Dietary B1 Research Articles

Assessment of the hormesis effect and toxic damage of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hormesis and toxicity of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Triplicate isonitrogenous and isocaloric aflatoxin B1 diets—CD (control, 0 ug/kg), D1 (20 ug/kg), and D2 (500 ug/kg)—were prepared and fed to grass carp with an initial mean body weight of (15.2 ± 0.1) g for 56 days. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of grass carp fed diet D2 were significantly higher, and the feed coefficient and crude fat content of the whole body were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with those fed diet CD. Serum superoxide dismutase content of grass carp fed D1 diet increased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increasing dose of aflatoxin B1, but when the dose reached 500 ug/kg (D2), serum superoxide dismutase, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M of grass carp decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde increased significantly (P < 0.05). After short-term feeding of aflatoxin B1-containing diets (D1 and D2), liver body index, visceral body index, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea nitrogen content of grass carp increased significantly (P < 0.05), total bile acid secretion decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and structural damages such as increase in vacuoles, organizational structure loosening, and nucleus translocation were observed in the liver. Meanwhile, liver function indexes such as serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly with the increase of aflatoxin B1 dose (P < 0.05). In addition, the height of intestinal villi, crypt depth, villus–crypt ratio, and tubular cell number, as well as the content of trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine of grass carp in the D2 group, were significantly higher than those in the CD group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, after a short-term intake of low doses of aflatoxin B1 (≤500 ug/kg), the toxicological damage of aflatoxin B1 was pronounced, although it produced a certain degree of hormesis on the growth performance and intestinal structure and function of grass carp. At a dose of 20 ug/kg, the non-specific immune system and liver structure and function of grass carp showed obvious toxic damage.

Determination of In vitro Nutrient Digestibility of Silage based Diets with Varying Levels of Crude Fibre using Pig Faecal Inoculum

Background: The in-vitro nutrient digestibility and fermentation mimicking gastrointestinal process of pigs is a convenient method for rapid and cheaper measurement of degradation of feed ingredients. In the present study silage based diets containing varying levels of crude fibre were subjected to in vitro digestibility evaluation using pig faecal inoculum to determine the best crude fibre level for feeding pigs. Methods: Eight diets were prepared namely, B1, B2, V1, V2, V3, M1, M2 and M3 having 6.28, 8.43, 8.03, 10.0, 11.96, 8.17, 10.31 and 12.06 per cent crude fibre (on dry matter basis) respectively, where diets B1 and B2 were basal diets, V1, V2 and V3 contained vegetable waste silage; M1, M2 and M3 contained maize silage -as additional fibre source. An in-vitro study was carried out to investigate the nutrient digestibility of diets involving enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation using pig faecal inoculum. Result: The in-vitro total tract digestibility (IVTTD) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM) was significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in B1 diet than the other diets. The digestibility of DM, CP and OM of B2 diet was also significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than the M2, M3, V2 and V3 diets but comparable to M1 and V1 diets. The IVTTD of crude fibre (CF) was higher in V3 diet (25.85%) and lowest (P less than 0.001) in M1 diet (11.65%) and both showed a highly significant (P less than 0.001) difference (to other diets. The DM, CP and OM digestibility were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in the diets containing normal fibre sources than silage containing diets. Cumulative gas production (ml/0.5g feed) at 24 h of in-vitro fermentation were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in B2 (34.95) and B1 (31.00) diets than other diets. As the CF level in diets increased from 6 to 12%, the digestibility of nutrients linearly decreased except CF digestibility. It was revealed from the study that the level and sources of crude fibre in diets influenced the digestibility of nutrients.

Dietary mixed Bacillus strains promoted the growth indices, enzymatic profile, intestinal immunity, and liver and intestinal histomorphology of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

In the current investigation, a 4-week feeding trial was carried out to study the special effects of the dietary probiotic, Sanolife® PRO-F (a combination of Bacillus subtilis 3.25 × 109 CFU/g, Bacillus licheniformis 3.50 × 109 CFU/g, and Bacillus pumilus 3.25 × 109 CFU/g) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical immune parameters, intestinal digestive enzymes activities, antioxidants assay, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant-related genes with a specific reference to intestinal histomorphometry of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, which fed with Sanolife® PRO-F at 0 (B0), 0.5 (B0.5) and 1 (B1) g kg−1 diet, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, the achieved results revealed that Bacillus strains probiotic supplementation significantly improved the growth performance including final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed utilization when matched to the control group (p < 0.05). Concerning serum biochemical parameters, there was a significant reduction in the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in fish-fed Bacillus strains (p < 0.01). Serum lysozyme activity showed greater values in the case of the B0.5 and B1 groups (p < 0.01) compared with the control. No changes were estimated in the levels of glucose, hepatic (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and renal biomarkers (Urea, Creatinine, and Uric acid) in the serum of fish-fed B0.5 and B1 diets. Additionally, the specific activities of protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes were significantly increased upon Bacillus strains՚s incorporation in O. niloticus diets. As well, the antioxidant capacity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in the liver and spleen were significantly increased with diminished malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Correspondingly, the mRNA expression of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme in the intestinal tissue was notably increased in the control group. The length of intestinal villi, absorptive epithelium, and goblet cell counts were greater in O. niloticus fed on Bacillus strains diets. Given the obtained results, the dietary supplementation of Sanolife® PRO-F to Nile tilapia, O. niloticus at 0.5 g kg 1 and 1 g kg−1 diet can recover the growth, feed utilization, and health condition with the safety of Sanolife® PRO-F probiotic supplementation on liver and kidney function.

