Muscular Thickness Research Articles

Effects of fishmeal replacement by black soldier fly on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestine morphology, intestinal flora and immune response of pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the influence of partial replacement of fishmeal (FM) by black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) on the growth, distal intestine morphology, intestinal flora, and intestinal immune response of pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂). Four diets were formulated, 0% (0 g kg−1), 10% (50 g kg−1), 20% (100 g kg−1) and 30% (150 g kg−1) fishmeal were replaced with BSF, named as FM, BSF10, BSF20, BSF30, severally. The study found that, with the increasing dietary BSF levels, growth and feed conversion ratio of fish decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Chitinase and trypsin activities were significantly increased with increasing dietary BSF levels (P < 0.05). With the increasing dietary BSF levels, distal intestinal muscularis thickness and mucosal fold length decreased significantly (P < 0.05), as well as total abundance of intestinal flora. The relative abundance of four phyla and six genera among the top 20 genera were significantly affected by dietary BSF levels (P < 0.05). With the increasing dietary BSF levels, the mRNA levels of nf-κbem1, r-cel and il-10 up-regulated significantly (P < 0.05). For fish fed BSF30 diet, the mRNA levels of myd88 and tlr22 were significantly higher than fish fed FM diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, replacement fishmeal with BSF increased activity of digestive enzymes, but negatively affected growth performance and intestinal health of pearl gentian grouper.

Histomorphometry of the Duodenum of Ducks (Anas platyrhyncos) after Administration of Nanochitosan in Feed

Poultry farming business has several problems such as lack of availability on raw materials, expensive feed prices, and egg production that is not optimal. To overcome the problem of high feed prices and duck productivity, we need to add feed additives such as nanochitosan. Poultry farming business has several problems such as lack of availability on raw materials, expensive feed prices, and egg production that is not optimal. To overcome the problem of high feed prices and duck productivity, we need to add feed additives such as nanochitosan. This study aimed to analyze the effect of nanochithosan feed on the digestive function of the intestine tenue (duodenum) as indicated by histomorphometric changes in the duodenum of Tegal ducks (Anas platyrhyncos). Duodenal histomorphometry related to digestive function was measured, including changes in lumen diameter, villi height, epithelial cell thickness, and muscular layer thickness. This study used a completely randomized design consisting 5 treatments with 5 replications. The research treatments included P0 as control (basic feed without nanochitosan particle additives) and P1, P2, P3, and P4 (basic feed with the addition of nanochitosanwith the doses of 2.5; 5; 7.5; and 10 grams/kg feed respectively). The variables observed were lumen diameter, villi height, epithelial layer thickness, and duodenal muscle layer thickness. The research data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a 95% confidence level. The results showed that the addition of nanochitosan particles in the feed had a significant effect on the lumen diameter and thickness of the duodenal muscular layer (P0.05). Tegal ducks. The conclusion of this study is that nanochitosan feed additives with a concentration of 2.5-10% can improve digestive function and improve duodenal histomorphometry in the intestine tenue of Tegal ducks as indicated by an increase in lumen diameter, villi height, and the thickness of epithelial cell thickening, and muscular layer. The novelty from this study is the production and the used of nanochitosan as feed additive to repair histomorphometry of duodenum in intestine tenue of Tegal ducks. From this research, people gets benefit by knowing the use nanochitosan as feed additive to improve digestion performance and productivity of Tegal ducks.

Evaluation of the Partial Replacement of Dietary Fish Meal With Fermented or Untreated Soybean Meal in Juvenile Silver Barb, Barbonymus gonionotus.

