Feeding Rats Research Articles

Hematological and biochemical indicators of steers of Hereford breed during the application of a growth stimulator

Modern livestock farming is actively applying the trend of accelerating the rate of milk and beef production through the use of various feed additives. In this regard, there was a need to study the adaptive abilities of the animal body against the background of the use of these additives. The purpose of the research was to study the hematological and biochemical indicators, of steers of Hereford bbreed against the background of the use of a growth stimulator. The experiment was carried out on steers of Hereford breed starting from 6 months of age, which were divided into 2 groups (control and experimental) of 10 animals in each group. The test animals of both groups were housed in free-ranging pens. The feeding rations were identical, except that the experimental group of steers was fed a growth stimulator, and the housing conditions were also the same throughout the experiment. The article contains information about the impact of stress-limiting environmental factors on the body of steers. The following indicators have been studied in depth: catalase activity, malondialdehyde, ceruloplasmin, and lipid peroxidation. The conducted studies allowed us to fully study the eff ect of a growth stimulant on lipid peroxidation in steers of Hereford breed under environmentally unfavorable conditions. This growth stimulator showed a positive effect on the animal body, as evidenced by the data obtained. In addition, we were able to reduce the concentration of lipid peroxidation by an average of 21 %. The studies conducted and the results obtained indicate the eff ectiveness of using a growth stimulator to increase the development and growth of steers. The study confirmed that the growth stimulator can reduce lipid peroxidation in the technology of rearing and fattening cattle in environmentally unfavorable areas of the Southern Urals, which confirms its antioxidant properties.

Hypolipidemic effect and gut microbiota regulation of Gypenoside aglycones in rats fed a high-fat diet

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino has traditional applications in Chinese medicine to treat lipid abnormalities. Gypenosides (GPs), the main bioactive components of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, have been reported to exert hypolipidemic effects through multiple mechanisms. The lipid-lowering effects of GPs may be attributed to the aglycone portion resulting from hydrolysis of GPs by the gut microbiota. However, to date, there have been no reports on whether gypenoside aglycones (Agl), the primary bioactive constituents, can ameliorate hyperlipidemia by modulating the gut microbiota. Aim of the studyThis study explored the potential therapeutic effects of gypenoside aglycone (Agl) in a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia. MethodsA hyperlipidemic rat model was established by feeding rats with a high-fat diet. Agl was administered orally, and serum lipid levels were analyzed. Molecular techniques, including RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fecal microbiota sequencing, were used to investigate the effects of Agl on lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition. ResultsAgl administration significantly reduced serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and mitigated hepatic damage induced by HFD. Molecular investigations have revealed the modulation of key lipid metabolism genes and proteins by Agl. Notably, Agl treatment enriched the gut microbiota with beneficial genera, including Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and Blautia and promoted specific shifts in Lactobacillus murinus, Firmicutes bacterium CAG:424, and Allobaculum stercoricanis. ConclusionThis comprehensive study established Agl as a promising candidate for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. It also exhibits remarkable hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective properties. The modulation of lipid metabolism-related genes, along with the restoration of gut microbiota balance, provides mechanistic insights. Thus, Agl has great potential for clinical applications in hyperlipidemia management.

Influence of Hydroponic Feed With Phytobiotic Action on the Poultry Slaughter Parameters

The article describes the study of feeding birds by adding fenugreek plants, licorice root, amaranth grains to the feed ration of chickens, which have a phytobiotic effect and hydroponic grown grains of corn, barley, amaranth and fenugreek, which have high nutritional qualities and influence on the slaughter performance of birds in farms and private farms. The main indicators of the slaughter yield of the products of slaughter of young hens are analyzed: slaughter live weight, the mass of non-stranded carcass, the mass of half-gutted carcasses, the mass of gutted carcasses, and also the slaughter yield. Studies have established that the live weight of broilers of the experimental group before slaughter is higher by 13.19% (p≤0.001), an indicator of the control group. The differences are established due to the positive influence of chelating microelements on the biochemical processes in the bird's body, which in turn leads to the effective assimilation of the nutritional components of the diet, as well as the feed supplement, do not cause changes in the clinical state, pathological changes at macro- and microscopic levels in the body of broiler chickens.

