Inclusion Of Vitamin Research Articles

Efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa) as antioxidant in combating heat stress in broiler chicken

A study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidants potential of herbal turmeric (Curcuma longa) in combating heat stress on120 broiler chicks in hot summer months. The day old Vencobchicks were randomly divided into five groups in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were basal diet (no antioxidant supplementation, BD), and the other four diets were BD supplemented with vitamin E (200 mg/kg), vitamin E (200 mg/kg) + Se (0.15 mg/kg), Turmeric (0.2%) and turmeric (0.4%), respectively. Additionally, a group of 24 chicks was raised separately in stress free environment on BD without any antioxidant supplementation and this diet acted as control. Blood was collected at 4th and 6th week of age from 12 birds from each group. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant concentrations were estimated in plasma and cortisol concentration was analyzed in serum. Birds were vaccinated with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine on 7th and 21st day and humoral response (HI) was assessed in sera samples at 4th and 6th wk of age. Cell mediated immune response (CMI) was assessed by injecting Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA-P) intra dermally into inter digital fold at the end of 4th and 6th wk and increase in the skin thickness was measured after 24 h. At the end of 42nd day, 6 birds from each group were sacrificed to observe the histological changes in bursa, spleen and liver. Serum cortisol was highest in heat stressed birds and lowest in heat stress free (control) group. On contrary, the activities of enzymatic antioxidants i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase and non enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione) and immunological indices HI and CMI were lower (P<0.01) in heat stressed birds compared to control group. Inclusion of vitamin E in combination with Se showed the highest (P<0.01) response in reducing cortisol levels and improving antioxidant and immune status followed by vitamin E sole supplementation. Turmeric supplementation at either dose significantly (P<0.01) lowered serum cortisol and increased the antioxidant activity and immune status. However, the improved response obtained was more significant (P<0.01) with Turmeric supplementation at higher dose (0.4%) than supplementation at lower (0.2%) level. The study indicated that Turmeric at 0.4% level of supplementation to basal diet was effective in lowering the oxidative damage caused due to heat stress, but it was less effective than supplementation of vitamin E either alone (or) in combination with Se.

Effect of process and formulation variables on the preparation of parenteral paclitaxel-loaded biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles: A co-surfactant study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of process (homogenization speed and evaporation time) and formulation (aqueous/organic phase ratio, surfactant concentration, polymer type and concentration, and drug amount) variables on the preparation of paclitaxel-loaded biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles using modified solvent evaporation technique. Thereafter, a formulation was selected and subjected to evaluation of inclusion of a co-surfactant for further reduction of particle size. Particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro drug release kinetics were evaluated. It was observed that the inclusion of vitamin E TPGS (0.01%), Poloxamer 188 (0.5%) or Tween 80 (0.25%) reduced the particle size of nanoparticles to 230, 244 or 301 nm from 438 nm, respectively. Encapsulation efficiency increased for both vitamin E TPGS and Poloxamer 188 up to concentration at 0.010% and 0.25%, respectively, while this was not the case for Tween 80. Comparison of drug release kinetics demonstrated that drug release accelerated from paclitaxel-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles prepared with the inclusion of Tween 80 but was delayed for Poloxamer 188 and vitamin E TPGS. Thus, it was concluded that the particle size of the nanoparticles could be reduced further and the paclitaxel release kinetics could easily be adjusted by taking advantage by the inclusion of a co-surfactant.

