Experimental Diets Research Articles

Effect on growth, gonad development, health and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of Origanum minutiflorum essential oil in Cyprinus carpio

This study investigated the effects on growth performance, histopathology, intestinal histomorphology, antioxidant activity, serum biochemical parameters, and disease resistance against A. hydrophila of carp fed with oregano essential oil (EO). Fish (13.54±0.24 g) were fed with experimental diets containing 1.0 and 3.0 mL kg−1 oregano EO for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, no significant difference was found among the growth performances of fish fed with oregano EO supplemented diets (p>0.05). However, dietary administration of 3.0 mL kg−1 oregano EO had significantly increased survival rates of common carp post-challenged with A. hydrophila (p < 0.05). In addition, goblet cells number and villi length in the intestine were increased in fish fed with oregano EO diets (p < 0.001). Also, no pathological findings were observed in hepatopancreas, gonads and intestines in fish fed with oregano EO. Fish fed with a diet containing 3.0 mL kg−1 oregano EO showed higher catalase activity (CAT) than the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), melondialdehyde (MDA), total protein, albumin, AST, ALT and ALP levels were similar in oregano EO supplemented groups compared to the control (p > 0.05). Number of mature oocytes in female ovaries caused a slight increase in fish fed with oregano EO. Adding oregano EO to common carp diet showed improved intestinal histomorphology and increased the survival against the A. hydrophila. Therefore, O. minutiflorum EO can be used as a health promoter for carp.

Influence of extruded soybean meal with different fat contents and varying oleic acid content on floating fish feed quality and composition

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most widely used source of high-quality plant protein within the feed industry. Raw soybeans are conventionally processed to reduce antinutritional factors, enhance protein bioavailability and improve the overall quality of the final feed product. New high-oleic (HO) cultivars with enhanced unsaturated fatty acids are being utilized in the production of HO SBM for use in the animal feed industry. However, no studies to date have examined the impact of HO SBM on feed formulation and processing of aquaculture feeds. Therefore, we aimed to determine the quality of feed for juvenile domesticated striped bass (Morone saxatilis) using SBM prepared from HO or normal-oleic (NO) soybeans and extrusion-expeller processing. The following four soybean meals were used in our experimental diets: solvent-extracted defatted normal oleic (SENO), full-fat normal oleic (FFNO), extruded-expelled defatted normal oleic (EENO), or full-fat high oleic (FFHO). These meals replaced half of the fishmeal (FM) normally included in a nutritionally complete marine finfish diet. Physico-chemical feed variables and chemical composition were determined during feed production. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and means were separated using Tukey’s t-test. The specific mechanical energy of the diet was reduced with the addition of full-fat SBMs during the extrusion process. All finished fish diets were of similar high quality with high pellet durability index and protein content (P > 0.05). This suggested that using different types SBM, including high oleic, to replace 50 % of the fish meal in a floating feed for juvenile domesticated striped bass does not adversely affect the feed quality or nutritional content.

Development of a malnutrition model in mice: Comparative evaluation of food restriction percentage and different diets

Malnutrition is a complicated illness that affects people worldwide and is linked to higher death rates, a heightened vulnerability to infections, and delayed cognitive development. Experimental models have been constructed to comprehend the mechanisms associated with hunger. In this regard, the current study used two different types of food aiming to validate a murine model of malnutrition based on dietary restriction. The study was conducted with fifty-six Swiss male mice (eight-week-old) divided into eight groups (n=7 each) and fed the following experimental diets (10 weeks): Standard Diet (ST) ad libitum; ST 20% dietary restriction; ST 40% dietary restriction; ST 60% dietary restriction; AIN93-M diet ad libitum; AIN93-M 20% dietary restriction; AIN93-M 40% dietary restriction; AIN93-M 60% dietary restriction. Body, biochemical, and histological parameters were measured, and the restriction effects on genes related to oxidative stress (GPX1 and GPX4) in epididymal adipose tissue were evaluated. The results obtained showed that 20%, 40%, and 60% of dietary restrictions were able to reduce body weight when compared to controls, highlighting the accentuated weight loss in animals with 60% restrictions, especially those fed with AIN-93 M, which showed physical changes such as whitish skin and dull coat, voracious eating, and hunched posture. The present animal model also showed biochemical changes with hypoalbuminemia, as well as histological epididymal adipose tissue modulation. The presence of increased oxidative stress was observed when evaluating the GPX4 gene. Given the results, 60% food restriction using the AIN93-M diet was the best protocol for inducing malnutrition.

