Group T1 Research Articles

Inclusion of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Meal on the Performance of Vanaraja Birds

The present study was carried out with the objective of studying the reproductive performance, blood constituents and economics of rearing Vanaraja birds as influenced by the dietary inclusion of linseed meal. The study was conducted at the poultry unit of the department. A total of 120 female Vanaraja chicks were reared for a period of nine months and were randomly divided into four treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4) of 30 birds, each having five replications per treatment following a randomized block design. They were subjected to four dietary levels of linseed meal, containing 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%, respectively. The birds were reared under a deep litter system up to 8 weeks of age and thereafter in cages following standard management practices. Initial body weight was recorded at 1 day old, and thereafter it was recorded fortnightly. Feed intake and egg production were recorded daily. The control group had higher egg production, clutch size, and egg weight. Higher yolk weight, albumen weight, and yolk cholesterol were recorded in T3, while group T4 had the maximum HU. The lowest cholesterol and triglycerides were recorded in T4, while the highest HDL and lowest LDL were observed in the control group. The cost of production was highest in T4 and lowest in T2, while higher net profit per bird and net profit per gain were recorded in T3 as compared to the control group.

Efficacy of Supplementary Feeding of Bypass Fat and Area Specific Mineral Mixture on the Production and Reproductive Performance in Milch Buffaloes

Background: Bypass fat, also called rumen-protected fat, boosts dairy animals¢energy for better milk production and health. Mineral deficiency is a leading cause of poor growth, weakened immunity, lower milk yield and reproductive issues in dairy animals. Considering the aforementioned details, an on farm trial was undertaken at farmer’s field to assess the effectiveness of bypass fat and mineral mixture on overall performance of milch buffalo. Methods: Twenty lactating Murrah buffaloes reared under farmer's field were selected and distributed equally in two groups of ten buffaloes in each group, i.e. T1 (control) and T2 (supplementation bypass fat @ 100 g and minerals mixture @ 50 g/day/ buffalo beside the farmer practices). Result: The outcome of study revealed that the additional of bypass fat and a mineral mixture had no effect on the weights of the buffaloes undergoing the experiment. Supplementation of bypass fat and mineral mixture did not influence the DM intake (in terms of kg/d and DMI %) in lactating buffalo. The mean milk yield during supplementation period was determined 10.19 ±0.36 and 12.13±0.43 l/day in group T1 and T2, respectively; which was 19.04 per cent higher in group T2 than the control. The average length of the postpartum estrus cycle (62.20±5.86 days) and service period (82.49±7.46 days) was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced in supplemented group than control (86.40±11.57 days and 131.00±12.33 days, respectively) at farmer¢s field. AI per conception was also observed to be significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in non-supplemented group than the supplemented group. AI per conceptions in supplemented group and control group was recorded 1.39±0.33 and 2.71±0.44, respectively. It could be inferred from the observations that the feeding of bypass fat and area-specific mineral mixture in the diet significantly (P less than 0.05) improved the yield of milk and its composition as well as postpartum reproductive performance in milch buffalo at farmer’s field.

Effect of butyrine glycerides on the performance metrics and egg quality in laying pullets

The chicken feed industry is very much interested in creating innovative solutions to address the issue of safer animal products due to the increasing customer demand and the prohibition on utilizing antibiotic growth boosters. Organic acids, especially butyric acid, when added to chicken diets, have several beneficial effects on health, productivity, and egg quality. These factors may lead to their substitution in animal production systems for antibiotics. The study was determined the effects of butyrine glycerides (BAG) supplementation on various aspects of egg production and egg quality in laying pullets. Three dietary treatments were randomly assigned to 48 NovoGen Brown laying pullets at 24 weeks of age. For eighteen weeks, the chickens were kept in a three-tiered pyramid-style cage. The chickens in the control group (T1) were fed a basal diet; in groups T2 and T3, the basal diet was supplemented with 0.033% and 0.066% butyrine glycerides, respectively. Throughout the 12 weeks trial, measurements were made of the quantity and weight of eggs laid, feed conversion, and egg quality. Dietary supplementation of butyrine glycerides contributed to a significantly (p<0.001) increased in the egg production, egg weight and egg mass in laying pullets. Similarly, egg quality parameters did not affect significantly except shell percentage, albumen index and Haugh unit at 28th weeks of supplementation. Taken altogether, it is said that BAG positively impacted the laying performances and egg quality of laying pullets. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (2): 31-39, 2024