Fish meal (FM) has excellent protein and lipid profile. However, FM is losing its acceptability and substituted with plant protein due to FM has high price, high demand, and sustainability issues in global aquaculture production. In this study, experimental diets were prepared by substituting FM with fermented soybean meal (FSM) or normal and untreated soybean meal (SM) to assess the effects on growth, hematology, innate immunity, gut physiology, and digestive enzyme activities in juvenile silver barb, Barbonymus gonionotus. Five diets, that is, 40% FM (FM 40), 20% FM + 20% FSM (FM 20 + FSM 20), 20% FM + 20% SM (FM 20 + SM 20), 40% FSM (FSM 40), and 40% SM (SM 40) were fed to the fish two times daily for 90 days. After 90 days of feeding trial, FM 40, FM 20 + FSM 20, and FM 20 + SM 20 diet groups showed significantly higher weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to the FSM 40 and SM 40 diets. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) were significantly higher in fish fed with the FSM 40 and SM 40 diets than those of fish fed with the FM 40 diet. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte count were significantly lower in fish fed with the SM 40 diet compared to fish fed with the FM 40 and FM 20 + FSM 20 diets. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver were significantly higher in fish fed with the SM 40 diet compared to fish fed with the FM 40 diet. However, serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in fish fed with the experimental diets were unaltered. Fish showed significant reduction of villus height (Vh) in the anterior and posterior intestine of fish fed with the FSM 40 and SM 40 diets, whereas muscular thickness was opposite to the findings of Vh. Digestive enzyme activities in intestine were significantly higher in fish fed with the FM 40 diet compared to those in the SM 40 diet. The results of the present study revealed that the 50% of FM can be replaced by FSM or SM as a source of protein without affecting the growth of juvenile silver barb.

The effect of herbal extract mixture (Digestarom) supplementation to diets on duodenum and ileum histology in broiler chickens

Phytogenic feed additives are used as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and performance enhancer in the nutrition of broiler chicks. In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of the usage of phytogenic feed additives which are used as an alternative to antibiotics in broilers at different levels in the rations, on the morphology of the duodenum and ileum. For this purpose, 48 male ROSS-308 one-day-old broiler chicks were used in the study. Chicks with a body weight of 43±3 g were randomly divided into 24 replicate sets from three experimental groups, each of which consisted of 8 replicates (2 chicks per house). The other two experimental groups were fed with a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg (DIG100) and 150 mg/kg (DIG150) phytogenic product Digestarom®. In conclusion, it was determined that herbal extract mixture supplementation to broiler chick rations generally increased villus height and villus width, and decreased tunica muscularis thickness. Hence, herbal extract mixture might lead to better digestion and absorption by increasing the intestinal surface area, digestion and absorption levels, also increase body weight gain in broiler chicks by reducing the microbial load.

Effects of Supplementing Intestinal Autochthonous Bacteria in Plant-Based Diets on Growth, Nutrient Digestibility, and Gut Health of Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus).

Poor utilization efficiency of plant protein diets always leads to intestinal barrier dysfunction and growth inhibition in animals. Probiotics have shown promise in improving growth performance and gut health of the host. However, obtaining the host-beneficial probiotic from thousands of bacterial phylotypes is challenging. Here, four intestinal autochthonous bacteria were isolated from fast-growing bullfrog after a 60-day feeding on a soybean meal (SM)-based diet. Another feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing these strains in an SM-based diet on growth, nutrient digestibility, immunity, and gut health of bullfrog. A high-SM basal diet was used as a non-supplemented control group (NC), and four other diets were prepared by supplementing the basal diet with 1 × 107 CFU/g of Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus tequilensis (BT), Bacillus velezensis, and Lactococcus lactis (LL). Results showed that weight gain, feed efficiency, nitrogen retention, and apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and protein were significantly higher in the LL group compared with the NC group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the NC group, both BT and LL groups showed markedly higher jejunal protease and amylase activities, serum complement 4 and immunoglobulin M levels, jejunal muscularis thickness (p < 0.05), and up-regulated expression of il-10 and zo-1 genes (p < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing revealed higher abundances of Bacillus and Cetobacterium in BT and LL groups, respectively, accompanied with decreased abundances of Enterobacter and Escherichia–Shigella. Besides, KEGG pathways related to metabolisms were significantly enhanced by the LL diet relative to the NC diet (p < 0.05). Overall, the beneficial effects of two frog-derived probiotics were determined: supplementation of L. lactis in SM-based diet promoted growth and nutrient digestibility; both B. tequilensis and L. lactis supplementation improved immune response and intestinal barrier function of bullfrogs.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF LOWER UTERINE SEGMENT THICKNESS IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH PREVIOUS CESAREAN SECTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Nowadays it’s a big problem of lower uterine thickness in pregnant women that causes a lot of problems. Lower uterine segment thickness is a strong predictor for uterine scar defect in women with prior caesarian section. Lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) rates are raising throughout the world. Women with previous one cesarean can undergo either the trial of vaginal birth or elective repeat cesarean section in their next pregnancy. The study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of sonographic measurement of lower uterine segment thickness in pregnant women So there we are going to evaluate lower uterine segment thickness in pregnant women sonographically by using transabdominal and transvaginal approaches as well. Objective : To evaluate lower uterine segment thickness in pregnant women with previous caesarian section by sonography. Materials and Methods: An electronic data base search was performed through the searches using PubMed, Google Scholar, international Journal of Gynecology &amp; obstetrics and some other online journals and medical websites with the range from 2000-2021. All studies included in the research was in English language. Articles which had descriptive studies related to sonographic features of lower uterine segment thickness of pregnant women with C-section. Results: Research data of 200 patients in all studies showed that Transvaginal ultrasound provided greater reliability in LUS measurements than did transabdominal ultrasound. The use of three-dimensional ultrasound improved significantly the reliability of the LUS muscular thickness measurement obtained transvaginal Conclusion: We identified certain sonographic patterns that can accurately shows the lower uterine segment thickness in pregnant women with previous caesarian section. Keywords: LUS lower uterine segment thickness, Transabdominal and Transvaginal ultrasonography, Pregnancy, Caesarian Section DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/93-07 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

