Free Extract Research Articles

Biopolymeric surface modified 96-well plates for equipment-free high-throughput DNA extraction and direct ACK-LAMP colorimetric detection of foodborne pathogen

Ensuring the safety and high quality of food relies on promptly and clearly identifying foodborne diseases, including Salmonella. Nucleic acid testing plays an important role in ensuring food safety. Commercially available high-throughput molecular extraction technologies in-field application is limited as they are reliant on specialized and expensive equipment. The 96-well microplate recycling through biopolymer inner surface coating, was confirmed with FTIR, XRD, and XPS. Once optimized the DNA extraction protocol was equipment-free, user and eco-friendly while reducing sample contamination. Using the biopolymer microplate, the extraction and direct LAMP amplification of Salmonella spp. from milk samples were assessed. The gDNA had an average 260/280 ratio of 1.97, with a DNA yield of 16.88 ± 5.40 μg mL−1 from 9 × 1010 CFU mL−1Salmonella. Subsequently, using acid chrome K we visually detected the presence of Salmonella. The quantity of bacteria was correlated to the increase in the blue intensity of the color indicator. A detection limit of 1.54 CFU mL−1 was achieved with good specificity and sensitivity in an equipment free setting. This study successfully established a 96-well plate-based high-throughput equipment free DNA extraction method. The methods enable the high-throughput extraction and amplification of 96 samples concomitantly within 1hr 30 min corresponding respectively to a total of 1536 and 768 samples within a working day treated by a researcher without the use of specialized and expensive equipment. The polymeric modified microplate was used for high-throughput DNA extraction and direct molecular amplification for pathogen detection. High-throughput DNA extraction no longer requires cumbersome equipment.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Fmb14 ameliorates hyperuricemia-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis via NLRP3 inflammasome cascade inhibition

Hyperuricemia is a high-risk factor for the development of gout and renal fibrosis, but the adverse effects of hyperuricemia on the liver have been seriously neglected. This research investigated the ameliorating effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Fmb14 on hyperuricemia induced liver dysfunction both in vitro and in vivo. Cell free extracts of high dose L. rhamnosus Fmb14 treatment reduced the death rate of HepG2 cell lines from 24.1 % to 14.9 % by inhibiting NLRP3 recruitment, which was mainly activated by reactive oxygen species release and mitochondrial membrane potential disorder. In purine dietary induced hyperuricemia (PDIH) mice model, liver oedema and pyroptosis were ameliorated after L. rhamnosus Fmb14 administration through downregulating the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and gasdermin-D from 1.61 to 0.86, 3.15 to 1.01 and 5.63 to 2.02, respectively. L. rhamnosus Fmb14 administration restored mitochondrial inner membrane protein (MPV17) and connexin 43 from 2.83 and 0.73 to 0.80 and 0.98 respectively in PDIH mice, indicating that dysbiosis of mitochondrial membrane potential was restored in liver. Intriguingly, PDIH pyroptosis stimulates the process of apoptosis, which leads to severe leakage of hepatocytes, and both of pyroptosis and apoptosis were decreased after L. rhamnosus Fmb14 treatment. Therefore, L. rhamnosus Fmb14 is a promising biological resource to maintain homeostasis of the liver in hyperuricemia and the prevention of subsequent complications.

Chemical Composition, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil from Tetracarpidium Conophorum Leaves

Essential oil extracted using solvent free microwave extraction method from the leaves of T. conophorum was evaluated for its chemical composition, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities for the first time.

Antibiosis and GC-MS of secondary metabolites of rhizosphere bacteria from Manatee foodplants in the humic freshwater ecosystem of Eniong river, Nigeria

Microorganisms are able to synthesize secondary metabolites of various structures and bioactivities. These metabolites are produced to help the organism compete successfully with other organisms in their natural habitat and adapt with changing environmental milieu. The ability of rhizosphere bacteria (Bacillus subtilis NC_000964.3 and Pseu-domonas aeruginosa NC_002516.2) isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Manatee food plants Mimosa pygra, Ipomeoa aquatica and Pistia stratoites to inhibit the growth of human pathogens (P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus and B. subtilis) was evaluated using standard methods. It was observed that the growth extracts of B. subtilis strains M5, M8 and P7 and P. aeruginosa strains I3 and M9 contained useful bioactive compound. GC-MS analysis of the cell -free methanol extract of the antibiotic producing bacterial strains was also evaluated and the results showed that their inhibitory potentials against bacterial pathogens are due to the presence of phenylethyl alcohol, 2-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, bicyclo [4.2.0] octa-1,3,5-triene and 4-amino-2-methyl-5,6-dimethyl pyrimidine for B. subtilis and 3,4-dimethyl tetrahydrofuran, 4,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-5- heptenoic acid and 2,4-dimethyl-4-heptanol for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These strains of rhizosphere bacteria may be exploited to produce new antibiotics.

