Enhanced Growth Performance Research Articles

Evaluation of potential applications of dietary probiotic (Bacillus licheniformis SB3086): Effect on growth, digestive enzyme activity, hematological, biochemical, and immune response of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The present study was designed to evaluate the dietary effect of dietary supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis on growth, hematological and immune parameters of Oreochromis mossambicus fingerlings. A feeding trial of 8 weeks was carried out, in which fish were fed at a rate of 2% body weight with four experimental diets, including a control diet and three supplemented diets such as, 105, 107 and 109 CFUg-1 respectively. At the termination of feeding experiment, growth related parameters, hematological and immune response of fish were evaluated. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly decreased, inferring high efficiency in utilizing feed. In similar groups, hematological parameters such as total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte, total serum protein, blood glucose level and hemoglobin count were significantly increased (P<0.05), with higher probiotic concentration. Similarly, digestive enzyme activity of protease, lipase and amylase was also higher in fish fed with increased concentration of probiotic. Diet groups having 109 CFUg-1 of probiotic was observed with elevated immune response, as levels of lysozyme activity, respiratory burst activity and phagocytic activity were significantly higher (P<0.05) in this group as compared to control group. In conclusion, supplementation of diet with Bacillus licheniformis can enhance growth performance, and health status of O. mossambicus.

Administration of Dietary Microalgae Ameliorates Intestinal Parameters, Improves Body Weight, and Reduces Thawing Loss of Fillets in Broiler Chickens: A Pilot Study.

Simple SummaryMicroalgae synthesize a wide variety of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, PUFAs, and pigments. In addition, microalgae are known for positively influencing growth and intestinal parameters in birds and thus have been contemplated as potential feed additives. Nevertheless, several species widely used in aquaculture have not received much attention in terrestrial animal nutrition. Therefore, in this investigation, we used biomass from Tysochrysis lutea, Tetraselmis chuii, and Porphyridium cruentum to evaluate its safety and usefulness for improving intestinal architecture, body weight, and selected meat quality parameters. Dietary administration of the different biomasses showed positive effects regarding intestinal architecture, which were associated with the observed body weight. Furthermore, the thawing weight loss of fillets decreased after supplementation with T. chuii. Hence, these outcomes suggest that dietary microalgae might be considered as a promising bio-friendly alternative for feed additive production.This pilot investigation aimed at studying the feasibility of using a low dose (0.2%) of dietary microalgae as a means of improving intestinal morphometry, body weight, and selected meat quality parameters in broilers. A total of 72 one-day-old ROSS 308 male chicks were randomly separated into four groups; three experimental pens in which the birds were fed with biomass from Tysochrysis lutea, Tetraselmis chuii, and Porphyridium cruentum over 30 days and a control group. T. chuii and P. cruentum had a positive effect with regard to body weight. In treated animals, duodenal and ileal sections showed characteristic tall and thin villi, with serrated surfaces and goblet cell differentiation. In both sections, values of the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio were increased by microalgae ingestion. The thawing weight loss of fillets was reduced in T. chuii-fed animals. The positive effects exerted by T. chuii and P. cruentum on intestinal architecture were associated with the improved body weight. Arguably, these outcomes exhibit the potential of using these species to enhance growth performance in broiler chickens by promoting gut homeostasis and thus nutrient absorption.

Mooseer (Allium hirtifolium) boosts growth, general health status, and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Streptococcus iniae infection

In large-scale aquaculture, the fast growth rate of fish is positively influenced by feed additives such as medicinal plants. This is however; infectious disease may reduce fish growth and cause devastating economic loss. The present study investigated in vitro antibacterial efficacy of Mooseer (Allium hirtifolium) extract against Streptococcus iniae and its in vivo effects on growth, biochemical parameters, innate immunity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Therefore, six experimental diets were designed to include different levels of Mooseer from zero (as control), 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g per kg diet respectively referred to as M1 to M5. Results from the antibacterial evaluation showed that Mooseer extract inhibits S. iniae growth with MIC and MBC values of 128 and 256 μg ml−1. Appreciable results were obtained in the groups supplemented with Mooseer. Mooseer enhanced growth performance, and modulated serum biochemical and immunological parameters (total protein, albumin, triglyceride, glucose, cortisol, cholesterol, lysozyme, Ig, ACH50, ALP, and protease activity), and liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP). The greatest effects were found for higher doses of Mooseer supplementation (M4 and M5). Meanwhile, results from the survival rate of fish challenged with S. iniae showed higher survival in M2 and M4 treatments. The present findings suggest the beneficial use of Mooseer in rainbow trout diet, with 20 g kg−1 inclusion as the recommended dose.

