Daily Body Weight Gain Research Articles

Performance and Physiological Responses of Pre-Weaning Peranakan Etawa Goats Fed Milk Replacer with Maggot Flour

Pre-weaning growth is crucial for achieving high weaning weights, which are expected to positively correlate with the overall performance of does/ewes. Milk replacer, designed to meet the nutritional needs of pre-weaning kids, offers a solution to this challenge. This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the impact of incorporating maggot flour into milk replacer on the performance of pre-weaned Peranakan Etawa (PE) crossbreed goats. The parameters observed included milk replacer intake, nutrient consumption, body weight gain, weaning weight, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and feed cost per gain. The study involved 10 two-week-old local pre-weaned PE goats, each with an average body weight of 5.33 ± 0.93 kg, divided into two treatment groups with five replicates each. The treatments included a commercial milk replacer (P0) and a milk replacer containing maggot flour (P1). Data were analyzed using an independent t-test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that daily body weight gain in pre-weaned PE goats fed milk replacer containing maggot flour did not differ significantly (P0.05) from those fed the commercial milk replacer. The physiological responses of the pre-weaned goats, including rectal temperature and respiratory rate, were similar between treatments and did not negatively affect their physiological status. The lowest feed cost per gain was observed in the group fed the maggot flour-based milk replacer (P1), indicating its potential economic advantage.

Effect of supplementation of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes, Acacia saligna, wheat bran and cotton seed cake on feed intake, digestibility, growth and carcass characteristics of goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes, Acacia saligna, wheat bran and cotton seed cake on growth, digestibility, intake and carcass characteristics of goats. A randomized complete block design was used in the experiment with 24 yearling central highland goats with an initial body weight of 15.6 - 16.1kg. The same amount of grass hay (GH) + 150 gDM/head/day wheat bran (WB) was given to all animals. The experimental diets consisted of 80 cotton seed cake (CSC) as treatment 1 (T1), 45CSC +160 cactus cladodes (CC) as T2, 45CSC+ 80 Acacia saligna (AS) as T3, and 45CSC+80CC+40AS as T4 (gram dry matter: DM, per day per goat), Data were gathered on the goats' growth, digestibility, intake, and carcass of major organs, edible and nonedible organs. The consumption of dry matter and organic matter was higher in goats fed T2 and T4 than in the T1 group. The DM, organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were higher in T4 and T3 goats when compared to T2 goats. Goats fed on T4 had higher hot carcass weight and dressing percentage on slaughter body weight basis than T2, T3, and T1 supplemented goats. Generally, the experimental diets improved goats’ performance in descending order (T4 > T3 >T1 >T2). Supplementation of T4 (replacement of 35 g DM of cotton seed cake per day by 40g of Acacia saligna and 80g of cactus cladodes on dry matter bases) could be recommended to improve goat performance.

Efficacy and Growth Performance between Two Different Ionophore Coccidiostats (Narasin and Salinomycin) in Broiler Chickens after Challenge with Eimeria spp.

The objective of this study was primarily to assess the different performance impacts of two ionophore coccidiostats (narasin and salinomycin) used to manage coccidiosis. While both products may be efficacious in controlling disease challenges, previous literature has suggested that some ionophores are less well tolerated by the broiler chickens. In this study, we were particularly interested to know how the use of different coccidiostat programs translates into broiler health and performance, as measured by zootechnical parameters such as the feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and final body weight. A total of 352 male Ross 308 one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into two treatment groups (T1 and T2). Treatment 1 included a basal diet (BD) + nicarbazin/narasin (Maxiban®, Elanco) at 100 ppm 0-24 days, narasin at 70 ppm 25-42 days, and (2) Treatment 2 included basal diet + nicarbazin/narasin at 100 ppm 0-24 days, salinomycin (Sacox®, Huvepharma) at 70 ppm 25-42 days. Efficacy and performance parameters, slaughter analysis, dry matter (DM) in litter, and intestinal integrity (I2) were measured for the broilers from both treatment groups. The findings demonstrated more favorable results for broilers reared in the group diet fed with narasin (in the finisher phase), including higher daily body weight gain, higher final body weight, lower feed conversion ratio value (improved feed efficiency), and higher European Production Efficiency Factor value, compared with the salinomycin-supplemented group.

