Dietary Mixture Research Articles

Dietary Chlorella vulgaris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae enhanced the growth performance, blood biomarkers, and antioxidative capacity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Chlorella vulgaris (CV) has been investigated in aquaculture and shown as a potential functional feed additive. Therefore, this study tested the effects of dietary CV and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on the growth performance, blood biomarkers, and antioxidative capacity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were allocated in four groups in triplicates, where each glass aquaria was stocked with 15 fish with 4.25±0.11 g/fish. Fish offered four test diets for 84 days: control (free from CV or/and SC), CV-supplemented diet (5 %), SC-supplemented diet (0.05 %; (10 × 109 CFU/g), and a mixture of CV and SC-supplemented diet (5 % CV+ 0.05 % SC), respectively. The results indicated that fish-fed CV or SC revealed enhanced growth performance (final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) and protein efficiency ratio, while the feed conversion ratio was reduced compared to the control. Fish-fed dietary SC or CV and SC mixture revealed higher villi length than the control. Besides, villi width and muscular thickness enhanced significantly in carps-fed CV and SC compared to the control. Fish-fed dietary CV and/or SC revealed lower moisture content and higher crude protein and total lipids than the control. The results indicated that fish-fed CV or SC revealed higher serum total protein than the control. On the other hand, the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were markedly reduced in carps-fed dietary CV and/or SC compared to the control. The results indicated that fish-fed CV and/or SC revealed higher lysozyme activity, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase than the control. The superoxide dismutase of fish-fed CV or SC is higher than that of the control or CV and SC mixture. Additionally, the malondialdehyde levels (MDA) were markedly reduced in carp-fed dietary CV and/or SC compared to the control group. In conclusion, dietary C. vulgaris and/or S. cerevisiae can enhance growth performance and feed utilization in common carp. Besides, the biochemical blood markers and activated antioxidative capacity indicated that common carp fed C. vulgaris and/or S. cerevisiae revealed stable health status.

Unravelling the effects of extrusion and drying temperatures on the radical scavenging capacity of aquafeeds supplemented with mango and pineapple by-products

Antioxidant supplementation of aquafeeds with natural sources is a current research trend within the context of a circular economy. However, natural antioxidants are highly vulnerable to thermal conditions during feed manufacturing, particularly during extrusion and drying. This study examines the impact of extrusion and drying temperatures on the antioxidant properties of aquafeeds supplemented with natural antioxidants from mango and pineapple peels. A control dietary mixture and two dietary mixtures with 2 % inclusion of either mango (M) or pineapple (P) peel flour were subjected to different combinations of extrusion temperatures (110 °C, -H vs 25 °C - C) and drying temperatures (60 °C vs 35 °C). Ingredients, manufacturing process intermediate stages, and final diets were analysed for their natural antioxidant composition (vitamins, carotenoids, free and fibre-bound phenolic compounds) and antioxidant capacity via the DPPH+, ABTS•+ and ORAC assays, the latter of which is the most representative for biological models. Results show that incorporating 2 % of either pineapple or mango peel flour increases the antioxidant content and capacity of aquafeeds compared to a control diet subjected to the same manufacturing conditions. Phenolic compounds were more abundant and resistant to the feed manufacturing process than vitamins and carotenoids. Specifically, ORAC results for free and fibre-bound extracts in diet PH-60 (1674.3 and 1216.2 mg TE 100 g DM−1, respectively) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the control CH-60 (694.8 and 422.8, respectively). Moreover, free extracts from diet PC-60 (1312.0 mg TE 100 g DM−1) and fibre-bound extracts from diets MH-60 and PH-35 (719.2 and 871.1 mg TE 100 g DM−1, respectively) were also significantly higher than the control (P < 0.001). A PCA analysis showed that pineapple diets with hot extrusion, as well as the mango diet with hot extrusion and hot drying, are more closely associated with higher antioxidant capacity in both free and bound extracts. Overall, fruit peel flours show promise as antioxidant supplements for mitigating oxidation in aquafeeds.