Modulation of Muscle Growth Related Genes in Fish in Response to Plant Based Ingredients

Fish meal and fish oil have been the mostly used ingredients (protein and lipid respectively) in aquaculture feeds due to their excellent source of well-balanced amino acid profile and n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) respectively. However, due to escalating prices and fluctuation in production, there are calls for alternative protein and lipid sources to be used. Plant based ingredients have been recognized as alternatives that could enhance growth performance as well as reduction in cost of production. The regulation of muscle growth by plant based lipids and protein is not fully elucidated. Growth performance and muscle growth of fish is affected by diets. Acceleration of growth through alteration of genes by diets can be useful as it can reduce cost and decrease time of production. The objective of this review is to discuss the genes that affect muscle growth of fish and how plant based ingredients affect these genes.

Growth Performance Characteristics of Cockerel Chicken Fed Diets containing Ginger Rhizome and Garlic Bulb powder

The use of antibiotics in poultry production has raised global concern due to health risk associated with its residues in poultry products. A study was conducted to assess the growth performance characteristics of cockerel fed ginger and garlic based diets for a period of 12 weeks. A total of 180 day old Isa white cockerels were randomly allotted to 4 experimental treatment diets. Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times with 15 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design. Diet one had 0% ginger rhizome and garlic bulb powder (T1), diet 2 had 2% ginger rhizome powder (T2), diet 3 had 2% garlic bulb powder (T3) while diet 4 had 2% mixture (1:1) of ginger rhizome powder and garlic bulb powder (T4). The weights were measured and weight gain calculated on weekly basis. In addition, the feed intake and feed conversion ratio were measured and calculated on weekly basis. At starter phase, average initial weight, average final weight, average weekly feed intake and average daily feed intake were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. However, Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P<0.05) highest (2.09) among birds placed on T2 while the lowest mean value of 1.30 was recorded in T3. At finisher phase, the average initial weight, average weekly feed intake, average daily feed intake and FCR were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the experimental diets. However, birds fed T4 had the highest (P<0.05) mean value of average final live weight (1796.67g) while the least value (1553.33g) was obtained in birds fed T3. The average daily weight gain were significantly (p<0.05) highest 37.14 g T2. It was concluded that ginger and garlic powder can be used successfully in cockerel diets at 2 % level of inclusion to enhance growth performance characteristics especially at finisher phase.

English

This study aimed to determine the effect of betaine supplementation on production performance and blood biochemical parameters in calves. Sixty Nili-Ravi calves were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, which received a total mixed ration (TMR) without betaine and three experimental groups that received TMR blended with 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% betaine for 8 weeks. Feed and water intake was recorded daily and production performance parameters were recorded on weekly basis. Blood samples were collected weekly and at the end of the experiment. The results showed that feeding betaine to calves increased dry matter intake, body weight gain and average daily gain (P < 0.001). Dietary addition of 0.6% betaine improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01). Plasma cortisol, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels were positively affected (P < 0.05) by betaine supplementation as compared to the control group; however, it caused HSP70 levels to decrease (P < 0.05). The results indicated that supplementing betaine to the diet of Nili-Ravi calves enhanced growth performance and improved their antioxidant status. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Stabilization of metals in sludge-amended soil using red mud and its effects on yield and oil quality of Brassica juncea cultivar Kranti.