Effect of dietary supplementation of macadamia oil on the growth, immune function, physio-biochemical componentsand thyroid activity of growing rabbits.

The current research aimed to assess the effects of dietary macadamia oil (MO) on carcass traits, growth performance, physio-biochemical components, immune function, thyroid hormonesand inflammation markers of growing rabbits. A total of 96 growing rabbits were randomly distributed into four treatments, with 24 rabbits in each group. The rabbits were fed a basal diet (control group) or a diet supplemented with MO at 0.5 (MO0.5), 1 (MO1.0)and 2 (MO2.0) mL/kg of diet for eight weeks. The daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio showed a quadratic improvement with increasing levels of MO, and the optimal dose was 1.25 mL/kg of diet. Increasing levels of MO also had a quadratic effect on hepatic and renal functions. Dose-response curves revealed that the optimal doses of MO were 1.50, 1.75and 1.25 mL/kg of diet for total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and creatininerespectively. A quadratic relationship was observed between the increased levels of MO and tumour necrosis factor-α (p = 0.038), interleukin-6 (p = 0.014)and immunoglobulins (p = 0.016 and IgM p = 0.026). Additionally, a linear relationship was observed between the increment in MO levels and both nitric oxide (p = 0.040) and interleukin-4 (p = 0.001). The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase showed a linear increase with increasing dietary MO content, while xanthine oxidase showed a linear decrease. Total antioxidant capacity showed quadratic improvement (p = 0.035) with the dietary treatment, with the optimal dose observed at 1.25 mL/kg of diet. The inclusion of MO in the diet had a linear effect on the activity of thyroxine (p = 0.001). Therefore, supplementation of MO at a dose of 1 or 1.5 mL/kg of diet in growing rabbits'diets can improve growth and carcass traits, sustain thyroid function by supporting immunity, and reduce oxidative/inflammation pathways.

Effect of strategic supplementation of a novel feed supplement on zoo-technical attributes, metabolic profile, production and reproduction performance of buffaloes

The present experiment aimed to establish the efficacy of a novel feed supplement (NFS) on nutrient intake, energy status, metabolic profile, milk yield, reproductive performance and its socio economic impact on problematic post-partum buffaloes under field condition. Twenty four post-partum buffaloes were randomly and equally assigned to CON and NFS groups for 120 days of experimental feeding period. The animals in CON group were fed on basal roughages and concentrate mixture @ 20% of DMI as per the farmers’ practices, whereas, buffaloes in NFS group were fed according to CON with additional novel feed supplement @ 0.25% of BW. The voluntary feed intake and average daily gain in body weight were increased in NFS than CON group. The buffaloes fed NFS diet exhibited higher Hb, haematocrit, serum glucose and lower NEFA. Serum minerals (Ca, iP, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn), metabolic hormones (T3, T4, GH, IGF-1) and total anti-oxidant capacity were enhanced in NFS group. The milk yield and conception rate were also improved significantly following strategic supplementation of NFS. Analyses of cost benefit of milk yield revelled that the benefit-cost ratio was improved in NFS fed buffaloes. Thus, it can be concluded that strategic supplementation the novel feed supplement @ 0.25% of BW significantly improved the nutrient intake, energy balance, metabolic profile, milk yield and reproduction performance of problematic buffaloes under field condition during early post-partum period.

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.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala) Leaf Powder as Feed Additive on Growth Performance and Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Broilers

