FM Group Research Articles

Chicken Meal as a Fishmeal Substitute: Effects on Growth, Antioxidants, and Digestive Enzymes in Lithobates catesbeianus.

In pursuit of sustainable aquaculture, this study was performed to evaluate chicken meal as a substitute for fishmeal in bullfrog diets. Three experimental groups were established: a control group (FM) with 20% fishmeal, a CM50 group with 50% replacement (10% fishmeal), and a CM100 group with 100% replacement (0 fishmeal). Bullfrogs were fed for 56 days. The CM50 group exhibited significant increases in total weight gain and survival rate and a notable decrease in feed coefficient (p < 0.05). However, the CM100 group showed contrary effects. Increasing chicken meal substitution correlated with decreased amino acid content in muscle. Notably, the CM50 group demonstrated enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, T-AOC) and elevated gene expression levels (cat, sod, gst, etc.) in muscle and the intestine (p < 0.05), improved intestinal morphology, enhanced digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase), and reduced expression of inflammatory factors (il-1β, il-8, il-17, etc.). Conversely, the CM100 group's indicators regressed to levels similar to or worse than those of the FM group. Therefore, a 50% substitution of fishmeal with chicken meal effectively promoted bullfrog survival, protected the intestines, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, supporting its potential as a fishmeal alternative. However, the adverse outcomes of the CM100 strategy, including growth retardation and reduced amino acid content in muscle, indicate that complete replacement is unsuitable.

Partial fishmeal replacement by soybean meal induces fish growth retardation and gut inflammation via gut mucosal barrier dysfunction and dysbiosis in largemouth bass

The study aimed to investigate the effect of partial fishmeal replacement by soybean meal on fish growth, gut histology, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and tight junction proteins in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated: the FM diet contained 45 % fishmeal (FM diet) and did not contain soybean meal; diets SM25, SM50, and SM75 replaced 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % fishmeal protein in the FM group with soybean meal, respectively. Experimental fish (4.3 ± 0.1 g) were fed to apparent satiation for eight weeks. The results showed that replacing 25 % or more fishmeal decreased villus height, villus width, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity levels, reduced glutathione contents, and Aurantimicrobium abundance; increased malonaldehyde contents and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) expression; downregulated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), occludin, and zona occluding-1 (ZO-1), lysozyme (LYS) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression, compared with FM (P < 0.05). Moreover, SBM50 and SBM75 decreased final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate, and increased the lamina propria width than FM (P < 0.05). Furthermore, SBM25 dramatically reduced Actinobacteriota, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Streptococcus abundance (P < 0.05). Compared to SM25, SM75 dramatically increased Brucella abundance (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin) and gut microbiota (Aurantimicrobium and Brucella) have a significant association with gut inflammation and fish growth (P < 0.05). These results showed that gut dysbiosis and intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction are major contributors to the soybean meal-induced growth retardation and gut inflammation in fish.

Comparative proteomics analysis of female fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis using data‐independent acquisition sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra‐based mass spectrometry

AbstractFibromyalgia (FM) is a widespread muscle pain disorder that primarily affects females. Osteoarthritis (OA) is another common chronic condition. This study utilized sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH)‐based proteomic analysis on the urine of patients with FM and OA. The study identified 54 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the FM group compared to the healthy control (HC) group; 17 DEPs in the OA group compared to the HC group; and 47 DEPs in the FM group compared to the OA group, with a p‐value &lt;0.05 and a fold change &gt;1.5 or &lt;0.67. The DEPs in both FM and OA groups were primarily involved in pathways related to coagulation and the complement system, as well as serotonin, dopamine, glutamate pathways, and acute phase reactions. The study suggests that FM and OA induce inflammatory reactions, significantly altering the expression of acute phase proteins and notably decreasing the expression of GNB2. This distinction between health and disease, and the differentiation between FM and OA, is facilitated through the coagulation and complement systems, with SERPING1 and EPCR being key markers. Through these pathways, a better understanding of the impact of FM and OA on the human proteome is achieved.

