Maximum Weight Gain Research Articles

Optimizing Goldfish (Carassius auratus) Breeding and Larval Nurturing for Materialistic Aquaculture Utilizing Synthetic Hormones

Gold fish (Carassius auratus) are familiar in India as an ornamental freshwater fish with economic importance. This experiment aimed to explore the possibility for mass-scale breeding and larval rearing of goldfish under biofloc setup. Natural brooders were collected, acclimatized and induced to breed utilizing synthetic hormones at various dosages. Breeding execution parameters namely spawning success, fertilization rate and hatching performance were analysed. The highest fertilization and hatching rate were gradually noticed at 80.8% and 80.9% by using a dose of 0.4ml/kg body weight for females and 0.2ml/kg for males. Larval rearing was accomplish by applying several live and formulated feeds across various life stages in normal rearing tanks and biofloc tanks also. The growth performance of larvae in biofloc tanks express a satisfactory rate, with a maximum weight gain of 7.1 g and length gain of 5 cm over 120 days compared to 5.1 g and 3.5 cm in normal tanks. Water quality parameters were kept within the optimum range all over the experiment. The functionable study exhibits the viability of captive breeding and mass scale larval nurturing of goldfish employing induced breeding techniques and biofloc technology.

Dietary Crude Protein Reduction with Addition of Crystalline Amino Acids in Growing Pekin Ducks Housed in Cascading Cages: Influence on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Apparent Nutrient Digestibility

The intensive raising model for meat duck production has widely adopted cascading cages. However, investigations on low-protein diets for Pekin ducks under this model are scarce. Thus, a 3 × 6 factorial experiment was conducted using six dietary crude protein (CP) levels (17.61%, 16.25%, 15.34%, 14.55%, 13.38%, and 12.64%, analyzed) and three cage layers (lower, middle, and upper). The study aimed to examine the effects of dietary CP reduction with crystalline amino acid supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in growing Pekin ducks from 21 to 42 days of age housed at different cage layers. A total of 1620 21-day-old Pekin ducks were randomly divided into 18 groups, each with six replicates of 15 ducks per replicate. Ducks were distributed across different cage layers and were fed one of six experimental diets, respectively, each varying in dietary CP levels but maintaining similar dietary energy and amino acid profiles. The results showed that the reduction in dietary CP levels affected growth performance (p < 0.05), while weight gain, feed intake, and feed/gain of Pekin ducks had no difference among 17.61%, 16.25%, and 15.34% CP groups (p > 0.05). As dietary CP decreased, abdominal fat yield increased (p < 0.05), but breast and leg meat yields were unaffected (p > 0.05). CP intake, nitrogen intake, and nitrogen excretion decreased linearly (p < 0.05) with decreasing dietary CP levels, while apparent nutrient digestibility in Pekin ducks increased proportionally (p < 0.05). Additionally, body weight, weight gain, feed intake, CP intake, nitrogen intake, and nitrogen excretion of Pekin ducks decreased (p < 0.05) due to different cage layers, while carcass characteristics remained unaffected by cage layer (p > 0.05). In summary, it is feasible to reduce the dietary CP level with crystalline amino acid supplementation in growing Pekin ducks from 21 to 42 days of age housed in cascading cages, while the cage layers affected growth performance of ducks. Based on broken-line models, it was determined that the optimal dietary CP requirement for achieving maximum weight gain and feed efficiency in growing Pekin ducks is approximately 15%.

