Effect Of Different Dietary Levels Research Articles

Effect of the Replacement of Wheat Straw by Spent Mushroom Substrate in the Diet of Dairy Ewes during Late Lactation on Milk Production, Composition, Oxidation Stability and Udder Health

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) at the expense of wheat straw (WS) on milk characteristics in dairy sheep. Thirty ewes at their final stage of lactation (145 ± 5 days after parturition) were randomly assigned into three groups; control (C), provided with a diet consisting of concentrates, alfalfa hay and WS, and SMS1 and SMS2, where WS was replaced by SMS at 50 or 100%, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days, and milk yield, composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and oxidative stability were monitored weekly, while milk fatty acid and immune cell profile were also determined on day 28. No significant differences were found in produced milk quantity, fat, protein, lactose, total solids non-fat, SCC and fatty acid profile between the experimental groups. However, milk oxidative stability was significantly improved as an effect of SMS (p < 0.001). At the same time, milk polymorphonuclear leukocyte percentage was decreased in SMS2 group (p < 0.05). As indicated, SMS seems to be a promising agro-industrial by-product for ewes’ diet that could improve milk oxidative stability, without negatively affecting milk yield, composition and ewe health status, contributing in the context of sustainability, circular economy and protection of natural resources.

Effect of a probiotic blend in broiler chicken diets and its effect on growth performance, carcass traits, and haematological profile

The study aimed to assess the effect of different dietary levels of a probiotic blend (Probio Enzyme®) during the first 14 days of age (DOA) or up to 42 DOA, on growth performance, carcass and digestive tract traits, and haematological profiles of broiler chicks. A total of 540, one-day-old broiler chicks were randomized assigned to nine treatments: four dietary probiotic blend levels (250, 500, 750, and 1,000 g/ton) within two feeding periods (0–14 and 0–42 d, respectively), whereas the ninth treatment was a control diet without any dietary probiotic supplementation. The feed intake (FI) was found to be higher in broilers fed 1,000 g/ton of probiotic blend when fed during the first 14 d; however, BW gain and feed efficiency were not influenced by the treatments. Carcasses (deplumed and full) from broilers fed 250 g/ton of probiotic blend (0–14 DOA) were heavier than the other groups; the same was observed for leg portions. Broiler duodenum, jejunum and ileum weights, and ileum percentage were greater when fed diets without any supplementation. The haematological profile of broilers was not affected by the dietary treatments.

Dietary Chlorogenic Acid Improved Muscle Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Pro‐Inflammatory Responses of Blackspotted Croaker Protonibea diacanthus

The widespread use of commercial feeds with high‐fat content in aquaculture may lead to oxidative stress and inflammation in fish during culture, which may cause changes in fish muscle texture. Therefore, mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation during fish farming holds paramount importance in improving fish muscle quality. In this study, we investigated the effect of different dietary levels of chlorogenic acid (CGA; 0, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 mg/kg diet, P1–P6) in commercial diets on the muscle of blackspotted croaker (Protonibea diacanthus) through an 8‐week feeding trial in open sea cages. The results showed that high dietary CGA levels (P5–P6) could significantly reduce muscle oxidative stress and inflammation (P < 0.05). Muscle toughness (hardness, chewiness, shear force, and gumminess) improved significantly as CGA levels increased (P < 0.05). It was also observed that the gap of muscle fiber was significantly reduced, while the muscle fiber density was significantly increased with the increase of CGA level (P < 0.05). Notably, dietary CGA also had a significant effect on collagen content in the muscle (P < 0.05), which may also be a crucial factor affecting muscle texture. Furthermore, it was found that the reduction of inflammation and increase of collagen deposition in muscle by dietary CGA may be related to the upregulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling pathway. Finally, it can be concluded that a dietary CGA supplementation of 1173.11 mg/kg is suggested for the aquaculture of P. diacanthus, based on the muscle texture quality.