Leucine requirement determined in healthy young adult males using the indicator amino acid oxidation method

BackgroundPrevious studies proposed varying leucine requirements for adults ranging from 25 to 40 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1, but often these studies did not test intakes exceeding 40 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1. Data using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method suggest a higher requirement of 55 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1 on the basis of the total branched-chain amino acids requirement, but not leucine independently. ObjectivesThe IAAO method was used to determine the leucine requirement in healthy young adult males. MethodsTen healthy adult males (26.9 ± 1.87 y, mean ± SEM) were studied at 7 leucine intakes; each studied over a 3-d period. Following 2-d of preadaptation to adequate protein intake (1.0 g⋅kg−1⋅d−1), subjects received experimental diets containing the randomly assigned test leucine intake (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 65, and 75 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1) for 8 h. The rate of the release of 13CO2 from the oxidation of L-[1-13C]phenylalanine (F13CO2) was measured on the third day, and the leucine requirement was determined using mixed-effect change-point regression and the F13CO2 data in R. The 95% confidence interval was calculated using parametric bootstrap. The effect of leucine intake on the concentration of plasma amino acids, insulin, and glucose were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance and linear mixed effects. ResultsThe mean leucine requirement was 33.6 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1 with a lower and upper 95% confidence of 26.16, 41.04 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1. Higher leucine intakes were associated with increased plasma leucine, and decreased valine, isoleucine, and serine concentrations. ConclusionsThe leucine requirement of young adult males is ∼34 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1, which aligns with previously published tracer balance experiments.This trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05394155?term=leucine%20young%20adult&rank=1) as NCT05394155.

The effects of using hydrolyzed feather meal, amino acids, and probiotics in the diet of juvenile rainbow trout on growth, digestibility, and expression of growth-related genes

The study investigated the effect of replacing fishmeal by varying levels of hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) as well as dietary probiotic supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, histology, and gene expression of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Five iso-nitrogenous (average of 50.60% crude protein), iso-energetic (average of 21.79 kJ/g), and iso-lipidic (average of 21.86% crude lipid) diets were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of juvenile rainbow trout weighing 29.65 ± 0.39 g (mean ± SD) for 75 days. Dietary treatments included one control (50% fishmeal) and four experimental diets, each containing 2 g/kg probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis). The experimental diets included HFM30 (150 g/kg HFM, 9 g/kg lysine, and 4 g/kg methionine), HFM35 (175 g/kg HFM, 11 g/kg lysine, and 5 g/kg methionine), HFM40 (200 g/kg HFM, 13 g/kg lysine, and 6 g/kg methionine), and HFM45 (225 g/kg HFM, 15 g/kg lysine, and 7 g/kg methionine). Up to 40% replacement of fishmeal with HFM showed no significant difference compared to control group in growth performance (P > 0.05). Feed utilization of HFM45 was slightly lower than control and all the other experimental groups. There was no statistically significant difference in FCR value between HFM40 and control groups (P > 0.05). The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for protein and amino acids were very high in all groups (P < 0.05). Intestinal mucosa and sub‐mucosa layers of experimental fish showed general tissue integrity with no signs of tissue necrosis. For intestinal morphology, where 45% HFM replacement was applied, villus length to crypt depth (VL to CD) and villus surface area (SA) decreased by 46.01% and 44.44%, respectively, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). This situation shows that intestinal morphology can be damaged when the highest level (HFM45) of feather meal is used. Dietary HFM upregulated growth-related genes such as IGF-II, IGFBP-1b, IGFr1a, GDF9, and FGF2 and downregulated GHR-I and IGF-I. Overall, inclusion of HFM at 40% showed similar results to control group in juvenile rainbow trout feeding.