Study of the Chemical Endurance of Particulate Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from lactic acid monomers obtained through fermented glucose in crops like wheat and corn. PLA has numerous applications, including industrial packaging, biomedical equipment, and membranes, due to its low toxicity, biodegradability, and recycling potential. However, little is known about the short-term aging effects of particulate reinforced PLA composites in complex environments. This study investigates the chemical endurance of various PLA composites before and after exposure to different chemicals and hygrothermal conditions. The results reveal that the fabrication processing method greatly affects the degradation rate. The PLA/Carbon Fiber Powder (CFP) samples had the highest chemical resistance towards degradation in 1% HNO₃ followed by 2% NaOH with a maximum mass increase of 2.8% and 3.9% respectively. The PLA/CFP samples showed lowest chemical resistance under a combination of water and aging temperature, with an average maximum weight gain of 9.64% throughout the three CFP loadings. Continuous test for 15wt% CFP sample under subsequent liquid immersion and hot air exposure had an insignificant mass loss of 0.76% but a very brittle surface with severe micro and macro cracks were present on the sample surface. In conclusion, while PLA/CFP composites demonstrate notable chemical resistance under certain conditions, the short-term aging effects, particularly under hygrothermal conditions, reveal the significance of fabrication processing methods and the potential brittleness induced by continuous exposure to specific environments, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of material behaviors.

Features of Electrospark Coatings Formation on a Chromium Substrate Using Ceramic ZrSi2-MoSi2-ZrB2 and HfSi2-MoSi2-HfB2 Electrodes

The work is devoted to the study of the features of mass transfer, structure and properties of electrospark coatings on substrates made of the chromium alloy grade VKh1-17A using SHS-electrode ceramics of the compositions ZrSi2-MoSi2-ZrB2 and HfSi2-MoSi2-HfB2. The coatings were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive analysis, and tribological tests using the “pin-on-disk”; nanoindentation was also carried out. The kinetics of the mass transfer and heat resistance of coatings were determined by the gravimetric method. In accordance with the Palatnik criterion, the formation of coatings occured in the form of an alloy of an anode (electrode) and a cathode (substrate) materials, which ensures high adhesion of the surface layer. The maximum weight gain on the cathode was observed after the first minute of treatment, and subsequently a decrease in the mass of the cathode was noted. As a result of electrospark deposition, coatings with 100% continuity and a thickness of 10–20 µm were deposited on the surface of the chrome alloy VKh1-17A. Zirconium-containing coatings are characterized by a hardness of 18.2 GPa and an elastic modulus of 274 GPa, and coatings obtained using the HfSi2-MoSi2-HfB2 electrode were characterized by a hardness of 16.9 GPa and an elastic modulus of 332 GPa. The use of SHS-electrodes made it possible to increase the hardness of the surface layer of the chromium alloy by 4 times, wear resistance by 1.5 times, and oxidation resistance by 1.6 times at t 1000 °C for 30 hours of testing.

The efficacy and safety of anamorelin among patients with diabetes.

Anamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist approved for cancer cachexia in Japan. Little is known about predictors of anamorelin efficacy. This study aimed to assess the effect of diabetes on the efficacy and safety of anamorelin in patients with cancer cachexia. Medical records of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung, gastric, pancreatic, or colorectal cancer who received anamorelin between January 2021 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The diabetic (DM) group included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, random plasma glucose of ≥ 200mg/dL, or hemoglobin A1c of ≥ 6.5%. The maximum body weight gain and adverse events during anamorelin administration were compared between the DM and non-DM groups. Patients with a maximum body weight gain ≥ 0kg were classified as the responders. Of 103 eligible patients, 31 (30.1%) were assigned to the DM group. The DM group gained less weight (median of -0.53% vs. + 3.00%, p < 0.01) and had fewer responders (45.2% vs. 81.9%, p < 0.01) than the non-DM group. The odds ratio for non-response in the DM group was 6.55 (95% confidential interval 2.37-18.06, p < 0.01), adjusted by age and performance status. The DM group had a higher cumulative incidence of hyperglycaemic adverse events (72.2% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.01) and more discontinuations due to hyperglycaemic adverse events (25.8% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.01) than the non-DM group. Patients with diabetes and cancer cachexia are less likely to gain weight with anamorelin despite a high risk of hyperglycaemic adverse events.

Standardized ileal digestible methionine requirements for 22 to 29-d-old male broilers based on the growth performance and feather development.

