Intake Of Extract Research Articles

Oral ingestion of CBD-rich hemp extract modulates sterile inflammation differently in male versus female rats

Oral ingestion of CBD-rich hemp extract modulates sterile inflammation differently in male versus female rats

Black cumin meal (Nigella sativa) as an alternative feed resource during the suckling period of Awassi ewes: Assessments of performance and health

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of different Black cumin meal (BCM) dietary treatments during the suckling period on lactating performance and health of multiparous Awassi ewes. We randomly allocated 27 nursing Awassi ewes (4–5 years age; 50.2 ± 1.42 kg body weight) to one of three equally dietary treatments: 1) control diet, no feed BCM (CON), 2) BCM50 diet (50 g/kg of dietary dry matter (DM) and; 3) BCM100 diet (100 g/kg BCM of dietary DM). The results showed that there are no significant differences at P ≥ 0.67 among the three treatment groups in measured parameters like intakes of DM and crude protein (CP). However, the BCM100 group showed greater (P < 0.0001) ether extract (EE) intake compared to both the BCM50 and CON groups and ewes exhibited greater (P < 0.02) metabolizable energy intake in BCM100 and BCM50 groups than the CON group. The digestibility of CP and neutral detergent fiber improved (P < 0.05) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. The acid detergent fiber digestibility tended to be higher (P = 0.08) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. However, the digestibility of DM and EE did not show significant differences (P ≥ 0.17) among the three treatment groups. Nitrogen retained as (g/d) and retention as a percentage (g/100 g) were greater (P < 0.01) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. The final body weight and average daily gain of the lambs in the BCM50 and BCM100 groups increased compared with the CON group (P< 0.02). The BCM100-treated group had greater milk yield per day (P< 0.05) compared to the CON group. The content of fat, protein, lactose, solid-not-fat (SNF), and total solids (TS) % did not differ among the three groups. The BCM100-treated group had higher (P< 0.03) fat and TS milk yields (g/d) compared to the BCM50-treated group and CON group. However, fat and TS milk yields were similar between the BCM50 treatment group and the CON group. The BCM100-treated group had a greater SNF yield per day (P< 0.05) compared to the CON group. However, SNF yields in BCM treatment groups and between BCM50 group and CON group were similar. Moreover, the average protein and lactose yield of milk were significantly higher in the BCM100 diet than CON diet. Feed efficiency tended to be greater in BCM-treated ewes than the CON ewes. Moreover, the cost/kg of milk produced was lower (P < 0.01) in the BCM diets than in the CON diet. Ewes fed a BCM100 had higher energy-corrected milk than other groups. The analysis did not detect differences in the blood serum metabolites in all treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary inclusion of different levels of BCM showed a positive influence on most lactating characteristics and economic performance for the lambs and lactating Awassi ewes, and could be used as a good alternative feed source in ruminant feeds.

Distribution and Effects of Selenoneine by Ingestion of Extract from Mackerel Processing Residue in Mice.

Selenoneine is an organic selenium compound contained in blood and dark muscle of fish. It has a strong antioxidative capacity and is considered useful as a new functional food material. However, the distribution and effects of selenoneine in the mammalian body have not been thoroughly examined. In this study, a selenoneine-rich mackerel extract was developed and fed to mice at 0.07% in standard rodent chow (ME diet) for 32days to examine its distribution in the body. Selenoneine was distributed in the liver, kidney, and spleen in mice fed with mackerel extract, but it was not distributed in the plasma or erythrocytes. Moreover, concentrations of the major selenium-containing protein were not affected by the mackerel extract. The results of this study suggest that selenoneine is absorbed in the body following ingestion of low doses in crude material and preferentially accumulates in organs and later distributes in erythrocytes. Biochemical analyses of plasma in male mice showed that the glucose level was significantly increased and LDL-cholesterol level was significantly decreased by ME diet feeding. The results indicate that male mice are sensitive to ME diet.