Dietary fishmeal substitution with Antarctic krill meal improves the growth performance, lipid metabolism, and health status of oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense)

Aims to assess the effects of dietary inclusion of Antarctic krill meal (KM), five experimental diets supplemented with graded levels of KM (0 %, FM; 5 %, KM5; 10 %, KM10; 15 %, KM15; 20 %, KM20; 0 %, 13.3 %, 26.7 %, 40.0 %, and 56.7 % replacement fishmeal levels, respectively), were prepared to feed oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) (0.20 ± 0.01 g) for 8 weeks. The results revealed significant improvements in weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion rate (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) at the inclusion of 5 %-20 % KM (P < 0.05). In the KM10 and KM15 groups, the concentrations of hemolymph total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and hepatopancreatic glutathione (GSH) were observed to be significantly higher compared to the FM group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the contents of hepatopancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were significantly lower in the KM10 and KM15 groups compared to the FM group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of dorsal protein (dorsal), heat shock protein 60 (hsp60), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (myd88) in the hepatopancreas in the KM10 group exhibited the lowest level. Additionally, compared to the FM group, the expression levels of fatty acid synthase (fas) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (acc) were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), while the acyl CoA bindingprotein (acbp), carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (cpt I), and scavenger receptor B I (sr-b I) were significantly downregulated in the KM10 group (P < 0.05). In addition, the results of histopathology sections showed that 5–15 % KM could improve the health status of hepatopancreas and was a safe alternative to fishmeal. Overall, the optimal KM inclusion level in feed was 12.96 % (substituting for 34.60 % fishmeal) based on the quadratic fitting curve calculations of WGR and SGR.

Age-specific analysis of anti-müllerian hormone and liver biochemical parameters in freemartin holstein calves and heifers: A pilot study

Freemartinism is the most common congenital anomaly among sexual disorders in dairy cows. This syndrome typically occurs in different-sex twin pregnancies and causes vascular anastomoses to form with the placenta in the early stages of fetal development. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in calves and heifers of different age groups for diagnostic factors and to investigate the potential consequences of different hormone levels in different age groups on some liver biochemical parameters. The study involved 50 cattle from diverse age categories, divided into the freemartin group (FM Group, n=25) and the control group (C Group, n=25). Both FM and control groups were further divided into early-age (3-5 months), middle-aged (5-9 months), and older-aged groups (9-12 months). Serum AMH levels, along with total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol levels, were measured. While no statistically significant difference in AMH levels was observed in the early-age group (P:0.53), significant differences were determined in the middle (P:0.015) and older-age groups (P:0.01), where the FM group exhibited significantly decreased AMH levels compared to the control group. The evaluation of liver biochemistry revealed a statistically significant difference in total protein levels between the FM and control groups in the older age group (P:0.033). Consequently, it is reasonable to suggest that AMH levels may serve as a valid parameter for diagnosing freemartin syndrome in calves aged older than five months. Conversely, particularly in young calves, no significant differences in liver functionality were observed between freemartin-affected and healthy calves.

LTA and PGN from Bacillus siamensis can alleviate soybean meal-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in Lateolabrax maculatus

An eight-week feeding trial was designed to assess which component of commensal Bacillus siamensis LF4 can mitigate SBM-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) based on TLRs-MAPKs/NF-кB signaling pathways. Fish continuously fed low SBM (containing 16 % SBM) and high SBM (containing 40 % SBM) diets were used as positive (FM group) and negative (SBM group) control, respectively. After feeding high SBM diet for 28 days, fish were supplemented with B. siamensis LF4-derived whole cell wall (CW), cell wall protein (CWP), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or peptidoglycan (PGN) until 56 days. The results showed that a high inclusion of SBM in the diet caused enteritis, characterized with significantly (P < 0.05) decreased muscular thickness, villus height, villus width, atrophied and loosely arranged microvillus. Moreover, high SBM inclusion induced an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a down-regulation of occludin, E-cadherin, anti-inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis related genes and antimicrobial peptides. However, dietary supplementation with CW, LTA, and PGN of B. siamensis LF4 could effectively alleviate enteritis caused by a high level of dietary SBM. Additionally, CWP and PGN administration increased beneficial Cetobacterium and decreased pathogenic Plesiomonas and Brevinema, while dietary LTA decreased Plesiomonas and Brevinema, suggesting that CWP, LTA and PGN positively modulated intestinal microbiota in spotted seabass. Furthermore, CW, LTA, and PGN application significantly stimulated TLR2, TLR5 and MyD88 expressions, and inhibited the downstream p38 and NF-κB signaling. Taken together, these results suggest that LTA and PGN from B. siamensis LF4 could alleviate soybean meal-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in L. maculatus, and p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathways might be involved in those processes.