Background: Tejpatta leaves are well known for their use as spice in food for taste and aromatic purposes. It is mainly used for flavoring food and widely used in pharmaceutical preparation because of its hypoglycemic, stimulant, carminative, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-ulcer and antimicrobial properties. Keeping the aforementioned properties in view, the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Tejpatta leaf powder on growth performance and haemato-biochemical parameters of broilers for boosting poultry industry production. Methods: Two hundred and twenty five day-old chicks were randomly assigned into five dietary treatment groups (T1-T5) using CRD, each consisting of 45 chicks with roughly equal average body weights. Each group of 45 chicks was subdivided into three replicates (R1, R2 and R3) having 15 chicks per replicate. The T1 group fed basal diet only, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups were fed Tejpatta leaf powder @ 0.25%, 0.75%, 1.25% and 1.75%, respectively, along with basal diet. Result: Significant (P less than 0.01) effect on growth characteristics was noticed in broiler chicks due to dietary supplementation of Tejpatta leaf powder. Significantly (P less than 0.01) higher body weight, weekly body weight gain, average daily body weight gain and performance index was noticed in T4 group and lowest was observed in T1 group. Significantly (P less than 0.01) higher feed intake was observed in T5 group and lowest was in T1 group. Lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in T4 group and highest in T1 group. Non-significant effect on hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood corpuscle count, serum glucose, total protein and cholesterol and creatinine levels was observed in various treatment groups. It was concluded that supplementing broiler diet with Tejpatta leaf powder @ 1.25% could be beneficial for improving broiler chick growth performance and hemato-biochemical parameters while having no adverse effects on broiler chicks.

74 Feeding style and its influence on growth, circulating insulin, and spatial preference of young pigs

Abstract In this study, we investigated the influence of feeding style on growth performance, circulating insulin concentrations, and spatial preference within the home-cages (HC) of young pigs. Pigs (n = 43 boars) were weaned on postnatal day (PND) 2, allotted to treatment based on litter of origin and body weight (BW), and reared artificially over a 15-d period. Pigs were provided a nutritionally adequate milk replacer 20 h per day using one of two feeding styles: 1) ad libitum (i.e., continual access to milk replacer), and 2) prescribed [330 mL/kg of BW from PND 3-7 (wk 1), and 357.5 mL/kg of BW from PND 8-18 (wk 2)]. In addition to water in the reconstituted milk replacer, free choice access to fresh water was provided throughout the study. Milk intake (i.e., disappearance) and BW were recorded daily, with pigs undergoing continuous top-down video surveillance throughout the study. On PND 17, blood was collected from a subset of pigs (n = 24) for quantification of insulin concentrations. Video analysis of pigs (n = 43) was performed to establish time spent in each HC quadrant. All data were analyzed via a 1-way ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS. During wk 1, ad libitum pigs exhibited increased (P < 0.05) average daily BW gain (152 g/d) and average daily milk intake (728 g/d) compared with the prescribed treatment (127 g/d and 570 g/d, respectively). This same effect continued in wk 2 for average daily BW gain and average daily milk intake, with ad libitum-fed pigs consuming more (P < 0.05) milk replacer (256 g/d and 1,356 g/d, respectively) compared with prescribed-fed pigs (192 g/d and 974 g/d, respectively). Over the entire 15-d feeding study, average daily BW gain (234 g/d), average daily feed intake (1,140 g/d) and milk intake-to-BW ratio (4.60) were greater (P < 0.05) in the ad libitum treatment compared with prescribed feeding (180 g/d, 830 g/d, and 3.81 respectively). Insulin concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the ad libitum treatment (348 µIU/mL) 30 min after feed provision compared with the prescribed treatment (190 µIU/mL). Video analysis of spatial preference within HC suggested pigs in the prescribed treatment spent more (P < 0.05) time in quadrant 4 during wk 1 (5.43% of time recorded) compared with the ad libitum treatment (3.82% of time recorded), likely due to quadrant 4 housing the feed bowl. However, all other time points had no effect on spatial preference. Overall, the type of feeding style altered growth performance and insulin concentrations within young pigs and may impact the spatial preference of pigs within their home-cage environment.

Health benefits of consumption of chicken sausage enhanced with local beetroot powder

