Effects of dietary protein levels on growth performance, gonadal development, ovarian amino acid composition and reproductive performance in GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Early-life nutrition plays a crucial role in shaping gut microbiota and growth performance in ruminants. In water buffalo calves, the pre-weaning period is particularly critical, as the gastrointestinal tract undergoes rapid development and is highly susceptible to environmental and dietary influences. This study aimed to characterize fecal microbiota during early life and evaluate the effects of different milk-based diets on microbial development and growth performance. Calves exhibited low microbial diversity and homogeneous microbiota at birth, dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota, with no differences among groups, while microbial richness and evenness significantly increased in all groups during the early weeks of life, reflecting microbiota maturation (Observed features: p = 0.0042, p = 0.0266, and p = 0.0002 for WB, FM, and MD respectively; Shannon entropy: p ≤ 0.0031 for all groups). Beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences in microbial community structure between diet-based groups, particularly between water buffalo milk and formula-fed calves. The mixed diet group showed the highest beta diversity dispersion and temporal variation and exhibited the greatest weight gain, which was significantly higher than that observed in the formula-fed group. Genera traditionally considered beneficial, such as Lactobacillus increased across all groups, while Bifidobacterium was more abundant in formula and mixed diets. Functional analysis revealed enhanced metabolic activity associated with nutrient processing and immune-related pathways, particularly in calves fed natural milk. Early dietary intervention significantly influences gut microbiota development and growth in water buffalo calves. A mixed milk feeding strategy appears to optimize both microbial maturation and growth performance, suggesting its potential as an effective management practice in the pre-weaning period.

Effects of protease-hydrolyzed cottonseed protein on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and bacterial diversity in broilers.

Growth performance and physiological responses of growing japanese quail to methanolic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) leaf extract in drinking water.

Direct-Fed Microbials in Diets of Market Pigs Did Not Impact Salmonella Levels, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, Growth Performance, and Carcass Characteristics.

Dietary supplementation with Bacillus velezensis enhances the intestinal health of broiler chickens challenged with necrotic enteritis via reshaping the structure and function of the intestinal flora.

Effects of hot water extract of Juncao-substrate Ganoderma lucidum residue on meat quality and antioxidant capacity of Liancheng white ducks.

Effects of different blending ratios of lard and chicken fat on growth performance, nutrient utilization, serum lipid metabolism, and tissue fatty acid composition in meat ducks.

Comparative evaluation of biofloc-derived probiotics on growth performance, immune response, and intestinal microbiota modulation in Penaeus vannamei

Dietary supplementation of saffron petal extract and biochar synergistically improves performance, gut morphology, antioxidant status, and reduces ammonia emission in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Synergistic protection: Integrating in silico and in vivo evidence for Moringa oleifera flavonoids as potent Mitigators of Deltamethrin toxicity.

Macrobrachium nipponense is favored by Chinese farmers due to its advantages such as stronger adaptability, fewer diseases and investments, better economic benefits and is eco-friendliness. However, investigations regarding M. nipponense culture remain limited to laboratory aquarium tanks. There are no established guidelines on optimal stocking density for M. nipponense related to commercial scale farming practices in earthen ponds. In this study, the effects of stocking density on growth performance, water quality, immune indices and the economic benefits of M. nipponense reared in earthen ponds were evaluated. Juvenile prawns (0.22 ± 0.03 g) were stocked at four densities: D90: 90 individuals (inds)/m², D135: 135 inds/m², D180: 180 inds/m², and D225: 225 inds/m². The results demonstrate that growth performance of M. nipponense in low densities was higher than that in high densities in the early stages, while in the later growth stages, no significant differences were found across all groups. Neither the aquatic environment nor prawn antioxidant capacity was significantly impacted across all groups, as they underwent significant changes along with changing of the seasons. Taking into account the above results and the total yield, the yield and proportion of large-sized prawns, net profit and return on investment, the final recommended stocking density is 1.8 million inds/ha (D180 density). The results of this study will provide guidance for the commercial farming of M. nipponense and give valuable insights for promoting sustainable development. • Low density promotes early growth of Macrobrachium nipponense but final weight converges across densities. • Stocking density did not significantly affect water quality or prawn antioxidant capacity, though they varied seasonally. • High-density ponds show lower microbial diversity yet harbor more nitrogen-cycling bacteria. • Optimal stocking density is 1.8 million individuals/ha, based on growth, yield, and economics.