Comparing the effects of empagliflozin and liraglutide on lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora in diabetic mice.

Recent studies have shown that the imbalance of intestinal flora is related to the occurrence and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and can affect lipid metabolism. Sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist are commonly used hypoglycemic drugs and have excellent renal safety. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of empagliflozin and liraglutide on kidneys, lipid metabolism, and intestinal microbiota in diabetic mice. We established a mouse model of type two diabetes by feeding rats a high-fat diet (HFD) followed by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ. The mice were randomly divided into groups: normal control (NC), diabetic model (DM), liraglutide treatment (LirT), empagliflozin treatment (EmpT), and liraglutide combined with empagliflozin treatment (Emp&LirT) groups. Blood glucose, lipids, creatinine, and uric acid, as well as urinary nitrogen and albumin levels were measured. The renal tissues were subjected to HE, PAS and Masson's staining. These parameters were used to evaluate renal function and histopathological changes in mice. Mice feces were also collected for 16sRNA sequencing to analyze the composition of the intestinal flora. All the indexes related to renal function were significantly improved after treatment with drugs. With respect to lipid metabolism, both drugs significantly decreased the serum triglyceride levels in diabetic mice, but the effect of liraglutide on reducing serum cholesterol was better than that of empagliflozin. However, empagliflozin had a better effect on the reduction of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The two drugs had different effects on intestinal flora. At the phylum level, empagliflozin significantly reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota, but no effect was seen with liraglutide. At the genus level, both of them decreased the number of Helicobacter and increased the number of Lactobacillus. Empagliflozin also significantly increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Muribaculum, Olsenella, and Odoribacter, while liraglutide significantly increased that of Ruminococcus. Liraglutide and empagliflozin were both able to improve diabetes-related renal injury. However, the ability of empagliflozin to reduce LDL was better compared to liraglutide. In addition, their effects on the intestine bacterial flora were significantly different.

Can a gradual weaning and separation process reduce weaning distress in dam-reared dairy calves? A comparison with the 2-step method

The weaning and separation phase remains one of the biggest challenges for cow-calf-contact systems, but a gradual process that better mimics the naturally occurring reduction in milk intake has not yet been scientifically investigated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare behavioral and physiological indicators of distress in 3 mo-old dam-reared dairy calves (with previous full-time cow-calf contact) weaned and separated either via gradual reduction of contact time with the dam (GR, 1 week half day contact, 1 week morning contact, 1 week fence-line contact before complete separation, n = 18) or via 2-step weaning using a nose flap (NF, 2 weeks access to dam with a nose flap, 1 week fence-line contact before complete separation, n = 18). Behavior was recorded 1 week before (or for lying 3 weeks before) weaning start and during the 3 week weaning and separation period with direct observations on 4 d per week or via accelerometers (locomotor play, lying behavior). Blood and fecal samples were taken twice per week from weaning start until 3 weeks after weaning start. Calves were weighed weekly. Statistical analysis was conducted using (generalized) linear mixed models. Over the whole weaning and separation phase, NF calves showed a stronger decrease in the number of lying bouts, amount of locomotor play and average daily weight gains, as well as a higher increase in total mixed ration feeding time compared with GR calves, whereas GR calves vocalized more often and showed more searching behavior than NF calves. Also, the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio of NF calves was elevated on d 3 after insertion of the nose flaps compared with baseline, but showed no change for GR calves on any sampling day. Overall, results point toward a favorable effect of a gradual weaning strategy on reduction of weaning and separation distress in dam-reared dairy calves, but the method requires further improvement from the protocol used in our study.