Carcass yield and health status of broilers fed aflatoxin B1 diets added with Mycosorb

The intake of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) can lead to poor productivity and diseases in birds. Thus, it is important to minimize the toxic effects of AFB1. The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass yield and haematological profile of broilers fed diets containing AFB1 added with Mycosorb. A total of 240-day old broiler chicks were randomly distributed to 24 pens (10 birds/pen). The experiment was designed using a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement with two different factors, namely aflatoxin level and Mycosorb. The treatments were control diets, control diets added with Mycosorb, diets containing 10.36 ppb AFB1, diets containing 10.36 ppb AFB1 added with Mycosorb, diets containing 26.97 ppb AFB1, diets containing 26.97 ppb AFB1 added with Mycosorb, diets containing 61.06 ppb AFB1, diets containing 61.06 ppb AFB1 added with Mycosorb. There was an interaction (p&lt;0.05 to 0.01) between AFB1 level and Mycosorb on the white blood cells (WBC) and litter/excreta score (LES), but not (p&gt;0.05) in tcarcass traits (CT), lymphoid organ weight (LOW), and haematological profile (HP) of broilers. Level of AFB1 did not affect (p&gt;0.05) all CT, LOW, and HP, but it affected (p&lt;0.001) the LES. Mycosorb did not improve (p&gt;0.05) CT, LOW and HP of broilers. In conclusions, 1) dietary Mycosorb in afla-treated diets improved litter quality and reduced white blood cell counts of broilers; 2) the AFB1 level up to 61.06 ppb did not impair carcass yield, lymphoid organ weights and other haematological index of broilers.

Aflatoxicosis in fingerling common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and protective effect of rosemary and thyme powder: Growth performance and digestive status

Dietary aflatoxin B1 contamination is a demanding challenge for aquaculture industry. The present study was conducted to elucidate the effect of dietary aflatoxin B1 contamination on growth and digestive status of juvenile common carp. The effect of dietary inclusion of rosemary and thyme to prevent such effects was also investigated. Fingerlings were subjected to seven treatments including various dietary aflatoxin B1 contamination (0, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppb) and a group received diet contained 400 ppb aflatoxin B1 and 4% rosemary and thyme powder. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Results revealed that dietary aflatoxin B1 contamination did not affect growth performance. However, intestinal alkaline protease, lipase and amylase activity of fish were increased according to aflatoxin B1 diet levels. In addition, intestine tissue lesions including necrosis, immune cell infiltration and fibroplasia were manifested with increasing dietary aflatoxin B1 content. Digestive enzymes activity was ameliorated by dietary incorporation of the plant powder in those fish received diet with 400 ppb aflatoxin B1, but it did not prevent intestinal lesions. In conclusion, juvenile common carp showed no changes regarding various growth indices even at 400 ppb aflatoxin B1 level. Although, 50 ppb dietary aflatoxin B1 did not significantly affect growth or digestive enzymes activity of juveniles, it caused mild intestinal tissue deteriorative changes. Including the medicinal powder blend in diet with 400 ppb aflatoxin B1 could ameliorate the increased digestive enzymes activity; however, it did not prevent the intestinal tissue pathological changes. Understanding the exact mechanisms behind such protective effect requires further studies.

Effect of different starch sources in a raw meat-based diet on fecal microbiome in dogs housed in a shelter.