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation through CO2 sequestration via an engineered Bacillus subtilis

BackgroundMicrobially induced calcium carbonate precipitation has been extensively researched for geoengineering applications as well as diverse uses within the built environment. Bacteria play a crucial role in producing calcium carbonate minerals, via enzymes including carbonic anhydrase—an enzyme with the capability to hydrolyse CO2, commonly employed in carbon capture systems. This study describes previously uncharacterised carbonic anhydrase enzyme sequences capable of sequestering CO2 and subsequentially generating CaCO3 biominerals and suggests a route to produce carbon negative cementitious materials for the construction industry.ResultsHere, Bacillus subtilis was engineered to recombinantly express previously uncharacterised carbonic anhydrase enzymes from Bacillus megaterium and used as a whole cell catalyst allowing this novel bacterium to sequester CO2 and convert it to calcium carbonate. A significant decrease in CO2 was observed from 3800 PPM to 820 PPM upon induction of carbonic anhydrase and minerals recovered from these experiments were identified as calcite and vaterite using X-ray diffraction. Further experiments mixed the use of this enzyme (as a cell free extract) with Sporosarcina pasteurii to increase mineral production whilst maintaining a comparable level of CO2 sequestration.ConclusionRecombinantly produced carbonic anhydrase successfully sequestered CO2 and converted it into calcium carbonate minerals using an engineered microbial system. Through this approach, a process to manufacture cementitious materials with carbon sequestration ability could be developed.

A promising eco-sustainable wound dressing based on cellulose extracted from Spartium junceum L. and impregnated with Glycyrrhiza glabra L extract: Design, production and biological properties

Glycyrrhiza glabra extract is widely known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the wound healing process. The aim of this work was to shorten the time of the healing process by using an eco-sustainable wound dressing based on Spanish broom flexible cellulosic fabric by impregnation with G. glabra extract-loaded ethosomes. Chemical analysis of G. glabra extract was performed by LC-DAD-MS/MS and its encapsulation into ethosomes was obtained using the ethanol injection method. Lipid vesicles were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, and stability. In vitro release studies, biocompatibility, and scratch test on 3T3 fibroblasts were performed. Moreover, the structure of Spanish broom dressing and its ability to absorb wound exudate was characterized by Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast microtomography (SR-PCmicroCT). Ethosomes showed a good entrapment efficiency, nanometric size, good stability over time and a slow release of polyphenols compared to the free extract, and were not cytotoxic. Lastly, the results revealed that Spanish broom wound dressing loaded with G. glabra ethosomes is able to accelerate wound closure by reducing wound healing time. To sum up, Spanish broom wound dressing could be a potential new green tool for biomedical applications.

Multishaped bio-gold polyphenols bearing nanoparticles to promote inflammatory suppression

Green synthesis from plant waste involves the generation of functional nanoparticles (NPs), offering significant potential for a wide range of applications. Numerous studies have focused on the use of plant extracts to produce AuNPs suitable for various applications in the medical field, particularly in photothermal therapy and cancer therapy, owing to their plasmonic properties. Moreover, NP-mediated immunostimulation and immunosuppression is an intriguing field of research, focusing on how manipulation of NP physicochemical properties can influence their inter-action with immune cells and immune modulation. However, to date, few investigations have been conducted on the modulation of the inflammatory response mediated by green-synthesized nanostructures. To this aim, we synthesized AuNPs using extracts of Laurus nobilis, which exhibit high crystallinity and are inherently coated by a dense network of polyphenols, thus maintaining stability on their surface through the green synthesis approach. Then, in order to explore how these green-synthesized nanostructures can enhance or suppress the inflammatory cellular responses, we investigated the response of free polyphenols and AuNPs@polyphenols in murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), by means of morphomechanical analysis and biochemical assays. Our findings demonstrated that DCs exposed to both free polyphenol extract and AuNPs@polyphenols were able to inhibit the secretion of crucial inflammatory mediators in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Therefore, polyphenols immobilized on Au surface were more effective in the inflammation suppression. These evidence paving the way for a powerful strategy to develop edible anti-inflammatory adjuvants, overcoming the limitations associated with the use of free polyphenols in clinical practice.