Pathological, biochemical and hormonal changes associated with prolonged administration of methanol extract of &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; seed in adult male Wistar rats.

Garcinia kola (GK) seed is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties hence its traditional use to manage erectile dysfunctions in man. However, there has been conflicting reports of its long-term effects on the male reproductive organs. In this study, the effect of varying doses of methanol extract of GK on testicular function and structure in Wistar rats was evaluated. Forty adult male rats (350-360g) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 received oral doses of 600mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 100mg/kg of the extract daily, respectively for 70 days while group 4 (control group) received normal saline (0.9% NaCl). Blood samples were collected fortnightly from each rat for serum chemistry and testosterone analysis. At termination, the testes, epididymides and livers were harvested, weighed and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed for histopathology. The results were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) and analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P&lt; 0.05. Dose-related pathological changes were observed in the testes and epididymides. Testicular weight decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg groups compared to the control group. There was testicular necrosis associated with distortion of the seminiferous tubular wall and reduced seminiferous tubular diameter. Seminiferous tubules had reduced germinal epithelial thickness along with an absence of viable spermatids and spermatozoa. Serum testosterone levels decreased progressively (p &lt; 0.01) in groups 1 and 2 while those of groups 3 and 4 remain unchanged. The results established that ingestion of methanol extracts of GK seed at the dose of 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg produced significant gonadal pathology in adult male Wistar rats despite the absence of remarkable hepatic biochemical and structural changes.

Ginger intake suppresses neutrophil extracellular trap formation in autoimmune mice and healthy humans.

We previously reported that treatment of mice with 6-gingerol, the most abundant phytochemical in ginger root, leads to phosphodiesterase inhibition that counteracts neutrophil hyperactivity in models of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and lupus. Here, we explored the extent to which oral intake of a whole-ginger extract would similarly impact neutrophils in both autoimmune mice and healthy humans. In vitro, a solubilized ginger extract was able to attenuate neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) by human neutrophils through a mechanism that was dependent upon the cyclic AMP-dependent kinase, protein kinase A. When mice with features of either APS or lupus were administered a ginger extract orally, they demonstrated reduced circulating NETs, as well as the tempering of other disease outcomes, such as large-vein thrombosis (APS) and autoantibody production (lupus). In a pilot clinical trial, which was validated in a second cohort, daily intake of a ginger supplement for 7 days by healthy volunteers boosted neutrophil cAMP, inhibited NETosis in response to disease-relevant stimuli, and reduced circulating plasma NET levels. In summary, this work demonstrates that ginger intake restrains neutrophil hyperactivity in autoimmune mouse models and that ginger consumption by healthy individuals makes their neutrophils more resistant to NETosis.

Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of rumen fluid of lactating goats fed diets containing crude glycerin from waste frying oil used in biodiesel production.

Crude glycerin from the biodiesel industry is a alternative energy source used to replace part of the energy components of the diet, since the nutritional value of glycerol makes it suitable for use in ruminant diets. The objective was to analyze the effects including crude glycerin (CG) derived from the production of biodiesel from residual frying oil, in diets of lactating goats on the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of rumen fluid. Eight 2-year-old goats weighting approximately 42.06 ± 3.5kg of body weight (BW) were kept in individual stalls, receiving diets containing 0, 7, 14 and 21% of CG (% DM). The experiment was carried out according to a double 4 × 4 Latin square and lasted for 80days. Orthogonal contrasts were tested to determine linear and quadratic effects, as well as the effects of 0% CG in the diet in comparison to the other treatments. There was a linear decreasing effect on DM intake (P = 0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.0001), as well as a quadratic effect (P = 0.0002) on ether extract (EE) intake with increasing level of CG in the diet. Including CG affected motility and density of the protozoa (P = 0.0001). Treatments had no effect on pH, N-NH3 concentration and percentage of protozoa in the rumen liquid. There was increasing linear effect on sedimentation and flotation time (P = 0.001). Therefore, including 14 and 21% CG in the diet as a source of glycerol decreased nutrient intake and altered the ruminal microbiota, but pH and N-NH3 were not affected. Thus, to avoid impairment to the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the rumen liquid of goats, the inclusion of CG should not exceed 7% DM.