Effects of Protease and Sex on Skin, Bone and Muscle Yields and Percentages of Major Primal Cuts in Broilers

Summary This study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary levels of the protease enzyme and sex on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of breast, drumsticks and thighs as the most valuable carcass parts of broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old, mixed-sex broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments with different levels of protease supplementation (group C: a standard diet without Ronozyme ProAct; group E-I: a diet with 200 mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 4% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet; and group E-II: a diet with 300mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 6% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet). All diets were maize- and soybean meal-based. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the 49-day feeding trial. The results obtained indicate that the dietary treatments had no significant effect on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of the drumsticks, thighs and breast (P > 0.05), except for the breast muscle weight in the female chickens (especially between the E-I and E-II groups), and the drumstick bone percentage in the males between the C and E-2 groups (P < 0.05). In all three groups, the male chickens exhibited higher weights of skin, muscle and bone in breast, drumsticks and thighs than the female chickens, and the differences were not significant only in the skin weight of drumsticks and thighs (P > 0.05). The females had a higher yield of muscle tissue in breast and drumsticks, a higher percentage of skin in drumsticks and thighs, and a lower percentage of bone in drumsticks and thighs than the males (P < 0.05). Major differences resulted from the effect of broiler sex, whereas the dietary treatments containing 3 levels of protease supplementation had a very small effect on the yields and percentages of skin, bone and muscle in breast, drumsticks and thighs.

The effect of dietary L-carnitine and fat on performance, carcass traits and blood components in broiler chickens

Abstract The poultry industry has traditionally been selecting animals for improved performance without consideration for the effect on fat deposition. Dietary L-carnitine can alter lipid metabolism; nevertheless, when combined with fat, the effects are not clear. This study shows the effect of different dietary levels of L-carnitine (0, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and fat (0, 2.5 and 5%) on growth performance and slaughter traits of commercial broilers (Ross 308; n=270). The groups received the following dietary treatments: 1) 0 mg/kg L-carnitine + 0% fat, 2) 200 mg/kg L-carnitine + 0% fat, 3) 400 mg/kg L-carnitine + 0% fat, 4) 0 mg/kg L-carnitine + 2.5% fat, 5) 200 mg/kg L-carnitine + 2.5% fat, 6) 400 mg/kg L-carnitine + 2.5% fat, 7) 0 mg/kg L-carnitine + 5.0% fat, 8) 200 mg/kg L-carnitine + 5.0% fat, and 9) 400 mg/kg L-carnitine + 5.0% fat. Feed conversion ratio, growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, carcass traits and body composition were measured and analyzed. Levels of fat with L-carnitine had significant effects on the European Performance Efficiency Factor, wings weight, intestine length and weight, spleen and liver weight, full abdomen carcass and abdominal fat weight, as well as serum triglyceride levels. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation improved growth performance of broilers, thus it may be a promising solution to reduce fat storage in broilers and improve the quality of carcasses intended for human consumption.

Deficiency and excess in dietary vitamin K3 negatively affect gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae performance and bone health

Despite the importance of vitamin K to maintaining normal growth, survival, and bone health in fish, studies on the effect of different dietary levels of vitamin K on marine fish larvae are very scarce. In the present study, the effect of vitamin K on growth performance, incidence of bone anomalies, bone mineralization, and expression of bone biomarkers were investigated in gilthead seabream larvae by feeding microdiets with six different levels of vitamin K3 (1.32, 1.63, 4.98, 12.26, 22.90, and 58.51 mg kg−1) for 14 days. The highest total length and body weight were registered in larvae fed 4.98 mg kg−1 vitamin K3, whereas the further increase in dietary vitamin K3 up to 22.9 and 58.51 mg kg−1 reduced growth and survival. The highest incidence of anomalies in branchiostegal rays, glossohyal, or neurocranium bones was found in larvae fed the lowest vitamin K3 level (1.32 mg kg−1), whereas the increase in vitamin K3 reduced these anomalies following potential regressions with inflection points close to 5 mg kg−1 vitamin K3. However, larvae fed the highest vitamin K3 levels (22.9 and 58.51 mg kg−1) showed a high incidence of abdominal kyphosis, reduced mineralization, and unbalances in the expression of bone health-related genes. In conclusion, the present study suggested an optimum dietary level of 5 mg kg−1 of vitamin K3 to promote seabream larval growth and reduce the incidence of bone anomalies. On the contrary, the elevation of dietary vitamin K3 levels up to 22.9 and 58.51 mg kg−1 has a deleterious effect on larval performance and bone health.