Sausage is a community’s product, a processed meat product which is wrapped in a casing. Sausages with high-fat content contain high calories and will cause weight gain if consumed excessively. The impact of consuming sausage can be caused if high-fat and high-calorie sausages are consumed continuously for a long time. Increasing public awareness of health demands for sausage products that are safe for consumption. This study aimed to determine the health benefit of consuming sausage enriched with local beetroot powder on the performance and lipid profile of white rats (Rattus novergicus L.). This study used white rats Spraque-Dawley strain male, aged between 7-8 months with a weight of 180 to 200 g. This research is equipped with ethical clearance number: 00116/04/LPPT/XII/18. The research material was 25 individuals who were fed AIN 93M and chicken sausage at doses of 1.8, 2.7, and 3.6 g/head/day for 30 days. The results of this study showed that the highest daily body weight gain (ADG) was found in white rats with AIN 93M basal diet of 234.4±3.8 g/head/day while the lowest was found in white rats that consumed chicken sausage enhanced with local beetroot powder at a dose of 2.7 g/head/day was 0.66±0.4 g/head/day. In addition to the achievement of ADG which can be slowed down, it is also necessary to look at the impact on the lipid profile. Tests on the consumption of chicken sausage substituted with 2% local beetroot powder have an effect on increasing HDL, decreasing cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and glucose if consumed for 3 consecutive weeks. The equivalent dose of white rats into human doses of chicken sausage enhanced with beetroot powder the consumption was 0.33 g/kg BW/day. Based on this, it can be recommended that the consumption of chicken sausage containing 2% local beetroot powder is 0.33 g/kg BW/day with a maximum time limit for regular consumption for 3 weeks

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Prebiotic and Acidifier Powder on Growth Performance and Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broilers

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Prebiotic and Acidifier Powder on Growth Performance and Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broilers

Combined Effects of Cadmium and Lead on Growth Performance and Kidney Function in Broiler Chicken.

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals prevalent in the environment and feed, and they reduce production performance of domestic animals, as well as they result in residue in animal tissues. The kidney is the target tissue for Cd and Pb. And the kidney is crucial for the reabsorption of calcium (Ca), which consequently influences bone strength. However, there are relatively few studies related to the effects of Cd and Pb exposure on performance, bone strength and kidney damage in livestock. The purpose of this experiment was to explore the combined effect of Cd and Pb on growth performance and renal impairment and the possible underlying mechanism. For this, 168 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four groups of six birds each, with seven replicates in each group: control group, 50mg Cd/kg body weight group, 200mg Pb/kg body weight group and 50mg Cd/kg body weight + 200mg Pb/kg body weight group. Feed intake was recorded daily and body weight was recorded weekly. The results show that at the end of the 3rd and 6th week, one broiler from each replicate was randomly selected for sampling. Boilers co-exposed to Cd and Pb for 3weeks and 6weeks had significantly decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily body weight gain (ADG) than the control group, and the ratio of feed-to-weight gain (F/G) significantly increased after 6weeks of co-exposure to Cd and Pb. Microscopic picture and ultrastructure analyses of the kidneys showed that Cd and Pb caused kidney damage to broiler chickens, and the damage was more serious in the Cd + Pb group, which was manifested by increased renal tubular epithelial degeneration and increased interstitial stasis points. Dietary exposure to Cd and Pb impaired production performance and induced renal oxidative damage in broilers. The combined effects of Cd and Pb on the kidneys are greater than their effects alone. The PERK-ATF4 pathway mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress participates the renal oxidative damage during chronic Cd and Pb exposure.

Effect of feeding Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted total mixed ration on growth performance, nutrient availability, carcass traits and composition in finisher Barbari kids.

The study aimed to assess the impact of feeding Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted Total Mixed Ration (TMR) with varying concentrate (C) to roughage (R) ratios on feed intake, nutrient utilization, growth, and carcass characteristics in Barbari kids. Sixteen weaned male Barbari kids (av. age, 233 ± 11 days; weight, 13.86 ± 0.76kg) were divided into two groups (T1 and T2), each receiving different pelleted diets (TMR) with distinct concentrate to roughage ratios (T1 with 60:40; T2 with 40:60). The kids were fed for 133 days, and a digestion trial was conducted at the end of the study. After completion, all kids were slaughtered. Although, kids under T1 consumed higher (P < 0.001) amount of dry matter, and crude protein compared to T2, which was due to a higher concentrate to roughage ratio in T1. But, the average daily body weight gain (ADG) of finisher kids was 88.53, and 79.83g/d/kid in T1 and T2, respectively; however, the difference was non-significant. Digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrate was also greater in T1 compared to T2. Total digestible nutrients intake was higher (P < 0.001) in T1; similarly intake of digestible energy, and metabolizable energy were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in T1 compared to T2. Concentrations of volatile fatty acids and NH3-nitrogen were also enhanced (P < 0.05) in T1 compared to T2. We observed similar carcass weight, and dressing percentage in both groups, and carcass composition remained unaffected. The pelleted diet containing greater ratio of concentrate: roughage (60:40) had no additional benefits in terms of ADG, and carcass traits in finisher kids. Therefore, it may be concluded that the Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted TMR diet containing C40: R60 (TDN 57.13%, DCP 7.64%, ME 9.11MJ/kg feed) is suitable for optimizing growth performance with desirable carcass traits, and meat composition in finisher Barbari kids reared under the intensive system.