Bacillus subtilis LCBS1 supplementation and replacement of fish meal with fermented soybean meal in bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) diets: Effects on growth performance, feed digestibility and gut health

Two consecutive feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtilis LCBS1 supplementation and substituting fish meal (FM) with fermented soybean meal (FSM) in terms of growth performance, feed digestibility, intestinal morphology, and microbial composition of bullfrogs. In trial 1, bullfrogs received either a soybean meal (SM)-based basal diet (control check, CK group) or probiotic diet (basal diet was supplemented with 1 × 107 CFU/g of B. subtilis LCBS1, BS group). Each diet was fed to three replicates of bullfrogs (29.61 ± 0.07 g) for 58 days. Evaluation of B. subtilis LCBS1 FSM as a FM replacer in bullfrog diet was conducted in trial 2. A diet containing 20% FM formed the basal diet, and 60% and 100% of the FM was replaced with SM or FSM (FM, SM60, FSM60, SM100, and FSM100 diets). Each diet was fed to three replicates of bullfrogs (23.3 ± 0.3 g) for 63 days. As a result, in trial 1, BS treatments significantly increased weight gain (WG) and whole-body protein deposition. Significant improvements in villus height (VH), muscularis thickness (MT), and digestibilities of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and phosphorus (P) were observed in the BS group compared with the control group. Probiotic supplementation resulted in elevated IL-4 and IL-10 expression and decreased TNF-α and IL-17 expression. A remarkable decrease in serum D-lactate concentration and diamine oxidase activity was detected in the BS group. Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes were the three most abundant bacterial phyla in each group, while Enterobacter and Bacillus were the most abundant genera in the CK and BS groups, respectively. In trial 2, compared with bullfrogs that received the SM diets, bullfrogs fed either the FM or FSM diets showed greater WG, feed efficiency, hind leg index, whole-body CP content, and digestibilities of DM, CP, calcium, P, and phytate P, and increased VH, villus thickness, and MT. Serum urea nitrogen and ammonia concentrations were significantly higher in the SM group than the FM or FSM group. Overall, dietary B. subtilis LCBS1 supplementation improved growth and digestion in bullfrogs and attenuated the intestinal structural damage and microflora dysbacteriosis caused by SM-based diets. Substituting 60–100% of FM with SM impaired the growth performance, digestion ability, and jejunal morphology of bullfrogs, while replacing equivalent FM with FSM effectively ameliorated these traits.

The delimitation of intestine segments of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) based on histological features.