Citrus Extract High in Flavonoids Beneficially Alters Intestinal Metabolic Responses in Subjects with Features of Metabolic Syndrome.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a citrus extract rich in citrus flavonoids on intestinal metabolic responses in subjects with features of metabolic syndrome, in an in vitro colon fermentation system (TIM-2) and fecal samples obtained from human subjects in an in vivo trial. In the TIM-2 system inoculated with fecal samples of volunteers with features of metabolic syndrome, continuous citrus extract supplementation (500 mg/day) resulted in increased cumulative short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels compared to the control condition, which was mainly due to increased production of butyrate, acetate, and valerate. In human volunteers, 12 weeks of daily supplementation with 500 mg citrus extract resulted in a significant shift in the SCFA profile towards more butyrate (p = 0.022) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, there was a trend towards a reduction in fecal calprotectin levels, a marker for intestinal inflammation, compared to the placebo (p = 0.058). Together, these results suggest that citrus extract intake may have a positive effect on intestinal metabolic responses and through this, on host health in subjects with features of metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to provide more insight into the potential underlying mechanisms and to study effects on clinical parameters.

Urea molasses mineral block under various feeding systems improved nutrient digestibility, productive performance and blood biochemical profile of Yaks

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the effect of urea molasses mineral blocks (UMMB) on nutrient digestibility, productive performance and blood biochemical profile of indigenous yaks under various feeding systems. A total of sixteen yaks were randomly divided into four groups (n = 4 animal per group) and offered the, following feeding systems: (A) stall feeding, (B), urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) + stall feeding, (C) yard feeding and (D) UMMB + yard feeding. Trial lasted for 40 days.ResultsResults showed that nutrients intake (g) and nutrient digestibility (%) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stall and yard feeding groups with UMMB licking. Blood zinc, cobalt, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), glucose and serum glutamate private transaminase (SGPT) significantly (p < 0.05) increased in stall and yard feeding with UMMB licking. Milk yield, Ca and monounsaturated fatty acid except milk composition improved significantly (p < 0.05) in stall and yard feeding groups with UMMB licking.ConclusionIt was concluded that feeding of UMMB improved utilization of low-quality roughages and best results were obtained from stall and yard feedings with UMMB licking as compared to other groups.

Ovarian activity, metabolic and physiological parameters of canindé goats submitted to short-term supplementation with licuri oil

This study aimed to evaluate the estrous behavior, ovarian activity, feed intake, metabolic and physiological parameters of Canindé goats supplemented for nine days with Licuri oil (Syagrus coronata). Thirty-six adult female goats were distributed randomly into two groups: control group (n = 18) without Licuri oil and the oil group (n = 18) receiving a supplement containing 3% Licuri oil. The short-term food supplementation was associated with an estrus synchronization protocol. The number of ovulations and follicle diameter were evaluated by ultrasonography. Dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient intake, water ingestion, and physiological parameters such as rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and serum concentrations of cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were also determined. As concern statistical analysis, ANOVA followed by Fisher’s LSD was used and the differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. The control group showed higher HR and RR in the afternoon shift compared to the Oil group. The Oil group showed lower DMI but higher ether extract intake, and serum cholesterol and NEFA concentration than control group. Treatments did not affect estrus response and ovulation rate, but the Licuri oil increased the number of small follicles. The supplementation of Licuri oil improved thermal comfort during the dry season and a marginal increase in the ovarian activity was observed.