Effect of dried cauliflower leaf meal (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) dietary supplementation on the growth performance, carcass and meat characteristics of rabbits.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of feeding cauliflower leaf meal (CLM) on growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, histopathology and economics of rabbit production. A total of eighteen 45-day-old Newzeland White rabbits were randomly divided into three groups and fed with control (0%), 20% and 30% CLM in concentrate mixture and feeding trial continued for 3 months. Growth performance was recorded upto the end of the trial. On completion of the growth study, a digestibility trial was conducted to assess the digestibility of nutrients. Afterwards, all the experimental rabbits were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass and meat quality, and to examine histological changes in the viscera. The cost of production was calculated on the basis of partially replacing wheat bran with CLM. Results showed that the body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and digestibility of nutrients were similar among the groups of rabbits. Further, dressing percentage, wholesome cut yield, chemical composition of meat, sensory evaluation, water holding capacity and shear force value were also comparable among all groups. However, total phenolic content, vitamin A and E, and polyunsaturated fatty acid were significantly (p < 0.05) higher and 2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in 30% CLM-fed group. Histopathological study showed no pathological changes in viscera of rabbits fed with CLM. Moreover, the cost of production was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in 30% CLM-fed group of rabbits. The present work shows that the 30% CLM can be incorporated in concentrate mixture in rabbit diet without affecting growth performance or meat quality and successfully used in rabbit nutrition, which will be cheaper with enhanced keeping quality of meat.

Substituting effects of winged bean tuber-modified starches for cassava chip in concentrate diets on rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and blood metabolites in Thai native beef cattle.

This study examined the effects of substituting winged bean tuber steam (WBTS) modified starches for cassava chips (CSC) in the concentrate diet on rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and blood metabolites in Thai-native beef cattle. Four Thai-native bulls were assigned randomly as a 4×4 Latin square design, which represents the amount of CSC replaced with WBTS in the concentrate mixture diets at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Increasing levels of WBTS replacement for CSC in the concentrate diets had a quadratic effect on total dry matter (DM) intake (p<0.05). Replacement of WBTS at 20% and 30% for CSC did not alter total DM intake compared to 0% WBTS, whereas 10% WBTS replacement could significantly increase total DM intake by 0.41 kg DM/d compared to the control group. In addition, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility showed a quadratic increase (p<0.05) when CSC was substituted at various levels of WBTS in the concentrate diet (p<0.05). Replacement of CSC with WBTS at 10% and 20% showed higher NDF digestibility when compared to 0% replacement. There was a quadratic increase in blood glucose at 4 h post-feeding, and the average blood glucose value was significantly lower (p<0.01) when substituting CSC with WBTS. Substituting WBTS for CSC at 10% in the concentrate diet showed the highest blood glucose concentration when compared to other treatments. Replacing CSC with WBTS at 10% and 20% shows a higher concentration of C3 than those of other treatments (0% or 30%). The nitrogen (N) intake increased linearly (p<0.05) when substituting WBTS for CSC at all levels in the diet. Additionally, N retention and the ratio of N retention to N intake increased (p<0.05) when substituting WBTS for CSC at 10%, 20%, and 30% compared to 0%. The gross energy intake (GEI), digestible energy intake (DEI), and energy efficiency (DEI/GEI) were quadratically increased when substituted with various levels of WBTS for CSC in the concentrate diet. The findings indicate that substituting 10% of CSC in the concentrate diet with WBTS may be sufficient as an alternative feed resource for improving nutrient utilization and metabolic efficiency in beef cattle diets.

High-fat diet disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation, damage to tight junctions, and apoptosis and necrosis in Nyctereutes procyonoides intestines.