Yumurta Tavuğu Rasyonlarına Katılan Kanola Yağı ve Vitamin C’nin Performans, Yumurta Kalitesi ve Lipid Peroksidasyonu Üzerine Etkisi

This study was carried out to determine the influence of canola oil and vitamin C included into ration on performance, egg quality and TBARS value of egg yolk in layers. A total of 72 Lohmann white laying hens, 40 wks of age, reared at the Research and Application Farm of Agricultural Faculty of Ataturk University, were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments. Each treatment group (n= 18) was replicated six times as subgroups, comprising of 3 birds each. Experimental groups were composed by adding 0% canola oil and vitamin C (I: control), 4% canola oil (II), 200 mg vitamin C/kg (III) and 4% canola oil+200 mg vitamin C /kg (IV) to basal rations. Then, the hens were fed with these diets for 12 weeks. Diets and water were submitted as ad libitum. At the end of the trial, it was observed that vitamin C (III) increased egg production (P<0.05) and improved feed efficiency (P<0.01); canola oil (II) increased egg weight (P<0.01); and the combination of vitamin C and canola oil (IV) significantly decreased the daily feed consumption. Also the cracked egg ratios of treatment groups (II, III and IV) were lower than that of control group (P<0.01). There is no difference in egg quality parameters such as egg weight, shell stiffness (kg/cm2), shape index (%), shell thickness (mm), albumen index (%) and ve Haugh value amongst groups except for yolk color and yolk index. Vitamin C significantly increased yolk color (P<0.01). However, yolk index was affected (P<0.05) by canola oil (II) and combined (IV) diets. On the other hand, vitamin C added ration (III) decreased TBARS value for 21 days storage, and for 42 days storage as compered with canola oil (II) added group. As a result, it was determined that canola oil and vitamin C included rations had positive effects on some performance and egg quality parameters. Inclusion of vitamin C to ration decreased lipid oxidation and prolonged the shelf life of egg, in case of canola oil having unsaturated fatty acid composition consumed by layers

Immunotherapeutic vitamin E nanoemulsion synergies the antiproliferative activity of paclitaxel in breast cancer cells via modulating Th1 and Th2 immune response

Paclitaxel (PTX) is used as first line treatment for metastatic breast cancer but the relief comes at a heavy cost in terms of accompanying adverse effects. The pharmaceutical credentials of PTX are further dampened by the intrinsically low aqueous solubility. In order to sideline such insidious tendencies, PTX was incorporated in a vitamin E nanoemulsion using high pressure homogenization. The encapsulation efficiency of PTX in nanoemulsion was 97.81±2.7% and a sustained drug release profile was obtained. PTX loaded nanoemulsion exhibited higher cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) when compared to free PTX and marketed formulation (Taxol). Cell cycle arrest study depicted that MCF-7 cells treated with PTX loaded nanoemulsion showed high arrest in G2-M phase. Moreover blank nanoemulsion induced additional apoptosis in breast cancer cells through G1-S arrest by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential. Cytokine estimation study in macrophages showed that both PTX loaded nanoemulsion and blank nanoemulsion enhanced secretion of IL-12 and downregulated secretion of IL-4 and IL-10. Results suggest that inclusion of vitamin E in nanoemulsion opened multiple complementary molecular effects which not only magnified the principle antiproliferative activity of PTX but also independently showcased potential in restoring the proactive nature of the breast cancer slackened chronic immune response. In-vivo anticancer activity showed significantly improved efficacy of PTX loaded nanoemlsion compare to Taxol and free PTX. The list of plausible advantages of PTX nanoemulsification was further substantiated by acceptable haemolytic potential, reduced in-vivo toxicity and conveniently modified pharmacokinetic profile in which the AUC and MRT were extended considerably. Overall, there were strong evidences that developed formulation can serve as a viable alternative to currently available PTX options.

Dietary supplementation with sunflower seeds and vitamin E for fattening lambs improves the fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of the Longissimus lumborum

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with sunflower seeds and vitamin E for fattening lambs, on the chemical composition, cholesterol, vitamin E level, fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation of meat from sheep. Four treatments were evaluated, as follows: SC – basal diet consisting of sugarcane + concentrate; SCS – basal diet supplemented with sunflower seed; SCE – basal diet supplemented with 1000 mg vitamin E; SCSE – basal diet supplemented with sunflower seed and 1000 mg vitamin E. The Longissimus lumborum muscle of 32 Ile de France lambs, which were slaughtered when their bodyweight reached 32 kg, was used. The chemical composition of the lamb meat was not significantly different (P &gt; 0.05) between the treatments. Sunflower seed supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.05) the levels of linoleic acid, vaccenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid. Inclusion of vitamin E in the diet increased (P &lt; 0.05) the concentration of vitamin E in the meat while decreasing lipid oxidation. Considering the current demand for healthy foods, inclusion of sunflower seeds and vitamin E in the diet of sheep is a viable possibility.

