Dietary Supplementation Research Articles

Dietary Supplementation of β-Carotene Reveals miRNAs Involved in the Regulation of Carotenoid Metabolism in Crassostrea gigas

Dietary Supplementation of β-Carotene Reveals miRNAs Involved in the Regulation of Carotenoid Metabolism in Crassostrea gigas

Assessment of dietary supplementation of green iron oxide nanoparticles: impact on growth performance, ammonia emissions, carcass criteria, tissue iron content, and meat quality in broiler chickens under hot climate conditions.

The potential significance and importance of green iron nanoparticles (Nano-Fe) in poultry production lie in their capability to effectively tackle iron deficiency in poultry. Iron, an indispensable mineral for numerous physiological functions in birds, such as oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and immune response, underscores the critical need for adequate iron levels. Nevertheless, conventional iron supplementation methods frequently face hurdles like limited bioavailability rates in poultry. To enhance performance, and promote sustainable broiler productivity, Nano-Fe showed promise as an efficient feed supplement for broiler chickens. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of green Nano-Fe inclusions in diets on growth, ammonia excretion, carcass criteria, and meat quality in broiler chickens. A total of 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks, were assigned to three treatment diets including Nano-Fe oxide at 0, 20, or 40 mg/kg, respectively, for 42 days. Each treatment comprised eight replicates, each with eight broiler chicks. Two phases comprised the 42-day study (0 to 21 days for the starter and 21 to 42 days for the finisher). In comparison to the control group, the Nano-Fe oxide groups 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg linearly improved (p < 0.05) body weight (R 2 = 0.574) and body weight gain (R 2 = 0.367) under hot climatic conditions at 42 days of age. Furthermore, Nano-Fe oxide to broiler diets, improved (linear, p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (R 2 = 0.424) throughout whole periods. The feed intake did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) among groups during the experimental periods under hot climatic conditions. The ammonia content of excreta (R 2 = 0.454) was linearly decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing Nano-Fe oxide levels in broiler diets compared to control at 21 and 42 days of age under hot climatic conditions. Nano-Fe oxide positively influences cook loss, water-holding capacity, and iron content in various tissues. Moreover, it contributes to a healthier carcass yield and reduced abdominal fat. In conclusion, broiler chickens fed diets containing Nano-Fe oxide at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg demonstrated enhanced growth performance, improved meat quality, increased iron content in tissues, higher dressing percentage, and reduced abdominal fat deposition. Future research should explore the impact of green Nano-Fe oxide on additional factors such as the microbiome and gene expression related to immunity and heat stress.

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.

Dietary sodium sulphate supplementation during mid-to-late gestation improves placental angiogenesis, bile acid metabolism, and serum amino acid concentrations of sows

Sulphate plays a vital role in the growth and development of the foetus. Sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) is utilised as a dietary protein nutrient factor and helps replenish sulphur elements in livestock and poultry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Na2SO4 supplementation in mid to late pregnancy on bile acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, placental vascular development and antioxidant capacity of sows. At day 1 of gestation (G1), a total of twenty-six primiparous sows were carefully chosen and randomised into two groups: (1) control group, (2) Na2SO4 group (1.40 g/kg). Blood samples and placentas from sows were collected to measure biochemistry parameters, antioxidant indexes, placental vascular density, and indicators related to bile acid metabolism and amino acid concentrations, respectively. We found that dietary supplementation with Na2SO4 had a tendency for a reduction of incidence of stillborn at farrowing. Further observation showed that sows supplemented with Na2SO4 had decreased total bile acid level in cord blood, and increased placental gene expression of sulphotransferase and organic anion transport peptide. Na2SO4 supplementation increased catalase and total superoxide dismutase activity in cord blood, decreased placental malondialdehyde content, and enhanced placental protein expression of Sirtuin 1. Moreover, Na2SO4 consumption resulted in increased vascular density of placental stroma and elevated amino acid levels in sows and cord blood. Furthermore, maternal Na2SO4 consumption reduced serum urea concentrations of sows and umbilical cord blood at G114. In addition, dietary supplementation with Na2SO4 activated the protein expression of the placental mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1. Collectively, these findings indicated that maternal supplementation with Na2SO4 during mid-to-late gestation elevated foetal survival via improving placental angiogenesis, bile acid metabolism and amino acid utilisation.

