Levels Of Supplementation Research Articles

The chemical characteristics of different sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate sources and their relative bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet

BackgroundOur previous studies demonstrated that divalent organic iron (Fe) proteinate sources with higher complexation or chelation strengths as expressed by the greater quotient of formation (Qf) values displayed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers. Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) is a trivalent organic Fe source with the strongest chelating ligand EDTA. However, the bioavailability of Fe when administered as NaFeEDTA in broilers and other agricultural animals remains untested. Herein, the chemical characteristics of 12 NaFeEDTA products were determined. Of these, one feed grade NaFeEDTA (Qf = 2.07 × 108), one food grade NaFeEDTA (Qf = 3.31 × 108), and one Fe proteinate with an extremely strong chelation strength (Fe-Prot ES, Qf value = 8,590) were selected. Their bioavailabilities relative to Fe sulfate (FeSO4·7H2O) for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet were evaluated during d 1 to 21 by investigating the effects of the above Fe sources and added Fe levels on the growth performance, hematological indices, Fe contents, activities and gene expressions of Fe-containing enzymes in various tissues of broilers.ResultsNaFeEDTA sources varied greatly in their chemical characteristics. Plasma Fe concentration (PI), transferrin saturation (TS), liver Fe content, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in liver, heart, and kidney, catalase (CAT) activity in liver, and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of Fe supplementation. However, differences among Fe sources were detected (P < 0.05) only for PI, liver Fe content, CAT activity in liver, SDH activities in heart and kidney, and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney. Based on slope ratios from multiple linear regressions of the above indices on daily dietary analyzed Fe intake, the average bioavailabilities of Fe-Prot ES, feed grade NaFeEDTA, and food grade NaFeEDTA relative to the inorganic FeSO4·7H2O (100%) for broilers were 139%, 155%, and 166%, respectively.ConclusionsThe bioavailabilities of organic Fe sources relative to FeSO4·7H2O were closely related to their Qf values, and NaFeEDTA sources with higher Qf values showed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.

Assessment of Beetroot powder as nutritional, antioxidant, and sensory evaluation in candies

The present study investigated dehydrated beetroot powder's nutritional, antioxidant, and physicochemical potential in developing nutritionally enriched supplemented hard candies. The data on the nutritional composition of beetroot powder (Devadiga & Ahipa) elucidated significantly (Lim) higher magnitudes of proteins (13 %), ash (10 %), dietary fiber (20 %), K (27 mg.100 g−1) and Na (6.6 mg.100 g−1). Likewise, the nutritional profile of the supplemented hard candies exhibited significant (p < 0.05) improvement in proteins from 0.3 to 1.3 g/100 g (441 %↑), ash 0.3–1.3 g.100 g−1 (357 %↑), fiber 0.4–2.1 g.100 g−1 (381 %↑), K 0.6–2.8 mg.100 g^-1 (405 %↑), Na 0.2–0.7 mg.100 g^-1 (331 %↑), Mg 0.05–0.26 mg.100 g−1 (420 %↑) and Ca 0.06–0.24 mg.100 g−1 (300 %↑) on increasing the beetroot powder (BRP) supplementation from 2 to 10 %. The physicochemical properties of candies explained appreciable increments in vitamin C and betalain contents from 0.2 to 0.8 and 48–245 mg.100 g−1, respectively. Results for the antioxidant activities exhibited a similar increase in total phenolics (i.e., 10.2–41.3 mg GAE.100 g−1), total flavonoids (5.7–27.5 mg QE.100 g−1), 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picryl-Hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities (11.4–28.4 %) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) contents (24.2–127.2 μmol.100 g−1). The highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) was shown against E. coli (i.e., 13.4–23 mm), L. monocytogenes (11.03–19.2 mm), and S. aureus (12.1–20.3 mm) at a maximum concentration of BRP extracts, i.e., 10 mg mL−1. The highest sensorial acceptability of the finished product was at a 6 % supplementation level, which could be validated as a viable approach to use BRP as an ingredient of choice in improving the micronutrient inadequacies among the vulnerable population groups and direct intake of dietary fibers and antioxidant-rich BRP supplemented candies are considered to be viable in preventing the associated health challenges like cancer and dysentery.

Silicon Supplementation for Bone Health: An Umbrella Review Attempting to Translate from Animals to Humans.