Evaluation of fish meal replacement by Methylcoccus capsulatus protein in diets for juvenile Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

The present study was to investigate the effects of Methylococcus capsulatus protein (MCP) replacing fish meal on the growth performance, immunity, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Four isonitrogenous (47.00% crude protein) and isolipidic (6.00% crude lipid) diets were formulated for an 8-week feeding trial. The fish meal group (FM) contained 55% fish meal. MCP was used to replace 10%, 15%, and 20% of the fish meal in the FM group to create MCP10, MCP15, and MCP20 treatment groups. No significant differences were observed in the weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, physical indicators, or muscle amino acid composition among all diet treatments (P > 0.05). The MCP15 group showed the best growth performance. There were no significant differences in serum biochemistry among the groups (P > 0.05), except for aspartate aminotransferase, which exhibited a significant linear increase trend with the increase of MCP replacement level (P = 0.049). In the MCP20 group, the complement C3 content, immunoglobulin M content, and lysozyme activity in serum were significantly lower than those in the FM, MCP10, and MCP15 groups (P < 0.05), showing a quadratic relationship characterized by an initial increase followed by a decrease as the MCP level in the feed increased (P < 0.05). The intestinal morphology in all treatment groups appeared normal and the expression levels of intestinal inflammatory cytokines showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). The community structure of the intestinal microbiota, as well as the phylum and genus composition underwent significant alterations in response to the MCP supplementation. The recommended practice for Chinese softshell turtle diet involves substituting 15% MCP for fish meal, which enhances growth, boosts immune response, and does not adversely affect serum biochemistry, amino acid composition, or intestinal health.

Addition of α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) reduces deamination in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) fed with fermented soybean meal as a substitute for fishmeal.

To alleviate amino acid imbalances in fermented soybean meal as a replacement for fishmeal feeds, this study evaluated the effects of adding lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), and α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) to fermented soybean meals for Chinese perch. Chinese perch (34 ± 3g) were fed five diets for 66days (fishmeal as the protein source of the basal diet [FM]; fermented soybean meal as a substitute for 30% fishmeal in the soybean meal diet [FSM]; addition of crystalline Lys and Met [AA]; addition of α-ketoglutaric acid [AKG]; and simultaneous addition of crystalline Lys, Met, and AKG [BA] to the soybean meal diet). At the end of the feeding trial, the FSM group had the highest feeding rate and the lowest weight gain rate among all the groups. The FM group had the highest protein retention and the lowest feed efficiency among the groups. The mRNA transcription level of genes related to the AMP-activating protein (AMPK) signaling pathway and amino acid response (AAR) signaling pathway (lkb1, atf4, and gcn2) were highest in the AA group (P < 0.05) but lower in the AKG and BA groups. In the AKG group, the mRNA transcription level of the gluconeogenesis pathway-related gene (pepck and g6pase) was significantly higher than that in the other four groups, but the mRNA transcription level of genes related to amino acid catabolism (gdh and ampd) was lower. Among all the groups, the FSM group had the lowest mRNA transcription level of genes associated with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway (mtor and s6k). These findings imply that the feeding rate of Chinese perch in the fermented soybean meal group was the highest, but the protein retention was the lowest, while the addition of Lys, Met, and AKG improved protein retention. In conclusion, the addition of AKG to fermented soybean meal as a fishmeal substitute reduced amino acid deamination, enhanced gluconeogenesis, and increased protein deposition, which contributed to the growth of Chinese perch, alleviated amino acid imbalances, and improved the feed utilization of Chinese perch.