Efecto del Consumo del Extracto del Fruto “Camu Camu” en la Integridad del ADN Espermático de Ratones Pretratados con Dosis Única de Ciclofosfamida

Introduction: Myrciaria dubia known as “camu camu” is a fruit that grows in the Amazon and its main characteristic is its high content of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid has a protective role in spermatogenesis as it is a compound that has excellent reducing action. The purpose of this research was to evaluate in vivo the cytoprotective capacity of the aqueous extract of the fruit of Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh “camu-camu” against the mutagenic damage produced by the antineoplastic drug cyclophosphamide (CP) on the male germ line. Methodology: Mice (n= 60) were divided into five treatment groups: T1= negative control (without treatment); T2 ingested the aqueous extract (10mgkg-1), T3 ingested the aqueous extract (50mgkg-1), T4 ingested the aqueous extract (100mgkg-1); T5 is the positive control. All of them were injected with a single dose of CP (50 mgkg-1) intraperitoneally. Treatment with camu-camu continued for 45 days, then the mice were euthanized to determine sperm quality and the frequency of DNA damage using the Index protocol. Sperm DNA fragmentation – Halomax protocol. Results: The effect of camu-camu extract was observed in all trials (p< 0.05) compared to the negative control. Group T4, which was administered the highest concentration of the aqueous extract of the fruit, evidenced the cytoprotective effect of camu-camu (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The damaging effect on DNA due to the oxidative action of CP could be inhibited by the aqueous extract of the “camu camu” fruit.

Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) on Production, Fatty Acid Profile and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

Phytogenic feed additives play an important role in broilers' nutrition, contributing to the improvement of the performance and quality of meat. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) on broiler chicken production, fatty acid profile, and meat quality. In the present study, 140-day-old Vencob-400 broiler chicks were divided into 7 groups, including the control group (with no additives, T0), and T1 to T6 groups receiving varying concentrations of cinnamon and ginger. Accordingly, the chickens’ diet in T1 was supplemented with 1.0% cinnamon, T2 with 2.0% cinnamon, T3 with 3.0% cinnamon, T4 with 1.0% ginger, T5 with 2.0% ginger, and T6 with 3.0% ginger, all calculated based on dry matter. The carcass traits, weight of immune organs, organoleptic tests, and fatty acid profile of meat (breast and thigh) were recorded after the age of 42 days. The findings indicated that the breast and thigh had the highest organ weights in group T4 compared to other groups, however, the neck, back, drumstick, wing, and heart were not affected. The inclusion of 2% cinnamon (T2) and 1% ginger (T4) in the diet, significantly enhanced the color, texture, flavor, juiciness, and overall acceptability of the meat, compared to the diet of the control group. Adding a supplement of 2% cinnamon or 1% ginger powder to the diet of broiler chickens significantly decreased the percentage of total saturated fatty acid and increased the total unsaturated fatty acid (breast and thigh). The improvement in fatty acid composition is beneficial for the quality of the broiler meat. Based on these findings, it is recommended to supplement the diet of the broiler with either 2% cinnamon or 1% ginger powder to improve the carcass parameters and quality of the meat.

Applying conditioners to address the issues of carbon loss and cadmium pollution in the karst paddy-oil crop system

The fragile ecosystem and unique parent material in the karst region lead to severe carbon loss and cadmium pollution. Additionally, the rice-oilseed rotation system exacerbates the accumulation of cadmium in crops. Therefore, it is necessary to find a sustainable land use approach that ensures crop quality while promoting soil carbon sequestration. This article provides an overview of cutting-edge technologies to enhance soil carbon sequestration capacity, and it discovers that the application of amendments has a significant effect on reducing cadmium content in crops and improving soil organic carbon levels. Through experimental analysis, The results indicate that the conditioner in group T4 (Humic acids) can effectively passivate cadmium elements in the soil, reducing the cadmium content in rice and rapeseed tissues. Overall, our research indicates that humic acid amendments not only enhance soil carbon sequestration capacity but also significantly reduce cadmium content in crops and increase crop yields. These findings highlight the significant value of humic acid amendments in the rice-oilseed rotation system in the karst region, providing scientific evidence and theoretical support for promoting sustainable development in the area.