Studies have attempted to demonstrate the benefits of silicon on bone health using a wide range of Si amounts-provided in the diet or through supplementation-and several different animal species. Previous studies in humans have also demonstrated a positive correlation between Si intake and bone health measures. The aim of the current review is to determine the effective levels of Si intake or supplementation that influence bone health to better inform future study designs and guidelines. Articles were identified using one of two search terms: "silicon AND bone" or "sodium zeolite A AND bone". Articles were included if the article was a controlled research study on the effect of Si on bone health and/or mineral metabolism and was in English. Articles were excluded if the article included human subjects, was in vitro, or studied silica grafts for bone injuries. Silicon type, group name, Si intake from diet, Si supplementation amount, animal, and age at the start were extracted when available. Dietary Si intake, Si supplementation amount, and the amount of Si standardized on a kg BW basis were calculated and presented as overall mean ± standard deviations, medians, minimums, and maximums. Studies that left out animal weights, amount of food or water consumed, or nutrient profiles of the basal diet were excluded from these calculations. Standardized Si intakes ranged from 0.003 to 863 mg/kg BW, at times vastly exceeding current human Si intake recommendations (25 mg/d). The lack of data provided by the literature made definitively determining an effective threshold of supplementation for skeletal health difficult. However, it appears that Si consistently positively influences bone and mineral metabolism by around 139 mg Si/kg BW/d, which is likely unfeasible to attain in humans and large animal species. Future studies should examine this proposed threshold more directly and standardize supplemental or dietary Si intakes to kg BW for better study replication and translation.

A New Functional Wheat Flour Flatbread (Bazlama) Enriched with High-β-Glucan Hull-Less Barley Flour.

Although the Med-Diet is a healthy diet model, it is affected by current dietary habits. Therefore, new foods with improved nutritional value should be developed to respond to the needs of people following the Med-Diet. This study was focused on developing high-β-glucan flat bread (bazlama) with a relatively lower GI. A bread wheat (cv. Tosunbey) flour was enriched with the flour of a high-β-glucan-content hull-less barley (cv. Chifaa) flour (15, 30, 45 and 60%) to develop a functional bazlama. The nutritional and technological properties of bazlama samples enriched with barley flour were compared with the ones produced from bread wheat. All of the barley flour-enriched bazlama samples had higher yellowness values (b*) than the control (both crumb and crust), which is generally preferred by the consumers. Texture results indicated that bazlama samples became harder with the increase in barley flour supplementation level. The results showed that 3 g of β-glucan can be provided from the barley flour-enriched bazlama samples (at 45 and 60% levels), and this is the limit to carry health claims. The bazlama samples enriched with barley flour were richer in Mg, K, Mn, Fe, and Zn minerals than the control (100% Tosunbey flour). While the glycemic index (GI) of commercial bread wheat and Tosunbey bazlama samples were high (88.60% and 79.20%, respectively), GI values of the bazlama samples enriched with 60% (64.73) and 45% barley flour (68.65) were medium. The lower GI values of barley flour-enriched bazlama samples are probably due to the higher β-glucan contents of the bazlama samples. Additionally, as the barley flour supplementation level of the bazlama samples increased, the phenolics and antioxidant capacities of free and bound extracts increased compared to bread wheat bazlama. The results indicated that hull-less barley (cv. Chifaa) with high β-glucan content may be utilized at relatively higher levels (45 and 60%) to produce bazlama with improved nutritional properties.

Effect of Lupin Supplementation on the Growth, Carcass, and Meat Characteristics of Late-Fattening Hanwoo Steers.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of lupin flake supplementation on the growth, plasma parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat composition of late-fattening Hanwoo steers. The steers (n = 40) were randomly divided into the four groups with 10 steers each: LP0 (lupin flake 0%), LP3 (lupin flake 3%), LP6 (lupin flake 6%), and LP9 (lupin flake 9%). The total digestible nutriant intake increased as the concentration of lupin increased (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05). The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance content in the strip loins decreased as lupin flake supplementation levels increased (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05), while carnosine levels increased linearly (p < 0.05). As the lupin flake supplementation level increased, anserine and creatinine contents increased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05). Similarly, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) content increased with increasing lupin flake supplementation levels in linear and quadratic effects (p < 0.001). Palmitoleic acid content increased significantly with increasing lupin flake supplementation level (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05). The content of oleic acid in the strip loin was not significant, but the unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) (p < 0.05) and n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.05) increased. The results of this study indicated that although lupin flake supplementation did not markedly affect the growth, carcass characteristics, or meat composition of late-fattening Hanwoo steers, it exerted a positive effect on the flavor, taste profiles (anserine, creatinine, ATP, and AMP), hypotonicity (TBARS), and healthy meat production (UFA and n-6/n-3 ratio) related to beef.