Effects of Partial Substitution of Fish Meal with Soybean Products and Chicken Meal on Growth, Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Microbiota of Penaeus monodon

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of the partial substitution of fish meal with soybean products and chicken meal on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota of Penaeus monodon. A total of 450 healthy, consistent shrimp were randomly divided into five groups, with three replicates per group and 30 shrimp per replicate. The proportion of fish meal substituted with soybean products and chicken meal in the five feed groups was 0% (FM), 40% (40SC), 60% (60SC), 80% (80SC) and 100% (100SC). The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that, compared to the FM group, the 40SC and 60SC groups had a decrease in WG and SR, but there was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05). In contrast, compared to the FM group, the FCR in the 100SC group was significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05), while there was no significant difference among the FM and 40SC, 60SC and 80SC groups (p &gt; 0.05). Compared to the FM group, the ACP in the 80SC and 100SC groups significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05), while the 40SC and 60SC groups had no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05). The AKP in the 100SC group was significantly higher than that in the FM group (p &lt; 0.05), while there were no significant differences among the other four groups (p &gt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in T-AOC and T-SOD among all the treatment groups (p &gt; 0.05). The next-generation sequencing of the intestinal microbiota showed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in the five groups, accounting for 37.67%, 66%, 40%, 40% and 43.33%, respectively. Compared to the FM group, the Fusobacteriota in the other four groups decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). The functional prediction of FAPROTAX indicated that no functional components were observed which are harmful to the body. Considering the effects on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota, it is feasible to use soybean products and chicken meal to replace 60% of fish meal in the feed of P. monodon.

Fecal virus transplantation has more moderate effect than fecal microbiota transplantation on changing gut microbial structure in broiler chickens

Growing evidence of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and fecal virus transplantation (FVT) provides a possibility to regulate animal health, whereas little is known about the impact of the 2 methods. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gut microbes on jejunal function in healthy broiler chickens, with the objective of establishing a theoretical basis for the application of FMT and FVT. Cecal feces from 28-day-old AA broilers were collected to prepare gavage juice for FMT and FVT. FMT for Group FM, FVT for group FV and PBS gavage for group CON, continuously treated for 6 days start at 5-day-old chicks. Samples were collected at d 11 and d 21. The results showed that the treatment d 2 and the overall fecal score in treatment groups were significantly lower than CON group (P < 0.05). The jejunum morphology showed that FMT increased crypt depth, decreased villus height, V/C (P < 0.05) and FVT increased villus height (P < 0.05) at d 11. At d 21, villus height and crypt depth significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group FM and group FV. The expression of Claudin1, Occludin, ZO2, and Muc2 in the FV group was significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 11-day-old. FMT increased the secretion of sIgA at 11-day-old, and this influence lasted up to 21-day-old (P < 0.05). At 11-day-old, the expression of b0+AT of basic amino acid transport carrier and chymotrypsin activity (P < 0.05) had a significant correlation. At 21 d of age, FVT significantly increased the expression of PepT1 and SGLT1 (P < 0.05). At 11-day-old, FM group showed significantly higher faith pd index (P = 0.004) and Shannon index (P = 0.037), and separated from FV and CON according to PCoA. Among differentiating bacteria, Bacteroides significantly enriched (P < 0.05) in group FM, which positively correlated with the expression of ZO2, Muc2, Occludin, and Claudin1; R_Ruminococcus, L_Ruminococcus, Butyricicoccuss significantly enriched (P < 0.05) in group CON, which significantly higher than processing groups, R_Ruminococcus and L_Ruminococcus negatively correlated with the expression of Occludin (P < 0.05), and R_Ruminococcus, Butyricicoccus negatively correlated with the expression of Claudin1 (P < 0.05). At 21-day-old, PCoA based on Bray-Curtis shows that microbes taxa of 3 groups are isolated with each other and treatment groups were significant different with CON group based on Unweighted UniFrac and weighted UniFrac. The expression of PepT1 was significantly negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with Ruminococcus, and the expression of sIgA was significantly negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with Parabacteroides. In conclusion, FMT regulated intestinal flora rapidly, while it had little effect on intestinal function and a higher potential damaging risk on jejunal. FVT regulated intestinal flora structure softer, improved tight junction expression, but the mechanism of action needs further exploration.