The regulatory effects of electroacupuncture on type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) function and browning of white adipose tissue in obese rats: 电针通过调控ILC2功能和白色脂肪棕色化治疗肥胖大鼠的作用机制

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) function in white adipose tissue (WAT) of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats to reveal the mechanism underlying weight loss. MethodsMale Winstar rats (n=15) were randomly divided into control, HFD, and HFD+EA groups, with five rats in each group. An obesity model was established by feeding rats with a HFD. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to “Zhongwan (CV12)” bilateral “Tianshu (ST25)” “Zusanli (ST36)” and “Sanyinjiao (SP6)” for 15 min, 7 days a week, for a total of 5 weeks. During EA treatment, the HFD group was fed a HFD, whereas rats in the control group were maintained on a normal diet. There was no intervention in either the control or the HFD groups. Body weight was measured weekly. Full-field adipocyte morphology, adipocyte volume, and the number of abdominal WAT were observed under a microscope after sectioning and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of IL-5 (interleukin-5), IL-13 (interleukin-13), IL-33 (interleukin-33), and ST2 (growth stimulating gene 2 protein) in the WAT were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression levels of browning markers including PGC1α（peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha）, PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma), PRDM16 (histone-lysine N-methyltransferase), and UCP1（uncoupling protein 1 in WAT were detected by western blot analysis and RT-PCR. ResultsAfter a 7-week induction period, rats in both the HFD and HFD+EA groups were 20% heavier than their initial weights before modeling (P<0.01, P<0.001). Following a 5-week EA intervention, the body mass and Lee index of obese rats were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The HE results showed that adipocytes in the HFD group displayed a significant increase in diameter and a decrease in number compared to the control group. However, in the HFD+EA group, white adipocytes exhibited reduced diameter and appeared more regular in shape. In the control group, the proportion of ILC2 was (86.53±2.55)%, whereas in the HFD group, it decreased to (73.62±2.52)%, indicating a significant reduction in ILC2 in the WAT of obese rats. Following EA treatment, the proportion of ILC2 was elevated to (80.54±4.25)%. This analysis revealed a significant decrease in the expression levels of IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, and ST2 in the WAT of obese rats in the HFD group; however, these levels increased after EA intervention. The mRNA levels of PPARγ, PGC1α, PRDM16, and protein levels of UCP1 were decreased in the HFD group (P<0.01, P<0.05, and P<0.001), and the trends were significantly reversed with EA manipulation (P<0.05). RT-PCR and western blotting results revealed that EA remarkably upregulated the mRNA expression of PGC1α, PPARγ, and PRDM16, as well as the protein expression of UCP1 induced by HFD. In the HFD group, PRDM16 expression showed a strong correlation with UCP1 expression, and ILCs were strongly correlated with PGC1α expression. However, these strong correlations did not occur in HFD+EA group. Following EA treatment, the expression of PPARγ displayed a strong correlation with ILC2s, indicating that the altered ILC2 proportion was closely related to browning in WAT. ConclusionEA treatment effectively alleviated obesity by restoring ILC2 function and promoting browning of white adipocytes. ILC2s may play an important role in the effects of EA treatment, but this requires further study.

Changes in biochemical and sperm parameters of rats drinking energy drinks.

Tiger energy drink is used in this research to see the effect on serum lipid profile, liver enzymes, and kidney function, also observing changes in sperm parameters. Sixteen male rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of four rats. The control group was given water and rat feed, while groups 1, 2, and 3 were given water with Tiger energy drink (25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively) for eight weeks. The results showed that the effect of energy drinks on lipid profile decreased cholesterol, TG, and LDL, while there was a slight increase in HDL. Treatment with wild Tiger energy drink generally caused insignificant increases in GOT and GPT in both G2 and G3 groups as compared to the control. However, in the G1 group, GPT and GOT significantly increased. Accordingly, ALP concentration was significantly increased in all experimental groups compared to the control group. Sperm quality declined as the concentration of energy drinks consumed increased. The potential adverse effects of energy drinks, at their specific dosages, have been determined to include hepatic and renal impairment, as well as alterations in serum lipids. Additional research is required to investigate the specific mechanism by which energy drinks impact spermatogenesis, either through the modulation of endocrine hormones or other metabolic pathways.