Replacing Cereal with Ultraprocessed Foods in Pig Diets Does Not Adverse Gut Microbiota, L-glutamate Uptake, or Serum Insulin

BackgroundUsing ultraprocessed food (UPF) to replace traditional feed ingredients offers a promising strategy for enhancing food production sustainability. ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of salty and sugary UPF on gut microbiota, amino acids uptake, and serum analytes in growing and finishing pig. MethodsThirty-six Swiss Large White male castrated pigs were assigned to 3 experimental diets: 1) standard (ST), 0% UPF; 2) 30% conventional ingredients replaced by sugary (SU) UPF; and 3) 30% conventional ingredients replaced by salty (SA) UPF. The next-generation sequencing was used to characterize the fecal microbiota. Transepithelial electrical resistance and the active uptake of selected amino acids in pig jejuna were also evaluated. Data were enriched with measurements of fecal volatile fatty acids and serum urea, minerals, and insulin. All data analyses were run in R v4.0.3. The packages phyloseq, vegan, microbiome, and microbiomeutilities were used for microbiota data analysis. The remaining data were analyzed by analysis of variance using linear mixed-effects regression models. ResultsThe UPF did not affect fecal microbiota abundance or biodiversity. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio remained unaffected. SU-induced increase in the Anaerostipes genus suggested altered glucose metabolism, whereas SA increased the abundance of CAG-352 and p-2534-18B. No effects on fecal volatile fatty acids were observed. Assumptions of UPF negatively affecting small intestinal physiology were not supported by the measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance in pigs. Active amino acids uptake tests showed potential decrease in L-glutamate absorption in the SA compared with the SU diet. Blood serum analysis indicated no adverse effects on urea, calcium, magnesium, or potassium concentration but the SU group resulted in a lower blood serum insulin concentration at the time of blood collection. ConclusionsWhen incorporated at 30% into a standard growing finishing diet for pigs, UPF does not have detrimental effects on gut microbiota, intestinal integrity, and blood mineral homeostasis.

Enhanced Sperm Quality in Aged Broiler Breeder Roosters with Organic Selenium and Selenium Nanoparticles: A Comparative Bioavailability Study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary selenium treatments on various sperm parameters and antioxidant responses in aged roosters to determine the relative bioavailability value (RBV) and optimize selenium supplementation. Over 40days, starting from week 47 of age, the roosters were fed ten experimental diets, including a basal diet without selenium supplement and nine selenium-treated diets. These selenium-treated diets comprised three different selenium sources (selenium selenite: SS; SelPlex: Se-enriched yeast; selenium nanoparticles: SeNPs), each with three levels of selenium supplements (0.15, 0.30, and 0.45mg/kg). Statistical analysis indicated significant treatment effects on all measured parameters except sperm volume. Sperm motility and viability increased linearly with higher dietary selenium levels. The relative bioavailability values (RBV) of SelPlex and SeNPs compared to SS were estimated using the slope ratio and exponential regression methods. Using the slope-ratio method, the RBV for sperm volume was 457% for SelPlex and 314% for SeNPs, compared to SS. Using exponential regression, the RBV of SelPlex and SeNPs for various parameters were as follows: for MDA (malondialdehyde), 260% and 317%; for TAC (total antioxidant capacity), 447% and 294%; for sperm morphology, 227% and 423%; and for sperm concentration, 346% and 298%, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed strong correlations between sperm motility, viability, and antioxidant parameters, with weaker associations observed between sperm volume and testosterone. Optimization using a desirability function identified 0.45mg/kg selenium supplementation using SeNPs as optimal, maximizing sperm parameters and antioxidant responses while minimizing MDA and morphology. These findings offer valuable insights into effective selenium supplementation strategies to enhance avian reproductive health in aged roosters.

Inclusion Effect of Various Levels of Jack Mackerel Meal in Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Diets Substituting 50% Fish Meal with Duck By-Product Meal on Growth and Feed Utilization.