Marine macroalgae in rabbit feed – Effects on meat quality

The addition of macroalgae to livestock diets has demonstrated to enhance the quality of meat by improving the muscle stability, antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile. However, information regarding rabbit meat is scarce. This study evaluated the effect of adding 1.025% of different macroalgae, dehydrated and as extracts (Saccharina latissima, Himanthalia elongata and Ulva spp.) to the diet of growing rabbits. Dietary supplementation with the Ulva spp. extract increased the fat content (0.96% vs 0.33% in control group) and the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (by 22%; P ≤ 0.022), but did not affect the moisture, protein or ash contents or the physicochemical properties of the rabbit longissiumus lumborum muscle. The antioxidant status of the meat was adequate and was not affected by the dietary supplements. The sensorial properties of the meat were also not affected, and dietary supplementation with both S. latissima and H. elongata actually enhanced the flavour and juiciness of the meat (P ≤ 0.01). Altogether, the study findings indicate that the addition of these sustainable ingredients to rabbit feed did not negatively affect meat quality, and some of them may potentially improve specific characteristics, which could make this meat more attractive to consumers.

The effects of MIND diet and propolis supplementation on metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled clinical trial

The MIND is a novel eating plan preserve cognitive function. Propolis is a resinous substance that has several biological and medicinal properties. This study examines the effect of the MIND diet and propolis supplementation on MetS indices among metabolic syndrome subjects. This RCT study, was conducted on adults with metabolic syndrome who were referred to the Hazrat Ali Health Center in Isfahan. 84 eligible subjects were divided into 3 groups. including MIND diet + Propolis supplement, MIND diet + placebo, and control group. The data obtained from the subjects was analyzed in two descriptive and analytic levels. The Shapiro-Wilk test and examination of skewness were conducted to assess the normality of the distribution of quantitative variables. Quantitative variables were reported using either the mean (SD). SPSS Statistics software version 26 was used for statistical analysis of data. In this study the MIND + Propolis supplement group compared to the control group showed a significant decrease (p-value < 0.05) in weight, BMI, WC, SBP, and TG (p-value < 0.001) after adjusting variables by 0.97 times (3%), 0.97 times (3%), 0.98 times (2%), 0.93 times (7%), and 0.78 times (22%), respectively; this significant change was also observed in DBP (p-value < 0.05) and FBS (p-value < 0.001) by 0.94 times (6%) and 0.82 times (18%), respectively; and HDL-C has shown a significant increase (p-value < 0.05) after adjusting variables by 1.16 times (16%). MIND group compared to the control group showed significant decrease (p-value < 0.05) in weight, BMI, WC, SBP, and TG (p-value < 0.001) by 0.98 times (2%), 0.97 times (3%), 0.98 times (2%), 0.95 times (5%), and 0.73 times (27%), respectively; this significant change (p-value < 0.001) was also observed in DBP and FBS by 0.92 times (8%) and 0.80 times (20%), respectively; and HDL-C has shown a significant increase (p-value < 0.001) by 1.20 times (20%). This study indicated that the MIND diet + Propolis supplement and MIND diet compared to the control group can significantly decrease weight, BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, FBS, TG, and also increase HDL-C.The present study's protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) on 3/28/2023 and a registration reference is IRCT20230105057054N1.

Exploring the combination of Asparagopsis taxiformis and phloroglucinol to decrease rumen methanogenesis and redirect hydrogen production in goats