Effect of Addition of a Mixture of Ethyl Esters of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid of Linseed Oil to Liquid Feed on Performance and Health of Dairy Calves.

This study aimed to determine the effect of supplementing liquid feeds with a mixture of ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acid of linseed oil (EEPUFA; α-linolenic acid-64.5%, linoleic acid-16.1%, and oleic acid-19.4%) on feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and health of dairy calves. Thirty-six healthy female Holstein-Friesian calves (7 d of age, 41.2 ± 4.0 kg) were assigned to one of two treatment groups (18 calves per group), i.e., control or EEPUFA, and fed liquid feed (whole milk (WM) or milk replacer (MR)) either without or with 10 mL/d of EEPUFA supplementation, respectively, for 56 days (till 63 d of age). Average daily intake of WM and MR was similar between treatments (p = 0.94). Average daily total DM intake and average daily starter feed DM intake were higher for the EEPUFA group (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01, respectively). The average daily body weight gain was also higher for the EEPUFA group (55 g/d; p = 0.03), although final body weight turned out not to be significantly different between groups (75.6 kg vs. 79.0 kg, control vs. EEPUFA, respectively; p = 0.20). Supplementation of liquid feeds with EEPUFA did not affect feed efficiency (p = 0.37) and most of investigated health parameters. However, the percentage of days with diarrhea relative to the number of days receiving treatment was higher in the control group than the EEPUFA group (76 vs. 42, respectively; p = 0.04). Although the results of this preliminary study are promising, further research is needed to establish the dose effect of EEPUFA on the performance and health of calves.

Dietary Puerarin Supplementation Improves Immune Response and Antioxidant Capacity of Sows.

Puerarin is an isoflavone extracted from Pueraria mirifica, a wildlife leguminous plant. It has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. However, the effects of directly adding puerarin to the diets of sows, in terms of reproductive performance and antioxidant properties, have not been reported. For this study, 240 sows with varying parities were selected and randomly divided into six treatment groups using a two × three experimental design. The six treatment groups consisted of two diets (control and puerarin) and three parities (zero, one, and two parities or more). The puerarin group was supplemented with 1 g/kg of puerarin. The experiment commenced with mating and continued until 21 days post-delivery. The sow reproductive performance was not affected by supplementing their diets with puerarin (p > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with puerarin significantly increased the daily body weight (BW) gain of piglets and their mean BW at weaning (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, sows in the puerarin group had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase activity in serum and also significantly increased immunoglobulin A and G levels in serum, colostrum, and milk, but significantly lower malondialdehyde concentration in serum (p < 0.05). Thus, puerarin improved the immune response and antioxidant capacity of sows and increased the daily BW gain of their offspring.

Genome-Wide Association Study Revealed Putative SNPs and Candidate Genes Associated with Growth and Meat Traits in Japanese Quail.

The search for SNPs and candidate genes that determine the manifestation of major selected traits is one crucial objective for genomic selection aimed at increasing poultry production efficiency. Here, we report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for traits characterizing meat performance in the domestic quail. A total of 146 males from an F2 reference population resulting from crossing a fast (Japanese) and a slow (Texas White) growing breed were examined. Using the genotyping-by-sequencing technique, genomic data were obtained for 115,743 SNPs (92,618 SNPs after quality control) that were employed in this GWAS. The results identified significant SNPs associated with the following traits at 8 weeks of age: body weight (nine SNPs), daily body weight gain (eight SNPs), dressed weight (33 SNPs), and weights of breast (18 SNPs), thigh (eight SNPs), and drumstick (three SNPs). Also, 12 SNPs and five candidate genes (GNAL, DNAJC6, LEPR, SPAG9, and SLC27A4) shared associations with three or more traits. These findings are consistent with the understanding of the genetic complexity of body weight-related traits in quail. The identified SNPs and genes can be used in effective quail breeding as molecular genetic markers for growth and meat characteristics for the purpose of genetic improvement.