This experiment was performed to evaluate the inclusion impact of various levels of jack mackerel meal (JMM) in olive flounder (P. olivaceus) feeds substituting 50% FM by duck by-product meal (DBM) on growth, feed availability, and economic efficiency. Seven experimental diets were prepared. The control (Con) diet contained 60% FM. Fifty percent FM in the Con diet was substituted with DBM, and then the graded levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) of JMM were added instead of FM, named the DJ0, DJ10, DJ20, DJ30, DJ40, and DJ50 diets, respectively. All feeds were assigned to triplicate fish groups. At the end of 56 days' feeding, fish fed the DJ40 and DJ50 diets exhibited comparable weight gain and specific growth rate to fish fed the Con diet. Higher feed consumption was observed in fish fed the Con, DJ40, and DJ50 diets compared to fish fed the DJ0 and DJ10 diets. Lower feed conversion ratio was observed in fish fed the Con diet compared to fish fed the DJ0, DJ10, DJ20, and DJ30 diets. Furthermore, the DJ50 diet led to the highest economic profit index (EPI). In conclusion, inclusion of 50% JMM in the olive flounder diet replacing 50% FM with DBM seems to be the most recommendable dietary treatment based on growth and feed consumption of olive flounder and EPI.

Effects of coated Enterococcus faecium on the growth performance, immunity, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphometry, and microbiota of crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of double-layer-coated Enterococcus faecium on the growth performance, liver biochemical indices, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphometry, immunity gene expression, and microbiota of crucian carps (Carassius auratus gibelio). A total of 320 fish (mean weight 11.0 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into 3 treatment groups of 4 replicates per treatment (20 fish/replicate). Three different experimental diets were designed: dietary C without double-layer-coated E. faecalis, dietary LP supplemented with 1.0 × 107 CFU/g, and dietary HP supplemented with 1.0 × 108 CFU/g double-layer-coated E. faecalis. The fish was fed for 70 days with different diets, followed by a challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that the weight gain and specific growth rate increased and the feed conversion rate decreased in the dietary HP (P < 0.05). The dietary LP had higher lipase and protease activities, and amylase activity increased in the dietary LP and HP after the LPS challenge (P < 0.05). The dietary HP had higher villi height (VH), thicker muscular thickness (MT), and higher VH/MT (VCR) in the intestine (P < 0.05). The intestines were damaged by the LPS challenge; the damage to the dietary HP was alleviated, showing a higher VH, thicker MT, and higher VCR (P < 0.05). The glutathione peroxidase activity of the liver was increased in the dietary HP (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in liver antioxidant capacity with the LPS challenge among all diets. There was no significant difference in the expression level of the Occludin and Claudin-12 genes among all diets that was up-regulated in dietary HP after LPS challenge (P < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing revealed that the supplementation of double-layer-coated E. faecium increased the species diversity of the intestinal. In conclusion, double-layer-coated E. faecium can improve the absorption of nutrients, enhance immunity, maintain balance in the intestine microbiota, and promote the growth of crucian carp. The supplementation of double-layer-coated E. faecium in the diet can alleviate the intestinal damage caused by LPS challenge.

Black soldier fly oil-based diets enriched in lauric acid enhance growth, hematological indices, and fatty acid profiles of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fry