Fracture resistance of hybrid ceramic abutments with different restoration lengths: A pilot study.

In this pilot study, the fracture resistance of hybrid abutments with different restoration lengths was investigated. Sixteen monolithic zirconia restorations of an upper right incisor were designed to fit a titanium base abutment. Eight central incisors had a crown length of 8 mm (T1) and the other half a length of 12 mm (T2). All crowns were cemented on the titanium base using a resin cement. After cementation, the samples were placed in a thermocycler for 5000 cycles. Fracture strength was measured using a universal test machine. Deformations and fractures of the samples were investigated. The mean fracture resistance of T1 was 515 N (SD 96 N, 339-650) and 305 N (SD 57 N, 234-408) for T2 (p < 0.001). Both groups showed deformation of the titanium base, with no significant difference between both groups (p = 0.200). A difference in fracture type (p = 0.013) was observed, with significantly more screw fractures occurring in group T1 (p = 0.026). Within the limitations of this study, hybrid restorations with standard titanium base abutments can withstand forces that have been associated with chewing, irrespective of the crown length. However, the shorter crowns demonstrated more fatal fractures.

HOLOTHURIA SCABRA METHANOL EXTRACT INHIBITS CANCER GROWTH THROUGH TGF-β/PI3K/PTEN SIGNALING PATHWAY IN BREAST CANCER MICE MODEL.

Molecules and cytokines can be targeted in cancer therapy. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine that acts on protein kinase receptors in the plasma membrane. The signaling pathway of TGF-β can trigger the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, a signal transduction pathway important in cancer growth and development. However, this PI3K/AKT cascade can be inhibited by phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) tumor suppressor genes. To determine the inhibitory effect of Holothuria scabra methanol extract (HSE) on breast cancer growth through the TGF-β/PI3K pathways and PTEN tumor suppressor gene on a breast cancer (BC) mice model. Female C57BL6 mice were subcutaneously injected with carcinogen DMBA 1 mg/kg body weight (BW) and fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6): negative control (NC) administered with a standard diet, positive control (PC) administered with DMBA and HFD, and three treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) treated with HSE doses of 0.33, 0.66, and 0.99 g/kg BW for 12 weeks. TGF-β concentration in the blood serum of mice was assessed by ELISA and the PIK3CA and PTEN gene expression by qRT-PCR. The treatment with HSE resulted in a significant decrease in TGF-β concentrations in the blood sera of treatment groups T1 (35.31 ± 17.33), T2 (43.31 ± 17.42), and T3 (48.67 ± 20.94) pg/mL compared to the PC group (162.09 ± 11.60) pg/mL (p < 0.001). However, only HSE at a dose of 0.99 g/kg BW decreased the PIK3CA gene expression (p = 0.026), and at a dose of 0.66 g/kg BW increased the PTEN expression up to 4.93-fold. HSE is capable of inhibiting the TGF-β/PIK3CA pathway and increasing the PTEN gene expression.

Effect of Feeding Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on the Growth and Performance of Osmanabadi Kids

The study was conducted at Goat Research Project, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani. Eighteen Osmanabadi kids were selected and were allocated to three experimental groups based on concentrate feed replacement with Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder (MOLP) i.e., T0 (0%), T1(10%) and T2 (20%). The study lasted for 90 days in intensive rearing system. The averages for weekly body weight (Kg) of kids fed with MOLP for group T0, T1 and T2 at the end of 13th week were 14.40±0.36, 14.86±0.47 and 16.40±0.45 kg, respectively depicting significantly higher values for T2 group than Ti group whereas non-significant difference between T0 and T1 group. The weekly body weight gain was 0.39±0.01, 0.40±0.01 and 0.54± 0.01 kg, respectively while the daily weight gain observed were 55.95±2.07, 56.90±1.31 and 76.64±1.67 gm respectively with highly significant difference between T2 group as compared to T1 and T0 group. The mean values for weekly and daily feed intake for groups T0, T1 and T2 were 70.95±0.43 and 10.14±0.06, 71.38±0.41 and 10.20±0.06, and 70.40±0.06, and 10.06±0.01 kg, respectively. The feed conversion efficiency (FCR) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) better in T2 (6.49±0.00) as compared to T1 (8.82±0.03) and T0 (8.93±0.04). There was higher growth performance of Osmanabadi kids in T2 treatment group as compared to T1 and T0 groups. It can be concluded that the concentrate feed can be replaced up to 20% by Moringa oleifera leaf powder in Osmanabadi kids reared intensively without any adverse effect on growth.