In this study, the delimitation of intestine segments of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) was conducted using a histological approach with the measurements of height of mucosa folds (HF), width of mucosa folds (WF), thickness of muscularis (TM) and cross-sectional area (CSA). According to the change trends for these four parameters, the intestine of the koi carp was divided into anterior intestine, middle intestine and posterior intestine. The locations of the three intestine segments were defined, and their ratios along the entire intestine were accounted for 23.84±1.18%, 46.77±2.29% and 29.39±1.65%, respectively. The anterior intestine had a significantly higher HF, compared with the middle (p<.01) or posterior intestines (p<.01). The muscularis became thin gradually from the anterior intestine to posterior part. TM was significantly different among the anterior, middle and posterior intestines (p<.01). The anterior intestine had a significantly higher CSA, compared with the middle (p<.01) and posterior intestines (p<.01), and the latter two segments had similar CSA values (p>.05). The procedure of the delimitation of the koi carp intestine segments can offer useful information for future studies on other fish species. The presented results are meaningful for studies on differential functions of the different intestine segments in fish.

The Effect of a Diet Containing Extruded Faba Bean Seeds on Growth Performance and Selected Microbial Activity Indices in the Large Intestine of Piglets.

Simple SummaryGrain legumes are cultivated for food and feed purposes in all regions of the world. Legumes are the main source of protein for a large part of the world population where animal protein is hardly available. The potential of grain legumes is increasing primarily due to the genetic improvement of their agricultural and nutritional characteristics and expansion of organic farming. They are also fed to animals as a component of concentrates and on farms producing “organic” food. Therefore, studies on the composition, nutritional value and factors affecting quality of legume protein contribute to a more efficient utilization of seeds as feed and food ingredients. Faba bean is rich in both starch and protein and is an important alternative protein source in animal nutrition; however, its potential is not yet fully exploited, particularly in pig diets. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of diets containing various levels of extruded faba bean seeds on growth performance and selected microbial activity indices in the large intestine of pigs. Treatments with faba bean seeds did not negatively affect growth performance (except for the highest level of faba bean) and microbial activity in the large intestine, and can be applied in piglet diets.The study investigated the effect of replacing soybean meal with extruded faba bean seeds on piglet growth performance and selected microbial activity indices in the large intestine. In total, 24, 35-day-old, healthy, castrated piglets of similar body weight were divided into four groups with six replicates. Animals in the control group (C) were fed with soybean meal without extruded faba bean seeds. In other experimental groups, pigs were fed diets with the addition of 20 (FB20), 25 (FB25) or 30% (FB30) extruded faba bean seeds instead of soybean meal and wheat starch. Growth performance, histology of the large intestine, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ammonia concentration, as well as the activity of bacterial enzymes in digesta samples, were analyzed. The intake of the FB25 diet resulted in an increased feed:gain ratio in comparison to the FB30 group. Feeding the FB30 diet increased tunica muscularis thickness in the caecum as compared to other groups. Moreover, dietary inclusion of extruded faba bean seeds had no effect on SCFA and ammonia concentration. In addition, feeding diets with a different level of extruded faba bean seeds did not affect the activity of bacterial enzymes in the colon.

Association Between Three-Dimensional Transrectal Ultrasound Findings and Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: An Observational Study

BackgroundThere is a significant demand for the development of non-surgical methods for the evaluation of complete response to tumor therapy. Predicting ability and image quality of routine imaging has not been satisfactory. To avoid the deficiencies, we assessed the capability of three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound in predicting the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer patients.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma, receiving capecitabine-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, distance from anal verge (≤6 cm), clinical stage T3-4 and/or N+ without evidence of distant metastasis, and restaging ycT0-3a (T3a <5 mm) after the end of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound was performed 7 weeks after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy to discern the patients with complete response from the others. Eight main parameters were obtained from three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound: thickness of muscularis on the residual side, thickness of contralateral muscularis, angle of residual arc, regularity of the shape, integrity of the mucosal layer, blurring of the margin, internal echo, and posterior echo. The association between tumor response and three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound parameters was analyzed, and a model was developed by logistic regression.ResultsBetween 2014 and 2019, 101 patients were recruited; 72 cases received total mesorectal excision, and 29 cases underwent watch-and-wait. Among the three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound parameters, the adjusted-thickness of the muscularis (P<0.01), angle of the residual arc (P<0.01), and regularity of the residual shape (P<0.01) were strongly associated with tumor response. In the dataset with total mesorectal excision cases (TME dataset), the residual adjusted-thickness (odds ratio [OR]=4.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.44–16.6, P=0.01) and regularity of the residual shape (OR=5.00, 95% CI=1.13–22.2, P=0.03) were kept in the final logistic model. The area under the curve of the logistic model was 0.84. Among these parameters, residual adjusted-thickness correlated significantly with tumor response. Additionally, we observed similar results in the whole population of 101 cases (whole dataset) and in the cross-validation.ConclusionThree-dimensional transrectal ultrasound model is a valuable method for predicting tumor response in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, which should be included as a factor for evaluating clinical complete response.Trial RegistrationThis trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02605265. Registered 9 November 2015 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT02605265

Can olive oil prevent distal colon mucosal atrophy caused by disuse in rats with colostomy? An experimental animal study.