Prolonged application of sewage-sludge may cause excessive accumulation of metal(oid)s in soil, leading to phytotoxic effects. Spread of contaminants in soil can probably be hindered by using an effective metal(oid) stabilizer. Pot experiment in open field conditions was conducted for five months to evaluate the metal(oid) (Al, Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr) stabilization potential of red mud (RM) in sludge-amended soil and its effects on growth, yield, oil quality parameters and metal(oid) accumulations in Brassica juncea cultivar Kranti. The test plant was grown at different RM concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15% w/w) in sludge-amended soil (soil/sludge: 2:1 w/w). As the total and phytoavailable metal(oid) concentrations in sludge were high, its application increased their concentrations in soil compared to the control (no RM and sludge). Increasing RM concentrations in sludge-amended soil effectively stabilized Cd followed by Cr, Cu, Zn and Al, leading to their reduced contents in plants coupled with enhanced growth performance and yield. Maximum plant (root and shoot) biomass (14.9%) and seed yield (40.4%) were found in 10% RM treatment, whereas oil content showed substantial increase with increasing RM treatments in sludge-amended soil. Mustard oil showed low rancidification, high long-chain fatty acids, saturated and polyunsaturated (ω-3 and ω-6) fatty acids within FAO ranges for edible oils under varying RM treatments compared to sludge-amended soil. Furthermore, high oleic and low erucic acid contents in mustard oil indicated a better oil quality under different RM treatments. Metal(oid) contents in seeds under different red mud treatments were within FAO/WHO limits for consumption. Thus, RM applications preferably 5 and 10% (w/w) in sludge-amended soil might be effective in stabilization of metal(oid)s using B. juncea cultivar Kranti coupled with better yield, improved oil quality and metal(oid)s within limits for human consumption.

Glutamine, glutamate, and aspartate differently modulate energy homeostasis of small intestine under normal or low energy status in piglets.

Weaning stress may cause reduced energy intake for maintenance of mucosal structure. Gln, Glu, and Asp are major energy sources for the small intestine. This study investigated whether Gln, Glu, and Asp improve the intestinal morphology via regulating the energy metabolism in weaning piglets. A total of 198 weaned piglets were assigned to 3 treatments: Control (Basal diet + 1.59% L-Ala); T1 (Basal diet + 1% L-Gln + 0.5% L-Glu + 0.1% L-Asp); T2 (Low energy diet + 1% L-Gln + 0.5% L-Glu + 0.1% L-Asp). Jejunum and ileum were obtained on d 5 or 21 post-weaning. T1 enhanced growth performance. T1 and T2 treatments improved small intestinal morphology by increasing villus height, goblet cell number and decreasing crypt depth. Days post-weaning affected the efficacy of T2, but not T1, on energy metabolism. At normal energy supplementation, Gln, Glu, and Asp restored small intestinal energy homeostasis via replenishing the Krebs' cycle and down-regulating the AMPK (adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase) pathway. As these are not sufficient to maintain the intestinal energy-balance of piglets fed with a low energy diet on d 5 post-weaning, the AMPK, glycolysis, beta-oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis are activated to meet the high energy demand of enterocytes. These data indicated that Gln, Glu, and Asp could restore the energy homeostasis of intestinal mucosa of weaning piglets under normal energy fed. Low energy feeding may increase the susceptibility of piglets to stress, which may decrease the efficacy of Gln, Glu, and Asp on the restoration of energy balance. These findings provide new information on nutritional intervention for insufficient energy intake in weaning piglets.

Effects of feed supplemented with probiotics on the culture of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

In this study, mixed feed (MF), a mixture of probiotics and formulated feed, were fed to sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus. The specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) of sea cucumbers, the crude protein content (CPC) and protease activity (PA) in different parts of their intestines, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER), as well as the water quality of the culture water, were determined and compared with that of the control (formulated feed, FF) diet. The results showed that WG and PER of sea cucumbers were significantly (p < .05) higher in MF groups compared with FF groups. The SGR and PA in the intestines of MF groups increased significantly (p < .01) compared with FF groups. The CPC in the intestines of MF individuals was far lower (p < .01) than FF ones. The FCR was significantly (p < .05) lower in MF groups than the control groups. The culture water in MF groups showed lower (p < .05) levels of ammonia–nitrogen and nitrite–nitrogen than in the other groups. These results revealed that probiotics enhanced growth performance, PER and PA, and improved water quality in culture aquariums. The addition of probiotics to feed was beneficial for sea cucumbers and maybe good for other aquaculture animals.