Given the burgeoning Nyctereutes procyonoides breeding industry and its growing scale, it is imperative to investigate the impact of high-fat diets on the health of these animals. This study involved 30 male Nyctereutes procyonoides of comparable weights (3 kg ±0.5), randomly assigned to either a control group or a high-fat diet group (n = 15 each). The latter group was fed a mixture of lard and basal diet in a 2:5 ratio, establishing a high-fat diet model in Nyctereutes procyonoides. This diet induced diarrhea and histopathological changes in the Nyctereutes procyonoides. Analysis of the small intestine contents using 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a high-fat diet-induced disruption in the gut microbiota. Specifically, Escherichia-Shigella emerged as the biomarker in the high-fat diet group (P = 0.049), while Vagococcus was prevalent in the control group (P = 0.049), indicating a significant increase in harmful bacteria in the high-fat diet group. Furthermore, this disrupted gut flora correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress, as evidenced by marked increases in TNF-α (P < 0.01), IL-1β (P < 0.05), and IL-6 (P < 0.05) levels, measured via q-PCR, Western blot, and oxidative stress assays. In addition, q-PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of apoptosis and necrosis markers, including Bax, Caspase3, Caspase9, Caspase12, RIPK3, and RIPK1 (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001), and a concurrent downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 (P < 0.01) in the high-fat diet group, consistent with protein expression trends. These findings suggest that a high-fat diet alters the gut microbiome toward a more harmful bacterial composition, escalating inflammatory responses and intestinal tissue permeability, culminating in intestinal cell apoptosis and necrosis.IMPORTANCEThis study examines the impact of high-fat diets on Nyctereutes procyonoides. Our research established a Nyctereutes procyonoides model on a high-fat diet, revealing significant health impacts, such as diarrhea, histological anomalies, and alterations in the gut microbiota. These findings emphasize the importance of preventing health issues and promoting sustainable industry growth. They highlight the significant impact of diet on gut microbiota and overall animal health.

Cocoa intoxication in domestic and street dogs: A comparative study

Chocolate intoxication can be life-threatening to dogs and cats with high morbidity and mortality. The current study aims to compare the toxic effect of dark chocolate on domestic dogs versus street dogs. Eighteen male dogs were used in this study, nine of each of domestic dogs and street dogs. The experiment continued for seven consecutive days. After three days, blood samples were collected as a control, and one dog from each group was sacrificed for negative control histopathological purposes. The same animals of both groups received a mixture of the standard diets and cocoa powder (1g / Kg BW / day) for four days. Clinical signs appeared faster in domestic dogs than in street dogs. Liver enzymes and oxidative stress indicators were elevated after four days in both street dogs the domestic dogs but not in their control groups. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in lipid profile except for HDL in the groups treated with cocoa compared to the control groups. The same results were noticed regarding total protein, urea, and creatinine since they significantly increased against their controls. In conclusion, cocoa is toxic to both domestic and street dogs in the same way except for the starting of the clinical signs where the domestic dogs were affected earlier than street dogs.

Pollen as food: effects of consumption on tadpole growth, development, and mobility

The structure of many aquatic food webs is influenced by tadpole survivorship and duration of seasonal occupancy, which depend on tadpole diet. Pollen has been occasionally reported to occur in tadpole diets, and the available studies show that tadpoles have a strong preference for this supposedly nutritive resource. Thus, we aimed to test whether a diet composed of pollen from varied plant species would boost tadpole growth, development, and agility/mobility, compared to a regular artificial balanced and nutritive diet. Tadpoles in initial developmental stages 25 and 30 grew more when fed with pollen, compared to artificial food and a mixture of both diets. Those initially in stage 30 advanced more developmental stages during one month when fed exclusively with pollen. Tadpoles fed with pollen moved longer distances in response to an aversive stimulus simulating a predatory attack than tadpoles fed with artificial food or a mixed diet. Our results corroborate the hypotheses of pollen being a very important food source to aquatic consumers such as tadpoles, being likely to influence the structure of aquatic food webs through tadpole nutrition and modulation of growth/development speed, as well as tadpole ability to escape predators.