Inositol Inclusion Affects Growth, Body Composition, Antioxidant Performance, and Lipid Metabolism of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

The present study explored the effects of inositol on growth performance, body composition, antioxidant performance, and lipid metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing 0 mg/kg (G1, control), 125 mg/kg (G2), 250 mg/kg (G3), 375 mg/kg (G4), 500 mg/kg (G5), and 625 mg/kg (G6) inositol were prepared and fed to cultured fish (initial weight: 110 ± 1 g) for 8 weeks in recirculating the aquaculture systems. The results indicated that compared with G1 group, the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency rate (FER) in the G3 group were significantly higher. The crude lipid content of the whole fish and the liver of cultured fish was significantly reduced with increasing dietary inositol inclusion. However, no significant effects on moisture, crude protein, and ash contents of fish were observed among the different groups. Dietary inositol supplementation significantly increased muscular crude protein. However, muscular total lipid contents were decreased when the inclusion level was higher than 250 mg/kg (G3-G6 groups). As dietary inositol supplemental level increased, serum triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol (TC) contents showed an increasing trend and reached the maximum value in the G3 group. Additionally, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in G2, G3, G4, and G5 groups was significantly upregulated by increasing inositol. While, there was no significant change in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) among the treatments. Inositol inclusion also significantly reduced the serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT), and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (AST) activities as well as serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content but significantly increased serum catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Compared with the control group, the activities of hepatic total lipase (TL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were significantly elevated in the G3, G4, and G5 groups. Above all, dietary inositol supplementation could improve growth performance and antioxidant capacity, and reduce the liver fat content of largemouth bass, and the optimal supplementation level of inositol in feed is estimated to be 250.31-267.27 mg/kg.

Alternative and Sustainable Protein Sources in Pig Diet: A Review.

The search for alternative protein sources to soybean meal (SBM) in animal feeding is a strategic objective to reduce production costs and contribute to sustainable animal production. Spirulina, due to the high protein content, has emerged as a potential cost-effective, sustainable, viable, and high-nutritional-value food resource for many animal species. Insect larvae (Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens) are also considered potential alternatives to SBM, given their high edible percentage of almost 100%, as well as a protein value higher than that of vegetable proteins. Rapeseed meal and grain legumes, such as fava beans, peas, lupins, and chickpea, can also be used as locally producible protein ingredients. This study reviews the nutritional value of these potential alternatives to SBM in pig diets, and their effects on animal performance, digestion, immune system, and the physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of meat, including processed pork products. The limits on their use in pig feeding are also reviewed to indicate gaps to be filled in future research on the supplementation level of these potential alternative protein sources in pig diets.

The Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of By-Products Obtained after the Extraction of Vitamin B2 from Fermented Soybean on the Performance and Meat Quality of Growing–Finishing Pigs

The by-products obtained after the extraction of vitamin B2 from fermented soybean (VBP), primarily consisting of soybean meal, soybean oil, vitamin B2, and Bacillus subtilis, may serve as a cost-effective and recycled resource in animal feed. This research aimed to assess the impact of VBP on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, blood parameters, and meat quality of pigs in the growing–finishing phase. In this 16-week feeding experiment, 140 pigs of mixed breed [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] were used, with an initial average body weight of 26.05 ± 1.32 kg. The pigs were assigned randomly to one of four dietary groups, each consisting of five pigs, with two gilts and three barrows per pen, and a total of seven repetitions per treatment. The animals were fed different levels of by-products after vitamin B2 extraction (0, 10, 20, and 30 g/kg as the CON, VBP10, VBP20, and VBP30 dietary groups, respectively) in a three-phase feeding trial (wk. 0–4, 4–8, and 8–13). When higher levels of VBP were added as supplements, the outcomes indicated that there were no notable variations (p &gt; 0.05) in growth performance and nutrient digestibility among the treatment groups throughout the trial. In phase II (4–8 weeks), the inclusion of VBP in the diets showed a reduction (p = 0.011; with linear and quadratic effects, p = 0.003) in serum norepinephrine concentration. The sensory evaluation of meat color was linearly improved (p = 0.043) in pigs fed with graded levels of VBP supplementation. The percentage of lean meat showed a significant improvement (p = 0.016) with the gradual levels of VBP supplementation. The addition of 30 g/kg (on an as-fed basis) of vitamin B2 by-products in the diet can simultaneously mitigate the negative impacts of acute stress without compromising growth performance and enhance the percentage of lean meat. These findings suggest that VBP could be a viable and economical alternative to corn and soybean meal and partially replace it in pig feed.