Benefits and disadvantages of drinking different types of tea – awareness of people based on anonymous surveys

Introduction: Tea comes from ancient China and it is obtained from the leaves of the plant known as Camellia sinensis. It can be distinguished six categories of the tea: white, green, yellow, black, oolong, pu-erh (dark, fermented) depending on the complex production processes. Tea contains various bioactive ingredients that have beneficial effects on health. In addition, tea drinking is considered safe for humans as severe side effects from ingestion of tea infusion or extract are rarely observed.&#x0D; The aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge among people about bioactive ingredients, different types of tea, health benefits, safety issues and disadvantages of drinking tea based on anonymous surveys.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The research material was collected using an anonymous survey in June 2023. The obtained results were analyzed and verified on the basis of scientific literature and statistically processed using Microsoft Office Excel.&#x0D; Discussion and conclusions: 97% of respondents drink tea, and 59.3% of people reach for it every day. The most commonly consumed type is green tea. 58.6% of respondents believe that tea may have health properties, and 80.9% believe that tea is not harmful to health. Tea contains numerous bioactive ingredients, including: polyphenols, polysaccharides, aminoacids, alkaloids, saponins, enzymes, minerals. They are responsible for a number of functions affecting human health, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and liver-protective properties. In tea, the bioavailability of active ingredients depends on the method of brewing, but also on the type of tea. Despite the many benefits, attention should be paid to the contamination of tea with heavy metals, pesticides and mycotoxins, and to excessive consumption of substances such as caffeine, as they can cause side effects observed in studies.

Effects of rumen-protected biotin on the growth performance, nitrogen utilization and blood parameters of yearling Liaoning cashmere doelings.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of rumen-protected biotin (RPB) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and plasma biochemical parameters of Liaoning cashmere goats during the cashmere fiber growing period. Sixteen 6-month-old Liaoning cashmere twin-doelings (24.8 ± 1.20 kg) were allocated to 2 diet groups that were individually ad libitum fed 30% concentrate and 70% forage diet (DM) by a paired experimental design. Goats of the control group were fed the basal diet, while goats belonging to the RPB group were fed the basal diet with 10 mg RPB/d per animal. The duration of the experiment was 16 weeks with two 8-week periods. Digestibility was determined at weeks 7 and 15, and other measures were taken every four weeks. Compared with the control group, the average daily gain of the RPB group increased by 10.94% (p < 0.05), and the intake of NDF was increased (p = 0.045). There were some increasing tendencies for the intake of DM, ADF and ether extract (p = 0.070, 0.088 and 0.070, respectively). The intake and digestibility of N tended to increase (p = 0.062 and 0.093, respectively), while the N fecal excretion percentage of N intake was decreased (p = 0.093) in the RPB compared with the control group. N retention tended to increase (p = 0.084) with the addition of adding RPB to the diet. Plasma total protein was increased (p = 0.037), whereas the urea-N concentration was decreased (p = 0.049) in the RPB diet group compared with the control diet group. The levels of propionyl-CoA carboxylase (p < 0.001) and methylmalonyl-CoA (p = 0.013) were increased in the RPB group. Supplementation of rumen-protected biotin in the diet of cashmere goats can enhance the utilization of N and improve daily weight gain during cashmere fiber growing period.

Two weeks daily intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract enhances whole-body fat oxidation during supine rest in healthy males