Dietary supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics enhances innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial peptide expression and disease resistance in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) fed a low-fishmeal diet.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different copper sources (copper sulfate and copper glycinate) on growth performance, trace element metabolism and intestinal stem cell activity in growing pigs. In experiment 1, 30 castrated male pigs (Landrace × Large White; initial body weight of 43.11 ± 1.20kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n = 10): (1) high-dose CuSO₄ group (150mg/kg Cu as CuSO₄•5H₂O), (2) low-dose CuSO₄ group (20mg/kg Cu as CuSO₄•5H₂O), (3) Cu-Gly group (20mg/kg Cu as copper glycinate). The trial lasted for 30 days. The results showed that pigs fed 20mg/kg Cu as Cu-Gly had final body weight (P = 0.247) and weight gain (P = 0.732) comparable to those fed 150mg/kg Cu as CuSO₄, while exhibiting a significantly improved feed conversion ratio. Additionally, hepatic iron concentration in the Cu-Gly group was significantly higher than in the high-dose CuSO₄ group, whereas renal copper accumulation was lower. Fecal copper excretion in the Cu-Gly group was reduced by 76.38% compared to the high-dose CuSO₄ group(P < 0.0001). In experiment 2, an in vitro porcine small intestinal organoid culture system was employed. Our results indicated that the lower dose of copper markedly improved intestinal organoid budding and stem cell amplification (P < 0.01), and Cu-Gly significantly improved the intestinal organoid surface area and stem cell differentiation (P < 0.001). Simultaneously, the high dose of copper treatment significantly inhibited the minerals transported related gene expression (DMT1, ZIP4, CTR1, ZIP8), but induced the MT1A and MT3 expression in organoids (P < 0.01). Thus, our study finds a relatively effective way to substitute for pharmacological doses of copper, probably via regulating the minerals metabolism and improving the intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

Xylanase and phytase as modulators of gut microbiota and phytate degradation in wheat-based diets for meat quail.

Effects of dietary Astragalus membranaceus extract and fucoidan on growth performance, hepatic resilience, antioxidant defense and gut homeostasis of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Boosting growth, health, and productivity of Nile tilapia by supplementing Artemisia annua under tropical net cage farming conditions

Effects of esculetin on growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme, barrier function and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens.

The abundance and affordability of cassava root, a carbohydrate-dense tuber, in tropical regions have drawn attention to it as a possible substitute of conventional energy source in poultry ration. This study investigated the impact of substituting maize meal with varying amounts of cassava root meal on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, hemato-biochemical parameters, meat composition and sensory properties of broiler chickens. In this study, 400 broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were assigned to four treatment groups: T1 (0%, diet without cassava root meal; CRM) and T2, T3 and T4 containing 10%, 20%, and 30% cassava root meal, respectively. Each group had five replicates consisting of 20 birds each, and trial ran for 35 days. The results indicated that broilers in the T2 group had significantly higher body weight, feed intake and feed efficiency ratio, with a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). T2 also showed exceptional carcass characteristics without adversely affecting meat quality and blood parameters of broilers. The proximate composition of breast and thigh muscles showed significant changes (p < 0.05). In breast muscle, crude protein (CP), ash, and metabolizable energy (ME) increased with higher cassava root meal (CRM) inclusion, peaking in T4. In thigh muscle, crude protein (CP) significantly improved in all CRM-based diets compared to the control (15.30%), reaching a maximum in T3 (20.28%). The diet having 10% cassava root meal (CRM) had the highest amount of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and DPPH scavenging activity along with the best overall acceptability. The results indicate that cassava root meal can be used as a substitute for maize grains in broiler diets, without any adverse effects on the broiler's growth performance and general health status. It is suggested that maize can be replaced by 10% cassava root meal (CRM) for promoting the growth, meat quality and healthy blood profile of broilers.

Effects of dietary corn-fermented protein as a sustainable ingredient on growth performance, immune response, and disease resilience in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).