The aim of the present experiment was to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine (Met) requirement during the grower phase (22 to 29 days). A total of 192 Ross 308 male broilers (745 ± 50.5 g) were assigned to six dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with eight replicate cages per treatment. The experimental diets were formulated based on corn, soybean meal, and synthetic amino acids (AA), with different levels of dietary SID Met ranging from 0.40% to 0.65%, in increments of 0.05%. Individual body weight and feed intake per cage were measured at the beginning and end of the experimental period. Weight gain (g/bird), feed intake (g/bird), gain-to-feed ratio (g/kg), feather weight (g), and relative feather percentage (% of body weight) were analyzed for linear or quadratic responses using orthogonal polynomial contrasts. Final body weight, weight gain, and feed intake increased quadratically as dietary SID Met concentration increased (p < 0.05). However, the composition of AA in the feathers showed no quadratic or linear effect based on dietary SID Met concentrations, except for Ile (p = 0.05; quadratic). The SID Met requirements for optimum and maximum weight gain of 22 to 29-days-old male broilers were estimated using the broken-line and quadratic-line models to 0.45% and 0.55%, respectively.

Dietary Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate Improved the Growth, Non-specific Immunity, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Intestinal Morphology, Phagocytic Activity, and Disease Resistance Against Vibrio parahaemolyticus of Pacific White Shrimp, Penaeus vannamei.

This study assessed the effects of dietary supplementation of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) on growth performance, feed efficiency, non-specific immunity, digestive enzyme capacity, phagocytic activity, hemocyte count, intestinal morphology, and disease resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Six diets were prepared by supplementing graded levels of PHB at 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, and 4.00% (Con, P0.25, P0.5, P1.0, P2.0, and P4.0, respectively). Triplicate groups of 90 shrimps (initial body weight 0.25 ± 0.01g) per treatment were randomly assigned and fed an experimental diet for 56days. The growth performance of shrimp was significantly improved by 1% dietary PHB supplementation. PHB-included diets fed shrimp showed significantly improved hepatopancreatic trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pepsin activities. Villus height was significantly increased with dietary PHB supplementation, and villus width was increased at a 1% inclusion level. P0.25, P0.5, and P4.0 groups significantly increased phenoloxidase activity, and the P2.0 group significantly increased anti-protease activity compared to the Con group. The survival of shrimp challenged against V. parahaemolyticus was higher in P0.5, P1.0, and P2.0 groups than in the Con diet. Dietary PHB supplementation improved weight gain, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, non-specific immunity, and disease resistance against V. parahaemolyticus of shrimp. According to the above observations, the optimal dietary PHB supplementation level for maximum weight gain would be 1% for Pacific white shrimp.

Conversion of CO2 into fibrous carbon materials using Ga-based liquid alloys

This study investigates the catalytic reduction of CO2 using various ratios of Ga-based liquid alloys under different conditions. We explored the alloying of liquid gallium with metals like indium (In) and magnesium (Mg) through mechanical stirring and heating. The alloys, once prepared, were exposed to CO2 in a reactor, with the Ga-In-Mg alloy demonstrating optimal reaction effects. In an exemplary synthesis, 1 g of Ga was combined with 30 wt% In and 7 wt% Mg, yielding a 7 wt% Ga-In-Mg alloy. This alloy, when reacted with CO2 for 10 h, exhibited a maximum weight gain of 445 mg. Elemental analysis showed a carbon content increase from 4.56 % to 72.56 % post-reaction. The reacted alloy, post-acid washing and electron microscopy examination, revealed the production of fibrous carbon materials approximately 7 μm wide. The primary objectives of this research were to identify the optimal temperature for CO2 reduction by the alloy and to determine the most efficient alloy catalyst using orthogonal experimental methods. Furthermore, we aimed to elucidate the catalytic mechanism of gallium-based liquid metal in CO2 reduction. The study also involved analyzing the adsorption and reaction processes by fitting the adsorption and reaction kinetic curves of the liquid metal with CO2. Achieving these objectives could enable the conversion of CO2 into solid carbon products, aligning with current environmental and sustainable development goals. This research offers new insights and innovative approaches to tackling energy-related challenges, highlighting the potential of liquid metal alloys in carbon capture and reduction applications.