Effect of Using Israel Napier Grass in Feed Ration on Growth Performance of Local Chicken of Cambodia

Effect of Using Israel Napier Grass in Feed Ration on Growth Performance of Local Chicken of Cambodia

Biometric analysis of food products of hybrid hypoophthalmichthys (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) to determine their nutritional value and use in the food industry

This scientific work describes research, the purpose of which was to study the spectrum of nutrition and the composition of the food lump, as studies aimed at assessing specific weight (%) of essential nutrients (glycogen, proteins, and lipids) in particular organs and tissues of different size and mass groups of the hybrid of Silver carp and Bighead carp in ponds and reservoirs in different periods of the year. In 2018, and 2019, the juveniles of the hybrid of Silver carp and Bighead carp in ponds and reservoirs mainly consumed phytoplankton organisms (from 30 to 90% by mass), among which green, diatom, and euglena algae predominated by mass in the food group. Zooplankton occupied an insignificant place in fish nutrition (up to 5%), even though its quantity and biomass were sufficient in reservoirs. The hybrid of Silver carp and Bighead carp does not hurt zooplankton communities, so it can be included in the stocking volume of Silver carp. The feeding spectrum and rations of different groups of Silver carp and Bighead carp in ponds and reservoirs had a well-defined seasonal character related to the composition of feed objects. In all size and mass groups of the hybrid of silver and bighead carp from ponds and reservoirs in 2018, and 2019, mostly satisfactory values of general metabolism indicators were found – glycogen, proteins, and lipids in the liver, gills, and muscles of fish. The difference found in the availability of essential nutrients in the body of the studied fish indicates a change in the intensity and direction of their metabolic processes.

Sustainable fodder production and optimization of cow feeding rations in the ar-id climate of southern Ukraine

In the south of Ukraine, which traditionally belongs to the zone of risky land use due to frequent droughts and the last 10–15 years of steadily progressing global warming, the production of rye silage as a basic feed ingredient is gaining the status of an excellent insurance fund, which is essential in the region's feed production, as it will help to remedy the situation with the shortage of juicy fodder. Optimisation of dairy cow feeding rations during lactation in southern Ukraine involves the use of traditional dietary ingredients (corn silage, alfalfa haylage) and innovative ones (rye silage, wet beer pellets), which is mainly due to climate change in recent years. The research used commonly available methods: zootechnical (setting up experiments, developing feed rations, assessing dairy cattle productivity, milk quality, reproduction rates); biological (morphological and biochemical composition of blood); statistical (biometric processing of data) and economic analysis of the research. Thus, in terms of actual milk yield, amount of milk fat and milk protein for 305 days of lactation, cows of all experimental groups outperformed analogues of the control group (milk yield for 305 days of lactation was 7898.0 l; amount of milk fat and protein – 278.7 and 245.1 kg, respectively) by 1.2–3.3 %, by the amount of milk fat – by 5.1–16.9 % and by the amount of milk protein – by 3.4–10.9 % for 305 days of lactation. It was found that the diets of dairy cows of the experimental groups, which included rye silage in different amounts and wet beer pellets, had a positive effect on reducing the duration of the service period, and hence the duration of the intercalation period by 5.5–27.0 days in animals of the I–IV experimental groups compared to cows of the control group. There was a tendency to increase the content of carotene in the blood serum of animals of the II experimental group by 39.5 %, as well as a significant difference of 72.7 % (P &lt; 0.05) and 81,3% (P &lt; 0.01), respectively, in cows of the III and IV experimental groups compared to the same indicator of the control group, which was 209.6 μg/100 ml.