Effects of banana flower powder (Musa sp.) supplementation on growth performance, whole body composition, antioxidant and immune responses, gene expression and liver histology in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study evaluated the appropriate banana flower powder (BFP) supplementation level on the growth, feed utilization, immune response and liver histology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The experimental diets included four levels of banana flower powder at 0 (BFP0) as the control, 10 (BFP10), 20 (BFP20), and 40 (BFP40) g/kg diet. The experiment was conducted with initial weight of 3.87±0.02 g per fish fed for 10 weeks. Results showed significantly higher growth in fish fed BFP20 compared to those fed the BFP0 diet (P < 0.05), with significant improvement in specific growth rate and protein productive value (P < 0.05). Whole body composition of fish fed BFP20 had higher protein (P < 0.05), while significant increases in white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils, without affecting blood biochemistry and enzyme-related liver function, were observed in the group fed BF20. The expressions of immune-related genes including IL-10, TNF-α (P < 0.05), and HSP70 (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in fish fed BFP20 compared to those fed the BFP0 diet (P < 0.05). Significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities and non-specific immune responses were observed in the group fed BFP20 (P < 0.05), with banana flower powder supplementation slightly affecting the liver tissue. Results showed that supplementation with banana flower powder at 20 g/kg increased growth performance, feed utilization, fish immunity, and antioxidant properties in Nile tilapia.

Rhodiola rosea L. improved intestinal digestive enzyme activities, inflammatory response, barrier and microbiota dysbiosis in Lateolabrax maculatus juveniles fed with high-carbohydrate diets

A 56-d feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influences of Rhodiola rosea L. on digestive enzyme activities, intestinal barrier, inflammatory response, and microbiota dysbiosis in Lateolabrax maculatus juveniles (9.37 ± 0.03 g) fed with high-carbohydrate diets. Six diets were designed: a control diet (20% corn starch, Control), high-carbohydrate diet (30% corn starch, HC1), and four high-carbohydrate diets supplemented with Rhodiola rosea L. at 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg (HC2, HC3, HC4 and HC5, respectively). Compared with the control group, the HC1 diet remarkably increased α-amylase, lipase, and chymotrypsin activities in the intestine (p < 0.05), as well as the mRNA levels of Claudin-15, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 (p < 0.05) and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Photobacterium in the intestine, which belong to the phylum and genus level, respectively. But the opposite trend was found in muscular thickness and villus lengths (p < 0.05), the mRNA levels of Occludin, ZO-1, and TGF-β (p < 0.05), at the level of phylum and genus level in the HC1 group, and the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Bacillus in the intestine compared with the control group. Intestinal chymotrypsin activity was significantly higher in the HC3 group and intestinal muscular thickness and villus lengths were also significantly higher in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups compared to the HC1 group (p < 0.05). In addition, Occludin mRNA expression in the intestine was significantly increased in the HC2, HC4, and HC5 groups compared to the HC1 group. ZO-1 and TGF-β mRNA expression in the intestine were significantly increased in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups compared to the HC1 group (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes was higher in the intestine in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups than that in the HC1 group. On the contrary, intestinal lipase and chymotrypsin activities were significantly decreased in the HC2 group compared to the HC1 group, respectively (p < 0.05). The Claudin-15, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 mRNA expression in the intestine were significantly decreased in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups compared to the HC1 group (p < 0.05). Besides, at the genus level, compared to the HC1 group, the relative abundance of Photobacterium in the intestine and the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in the HC2, HC3, HC4, and HC5 groups were all decreased. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the addition of Rhodiola rosea L. in high-carbohydrate diets can improve intestinal digestive enzyme activities, inflammatory response and intestinal barrier-related gene expression, and microbiota dysbiosis in L. maculatus. The suitable supplemental level of Rhodiola rosea L. in high-carbohydrate diets of L. maculatus is 60 mg/kg.