A 90-day trial was conducted to investigate the effect of a diet containing Black Soldier Fly Oil (BSFO) on performance, feed efficiency, hematological indices, and fatty acid profiles of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fry. BSFO, which naturally contains lauric acid (LA, 12:0), was utilized to create five isonitrogenous (300 g kg−1 CP), isolipidic (62 g kg−1 EE), and isocaloric (19.27 MJ kg−1 GE) experimental diets. The basal experimental diet (control diet, SBO100) had no BSFO added. Diets 2–5 were formulated by substituting soybean oil (SBO) with BSFO at 25 % (SBO75-BSFO25), 50 % (SBO50-BSFO50), 75 % (SBO25-BSFO75), and 100 % (BSFO100), resulting in LA content of 0, 0.4, 0.81, 1.21 and 1.61 mg g−1 fatty acid (FA), respectively. A total of 375 fish, weighing an average of 0.16 g, were stocked at a stocking density of 25 fish tank−1 the fish were separated into five treatments in triplicate and the experiment lasted 90 days. Diets supplemented with BSFO had a significant (P ≤ 0.05) influence on performance inducers and FCR. The fish fed with SBO75-BSFO25 had the highest performance parameters and best FCR values as compared to other treatments, but these values decreased when BSFO was added to more than 25 % of the diet. Total body FA contents increased as dietary BSFO levels increased. The opposite pattern was observed with n-6 PUFAs, n-3 PUFAs, and n-3/n-6 ratios. Fish-fed SBO75-BSFO25 exhibited the lowest levels of ΣSFAs, ΣMUFAs, Σn-3 PUFAs, and Σn-6 PUFAs compared to other treatments. Increasing dietary BSFO levels resulted in higher FA productive value (FAPV) for ΣMUFAs, Σn-3 PUFAs, and Σn-6 PUFAs. The opposite pattern was observed for ΣSFA values compared to fish fed with SBO75-BSFO25. All hematological indicators were within normal levels for healthy tilapia, indicating that BSFO had little or no impact on their health. The current study concluded that BSFO can substitute soybean oil (SBO) by up to 25 %. LA is especially beneficial, for improving growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, fatty acid profile, and hematological homeostasis in Nile tilapia, O. niloticus fry.

Unravelling the intricate language of fish guts: Impact of plant-based vs. plant-insect-poultry-based diets on intestinal pathways in European seabass

The long-term sustainability of aquaculture depends on finding economically viable and environmentally friendly feed ingredients to reduce the use of fishmeal and fish oil. An optimal strategy for the industry is not to identify substitutes or alternatives, but to find a combination of complementary raw materials that together meet the specific nutritional requirements for a given farmed fish species. The study aimed to examine the effects of different diets on the pyloric caeca and distal intestine of subadult European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by applying transcriptomics and transmission electron microscopy. The study examined three dietary approaches: the classic fishmeal-based diet, a plant-based diet, and a plant-insect-poultry-based diet. The distal intestine was more sensitive to dietary changes than the pyloric caeca. The differentially expressed genes in both experimental diets were mainly involved in the digestion and absorption of proteins, fats, and vitamins. The overall transcriptomic changes were greater in the plant-based group than in the plant-insect-poultry-based group and included a greater number of overrepresented metabolic and signalling pathways. In contrast to the transcriptomic results, the ultrastructural findings showed decreased inflammation and/or evidence of tissue repair in the plant-based group, particularly in the pyloric caeca. Since the nutritional quality of all fish groups in this study was previously evaluated positively, the detected transcriptome-level changes can serve as evidence supporting the efficient nutrient utilisation and adaptability in European seabass. The study provides valuable insight into the potential benefits and implications of these dietary modifications on intestinal health and pathway regulation in European seabass. This can serve as a basis for further development of sustainable European seabass aquaculture practices and optimisation of diet formulations.

Sustainable Fish Meal-Free Diets for Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata): Integrated Biomarker Response to Assess the Effects on Growth Performance, Lipid Metabolism, Antioxidant Defense and Immunological Status.

The growth of the aquaculture industry requires more sustainable and circular economy-driven aquafeed formulas. Thus, the goal of the present study was to assess in farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) how different combinations of novel and conventional fish feed ingredients supported proper animal performance in terms of growth and physiological biomarkers of blood/liver/head kidney. A 77-day feeding trial was conducted with three experimental diets (PAP, with terrestrial processed animal protein from animal by-products; NOPAP, without processed animal protein from terrestrial animal by-products; MIX, a combination of alternative ingredients of PAP and NOPAP diets) and a commercial-type formulation (CTRL), and their effects on growth performance and markers of endocrine growth regulation, lipid metabolism, antioxidant defense and inflammatory condition were assessed at circulatory and tissue level (liver, head kidney). Growth performance was similar among all dietary treatments. However, fish fed the PAP diet displayed a lower feed conversion and protein efficiency, with intermediate values in MIX-fed fish. Such gradual variation in growth performance was supported by different biomarker signatures that delineated a lower risk of oxidation and inflammatory condition in NOPAP fish, in concurrence with an enhanced hepatic lipogenesis that did not represent a risk of lipoid liver degeneration.