Production and characterization of soy polysaccharide film enriched with free and nano-encapsulated watercress extract

Production and characterization of soy polysaccharide film enriched with free and nano-encapsulated watercress extract

Chemical Quality of Silage Mixture of Sorghum Bicolor (Andropogon Bicolor L. Roxb) and Gamal (Gliricidia Sepium) Leaves with Different Ratios

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical quality of silage mixture of sorghum bicolor (Andropogon bicolor L. roxb) and gamal leaves with different ratios. A completely randomised design (4×4) was applied with four different ratios tried, namely, P0: sorghum bicolor silage without gamal leaves; P1: mixed silage 80% sorghum bicolor + 20% gamal leaves, P2: mixed silage 70% sorghum bicolor + 30% gamal leaves and P3: mixed silage 60% sorghum bicolor + 40% gamal leaves. The variables studied included crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and gross energy (GE) content. The study showed the silage characteristics of P0, P1, P2 and P3 for CP (%) 11.38; 13.71; 14.83 and 15.10; CF (%) 22.53; 21.47; 20.54 and 20.43; NFE (%) 43.56; 42.37; 42.26 and 42.22; GE (kcal/kg DM) 3491.18; 3540.60; 3580.37 and 3588.86, respectively. The results of variance analysis showed that the treatment had a very significant effect (P<0.01) on CP and CF content but not significant (P>0.05) on NFE and GE. It was concluded that silage mixture of sorghum bicolor and gamal leaves up to 60:40 increased CP content and decreased CF and gave the same NFE and GE content compared to sorghum bicolor silage without gamal leaves.

Musa acuminata free tepal (MAFT) crop- mediated synthesis of copper oxide nanocatalyst (MAFT-CuO nanocatalyst): Investigation of aerobic oxidation and dye decolourization via eco-friendly approach

Crop development is used to address environmental problems in the industry. Environmental pollutants, particularly humble or toxic chemicals and dyes, are contaminants in industrial wastewater. Recently, green technology has become important for controlling the chemical risks associated with environmental issues. This study focused on valuable crop materials to form green catalysts that can be used to control chemical toxicity in industrial wastewater. In this study, Musa acuminata-free tepal (MAFT) crops and musa were used to mediate the formation of copper nanocatalyst for environmental pollution. The synthesised nanocatalyst was analysed by XPS, XRD, TEM, SEM, FT-IR, GC-EI-MS, and TGA-DSC. The production of Cu–O in the 512 cm−1 peak range was verified by FT-IR analysis. The XRD peaks associated with the cubic crystalline structures of copper (110) and (200) were used to confirm the Musa acuminata-free tepal CuO nanocatalyst. The SEM images of the Cu and CuO nanocatalyst in the Musa acuminata free tepal showed that the particles were almost spherical. The size of the synthesised Musa acuminata free tepal CuO nanocatalyst core-shell nanostructures was identified using HR-TEM. GC-MS investigations also verified the aerobic oxidation of the main alcohol to aldehyde, with a retention time of 30.34. The MAFT was 80 % of CBB G250 dye decolourised at 24 h, and the MAFT-CuO nanocatalyst was decolourised the CBB G250 dye at 80 % in 20 min and aerobic oxidation at the same time (dual application). Furthermore, our nanocatalyst could be effectively recycled without significant loss of catalytic activity, and the use of safe, environmentally benign MAFT-Cu and CuO nanocatalyst is considered a green chemistry approach that helps avoid wastewater treatment. MAFT-Cu and CuO nanocatalyst were successfully synthesised using Musa acuminata free tepal extract assisted by reflux sample preparation system instruments as a new, green, eco-friendly, and fast process for nanocatalyst synthesis. In the past, there have been no reported applications of MAFT-Cu and CuO nanocatalyst for decolourisation and aerobic oxidation. Nevertheless, we were able to accomplish these procedures with the help of CuO and MAFT-Cu nanocatalyst. Therefore, the most effective naturally occurring environmental catalysts for aerobic oxidation processes are MAFT-CuO nanocatalyst. They are non-toxic and environmentally benign, exhibit strong aerobic oxidation catalytic performance, and have long-lasting benefits for water quality. Additionally, they are more recoverable and biodegradable.