Effects of dietary manganese supplementation on the growth performance, tissue manganese content and antioxidant capacity of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) post-smolts

A 10-week growth trial was carried out to study the impact of dietary manganese (Mn) level on growth, tissue Mn content and anti-oxidative capacity of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) post-smolts (186.51 ± 1.43 g). Six iso-nitrogenous (42.40% Protein) and iso-lipidic (10.27% Lipid) purified diets based on casein-gelatin were formulated to contain varied graded (MnSO4·H2O as a Mn source) levels of 0.40, 9.50, 16.80, 25.80, 33.40 and 41.20 Mn mg/kg. Fish were reared in a freshwater flow-through rearing system and fed to apparent satiation 3 times daily. No significant effects were found on the survival rate, morphological indices, whole-body proximate composition (p > .05) among the groups. However, higher dietary Mn supplementation level than 25.80 mg/kg improved the growth performance, increased the deposition of Mn in whole-body and vertebral, improved hepatic digestive enzyme activity, enhanced anti-oxidative enzyme activities, and decreased the malondialdehyde content in liver and serum (p < .05). Hepatic and serum total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, total superoxide dismutase, Mn-superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were enhanced with increasing level of dietary Mn, and then stabilized when dietary Mn level up to 25.80 mg/kg. Using the cubic analysis (based on specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio), the optimal dietary Mn levels were 33.25 and 29.55 mg/kg, respectively. Using the broken-line analysis (based on the deposition of Mn, Mn-superoxide dismutase in liver and serum), the dietary Mn requirements of coho salmon post-smolts were estimated to be 24.52, 26.34, 24.74 and 26.05 mg/kg, respectively.

Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on broiler performance

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of graded levels of β-mannanase supplementation in broiler diets on growth performance, energy digestibility, and lesion scores in d-old birds fed mash, corn-soybean meal-based diets and raised to 42 d. Five dietary treatments were investigated: 1) positive control diet (PC) containing standard energy; 2) negative control (NC) with 100 kcal/kg diet reduction in AME compared to PC; 3) NC supplemented with 30 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 30 U); 4) NC supplemented with 60 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 60 U); and 5) NC supplemented with 90 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 90 U). Each treatment had 6 replicate pens with 52 chicks per replicate. Data was analyzed using 1-way ANOVA, and means were separated by LSMEANS. Reduction of 100 kcal/kg feed (NC) resulted in an overall body weight gain reduction of 51 g (P < 0.05) and feed conversion loss of approximately 4 points (P < 0.05) compared to PC at 42 d of age. At the same time, supplementing β-mannanase at 60 and 90 U/g improved growth performance parameters compared to NC, while 30 U/g did not result in significant improvements beyond NC; body weight gain was improved (P < 0.05) by 87, and 106 g when β-mannanase was supplemented at 60 and 90 U/g, respectively, compared to NC. This corresponded to an improvement by 6 and 7 points in feed conversion for 60 and 90 U/g supplementation, respectively, compared to NC. Furthermore, AMEn was improved (P < 0.05) by 15, 97, and 116 kcal/kg at 42 d when β-mannanase was added to NC at 30, 60, and 90 U/g, respectively. Digesta viscosity measured at 42 d was decreased (P < 0.05) by β-mannanase supplementation of 60 and 90 U/g, compared to NC, while 42 d lesion scores were improved (P < 0.05) by β-mannanase supplementation compared to NC. Data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-mannanase improved growth performance, energy digestibility, and reduced viscosity and lesion scores when supplemented with diets with a reduced energy content of 100 kcal/kg compared to a standard energy diet.