Physiological and immunological responses of Nile tilapia fed dietary supplementation of sweet basil ethanolic and aqueous extracts

The use of phytotherapy in aquaculture is rapidly increasing for more environmentally sustainable measures. The present work aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, leaves ethanol (BEE) or aqueous (BAE) extracts (0, 200, 300, and 500 mg/kg) on Oreochromis niloticus growth, digestive enzyme activities, hemato-biochemical profile, antioxidant status, immune responses, and resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae. Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (40.00 ± 1.00 g/fish, n = 210) were randomly divided into seven triplicated groups (control, BEE200, BEE300, BEE500, BAE200, BAE300, and BAE500) and fed the experimental diets for 8 weeks. The results revealed that dietary inclusion of BEE and BAE significantly improved final weight, weight gain, survival, and digestive enzyme activities. The growth response revealed a dose-dependent in favor of fish fed BEE. The hemato-biochemical biomarkers showed a significant improvement in RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte, and a significant decrease in aminotransferases, creatinine, and cholesterol levels with dietary basil extracts. The cellular and humoral immune responses (phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, lysozyme activity, immunoglobulin) were significantly improved with increasing BEE and BAE in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of IL-1β and TNF-α genes were increased, while TGF-β was decreased in a dose-dependent manner and BEE500 have the highest expression. The antioxidant balance was improved with increasing basil extracts supplementation, and the BEE500 group showed the best antioxidant status. Dietary BEE and BAE increased Nile tilapia resistance to S. agalactiae. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of both ethanolic and aqueous extracts could improve the growth performance and physiological, and immune-antioxidant status of Nile tilapia.

Effects of Different Dietary β-Glucan Levels on Antioxidant Capacity and Immunity, Gut Microbiota and Transcriptome Responses of White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under Low Salinity.

β-Glucan could significantly improve the antioxidant capacity of aquatic animals. The effects of different dietary levels (0 (control), 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4%) of β-glucan on the growth, survival, antioxidant capacity, immunity, intestinal microbiota and transcriptional responses of Litopenaeus vannamei under low salinity (≤3) were investigated. The dietary growth trial lasted 35 days (initial shrimp 0.26 ± 0.01 g). The results indicated that the growth performance of the 0.1% and 0.2% groups was significantly better than that of the control group. A second-order polynomial regression analysis of growth performance against dietary β-glucan indicated that the optimal dietary β-glucan level was 0.2% of dry matter. The digestive enzyme activity of the hepatopancreas was enhanced with increasing β-glucan levels. The antioxidant and nonspecific immunity capacities of the hepatopancreas were also enhanced in the 0.1% group. The α-diversity index analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed that the intestinal microbial richness of L. vannamei increased in the 0.1% group. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria decreased in the 0.1% group compared with the control group. The transcriptome results indicate that the prebiotic mechanisms of β-glucan include upregulating the expression of nonspecific immune genes and osmoregulation genes and activating KEGG pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism under low-salinity stress. These results suggested that dietary supplementation with β-glucan markedly increased growth performance and alleviated the negative effects of low-salinity stress by contributing to the activity of biochemical enzymes and enriching carbohydrate metabolism in L. vannamei.

Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil in Diet to Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818)

This study investigated the effects of different dietary levels of virgin coconut oil on growth, body composition, bacterial resistance, and hematology parameters in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Six isolipidic (12% crude lipid) and isonitrogenous (33% CP) diets were formulated adding virgin coconut oil (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) as lipid source, replacing the soybean oil. A positive control diet also prepared containing 15% lauric acid (main fatty acid in virgin coconut oil). Triplicate groups of 20 fish were fed twice daily throughout 90 days. Monthly, we evaluated the tambaqui growth performance, weight and biomass gain, specific growth ratio, apparent feeding conversion, relative condition factor, fish weight uniformity, and final survival. At end of experiment, the fish were subjected to bacterial challenge and blood analysis (glucose, lactate, plasmatic protein, and red cell blood). Fish fed 0%, 100% of VCO and lauric acid presented lower growth than fish fed 50% of virgin coconut oil (VCO) which presents the highest biomass ( 929.8 ± 80.6 a) and weight gain ( 15.4 ± 4.3 a) ( p < 0.05 ). Furthermore, the fish fed 50% and 75% VCO had an increase on body protein (50 and 58%, respectively) without increase body fat content. The values of triglycerides and cholesterol decreased ( 242.4 ± 39.1 c and 181.5 ± 14.6 bc) in fish fed 50% VCO and lauric acid, respectively. After bacterial challenge, a hemolytic anemia occurred in fish submitted to diets containing 100% of soybean oil and 100% of VCO, causing 41.67% and 100% of mortality, respectively. However, fish fed with 25 and 50% of VCO not presented any clinical signs of disease or mortality. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 50% virgin coconut in substitution to soybean oil as a lipid source in diets for C. macropomum is recommended to improve the growth performance, body protein, and resistance against pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila.