Efficacy of thankuni and grapes in arsenicosis-affected rat

This study was undertaken to observe the effects of Thankuni and grapes on hematological and biochemical parameters against arsenicosis in Long Evans rats. Sixty male rats were selected to perform the study. The experimental rats were randomly divided into five different groups, with n = 12 in each group. Animals in group T0 were given normal feed and water and kept as control. Rats of group T1 were given arsenic trioxide @ 100 mg/L of drinking water orally. Rats of group T2 were given arsenic trioxide @ 100 mg/L drinking water and Thankuni @ 1gm/kg feed. Group T3 was given arsenic trioxide @ 100 mg/L drinking water with grapes @ 10 mg /kg body weight thrown DW. Group T4 was given arsenic trioxide, Thankuni, and grapes with the same dose for up to 45 days, respectively. Four randomly selected rats from each group (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4) were sacrificed at 15-day intervals to determine body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters. At the end of the experiment, the result showed that the minimum weight gain group was T1 whereas the maximum weight gain was found in the T3 and T4 groups. The weight gain of the T2 group is better than T1. Reduction of TEC and Hb values were significant (P &lt; 0.01) in the T1 group. Whereas in the rest of the groups, the reduction of TEC and Hb was less than in arsenic-treated groups. In conclusion, Thankuni and grapes have a significant effect on body weight and hematological and biochemical parameters.

The relationship between weight gain during chemotherapy and outcomes in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

This post hoc, pooled analysis examined the relationship between different weight gain categories and overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Data were pooled from the control arms of three phase III clinical studies (NCT00596830, NCT00254891, and NCT00254904), and the maximum weight gain in the first 3months from treatment initiation was categorised as >0%, >2.5%, and >5.0%. Cox proportional hazard modelling of OS was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for each category, including baseline covariates, time to weight gain, and time to confirmed objective response (RECIST Version 1.0). Of 1030 patients with advanced NSCLC (IIIB 11.5% and IV 88.5%), 453 (44.0%), 252 (24.5%), and 120 (11.7%) experienced weight gain from baseline of >0%, >2.5%, and >5.0%, respectively. The median time to weight gain was 23 (>0%), 43 (>2.5%),and 45 (>5.0%) days. After adjusting for a time-dependent confirmed objective response, the risk of death was reduced for patients with any weight gain (>0% vs. ≤0% [HR 0.71; 95% confidence interval-CI 0.61, 0.82], >2.5% vs. ≤2.5% [HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64, 0.91] and >5.0% vs. ≤5.0% [HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.60, 0.99]). The median OS was 13.5 versus 8.6months (weight gain >0% vs. ≤0%), 14.4 versus 9.4months (weight gain >2.5% vs. ≤2.5%), and 13.4 versus 10.2months (weight gain >5.0% vs. ≤5.0%). Weight gain during treatment was associated with a reduced risk of death, independent of tumour response. The survival benefit was comparable for weight gain >0%, >2.5%, and >5.0%, suggesting that any weight gain may be an early predictor of survival with implications for the design of interventional cancer cachexia studies.

Honeyweed (Leonurus sibiricus) supplemented diet on growth performance, blood metabolites, histology, and intestinal microflora of broiler chicks

