. albus juveniles onto feeding. In this study, we introduced three other natural feeds, earthworms (EW), yellow mealworms (YMW), and fly maggots (FM), with frozen trash fish (TF) serving as the control group, to evaluate the effects of these four natural feeds on the survival rate, feeding initiation, antioxidant enzymes activity, and body composition of M. albus juveniles under recirculating water aquaculture conditions. The experiment comprised four treatments, each with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of stocking 150 M. albus juveniles weighing 10.02 ± 0.89 g in size, raised for 5 weeks. The survival rate of the YMW group was 73.33%–85.33%, which was significantly higher than that of the other three bait groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The four bait groups showed no significant differences in final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR) (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The EW group showed the highest final body weight, with an average SGR of 2.73, whereas the YMW group had an average SGR of 1.87. The average daily feeding amount was significantly higher in EW and YMW groups than in the other two groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The percentage of feeding amount to fish weight in the EW group reached 7.3% in the fifth week. After 5 weeks of cultivation, NO2−-N content was significantly higher in the waters of the TF and EW groups than in the waters of the FM and YMW groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05), there was no significant difference in TAN content among the treatment groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde content was significantly higher in the TF group than in the other bait groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in the EW group than in the FM group and YMW group. No significant differences in SOD and CAT activity and T-AOC were observed among the bait groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The increase in crude protein content was significantly higher in the TF group than in the FM group, but the increase in crude ash content was significantly lower in the TFgroup. In conclusion, Tenebrio molitor could potentially serve as one of the alternative feeds during the initial stages of M. albus juveniles stocking.

The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) residue could partially replace the dietary puffed soybean meal in the Three-yellow chickens

Periplaneta americana residue is a byproduct of using Periplaneta americana in pharmaceutical research and development for extracting active ingredients. Three hundred Three-yellow chickens were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into 6 groups (5 replications per group, 10 chickens per replicate): the control group (group A) was fed a basal ration, and the experimental groups (groups B, C, D, E, and F) were fed experimental diets in which P. americana residue replaced puffed soybean meal at proportions of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%, respectively, for a period of 42 d. The aim was to assess the impact of different levels of P. americana residue on the growth, survival, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal flora, and intestinal transcriptional responses of Three-yellow chickens. The results indicated that the increase in P. americana residue levels had a linear and quadratic impact on the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), respectively. The ADG was notably greater in the 40% group than in the 100% group, while the FCR was significantly lower in the 20% and 40% groups than in the 100% group (P < 0.05). Protease, lipase, and amylase activities exhibited a quadratic increase with increasing concentrations of P. americana residue (P < 0.05). Protease and lipase activities were notably greater in the 20% and 40% groups than in the 0% group (control group), amylase activity was significantly greater in the 40% group than in the 0% group (control group) (P < 0.05). Duodenal crypt depth (CD) decreased quadratically with increasing P. americana residue (P < 0.05). The duodenal villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C) was significantly lower in the 100% group than in the 60% group (P < 0.05). The intestinal villus height (VH) increased quadratically with increasing levels of P. americana residue. The VH in the 60% group was significantly greater than that in the 0% (control group), 20, 80, and 100% groups (P < 0.05). The Chao and Ace indices demonstrated linear and quadratic increases with increasing levels of P. americana residue, while the Pd index showed a quadratic increase with increasing levels of P. americana residue (P < 0.05). The relative abundance profile of Lactobacillus exhibited a linear and quadratic decrease with increasing levels of P. americana residue, with the 100% group showing a significantly lower abundance than the 0% (control group) and 40% groups (P < 0.05). The transcriptome results showed that P. americana residue could enhance the digestive system by promoting vitamin, fat, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, cholesterol metabolism, etc. In conclusion, P. americana residue can replace puffed soybean meal without negatively affecting the growth performance of three-yellow chickens. The low and medium groups had positive effects on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, intestinal flora, and substance digestion and absorption of three-yellow chickens. The recommended replacement of P. americana residue for puffed soybean meal in the diets of three-yellow chickens ranged from 20% to 60%.

The effects of incorporating dried cashew apple in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health

A total of two hundred and ten one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were utilized in this study to investigate the effects of incorporating Dried Cashew Apples (DCA) in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health. The birds were weighed and randomly allotted to seven treatment groups with three replicates, each having 10 birds. The experimental design was a (2 X 3) + 1 augmented factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Diet D1 (control diet) was a maize-soybean meal-based; diets D2, D3, and D4 comprised 10, 20, and 30% DCA without exogenous enzyme supplementation, whereas diets D5, D6, and D7 included 10, 20, and 30% DCA treated with exogenous enzyme. Data were collected on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut morphology. Collected data were analyzed using SAS (2002) and separation of means was done using Duncan’s Multiple Range Tests of the same statistical software. The difference was set at p &lt; 0.05. The study found that birds fed diets containing 10% DCA, with or without enzyme supplementation (D2 and D5), had a significantly higher Average Daily Gain (ADG) compared to those fed the control diet (D1). The ADG of birds fed diets D3 and D6 was similar to that of birds fed the control diet (D1). However, a significant decrease in ADG was observed as the dietary inclusion level of DCA increased to 30%, as seen in birds offered diets D4 and D7. In addition, a significant linear rise (p &lt; 0.05) in Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) was seen when DCA was included in the diet. In addition, birds that were given diets containing DCA showed significantly higher nutrient digestibility (p &lt; 0.05) compared to birds that were given the control diet (D1), except for birds that were given a diet containing 30% DCA without enzyme supplementation (D4), which showed significantly lower nutrient digestibility (p &lt; 0.05) compared to birds that were given the control diet (D1). Ultimately, birds that were given meals containing DCA exhibited a significant enhancement in GIT development compared to birds on the control diet. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that including DCA in the diet of broiler chickens at a level of up to 20% does not have any detrimental effects on their performance.