This study aims to investigate the effects of pure olive oil on mucosal atrophy of the distal colon in rats. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Material and methods: The study included 28 male albino Wistar rats weighing 300-350 g. A total of 28 animals were randomly allocated to four groups: group 1: control group (n = 6); group 2: ostomy group (n = 6); group 3: ostomy + saline group (n = 8); group 4: ostomy + olive oil group (n = 8). By definition, group 1 did not undergo any procedure. The same surgical procedure was performed for groups 2, 3, and 4 as described below. In all animals from these groups, a two-centimeter-long mid-line incision was made and the colon was divided into 5 cm sections, measured from the distal colon to the caecum. Proximal and distal stomas were created 2 cm apart in the midline with the use of single-layer interrupted sutures. All rats were kept under close daily observation until they were terminated postoperatively after the 1st month. Animals from group 2 did not undergo any additional procedures, while those fromgroups 3 and 4 were given 2 mL of saline and olive oil twice a day, respectively. At the end of the 1st month, the rats were re-operated through the same approach. Biopsies were taken from the proximal and distal stomas of all rats in the same manner for further histopathological analysis. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Results: Group 1 showed no significant differences in terms of mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness or colonic lumen diameter between the proximal and distal segments of the colon. Although there were significant differences between the proximal and distal colostomies for each parameter in groups 2, 3, and 4, the mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness, and colonic lumen diameter differences for proximal and distal ostomies were very small in group 4 when compared to groups 2 and 3. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Conclusion: The administration of pure olive oil through the distal colon before colostomy closure may reduce the difference in diameter between the proximal and distal intestinal segments. As a result, a more straightforward surgical procedure may be achieved.

Effects of oxidized silkworm ( Bombyx mori L .) pupae on growth performance, and intestine, liver and muscle histology and function of Gif Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus )

Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) pupae are a high-quality feed ingredient, rich in protein and fat. However, silkworm pupae are prone to oxidative rancidity due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, which limits its large-scale use in feed. A 56-day feeding study was conducted to determine the effects of oxidized silkworm pupae on growth performance, structure and function of the intestine, liver and muscle in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). Three approximately isonitrogenous (crude protein: 328 g kg−1) and isolipidic (crude lipid: 56 g kg−1) diets were formulated containing 4% fresh silkworm pupae, lightly oxidized silkworm pupae and highly oxidized silkworm pupae, which named FSP, LOSP and HOSP respectively. Three groups of GIFT with an initial weight of (44.22 ± 0.54) g were randomly assigned to each diet. The results showed that the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate and feed intake decreased with increasing silkworm pupae oxidative levels (p < 0.05). Villus height in LOSP and HOSP significantly decreased with increasing silkworm pupae oxidative levels (p < 0.05), while villus number and muscular thickness of foregut were similar among three groups (p > 0.05). Dietary oxidized silkworm pupae significantly reduced the activity of intestinal Na+–K+–ATPase compared with FSP group (p < 0.05), whereas that was similar in LOSP and HOSP groups (p > 0.05). The activities of intestinal protease, lipase and pepsin in HOSP group were significantly reduced compared with FSP group (p < 0.05), whereas those were similar in LOSP and FSP groups (p > 0.05). Hepatocytes with swelling and nuclear migration occurred in the liver of LOSP and HOSP groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content of LOSP and HOSP groups in liver was significantly higher than that in FSP group (p < 0.05). Muscular histological examinations indicated that muscle fibre atrophy occurred in HOSP group. The content of crude protein and crude ash in muscle of HOSP group was significantly reduced compared with FSP and LOSP groups (p < 0.05). ∑n-3PUFA contents in the muscle of HOSP decreased by 37.28% compared with FSP group (p < 0.05). To sum up, dietary oxidized silkworm pupae inhibited growth, reduced the gastrointestinal digestive and absorptive capacity and hepatic antioxidant capacity, and the negative impacts were increased with the increasing oxidative degree of silkworm pupae. In addition, highly oxidized silkworm pupae have a destructive effect on the histological structure of the foregut, liver and muscle.