Investigating the effect of sesame meal replacement for soybean meal in diets with different levels of calcium and phytase enzyme in broiler chickens.

As a major part of the cost of broiler farms is related to their feed, breeders are looking for diets at a reasonable price. One of these affordable ingredients is sesame meal (SM), which can be used to replace soybean meal (SBM) in diets. This study aims to investigate the effect of replacing SBM with SM in diets with different levels of calcium (Ca) and phytase (Phy) during the grower (11-24 days), finisher (25-42 days) and whole phases (11-42 days) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood serum parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler male chicks were randomly dispensed to 12 dietary treatments with five replicates (10 birds per replicate) based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 3×2×2 with 3 levels of SM (0%, 10% and 20%), 2 levels of Ca (standard (0.87% and 0.79% for grower and finisher phases, respectively) and 0.2% higher than the standard amount) and 2 levels of Phy (0 and 700FTU/kg diet). During the study, the significant effects of SM, Ca and Phy on the daily average body weight gain (DAWG) and daily feed intake (DFI) were observed, whereas for the feed conversion ratio, only the effect of SM was significant (p<0.05). During the finisher and whole phases, the SM and Ca levels influenced the DAWG and DFI, whereas the interaction between Phy and Ca was also significant for DAWG (p<0.05). The main effects of SM and Ca on the relative weights of breast, heart and liver were significant (p<0.05). Application of 20% of SM significantly reduced serum Ca concentration (p<0.05). Generally, the inclusion of more than 10% of SM in the broilers diet is not recommended. In addition, the use of Phy and Ca levels 0.2% higher than standard in broilers diet could improve the birds' performance.

Effects of Dietary Thymoquinone Inclusion on Antioxidative, Oxidative, Pro-Inflammatory Responses, Semen Attributes and Testicular Changes in Heat-Stressed Rabbit Bucks

Abstract Heat stress (HS) is considered a severe concern for rabbit buck’s health, welfare and reproductive features. Thymoquinone (THQ) is a natural molecule with robust antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thereafter, three months of feeding research was applied to assess the role of THQ-enriched diets in improving the health, semen attributes and testicular changes of stressed rabbit bucks. Forty rabbit bucks were used in this research, and animals were fed diets containing 0 (THQ0; serve as a heat stress group), 100 (THQ100), 200 (THQ200), and 400 (THQ400) mg/kg of THQ for three months continually during the summer season. Outcomes displayed that THQ significantly enhanced FBW (final body weight), DBWG (daily body weight gain), and FI (feed intake) but did not affect FCR (feed conversion ratio). Compared with the THQ0 group, dietary THQ addition significantly decreased creatinine, TB (total bilirubin), TG (triglycerides), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) levels. Bucks receiving 200 mg of THQ had higher TAC (total antioxidant capacity) and GSH (glutathione) than other groups. At the same time, MDA was significantly shrunk in THQ-treated groups relative to the THQ group. The levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were significantly diminished (P &lt;0.001), but nitric oxide and lysosome activity were significantly increased in bucks given diets containing THQ (200 and 400 mg/kg) as relative to the TH0 group. Libido score and reaction time were significantly improved by THQ dietary inclusion. Semen attributes, including volume, motility, concentration, and vitality, were significantly augmented in THQ100 and THQ200 groups. Histological screening of testicular tissues showed moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in the testicular tissues of bucks exposed to HS. This was enhanced with the supplementation of THQ at different levels. Collectively, THQ (200 or 400 mg/kg diet) can improve health, semen attributes and restore testicular damage in rabbit bucks via boosting antioxidant and reducing inflammatory cytokines.