Development of wheat composite bread using barley β-glucan rich flour

The study highlights the potential for enhancing the nutritional value of wheat bread by incorporating β-glucan-enriched flour derived from barley. Initially, the study explores the air separation of barley flour into fractions rich in β-glucans. The procedure significantly increases the β-glucan concentration from 4.5% in barley to 8.0-10.5% in the separated coarse fractions, with yields varying from 33% to 77%. The optimal fraction of β-glucan-rich flour (β-GRF), balancing β-glucan concentration and yield, was chosen for subsequent evaluations. The impact of different levels of β-GRF supplementation (ranging from 0% to 30%) on the dough texture and sensory characteristics of the mixed wheat bread was tested. The addition of β-GRF has a noticeable influence on the rheological properties of the dough, resulting in longer development times and decreased stability compared to control samples. As the concentration of β-GRF increases to 10%, the specific volume generally rises, reaching 3.5 cm³/g, compared to the control bread with a specific volume of 3.2 cm³/g. However, beyond the 10% β-GRF level, the specific volume starts to decrease. Furthermore, β-GRF addition affects sensory and texture aspects, including bread volume, crumb, and crust characteristics. Despite these alterations, the bread remains within acceptable sensory parameters, and the final product, with 3g of β-glucan per 100 g of bread, meets the criteria for a health claim related to cholesterol reduction. This research underscores the potential to create healthier bread options by harnessing the nutritional benefits of dry concentrated β-glucans from barley, offering a promising avenue for improving the nutritional profile of bread products.

Effects of guanidinoacetic acid on in vitro rumen fermentation and microflora structure and predicted gene function.

The fermentation substrate was supplemented with 0% guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) (control group, CON), 0.2% GAA (GAA02), 0.4% GAA (GAA04), 0.6% GAA (GAA06) and 0.8% GAA (GAA08) for 48 h of in vitro fermentation. Gas production was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of fermentation. The gas was collected, and the proportions (%, v/v) of H2, CH4 and CO2 were determined. The rumen fermentation parameters, including pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), microbial protein (MCP) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs), were also determined. Furthermore, the bacterial community structure was analyzed through 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The gene functions were predicted using PICRUSt1 according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The results showed that with the increase in GAA supplementation levels, the MCP and the concentration of rumen propionate were significantly increased, while the concentration of isovalerate was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The results of microbial diversity and composition showed that the Shannon index was significantly decreased by supplementation with GAA at different levels (p < 0.05), but the relative abundance of norank_f_F082 and Papillibacter in the GAA06 group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Especially in group GAA08, the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, Prevotella and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The results of gene function prediction showed that the relative abundances of the functions of flagellar assembly, bacterial chemotaxis, plant-pathogen interaction, mismatch repair and nucleotide excision repair were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), but the relative abundances of bile secretion and protein digestion and absorption were significantly increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 0.8% GAA enhanced in vitro rumen fermentation parameters, increased the relative abundance of Prevotella and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 in the rumen, and increased the metabolic pathways of bile secretion and protein digestion and absorption.

Zinc intake ameliorates intestinal morphology and oxidative stress of broiler chickens under heat stress.

Zinc (Zn), an essential trace element for poultry, plays a crucial role in promoting growth, improving feed conversion efficiency, enhancing antioxidant activity, and preventing disease. This study investigated the impact of different levels and sources of dietary Zn supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and antioxidant activity of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions. In this experiment, 1024 Xueshan chickens were divided into eight groups and subjected to heat stress conditions with different levels of Zn supplementation (30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, and 90 mg/kg) using organic or inorganic sources. Our findings indicated that dietary Zn supplementation significantly increased the feed-to-weight ratio of broilers during the experimental period under heat stress. Moreover, Zn supplementation positively increased the villus height and villus width in the jejunum and ileum at 74 and 88 days old, with the 60 and 90 mg/kg groups outperforming other groups, and organic Zn was more effective than inorganic Zn. Furthermore, Zn supplementation significantly increased serum antioxidant levels, with higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities, and organic Zn was more effective than inorganic Zn. This study concludes that Zn supplementation is beneficial in mitigating the detrimental impacts of heat stress on broilers. The findings suggest that employing Zn as a strategy can enhance productivity in the poultry industry by positively influencing intestinal morphology and bolstering antioxidant activity to counteract potential stress.