Evaluating the Usability, Perceived Performance, and Perceived Effects of KBGAN iHealth© and KBGAN iFeed© Mobile Apps for Buffalo Management in Selected Municipalities in the Philippines

This study evaluates the KBGAN iHealth© and KBGAN iFeed© mobile apps designed for buffalo health and feeding management, particularly for agricultural extension professionals (AEPs) in selected Philippine municipalities. These apps aim to address challenges in buffalo management, such as limited access to veterinary expertise, personalized recommendations, organized data, communication channels, and difficulties in calculating ideal feed compositions and meeting the distinct needs of smallholder farmers and AEPs. Despite System Usability Scale (SUS) scores indicating marginal acceptability for both apps, weighted mean scores by AEPs for statements assessed on a 5-point Likert scale (1 as strongly disagree and 5 as strongly agree), demonstrate that AEPs reported high confidence in the accuracy of buffalo health diagnostics (Mean of 4.20) and health management recommendations (Mean of 4.17) provided by KBGAN iHealth©. Similarly, KBGAN iFeed© received favorable ratings, with AEPs expressing agreement on the accuracy of feeding recommendations (Mean of 3.89) and the facilitation of feeding ration computations (Mean of 4.00). These positive perceived performance outcomes, coupled with increased confidence (Mean of 4.03) and motivation (Mean of 4.00) among AEPs, suggest the potential for frequent and consistent app usage despite usability concerns. Chi-square tests examining the relationship between AEP characteristics and SUS scores for the apps reveal significant associations between AEPs' education and experience levels and SUS scores for KBGAN iFeed©. The choice of IT device also influences KBGAN iHealth© SUS scores. Proposed enhancements by AEPs include refining algorithms, improving the user interface for navigation, speed, and efficiency, and incorporating features such as photo uploads and geotagging.

Chronic toxicity of core–shell SiC/TiO2 (nano)-particles to Daphnia magna under environmentally relevant food rations in the presence of humic acid

To date, research on the toxicity and potential environmental impacts of nanomaterials has predominantly focused on relatively simple and single-component materials, whilst more complex nanomaterials are currently entering commercial stages. The current study aimed to assess the long-term and size-dependent (60 and 500 nm) toxicity of a novel core–shell nanostructure consisting of a SiC core and TiO2 shell (SiC/TiO2, 5, 25, and 50 mg L−1) to the common model organism Daphnia magna. These novel core–shell nanostructures can be categorized as advanced materials. Experiments were conducted under environmentally realistic feeding rations and in the presence of a range of concentrations of humic acid (0.5, 2, 5, and 10 mg L−1 TOC). The findings show that although effect concentrations of SiC/TiO2 were several orders of magnitude lower than the current reported environmental concentrations of more abundantly used nanomaterials, humic acid can exacerbate the toxicity of SiC/TiO2 by reducing aggregation and sedimentation rates. The EC50 values (mean ± standard error) based on nominal SiC/TiO2 concentrations for the 60 nm particles were 28.0 ± 11.5 mg L−1 (TOC 0.5 mg L−1), 21.1 ± 3.7 mg L−1 (TOC 2 mg L−1), 18.3 ± 5.4 mg L−1 (TOC 5 mg L−1), and 17.8 ± 2.4 mg L−1 (TOC 10 mg L−1). For the 500 nm particles, the EC50 values were 34.9 ± 16.5 mg L−1 (TOC 0.5 mg L−1), 24.8 ± 5.6 mg L−1 (TOC 2 mg L−1), 28.0 ± 10.0 mg L−1 (TOC 5 mg L−1), and 23.2 ± 4.1 mg L−1 (TOC 10 mg L−1). We argue that fate-driven phenomena are often neglected in effect assessments, whilst environmental factors such as the presence of humic acid may significantly influence the toxicity of nanomaterials.