Dietary Sargassum angustifolium (Macro-Algae, Sargassaceae) extract improved antioxidant defense system in diazionon-exposed common carp, Cyprinus carpio

Abstract The effects of different dietary levels of algae (Sargassum angustifolium) extract were investigated on the antioxidant system of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Fish (30.2 ± 2.1 g) were fed 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 g/kg basal diet of Sargassum angustifolium extract (SAE) for 60 days and then exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration of diazinon (2 mg/l) for 24 h. The biochemical assays were conducted in two times including at the end of feeding period and after 24 h exposure to diazinon. According to the results, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver remained unchanged (P>0.01) during feeding period, while significantly increased in response to diazinon in control and fish fed 5 and 10 g/kg diet SAE (P<0.01). The hepatic metabolic enzymes (AST: Aspartate aminotransferase, ALT: alanine aminotransferase, LDH: lactate dehydrogenase, CK: creatine kinase) showed no significant changes in all groups during feeding period, while these enzymes increased in Non-SAE supplemented fish and those fed 5 and 10 g/kg SAE after exposure to diazinon (P<0.01). Although little elevations were observed in the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (CAT: catalase, SOD: superoxide dismutase, GPx: Glutathione peroxidase) in fish fed SAE, these elevations were not significant (P>0.01). After exposure to diazinon, antioxidant enzymes significantly decreased in control and fish fed 5 g/kg diet SAE, while the fish of 10 and 15 g/kg diet SAE treatments showed significant elevations (P<0.01). The antioxidant-related genes (sod, cat, gpx) significantly expressed more in response to dietary SAE compared to control (P<0.01). After exposure to diazinon, all groups showed significant elevations in antioxidant-related genes (P<0.01). In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed the antioxidant enhancing effects of SAE at dietary levels of 10 and 15 g/kg diet, which this effect may be attributed to some antioxidant components in the chemical composition of the macro-algae or to the direct effect of SAE on antioxidant defence system of the fish.

Effects of alfalfa levels on carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid composition, amino acid profile, and gut microflora composition of Heigai pigs.

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the demand for healthy and high-quality pork. Alfalfa, one of the most popular perennial forages, is considered a rich source of highly nutritional forage for livestock feed, as it contains over 90% insoluble dietary fiber. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data confirming the effects of adding alfalfa on pork quality, amino acid composition, and intestinal microbiota composition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of alfalfa on carcass traits, meat quality, amino acid and fatty acid composition, and the intestinal microbiota of Heigai pigs. A total of 72 finishing Heigai pigs were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 36), with six replicate groups and six pigs per replication. The two experimental diets were formulated to include graded levels of alfalfa, 20% (AM20) and 30% (AM30). The results showed that adding 30% alfalfa meal did not affect the growth performance of Heigai pigs but significantly reduced backfat thickness (P < 0.05), pH (P < 0.05), increased the a* value, b* value, and flavor amino acid and essential amino acid contents in longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM). In addition, AM30 didn't affect colonic microbiota abundance but significantly reduced the relative abundances of three phyla, such as Verrucomicrobia, and 43 genera, such as Akkermansia, and significantly increased the relative abundances of 47 genera, such as Prevotella-2. Overall, these results advocate for a diet containing 30% alfalfa to improve meat quality by changing the intestinal microflora composition without affecting the growth performance of Heigai pigs, which provides compelling evidence for the use of alfalfa to relieve the pressure on corn and soybean meal demand and produce high-quality pork.