Silybum marianum promotes growth, hepatic antioxidative activity, and splenic immunity but does not influence the intestinal barrier function of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Alternative additives such as phytobiotics have been a research priority to promote chemotherapeutic-free and disease-resistant aquaculture. Hence, various Silybum marianum (SM) extract levels, including 1, 2, 3, and 4 g kg−1, were supplemented with a reference diet, and the reference diet containing no SM was considered a control. Each test diet was fed in triplicate to experimental fish for 60 days. The effects were observed on growth, liver, lymphoid organs (kidney and spleen), and intestinal health in relation to a panel of blood biochemical responses of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Better growth performance in Nile tilapia fed any supplementation levels of SM resulted from improved feed utilization and feed conversion ratio. Microscopic observations found normal kidney, liver, and spleen microstructure across all treatments. Of interest, the antioxidative capacity of the liver was stimulated by SM supplementation, supported by higher expression of CAT, SOD, and GPx genes coupled with higher levels of hepatic GST and T-AOC and lower levels of hepatic MDA concentrations. This was further aligned with lower levels of serum ALP, AST, and ALT relevant to liver function. Meanwhile, splenic immune relevant gene expression (IFN-γ1, LYZ, and hepcidin) increased significantly in all SM-treated fish compared to the control group. Also, hematological responses, including red blood cell indices (RBCs, Hb, HTC, PCV, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) and white blood cell indices (WBCs, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and heterophils), except monocytes, were improved by SM supplementation. Intestinal microstructures were normal, and their barrier functions were unchanged by dietary supplementation. Hence, SM extract could be used as a promising avenue for enhancing the functionality of aquadiet, leading to improving overall health performance. However, the mode of action of the bioactive ingredients present in SM extract is warranted to be further studied to consider SM as a functional additive for aquafeeds.

Effects of Acacia mearnsii tannins on growth performance, footpad dermatitis, nutrient digestibility, intestinal permeability, and meat quality of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary supplementation of tannins from Acacia mearnsii on broiler growth performance, footpad dermatitis, litter moisture, and ileal digestibility as well as on intestinal permeability, jejunal morphometric, and lipid oxidation measurements. A total of 1620 Cobb 500 one-day-old male chicks were fed 6 experimental diets with 10 replicate pens of 27 birds each in a 4-phase feeding program. Dietary treatments were as follow: non-challenged control, challenged control, and challenged supplemented with 300, 500, 700, or 900 mg/kg tannin from Acacia mearnsii. All birds on challenged groups were challenged with Eimeria spp. on day 1 and Clostridium perfringens on days 11, 12, and 13. Performance was evaluated weekly until day 43. On day 21, blood samples were collected for biochemistry analyses and the intestinal permeability was evaluated using FITC-d as marker. Ileal digestibility and jejunal morphometric were also determined on day 21. Footpad dermatitis, litter moisture, and litter pH were evaluated on days 28, 35, and 43. On day 44, carcass and commercial cuts weights were evaluated and thigh samples were collected for lipid oxidation (TBARS) through a 6 months storage period. Broilers under intestinal challenge had lower growth performance, higher intestinal permeability, and lower serum albumin, cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides compared to non-challenged birds (P < 0.05). From day 1 to 43, increasing tannin supplementation for broilers under intestinal challenge led to quadratic increases (P < 0.05) in body weight gain, with optimal supplementation at 310 mg/kg as well as optimized estimations for feed conversion ratio at 444 mg/kg tannin. Dietary tannin supplementation that reduced intestinal permeability at 21 days was 466 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Tannin supplementation that improved protein and energy digestibility were at 374 and 294 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.05). No effects of tannin were observed on blood biochemistry, crypt depth, litter pH, carcass measurements, and lipid oxidation until the storage day 60. However, increasing levels of tannin supplementation led to a linear (P < 0.05) decrease on lipid oxidation of broiler meat after 90 days of storage. In conclusion, low levels of supplemental tannins from Acacia mearnsii improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal permeability in broilers under an intestinal challenge.

Effect of dietary antioxidants on free radical damage in dogs and cats.

Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) is an antioxidant that is largely involved in immune defense and enhancing the ability of biological systems to respond to oxidative stress. During the process of free radical scavenging, vitamin C supports the regeneration of vitamin E. Although the functions of antioxidants and their importance have been widely studied, the intricate interplay between antioxidants has yet to be fully elucidated, especially in dogs and cats. As such, the objective of the present study was to determine the effect of a combination of dietary antioxidants on DNA damage and antioxidant status in dogs and cats. Forty adult mixed-breed dogs and 40 adult domestic shorthair cats were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups per species. Dogs and cats remained in these groups for the 84-d duration of the study. The food differed in antioxidant supplementation with the control food meeting all of the Association of American Feed Control Officials requirements for complete and balanced nutrition, including sufficient vitamin E to exceed the published minimum. The treatment diets were targeted to include either 500, 1,000, or 1,500 IU vitamin E/kg as well as 100ppm of vitamin C and 1.5ppm of β-carotene in the food. The effect of vitamin E supplementation level on serum vitamin E concentration, DNA damage, and total antioxidant power was evaluated. Feeding diets enriched with antioxidants resulted in an increased (P < 0.05) circulating vitamin E concentration, increased (P < 0.05) immune cell protection, reduced (P < 0.05) DNA damage in dogs, and an improved (P < 0.05) antioxidant status. Overall, these data demonstrated that feeding a dry kibble with an antioxidant blend inclusive of vitamin E, vitamin C, and β-carotene enhanced cell protection and improved antioxidant status in dogs and cats.