Objective: The study looked into the effects and techniques of feeding a traditional medicinal herb, honeyweed (Leonurus siribicus) to broiler chicks in a commercially operated poultry farm. Materials and Methods: Sixty chicks, each one day old, were partitioned into four distinct groups: T1 (Commercial Feed), T2 (formulated feed, FF with 5% (w/w) honeyweed powder), T3 (FF with 5% (w/v) honeyweed powder solution), and T4 (FF with 5% (w/v) honeyweed powder solution administered through drops). This arrangement followed a completely randomized design, with three (3) replications of five (5) birds each. The broiler chicks were fed either commercial feed or FF with a honeyweed supplemented diet for 30 days. Results: The body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and death rate were computed at the conclusion of the trial. The T2 diet was found to have the lowest FCR, mortality rate, and maximum weight gain (p ≤ 0.05). Amazingly, honeyweed powder put into poultry feed dramatically reduced blood cholesterol, TG, and LDL and improved HDL (p ≤ 0.05). Remarkable differences in serum SGPT and SGOT levels have been found between the commercial feed and honeyweed-supplemented diets. Surprisingly, histological research revealed that 5% honeyweed-supplemented feed resulted in little fat formation in the liver. In addition, a 5% (w/w) honeyweed-supplemented diet reduced the total viable bacteria in the feces. We also conducted the study to observe the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli by using the methanol and water extracts of honeyweed in comparison to the synthetic antibiotic tetracycline in vitro. Intriguingly, tetracycline, methanol extract, and water extract of honeyweed showed inhibition zones of 17, 13, and 8 mm against E. coli, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that this novel-designed feed with 5% honeyweed might be used as a natural feed additive instead of dangerously manufactured antibiotics for safe poultry meat production.

Consumo, desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros terminados em confinamento com resíduo úmido de cervejaria como volumoso

ABSTRACT: The present study evaluated the effect of increasing levels of wet brewery residue (WBR) as a source of roughage on nutrient intake, performance and ingestive behaviour in lambs finished in confinement. Thirty-two uncastrated male lambs were used, weaned at 50 days of age. The treatments comprised increasing levels of WBR as roughage in the diet: 31, 44, 57 and 70%, on a dry-matter. The concentrate consisted of disintegrated corn, soybean meal, calcitic limestone and mineral salt. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.05) from the increasing levels of WBR on the intake of DM, OM, CP and TCH. The intake of EE, NDF and ADF increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), while TDN intake showed a linear reduction (P &lt; .0001) for increases in the level of WBR. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.010) on the average daily weight gain (ADG) from the addition of WBR to the diet. The time spent on feeding and rumination (P ≤ 0.05), expressed in minutes, showed a linear increase. Feeding rate for DM showed decreasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.006), while NDF rumination rate showed increasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.013) due to the increased levels of WBR in the diet. There was a linear increase in the time spent on each feeding activity (P ≤ 0.007) with the increase in WBR in the diet. Maximum weight gain is achieved when 46.9% WBR is used as a source of roughage in the diet, and this level can be recommended for terminating lambs in confinement.

Essential amino acid requirements of fish and crustaceans, a meta‐analysis

AbstractA meta‐analysis of literature data on essential amino acid (EAA) requirements of fish and crustaceans was performed to re‐estimate EAA requirements and provide ideal amino acid profiles. Large numbers of studies have been conducted on EAA requirements of fish and crustaceans over the past decades. However, estimated EAA requirements of different species showed a large variation due to differences in methodological approaches and regression models. An extensive search and inclusion of literature on EAA requirements were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines in this study, resulting in a dataset of 358 studies covering 77 species. The relative percentage of maximum weight gain was used as the outcome to evaluate the 10 EAA requirements. Forest plots analysis was employed for heterogeneity analysis, study weight allocation and re‐estimation of the requirements. Results showed that trophic level, water temperature and dietary EAA inclusion levels affected EAA requirements estimation. The meta‐analysis suggested that the estimated 10 EAA requirements (expressed as % crude protein, CP) of the fish were: arginine (Arg) 5.0 (±0.14), histidine (His) 2.0 (±0.11), isoleucine (Ile) 3.3 (±0.16), leucine (Leu) 4.9 (±0.24), valine (Val) 3.8 (±0.11), lysine (Lys) 5.2 (±0.12), sulfur amino acids (Met + Cys) 3.5 (±0.18), total aromatic amino acids (Phe + Tyr) 6.2 (±0.12), threonine (Thr) 3.5 (±0.18) and tryptophan (Trp) 0.9 (±0.08). Estimated EAA requirements (expressed as % CP) of crustaceans were Arg 5.1 (±0.31), His 2.5 (±0.15), Ile 4.3 (±0.97), Leu 5.7 (±0.08), Val 4.3 (±0.30), Lys 4.9 (±0.28), Met + Cys 3.2 (±0.18), Phe + Tyr 5.1 (±0.65), Thr 3.8 (±0.04) and Trp 0.8 (±0.15).