The role of currently used medicinal plants in aquaculture and their action mechanisms: A review

AbstractGlobal aquaculture development increased rapidly in recent years, and the sector has become one of the fastest‐growing industries in the animal‐derived food production system. However, disease outbreak remains a major challenge that hinders sustainable production through an advanced level of intensification. Recently, antibiotics applied have been restricted globally against aquatic disease outbreaks due to their apparent accumulation in the tissues, which imposes on the development of resistant bacteria. Naturally available medicinal plants were tested to combat some pathogens affecting humans and animals, as they contain a wide range of active substances that can induce biological functions. Currently, medicinal plants are being tested in aquaculture as a safe and eco‐friendly substance to modulate immune status, enhance growth performance and prevent fish disease. Moreover, different parts (e.g. leaf, flower and rhizome) and forms (e.g. crude, extract and active ingredient) of plants are used to modulate specific biological functions (e.g. growth promoter, anti‐stress, immunostimulants, appetite stimulation, antibacteria, anti‐parasite and anti‐virus). Medicinal plants are also used to defend the aquaculture animal from external stressors, such as poor water quality, high environmental temperature and overcrowding. This paper aims to provide information on the role of currently used medicinal plants on aquaculture animals and their action mechanisms. In conclusion, the current review suggested that the utilisation of medicinal plants remained untapped in uncovering the biological activities of active substances against a variety of diseases across diverse species of aquaculture animals.

Sustainable biodiesel production from microalgae Graesiella emersonii through valorization of garden wastes-based vermicompost

Biodiesel production from microalgae has gained significant interest recently due to the growing energy demand and non-renewable nature of petroleum. However, high cost of production and environmental health related issues like excess use of inorganic fertilizers, eutrophication are the major constraints in commercial-scale biodiesel production. Besides this, solid wastes (garden-based) management is also a global concern. In the present study, to overcome these limitations vermicompost extract was tested as nutrient source to enhance growth performance and lipid production from a freshwater microalga (Graesiella emersonii MN877773). Garden wastes were first converted into vermicompost manure and its extract (aerobic and anaerobically digested) was prepared. The efficacy of the extract was then tested in combination with BG11 medium. The mixotrophic cultivation of microalgae in anaerobically digested vermicompost extract at 50:50 combination with BG11 medium enhanced the cell biomass (0.64 g d. wt. L−1) and lipid productivity (3.18 mg L−1 day−1) of microalgae by two times. Moreover, the combination also improved the saturated (methyl palmitate) and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) content in the test algae. The quality of biodiesel also complies with all the properties of biodiesel standard provided by India, the USA, and Europe except the cold filter plugging property. The combination was also found to improve the cell biomass (0.041 g L−1) as compared to BG11 medium in mass-scale cultivation. Hence, the study proved that G. emersonii grown in media supplemented with garden waste-based vermicompost extract had significant potential for mass-scale biodiesel and bioproduct production.

301 Milk Replacer Biosalt Supplementation for Neonatal Calves

Abstract Neonatal Holstein calves may have limited liver bile production and secretion, which could limit fat digestion and absorption. Eighty 2- to 5-d old Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: 1) BS0: Control, no biosalt added to milk replacer; 2) BW1/2: BS fed at 0.175 g/d; 3) BS1: BS fed at 0.35 g/d; and 4) BS2: BS fed at 0.70 g/d. Calves were fed 2x/d at 0630 and 1800 h along with free choice water and a 22% CP mini-pelleted calf starter. The MR was fed at 0.567 kg/d for d 1–14, then increased to 0.85 kg/d for d 15–35, and feeding reduced to 1x/d for d 36–42 with weaning after d 42 for the 56 d experimental period. Linear, quadratic and cubic responses were found to be nonsignificant (P &amp;gt; 0.10) body weight (BW), BW gains, average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI). Body weight (59.2, 56.6 58.0 and 58.0 kg for BS0, BS1/2, BS1, and BS2, respectively), BW gains (36.5, 33.1, 33.9, and 34.8 kg), ADG (663.6, 602.0, 616.8, and 633,5 g/d) and DMI (1.25, 1.21, 1.23, and 1.23 kg/d) were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for calves fed all treatments. The number of days (37.4, 38,7, 37.9 and 37.5 d) for calves to achieve 0.90 kg/d CS consumption for 3 consecutive d were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.10) among calves fed all treatments. Feed conversion demonstrated a quadratic response (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with calves fed BS0 demonstrating greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) feed conversions (0.52, 0.45, 0.49 and 0.50 kg BW gain/kg DMI) compared with calves fed BS1/2 with calves fed BS1 and BS2 being intermediate and similar (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Bile salt supplementation to neonatal Holstein calves fed MR did not enhance growth performance.