The Effects of Different Feed Ration Levels on Growth, Welfare Rating, and Early Maturation in Juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

To investigate the possible effect of different feed ration levels on the growth, welfare, and early maturation of juvenile Atlantic salmon, 450 salmon parr with a mean (±standard error) initial weight of 51.6 g (±0.8) were reared in triplicate under three different feed ration levels for five months. The control group (100r) was fed every day, the 50r group was fed every other day, and the 33r group was fed every third day. In every group, 75 fish (half of the group) were individually tagged for monitoring of growth. The number of fin wounds was used as the welfare indicator, and to inspect the development of maturation, all fish were euthanized, and development of the gonads was monitored by visual inspection at the termination of the trial. The control group (100r) showed a significantly higher specific growth rate (0.90% day−1) compared to the lower fed groups (50r, 0.67% day−1 and 33r, 0.49% day−1); however, the growth difference was 21–24% less than expected solely on the difference in the amount of feed given to each group. The 100r group showed the highest welfare rating, and the 33r group the lowest possible, indicating more aggressive behaviour and fin biting due to feed restriction in the 33r group. No difference (p &gt; 0.45) was found in the development of maturation in females, but the combined numbers of males in maturity stages 2–5 showed an overall trend towards slower maturation in the 33r group compared to the 100r group. Although the present findings on the development of sexual maturation were subtle due to the limited time frame of the trial, the findings offer a foundation for future investigation into the relationship between the feed ration level and the development of sexual maturation in the rearing of juvenile Atlantic salmon.

Economic efficiency of feed use in milk production in agricultural enterprises of Ukraine

The article conducted comprehensive studies of the economic efficiency of using feed in milk production in Ukrainian agricultural enterprises. The principal value and natural indicators that characterize the productivity of feed use in dairy cattle breeding are defined. Based on the benchmarking technique, an assessment of the relative technological efficiency of the use of feed by the regions of Ukraine was carried out, and potential reserves of their reduction relative to the reference value of the indicator of feed consumption per 1 t of milk was established. The main measures to increase the economic efficiency of using feed in milk production in Ukraine's agricultural enterprises are proposed. According to the results of the study, it was established that the payment of feed in enterprises that produce milk in Ukraine for 2010-2023 increased from 2.5 to 17 UAH per 1 feed unit, which is due to the devaluation of the national currency during the studied period and partly due to the increase in technological efficiency use of fodder. In terms of US dollars, the feed payment for milk production during the same period increased from 0.31 to 0.51 dollars per 1 feed unit. As of the end of 2023, Ukrainian enterprises spent an average of 0.41 dollars of the cost of all types of feed to obtain 1 dollar of the cost of raw milk sold. Accordingly, for 1 dollar of the cost of fodder, enterprises produce and sell raw milk worth 2.41 dollars. It is essential to diversify milk sales channels with a partial focus on direct sales directly to the final consumer, taking into account the almost three-fold ratio between the level of retail and wholesale prices of milk sales. To increase the economic efficiency of the use of fodder in the dairy cattle industry of Ukraine, it is also necessary to implement a system of organizational and technological measures to improve the conditions of keeping, animal care, veterinary support, optimization of feeding rations, fodder storage conditions, implementation of cow productivity monitoring using specialized software.

Taraxacum officinale in meadow fodder production

The relevance of this study lies in the fact that the value of Taraxacum officinale for fodder production is extremely limited, although it is one of the most common species on natural and sown fodder lands. The purpose of this study was to experimentally establish the biological value and possibilities of introducing Taraxacum officinale into the culture, its technological suitability for cultivation in pure sowings and mixtures with cereal-legumes. The study employed the following methods: field, laboratory, analytical, and statistical. The study found possibilities of sowing Taraxacum officinale in the grass stand and ways of using it with green and roughage, best sowing methods and productivity, content of biologically active substances, etc. It was proved that sowing of Taraxacum officinale in the grass stand ensures its content in green and roughage at 2-4%, which is an insufficient amount of active ingredient for use as fodder additives. It is more promising to sow Taraxacum officinale in pure crops. The yield of dry mass and roots of Taraxacum officinale without irrigation was 1.5-2.4 t/ha. Under irrigation, the yield of dry weight of its leaves increased. The best method of sowing is wide-row sowing with row spacing of 25-35 cm. The main biologically active substances are flavonoids, polysaccharides, bitters, vitamins, pectin substances, and hemicellulose. Taraxacum officinale contains nutrients that are typical for fodder and are fully analysed for zootechnical purposes. Specifically, it has a high crude protein content (22.3% in leaves and 18.4% in leaves and roots). According to other indicators of the full zootechnical analysis, the feed from Taraxacum officinale meets the zootechnical requirements. The inclusion of Taraxacum officinale in the feeding ration can ensure the production of organic livestock products that meet the current requirements of the European Green Deal strategy