Dietary Inclusion of Triticale and Bentonite Enhances Productive Performance and Carcass Meat Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Background: Poultry production quality could be adjusted or improved through the introduction of local plant resources into the diet. The current study evaluated the effects of total corn substitution with triticale and bentonite supplementation on broiler performance, carcass meat characteristics and blood profiles. Methods: Ninety one-day old broiler Cobb 500 chicks were allocated in a completely randomized experimental design, with three dietary treatments totaling 30 birds per treatment. The treatments contained either corn as a control group (BD), triticale (TRT) as a sole grain source, or triticale + 2% bentonite (TRT2%). The diets were provided from 14 to 47 days of age. Growth performance, carcass and breast meat quality and serum components were measured. Result: The chicks fed a triticale-based diet (TRT2%) had a higher final body weight and weight gain (P less than 0.05), while the FCR increased in the birds fed a triticale-bentonite-based diet (TRT2%). The data obtained indicated that total replacement of triticale for corn and dietary supplementation with bentonite resulted in better growth performance and an increase in breast yield (P less than 0.05). Moreover, the dietary supplementation of bentonite and triticale had a significant influence (P less than 0.05) on the serum levels of triglycerides and calcium. The chicks fed a basal diet had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher triglycerides and lower calcium blood serum levels than those fed experimental diets. However, there was no significant effect on breast meat traits (P greater than 0.05).

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate supplementation enhanced the growth and immune responses of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Development of alternative disease treatment and prevention strategies has received considerable attention in recent years due to frequent epizootic outbreaks in modern intensive aquaculture. Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biopolymer synthesized by some bacteria with potential immunostimulatory effects. This study analyzed the potential of PHB as an immunomodulator in juvenile Nile tilapia utilizing in vitro and in vivo approaches. Head-kidney-derived macrophage production of intra- and extra-cellular superoxide anion exhibited significant linear and quadratic relationships with graded doses (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mM) of a PHB precursor, 3-hydroxybutryate (3HB). Additionally, lyophilized PHB-synthesizing bacteria, Zobellella denitrificans (ZD1), were supplemented to a practical basal diet for Nile tilapia (36% crude protein and 6% crude lipid) to produce five isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets containing PHB in five stepwise increments (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% of dry-diet weight). After termination of the feeding trial, Nile tilapia exhibited dose-dependent linear and quadratic relationships in percentage weight gain, as well as feed efficiency, protein conversion efficiency, and hepatosomatic index. Finally, PHB-supplemented diets did significantly modulate intestinal microbiota composition. In conclusion, Nile tilapia exhibited enhanced growth parameters, condition factors, immunological responses, and intestinal microbiota modulation when fed PHB, with the optimal inclusion level determined to be 1% of dry diet.

Response of Broiler Chickens to Three Different Energy Source Feedstuffs

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different energy sources in starter diet on broiler chicks. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Health and Production, Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa State, Nigeria. A total of seventy-two (72) unsexed broiler birds were sourced from accredited Chikun Company Hadejia metropolis, Jigawa State. The birds were raised under intensive management system (on a floor pens). Three different diets (containing different energy sources) designated as Treatments 1, 2, and 3 for maize, sorghum and millet, respectively were used in this experiment. The parameters measured were the growth performance, haematological indices, proximate composition of the experimental diets and economic analysis. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS package. Results: The growth performance, haematological indices and economic analysis showed non-significant (p&gt;0.05) differences despite numerical variation that exist among the treatment groups. The different energy sources did not significantly affect the performance parameters measured. The reason for this was not clearly understood, however, numerically, some of the performance indices tended to be positively affected by the different diet and the broiler performance analysed were within the normal range. Conclusion: Based on the economic analysis, millet is recommended being the cheapest in terms of feed cost and feed cost per weight of bird.