Estudio ecográfico de la arquitectura muscular de la musculatura de miembro inferior: variabilidad según sexo y edad

Background and objectiveMuscle architecture varies considerably from one person to another, because it is conditioned by different causes such as gender, age, muscular function, physical activity, etc. In addition, architectural variables are related to muscle strength. The aim of this study is to describe and compare characteristics of muscular architecture of medial gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis of quadriceps in a sample of participants classified by gender and age. Material and methodsThis is an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. A total of 30 healthy subjects were recruited, consisting of 15 people under 40 and another 15 people over 40 years. They were divided into men and women, representing 50% in each of the groups. They attended a single session to complete a fact sheet and carry out ultrasound images, muscle strength and horizontal jump length measurements. ResultsMuscular thickness is the variable that shows the most significant differences, both between men and women and between ages, with an average of 2.59cm for men during contraction of the vastus lateralis and 1.97cm for women. It also correlates with the 3 physical variables analysed: muscle strength, jump length and weekly physical activity. ConclusionsStrength of 2 muscles studied is related to their muscular thickness. The most modified architectural variable according to sex is muscular thickness, and the pennation angle when we compare according to age. The reliability of the study is excellent, and therefore it allows for good reproducibility.

Effects of dietary sodium butyrate on growth, digestive enzymes, body composition and nutrient retention-related gene expression of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco).

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) on growth, digestive enzymes, body composition and nutrient retention-related gene expression of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (420 g/kg protein and 90 g/kg lipid) were formulated to contain 0 (control), 250, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg SB. Triplicate groups of 40 fish (BW = 1.26 ± 0.01 g) per tank (300-L cylindrical fiberglass tanks) for each diet were fed to apparent satiation twice daily. Stomach, hepatopancreas and intestine samples were obtained for digestive enzymes activities analyses. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis was performed to determine the relative expression of target of rapamycin (TOR) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the hepatopancreas and intestine. Fish fed the diets supplemented with SB at 500 and 1,000 mg/kg showed significantly higher specific growth rate and significantly lower feed conversion ratio compared to the control (P < 0.05). Dietary SB inclusion did not alter activities of intestinal amylase, creatine kinase and sodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase), but increased activities of hepatic trypsin, stomachic lipase, intestinal lipase, alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase for fish fed 1,000 mg/kg SB compared to the control (P < 0.05). Intestine length index, intestine somatic index, fold height and muscular thickness of distal intestine were significantly higher in 1,000 mg/kg SB groups compared to the control (P < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of whole-body crude protein, ash, calcium, phosphorus, nutrition retention and relative mRNA of intestinal TOR were observed in 1,000 mg/kg SB group (P < 0.05). Whole-body lipid content and hepatopancreas LPL mRNA expression in 2,000 mg/kg SB group were significantly higher than the control (P < 0.05). Relative mRNA levels of intestinal LPL and hepatopancreas TOR were significantly higher in the 500 mg/kg SB group compared to those in other groups (P < 0.05). The increased growth performance, digestive enzymes and nutrient retention in fish fed the diets supplemented with SB at 500 and 1,000 mg/kg suggests that SB can be a desirable growth promoter as an antibiotic alternative in diets.

Morphological changes of pyloric caeca and their relevancy to motility in laboratory-reared Kurosoi rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii Hilgendorf), using an in vitro assay method

Artificial diets affect the growth and gut morphology of carnivorous fishes. In this study, we compared a laboratory raised rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii (a carnivore), fed an artificial diet (Lab fish), and the wild-captured rockfish (Wild fish) to confirm the effect of an artificial diet on pyloric caecal morphology and motility. We also established an in vitro method to quantify pyloric caecal sac motility and compared it between Lab and Wild fish. The pyloric caecal length per unit body length, the pyloric caecal weight per unit body weight, and the pyloric caecal weight per length were significantly greater in the Wild fish than in the Lab fish. Additionally, both of the circular and longitudinal muscularis layers were significantly thicker in the Wild fish than in the Lab fish. The pyloric caecal motor frequency of the Wild fish was higher than that in the Lab fish, but the contractile pressure of the pyloric caeca did not change under conventional conditions. These results suggest that the thickness of the tunica muscularis of the pyloric caeca may be involved in its motility, and the pyloric caeca of the Lab fish may not be able to provide functionality in this respect. In conclusion, under artificial rearing conditions, the artificial diet reduced the thickness of the tunica muscularis and reduced the motor frequency of the pyloric caeca in rockfish.