18 Months of Treatment with Triheptanoin in 2 Patients with Long Chain Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders

Introduction:: Long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAOD) are inborn errors of metabolism, also identified in newborn screening in Portugal. They interfere with adequate energy utilization, namely by muscles, heart, and liver. Treatment aims to maintain patients in an anabolic state, with increased caloric intake, using carbohydrates and medium-chain fatty acids. Treatment with triheptanoin (THP), a synthetic seven-carbon fatty acid triglyceride compound with an anaplerotic effect that increases energy availability to the cell, has been advocated as an efficacious and safe therapy in LC-FAOD. Methods:: Retrospective revision of clinical records of 2 LC-FAOD patients comparing number, severity and admissions for rhabdomyolysis crises, maximum CK values and weight gain in a period of 18 months before and after treatment with THP. Results/Case Report:: Patient 1 is a 12 year old male with VLCADD, with main manifestation being rhabdomyolysis crises. After he started THP we found a decrease in admissions (6 to 2), less rhabdomyolysis crises treated at home (5 to 3), and lower maximum CK values (72352 U/L to 13.000U/L). He had a large increase in weight - 13kg in 18 months. He was able to start pool exercises with no rhabdomyolysis associated. Patient 2 is an 8 year old male with LCAHDD, with main manifestations being rhabdomyolysis crises and retinopathy. After he started THP we found a decrease in admissions (4 to 1), no rhabdomyolysis crises treated at home, and lower maximum CK values (100.000U/L to 19848 U/L). He also increased his weight - 7kg in 18 months. He plays football in school and swims with no rhabdomyolysis associated. In both patients, no major side effects were observed. Conclusion:: In our patients, we could observe a reduction in the number of admissions, and less severe rhabdomyolysis crises after THP use. The weight gain was significant. There were no major side effects. Despite regarding only two patients, our findings are in line with the latest literature on THP and LC-FAOD, reinforcing the utility of THP as one more tool in the treatment of these disorders with rhabdomyolysis as the main manifestation. The weight increase is an issue to be aware of and to address from the start of the treatment.

Effects of Zinc-Gluconate Levels on Growth Performance, Whole-Body Composition, and Mineral and Enzyme Activities of Juvenile Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala).

Zinc (Zn) is an important dietary nutrient for the optimum growth performance, feed efficiency, normal metabolism, and fish health. Unfortunately, Zn requirement for mori (Cirrhinus mrigala) is not available. This experiment was designed to assess the impacts of Zn-gluconate levels on growth performance, feed utilization, mineral composition, and enzyme activities of mori and determines the optimum requirement of Zn-gluconate for this species. For this purpose, seven isonitrogenous (29.18%) and isolipidic (10.71%) purified diets were formulated with graded Zn-gluconate levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg/kg). A total of 525 juveniles (4.30 ± 0.13 g) were distributed in 21 tanks. All treatments were assessed in triplicates. At the end of the trial (90 days), a progressive increase in final weight (FW) was observed in mori fed with 0-40 mg/kg of Zn-gluconate, remained constant at 50 mg/kg of Zn-gluconate, and significantly decreased at 60 mg/kg of Zn-gluconate. Similarly, weight gain and specific growth rate followed a similar pattern, while weight gain% increased till 40 mg/kg of Zn-gluconate. However, further increase (40-60 mg/kg) had a non-significant effect on weight gain%. Diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg of Zn-gluconate resulted in optimum values for feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Supplementation of Zn-gluconate did not affect dry matter, crude fat, and crude ash at all graded levels. However, whole body crude protein was significant in response to Zn-gluconate supplementation. Furthermore, Zn-gluconate absorption enhanced from 0 to 40 mg/kg of Zn-gluconate and remained constant afterward. Whole body mineral activity also followed a similar pattern. Overall, Zn-gluconate supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) mineral activity in all parts of the tested parts of mori, including bones, scales, skin, eyes, heart, liver, and kidney. Moreover, the highest (P < 0.05) mineral activity in the skin, heart, liver, and kidney was observed in 60 mg/kg of Zn-gluconate. Supplementation of Zn-gluconate significantly increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase while it reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substance contents of mori. The optimal dietary requirement of Zn-gluconate was recorded as 43.86 mg/kg through broken-line regression for maximum weight gain% of mori juveniles. Conclusively, 40 mg/kg of Zn-gluconate supplementation significantly enhanced the health of C. mrigala. However, a further increase in Zn-gluconate supplementation from 40 to 60 mg/kg did not significantly improve the above-mentioned parameters.