Acute and Reversible Hypothalamic Symptoms in a Lateral Head Impact Mouse Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Central autonomic and endocrine dysfunctions following traumatic brain injury (TBI) are believed to involve the hypothalamus; however, underlying mechanisms are unknown. Although chronic deficits might be caused by irreversible tissue damage, various neuroendocrine and autonomic symptoms are only observed transiently, suggesting they might result from a temporary alteration in the activity of hypothalamic neurons. We therefore examined if a mouse model of mild TBI could induce reversible autonomic phenotypes and cause acute changes in c-Fos expression within corresponding regions of the hypothalamus. Adult C57Bl/6 male mice were lightly anesthetized with isoflurane and subjected to TBI by lateral head impact using a Gothenburg impactor. Mice treated the same way, but without the head impact served as controls (shams). We monitored body weight and core body temperature by infrared thermography and performed immunohistochemistry against c-Fos in various regions of the hypothalamus. We determined that a projectile velocity of 9 m/s significantly delayed recovery from the anesthesia without inducing skull fractures and signs of discomfort disappeared within 3 h, as assessed by grimace scale. Compared with shams, TBI mice displayed a rapid decrease in core body temperature which resolved within 48 h. Daily body weight gain was also significantly lower in TBI mice on the day following injury but recovered thereafter. c-Fos analysis revealed a significantly higher density of c-Fos-positive cells in the paraventricular nucleus and a significantly lower density in the median preoptic nucleus and medial preoptic area. We conclude that mild TBI induced by a single lateral head impact in mice at 9 m/s produces acute and reversible symptoms associated with hypothalamic dysfunction accompanied by significant changes in c-Fos expression within relevant areas of the hypothalamus. These findings support the hypothesis that a temporary alteration of neuronal activity may underlie the expression of reversible central autonomic and neuroendocrine symptoms.

Aspir Yağının Japon Bıldırcınlarında Büyüme Performansı, Et Kalitesi, Karkas Kompozisyonu ve Oksidatif Stres Üzerine Etkileri

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the addition of SFO (Chartamus tinctorius L.) to dietary of Japanese quail on growth performance, meat quality, carcass composition, and oxidative stress. A total of 40 Japanese quails at ten days of age were used as material and divided into four groups comprising ten birds. The experiment was continued for 35 days. The control group was fed with a diet including no additives, while 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% SFO were added to the feed of the other groups. For this purpose, the effects of SFO on body weight and average daily weight gain of quails, feed consumption (FC) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of quails, slaughter and carcass piece weights of quails, breast meat quality characteristics, breast meat color characteristics and stress parameters were investigated. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference between the groups in terms of body weight (BW), daily body weight gain (DBWG), daily feed consumption (DFC), FCR, carcass, and slaughter characteristics, color, and pH values. It was found that the addition of SFO significantly reduced total oxidative status (TOS) (P

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on the growth performance, immune responses, antioxidant capacity, and subsequent development of layer chicks

Deficiencies or excesses of dietary amino acids, and especially of methionine (Met), in laying hens can lead to abnormal protein anabolism and oxidative stress, which affect methylation and cause cellular dysfunction. This study investigated the effects of dietary methionine (Met) levels on growth performance, metabolism, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and the subsequent development of laying hens. A total of 384 healthy 1-day-old Hyline Grey chicks of similar body weight were randomly allocated to be fed diets containing 0.31%, 0.38%, 0.43% (control group), or 0.54% Met for 6 wk, with 6 replicates of 16 chicks in each. The growth performance of the chicks was then followed until 20 wk old. The results showed dietary supplementation with 0.43% or 0.54% Met significantly increased their mean daily body weight gain, final weight, and Met intake. However, the feed:gain (F/G) decreased linearly with increasing Met supplementation, from 0.31 to 0.54% Met. Met supplementation increased the serum albumin, IgM, and total glutathione concentrations of 14-day-old chicks. In contrast, the serum alkaline phosphatase activity and hydroxyl radical concentration tended to decrease with increasing Met supplementation. In addition, the highest serum concentrations of IL-10, T-SOD, and GSH-PX were in the 0.54% Met-fed group. At 42 d of age, the serum ALB, IL-10, T-SOD, GSH-PX, T-AOC, and T-GSH were correlated with dietary Met levels. Finally, Met supplementation reduced the serum concentrations of ALP, IL-1β, IgA, IgG, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Thus, the inclusion of 0.43% or 0.54% Met in the diet helps chicks achieve superior performance during the brooding period and subsequently. In conclusion, Met doses of 0.43 to 0.54% could enhance the growth performance, protein utilization efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and immune responses of layer chicks, and to promote more desirable subsequent development during the brooding period.