Many strategies for mitigating enteric methane (CH4) emissions in ruminants have focused on suppressing the activity of rumen methanogens, but this often leads to excess dihydrogen (H2) accumulation in the rumen, which is subsequently expelled and represents a potential energy loss. We hypothesized that phloroglucinol could act as a H2 acceptor when rumen methanogenesis is inhibited and be potentially transformed into beneficial compounds for the animal. Eight adult goats were randomly assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: two levels of Asparagopsis taxiformis as CH4 inhibitor [0 vs. 5g/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis; AT- and AT+, respectively] and two levels of phloroglucinol as alternative H2 acceptor (0 vs. 20g/kg DM, PG- and PG+, respectively). Therefore, four dietary treatments were considered: i) basal diet (AT-PG-); ii) A. taxiformis alone (AT+PG-); iii) phloroglucinol alone (AT-PG+); and iv) the combination of A. taxiformis and phloroglucinol (AT+PG+). Animals were fed a maintenance diet with a 70:30 forage-to-concentrate ratio. After 10 d of adaptation to the diet, enteric gas emissions were measured in respiration chambers during 3 d prior to rumen content sampling on d 14. Dietary supplementation with A. taxiformis decreased CH4 production (-33.9%) and increased H2 emissions (+3465%), along with greater rumen propionate concentration. In contrast, phloroglucinol supplementation alone did not impact CH4 emissions or the rumen concentration of the main microbial groups but substantially increased acetate molar proportion (+10.2%) which could act as an alternative H2 acceptor. Moreover, when A. taxiformis was combined with phloroglucinol, it resulted in a decrease in H2 emissions (-68.1%). However, this decrease in H2 emissions was not fully explained by the increase in the acetate as phloroglucinol led to an increase in acetate both when methanogenesis was inhibited and when it was not. These findings suggest that the rumen fermentation of phloroglucinol may capture some of the additional H2 arising from the inhibition of methanogenesis by A. taxiformis through pathways other than acetate formation. Moreover, H2 emissions were not eliminated and most of the decrease occurred during the post-prandial stage, suggesting that the efficiency of H2 redirection could be further improved.

Dietary jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis L.) supplementation enhanced intestinal health by modulating intestinal integrity and immune responses of broiler chickens

This study investigated the influence of supplementing with jack beans on jejunal morphology, cecal short-chain fatty acids production, gene expression both of of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and tight junctions. Four treatment groups including 288 Indian River chicks that were one day old were randomized at random. While the treatment groups received jack bean supplementation at levels of 5%, 10%, and 15%, the control group (0%) was given a basal diet. For 11 to 35 days, each treatment consisted of 8 pens with 9 birds each. Supplementing with jack beans significantly enhanced butyrate production (P < 0.001), while at 10% supplementation did not differ from control. Villus height (VH) and the ratio (VH:CD) were significantly (P < 0.001) increased by dietary treatments, while villus width (VW) and crypt depth (CD) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. TLR-3, TNF-a, and IL-6 were all significantly (P < 0.001) increased by dietary supplementation. However, at 15%, TLR-3 and IL-6 were same with control. IL-18 was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased at 15%. IL-10 decreased significantly (P < 0.001), but at 10% same with control. At 5 and 10%, IL-13 increased significantly (P < 0.001), whereas dietary treatments decreased at 15% compared to control. Although ZO1 decreased significantly (P < 0.001) and OLCN increased significantly (P < 0.001), both ZO1 and OCLN were not significantly different from the control at 15%. Dietary treatments significantly (P < 0.001) increased CLDN1 but did not differ from the control at 10%. JAM2 decreased significantly (P < 0.001) with dietary treatments. In conclusion, jack bean supplementation may increase broiler chicken performance and intestinal health due to butyrate production. It may affect intestinal morphology and integrity by upregulating a tight junction protein gene. Jack beans also impacted jejunum immune responses and inflammatory cytokine gene expression.

The impact of Neoporphyra haitanensis dietary supplement on astaxanthin esters and fatty acids accumulation associated with immune promotion in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

To explore and develop effective feed additives for enhancing shrimp cultivation, an 8-week feeding experiment was conducted in Litopenaeus vannamei with dietary supplementation ranging from 0% to 5% Neoporphyra haitanensis. The results indicated that a diet containing 2% N. haitanensis enhanced trypsin activity, as well as the height and width of intestinal villi, leading to improved growth performance of L. vannamei. The specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain rate (WGR) and the ratio of flesh content were increased by 1.1 to 2.0 times, while the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and condition factor (CF) values were 85.5% and 91.5% of those in the control group, respectively. Additionally, the inclusion of 2% N. haitanensis in the diet led to a 1.1-fold increase in the accumulation of fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA. The diet also exhibited elevated levels of β-carotene, zeaxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin, which correlated with the increased content of carotenoids in the shrimp. The exoskeleton was identified as the primary site for assimilating α−/β-carotenes, free astaxanthin, and its diesters (mainly EPA and DHA chains), accompanied by heightened redness (a*) value. Meanwhile, the muscle tended to accumulate astaxanthin and its monoesters (mainly C16:0 and C18:0 chains) and hepatopancreas had lowest contents of astaxanthin and its diesters (mainly DHA chain). Furthermore, the Toll and IMD immune signal pathways in L. vannamei were activated with 2% N. haitanensis in the die, up-regulating the expression of immune-related genes dorsal, relish and imd, and antibacterial peptides genes crustin, lysozyme, and penaeidin3a. Concurrently, the activities of immune-related enzymes ACP and AKP, as well as antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, and GPH-Px, were enhanced, while AST and ALT activities were decreased. In terms of intestinal health, the addition of 2% N haitanensis contributed to the preservation of the intestinal tissue structure and promoted the abundance of beneficial bacteria, while reducing the abundance of Vibrio in L. vannamei. The enhanced immune and antioxidant performance of L. vannamei was demonstrated to prevent intestinal structure damage and increase survival rates, as evidenced by WSSV infection experiments. These results offer valuable insights into the dose-dependent effects of dietary seaweeds in promoting shrimp cultivation.