Introduction: Increase in exercise-induced fat oxidation has been observed with a 2-week daily intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract. We examined for supine rest the effects of a 2-week daily intake of NZBC extract on physiological and metabolic parameters in relation to body fat%.Methods: Healthy active men (n=16, age: 24.1±6.0 yr, body mass: 78.2±15.6 kg, BMI: 24.7±4.2 kg·m-2) volunteered. NZBC extract (210 mg of anthocyanins) was consumed with breakfast with a14-day washout. The final ingestion was 2 hours before testing. Physiological and metabolic responses were measured during supine rest (2x10 min), and observations with the lowest 10-minute ventilation were analyzed. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure body fat%.Results: During supine rest, a 14-day daily intake of NZBC extract had no effect on heart rate, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, and energy expenditure. However, a 14-day daily intake of NZBC extract decreased the respiratory exchange ratio (baseline: 0.840±0.045, 14-day: 0.820±0.058, P=0.03), increased fat oxidation (baseline: 0.079±0.03, 14-day: 0.088±0.043 g·min-1, P=0.05), and decreased carbohydrate oxidation (baseline: 0.178±0.067, 14-day: 0.143±0.071 g·min-1, P=0.03) during supine rest. Nine of the 16 participants had increased fat oxidation by over 10% during supine rest. For those nine participants, the increases were 26±16%. We did not observe a significant correlation between body fat% and absolute and percentual changes in fat oxidation.Conclusions: In a healthy male cohort, daily intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract for two weeks was able to increase fat oxidation during supine rest. Daily intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract may be an effective anthocyanin-rich supplement for managing body composition and body weight.Keywords: New Zealand blackcurrant; anthocyanins; metabolic equivalent; rest; fat oxidation; respiratory exchange ratio

Licury Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Intake, Digestibility, Feeding Behavior, Milk Production and Composition, and Nitrogen Metabolism.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of licury cake (LC) inclusion in the diets of lactating goats on productive and metabolic performance. Twelve lactating goats, eight Saanen and four Anglo-Nubian, were distributed in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design, with four treatments (0, 66.7, 133.3, and 200 g kg-1 of dry matter-DM). On the one hand, the LC inclusion increased neutral detergent fiber, indigestible neutral detergent fiber, and potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber (p < 0.001) intake. On the other hand, LC inclusion reduced ether extract and non-fibrous carbohydrate (p < 0.001) intake. There was a reduction in dry matter digestibility (p = 0.018) and an increase in neutral detergent fiber digestibility (p = 0.036). Feeding (p = 0.005) and rumination (p < 0.001) efficiencies increased with LC inclusion. The nitrogen balance was similar for all tested diets; however, we observed recycling metabolism. Based on the studied parameters, mainly milk production and composition, we recommend the LC inclusion of up to 200 g kg-1 DM in diets for lactating goats.

Effects of oral intake fruit or fruit extract on skin aging in healthy adults: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

In recent years, oral various fruits or supplements of fruits natural extracts have been reported to have significant anti-aging effects on the skin (1, 2), However, despite many studies on this topic, there is often no clear evidence to support their efficacy and safety. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review and Meta-analysis of the evidence for the safety and efficacy of oral fruits and fruits extracts in improving skin aging. Four databases, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), were searched for relevant literature from 2000-01 to 2023-03. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of fruit intake or fruit extracts associated with anti-skin aging were screened for Meta-analysis. Compared to placebo, oral intake of fruit or fruit extracts showed significant statistical differences in skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), with a significant improvement in skin hydration and a significant decrease in TEWL. No significant statistical difference was observed in minimal erythema dose (MED), overall skin elasticity (R2), or wrinkle depth, and no evidence of significant improvement in skin condition was observed. Meta-analysis results suggest that consume administration of fruits or fruit extracts significantly enhances skin hydration and reduces transcutaneous water loss, but there is insufficient evidence to support other outcome recommendations, including minimal erythema dose (MED), overall skin elasticity(R2), and wrinkle depth. PROSPERO (york.ac.uk), identifier CRD42023410382.

Modulation of feed digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, energy utilisation and serum biochemical indices by dietary Ligularia virgaurea supplementation in Tibetan sheep.