New insights into the potential cardioprotective effects of telmisartan and nanoformulated extract of Spirulina platensis via regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in an experimental model.

Cardiotoxicity is one of the limiting side effects of the commonly used anticancer agent cyclophosphamide (Cyclo). The possible protective effects of telmisartan and nanoformulated Spirulina platensis (Sp) methanolic extract against Cyclo-induced cardiotoxicity were examined in this study. Experimental groups of rats were randomly divided into nine groups as control vehicle, control polymer, telmisartan (TEL, 10mg/kg), free Sp extract (300mg/kg), nano Sp extract (100mg/kg), Cyclo (200mg/kg), TEL + Cyclo, free Sp + Cyclo, and nano Sp + Cyclo. The groups with Cyclo combinations were treated in the same manner as their corresponding ones without Cyclo, with a single dose of Cyclo on day 18. The results indicate that Cyclo causes significant cardiotoxicity, manifesting in the form of notable increases of 155.49%, 105.74%, 451.76%, and 826.07% in the serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) enzyme activities, respectively, as compared to the control. In addition, the cardiac glutathione (GSH) content and activity of glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) enzyme decreased by 65.94% and 73.85%, respectively. Treatment with nano Sp extract showed the most prominent restorations of the altered biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features as compared with those by TEL and free Sp; moreover, reductions of 30.64% and 43.02% in the p-AKT content as well as 60.43% and 75.30% of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) immunoreactivity were detected in the TEL and free Sp treatment groups, respectively. Interestingly, nano Sp boosted the autophagy signal via activation of beclin-1 (36.42% and 153.4%), activation of LC3II (69.13% and 195%), downregulation of p62 expressions (39.68% and 62.45%), and increased gene expressions of paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) (90.3% and 225.9%) compared to the TEL and free Sp treatment groups, respectively. The findings suggest the protective efficiency of telmisartan and nano Sp extract against cardiotoxicity via activations of the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and autophagy signaling pathways.

Innovative optimization for maximum magnetic nanoparticles production by Trichoderma asperellum with evaluation of their antibacterial activity, and application in sustainable dye decolorization

A pioneer microbial-based synthesis of various nanoparticles is gaining more attention due to their potent applications in various industries. The magnetic nanoparticles (M-nps) were fabricated for the first-time using the cell free extract of Trichoderma asperellum. The M-nps bioprocess optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network.The bioprocess was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by pH, stirring speed, and incubation period. The M-nps displayed a strong antibacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus were respectively found to be 25.0, 6.25, and 3.125 µg/ml. While the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 25.0, 12.5, and 6.25 µg/ml. The highest inhibition zone of 22 mm was recorded for B. subtilis at 80 µg/ml with MIC and MBC of 3.125 µg/ml. The sodium alginate/M-nps microbeads was successfully prepared without any crosslinkers. The microbeads exhibited the highest adsorptive efficiency (84.32%) for malachite green at pH 8.0, dose 0.1 g, and time 60 min. The experimental data were superlative fitted to Langmuir’s isotherm, hinting monolayer adsorption of MG molecules with 117.65 mg g‐−1 adsorptive capacity. The regenerated beads continued up-to six consecutive cycles and maintained more than 90%, indicating the multiple time use of the prepared material. Hence, the green magnetic nanoparticles display promising application in combating bacterial pathogens. The magnetic microbeads can be employed as an alternative eco-friendly, highly efficient, sustainable, and low-cost biosorbent in removing contaminants from wastewater.