Curcumin, Antioxidant, and Pioglitazone Therapy with Inclusion of Vitamin E In Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Open-label, Placebo-controlled Clinical Prospective Trial (CAPTIVE)

Purpose: NAFLD is a global clinical challenge which progresses to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Defective transport of free fatty acids and mitochondrial dysfunction lead to explosion of a series of free radicals, apoptosis, up regulated cytokines, and fibrogenesis, ultimately causing cirrhosis and cancer. Curcumin is a pan-antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-microbial, and anti-fibrogenic properties. This study evaluates the role of curcumin in NAFLD to progression of NASH. Methods: Eighty patients (n=80) with mean BMI 29% were recruited, NAFLD score 0.66, NASH fibrotic score 0.33, HOMA IR 3.8, ALT 58, LDLc 143, HDLc 29, triglyceride 186, and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, retinal binding proteins) were divided into Group A - (n=20) pioglitazone 15 mg; Group B - (n=20) vitamin E; Group C - (n=20) curcumin (all the three above groups received placebo); and Group D - (n=20) vitamin E plus curcumin. Pre and post values (triglycerides, LDLc, HDLc, ALT, HOMA-IR, TNF-alfa, leptin, adiponectin, retinol binding protein, HBA1c, serum necro-inflammatory NAFLD, and NASH fibrotic score were analyzed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Diet and exercise were left unchanged. Daily alcohol content was less than 30 grams. Exclusion: HIV, medications causing fatty liver, including herbal supplements, lipodystropy, overt diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, and hypersensitivity to study medications. Results: Group A: Minimal changes on ALT, HbA1c, HOMA, lipids; no changes in TNF-alfa, adipokines, lipid profile, and necro-inflammatory score and/or NASH fibrosis score. Group B and Group C had modest changes in ALT, lipid profile, HbA1c, and HOMA, while no changes in adipokines, necro-inflammatory score, and fibrotic score. Group D had significant changes in all scores, particularly the adipokines, and small improvements in fibrotic score. All patients tolerated the medications well. Conclusion: This study postulates the positive effects of curcumin added to vitamin E in NAFLD subgroups, even preventing NASH with a modest anti-fibrotic effect, improved necroinflammatory score, and impressive changes in adipokines levels. Additive effects of curcumin with vitamin E has significant effects on serum lipids and insulin sensitivity. Unavailability of pre- and post-liver biopsy was the limitation of this study. A large control trial needs to validate.

Vitamin K Intake, Body Mass Index and Warfarin Maintenance Dose

Background: Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Being fat-soluble, the availability of vitamin K may vary according to body fat. We hypothesized that body mass index (BMI), a proxy of body fat, may interact with vitamin K intake in determining a warfarin maintenance (WM) dose. Methods: Patients with data on vitamin K intake, potential confounders and WM dose (n = 172) were included in linear regression models to test whether BMI modifies the relation between vitamin K intake and WM dose. Results: Warfarin loading dose correlated with the maintenance dose (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001) but was not significantly associated with WM dose in analyses adjusted for vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1) and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) genotypes. In fully adjusted models, BMI was associated (p = 0.001) with WM dose but vitamin K was only marginally positively associated (p = 0.06) with WM dose. We found no interaction (p > 0.05) between BMI and vitamin K intake with regard to WM dose. Inclusion of vitamin K intake in the model only slightly improved the amount of variance (1.1%) explained by age, gender, BMI, race, physical activity, energy intake and VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotypes. Conclusion: Our data suggest that body fat does not affect the relation between vitamin K intake and WM dose.