Synbiotics containing sea buckthorn polysaccharides ameliorate DSS-induced colitis in mice via regulating Th17/Treg homeostasis through intestinal microbiota and their production of BA metabolites and SCFAs

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition whose incidence has been rising globally. Synbiotic (SYN) is an effective means of preventing IBD. This study investigated the preventive effects and potential biological mechanisms of SYN (Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and sea buckthorn polysaccharides) on DSS-induced colitis in mice. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with SYN has a significant improvement effect on DSS mice. SYN ameliorated disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and intestinal barrier permeability in mice. In addition, RT-qPCR results indicated that after SYN intervention, the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17F) and transcription factor RORγt secreted by Th17 cells were significantly reduced, and the expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10 and TGF-β) and transcription factor Foxp3 secreted by Treg cells were robustly increased. 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that key intestinal microbiota related to Th17/Treg balance (Ligilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia) was significantly enriched. At the same time, a significant increase in microbial metabolites SCFAs and BAs was observed. We speculate that SYN may regulate the Th17/Treg balance by restructuring the structure and composition of the intestinal microbiota, thereby mitigating DSS-induced colitis.

Dietary supplementing South African indigenous rams with flaxseed oil and ascorbic acid improves cryopreserved semen quality and in vitro fertility

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how ascorbic acid with dietary flaxseed oil affects the quality and fertility of cryopreserved ram sperm in South African indigenous rams. Treatment diets were supplemented 60 days before semen collection to afford proper spermatogenesis, adaptation to the feed formulated and fed throughout the study. Semen was collected with the use of artificial vagina following dietary supplementation with five treatment diets (neg. cont. – negative control, pos. cont. – positive control, FLO – 5% Flaxseed oil, ASA – 4% Ascorbic acid, and FLO + ASA). Semen was then extended using tris-based extender and cryopreserved using the programmable freezer (CBS Freezer 2100 series, Laboratory consumables & chemical suppliers, America). Ovaries were collected from a neighbouring slaughter house and conveyed to the lab in 0.9% saline at 37 °C. Data (sperm parameters and in vitro fertility) was then exposed to the GLM (General Linear Model) in Minitab 17. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was utilized to investigate the relationship between cryopreserved sperm quality and in vitro fertility. The student Least Significant Difference Test was used to separate the treatment means, and differences were accepted when the p-value was less than 0.05. The FLO + ASA group had higher (p < 0.05) progressive (36.33 ± 1.87), total (88.24 ± 2.24), rapid motility (27.52 ± 1.74), intact plasma membrane (75.67 ± 2.08), total fertilization (65.98 ± 7.39), and total cleavage (66.19 ± 6.50) when compared to other treatment groups. Total fertilization rate had a medium significant (p < 0.001) medium correlation with the progressive motility (r2 = 0.435), total motility (r2 = 0.447) and rapid motility (r2 = 0.409). In conclusion, dietary flaxseed and ascorbic acid (FLO + ASA) improves cryopreserved semen quality, in vitro fertilization rate, and the total cleavage rate. Noteworthy, the progressive, total and rapid motility play a crucial in the in vitro fertilization rate.