New insights into the mechanisms of iron absorption: Iron dextran uptake in the intestines of weaned pigs through glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) transporters

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the mechanism of iron dextran (DexFe) absorption in the intestines. A total of 72 piglets (average BW = 7.12 ± 0.75 kg, male to female ratio = 1:1) weaned at 28 d of age were randomly divided into two treatment groups with six replicates for each group. The experimental diets included the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg iron dextran (DexFe group) and the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg FeSO4•H2O (CON group). The experiment lasted for 28 d. The piglets' intestinal iron transport was measured in vitro using an Ussing chamber. Porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) cells were used to develop a monolayer cell model that explored the molecular mechanism of DexFe absorption. Results showed that compared to the CON group, the ADG of pigs in the DexFe group was improved (P = 0.022), while the F/G was decreased (P = 0.015). The serum iron concentration, apparent iron digestibility, and iron deposition in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were increased (P < 0.05) by dietary DexFe supplementation. Piglets in the DexFe group had higher serum red blood count, hemoglobin, serum iron content, serum ferritin and transferrin levels and lower total iron binding capacity (P < 0.05). In the Ussing chamber test, the iron absorption rate of the DexFe group was greater (P < 0.001) than the CON group, and there was no significant difference between the DexFe group and the glucose group (P > 0.05). Furthermore, when compared to the CON group, DexFe administration improved (P < 0.05) SLC2A5 gene and glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5) protein expression but had no effect (P > 0.05) on SLC11A2 gene or divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) protein expression. Once the GLUT5 protein was suppressed, the iron transport rate and apparent permeability coefficient were decreased (P < 0.05) in IPEC-J2 monolayer cell models. The findings suggest the effectiveness of DexFe application in weaned piglets and revealed for the first time that DexFe absorption in the intestine is closely related to the glucose transporter GLUT5 protein channel.

Improved digestibility of black gram leaf meal based diets for rohu (Labeo rohita) with supplementation of exogenous enzyme cocktail

Leaf meal is currently the most cost-effective source of protein and energy for use as a supplement in fish feed. The drawback associated with integrating it into the fish diet pertains to the presence of anti-nutritional elements that must be eliminated through a viable approach such as the addition of exogenous enzymes for achieving optimal fish production. Consequently, a 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the black gram leaf meal (BGLM) as a potential ingredient to replace de-oiled rice bran (DORB) in the diet of Labeo rohita juveniles and reported for the first time. Three hundred acclimatized juveniles (average weight 11 ± 0.09 g) were allocated randomly into ten treatment groups in triplicate. Ten iso-nitrogenous (32 %) and iso-lipidic (6 %) diets were made with varying degrees of BGLM inclusion by gradually replacing DORB without or with exogenous enzyme mixture (E) of protease, xylanase, and phytase at a ratio of 1:1:1 viz. Control (40 % DORB, 0 % BGLM), BG10 (30 % DORB, 10 % BGLM), BG20 (20 % DORB, 20 % BGLM), BG30 (10 % DORB, 30 % BGLM), BG40 (0 % DORB, 40 % BGLM) & CE (C + 0.1 % E), BG10E (BG10 + 0.1 % E), BG20E (BG20 + 0.1 % E), BG30E (BG30 + 0.1 % E), BG40E (BG40 + 0.1 % E) were prepared. Fish fed with BG20E diet exhibited maximum growth rates, nutrient utilization and digestibility co-efficient of the diet (P<0.05) however these were similar in C+E treatment (P>0.05). Inclusion of 20 % or more BGLM without enzyme cocktail significantly (P<0.05) decreased the nutrient utilization and growth performance of L. rohita. The dry matter and nutrient digestibility of the experimental diet were significantly decreased (P<0.05) with the inclusion of 20 % or more BGLM in place of DORB, however supplementation of exogenous enzyme cocktail significantly increase (P<0.05) the digestibility and highest was recorded in BG20E. The present study concluded that supplementation of exogenous enzyme cocktail (protease, xylanase, and phytase) increase the digestibility of BGLM and increases its inclusion level up to 30 % in the diet of L. rohita, however, 20 % BGLM supplemented with enzyme cocktail registered the best growth, nutrient utilization and digestibility coefficient of the diet.