Effect of soaking mangrove fruit (Sonneratia alba) with lime water on crude protein, crude fiber, and nitrogen free extract content as a ruminant feed

The mangrove plant is among the strees found growing in the seaside zone, one part by the mangrove plant that Could be utilized as livestock feed for ruminants is mangrove fruit. Mangrove fruit is usually rarely used so it only rots and pollutes the coast. The aim in thus study is to see effects by mangrove fruit tannin reduction with lime water on crude protein, crude fiber, and NFE content. This study used 4x3 Faktorial pattern group randominsation plan using 2 seplicates. The first factor is the concentration by lime water with 4 levels, that is T1 (1% lime water), T2 (3% lime water), T3 (5% lime water), T4 (7% lime water). The second factor is different soaking times with 3 times, namely 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 30 minutes. The conclusion of the research on soaking mangrove fruit with lime water gives a very significantly different effect on crude protein, crude fibre, and NFE content. The highest crude protein content is in the A1B1 treatment with a grade of 8.1%, the best crude fibre was in the A3B3 treatment with a value of 24.91%, and NFE was in the A1B1 treatment with a value of 58.07%.

USE OF SUMO-EXPRESSION SYSTEM AND SUMO-PROTEASE FOR PRODUCTION OF ACTIVE INTERFERON α-2b

Recombinant proteins production in prokaryotic expression systems is often complicated by need of native, N-terminal formylmethionine free molecule extraction, refolding, and processing. To facilitate these stages, alternative expression systems and fusion of target proteins are being used, in particular the SUMO system. Aim. This research aimed to verify a feasibility of SUMO-protease and SUMO-expression system using to produce active interferon α-2b. The goal was to increase both expression and total yield of the target protein and enhance its quality characteristics, particularly its purity and medical safety, for potential application in acute respiratory diseases treating. Methods. The obtained SUMO-protease and SUMO-interferon hybrid protein, as well as the proteolytic reaction were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and HPLC techniques. The results confirmed that SUMO system appliance enhanced protein expression level, refolding efficiency; as well, it was useful for purification costs reduction. Conclusion. The proteolytic reaction efficiency was close to 100 %.

Kinetic modelling of glycolytic oscillations.

Glycolytic oscillations have been studied for well over 60 years, but aspects of their function, and mechanisms of regulation and synchronisation remain unclear. Glycolysis is amenable to mechanistic mathematical modelling, as its components have been well characterised, and the system can be studied at many organisational levels: in vitro reconstituted enzymes, cell free extracts, individual cells, and cell populations. In recent years, the emergence of individual cell analysis has opened new ways of studying this intriguing system.

Proximate Composition and Phytochemical Content of Solvent Extracted Roasted Castor Seed Meal from Oriire Local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The proximate composition and phytochemical content of solvent extracted roasted castor seed meal from Oriire Local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria was determined using appropriate standard methods. The meal were found to contain 14.28% moisture, 24.48% crude protein, 3.46% crude fibre, 23.29% ether extract,5.71% ash,85.72% dry matter, nitrogen free extract and gross energy values were 56.91% and 5724kcal/kg respectively. The results of anti-nutritional factor present in the roasted solvent extracted castor seed meal revealed that it contained 0.13% ricin, 0.83% phytate and 0.38% oxalate. Based on the results of this study, roasted solvent extracted castor seed meal can be potential source of protein in the diet of monogastric animals.

Stabilization of antioxidant thyme-leaves extract (Thymus vulgaris) within biopolymers and its application in functional bread formulation

The aim of this study was to stabilize the antioxidant compounds of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extract by spray-drying process and MD, WPC and MD-WPC carriers at different temperatures (120 and 150°С). Then, the optimal encapsulated sample was used in different ratios (1, 2, 3 and 5% w/w) to fortify pan-breads. The highest production yield (∼68 %) was obtained in the extract encapsulated with MD-WPC at 150°С. The values of moisture (3.2–4.1 %) and water activity (0.28–0.33) indicated the microbial stability of the powders. The functional characteristics of the particles (solubility and wettability) were affected by the composition and nature of the carriers. Also, the use of WPC led to an increase in physical stability, encapsulation efficiency (∼84 %), TPC (4.4 mgGAE/g) and antioxidant activity (∼77 %). The results of SEM and staining of the samples respectively indicated the effect of the process parameters on the morphology and the placement of the phenolic compounds within carrier's matrix. The physicochemical, textural characteristics, color indices (crumb and crust) and antioxidant activity of fortified breads were affected by the ratio of added free and spray-dried extract. The evaluation of sensory indices (color, texture, chewiness, taste and overall acceptance) indicated the ability to fortify bread with 3 % spray-dried extract.