Effects of Fermented Cottonseed Meal Substitution for Fish Meal on Intestinal Enzymatic Activity, Inflammatory and Physical-Barrier-Related Gene Expression, and Intestinal Microflora of Juvenile Golden Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) substitution for fish meal on intestinal enzymatic activity, inflammatory and physical-barrier-related gene expression, and intestinal microflora of juvenile golden pompano. The 375 golden pompanos were divided into 15 groups of 25 fish each, with three replicates for each experimental group. The fish were fed five experimental diets (0 (FM), 12.5% (CSM12.5), 25% (CSM25), 50% (CSM50), and 100% (CSM100) substitution levels) for 8 weeks. The fish were reared and fed the experimental diets under a natural-day light cycle. Compared with the control group, the activities of AMY (amylase) enzymes in the CSM12.5 group and all other groups were elevated (p &lt; 0.05). The CSM25 group exhibited a considerable up-regulation of IL-10 (Interleukin-10) expression relative to the FM group (p &lt; 0.05). With an increase in dietary FM substitution with FCSM from 0 to 25%, the relative expressions of NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa-B), IL-1β (Interleukin-1 beta), and IL-8 (Interleukin-8) were down-regulated. In this study, the relative expressions of ZO-1 (zonula occluden-1) and Occludin were up-regulated, and those of Claudin-3 and Claudin-15 significantly up-regulated, when the FCSM substitution ratio was 25%. The results of high-throughput sequencing of the intestinal microflora showed that ACE indices the lowest in the CSM25 group, which was significantly different from those in the CSM100 group (p &lt; 0.05). The CSM50 group had the highest Shannon and Simpson indices and the highest community diversity. In addition, replacing a high percentage of fish meal with FCSM can negatively affect the intestinal flora of fish. In this study, the 25% substitution ratio improved nutrient absorption, reduced intestinal inflammation, improved intestinal physical barrier damage, did not affect intestinal microecology, and had no adverse effects on fish. However, substitution of a high proportion of FM with FCSM negatively affects the intestinal microflora and nutrient absorption capacity of fish.

Glutamine improves growth and intestinal health in juvenile hybrid groupers fed high-dose glycinin

Glutamine addition can improve immunity and intestinal development in fish. This study examined the protective roles of glutamine on growth suppression and enteritis induced by glycinin in juvenile hybrid groupers (female Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × male Epinephelus lanceolatus). The experiment set four isonitrogenous and isolipidic trial diets: a diet containing 10% glycinin (11S), 10% of 11S diet supplemented with 1% or 2% alanine-glutamine (1% or 2% Ala-Gln), and a diet containing neither 11S nor Ala-Gln (FM). A feeding trial was conducted in hybrid grouper for 8 weeks. Weight gain and specific growth rates in Groups 1% and 2% Ala-Gln were significantly higher than those of the 11S group but were similar to those of the FM group. The intestinal muscular layer thickness, plica height and width of the 2% Ala-Gln group were significantly higher than those of Group 11S. The enterocyte proliferation efficiency of the 11S group was significantly lower compared to other groups. Compared with the 11S group, Groups 1% and 2% Ala-Gln fish had increased intestinal lysozyme activities, complement 3 and immunoglobulin M as well as cathelicidin contents. The mRNA levels of tnf-α, il-1β, ifn-α, and hsp70 genes were more downregulated in Groups 1% and 2% Ala-Gln than in Group 11S. Compared with FM group, fish from the 11S group had significantly lower mRNA levels of myd88, ikkβ, and nf-κb p65 genes. These three values in the 2% Ala-Gln group were significantly lower than those in Group 11S but not significantly different from those of Group FM. The relative abundance of Vibrio in Group 11S was higher than that in Groups FM and 2% Ala-Gln. Intestinal glutamine, glutaminase, glutamic acid, α-ketoglutarate, malate dehydrogenase and ATP contents were higher in Groups 1% and 2% Ala-Gln than in Group 11S. These results suggest that glutamine is a useful feed additive to enhance growth and intestinal immunity, alleviate inflammation, and modulate gut microbiota in hybrid grouper fed high-dose glycinin.