Brain structural and functional abnormalities associated with acute post-traumatic headache: iron deposition and functional connectivity

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to interrogate brain iron accumulation in participants with acute post-traumatic headache (PTH) due to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and to determine if functional connectivity is affected in areas with iron accumulation. We aimed to examine the correlations between iron accumulation and headache frequency, post-concussion symptom severity, number of mTBIs, and time since most recent TBI.MethodsSixty participants with acute PTH and 60 age-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging including quantitative T2* maps and resting-state functional connectivity imaging. Between group T2* differences were determined using T-tests (p < 0.005, cluster size threshold of 90 voxels). For regions with T2* differences, two analyses were conducted. First, the correlations with clinical variables including headache frequency, number of lifetime mTBIs, time since most recent mTBI, and Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) symptom severity scale scores were investigated using linear regression. Second, the functional connectivity of these regions with the rest of the brain was examined (significance of p < 0.05 with family wise error correction for multiple comparisons).ResultsThe acute PTH group consisted of 60 participants (22 male, 38 female) with average age of 42 ± 14 years. The HC group consisted of 60 age-matched controls (17 male, 43 female, average age of 42 ± 13). PTH participants had lower T2* values compared to HC in the left posterior cingulate and the bilateral cuneus. Stronger functional connectivity was observed between bilateral cuneus and right cerebellar areas in PTH compared to HC. Within the PTH group, linear regression showed negative associations of T2* in the left posterior cingulate with SCAT symptom severity score (p = 0.05) and T2* in the left cuneus with headache frequency (p = 0.04).ConclusionsIron accumulation in posterior cingulate and cuneus was observed in those with acute PTH relative to HC; stronger functional connectivity was detected between the bilateral cuneus and the right cerebellum. The correlations of decreased T2* (suggesting higher iron content) with headache frequency and post mTBI symptom severity suggest that the iron accumulation that results from mTBI might reflect the severity of underlying mTBI pathophysiology and associate with post-mTBI symptom severity including PTH.

Evaluation of dietary Fe on juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var. specularis) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort) in recirculating aquaponic system

In this study, we assessed the effects of dietary Fe level on the growth performance, nutritional status and health condition of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var. specularis) (12.59 ± 1.73 g), production and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort) in recirculating aquaponic system for a 60-day feeding trial. Five semi-purified diets with ferrous sulfate as the iron source were used in the feeding trail, which were: T1 (53.81 mg Fe/kg); T2 (118.83 mg Fe/kg); T3 (209.24 mg Fe/kg); T4 (328.44 mg Fe/kg); T5 (498.74 mg Fe/kg). The findings indicated the following: (1) The growth results showed that compare to other groups, the weight gain of mirror carp in Group T2 was the highest, and the feed conversion ratio was the lowest (P < 0.05). (2) The body composition results showed that muscle crude fat and crude protein of the mirror carp significantly increase in the T2 group compared to the T1 group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the C20:5n-3 levels in both the T2 and T3 groups were significantly higher than that of T1 group (P < 0.05). (3) Group T2 exhibited the highest liver superoxide dismutase activity, with significantly elevated catalase activity compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), and the liver malondialdehyde content in group T2 was significantly lower than the T4 and T5 groups (P < 0.05). (4) The morphological measurements of intestinal tissues in mirror carp showed that compared to Group T1 and Group T5, Group T2 exhibited the highest villus length and muscular layer thickness (P < 0.05). (5) The lowest yield of lettuce is in the T1group (3.35 kg/m2/month), and the highest yield (3.96 kg/m2/month) is in the T5 group, along with the highest chlorophyll and soluble sugar content (P < 0.05). (6) The T5 group had the highest nitrogen utilization efficiency (69.44%), while the T1 group had the lowest nitrogen utilization efficiency (58.37%). In addition, the different dietary iron levels did not adversely affect the water quality of the aquaponic systems. Based on the line regression analysis of weight gain and feed conversion ratio with feed iron content, it was found that the most suitable iron content in feed is 118.22–120.44 mg/kg, and the production and quality of lettuce will increase with the increase of feed iron content. According to the results of fish and vegetable growth, as well as nitrogen utilization efficiency, it is suggested that the dietary iron level in the feed of juvenile mirror carp utilized within aquaponic systems should ideally fall within the range of 120–200 mg/kg.