Effect of vitamin E or propolis supplementation on semen quality, oxidative status and hemato-biochemical changes of rabbit bucks during hot season

This study was designed to determine the effects of supplementation of vitamin E or propolis to bucks’ diets on semen quality, oxidative status and hemato-biochemical changes during summer season. Thirty adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into three equal groups, 10 bucks each. Bucks received a maintenance diet supplemented by vitamin E (150mg/kg diet, E-group) or propolis (150mg/kg diet, P-group) or not supplemented (control, C-group) for ten consecutive weeks. Semen and blood samples were collected to analyze semen quality traits and hemato-biochemical parameters, respectively. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded daily and used to estimate the temperature humidity index (THI). Results indicated that bucks in the E- and P-groups had better libido (lower reaction time, P<0.05) and higher sperm concentration and viability than the control group (P<0.01). These enhancements were parallel to an increase in blood plasma testosterone concentrations in the vitamin E and propolis-treated groups (P<0.01). Additionally, concentrations of seminal plasma total protein and initial fructose were significantly increased in the semen of both treated-groups. For blood components, either vitamin E or propolis supplementation enhanced hematopoiesis including the number of red blood cells, hematocrite value and hemoglobin concentration (P<0.01). Also, concentrations of blood plasma glucose and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were increased, while those of blood plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased (P<0.01) in both treated-groups. Supplementation with vitamin E or propolis enhanced (P<0.01) oxidative status of the blood plasma, whereas propolis-treated bucks had the highest value of total antioxidant capacity followed by vitamin E treated-bucks. Also, malondialdehyde activity was lower (P<0.05) in the propolis-treated bucks compared with the control, while bucks of the E-group were intermediate. In summary, inclusion of vitamin E or propolis in male rabbits' diets during the hot season could be used effectively to mitigate negative impacts of elevated temperature on semen quality, oxidative status and hemato-biochemical features.

The effects of different levels of vitamin-E and organic selenium on performance and immune response of laying hens

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different vitamin-E and organic selenium (selenomethionine) levels on performance and immune response of laying hens. A total of 270 laying hens (65-weeks old Lohman-LSL Lite) were assigned to nine experimental diets consisting of nine replicates (cage) and six hens per cage. A 3×3 factorial arrangement including three levels of vitamin E (0, 125 and 250 mg/kg diet from α-tocopherol acetate) and three levels selenium (0.0, 0.50 and 0.75 mg/kg diet from selenomethionine) was employed for six weeks trial period. The hens performance including hen-day egg production%, feed intake, egg mass (g/hen/day) and feed conversion ratio (FCR, g feed: g egg) were measured. Antibody production against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) also was measured. The general linear model procedure of SAS software was used for data analysis and differences among treatment means was determined using the Duncan’s multiple-range test. The results show that the inclusion of vitamin E and selenium had a significant effect on production performance of laying hens (P<0.05). In addition, vitamin E and selenium supplements improved immune response of laying hens and a more positive effect was observed when 0.75 mg/kg selenium and 250 mg/kg vitamin E was added to the diet. From the results of the present study, it could be concluded that utilization of organic selenium plus vitamin E in diets was effective for improving the performance and immune system of laying hens. Keywords: Vitamin-E, selenomethionine, laying hen, performance, immune system. <br African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(24), pp. 3884-3890

OC-053 Curcumin, Anti-Oxidant, and Pioglitazone Therapy with Inclusion of Vitamin E in Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-A Randomized open Label Placebo Controlled Clinical Prospective Trial (Captive)

IntroductionNAFLD is a global clinical challenge which progresses to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Defective transport of free fatty acids and mitochondrial dysfunction lead to explosion of a series of free...