Ligularia virgaurea is the most widely functional native herbage in the alpine meadow pastures of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and has multiple pharmacological and biological activities. The effect of L. virgaurea as a dietary component on the digestion and metabolism of sheep was evaluated by conducting feeding trials in metabolic cages. Thirty-two Tibetan yearling rams (29±1.56kg BW) were randomly allotted to four groups included in a completely randomised design with eight animals per treatment. Sheep were fed a basal diet (freshly native pasture) without the addition of L. virgaurea (control) or with the addition of L. virgaurea (100, 200, or 300mg/kg BW per day) for 45days. Addition of L. virgaurea to the diet of Tibetan sheep was found to influence the average daily gain (quadratic [Q], P<0.001), feed conversion ratio (Q, P=0.002), CH4 emissions (linear [L], P=0.029), DM (Q, P=0.012), neutral detergent fibre (Q, P=0.017), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (Q, P=0.027), and ether extract (EE) intake (Q, P=0.026). Apparently, different levels of L. virgaurea affected the digestibility coefficients of DM, ADF, and EE (L, P>0.05; Q, P<0.05). The nitrogen (N) intake (Q, P=0.001), retained nitrogen (Q, P<0.001), and N utilisation efficiency (L, P>0.05; Q, P≤0.001) were also affected by the dietary inclusion of L. virgaurea. Effects of L. virgaurea feeding were also witnessed on methane energy (CH4-E) (L, P=0.029), gross energy (GE) (Q, P=0.013), digestible energy (DE) (Q, P=0.015), and metabolisable energy (ME) intake (Q, P=0.015). Energy utilisation efficiency expressed as a proportion of GE intake (DE/GE intake, ME/GE intake, ME/DE intake, FE/GE intake, and CH4-E/GE intake) manifested quadratic changes (P<0.05) with the increase in the L. virgaurea supplementation level. The addition of L. virgaurea increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (Q, P=0.026) and glutathione peroxidase activity (Q, P=0.039) in the serum. Overall, the greatest improvement of feed digestibility, N retention, energy utilisation, and antioxidant capacity of Tibetan sheep was yielded by the inclusion of 200mg/kg BW per day of L. virgaurea. Therefore, the addition of an appropriate amount of L. virgaurea to the diet of Tibetan sheep is safe and natural, and may enhance the sustainability of small ruminant production systems in QTP areas.

Impact of dietary supplementation with chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa, Michx.) on tetrachloride-induced liver injury in Wistar rats: Hematological and biochemical implication.

In the current study, we assessed the hematological/biochemical alterations, histopathological changes in the liver, and blood cell disorders in Wistar rats exposed to a toxic concentration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) and the potential protective effect of a 30-day oral extract of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa, AM). The concentration of AM (3.38 mg/kg) obtained by quantitative purification from AM fruit showed the highest antioxidant activity (AOA) in vitro and was used for oral ingestion. In addition to high AOA, high values of total phenols (85.334 mg/g), total phenolic acid (606.95 mg/g), total flavonids (22.10 mg/g), and total anthocyanins (11.01 mg/g) were recorded in chokeberry extract. CCl4 treatment caused serious liver injury, hepatocyte and blood cell impairment. AM extract given to rats before CCl4 application had a moderate hepatoprotective effect in comparison to after CCl4 application. White blood count and leukocytes were significantly altered by CCl4, however, the protective role of AM in leukocyte disorders was not established. A high number of microcytes, stomatocytes, anisocytes, and hemolyzed erythrocytes during CCl4 exposure was reduced by AM extract. Flower erythrocytes in the AM + CCl4 group were recorded. Supplementation with chokeberry extract without CCl4 caused hyperproteinemia and hyperalbuminemia. Although the results indicate a weak protective role for AM, it is nevertheless important for improved erythropoiesis and regulation of the development of anemia. The hepatoprotective role of AM was moderate, and the immune response was not proven. Daily consumption of chokeberry extract can improve health. However, the results of our study showed that the ingestion of AM extract at this dose with the highest AOA would have more effective effects if the supplementation were significantly increased.