The potential of in ovo-fed amino acids to alleviate the effects of heat stress on broiler chickens: effect on performance, body temperature, and oxidative status during the finisher phase

The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential of in ovo-fed amino acids (AA) to reduce the effects of heat stress on finishing broiler chickens. To achieve this, a total of 1,400 fertile hatching eggs were randomly distributed into 5 groups (n = 280/group) and injected with one of the following in ovo treatments on embryonic day 18: 52 µL of sterile diluent/egg (CTRL), CTRL + 1.0 mg of L-Leucine (T1), CTRL + 0.45 mg of leucine + 1.15 mg of methionine (T2), CTRL + 3.0 mg of methionine + 2.0 mg of cysteine (T3), and CTRL + 0.40 mg of leucine + 1.60 mg of methionine + 1.60 mg of cysteine (T4). After hatch, chicks were allocated according to a complete randomized block design comprising 2 thermal conditions: thermoneutral (24°C, 45% RH) and heat stress (34°C, 55-60% RH) with 5 pens/group/condition. The cyclical heat stress regimen (10 h/d) was then applied from d 29 to d 34. Compared to the CTRL group, T3 and T4 exhibited a higher BW during the starter phase (P < 0.001). T4 also had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than CTRL during this same phase (P = 0.03). During the grower phase, males of all treatment groups consistently exhibited higher BW compared to the CTRL group, which was not observed among female birds (PSex × TRT = 0.005). During the finisher phase, the in ovo treatment effect on performance was not significant. However, heat-stressed birds from treatment group T3 and T4 exhibited lower facial temperatures (Pday × TRT < 0.001) as well as lower plasma (Pcondition x TRT = 0.039) and liver (Pcondition x TRT < 0.001) malonaldehyde concentrations compared to the CTRL group. In conclusion, in ovo-fed AA have the potential to modulate the effects of heat stress on finishing broiler chickens by limiting its detrimental consequences, including increased body temperature and oxidative damage.

Effect of pulp-chamber lateral wall thickness and number on fracture resistance in endocrown-restored molars: An in vitro study

Background/purposeIt remains unclear how the thickness and number of pulp-chamber lateral walls (PCLWs) affects fracture resistance in endocrown-restored teeth. Materials and methods64 mandibular molars were collected and randomly divided into eight groups (n = 8). In group C (control group), the teeth were untreated. In groups T1, T2, and T3, the teeth were subjected to endodontic treatment and restored with nanoceramic endocrowns exhibiting different PCLW thicknesses (T1: 0.5 mm, T2: 1.0 mm, and T3: 1.5 mm). In groups N1, N2, N3, and N4, the numbers of missing PCLWs in prepared teeth were one (N1), two (N2), three (N3), and four (N4). All restored teeth were subjected to axial loading until fracture using a universal testing machine. The mean fracture loads were recorded and compared by one-way analysis of variance; the fractured samples were observed under a stereo microscope. ResultsThe results showed no statistically significant differences in fracture load among groups T1, T2, and T3 (P > 0.05). Although the fracture loads gradually decreased as the number of missing PCLWs increased, there were no statistically significant differences in fracture load among groups C, N1, N2, and N3, and N4 (P > 0.05). ConclusionBoth thickness and remaining number of PCLW does not affect fracture resistance in endodontically treated molars restored with nanoceramic endocrowns.