Impact of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal substituted for fish meal in diets for juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Growth performance and feed efficiency

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding Nile tilapiya juvenile (Oreochromis niloticus) with diets based on fish meal and Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal on growth performance and feed efficiency. For this purpose, three diets were prepared: Control diet (FM); without T. molitor larvae meal, insect diet (TM); 100% of fish meal has been replaced by T. molitor larvae meal and mixture diet (FM/TM); 50% of fish meal has been replaced by T. molitor larvae meal. A total of three groups in three replications were used over the 46-day investigation. In the experiment, 1-month-old Nile tilapia juveniles were used, which were with an average weight of 0.12±0.001 g. At the end of the experiment, the best growth was in the FM group, then the TM group and the lowest growth was in the FM/TM group (P0.05). SGR was quite low in all groups. The overall feeding response was good and the experimental diets were well accepted by the fish. The best FCR was in the FM group. This was followed by the group fed the TM diet. However, statistically, the difference between them was not significant (P

Impact of fetal malnutrition in mid-childhood and early-adolescent age

Background: Fetal malnutrition is accompanied by short-term and long-term morbidities in children. Objective was to assess impact of FM on physical growth, blood pressure and neurodevelopment in mid childhood and early adolescent age. Methods: An observational, retrospective, study was undertaken in an urban multispecialty hospital of Mumbai, India on a closed cohort of 54 children born in year 2006-2007. They had been assessed for their nutritional status at birth by clinical assessment of Nutrition score (CAN score) described by Metcoff. Twenty – five children had evidence of FM (FM – group) and 29 had normal nutritional status at birth (Non – FM group). They were in their mid-childhood and early-adolescent age at time of present study. Anthropometry and Blood pressure measurement of children were taken. Scholastic performance and any neurodevelopmental problem were enquired and medical records were checked. Results: In mid-childhood and early-adolescent age, absolute risk of overweight /obesity (36% vs. 20.68%), Central obesity (8.0% vs. 3.44%), prehypertension/hypertension (8.0% vs 3.44%) and neurodevelopmental problems (24% vs. 3.44%) in FM- group children was more compared to Non-FM- group. Also, FM- group children had 1.74, 2.32, 2.32 and 6.96 times more risk of overweight/obesity, central obesity, prehypertension/hypertension and neurodevelopmental problems. Conclusions: Fetal malnutrition has significant impact on physical growth, blood pressure measurement and neurodevelopment outcome in mid childhood and early adolescent age.

Replacement of dietary fish meal by fermented soybean meal improves growth, energy metabolism, and innate immune response in Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 (Decapoda: Dendrobranchiata: Penaeidae)

Abstract Fishmeal (FM) is considered a preferred source of protein for aquatic feed due to its good palatability and digestibility, a balanced amino acid profile, and a low level of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). Shortage of FM supply and increases in price, however, are major challenges faced by feed producers and aquaculture farmers. Fermented soybean meal (FSBM) has been proposed to partially replace FM because of its high nutritional value and low cost. The optimal FSBM concentration for substituting FM and effects of FSBM substitution on growth performance, energy metabolism, and immune response nevertheless remain unclear. We evaluated the effects of shrimp diets containing FSBM at 0% (FM), 25% (FSBM25), 50% (FSBM50), 75% (FSBM75), and 100% (FSBM100) on the shrimp Penaeus vannameiBoone, 1931. FSBM50 led to a significantly higher weight gain (postlarvae 1927.36 ± 46.64%, young juveniles 237.00 ± 8.25%, and juveniles 153.96 ± 2.18%) than the other experimental and control diets in different stages of the shrimp. The FM group consumed less oxygen than the experimental diet groups. FSBM75 and FSBM100 led to a significantly higher ammonia-N excretion than FM, FSBM25, and FBSM50. All experimental diet groups exhibited a significantly higher O:N ratio (8.3 ± 0.8–9.4 ± 1.7) than the FM group (7.1 ± 0.2). Shrimp fed with FSBM25- and FSBM50-containing diets exhibited an increased total hemocyte count, and FSBM25, FBSM50, and FSBM100 led to a significantly higher superoxide anion production than FSBM75 and FM. FSBM substitution in shrimp diets resulted in a significantly higher phagocytic activity than the FM diet, suggesting that FSBM substitution improves the cell-mediated immune response in shrimps. In challenge trials with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), all experimental diets led to a higher survival rate than the FM diet, and in Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge trials, FSBM50 led to a higher survival rate than the other experimental and control diets, indicating that FSBM substitution in shrimp diets could improve the defense capacity of shrimps against WSSV and V. parahaemolyticus.

Methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal alleviates soybean meal-induced enteritis in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) by modulating immune responses and the intestinal flora

The effect of methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) supplementation in a high-soybean meal diet on growth, non-specific immunity, and gut health in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) was investigated. Six experimental diets were formulated: control (containing 38% fish meal, FM, and 16.5% soybean meal, SBM), a high-soybean meal diet (containing 28% FM and 35% SBM), and four experimental diets each containing 28% FM and 35% SBM with the addition of FK at 2% (FK2), 4% (FK4), 6% (FK6) or 8% (FK8) in the diet to replace wheat gluten. All diets also contained 0.1% yttrium oxide to determine apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid. Following a 14-day acclimation period, fish were fed the diets for 56 days. Results showed that the FK2 and FK4 groups showed significantly higher weight gain (WG) compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05), whilst the FK2, FK6, and FK8 groups showed higher WG compared to the FM group (P < 0.05). The FK2, FK4, and FK8 had lower feed conversion rate (FCR) compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05). No differences were noted in overall survival. Intestinal lipase activity was significantly increased in the FK2 and FK4 groups and trypsin activity was significantly increased in the FK2 group compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05). The FK2 group showed significantly higher apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients than the SBM group (P < 0.05). The expressions of anti-inflammatory genes (tgfβ, il-4, and il-10) in the intestine of the FK-supplemented group showed a significant increment (P < 0.05), whilst the expressions of pro-inflammatory genes (tnfα, il-1β, and il-8) significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that indexes of alpha diversity in the SBM group were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with all other diets. In addition, the FK2 group showed significantly higher serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), complement 4 (C4), and total protein (TP), levels than the SBM group (P < 0.05). Inclusion of FeedKind in high SBM diets alleviated SBM-induced intestinal inflammation by modulating the expression of intestinal inflammatory factors and regulating intestinal flora. Overall, supplementation of SBM diets with 2%–4% FK improved growth, non-specific immunity, and ADC's in spotted seabass.

Dietary yeast glycoprotein supplementation improves the growth performance, intestinal health and disease resistance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed low-fishmeal diets.

The active ingredients extracted from yeast are important for regulating animal health. The aim of the current research was to explore the impacts of dietary yeast glycoprotein (YG) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, immunity and disease resistance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). A total of 375 juvenile fish (6.00 ± 0.03g) were allocated into 15 fiberglass tanks. Triplicate tanks were assigned to each diet. The dietary YG inclusion was as follows: the first group was given a high fishmeal diet (40% fishmeal, 0% YG) (FM) and the second group was given a low fishmeal diet (30% fishmeal and 15% soybean meal, 0% YG) (LFM). The fish in the third, fourth and fifth groups were fed the LFM diet supplemented with 0.5% (LFM+YG0.5), 1.0% (LFM+YG1.0) and 2.0% (LFM+YG2.0) YG, respectively. After a 60- day feeding trial, a challenge test using A. hydrophila was carried out. The results showed that the final body weight (FBW) and weight gain rate (WGR) in the LFM+YG2.0 group were significantly higher than those in the LFM group and were no significantly different from those in the FM group. This may be partially related to the activation of the target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway. Dietary YG supplementation enhanced intestinal physical barriers by upregulating the intestinal tight junction protein related genes (claudin1, occludin and zo2) and improving the structural integrity of the gut, which may be partially associated with AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, dietary YG increased the antioxidant capacity in the gut, upregulated intestinal anti-inflammatory factors (il-10, il1-1β and tgf-β) and downregulated proinflammatory factors (il-1β and il-8), which may be partially related to the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathways. The results of the challenge test indicated that dietary supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% YG can increase the disease tolerance of largemouth bass against A. hydrophila. In conclusion, the present results indicated that dietary supplementation with YG promotes the growth performance, intestinal immunity, physical barriers and antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass. In addition, 1.0% of dietary YG is recommended for largemouth bass based on the present results.

Fishmeal Protein Replacement by Defatted and Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Juvenile Turbot Diet: Effects on the Growth Performance and Intestinal Microbiota.