Dietary Cholesterol Requirements of Large Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).

To investigate the dietary cholesterol requirements of large red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), crayfish (initial body weight: 13.49 ± 0.22 g) were hand-fed six diets containing 2.47 (C0), 4.27 (C1), 6.80 (C2), 8.77 (C3), 11.74 (C4), and 14.24 (C5) g/kg cholesterol. After 8 weeks of feeding, the maximum weight gain rate and specific growth rate occurred in group C4. The lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in group C3. Total flesh percentage increased significantly by 15.33% in group C2 compared to group C0. The increase in dietary cholesterol resulted in significant quadratic trends in concentrations of crude protein and lipid in muscle and whole body; cholesterol and free fatty acid in hemolymph, hepatopancreas, and muscle; activities of lipase and amylase in hepatopancreas and intestine; and total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity in hepatopancreas. Group C3 experienced a noteworthy increase in hemolymph glucose and total protein content compared to group C0. Additionally, malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase activity in hepatopancreas displayed significant linear and quadratic trends. The optimal dietary cholesterol level for large P. clarkii is between 7.42 and 10.93 g/kg, as revealed by the quadratic regression analysis.

Exogenous β-Propeller Phytase and Prebiotic Mannan Oligosaccharide (MOS) Supplementation of Formulated Diets Applied to Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Impact on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility

The growth of the aquafeed sector is highly dependent upon the availability of fish feed with a balanced nutritional composition. The use of prebiotics and probiotics can be an effective solution to increase the bioavailability of feed components. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with β-propeller phytase (0, 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 U/kg) from Bacillus and mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) (0, 2, 4 and 8 g/kg) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Nile tilapia over 45 days. The findings showed that adding phytase significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increases the growth performance and nutrient digestibility; the 1200 and 1800 U/kg PHY levels showed the maximum weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) and best feed conversion ratio (FCR). Furthermore, phytase increases carcass mineral composition (phosphate and calcium). At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences among all feeding groups in survival rates (above 90%). Regarding MOS inclusion, insignificant differences were seen in WG, SGR and SR. However, significant effects of MOS were observed on FCR, feed intake (FI) and PER when supplemented at 4 and 8 g/kg of feed. Taken together, our results suggest that supplementation of Nile tilapia feed with adequate amounts of β-propeller phytase from Bacillus and MOS increases growth performance and nutrient digestibility.