Effect of creep feeding pelleted starter diet, liquid milk replacer and a liquid mixture of starter diet and milk replacer to suckling pigs on their growth and medication usage.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of creep-feeding solid starter diet, liquid milk replacer, and a liquid mixture of starter diet and milk replacer to suckling pigs on their growth and medication usage up to target slaughter weight (approximately 120kg). Ninety-one sows and their litters were randomly assigned to one of four post-farrowing treatments at day 107 of gestation; (1) no creep feed provided to weaning at day 28 of age (CONTROL; n = 20), (2) dry pelleted starter diet provided as creep feed from day 10 of age to weaning (DPS; n = 25), (3) liquid milk replacer provided as creep feed from day 3 of age to weaning (LMR; n = 23), and (4) liquid milk replacer provided from days 3 to 6 of age followed by a mixture of liquid milk replacer with an increasing proportion of liquid starter diet to weaning provided as creep feed (LMR + S; n = 23). Pig weight and dry matter disappearance (DMd) were recorded during lactation and postweaning until pigs reached target slaughter weight (approximately 120kg). At target slaughter weight, carcass weight and quality were recorded. Medication (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory) usage per pig on a litter basis, and number of injections and clinical cases of disease per litter were recorded from birth to slaughter. At day 5 postweaning, a subset of pigs (n = 40) were sacrificed and intestinal samples were collected for histological analysis. Piglets supplemented with DPS had higher DMd of creep feed than those supplemented with LMR or LMR + S (P < 0.001). Providing LMR + S to suckling piglets reduced the coefficient of variation (CV) for within-litter piglet weaning weight (P < 0.01) compared to DPS and LMR, buttheCV of LMR + S was similar to that of CONTROL. Providing DPS or LMR to suckling piglets increased piglet weaning weight compared to CONTROL (P < 0.001) but pig weight was not significantly different from CONTROL at time points thereafter. Gain to feed ratio from weaning to day 6 postweaning was less for LMR pigs compared to all other treatments (P < 0.001). Providing DPS or LMR + S to suckling piglets tended to increase postweaning ileal villus height (P = 0.07). Diarrhea incidence, as well as the number of clinical cases of disease and injections per litter and volume of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory administered per pig pre- and postweaning, were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing suckling pigs with liquid milk replacer or dry pelleted starter diet improved growth at weaning, but the benefit did not persist to slaughter.

Impact of seaweed on growth performance, sperm quality and testicular histomorphology of ram

Sperm quality is critical for male fertility, which is largely dependent on testicular development; however, nutrition is critical for optimal growth, gonadal development, and reproductive functions. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Gracilaria parvispora, a red seaweed on growth performance, testicular physiology, and semen quality in ram. Fifteen indigenous rams, weighing 10-11 kg and aged 12-13 months, were randomly allocated into three groups. One group was considered as control and supplied with German grass and concentrate mixture (control diet). The other two groups were provided with control diet plus seaweed mixture either at 7 g/d or 14 g/d. The starting body weight, scrotal circumferences and semen quality of rams were similar for all groups. However, post-treatment, both the seaweed-treated groups showed significantly higher body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, and increased scrotal circumference and testicular dimensions, compared to control group. Moreover, the semen parameters, including sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, mass motility and progressive motility were observed to be significantly increased, while decreasing abnormal sperm percentage in the seaweed-treated group. Furthermore, DPPH and ABTS scavenging abilities, and in vitro fertilization rate were significantly increased in seaweed treated groups. Additionally, the testicular histology of seaweed treated groups revealed a thinner tunica albuginea with expanded seminiferous tubules containing higher number of spermatogenic cells inside. These findings suggested that seaweed G. parvispora could be a valuable dietary supplement for enhancing the growth and reproductive performance of ram.

Improvement of a diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats: Assessment of biochemical parameters, the thickness of the abdominal aorta and liver histology

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop an improved and more reliable atherogenic diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats for a better insight into pathophysiological changes and their effects on relevant biochemical and histological markers as well as on the thickness of the abdominal aorta. MethodsThe study was conducted on a total number of 24 Wistar rats, three-month-old, weighing 180–230g that were divided into two groups: the standard rodent diet (SD) group (n = 12; 6 males and 6 females) in which rats were fed with commercially available standard rodent diet (SRD), and the atherogenic rodent diet (AD) group (n = 12; 6 males and 6 females) in which rats were fed with our mixture of atherogenic rodent diet (ARD) throughout the study period of 28 days. The body weight of rats was recorded weekly. The blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and values of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were determined at baseline, after the 14 days, and on the last day of the study, while other parameters high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, total protein (TP), glucose (GC), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were determined only on the last day of the study. The liver and abdominal aorta were collected after sacrifice and stored for further analysis. ResultsFeeding rats with an ARD for 14 days resulted in the successful development of hyperlipidemia, as the TC and TG values were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Further feeding with an ARD for a total of 28 days resulted in significantly increased levels of TC, TG, LDL, non-HDL, and decreased levels of HDL compared to rats fed with SRD (p < 0.05). Greater risk predispositions for CVDs were documented for rats in the AD group, due to the significant increase in AI and LDL/HDL ratio compared to the SD group (p < 0.05). ConclusionObtained lipid profile and predictors confirm the establishment of a diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats and prove the suitability of our model for future testing and proving the effectiveness of lipid-lowering agents.