Mo1007 Curcumin, Anti-Oxidant, and Pioglitazone Therapy With Inclusion of Vitamin E in Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-a Randomized Open Label Placebo Controlled Clinical Prospective Trial (CAPTIVE)

Introduction NAFLD is a global clinical challenge which progresses to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Defective transport of free fatty acids and mitochondrial dysfunction lead to explosion of a series of free radicals, apoptosis, up regulated cytokines and fibrogenesis ultimately causing cirrhosis and cancer. Curcumin is a pan-antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-microbial, and anti-fibrogenic properties. This study evaluates the role of curcumin in NAFLD to progression of NASH Methods Eighty patients (n = 80) with mean BMI 29%, NAFLD score 0.66, NASH fibrotic score 0.33, HOMA IR 3.8, ALT 58, LDLc 143, HDLc 29, Triglyceride 186 and Adipokines ( leptin, Adiponectin, Retinal Binding Proteins) were divided into Group A-(n = 20) pioglitazone 15mg, Group B-(n = 20) vitamin E, Group C-(n = 20) curcumin (all the three above groups received placebo), and Group D (n = 20) vitamin E plus curcumin. Pre and post values (Triglycerides, LDLc, HDLc, ALT, HOMA-IR, TNF-alfa, Leptin, Adiponectin, Retinol Binding Protein, HBA1c, Serum necro-inflammatory NAFLD and NASH fibrotic score were analysed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Diet and exercise were left unchanged. Daily alcohol content was less than 30 grammes Results Group A-Minimal changes on ALT, HbA1c, HOMA, lipids, no changes in TNF-alfa, adipokines, lipid profile and necro-inflammatory score and/or NASH fibrosis score. Group B and Group C had modest changes in ALT, lipid profile, HbA1c and HOMA; while no changes in adipokines, necro-inflammatory score and fibrotic score. Group D had significant changes in all scores particularly the adipokines and small improvements in fibrotic score. All patients tolerated the medications well Conclusion This study postulates the effects of Curcumin plus vitamin E in NAFLD may prevent NASH with a modest anti-fibrotic effects and necroinflammatory score; with impressive changes in adipokines levels. Additive effects of Curcumin with vitamin E has significant effects on Serum lipids and insulin sensitivity. Unavailability of Pre and post liver biopsy was the limitation A large control trial needs to validate. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

STUDY OF THE LEVEL OF VITAMIN D IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND OBESITY

Found that in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity a decrease of vitamin D in common. Most of these patients (72 %) suffer from severe deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency contributes to decompensation of type 2 diabetes. These data suggest the need for inclusion of vitamin D to a range of therapeutic interventions in these patients.

Curcumin, anti-oxidant, and pioglitazone therapy with inclusion of vitamin e in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-a randomized open label placebo controlled clinical prospective trial (captive)

Curcumin, anti-oxidant, and pioglitazone therapy with inclusion of vitamin e in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-a randomized open label placebo controlled clinical prospective trial (captive)

Vitamin E and organic selenium enhances the antioxidative status and quality of chicken semen under high ambient temperature

1. The effects of supplemental dietary vitamin E and organic selenium (Se), and their combination, on improving semen quality characteristics and antioxidative status were investigated in cockerels exposed to high ambient temperature. 2. A total of 36 Egyptian local cross males, 40 weeks old, were housed individually in cages in an open-sided building (average daily temperature ranged from 33 to 36°C and relative humidity from 60 to 70%). Birds were divided randomly into 4 experimental treatments (n = 9 each): (1) control (basal diet without any supplementation with vitamin E or Se); (2) vitamin E (basal diet +200 mg α-tocopherol acetate/kg diet); (3) Se (basal diet +0·3 mg organic Se/kg diet); and (4) vitamin E + Se (basal diet +200 mg α-tocopherol acetate/kg diet +0·3 mg organic Se/kg diet). 3. Under heat stress conditions, inclusion of vitamin E and/or organic Se in the diets enhanced the semen quality traits, including the spermatozoa count and motility, and reduced the percentage of dead spermatozoa. 4. A combination of 200 mg/kg vitamin E with 0·3 mg/kg organic Se reduced the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentration in seminal plasma samples to about 28% of the controls; and also enhanced the seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase activity by two-fold compared with controls. 5. It was concluded that dietary vitamin E in combination with organic Se has a synergistic effect in minimising lipid peroxidation and improving the antioxidative status in seminal plasma of the domestic fowl, which probably translated into enhanced spermatozoa count, motility and reduced percentage of dead spermatozoa under heat stress conditions.