Nutrient intake and blood profile of Nellore calves supplemented with cellulolytic fungi from rumen

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the effects of cellulolytic fungi from rumen on the nutrient intake and blood profile of Nellore calves. A diet was formulated with 56.79% lignified hay of Urochloa brizantha and 43.21% of concentrate. Sixteen Nellore calves were evaluated in completely randomized blocks using two calf groups: four males and four females. The first group was supplemented with a culture medium containing a mixture of Aspergillus terreus (VN 15 isolate) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (VN 20 isolate). The second group received the sterile culture medium only. Ether extract ingestion was higher in the control calves; however, the supplemented calves showed a tendency to improve feed efficiency. No significant differences were detected in the blood profiles or serum biochemistry between the calf groups. Further research analyzing different dosages, adjusting the diet protein levels, and increasing the proportion of roughage could better elucidate the interference of these fungi on the performance and blood parameters of weaned Nellore calves. Highlights Nelore calves supplemented with cellulolytic fungi showed tendency of improved feed efficiency Non-supplemented calves improved ether extract ingestion. The control group did not present differences for blood and serum biochemistry profile.

Ingestion of vegetable salads before rice inhibits the increase in postprandial serum glucose levels in healthy subjects.

This study aims to confirm the "vegetable-first" effect. In addition, because we aimed dietary fiber in vegetable salad, the effect after the ingestion of vegetable salad extract (vegetable salad from which solids have been removed) before carbohydrates on postprandial serum glucose level was also evaluated. A total of 13 healthy men were given meals after one-night of fasting: rice-vegetable salad, vegetable salad-rice, and vegetable salad extract-rice. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120min after the ingestion of the test meal to measure serum glucose levels. Serum glucose levels were significantly lower after 45 and 60min in the vegetable salad-rice group compared to the rice-vegetable salad group. No significant difference was found between the vegetable salad extract-rice group and the vegetable salad-rice/rice-vegetable salad group. The result suggested that it might be important to ingest vegetables to obtain the "vegetable-first" effect.

Ensiling Sorghum with Urea, Aerobic Exposure and Effects on Intake, Digestibility, Ingestive Behaviour and Blood Parameters of Feedlot Lambs.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ensiling sorghum silage with urea and amending the aerobic exposure nutrients intake and apparent digestibility, ingestive behaviour and blood serum metabolites of feedlot lambs. Forty uncastrated crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês lambs, aged 150 ± 15 days and with an initial body weight of 21.73 ± 2.40 kg, were used. Animals were assigned in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Thus, six silage diets were produced with various urea addition levels (UA: 0 and 5 g/kg on a natural matter basis) and periods of aerobic exposure of silages (PAE: 0, 24 and 48 h). An effect was observed for nutrient intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) and total digestive nutrients TDN (g/day) and for the total apparent digestibility of DM, OM and CP. There was an interaction effect between urea levels and aerobic exposure for ether extract (EE) and NDFap intakes (g/kg) and nonfibrous carbohydrate (NFC) digestibility (g/kg) (p = 0.012). The addition of 5 g/kg of urea to sorghum ensilage improved the digestibility parameters without changing dry matter intake and ingestive behaviour. The addition or not of urea does not change the blood parameters of the animals.

Promotion of longitudinal bone growth by the intake of oat and green onion root water extracts in weaning rats through stimulating growth hormone secretion and elevating gut microbiota related to nervous system-related pathway

We determined whether oral oat and green onion water extracts (GOO) supplementation could stimulate longitudinal bone growth in weaning rats. Fistuloside A, B, and C in the green onions and 26-desglucoavenacoside A and B and avenacoside A in the oats lowered the binding energy of growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF5) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R). After a 4-week treatment, serum growth hormone (GH) and osteoprotegerin concentrations in the High-GOO group (500 mg/kg body weight) were similar to those of the Positive-control. The femur and tibia lengths promoting the proliferative and hypertrophic zones of the growth plate in the High-GOO were also similar to Positive-control. Along with increasing serum propionate and butyrate concentrations, cecal bacteria in the High-GOO were higher in virus infection, steroid and sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis, and nervous system-related pathways than the Control in the metagenome function. It suggested that gut bacteria potentially enhanced bone growth by improving immunity and neurological activity. In conclusion, GOO increased leg length by enhancing the proliferation of the growth plate as much as GH treatment by preventing gut dysbiosis.