The protective efficacy of dual dietary rosemary plus cinnamon mix against lead nitrate-induced immune suppression, genotoxicity, and oxidant/antioxidant status in Nile tilapia fingerlings

Lead (Pb) is a common heavy metal, which negatively influences the health and performance of aquatic organisms. The aquatic pollution with Pb is increasing day after day due to the increase in human activities, agricultural, and mining activities among others. Lead was regarded as oxidative stressor causing mutagenic and physiological disorders in aquatic animals. Hence, the current perspective assessed the promoting effects of dietary mixture of rosemary plus cinnamon (R + C) intervention on growth, hemato-biochemical, and hepatic oxidative biomarkers in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to a sub-lethal dose of lead nitrate (7.94 mg Pb/L) for 60 days. Fish were distributed into four equal groups; T1 was kept as a control group, T2 was fed on 10 g R + C/kg feed, and T3 and T4 were fed on the control diet and 10 g R + C/kg feed, respectively, along with lead nitrate exposure. Findings of the present study indicated that, upon exposure to Pb (T3), growth, hemato-biochemical, and immune indices in Nile tilapia were notably reduced compared with that of the control group (T1). Meanwhile, stress (blood glucose, cortisol, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), hepatic oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) biomarkers, and DNA fragmentation percentage were significantly augmented in T3 vs T1. Additionally, exposing fish to lead nitrate caused immune suppression compared with the control group (T3 vs T1). On the other hand, the dietary supplementation of R + C mix to Nile tilapia (T2) enhanced its growth performance, antioxidant, and immune status. Feeding Pb-intoxicated Nile tilapia on R + C mix (T4) mitigated the oxidative damage and immune suppression induced by lead nitrate exposure compared with T3. Based on the present study outcomes, we opine that feeding Nile tilapia with rosemary plus cinnamon mixture (10 g/kg feed) has protective effects against lead nitrate-induced stress, physiological alterations, and oxidative damage.

Association between Mediterranean diet and metal mixtures concentrations in pregnant people from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study

Diet is a primary source of nutrients but also toxic metal exposure. In pregnancy, balancing essential metal exposure while reducing non-essential ones is vital for fetal and maternal health. However, the effect of metal mixtures from diets like the Mediterranean, known for health benefits, remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and metals exposure, both individually and as mixtures. The study involved 907 pregnant participants from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. We calculated the relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED) through a validated food frequency questionnaire, which includes 8 traditional Mediterranean dietary components. Also, at ~24–28 weeks of gestation, we used ICP-MS to measure speciation of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, Zn, and As in urine, as well as Pb, Hg, As, Ni, and Se in toenails. We used multiple linear regression and Weighted Quantile Sum regression to analyze the association between rMED and metal mixtures. The models were adjusted for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, smoking during pregnancy, and educational level. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with increased urinary Al (® = 0.26 (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.05; 0.46)), Cd (β = 0.12 (95%CI = 0.00; 0.24)), Mo (β = 0.10 (95%CI = 0.00; 0.20)), and AsB (β = 0.88 (95%CI = 0.49; 1.27)) as well as toenail Hg (β = 0.44 (95%CI = 0.22; 0.65)), Ni (β = 0.37 (95%CI = 0.06; 0.67)), and Pb (β = 0.22 (95%CI = 0.03; 0.40)) compared to those with low adherence. The intake of fruits and nuts, fish and seafood, legumes, cereals, meat, and olive oil were found to be related to the metal biomarkers within the rMED. In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet enhances essential metal intake but may also increase exposure to harmful ones.