A dietary intervention study was assessed to determine if different sources of starch in homemade diets could significantly modify fecal microbiome of dogs. Twenty-seven adult dogs were enrolled and fed a diet based on a mixture of rice and pasta with fresh raw meat (CD). After 90 d, 8 dogs continued to receive CD diet, 10 dogs received a diet made of a raw meat and a complementary food with rice as the main source of starch (B1), and 9 dogs were fed a diet with the same raw meat and a complementary food with potato as the main source of starch (B2). Samples of feces were collected from each dog in the mornings at the beginning of the study and after 15 d and analyzed for pH, ammonia N (N–NH3) and total N, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid. Relative abundance of fecal microbiota was assessed by sequencing and annotating the V3–V4 regions of the 16S rRNA. Total starch intake was similar between diets but differed in the in vitro rate digestion and in the resistant starch, which was higher in B2 than in B1 and CD diets. Dogs fed B2 diet showed lower (P < 0.05) N–NH3 and pH but higher (P < 0.05) molar proportion of lactic acid. Linear discriminant analysis of the genera relative abundances indicated a significant (P < 0.01) increase of SMB53 genus at the end of the study in B1 diet and of Megamonas genus in B1 and B2 diets in comparison to CD diet. These results suggest that changes of starch source in a raw meat-based diet have limited effects on fecal microbiome in healthy dogs, but underline a high variability of microbiota among dogs.

Assessment of Vitamin B1 and B12 Deficiencies in Patients with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Objectives: We examined the oral intake and serum concentration of vitamins B1 and B12 in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome to determine some risk factors leading to deficiencies of those vitamins and their impact on memory function. Methods: Data were collected from patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome admitted to 3 addiction care clinics in Ulaanbaatar. A total of 162 subjects were selected with a ratio 1:1 in this case-control study. Nutrient intake of B1 and B12 were estimated by questioning the patients regarding their food intake during the 24 hours prior to admission. Results: Drinking while hungry resulted in inadequate oral vitamin B12 consumption (OR 9.43; 95% CI 2.42;36.64, p=.001) as did refusing food while drinking (OR 4.76; 95% CI 1.23;18.30, p=.02). Inadequate B1 intake was higher in women (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.05;0.49, p=.001) and if the patient refused food while drinking (OR 3.38; 95% CI 1.24; 9.21, p=.01). Serum B1 and B12 deficiency were associated refusing food while drinking (OR 4.53; 95% CI 1.81; 11.31, p=.001 and OR 3.43; 95% CI 1.22; 9.61, p=.01). Short term memory impairment was associated with dietary B1 and B12 deficiency (OR 8.59; 95% CI 3.10;23.82, p=.0001 and OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.02;9.61, p=.04) and low serum B12 levels (OR 2.45; 95% CI 0.98;6.11, p=.05). Long-term memory impairment was associated with deficient B12 and B1 intake (OR 19.49; 95% CI 3.19;118.86, p=.0001 and OR 4.73; 95% CI 1.91; 11.68, p=.0001) and low serum B12 and B1 levels (OR 3.32; 95% CI 1.31;8.42, p=.01 and OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.06;6.59, p=.03.)

Effect of feeding strategy on digestive tract morphology and physiology of lake whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus)

The common whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) plays an increasingly important role in European and North American aquaculture industry. At the same time a considerable decrease in whitefish abundance in natural waters is observed. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods of whitefish rearing not only for commercial but also reintroduction purposes. Fish feeding with natural food (Artemia sp. nauplii) is much more expensive compared to the use of commercial feeds, and thus the attempts to develop optimal feeding strategies have been undertaken to obtain most satisfactory rearing effects at the lowest costs. The aim of the present study was to establish the best moment of commercial feed introduction (Otohime B1) and to evaluate the effects of various feeding strategies on morphological and physiological development of digestive tract in whitefish larvae. This was done using histological analysis of the digestive tract and measurements of digestive enzyme activity. The lowest mortality occurred in the group fed exclusively Artemia sp., while the highest was recorded in the group fed Otohime B1 diet exclusively. Histological analyses revealed no significant pathological alterations in the digestive tract, in all experimental groups. The analysis of digestive enzyme activity revealed the fastest development of gastric glands in fish fed only natural food, however, the intestinal epithelium developed at a similar rate in all groups. The results indicate that the initial feeding of larvae with natural food is not necessary in common whitefish pre-rearing when using the commercial feed Otohime B1, but the highest larval growth was observed in the group which was initially fed Artemia nauplii for one week before the transition to Otohime B1.

Assessment of aflatoxin B1 adsorption efficacy of natural and processed bentonites: In vitro and in vivo assays