Effect of feed with extruded components and phytobiotics on quail

Quails are a valuable type of poultry, as their eggs and meat have high nutritional value. Moreover, quails are distinguished by early sexual maturity, high egg production and small body size. These unique characteristics make them an attractive object for breeding and scientific research. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of feed with extruded components and phytobiotics on the meat productivity and blood biochemistry of Texas quails. The methodology involved dividing 200 quails into experimental and control groups, feeding them different diets over a 60-day period, and analysing their growth performance, meat yield, and biochemical blood parameters using statistical analysis tools. As a result of the research, it was revealed that feed produced according to the developed recipe has a positive effect on the weight gain of quails. In the experimental group (EG), the absolute increase was 313.7 ± 4.34 g, in the control group (CG) – 275.9 ± 2.89 g (not significant difference, P &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, the feed with extruded components and phytobiotics led to improved feed conversion ratio in the EG compared to the control. The birds in the EG also demonstrated higher carcass weight and yield. The experimental diet also appeared to have a positive influence on the immune status of the quails. The results demonstrate the potential benefits of incorporating extruded components and phytobiotics into quail feed to improve growth performance and maintain healthy physiological parameters. Evaluating the biochemical blood test results, it can be indicated that no significant changes in the blood composition were detected, which may indicate the absence of a negative effect of the developed feed on the body of birds. The results obtained may be of practical importance for developing optimal diets for meat quails and improving the quality and safety of their products

Utilization of Differently Processed Sesame Seed Meal as a Source of Methionine in Guinea Fowls Diets

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of different processing methods on sesame seeds meal as a source of methionine for guinea fowls. The research took place at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Health and Production in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Seventy-two guinea fowls of mixed sexes were raised under intensive management conditions for the experiment. Sesame seeds were divided into three groups: raw, soaked, and roasted, then ground into meal and incorporated into four experimental diets. Proximate analysis of the experimental diets was conducted at the Nutrition laboratory of the Department of Animal Science. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using statistical analysis system (SAS) package. Results indicated that processing methods significantly reduced anti-nutritional factors without adverse effects on some of the performance parameters. Performance improved with all processed sesame seed meals compared to the control diet, suggesting their potential as methionine sources without additional supplementation. Raw, soaked, and roasted sesame seed meal can be incorporated at 15% level of inclusion in the diet of guinea fowls without negative impacts on their general performance. Overall, the study concludes that processing methods enhanced sesame seed's suitability as a methionine source for guinea fowls and recommends their inclusion in diets of guinea fowls at 15% level.

Soybean Oil, Linoleic Acid Source, in Lamb Diets: Intake, Digestibility, Performance, Ingestive Behaviour, and Blood Metabolites.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of soybean oil inclusion in diets on feeding behaviour, digestibility, performance, and blood metabolites of feedlot lambs. Forty non-castrated Santa Inês lambs with a mean age of 5 months and initial body weight of 34.88 ± 3.19 kg were used in a 40-day feeding trial. The lambs were distributed in five experimental diets with the inclusion of increasing soybean oil (SO) levels: 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg DM. The SO inclusion promoted a linear reduction in DM intake (p < 0.001), crude protein (CP, p < 0.001), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC, p < 0.001), and total digestible nutrients (TDN, p = 0.004). There was an increasing quadratic effect on the intake of ether extract (EE; p = 0.002) and decreasing for neutral detergent fiber (p = 0.005). The soybean oil inclusion promoted the greater apparent digestibility of CP (p = 0.016), EE (p = 0.005), NDFom (p < 0.001), and TDN (p < 0.001); on the other hand, the apparent digestibility of NFC (p = 0.005) was decreased. The average daily gain decreased (p < 0.001) with SO inclusion. The SO inclusion increased feeding time (p = 0.004), reduced the efficiency of DM rumination (p = 0.001), and reduced the concentration of blood N-ureic (p < 0.001). Considering the productive parameters, SO can be included in diets and it is recommended that we include SO of up to 41 g/kg DM in diets for fattening lambs as the ideal maximum level. The strategy implemented to adapt lambs to increasing levels of high-fat diet mitigated the detrimental effects of lipids on the rumen, with high-density energy intake being the constraining factor on performance.