Combined Effects of Spirulina platensis and Pediococcus acidilactici on the Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Antioxidative Status, and Immune Genes in Zebrafish

Abstract The combined effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidative status, and immune genes in zebrafish were investigated in the present study. Four experimental diets were designed: control and three test diets mixed with SP at 2.5%, PA at 107 CFU/g, or a combination of 2.5% SP and 107 CFU/g PA. After 56 days, fish treated with PA and SP mixture had higher final weight, weight gain, SGR, and lower FCR than fish fed the control and SP diets (P&lt;0.05). The results also illustrated that fish fed PA, SP, and their mixture had higher (P&lt;0.05) protease and amylase activities than the control. The lipase activity was significantly higher in fish treated with PA or the mixture of PA and SP than in the control (P&lt;0.05). The alternative complement pathway (ACH50) and lysozyme activity in the mucus samples of fish treated with PA or both PA and SP were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than in fish treated with the control and SP diets. The total immunoglobulin level in the skin mucus was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in fish fed PA than in control. In the body homogenates samples, the lysozyme activity and immunoglobulin levels were markedly higher (P&lt;0.05) in fish treated with the mixture of PA and SP than in the control. The dietary PA and SP diet mixture improved the glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidative capacity. The expression of IL-1β and IL-8 genes in fish treated with PA or the mixture of PA and SP was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than in fish treated with the control or SP diets. Fish treated with PA, SP, or both PA and SP had marked (P&lt;0.05) upregulation of the lysozyme gene expression. In conclusion, the mixture of S. platensis and P. acidilactici is more effective than using each individually for improving the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and the immune and antioxidative capacity of zebrafish.

Novel chitinolytic Bacillus spp. increase feed efficiency, feed digestibility, and survivability to Vibrio anguillarum in European seabass fed with diets containing Hermetia illucens larvae meal

Insect meals (IM) are being pointed out as a promising sustainable protein source. However, chitin in IM may negatively interfere with fish performance and nutrient availability. Given that carnivorous fish have a low or inexistent ability to digest chitin, novel strategies are needed to overcome chitin-imposed bottlenecks. Carbohydrolytic sporeforming probiotics offer a competitive industrial approach, being able to resist the harsh feed manufacturing process, transport, storage, and animal's gastrointestinal tract, while being able to increase the digestibility of otherwise indigestible components. Aiming to increase IM chitin digestibility, two chitinolytic sporeforming fish isolates (Fish isolates 645 (FI645) and 658 (FI658)), closely related to Bacillus licheniformis, were isolated from European sea bass (ESB) gastrointestinal tract, and incorporated (individually or as a mixture) in ESB diets with high defatted Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HM) levels (30% inclusion). FI were evaluated regarding their effects on ESB growth performance and digestibility. The spores were able to maintain their viability throughout the 180 days of diet storage at room temperature. Dietary inclusion of FI645 led to higher chitin digestibility. Concomitantly, the digestibility of dry matter, protein, and energy increased, overall leading to higher feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio. Dietary inclusion of FI645 led to increased plasma N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) levels. This is the first evidence for diet-mediated modulation of plasma GlcNAc concentrations. Dietary inclusion of FI645 also increased the expressions of the genes coding for N-acetylglucosamine kinase (nagk) and GlcNAc phosphomutase (pgm3), key enzymes from the GlcNAc salvage pathway and the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP). On the other hand, no differences were found for the expression of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase (amdhd2), a precursor enzyme for GlcNAc redirection to glycolysis. These results hint that free GlcNAc resulting from increased chitin digestibility might be preferentially redirected to protein O-GlcNAcylation processes through HBP in fish cells. Additionally, when challenged with Vibrio anguillarum, and after being feed for one month with the same diets, D645 also increased ESB survival from 52.5% to 77.5%, when compared to the control. Together, these results establish the potential of using FI645 as a probiotic for enhancing chitin digestion and acting as a prophylactic agent for ESB protection against V. anguillarum infection. This strategy opens novel possibilities for using commodities, including high chitin levels in aquafeeds, and reducing the use of antibiotics in aquaculture.