291 Weaned Holstein Calves Fed an Experimental Botanical Extract Alone or in Combination with an Eubiotic Product

Abstract A botanical extract (BE; garlic oil, anise oil, cinnamaldehyde, rosemary, and thyme blend) has been shown to enhance dry matter intake (DMI) and gut health, while eubiotics (EU; lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product), has been shown to improve gut health and growth performance of growing Holstein calves. The hypothesis was the combination BE and EU could be synergistic to post-weaning neonatal calf growth performance. Seventy-seven (77) Holstein bull calves from a previous milk replacer trial were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments using a 3 wk experimental period. Treatments were: 1) Control: Calf starter (CS) without BE or EU; 2) BE: CS with 275.6 g/ton of an experimental BE (Adisseo North America, Alpharetta, GA); 3) EU: CS with 0.22% EU (RumaCell DF 5G; Pacer Technology, Murtaugh, ID); and 4) BE&amp;EU: CS with added BE and EU. The 22% crude protein CS was a mini-pellet and fed for ad-libitum consumption with amounts fed and orts recorded daily. Calves fed EU demonstrated greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) body weight (BW; 81.3, 80.8, 84.8, and 84.2 kg for Control, BE, EU, and BE&amp;EU, respectively) compared with calves fed Control and BE with calves fed BE&amp;EU being intermediate and similar (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Calves fed BE demonstrated greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gains (ADG; 965.5, 984.3, 1052.8 and 989.1 g/d) compared with calves fed Control with calves fed BE and BE&amp;EU being intermediate and similar (P &amp;gt; 0.10). The DMI (2.19, 2.18, 2.31, and 2.14 kg/d) and feed conversions (0.45, 0.46, 0.45, and 0.45 kg BW gain/kg DMI) were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.10) among calves fed all treatments. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations (14.7, 14.6, 14.9, and 13.4 mg/dL) were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.10) among calves fed all treatments. Feeding a EU improved BW of weaned growing Holstein bull calves, but the BE and EU combination was not beneficial for enhancing growth performance.

Selenium and Zinc Oxide Multinutrient Supplementation Enhanced Growth Performance in Zebra Fish by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Growth-Related Gene Expression.

Selenium and zinc are important dietary micronutrients having antimicrobial and antioxidant roles, thereby assisting in normal development, and an enhanced immune system. Supplementation of selenium and zinc for enhancing the growth performance and reproductive capacity in fish was explored in this study. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized by high-energy ball milling (HEBM) using a 10-h dry milling technique at a 10:1 ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) and were premixed with basal feed followed by the administration to adult zebra fish (D. rerio) (2 months old) for 30 days. Growth analysis revealed that zebra fish fed with SeNPs + ZnONPs (2 mg/ kg, equimolar mixture) had significantly higher length and weight than only SeNP (2 mg/ kg) or ZnONP (2 mg/ kg) groups and control zebra fish (p < 0.05). The average length–weight relationships were assessed by estimating the condition factor (C), which was highest in the SeNP + ZnONP group (1.96), followed by a downward trend in SeNP (C = 1.15) and ZnONP (1.11) (p < 0.05). Relative gene expression of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly high in the SeNP + ZnONP group compared to other groups (p < 0.05), which indicated that combined administration of both the nanoparticles in basal feed enhanced the growth performance of zebra fish. Intracellular ROS generation was low in the combined group, followed by control, SeNP, and ZnONP groups, indicating higher concentrations of both nanoparticles, in particular, ZnONPs induced oxidative stress. Fecundity and the development of fertilized embryos were significantly high in the SeNP + ZnONP–treated zebra fish compared to only the SeNP- or ZnONP-treated group or control (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that supplementation of SeNP + ZnONP in basal feed could considerably improve the growth performance and development of zebra fish which could be exploited for enhancing aquaculture production.