The presence of aflatoxin B1 in livestock's feed results in contamination of milk and its products with aflatoxin M1. Different sequestering agents have been added to cows' ration to adsorb these toxins, although influence of processed bentonites on aflatoxins adsorption has not been evaluated yet. This experiment was carried out to assess the effects of incorporating natural and processed bentonite (local or commercially available), to the diet of Holstein dairy cows subjected to an aflatoxin B1 diet, and the transfer of aflatoxin metabolites (AFM1) to milk. Aflatoxin sequestering capacity, pH, CEC, XRD and XRF of natural and processed bentonites were measured. Then, twelve Holstein dairy cows were assigned to 3 treatments as the following: 1) local processed bentonite (G.Bind™), 2) local unprocessed bentonite (F), and 3) commercially available bentonite (M). Aflatoxin content in feed and milk was evaluated and transfer rate was measured. Results of the present study showed that the aflatoxin contents of milk were remained unchanged except for treatment G.Bind™ that considerably decreased aflatoxin M1 in milk after the second and third weeks of the experiment. G.Bind™ lowered the transfer rate of aflatoxin B1 from 1.17% at the beginning of the experiment to 0.43% and 0.39% after the first and second weeks, respectively. Processing of bentonites (basic processing in present study) can considerably help to adsorb aflatoxin from feed and also to decrease aflatoxin transfer to milk.

Effects of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on blood biochemical parameters, antioxidase activity, and immune function in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Antibiotic use in livestock feed additives has resulted in harmful residue accumulation and spread of drug-resistance. We examined the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a safer alternative to antibiotics in feeding the common carp. AMPs were added to common carp basal diets (Control) as additives at four concentrations: 100 mg kg(-1) (B1), 200 mg kg(-1) (B2), 400 mg kg(-1) (B3), 600 mg kg(-1) (B4) by dry weight of basal diet. After a 60-day feeding experiment, the final weight, DG and SGR of carps on B1, B2 and B3 diet were significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). The FCR of carps on B1, B2 and B3 diet were significantly lower than the control (p < 0.05). Carps on B2, B3, and B4 diets showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) levels of triglyceride than the control. B4-fed carps showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) levels of total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol than the control. However there was no remarkable difference (p > 0.05) in levels of uric ammonia, globulin, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase and blood glucose in all groups. The serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activity of B1-fed carps was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control and B4-fed carps. The serum alkaline phosphate activity of carps on B1 diets was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than B4-fed carps. The serum acid phosphatase activity of B1-fed carps was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control and other antimicrobial peptide-fed groups. The serum lysozyme activity of carps on B1, B2, and B3 diets was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control- and B4-fed carps. Regarding immune factors in serum, the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) and interleukin (IL)-1β in B1-fed carps were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control and other groups, while IL-1α levels in B1-fed carps was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control-, B2-, and B3-fed carps. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the content of MHC among the five groups. In conclusion, antimicrobial peptide can reduce triglyceride levels in serum, enrich oxidation resistance, and improve immunity of the common carp. It showed that appropriate concentration of antibacterial peptide as supplements in diets for common carp increased the final weight, DG, SGR and decreased the FCR.

Utilization of Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate and Vermiculite for Aflatoxin B1 Adsorption in Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Diets

Suppadit, T., Jaturasitha, S. and Pripwai, N. 2006. Utilization of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate and vermiculite for aflatoxin B1 adsorption in pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) diets. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 29: 129–132. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) and vermiculite minerals as binder when added to pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1. Four treatments consisting balanced diets were as follows: diet 1 as control diet—free of the toxin and without a binder, diet 2 containing 1% HSCAS and 500 ppb aflatoxin B1 diet 3 containing 1% vermiculite and 500 ppb aflatoxin B1 and diet 4 containing 500 ppb aflatoxin B1 without a binder. It was observed that the average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, survival rate and aflatoxin B1 residue in tissues were superior in shrimps fed diet 2 and diet 3 compared to that of diet 4 (P<0.05), but the diet 1 was the best. It is concluded that HSCAS and vermiculite were capable of binding some part of the aflatoxin B1 in the diet of shrimp.

Experimental subchronic mycotoxicoses in mice: individual and combined effects of dietary exposure to fumonisins and aflatoxin B1

We have used a murine model of subchronic mycotoxicoses produced by ingestion of mycotoxins. The five groups of animals studied were fed for 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively, with commercial diet (CD), experimental control diet (ECD), experimental with fumonisin B1 diet (EFD) and experimental with mixtures of mycotoxins diet (EMD). The animals fed EFD and EMD showed a significant increase in feed consumption/day with respect to the animals fed ECD ( P<0.005 for both groups). The biochemical measurements showed significant differences at 90 days in those animals fed EAD exhibiting a marked decrease in the values of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholesterol ( P<0.05), along with a significant increase in calcium ( P<0.01). Differences in the decrease of the parameters studied were observed in mice fed EFD for triglycerides, cholesterol and calcium ( P<0.05 for all of them). The activity of aspartate transaminase (AST) increased significantly in animals fed EMD ( P<0.01). The tissue specimens at 60 days showed lesions in the livers of the animals fed EAD and EFD. At 90 days, and in those fed EAD, EFD and EMD, the lesions were intensified in the liver at 60 days in 80, 90 and 100% of the animals, respectively.