Результаты применения кормовой добавки пробиотического действия для повышения продуктивности дойных коров

Abstract. The article highlights the results of scientific and economic experience on highly productive dairy cows of black-and-white breed in the second half of lactation. The purpose - evaluation of the possibility of using a new lyophilized feed additive “Bonaka-APK” in the diets of dairy cows to increase their productivity and milk quality indicators. Studied the productive effect of the feed additive “Bonaka-APK” on dairy cows. Scientific and economic experience was conducted in the farm of the OSP “Novator 1” (Gulkevichi district, Krasnodar Territory) in 2021–2022. Research objectives to study the effect of feeding the feed additive "Bonaka-APK" on milk productivity and quality indicators of cow milk. Methods. The studies were carried out on two groups of dairy cows, formed by the method of pairs of analogues. Feeding ration of dairy cows of black-and-white breed with a live weight of 550.0 ± 40.0 kg and a milk yield of 16.0 ± 3.0 kg per day contained: 170 MJ OE, 1582.0 g of digestible protein and 4100.0 g of crude fiber, including 1844.0 g of starch. The sugar-protein ratio in the diet is – 0.83. There were 93.1 g of digestible protein per 1 energy feed unit. The experimental group, in addition to the main diet as part of the compound feed, received a probiotic complex “Bonaka-APK” in the amount of 0.02 kg per 1 head, once a day before milking. Results. The use of the biotechnological complex “Bonaka-APK” as an additive to compound feed, for the accounting period, made it possible to significantly increase the milk yield of 1 cow in the experimental group by 24.6 %, and in terms of 4.0% fat content – by 26.0 % compared with control. The content of fat in the milk of the experimental groups did not differ significantly, and the content of the mass fraction of protein in the milk of the experimental group was significantly higher by 0.4% compared to the control. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a new, developed complex “Bonaka-APK” was tested on dairy cows.

Heritability and genetic correlations of rumination time with milk-yield and milking traits in Holstein-Friesian cows using an automated milking system

Knowledge of the values of genetic parameters is a prerequisite for conducting a breeding program. This is especially important for rumination, which is considered an indicator of cow’s health. Exploring the genetic relations between rumination time, milk yield, and milking traits could make it a valuable tool in dairy cattle breeding strategies. The objective of the research was to estimate heritability, repeatability, and genetic and phenotypic correlations of rumination time (RT), as well as traits associated with milk yield and milking of dairy cows of the Polish Holstein-Friesian breed kept in herds equipped with an automatic milking system. The research takes into consideration daily results for milking in the first lactation and second lactation, from 1 486 cows of the breed milked between 2013 and 2015 year. Cows were housed in 24 free-stall barns and fed a Partial Mixed Ration feed. The barns had an automated milking system (Astronaut A4 – Lely Industry). The cows received a varied dose of the concentrate, either in the milking robot or the feeding station, depending on the level of their milk yield. Our research has shown that RT was a low heritable trait (0.140 ± 0.039) and had a medium repeatability (0.572 ± 0.007). We detected a positive genetic correlation between RT and milk yield (0.341); however, a statistically significant negative relationship was identified between RT and urea content (−0.418) in milk. Estimations of genetic correlations suggest that selecting for higher RT may correspond to reduced urea content in milk. Investigating the genetics aspect of RT and the relationship with milk yield and milking traits may turn this into one of the useful criterion selections for dairy cattle breeding strategies, but should be used carefully. Further analyses on larger data sets and different populations are necessary.