The importance of vitamin E for farmed fish—A review

AbstractVitamin E (VE) is composed of a group of fat‐soluble molecules, from which the most active homologous is α‐tocopherol. VE is a structural component of cell membranes with a potent chain‐breaking antioxidant action, which plays a main role in several biological processes. In cultured fish, VE can prevent peroxidation of cellular and subcellular membrane phospholipids and also red blood cells, leading to maintaining the structural and functional integrity of animal cells. VE performs several other biological and metabolic functions, including improvement of the immune response, enhancing growth performance and feed efficiency, preventing muscle degeneration, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, improving reproductive efficiency and larval performance, meat quality and shelf life of seafood. Besides, VE interacts with other micronutrients, especially vitamin C and selenium. Fish feed and fish flesh generally contain high concentrations of lipids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, which renders these lipids more susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Supplemental VE may, therefore, become necessary to prevent this peroxidation. However, the VE requirement of farmed aquatic animals varies significantly, depending on dietary contents of VC, selenium and lipid (unsaturated fatty acids). This review summarizes the current knowledge on the physiological functions of VE in farmed fish and shrimp, and the effects of supplemental VE on fish performance, reproduction, health and product quality. The future considerations of VE requirements of farmed fish in light of the predicted climate change have also been discussed, especially with regard to feed input supplies (fish meal and fish oil vs. plant proteins and oils) and weather temperature.

Updating the Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics for Tilapia Aquaculture as Leading Candidates for Food Sustainability: a Review.

Tilapia production has significantly increased over the past few years due to the adoption of semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture technologies. However, these farming systems have subjected the fish to stressful conditions that suppress their immunity, hence exposing them to various pathogens. The application of antibiotics and therapeutics to enhance disease resistance, survival, and growth performance in aquaculture has been recently banned due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that pose a serious threat to the environment and consumers of aquatic organisms. Hence, the need for an alternative approach based on sustainable farming practices is warranted. Probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic use in tilapia production is considered a viable, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative that enhances growth performance, feed utilization, immunity, disease resistance, and fish survival against pathogens and environmental stress. Their inclusion in fish diets and or rearing water improves the general wellbeing of fish. Hence, this review aims at presenting research findings from the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics and their effect on survival, growth, growth performance, gut morphology, microbial abundance, enzyme production, immunity, and disease resistance in tilapia aquaculture, while highlighting several hematological, blood biochemical parameters, and omics techniques that have been used to assess fish health. Furthermore, gaps in existing knowledge are addressed and future research studies have been recommended.

Enhancing Growth Performance, Organ Development, Meat Quality, and Bone Mineralisation of Broiler Chickens through Multi-Enzyme Super-Dosing in Reduced Energy Diets.

Simple SummaryThe global population is expected to rise from 7.2 billion as of 2019 to 9.7 billion in 2050, putting pressure on farmers to increase production capacity to ensure food security whilst simultaneously improving food sustainability. Poultry is an important meat, as chickens have high feed efficiencies and short production cycles, making it an affordable, nutritious source of protein. Strategies to improve the production performance of broilers will require significant research; one nutritional strategy is improving the efficiency of feed utilization via the addition of exogenous enzymes into diets. This study aimed to identify the optimal multienzyme, Natuzyme, dose rate at three energy levels based on production performance, organ development, meat quality, and bone mineralization in broiler chickens. Results revealed that all dose rates of Natuzyme were able to mitigate the negative effect of energy reductions. Organ development and meat quality remained consistent across treatment groups, except for the gizzard and meat moisture content, which were affected by super-dosing Natuzyme. Bone mineralization was restored with the inclusion of Natuzyme. In conclusion, super-dosing Natuzyme in reduced energy diets at a dose rate of 700 g/t can improve performance parameters and thus profitability for producers and can improve the sustainability of production.This study identified the optimal multi-enzyme dose rate at three energy levels based on the production performance of broiler chickens. A 42-day grow out trial was conducted using 576 day-old mixed-sex ROSS308 broiler chickens in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Diets consisting of three metabolizable energy (ME) levels: standard energy (STD), 150 kcal/kg energy reduction (STD-150), and 200 kcal/kg energy reduction (STD-200), were cross factored with four multi-enzyme inclusion levels (0, 350, 700, and 1000 g/ton). The average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio increased linearly (p < 0.001) as the dietary ME was reduced, and the multi-enzyme addition improved the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) and mitigated the negative effect of the reduced energy diets (RED) on feed intake and feed conversion ratios. Carcass composition, organ weights, and meat quality were not affected by the experimental diets. The RED decreased abdominal fat weight (p < 0.05). Total ash, calcium, and phosphorous contents of the tibia bone were improved (p < 0.04) when the RED were supplemented with the multi-enzyme. Super-dosing multi-enzymes in RED mitigates the negative effect of ME reduction on growth performance while maintaining organ development and meat quality and improving bone mineral content.