Effects of reduced levels of organic trace minerals in proteinate forms and selenium yeast in the mineral mix on lactation performance, milk fatty acid composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status in dairy goats.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with reduced levels of organic trace minerals (OTM) in proteinate forms and selenium yeast (Se-yeast) in the mineral premix of prepartal and lactating dairy goats on lactation performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status. Xinong Saanen dairy goats (n = 40) were blocked by parity and body weight, and randomly assigned to either ITM or OTM treatments from 4wk prepartum to 8 mo of lactation. Both groups received the same basal diet except for the trace mineral supplement. The ITM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as sulfates, and Se as selenite to meet the recommendations. The OTM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as proteinates at 50% of ITM supplement levels, and Se as Se-yeast at 100% of ITM supplement level. Sampling and measurements were performed in the first, second, fourth, and eighth month of lactation. Data were summarized by month and treatment, and analyzed using the Mixed Model of SPSS with repeated measures. OTM group showed lower milk fat (P = 0.02) and higher milk Se (P = 0.03) with no compromised effects on milk yield and milk protein compared to ITM group. Furthermore, OTM decreased the content of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0 (P < 0.05) and increased the content of odd- and branched-chain FAs in milk fat due to greater content of C15:0 (P = 0.01) and anteiso C15:0 (P = 0.07). OTM led to greater total tract digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.03), crude protein (P = 0.07), ether extract (P = 0.03), and acid detergent fiber (P = 0.05). OTM goats showed less fecal excretion of Fe (P = 0.01), Cu (P < 0.01), and Zn (P = 0.08) compared to ITM goats. There was a tendency for greater serum GSH-Px activity (P = 0.09) with OTM. Overall, the long-term substitution of reduced levels of OTM for ITM can change milk fat and FA composition while maintaining milk yield, digestibility, and antioxidant status.

A novel methionine nanoparticle in broiler chickens: Bioavailability and requirements.

This bioassay evaluated the bioavailability (RBV) of a novel nanoparticle of methionine (nano-Met) relative to DL-methionine (DL-Met), and estimated methionine requirements for both sources in starting broilers. Five supplemental levels (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25% of diet) of DL-Met or nano-Met were added to a basal diet containing 0.35% standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine to create 11 experimental diets, including a basal diet and 10 experimental diets containing 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, and 0.60% SID-Met, respectively. A total of 825 one-day-old male Ross 308 birds were randomly assigned to 11 treatments with 5 pen replicates and 15 birds each. Body weight gain (BWG), breast meat yield (BMY), and thigh meat yield (TMY) increased (P < 0.001) while feed conversion ratio (FCR) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in meat samples decreased (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary methionine. Based on the slope-ratio method, the RBV of nano-Met relative to DL-Met for BWG, FCR, and TMY were 102 (48-155%; R2 = 0.71), 134 (68-201%; R2 = 0.77), and 110% (27-193%; R2 = 0.55), respectively. Considering the statistical accuracy of the spline models, the estimated values of DL-Met for maximum BWG and nano-Met for maximum TMY were 0.578% and 0.561%, respectively, which were statistically higher than those recommended for commercial settings. The highest effect size of supplemental methionine was on MDA (ƞ2p = 0.924), followed by FCR (ƞ2p = 0.578), BMY (ƞ2p = 0.575), BWG (ƞ2p = 0.430), and TMY (ƞ2p = 0.332), suggesting the potent antioxidant properties of methionine. Our findings suggest that reducing the particle size of DL-Met to nanoparticles could be a promising strategy to enhance the efficiency of methionine supplementation in broilers, an idea that requires further investigation in future research.