Reproductive And Productive Performance Of Murrah Buffaloes On Post-Partum Poly-Herbal Supplementation

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of poly-herbal mixture supplementation on production and reproductive performance in freshly calved buffaloes. Twenty Murrah buffaloes were divided into two groups viz.; T0 control (n=10, parity P=3.3±0.55, avg. milk yield (kg)=2659±204) without any supplementation and T1 (n=10, parity P=3.5±0.56, avg. milk yield (kg)=2620±112) poly-herbal mixture was supplemented for ten days postpartum. 1st heat in days (T0- 103.6a±12.40, T1- 71.9b±9.55), no of AI done (T0- 2.3±0.48, T1- 2.2±0.49), service period (days) (T0-108.4±22.47, T1- 89.67±8.51), time of the expulsion of the fetus (hours) (T0- 15.7a±2.15, T1- 9.3b±1.84), conception rate (%) (T0- 41.7%, T1- 46.14%), RFM (%) (T0- 20%, T1- NIL), and yield per day (kg) (FCM6%) (T0- 12.81±0.67, T1- 13.50±0.37), peak yield (kg) (FCM6%) (T0- 16.53±0.85, T1- 17.23±0.47), milk yield of 4 months (kg) (FCM6%) (T0- 1537±80.92, T1- 1620±44.11). 1st heat in days and expulsion of the fetal membrane were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the supplemented group as compared to the control group (T0). Feeding of the poly-herbal mixture could lower the number of days to first insemination and service period due to early uterine involution. It can be concluded that the supplementation with the polyherbal mixture in the postpartum diet enhances the postpartum productive and reproductive performance of Murrah buffaloes.

Impact of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal substituted for fish meal in diets for juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Growth performance and feed efficiency

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding Nile tilapiya juvenile (Oreochromis niloticus) with diets based on fish meal and Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal on growth performance and feed efficiency. For this purpose, three diets were prepared: Control diet (FM); without T. molitor larvae meal, insect diet (TM); 100% of fish meal has been replaced by T. molitor larvae meal and mixture diet (FM/TM); 50% of fish meal has been replaced by T. molitor larvae meal. A total of three groups in three replications were used over the 46-day investigation. In the experiment, 1-month-old Nile tilapia juveniles were used, which were with an average weight of 0.12±0.001 g. At the end of the experiment, the best growth was in the FM group, then the TM group and the lowest growth was in the FM/TM group (P0.05). SGR was quite low in all groups. The overall feeding response was good and the experimental diets were well accepted by the fish. The best FCR was in the FM group. This was followed by the group fed the TM diet. However, statistically, the difference between them was not significant (P

Extended one generation reproductive toxicity study and effect on gut flora of genetically modified rice rich in β-carotene in wistar rats

To evaluate the reproductive toxicity of gene modified rice generated by introducing phytoene synthase (Psy) and bacterial phytoene desaturase (CrtI) from maize and Erwinia uredovora, Wistar rats were allocated into 3 groups and fed with Psy and CrtI gene modified rice mixture diet (GM group), non-gene modified rice mixture diet (non-GM group), and AIN-93 diet (Blank control group) from parental generation (F0) to the offsprings (F1). GM rice, Heijinmi (HJM) and Non-GM rice, Heishuai (HS), were both formulated into diets at ratios of 73.5% and 75.5% according to the AIN93 diet for rodent animals, respectively. Relative to the non-GM group, no biologically relevant differences were observed in GM group rats concerning reproductive performance such as fertility rate, gestation rate, mean duration, hormone level, and reproductive organ pathology. The developmental parameters results were not significantly different from the non-GM group such as body weight, food consumption, developmental neurotoxicity, behavior, hematology, and serum chemistry. In terms of immunotoxicity, the IgG indicators of offspring from the GM group improved in contrast with the non-GM group. Additional gut flora analysis of F0 generation rats resulted as that the treatment elicited an increased gut microflora diversity of F0 rats. And no horizontal gene transfer of Psy and CrtI genes in rats fed a GM rice HJM diet. In conclusion, we found no adverse effects related to GM rice in the extended one-generation reproductive toxicity study, indicating that GM rice is a safe alternative for its counterpart rice regarding reproductive toxicity.