Effect of Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) polysaccharide on growth performance, immune function, and gut microflora of broiler chickens

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, also called Gan Cao, is a commonly prescribed herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Gan Cao is associated with immune-modulation and antitumor potential though its mechanism of action is not well-known. To explore the effects of different dietary levels of Gan Cao polysaccharide (GCP) on broilers, a total of 400 Avian broiler chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 replicates of 10 broilers each. The broilers in the control group were fed a basal diet, while those in the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% GCP, respectively, for 42 d. The results showed a significant increase in the growth performance in the GCP groups. The antibody titer of NDV and the phagocytosis index was higher in the birds with GCP treatment than in the control group, with the 1% GCP addition displaying the highest titer. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria count in the cecum content of the birds in the 1% GCP group was higher compared to the other groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with GCP had a substantial impact on the growth performance, immune response, and microflora population in the cecum of the birds, especially at a level of 1% addition.

Effects of dietary chrysophyte (Poterioochromonas malhamensis) rich in beta-glucan on the growth performance, intestinal health, lipid metabolism, immune gene expression, and disease resistance against Aeromonas salmonicida in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

An eight-week growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary levels (0%, 2%, 4%, and 8%) of chrysophyte (Poterioochromonas malhamensis) rich in water-soluble beta-glucan on the growth performance, intestinal health, lipid metabolism, immune responses, and disease resistance of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). At the end of the feeding trial, no significant difference in weight gain was observed between the non-supplemented control and moderate doses (2% and 4%), but decreased weight gain was found at the highest dose (8%) of P. malhamensis compared with the control group. The survival rate in each group was above 97%, with no significant differences between groups. P. malhamensis supplementation in diets changed bacterial diversity and altered the composition of intestinal microbes. In particular, the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus was increased with moderate doses, and the abundance of the pathogenic bacteria Acinetobacter was enhanced with the highest dose (8%) of P. malhamensis. The mRNA expression levels of tight junction protein genes (e.g., claudin-1, occludin, and tricellulin) were also increased after P. malhamensis supplementation. Meanwhile, P. malhamensis supplementation altered lipid metabolism, including reduced crude lipid content in whole fish and decreased CHO, TG, HDL, and LDL in the serum of the highest dose group. Several free fatty acids, including C14:0, C16:1, and C18:3n3, were also reduced in the liver in the highest dose group. In contrast, P. malhamensis induced mRNA expression of the immune-related genes c3, c4, and c5 and the upregulation of mRNA expression in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1β and IL8) in the highest dose group. After the 8-week feeding trial, fish were intraperitoneally injected with a bacterial pathogen, Aeromonas salmonicida. The survival rate increased by 14% in the moderate dose groups and decreased by 11% in the highest dose group compared with the control. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of cytokines and complement system genes were differentially influenced by the challenge test, with an increase of c7 in the moderate dose groups, a decrease of c3 in the highest dose group, a reduction of IL1β in the moderate dose groups, and an upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 in the moderate dose groups. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of P. malhamensis at optimum levels (2–4%) efficiently regulated lipid metabolism, improved intestinal health, heightened immune responses, and increased resistance to A. salmonicida in juvenile rainbow trout. P. malhamensis could be a good source of beta-glucan for fish.

Effects of dietary inclusion of cassava starch-extraction-residue meal on egg production, egg quality, oxidative status, and yolk fatty acid profile in laying ducks

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of different dietary levels of cassava starch extraction residue meal (CReM) on egg production, egg quality, oxidative status, egg yolk fatty acid profile, and hepatic expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes. In total, 288 Longyan laying ducks aged 21 wk with similar BW were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments, each consisting of 6 replicates of 12 birds. The birds were fed a typical corn-soybean meal diet, which contained 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 15% CReM, mainly replacing wheat bran, and the experiment lasted for 16 wk. The tested CReM levels did not show significant effects on the egg production, nonmarketable egg percentage, egg weight, daily egg mass, and FCR (g feed: g egg), but daily feed intake was reduced with increased CReM level (linear P < 0.001, quadratic P < 0.05). Yolk color increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) with the increase in CReM level, but the Haugh unit, yolk proportion, albumen proportion, shell proportion, eggshell thickness, and eggshell strength were unaffected. Yolk contents of C11:0 and C12:0 (linear, quadratic, P < 0.01) and total saturated fatty acids increased, and the C22:1 level decreased (linear P < 0.01, quadratic P < 0.05) with the increase in CReM level, but the total monounsaturated fatty acids, the individual and total polyunsaturated fatty acids and n−6 and n−3 fatty acids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in egg yolk were not affected. Hepatic gene expression revealed a significant increase in peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ (linear, quadratic, P < 0.001), but the expression of fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 and apolipoprotein A1 genes were unaffected by CReM level. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that the CReM could be included up to 15% in laying duck diets without negative effects on the egg-laying rate, egg quality, and oxidative status. Dietary inclusion of CReM increased the yolk content of total saturated fatty acids and SOD activity in the liver.