Dietary xylooligosaccharide improved growth, nutrient utilization, gut microbiota and disease resistance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. aureus)

This study was conducted to examine the dietary effects of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) on growth, nutrient utilization, intestinal histology, microbial diversity and disease resistance of tilapia. A total of 375 fish (5.00 ± 0.02 g) were fed the five experimental diets containing XOS (95 % purity) at 0 (CON), 0.5 (X-1), 1 (X-2), 2 (X-3) and 4 (X-4) g/kg feed for 8 weeks. The weight gain (WG) and nutrient retention were significantly promoted, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was decreased by dietary supplementation of XOS (P<0.05). The X-3 group (2 g/kg XOS addition) had the highest WG (1113.11 %) and the lowest FCR (0.97) among all the groups. The digestibility of dry matter was significantly enhanced by XOS supplementation at 2 g/kg (X-3 group) (P<0.05). The serum activities of alkaline phosphate (except X-1 group) and acid phosphatase (except X-4 group) were significantly increased by XOS supplementation, and the lysozyme activity was significantly enhanced in X-4 group (P<0.05). In liver, the superoxide dismutase activity was significantly improved in all XOS groups, and the catalase activity was significantly advanced in X-3 and X-4 groups (P<0.05). The protease (except X-4 group) and amylase activities were significantly promoted by XOS supplementation (P<0.05). The villus height of X-2, X-3, X-4 groups and muscular thickness of X-4 group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), but the XOS supplementation presented lower villus width than the control group (P<0.05). The numbers of lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus were significantly enhanced in all XOS groups (P<0.05), and the number of Escherichia coli was decreased in X-3 and X-4 groups (P<0.05). Dietary XOS significantly reduced the cumulative mortality of tilapia after injected with Aeromonas hydrophila (P<0.05). In conclusion, the growth performance and health status of tilapia were promoted by dietary XOS, and the supplementation level was suggested to be 1−2 g/kg feed.

Effects of dietary soy isoflavone and soy saponin on growth performance, intestinal structure, intestinal immunity and gut microbiota community on rice field eel (Monopterus albus)

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavone and soy saponin on growth performance, intestinal structure, intestinal immunity and gut microbiota community of rice field eel Monopterus albus (initial weight 20.12 ± 0.15 g). Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental feeds were formulated, including a positive control (55% fish meal, FM), a negative control (28.6% fish meal, 37.2% soybean meal, SBM) and basic diet group (28.6% fish meal, 22.6% soy protein concentrate, SPC), the rest was supplemented with soy isoflavone (40%, 2.5 g / kg, SI), soy saponin (≥98%, 2 g / kg, SS) and their mixed in basic diet (SI + SS). Compared with FM, growth performance, intestinal immune indices (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, complement 3, complement 4 and immunoglobulin M), intestinal villus height and intestinal muscular thickness and mRNA (occludin-like, claudin 12, tight junction protein ZO-1-like, tight junction protein ZO-2-like, interleukin-10, transforming growth factor beta 1, transforming growth factor beta 2) expression intestine of M. albus fed SBM diet were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Growth performance of M. albus in SPC group was better than that in SBM. Compared with SPC, dietary soy isoflavone and soy saponin and their mixed (SI, SS, SI + SS) decreased growth of M. albus, serum alkaline phosphatase in SI significantly increased (P < 0.05), and intestinal immunoglobulin M in SS remarkably declined (P < 0.05), intestinal complement 3, complement 4 and immunoglobulin M, amounts of intestinal goblet cells per root, gut shannon were significantly decreased in SI + SS (P < 0.05). Based on the current results, there has the trend that dietary soy isoflavone and soy saponin damaged the intestinal structure and changed gut bacteria community of M. albus, and destroyed the intestinal barrier, eventually induced intestinal inflammatory, soy isoflavone and soy saponin mixed feed has more serious effects than they single supplemented.