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of the same fishmeal protein level replaced by black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal (BSFL) with different lipid contents on the growth performance and intestinal health of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) (initial body weight 12.64 g). Three isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated: fish meal-based diet (FM), diets DF and FF, in which 14% fish meal protein of the FM diet was replaced by defatted and full-fat BSFL, respectively. There were no significant differences in growth performance, intestinal morphology, and mucosal barrier function between the DF and the FM group. However, diet FF markedly reduced the growth performance, intestinal perimeter ratio, and the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β (P < 0.05). Compared to group FF, the communities of intestinal microbiota in group DF were more similar to group FM. Moreover, diet DF decreased the abundance of some potential pathogenic bacteria and enriched the potential probiotics, such as Bacillus. Diet FF obviously altered the composition of intestinal microbiota and increased the abundance of some potential pathogenic bacteria. These results suggested that the application of defatted BSFL showed more positive effects on fish growth and intestinal health than the full-fat BSFL, and the intestinal microbiota was closely involved in these effects.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Immunoregulation of Replacing Fishmeal with Cottonseed Protein Concentrates on Litopenaeus vannamei

Cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) is a new non-food protein source with high crude protein, low price, and abundant resources, making it an ideal substitute for fishmeal. In this study, we investigated the effects of CPC re placing fishmeal on the immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei using transcriptome sequencing. L. vannamei (initial body weight: 0.42 ± 0.01 g) were fed four isonitrogenous and isolipid feeds for eight weeks, with CPC replacing fishmeal at 0% (control, FM), 15% (CPC15), 30% (CPC30), and 45% (CPC45), respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, the changes of the activities and expression of immune-related enzymes were consistent in L. vannamei in the CPC-containing group when compared with the FM group. Among them, the activities of ACP, PO, and LZM in the group whose diet was CPC30 were significantly higher than those in the FM group. Moreover, the activities of AKP, SOD, and CAT were significantly higher in the group containing CPC than in the FM group. Furthermore, all CPC groups had considerably lower MDA levels than the FM group. This suggests that the substitution of fishmeal with CPC leads to a significant immune response in L. vannamei. Compared with the FM group, transcriptome analysis identified 805 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (484 down and 321 up), 694 (266 down and 383 up), and 902 (434 down and 468 up) in CPC15, CPC30, and CPC45, respectively. Among all DEGs, 121 DEGs were shared among different CPC-containing groups compared with the FM group. Most of these differential genes are involved in immune-related signaling pathways. The top 20 signaling pathways enriched for differential genes contained toxoplasmosis, pathogenic Escherichia coli infection, insulin resistance, and Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathways, in which NF-kappa-B inhibitor Cactus were involved. In addition, trend analysis comparison of the DEGs shared by the group with CPC in the diet and the FM group showed that Cactus genes were significantly down-regulated in the group with CPC in the diet and were lowest in the CPC30 group. Consistently, the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes was significantly higher in both diet-containing CPC groups than in the FM group. In conclusion, the moderate amount of CPC substituted for fishmeal may improve the immunity of L. vannamei by suppressing the expression of Cactus genes, thereby increasing the expression of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes.

Effects of Fishmeal Replacement by Clostridium Autoethanogenum Protein Meal on Cholesterol Bile Acid Metabolism, Antioxidant Capacity, Hepatic and Intestinal Health of Pearl Gentian Grouper (Epinephelus Fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus Lanceolatus ♂)

In this study, we present data from an eight-week growth trial with pearl gentian grouper fed either a reference diet (FM) with a fishmeal level of 50%, or test diet wherein 15% (CAP15), 30% (CAP30), 45% (CAP45), and 60% (CAP60) fishmeal was replaced by Clostridium autoethanogenum protein meal (CAP). Results showed that the weight gain and daily feed intake ratio of CAP60 were significantly lower than the FM group. In the serum, compared to the FM group, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), the activities of alanine aminotransferase in CAP60 and CAP45 groups, and acid phosphatase in the CAP60 group were significantly higher, while the content of total cholesterol in CAP60 and CAP45 groups was significantly lower. In the liver, compared to the control group, the content of MDA in the CAP60 group was significantly higher. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in CAP30 to CAP60 groups and farnesoid X receptor in CAP60 were significantly upregulated. In distal intestines, the activities of trypsin and superoxide dismutase of CAP30 to CAP60 groups were significantly lower than the FM group. In conclusion, for pearl gentian grouper, CAP could replace up to 45% of the fishmeal in the feed, while a 60% replacement level will affect cholesterol bile acid metabolism and health.