Effect of dietary Sophora alopecuroides supplementation on differential expression of intramuscular fat-related genes of Ningxia Tan sheep as determined by transcriptome sequencing

The present study investigated the effect of different dietary levels (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%) of Sophora alopecuroides (S. alopecuroides) on intramuscular fat (IMF) content in Ningxia Tan sheep. Candidate genes affecting IMF deposition were screened by comparing the RNA-Seq profiles of test (2% S. alopecuroides) and control (no S. alopecuroides) groups. The results showed that the intramuscular fat content of the diet supplemented with S. alopecuroides was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the intramuscular fat content decreased significantly with the increase of the dietary content of S. alopecuroides (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The highest IMF content of the control group (group A) was 4.21%, which was significantly higher than that of the other four experimental groups (B, C, D, E) (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, 66 genes were significantly upregulated and 202 genes were significantly downregulated in the test group compared to the control. Gene Ontology functional annotation revealed that the differentially expressed genes were closely related to plasma lipoprotein particle assembly, plasma lipoprotein particle organization, protein-lipid complex subunit organization, and other biological processes. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes belonged to 147 metabolic pathways. Finally, four differential genes which may be related to IMF deposition were screened out in PPAR signalling pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid degradation, and fatty acid metabolism. The quantitative analysis of four differential genes including ACSL3, PLIN2, ABCA1 and ANGPTL4 was carried out by RT-qPCR method, and the results were basically consistent with those of RNA-seq. Among them, the quantitative results of PLIN2 gene were slightly different from the sequencing results, but the difference was not significant, and they may be false positive. This study lays the foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism regulating mutton quality, and provides a theoretical basis for the study of S. alopecuroides as a feed additive to improve mutton meat quality and impact the gene function.

Effects of Dietary Fermented Red Grape Vinegar and Lactobacillus acidophilus on Growth Performance and Hematobiochemical and Immune Parameters in Juvenile Rainbow Trout

AbstractThis study was conducted to assess the effect of different dietary levels of fermented red grape vinegar (RGV) and a probiotic (PRO), Lactobacillus acidophilus (1 × 106 CFU/g), on the growth performance and immunological responses of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss for 8 weeks. The juveniles (n = 240; initial weight [mean ± SD] = 101.0 ± 2.8 g) were randomly distributed into eight groups with triplicates and were fed basal (control; free from RGV and PRO), RGV 1%, RGV 2%, RGV 3%, PRO, PRO+RGV 1%, PRO+RGV 2%, and PRO+RGV 3% diets. The highest weight gain (145.0 g), highest specific growth rate (1.6%/d), and best feed conversion ratio (1.2) were obtained with the PRO+RGV 3% treatment. In terms of hematological parameters, the white blood cell count was significantly increased in fish that received the PRO+RGV 2% and PRO+RGV 3% diets. The highest lymphocyte percentage was recorded in fish that were fed PRO+RGV diets compared to other diet groups. The levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced with an increasing level of RGV in the PRO‐supplemented diets, and the lowest content of triglycerides (328.5 mg/L) was observed in the PRO+RGV 3% treatment. Moreover, the highest levels of serum (42.8 U/mL) and skin mucosal (36.1 U/mL) lysozyme activities were recorded for the PRO+RGV 3% group. Overall, the combination of PRO and 3% RGV in the Rainbow Trout diet can act as a growth promoter and immunostimulant.