A novel immobilized magnetic neutral protease used in extraction of protein from streptomycin residue: Preparation, characterization and application

Antibiotic residue is a hazardous waste which contains much protein; the extraction of protein from antibiotic residue using neutral protease is an effective utilization path of antibiotic residue. In this work, an immobilized magnetic neutral protease (IMNP) was successfully prepared by immobilizing free neutral protease on the surface of magnetic carrier, and characterized by a series of analysis methods (SEM, BET, FTIR, TGA, XRD, and VSM). IMNP can retain > 90 % enzyme activity of free neutral protease and extract ∼36 % protein from streptomycin residue within 4 h at the optimal extraction condition (water content in antibiotic residue = 97.5 %, IMNP loading = 5 %, pH = 7.0, and extraction temperature = 50 ℃). The loss of neutral protease from the surface of IMNP and the possible poisoning of IMNP caused by the toxic substances in the streptomycin residue significantly affected the relative enzyme activity of IMNP (29.4 % enzyme activity of IMNP lost after 6th use). IMNP showed better storage performance, pH and thermal tolerance performance than those of free neutral protease.

Effect of Varying Feeding Formulas on The Growth Performance of Buffalo Heifers

The present experiment was conducted at dairy farm during the year 2020-21 at CSAUA&amp;T Kanpur. The growth rate of buffalo heifers is a major problem at dairy farms. Twelve buffalo heifers were selected for digestibility that on a nutrition slide sample contains 86.50% DM, 20.10 %CP, 2.00 EE, 15.5% CF, 52.70% NFE and 9.50%Ash. The average dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight was (6.34, 5.44, 7.06 kg) the digestibility coefficient of DM was recorded (61.40, 59.95, 62.77) and digestibility coefficient of CP (63.55, 61.78, 65.77) and digestibility coefficient of CF (56.11, 54.75, 58.99) and digestibility coefficient of EE (64.89, 64.39, 67.52) and digestibility coefficient of NFE (64.06, 62.58, 65.75) and digestibility coefficient of Organic matter (64.45, 62.75, 66.99). The average live weight in buffalo heifers was increased (627.04, 610.44, 687.73) g per day in group I, II and III groups respectively. The growth parameters were statistically significant. Group III was shown better performance in respect of growth parameters in other groups I and II from the present study, it was apparent that the extra concentrate to be added in diet for proper development of growing heifers, III group was higher in growth. Digestibility coefficients of Dry matter, Crude Fiber, Ether extract, Nitrogen free extract and Organic matter were also higher in group III.

Impact of dietary supplementation of Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract on the growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal microbial count of “japanese quails”

This research was carried out to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation of Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract (RPL) on the growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal microbial count of “japanese quails”. 300-2 weeks old “japanese quails” were allocated sixty birds per group and group treatment had four replicates (15 quails per replicate). Corn-soya meal (basal diet) was formulated according to the nutritional needs of birds (NRC, 1994). Quails in group 1(G1) was fed basal diet with no R. prinoides leaf extract, G2, G3, G4 and G5 were fed basal diet with 0.2 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.6 mL and 0.8 mL respectively. Result on the bioactive components in RPL revealed the presence of 15 bioactive compounds with pharmacological properties. Outcome on average daily weight gain showed that G3 (3.20 g), G4 (3.23 g) and G5 (3.24 g) were higher (P &lt; 0.05) relative to G2 (3.06 g) and G1 (2.21 g). These groups also had a better feed conversion ratio (G3, G4 and G5). Average daily feed intake which varied from 703.81-708.33 g were not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) different among the group. Mortality was recorded only among quails in group 1 (2.0%) (P &lt; 0.05). Dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and nitrogen free extracts which varied from 70.12-86.57%, 58.70-68.91% and 50.62-66.05% were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in G3, G4 and G5, intermediate in G2 and lowest in G1. Conversely, crude fibre values were higher in G1 relative to the other groups. Population of Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus sp. count in the gut were lower in G2, G3, G4 and G5 relative to G1 while Lactobacillus sp. count were lowest in G1 (P &lt; 0.05). It was concluded that RPL can be feed to quails up to 0.8 mL/L without causing any negative effect on the growth performance and health status of birds.