Hydrolysable tannin improves growth performance and liver health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed high soybean meal diets

This study provided evidence that the inclusion of hydrolysable tannin (HT) in high soybean meal (SBM) diets improved growth performance and glycolipid metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). In vivo, various levels of HT were added to high SBM diets and fed to largemouth bass (initial weight: 6.00 ± 0.03 g) for 56 days. Results showed that a high level of SBM led to the reduction in growth performance, as evidenced by decreased weight gain rate and impaired hepatic function. Dietary supplementation with HT (1.0 g/kg) improved growth performance of largemouth bass, accompanied by the enhancements in hepatic antioxidant capacity and glycolipid metabolism. In vitro, HT facilitated glucose utilization in hepatocytes and positively influenced the modulation of crucial genes within the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conversely, administration of LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) reversed the detrimental effects observed in hepatocytes exposed to high glucose levels. Overall, incorporating HT (1.0 g/kg) into the diet enhanced liver health and improved the absorption and utilization of SBM in largemouth bass, potentially achieved through modulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Crude Polysaccharide Extract from the Microalga Porphyridium cruentum Improved Nonspecific Immune Responses and Resistance in Penaeus vannamei Exposed to Vibrio alginolyticus

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs), especially those with immunostimulant effects on shrimp and fish, are bioactive compounds with potential use in aquaculture. In this study, Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) were fed diets containing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, or 2.0% crude extracts from the microalga Porphyridium cruentum for 30 days. After dietary supplementation, the shrimp were exposed to Vibrio alginolyticus, allowing the assessment of phenoloxidase activity (PO) and total hemocyte count (THC) pre- and post-challenge, as well as shrimp survival rates. Shrimp that received the 1.0% treatment had greater survival (90%) at 48 h post-challenge, while the 0% and 2.0% treatments had survival rates close to 63% in the same period. Furthermore, at 48 h post-challenge, THC was significantly greater (p &lt; 0.05) in the shrimp that received crude extract supplementation compared to that in shrimp of the control group (0%). PO showed a proportional increase according to crude extract inclusion levels. Such dose-dependency in response to PO increases became significantly greater (p &lt; 0.05) in the 2.0% treatment group compared to that in the 0% treatment group in the pre-challenge period and that in the 0% and 0.5% treatment groups in the post-challenge period. These results showed that crude extracts from P. cruentum could be considered immunostimulants by increasing the resistance of P. vannamei exposed to V. alginolyticus, potentially representing a major breakthrough for marine shrimp farming.

Effects of dietary Pediocuccus pentosaceus and/or ferulic acid on performance, digestive enzymes, blood biochemistry, and growth-related genes expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study investigated the effects of dietary Pediocuccus pentosaceus (PP) and/or ferulic acid (FA) on the performance, digestive enzymes, and growth-related genes expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish (94.30 ± 1.77 g) were fed on the control diet (T0), 108 CFU/g of PP probiotic (T1), 100 mg/kg of FA (T2), and a combination of PP and FA (T3) for 8 weeks. The present results indicated that rainbow trout fed with PP and/or FA showed better final weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio than the control group (P < 0.05). The activities of trypsin and chymotrypsin were higher in T2 and T3 than in the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile activities protease and alpha-amylase were highest in T2, lipase activity was highest in T3. Compared to the control group, total protein, total antioxidant activity, and cholesterol levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T2 and T3 with no significant (P > 0.05) differences between them. Supplemented diets with FA and/or PP decreased markedly (P < 0.05) triglycerides levels and its lowest levels were obtained in T2 and T3 with no significant (P > 0.05) differences between them. The relative expression levels of GHRL and GHr genes were significantly higher in the treatments fed with FA and/or PP (T1 – T3) than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Highest upregulation of IGF-1, and IGF-II gens were detected in T2 and T3 with no significant (P > 0.05) differences between them. In conclusion, it was shown that both dietary supplements have the potential role to enhance the performance, digestive enzymes, and growth related-genes expression in rainbow trout. Feeding fish on FA-enriched diets showed superior enhancements than that fed on the PP diet only.

Enhanced cholesterol utilization and impact on growth through taurine supplementation in high plant-based diets of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei in biofloc system