β-glucan modulates non-specific immune gene expression, thermal tolerance and elicits disease resistance in endangered Tor putitora fry challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida

An eight-week feeding trial was performed to assess the effect of different dietary levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) of β-glucan (sourced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth, survival, immunological parameters (immune gene expression, lysozyme, and antiprotease), total antioxidant status, thermal tolerance, and disease resistance of Tor putitora fry. Feeding of moderate doses (0.5 and 1.0%) of β-glucan significantly improved survival but not weight gain percentage as compared to that received unsupplemented control and highest dose (1.5%) of glucan. Supplementation of β-glucan in diets differentially influenced the mRNA expression of cytokine and other immune genes. For instance, transcripts of cytokines such as tnf-α and il-1β were significantly upregulated, while ifn-γ and il-10 were unaffected by β-glucan intake. Also, the relative mRNA expression of tlr-5 and hepcidin1 along with lysozyme and antiprotease activities were remained largely unchanged by dietary glucan administration. In contrast, β-glucan induced mRNA expression of defensin1 and c3 while decreased the transcript level of mhc-1. On the other hand, dietary inclusion of β-glucan markedly improved total antioxidant levels and extended the thermal tolerance limits at both the ends, as shown by increased CTmax and lower CTmin than the control group. After feeding β-glucan for eight weeks, the fish were bath challenged with a bacterial pathogen, Aeromonas salmonicida. The challenge study results revealed that β-glucan intake improved most of the studied immune parameters, resulting in lower mortality. Overall, dietary inclusion of β-glucan (0.5–1.0%) was efficient in improving the immune responses, thermal tolerance, and disease resistance of T. putitora fry.

Effect of dietary calcium and phosphorus levels on growth, carcass characteristics and liver and kidney functions of growing Egyptian geese

The present study investigated the effect of different dietary levels of calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (P) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood components of growing geese. A total of 120, 4-wk-old Egyptian goslings with similar body weights were randomly distributed to four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, which included 2 levels of Ca (0.85% and 0.70%) and 2 levels of non-phytate P (0.45% and 0.35%). Each group was subdivided into 6 replicates of five birds. The experiment lasted 8 wk, from 4 to 12 wk of age. Results show that dietary Ca level had no significant effect on any of the studied growth performance traits over the full experimental period. Dietary P level also had no significant impact on these traits, with the exception of daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio at 8 to 12 wk of age; these improved significantly with the low P diet. Geese received a diet containing 0.70% Ca + 0.45% P had the lowest body weight values at 12 wk of age and the lowest daily body weight gain, and feed intake at 8 to 12 weeks of age. While, the lowest value of feed conversion ratio was recorded in geese fed low level of Ca with low level of P (0.70% Ca + 0.35% P). There were no significant effects of the different dietary levels of Ca, P, or their interaction on all studied carcass parameters. Low dietary Ca level significantly increased the plasma levels of total protein, albumin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and creatinine and significantly decreased the plasma levels of Ca and P. Different dietary P levels had no significant effect on plasma levels of albumin, AST, ALT, ALP, and urea, whereas the 0.35% P-based diet significantly decreased the plasma contents of total protein, creatinine, Ca, and P. Plasma levels of albumin, creatinine, urea, Ca, and P were not affected by an interaction between Ca and P. Diets containing 0.70% Ca and 0.45% P lead to the highest plasma values for total protein, ALT, AST, and ALP compared with the other dietary Ca and P combinations. In conclusion, dietary Ca and P levels can be simultaneously reduced without negative impacts on growth performance, carcass characteristics, or blood biochemical components. We advise to avoid increasing the dietary Ca: P ratio, as it leads to negative effects on growth performance and blood biochemistry in growing geese. So, the findings of the current study recommended the low levels of Ca (0.70%) and non-phytate P (0.35%) for the performance of Egyptian geese during the fattening period.