Using lignocellulose fiber in feed to maintain health and improve the growth of post-wean piglets

This study aims to determine how adding fiber lignocellulose in feed affects performance, intestinal health, morbidity, and mortality in post-wean piglets. The animal model used was 54 piglets divided into three groups of treatments: the control group was given starter commercial feed, group T1 was given starter pig feed with added 1% lignocellulose fiber, and the T2 group was assigned starter feed with the additional 2% lignocellulose fiber. Treatment is given for 4 weeks starting at 41-68 days old. Health observations were also carried out during the research. Piglet performance is determined based on feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Examination of the health of the gastrointestinal tract by measuring the length and weight of the intestine, microscopic length of the villi and depth of the crypts, as well as the number of Escherichia coli in the piglet's small intestine. The research showed that adding 1% and 2% lignocellulose fiber in the feed for 28 days may increase feed intake and body weight and reduce FCR significantly. Adding lignocellulose fiber may significantly lower diarrhea incidents, and death was not found in the treatment group. Lignocellulose fiber may increase villi's intestinal length and weight height compared with control. It can be concluded that supplementing lignocellulose fiber through feed may increase the piglet's health growth and efficiency.

Effect of Artemisia vulgaris Supplementation on Zebrafish Embryo Under Heat Stress Condition during In Vitro Culture

Background: Artemisia vulgaris contains flavonoids, which play a vital role in counteracting free radicals. Purpose: To determine the effect of Artemisia vulgaris extract supplementation on embryo development, heart rate and survival of zebrafish under heat stressed and non-heat stressed conditions. Methods: The research used a completely randomized design. Zebrafish embryos (n=240) were divided into heat stressed (36°C) and non-heat stressed (28°C) groups, while for each group were divided into three subgroups, namely T1/control (without Artemisia vulgaris supplementation); and supplemented group T1 and T2, with 2 µL and 4 µL of Artemisia vulgaris supplementation, respectively. The efficacy of Artemisia vulgaris supplementation was determined by observing the embryo development, heart rate, and survival rate of zebrafish up to 96 hours post fertilization (hpf). Results: The development of zebrafish embryos under heat stressed treated with Artemisia vulgaris extract gave the same quality as the control treatment without heat stressed exposure. Zebrafish embryos exposed to heat stressed with 4 µL Artemisia vulgaris supplementation gave the highest survival rate on the heat stressed group. Artemisia vulgaris supplementation improved the heart rate of zebrafish exposed to heat stressed as in the non-heat stressed group. Conclusion: Artemisia vulgaris extract can reduce the detrimental effects of heat stressed induction on zebrafish embryos, as evidenced by the improvement in embryonic development, heart rate, and survival rate of zebrafish embryos after supplementation.

Effect of Dietary Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Gut Microbiota in Weaned Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary ginger powder as a natural feed additive on the growth performance, carcass traits and gut microbiota of growing rabbits. For this purpose, a total of 36 equal-sexed New Zealand white rabbits aged 6 weeks ± 5 days old were randomly assigned into 4 treatments with 3 replicates each. The control animals (T0) received the basal diet without feed additive, while the 3 other groups T1, T2, and T3 respectively received diets 5, 10, and 15 g of ginger/kg of feed. Data was collected on feed intake, body weight gain, carcass indices and gut microbial load. Results revealed that the inclusion of ginger significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased daily feed intake approximately by 16.02 g in T1 (5g ginger) compared to the control. The total feed intake followed the same trend. Daily weight gain increased approximately by 3.46g T3 (15g ginger). The feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected by dietary ginger inclusion. The addition of ginger did not significantly (p&gt;0.05) affect the carcass characteristics of rabbits; However, a reduction was observed in abdominal fat content with approximately 0.81% in T3. Ginger powder in rabbits’ diets caused a decrease in the population of pathogenic microorganisms (gram-positive bacteria) but did not have any effects on total coliforms (gram-negative bacteria). It can therefore be concluded that ginger could be added to growing rabbits’ feed to improve live weight and reduce levels of gram-positive bacteria

Evaluation of the effect of Carica papaya seed on the growth performance of fattening rabbits.