Consumption of green tea infusion causes loss of nutrients through faeces in Wistar rats

Relationship between consumption of green tea infusion and faecal nutrient content was studied. Twelve male Wistar rats (aged 10 to 12 weeks and weighed 87 to 120 g) were divided into two groups of six rats each. The control group was placed on tap water, while the test group was placed on green tea infusion (0.20 g/50 ml) daily as the only source of fluid; for 28 days. Both groups consumed rat feed ad libitum. Phytochemicals detected in the infusion were tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and phytosterols. The infusion increased test animals’ appetite for food (% coefficient of variation, % CV = 5.44) but decreased their appetite for the infusion (% CV = 72.41). Animals placed on the infusion (test group) did not gain more weight (% CV = 3.86) nor had better feed conversion ratio (% CV = 1.41). Faecal ash and fibre contents were not affected by tea consumption (% CV = 3.38 and 2.03, respectively). Control rats lost more carbohydrate and moisture (% CV = 27.58 and 9.58, respectively) but test rats lost more protein and lipids. Energy lost by test rats through faecal matter was not appreciably higher (101.31 vs 96.24 kcal/ 100 g sample; % CV = 2.56). Loss of certain nutrients in the test rats may have been triggered by the inhibitory action of polyphenols such as tannins present in the infusion on their digestive enzymes. In conclusion, the tea infusion elicited increased feacal excretion of proteins and lipids in treated animals.

&lt;i&gt;Arachis hypogaea&lt;/i&gt; seed powder ameliorated 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-induced oxidative stress in exposed rats

This study evaluated the effect of Arachis hypogaea seeds on 1, 2 – dimethylhydrazine-induced oxidative stress in the colon and liver of male and female rats. Eighty-four rats of both sexes were used for this study and were divided into seven groups of 6 rats each. 1, 2- dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight. Group A (control) rats of both sexes were maintained on normal rat feed. The Group B rats were maintained on normal feed and administered DMH once weekly for 12 weeks. The Group C rats were provided normal feed and administered DMH weekly for 24 weeks. Group D rats were administered DMH and normal feed for 12 weeks followed by a peanut-supplemented diet for the next 12 weeks. The Group E rats received DMH weekly and peanut-supplemented diet concomitantly for 24 weeks. Group F rats had a peanut-supplemented diet for 12 weeks before DMH administration for another 12 weeks. Group G rats were maintained only on a peanut-supplemented diet for 24 weeks. The result shows that DMH significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased malondialdehyde level in the colon but the increase was reversed by the incorporation of peanut in the diet. There were significant (p ≤ 0.05) decreases in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione levels in the groups that received DMH alone which were reversed in the group of rats exposed to DMH and peanut-supplemented diet. The findings indicate that the consumption of peanut-supplemented diet reduced in rats, the increase in lipid peroxidation occasioned by DMH.

Blood-biochemical Indicators of White Texas, Pharaoh Quails During Temperature Stress

In the development of poultry farming in Azerbaijan, there are big changes in the microclimate indicators in the building due to the rise in temperature in the summer months. The variability in the microclimate, in turn, affects the productivity of the birds and the blood-biochemical indicators. The research work was carried out on White Texas, Pharaoh meat-oriented quails in laboratory no. 23 of the Anatomy, Pathoanatomy and Pathophysiology department of the Azerbaijan State Agrarian Univer­sity’s training and practice center for quail breeding. The experiment was carried out mainly in hot summer days depending on the air temperature, and during the experiment, the indicators formed in the homeostasis of the quails along with their productivity were clarified. In order to investigate the reasons preventing high yield from White Texas, Pharaoh quails during temperature stress, we aimed to study the factors affecting their homeostasis along with studying other factors. In the article, a change in the feed ration of quails was made in order to avoid the negative factors created in homeostasis caused by temperature stress which occurs frequently among quails in the summer months. It is better to keep full-grown quails in cages under the shed during the warm months. We reduced the amount of corn, wheat and barley used in the ration and replaced it with other non-traditional feeds determining the period in advance when temperature stress will increase. To prevent changes in homeostasis, acorn flour from non-traditional forages was used in the feed ration. This feed supplement-acorn flour was applied to each quail per a day in order to increase temperature tolerance during temperature stress.