The effect of different dietary levels of sodium and chloride on performance, blood parameters and excreta quality in goslings at 29 to 70 days of age.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the appropriate levels of dietary sodium (Na+ ) and chloride (Cl- ) for 29- to 70-day-old goslings and to investigate the effects of different levels of Na+ and Cl- on the growth performance, water consumption, blood parameters and excreta quality of goslings to provide a reference for the healthy production of goslings. In Experiment 1, a total of 432 29-day-old male Jiangnan White goslings were randomly allotted to nine treatments according to a 3×3 factorial design, with six pens containing eight birds per treatment. The goslings were fed diets with three concentrations of Na+ (0.10%, 0.15% and 0.20%) and three concentrations of Cl- (0.15%, 0.20% and 0.25%). The experimental period was 42days. In Experiment 2, a total of 24 70-day-old Jiangnan White goslings were selected for four treatments (0.10% Na+ ×0.15% Cl- ; 0.10% Na+ ×0.25% Cl- ; 0.20% Na+ ×0.15% Cl- and 0.20% Na+ ×0.25% Cl- ) and housed separately in metabolic cages. The faeces were collected for 3 consecutive days. In Experiment 1, the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed/gain (F/G) ratio of goslings were unaffected by the treatments. However, low levels of Na+ and Cl- significantly reduced the water consumption of goslings in the later growth period (p<0.05). The average water consumption of goslings fed with 0.10% Na+ ×0.15% Cl- was significantly lower than that of the goslings fed with 0.20% Na+ ×0.25% Cl- (56days, 1304.2ml vs. 1471.7ml; 63days, 1452.8ml vs. 1610.8ml; 70days, 1540.0ml vs. 1775.4ml; p<0.05). The interaction between Na+ and Cl- (Na+ ×Cl- ) had a significant impact on the blood haemoglobin (HGB) and haematocrit (HCT) levels in the goslings (p<0.05). HGB increased linearly with increasing levels of Na+ . HGB and HCT first increased and then decreased with increasing levels of Cl- . In Experiment 2, Na+ and Cl- levels had significant effects on the excreta moisture content (p<0.05). Goslings fed with 0.10% Na+ ×0.15% Cl- had a low moisture content of 5.58% compared to the goslings fed with 0.20% Na+ ×0.25% Cl- (87.51% vs. 93.09%; p<0.05). The levels of dietary Na+ had a significant effect on the retention ratio of Na (p<0.05), with the value for the 0.20% Na+ group being significantly higher than that for the 0.10% Na+ group (p<0.05). In summary, different levels of Na+ and Cl- did not affect the growth of goslings. To reduce the water consumption and moisture content of excreta, the Na+ and Cl- levels in the diet can be as low as 0.10% and 0.15%, respectively.

Performance and carcass characteristics of weaner pigs fed dietary raw bambarra nut offal

A 56-day feeding trial using twelve (12) crossbred weaner pigs of 8 weeks of age and average weight of 10.58±17kg were used to investigate the effect of different dietary levels of raw bambara groundnut offal on their growth and carcass characteristics. Four diets were formulated to contain raw bambara groundnut offal at 0, 10, 20 and 30%, designated T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The weaner pigs were randomly assigned to the four (4) diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. Chemical composition of the test ingredient and diets were analysed. Data collected include feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and economics of production. The carcass characteristics were also evaluated. The proximate composition of the experimental diets revealed that the crude protein and ether extract contents of the diets decreased with increased levels of raw BGO in the diets, but the converse was true for crude fibre and ash contents. The results indicated significant differences (p&lt; 0.05) in daily weight gain (DWG). feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, cost (N) /kg of seed and cost (N)/kg weight gain. The values were. 0.34, 0.29, 0.28 and 0.22kg for DWG, 3.03, 3.62, 3.55 and 4.30 for FCR in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Protein efficiency ratio, values were 1.84, 1.54, 1.57 and 1.29. Cost/kg of feed values were 75.69, 70.13, 64.56 and 56.10, and cost (N)/kg weight gain were 229.32, 253.86, 229.20 and 253.69 for the treatments respectively. The results of the carcass evaluation indicated significant differences (p&lt; 0.05) for ham and trotters. The values were 0.31, 0.35, 0.37 and 0.32 for ham in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The values of trotters were, 64.6.56.99, 56.98 and 53.66 among the treatments. For organs characteristics, the results indicated significant differences (p&lt; 0.05) for lung, kidney, liver and spleen. The values of the lungs were, 11.20. 11.25. 9.40 and 8.97 among the treatments. The values of kidney and liver were, 3.34, 2.86, 3.72 and 3.14, and 24.28, 28.57, 22.55 and 27.70 respectively. The inclusion of up to 20% raw BGO in the diet of weaner pigs recorded comparable daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and cost/kg weight gain with the group fed the control (0%raw BGO). Further studies involving heat treatment of the BGO might be necessary to improved nutrient utilization by the animals, and also increase inclusion level.