Successful breeding depends on feeding. The present study aims to evaluate the Carica papaya seed effect on the growth performance of rabbits. The zootechnical parameters studied are weight growth, average daily gain, Feed Conversion Ratio, and carcass characteristics of kits. The experiment was conducted on 48 rabbits, divided into 4 groups, for 6 weeks. Forty-eight rabbits were divided into four (04) groups of 3 repetitions of 4 rabbits. The animals were fed diets containing various levels of papaya seed powder at variable contents: 0% (group T0), 4% (group T1), 6% (group T2), and 8% (group T3). At the end of the experiment, three animals were slaughtered in each animal group to assess the quality of the carcasses and organs. 6% of the seeds of Carica papaya significantly improved (p < 0.05) the average daily gain of the kits: T2 (22.40g / d) compared to the T0 group (11.32g / d), T1 (12.20g / d) and T3 (17.53g / d). The best Feed Conversion Ratio (0.80) was recorded in the animals of group T2. In contrast, the highest carcass yield was recorded in the rabbits of group T3 (62.70%). In conclusion, 6% was optimal in the feed rations of fattened rabbits to improve production performance. Breeders can consider the benefits of introducing Carica papaya seeds into the rabbits' diet.

Impact of a varied combinatorial mixture of β-1, 3 glucan and fructooligosaccharides on growth performance, metabolism, intestinal morphometry, expression of antioxidant-related genes, immunity, and protection against Vibrio alginolyticus in Red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus)

Immunosaccharides such as β-glucans and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) strengthen the host’s immune responses. This study examined the influences of three levels of the β-1, 3 glucan-FOS combination on Red tilapia performance. Four diets were prepared: T0 as a control, while T0.5, T1, and T1.5 indicate the addition of β-1, 3 glucan-FOS mixture at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, respectively. Then, 240 red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus) (weight 6.1 ± 0.07gm) were allocated into four groups, and every group was fed tested diets for 56 days. After the feeding trial, growth parameters, erythrogram profile, liver and kidney function testes, glucose, histopathological analysis, and gene expressions for antioxidants, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) besides growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF1-related markers were assessed. Red tilapia fed T0.5, T1, and T1.5 exhibited consistent growth, survival rate, and homeostasis compared with the control group. Different supplement concentrations displayed varying levels of responses. The hepatorenal biomarkers (alanine transaminase (ALT = SGPT) and aspartate transaminase (AST = SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP = ALK), urea, and creatinine) and glucose showed a significant reduction in the supplemented groups compared with the control, especially in the T1 and T1.5 groups. The intestinal morphometric study revealed that fish group fed on T1 represented the best result, whereas group T1.5, followed by group T0.5, was moderately treated, compared to the control. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis displayed up-regulated expression of antioxidant and growth-correlated genes in the T1.5 groups. After 56 days, the β-1,3 glucan-FOS fed groups also exhibited an increase in survival rates compared to the control when challenged with a pathogenic Vibrio alginolyticus. Current findings suggest that inclusion of β-1,3 glucan-FOS in diets could enhance red tilapia biochemical parameters, growth, and protection against pathogenic V. alginolyticus infection.

Effects of Dietary Incorporation of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and Jute (Corchorus olitorius) Leaf Powder on Production Performance and Blood Indices of Broiler Chickens as a Substitute of Antibiotic

The study was planned to determine the effects of dietary incorporation of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and Jute (Corchorus olitorius) leaf powder on production performance, carcass traits, and blood indices of broiler chickens as a substitute for the antibiotic. A total of 200-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided randomly into 5 experimental groups. Whereas groups T1, T2, T3, and T4 were offered basal feed supplemented with 2% Neem Leaf Powder (NLP), 2% Moringa Leaf Powder (MLP), 2% Jute Leaf Powder (JLP), and antibiotics, respectively. In this research, the total feed consumption of birds was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower in the T1 and T2 group than in the T3 and T4 group. Final live weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in 2% MLP treated group T2 followed by T1, T3, and T0 group. Significantly (P &lt; 0.05) better feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found in the T2 group compared to T0, T3, and T4 groups. There found no significant (P &gt; 0.05) effect of treatments on the survivability percentage of birds. All the treatment groups showed an insignificant (P &gt; 0.05) effect on dressing percentage and organs (liver, heart, and gizzard) weight of broiler chicken. Weight of immune organs (spleen and bursa) and blood parameters (concentration of hemoglobin, glucose, and cholesterol) were not influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by dietary addition. Birds fed the lower amount of feed, higher body weight, and improved FCR were found in the 2% MLP treated group. In overall aspects, the effectiveness of 2% MLP addition was better than 2% NLP and 2% JLP as an antibiotic alternative.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Prebiotic and Acidifier Powder on Growth Performance and Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broilers

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Prebiotic and Acidifier Powder on Growth Performance and Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broilers