Effect of Replacement of Soybean Meal with Sesame Meal in The Diet of Thai-Chitralada Strain of Oreochromis niloticus (L)

Background: The present study was aimed to determine effect of replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with sesame meal (SSM) in the diet of Juvenile Thai chitralada tilapia. Methods: The study was undertaken with different inclusion levels of sesame meal (SSM) such as T1 (25% SSM), T2 (30% SSM), T3 (35% SSM) and control feed (C) for a period of 90 days. Result: Thai-Chitralada tilapia fed with T3 (35% SSM) diet attained maximum mean weight gain (28.09 g), highest specific growth rate (SGR) (2.69%), best feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.04), maximum average daily growth (ADG) (0.31 g) and maximum protein efficiency ratio (PER) (8.87). The lowest growth rate (GR) was observed in the group fed with control diet. Diets with 35% SSM replacement upon SBM showed higher amino acid (AA) profile than other treatments and control diet. Analysed AA profile in T3 - 35% SSM was Arg - 2.88, Hist - 0.86, Isol - 0.92, Leu - 2.60, Lys - 3.78, Met - 0.39, Cys - 0.38, Phe - 1.77, Thr - 1.08, Val - 0.99, Tyro - 1.09, Trypt - 0.24. The higher DNA / RNA ratio of Thai-Chitralada tilapia was obtained in T3 - 0.459, followed by T1 - 0.44 and T2 - 0.323. The lower DNA / RNA ratio of Thai-Chitralada was obtained in control - 0.321. One way ANOVA of the data analysis and Duncan multiple range test clearly affirmed that different between and sampling periods, Thai-Tilapia fingerlings had significant difference (P less than 0.05) among the different experimental diets. From the present experiment, it could be concluded that, sesame seed meal can replace 35% SBM in the diets of Thai-Chitralada tilapia.

The use of feed additives in the diet of egg productivity chickens

Due to the need to increase poultry production obtained at the lowest economic cost, there will always be a need to research the use of new feed additives and means. The inclusion of such additives in poultry compound feed increases productivity, improves metabolism and makes feed more eff ective. The purpose of the work was to analyze the use of feed additives in the diet of egg productivity chickens. In order to conduct the research, three groups of egg productivity chickens were formed: a control group and two experimental ones. Chickens of the 1st experimental group, in addition to the standard feed received the feed additive SibMos Pro in the amount of 0,1 g/kg live weight. For chickens of the 2nd experimental group the drug Immufon was added to the main diet in the dose 0,01 ml/ kg of live weight. It was established that the addition of the studied feed additives SibMos Pro to the diet of chickens in the 1st experimental group and the drug Immufon in the 2nd experimental group had a positive eff ect on the increase in live weight of chickens during the experimental period. Thus, the gain in live weight of one chicken diff ered between groups. The indicator ranged from 934,1 g in the control group to 964,0 g in the 2nd experimental group. The maximum gain in live weight was in the 2nd experimental group, where it was 3,2 % higher than in the control group. The reduction in feed consumption occurred due to better absorption of compound feed in chickens from this group, which was associated with the use of the drug Immufon, which promoted better absorption of feed nutrients. Thus, it was established that the highest productivity indicators were shown by chickens of the 2nd experimental group that received the drug Immufon, therefore we recommend that poultry farms with egg productivity use this drug in the compound feed for young animals at the dose of 0,01 ml/kg of live weight. We also recommend to use the feed additive SibMos Pro in the amount of 0,1 g/kg live weight.

Features of the Formation of Electric Spark Coatings on the Alloy CompoNiAl-M5-3 of Nickel Monoaluminide Using an Electrode of Eutectic Alloy Zr-18% Ni

To improve the service properties of the CompoNiAl-M5-3 nickel monoaluminide alloy, protective coatings were applied by electrospark deposition using electrodes from the Zr-18%Ni eutectic alloy. Coatings were applied in an argon atmosphere using vibration and rotation type manual processing tools with both direct and reverse polarities connected. It was established that the maximum total weight gain on the cathode of 11.17×10-4 cm3 was achieved in the case of using a rotary tool with direct polarity connected. The resulting coatings are characterized by 100% continuity with a thickness of 20–25 µm, a hardness of 11.6–14.6 GPa, and an elastic modulus of 162–174 GPa. The use of the electric spark processing contributes to an increase in the hardness of the CompoNiAl-M5-3 alloy by 1.4–1.8 times, wear resistance from 3.3 to 16.2 times, heat resistance at a temperature of 1150 °C for 5 h, and a decrease in the friction coefficient.