Cholesterol is vital for the optimal growth and physiological function of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. Due to limited availability of fish meal, plant-based ingredients are increasingly added in the shrimp diet which limit the availability and utilization of cholesterol. This study investigated the synergistic effects of dietary taurine and cholesterol supplementation on growth and physio-metabolic responses of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei fed with high plant-based protein diets reared in a biofloc system for 60 days. A basal diet (control) comprised 82.55% plant-based ingredients and 36% crude protein. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared (T1-T5) with cholesterol and taurine supplements at inclusion levels of 0.15% and 0.16% in T1 and T2, respectively. In the rest of the treatments, T3, T4, and T5, the combinations of cholesterol and taurine were 0.15% and 0.16%; 0.05% and 0.24%; 0.25% and 0.08%, respectively. The experimental diets were allocated to triplicate groups of 100 shrimp per tank following a completely randomized design. The results showed that shrimp fed T3 diet have a significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentage of weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), percentage of survival, and protein efficiency ratio (PER) with efficient feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.14±0.06) compared to other treatments. The hematological, antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activities, except amylase activity, were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in shrimp fed T1 and T3. Total bile acid content in T3 fed shrimp was higher than in other dietary treatments (P < 0.05). The results indicated that supplementing a combination of 0.15% cholesterol and 0.16% taurine in a high plant-based diet significantly improved growth performance, nutrient utilization, and physio-metabolic responses of P. vannamei.

Effect of arginine, glycine + serine concentrations, and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation in vegetable-based diets for chickens

Effect of arginine, glycine + serine concentrations, and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation in vegetable-based diets for chickens

Dietary biochar effect on growth performance, proximate composition, and physiological response of Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) cultured in inland saline groundwater

Transforming raw materials (biomass feedstock) into biochar finds diverse applications across various industries owing to the distinctive characteristics of biochar. This study used biochar as a feed additive for shrimp feeding. A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the impacts of different biochars on growth parameters, haematological parameters, and digestive enzymes of Penaeus vannamei reared in inland saline groundwater of 10 ppt salinity. The finely ground biochar (0.5mm) prepared from different sources was mixed with the commercially available shrimp feed (35% crude protein, 5% crude fat, and 4% crude fibre), viz., T1, paddy straw biochar (PSB); T2, sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB); T3, banana peduncle biochar (BPB); and the control group (C) without any biochar. Twenty shrimp (10.24 ± 0.01g) were stocked in each triplicate. Banana peduncle biochar incorporated diet (T3) demonstrated superior performance as it significantly (p<0.05) improved the weight gain (24.51±0.12d g), specific growth rate (1.39±0.00d %day-1), protein efficiency ratio (1.73±0.02b %), and reduced feed conversion ratio (1.60±0.01a). The total serum protein in the haemolymph of the shrimps for all the dietary biochar treatments differed significantly (p<0.05) from the control. The T1, T2, and T3 groups showed the highest crude tissue protein content; contrary to this, the lowest amount of crude tissue protein was observed in the control. In addition, the dietary biochar significantly influenced the digestive enzymatic activity of shrimp. The hepatopancreatic AST and ALT activities of different biochar-fed groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the C group. On the other hand, dietary biochar treatments did not significantly (p > 0.05) influence the SOD of the gill, muscle, and catalase activity of the hepatopancreas, gill, and muscle in shrimp. Overall, the three different dietary biochar supplementations in the diet of Penaeus vannamei seem to be an effective way to culture it intensively, in addition to significantly reducing various stress responses.

Dietary fiber alleviates alcoholic liver injury via Bacteroides acidifaciens and subsequent ammonia detoxification.

The gut microbiota and diet-induced changes in microbiome composition have been linked to various liver diseases, although the specific microbes and mechanisms remain understudied. Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is one such disease with limited therapeutic options due to its complex pathogenesis. We demonstrate that a diet rich in soluble dietary fiber increases the abundance of Bacteroides acidifaciens (B.acidifaciens) and alleviates alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. B.acidifaciens treatment alone ameliorates liver injury through a bile salt hydrolase that generates unconjugated bile acids to activate intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and its downstream target, fibroblast growth factor-15 (FGF15). FGF15 promotes hepatocyte expression of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), which facilitates the metabolism of accumulated ornithine in the liver into glutamate, thereby providing sufficient glutamate for ammonia detoxification via the glutamine synthesis pathway. Collectively, these findings uncover a potential therapeutic strategy for ALD involving dietary fiber supplementation and B.acidifaciens.

Effects of Dietary Chitosan oligosaccharides Supplementation on Th17/Treg Balance and Gut Microbiota of Early Weaned Pigeon Squabs

Effects of Dietary Chitosan oligosaccharides Supplementation on Th17/Treg Balance and Gut Microbiota of Early Weaned Pigeon Squabs

Effects of Long-Term Dietary High Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Cognition, the Brain Transcriptome and Microbiome in Male and Female Aging F344 Rats

Effects of Long-Term Dietary High Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Cognition, the Brain Transcriptome and Microbiome in Male and Female Aging F344 Rats