Hyperimmune egg yolk antibodies developed against Clostridium perfringens antigens protect against necrotic enteritis

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a widespread infectious disease caused by Clostridium perfringens that inflicts major economic losses on the global poultry industry. Due to regulations on antibiotic use in poultry production, there is an urgent need for alternative strategies to mitigate the negative effects of NE. This paper presents a passive immunization technology that utilizes hyperimmune egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) specific to the major immunodominant antigens of C. perfringens. Egg yolk IgYs were generated by immunizing hens with 4 different recombinant C. perfringens antigens, and their protective effects against NE were evaluated in commercial broilers. Six different spray-dried egg powders were produced using recombinant C. perfringens antigens: α-toxin, NE B-like toxin (NetB; EB), elongation factor-Tu (ET), pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, a mixture of 4 antigens (EM-1), and a nonimmunized control (EC). The challenged groups were either provided with different egg powders at a 1% level or no egg powders (EN). The NE challenge model based on Eimeria maxima and C. perfringens dual infection was used. In Experiments 1 and 2, the EB and ET groups exhibited increased body weight gain (BWG; P < 0.01), decreased NE lesion scores (P < 0.001), and reduced serum NetB levels (P < 0.01) compared to the EN and EC groups. IgY against NetB significantly reduced Leghorn male hepatocellular cytotoxicity in an in vitro test (P < 0.01). In Experiment 3, the protective effect of the IgYs mixture (EM-2) against C. perfringens antigens (NetB and EFTu) and Eimeria antigens (elongation factor-1-alpha: EF1α and Eimeria profilin: 3-1E) was tested. The EM-2 group showed similar body weight, BWG, and feed intake from d 7 to 22 compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). On d 20, the EM-2 group showed comparable intestinal permeability, NE lesion scores, and jejunal NetB and collagen adhesion protein levels to the NC group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary mixture containing antibodies to NetB and EFTu provides protection against experimental NE in chickens through passive immunization.

How mixture of plant and prey diets affects long-term rearing of predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract The phytoseiid mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the well-known natural enemies across the globe which can feed on different types of pests and pollen grains. This predator was reared on the mixture of the stored products mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) (as prey diet) along with different plant pollens (as plant diet) including almond (TA), cattail (TC), castor-bean (TCb), date (TD), saffron (TS), and mixed pollens of almond, cattail, castor bean, and date (TP) for 20 generations (G1–G20). The effects of the mixed plant and prey diets on biological parameters of N. cucumeris were evaluated under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) h every 10 generations (G1, G10, and G20). N. cucumeris showed the highest performance on the mixed pollens + T. putrescentiae (TP diet) among the diets tested. Our findings revealed almost stable performance of the predator by long-term feeding on a mixture of pollen and prey diet and this combination can use as a suitable alternative food for mass rearing of N. cucumeris.

Augmenting broiler diets with essential oils affects growth, intestinal microbiota and morphology, and meat quality

The health and productivity of broiler chickens are related to their intestinal microbiota, which may be influenced by supplemented feed components. This trial intended to evaluate the effects of a dietary mixture of essential oils from oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum), sage (Salvia triloba L.), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) on broiler chicken growth performance, intestinal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and meat chemical composition and oxidative stability. A total of 288 one-day-old male Ross-308 chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicate pens (12 chicks per pen). The chicks of the control treatment were fed typical commercial maize and soybean meal rations in mash form. The rations of the other three treatments were supplemented with a mixture of essential oils at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the trial (day 42), tissue samples were collected for analysis. Major bioactive components of the three essential oils were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Essential oil supplementation increased the radical scavenging capacity and the total phenolic content of the feeds. Performance parameters (weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, European production efficiency factor) were not affected significantly by the supplementation. Intestinal microflora populations (determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry) were modified significantly in both the cecum and the jejunum. Breast and thigh meat oxidative stability under refrigerated storage was improved significantly. Additional research is required to elucidate the potential synergistic effects of dietary mixtures of essential oils.