Extended drug delivery by contact lenses for glaucoma therapy

We combine laboratory-based timolol release studies and in vivo pharmacodynamics studies in beagle dogs to evaluate the efficacy of glaucoma therapy through extended wear contact lenses. Commercial contact lenses cannot provide extended delivery of ophthalmic drugs and so the studies here focused on increasing the release duration of timolol from ACUVUE® TruEye™ contact lenses by incorporating vitamin E diffusion barriers. The efficacy of timolol delivered via extended wear contact lenses was then compared to eye drops in beagle dogs that suffer from spontaneous glaucoma. The lenses were either replaced every 24h or continuously worn for 4days, and the pharmacodynamics effect of changes in the intraocular pressure (IOP) of timolol from the ACUVUE® TruEye™ contact lenses can be significantly increased by incorporation of vitamin E. The in vivo studies showed that IOP reduction from baseline by pure contact lens on daily basis was comparable with that by eye drops but with only 20% of drug dose, which suggested higher drug bioavailability for contact lenses. In addition, by inclusion of vitamin E into the lenses, the IOP was reduced significantly during the 4-day treatment with continuous wear of lens.

Drug Delivery by Contact Lens in Spontaneously Glaucomatous Dogs

Purpose: The efficacy of ophthalmic drug delivery through contact lenses in animal model was explored to evaluate its potential for serving as an alternative to eye drops, which are inefficient vehicles for delivering ophthalmic drugs.Methods: The efficacy of timolol delivered via contact lenses was compared to eye drops in beagle dogs that suffer from spontaneous glaucoma. Experiments were conducted with NIGHT & DAY™ silicone hydrogel contact lenses and NIGHT & DAY™ loaded with vitamin E, which was included in the lens to extend the release duration of the drug. Timolol was loaded into contact lenses by soaking in drug/phosphate buffered saline solution, and the drug-loaded lenses were subsequently inserted in one of the eyes, with the other eye serving as control. The lenses were replaced every 24 hours, and the pharmacodynamics of intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil size were monitored in both eyes.Results: The IOP reduction from baseline by NIGHT & DAY™ (5.02 ± 0.83 mmHg) was comparable with that by eye drops with similar drug dosing (4.64 ± 0.41 mmHg). In addition, lenses with one-third of the drug loading as eye drops resulted in the similar IOP reduction, suggesting higher bioavailability for contact lenses compared to eye drops. Inclusion of vitamin E into the lenses did not improve the IOP reduction. The IOP in the untreated eye also decreased from baseline for eye drops (3.17 ± 0.42 mmHg) but it remained relatively unchanged with treatments based on lenses, suggesting reduction in systemic absorption for delivery of drugs by contact lenses.Conclusions: Ophthalmic drug delivery through contact lenses increases bioavailability and reduces systemic drug uptake.

Performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with fat and vitamin E

This experiment aimed to determine the influence of diets with inclusion of protected fat and vitamin E on performance, yield and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs with different weights. Thirty-two non-castrated Santa Ines lambs were fed diets with a ratio of 40% forage and 60% concentrate ad libitum, with presence or absence of protected fat and/or vitamin E, in a total of four diets. Two weights of early containment were also considered: between 20 and 25 kg and between 30 and 35 kg. All animals were slaughtered at 84 days of confinement. Animals fed diets without addition of protected fat, regardless of the use of vitamin E, had the highest intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and ash, and decreased intake of ether extract. The variables investigated did not affect daily weight gain and total gain. Feed conversion was better for the lighter confined animals not fed protected fat. The heavier feedlot lambs fed diets with vitamin E showed higher cold carcass. The warm carcass for the lighter animals confined fed with vitamin E, and the heavier ones, fed with protected fat and vitamin E, showed the best yields of cold carcass. Objective measures of the carcass cold had the highest mean for heavier feedlot lambs. The addition of fat in the diet reduces the intake of dry matter and increases the ether extract. Although the inclusion of vitamin has no effect on intake of nutrients, it protects the carcasses from losses during cooling, and weight differences at containment directly reflect the measures of the carcasses.

BIOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF EXTENSIVE MUD CRAB FARMING IN VIETNAM AND ANALYSIS OF IMPROVED DIETS

The aim of this analysis is to conduct bioeconomic analysis of mud crab growout farming in Vietnam and to analyze the cost-effectiveness of potential manufactured feed diets for these farms. Profitability of these farming systems is found to be moderate compared with other seafood growout operations in the country, but return to investment is relatively high. Costs are dominated by seed and labor. Feed and other input costs are low indicating the low input, extensive nature of current mud crab farming systems. It is found that forthcoming pelleted diets are likely to increase a farmer's net revenue by up to 24%, depending on the region. As mud crab farming systems intensify, it is likely that farmers will be increasingly better off with the introduction of pelleted diets, especially if they have the benefit of reducing mortality (through the inclusion of vitamins and other additives).

Bioeconomic Analysis of Improved Diets for Lobster, Panulirus ornatus, Culture in Vietnam

Culture‐based growout of tropical spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus, is a nascent and unique industry that faces a number of challenges and opportunities. Of particular interest to this study is the imminent development of pelleted diets for lobster (probably within 3 yr) that will potentially reduce the industry's dependence on bycatch for feed (with benefits to wild stocks of fish and reduced downstream environmental impacts). The aim of this paper is to conduct a bioeconomic analysis of lobster growout farming in Vietnam and analyze the cost‐effectiveness of potential manufactured feed diets for these farms. Growout lobster farming is found to be a high‐cost and high‐return industry, with a benefit cost ratio of approximately 1.44. Approximately 60% of the total costs are feed related, with the quantity of feed being the production parameter with the highest variability. Hence, reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency of feeding will have a significant impact on the level and variability of profit. It is expected that manufactured diets will improve the profitability by approximately 267 million VND/yr for an individual farmer (15,000 USD) and approximately 435 billion VND/yr for the industry (24 million USD). This is expected to double again if the diets have the added benefit of reducing mortality through the inclusion of vitamins and other additives.

Effects of dietary corn oil and vitamin E supplementation on fatty acid profiles and expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase gene in Hu sheep

This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary corn oil and vitamin E supplementation on fatty acid (FA) profiles and abundances of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and Delta(9) stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) mRNA of Hu sheep. Animals were allocated to three dietary treatments: basal and supplemented with 3% corn oil (CNO), or CNO plus 500 mg/kg vitamin E (COE). The experiment lasted for 10 weeks. No differences were observed in growth performance and carcass qualities among the three treatments (P > 0.05). Feeding CNO and COE diets increased polyunsaturated FAs including cis 9 trans 11 conjugated linoleic acid, and decreased saturated FA in longissimus muscle (P < 0.05). The mRNA abundances of ACC and SCD as detected by real-time PCR were reduced (P < 0.05) in liver and subcutaneous fat by supplementary oil, while the SCD mRNA level in longissimus muscle was also reduced (P < 0.05). Inclusion of vitamin E did not have further effects on mRNA abundances of these two enzymes. It is suggested that dietary corn oil supplementation may reduce FA biosynthesis and influence FA profiles in Hu sheep through decreased expression of both ACC and SCD genes.