Evaluation of potentiated zinc oxide as a source of zinc in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to test the effects of supplemental potentiated zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, relative organ weight, breast muscle quality, zinc (Zn) status, intestinal microbial shedding, and excreta microbial shedding in broilers. A total of 680 1-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, including basal diets supplemented 0, 50, 75, or 100 mg/kg Zn from potentiated ZnO. During days 1–7, 8–21, and 1–35, increasing dietary potentiated ZnO resulted in increased (linear, P < 0.05) body weight gain. Throughout the experiment, there was a significant linear decrease (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio with increasing levels of dietary potentiated ZnO supplementation. The dry matter retention, concentrations of Zn in serum and liver increased (P < 0.05) linearly with increasing potentiated ZnO dose. There were significant linear increases (P < 0.05) in relative weigh to body weight, lightness, and water-holding capacity of breast muscle in response to increasing potentiated ZnO supplementation. A significant linear increase in lactic acid bacteria counts and a significant linear decrease in coliform bacteria numbers in ileal and cecal digesta were observed due to increasing dietary potentiated ZnO supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicated that dietary supplementation with increasing potentiated ZnO linearly enhanced growth performance and dry matter retention, improved the relative breast muscle weight, lightness and water-holding capacity of breast muscle, increased excreta lactic acid bacteria, and decreased excreta coliform bacteria numbers in broilers.

Growth Performance and Some Body Muscles Measurements of Zaraiby Goats Feed Ration with Adding Ordinary or Nano Cobalt

Twelve local Zaraiby goats with average live body weight of 10.71±0.23 kg (5-6 months). Animals were divided into three comparable groups. Goats in first group were fed without supplement (control group) or sup-plemented with 25% ordinary cobalt and 25% nanocobalt from cobalt requirements (NRC, 1985). The results showed that no significant difference (P>0.05) among experimental groups for DMI and CPI values. However, there was a highest significant difference (P 0.05) differences were observed at 0, 3and 6 hrs. after feeding for all blood parameters. There was a slight in-crease for most of body measurements with nanocobalt supplement. It could be concluded that adding nanocobalt for goats' rations en-hanced growth performance, digestibility coef-ficients, rumen parameters and slightly body measurements without any diverse effect on animals' health.

Effects of different types of manure on the culture of marine plankton as a potential source of food for mariculture hatcheries

The study examined different types of organic manure on the culture of marine plankton as a potential source of food for rabbitfish, Siganus stellatus, larvae. Cow dung showed significantly higher species abundance and diversity of cultured marine plankton followed by chicken and finally mixed media manure (p&lt;0.05). A total of 36 genera of phytoplankton (21) and zooplankton (15) were identified in all culture media. Class Bacillariophyta was the most abundant and diverse group which accounted for 41.3 % of the total phytoplankton. Calanoida was the dominant group of the identified zooplankton, accounting for 51.7 %. It was observed that the organic manure used favoured the growth of commercially important species of phytoplankton such as Chaetoceros sp., Skeletonema sp., Chlorella sp., Isochrysis sp., Nannochloropsis sp. and Spirulina sp., and zooplankton such as Eurytemora sp., Calanus sp., Oithona sp., Branchionus sp., Moina sp. and ostracods. The growth performance and survival rate of early stage rabbitfish larvae fed with live marine zooplankton performed better compared to those fed with Artemia spp. and commercial dry feed. This indicates that zooplankton have the potential to enhance growth performance and survival rate, hence increasing productivity and the development of mariculture.