Effect of Raw and Fermented Grape Pomace on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, Intestinal Morphology, and Selected Bacterial Species in Broiler Chicks.

Simple SummaryGrape pomace (GP) is a by-product of fruit juice and wine production. Owing to its biochemical composition and lower cost, GP has the potential to be a feed additive for poultry nutrition. However, its antinutritional compounds limit its usability in broiler diets. Fermentation is an ancient and useful method for the utilization of agricultural residues. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of GP and Aspergillus niger-fermented grape pomace (FGP) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and selected bacterial species in broilers. Dietary GP improved the antioxidant status and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. Dietary FGP enhanced the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and selected intestinal bacterial species of broilers. Dietary GP caused worsened growth performance compared with the synthetic antioxidants, although FGP had similar growth performance. The findings demonstrate that FGP can be an alternative to synthetic antioxidants for broiler diets.The effects of raw (GP) and fermented grape pomace (FGP) on the growth performance, some carcass parameters, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and selected bacterial species in broiler chicken were investigated in this study. Grape pomace was fermented with Aspergillus niger for 7 d. In total, 140 one-day-old male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, with five replicates and seven birds each. Chickens were fed either a basal diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.25 g/kg synthetic antioxidants (5% butylated hydroxytoluene, 1% butylated hydroxyanisole, and 11% ethoxyquin) (AO), or 15 g/kg GP (GP), or 15 g/kg FGP (FGP) for 42 d. Dietary GP raised serum glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.031) and superoxide dismutase (p = 0.021) levels, increased ileum lamina muscularis thickness (p = 0.016), and did not affect selected bacterial species in the cecum of broiler chickens. Dietary FGP improved body weight (p = 0.003), increased the serum catalase level (p = 0.032), and decreased the cecal Clostridium perfringens count (p = 0.033) but did not affect the ileal morphology of broiler chickens. The carcass parameters, malondialdehyde level, pH, and color of the breast meat of chickens were not changed by either GP or FGP supplementation. Chickens fed with the synthetic antioxidants had similar growth performance with the chickens fed with FGP but had better body weight (p = 0.003) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.045) compared with the chickens fed with GP. The obtained results showed that FGP can be used as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants in broiler diets.

Effects of diets with different solid-to-liquid feed ratios with the same dry matter intake on the growth performance and gastrointestinal development of male Holstein calves

This study investigated the effects of diets with different solid-to-liquid feed ratios with the same dry matter intake on growth performance, blood metabolites, rumen development, and gastrointestinal development in male Holstein calves. Calves (n = 36; average 28 ± 2 days of age; 46.4 ± 0.78 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (n = 12; solid to liquid feed ratio = 1:2 at 28 days of age (d 28), then, the solid feed supply was increased by 200 g per week until the ratio was changed to about 1:1 at d 56), high liquid (HL) group (n = 12; solid to liquid feed ratio = 1:2 at d 28, then, the solid feed supply was increased by 100 g per week until the ratio was still about 1:2 at d 56), and high solid (HS) group (n = 12; solid to liquid feed ratio = 1:2 at d 28, then, the solid feed supply was increased by 400 g per week until the ratio was changed to about 1:0 at d 56). The calves were reared with three different feed types while maintaining the same dry matter feed supply and dry matter intake among the three groups before weaning. The calves from both the control and HL groups were weaned at 56 days of age with approximately 1 kg and 0.5 kg of daily solid feed intake, respectively. The calves from the HS group were weaned at 42 days of age with approximately 1 kg of daily solid feed intake. Calves were weighed at 2-week intervals, and both blood and rumen fluid samples were also collected at 2-week intervals. Calves were slaughtered, and various organs were collected for analysis. Compared with the control and HL diets, the HS diet increased the daily solid feed intake. The average daily gain did not differ among the three groups until 56 days of age, but the HS diet increased the average daily gain compared to the HL diet from 56 to 84 days of age. Compared with the HL diet, the HS diet increased the ruminal molar proportion of acetate and butyrate and the total volatile fatty acid concentration at 84 days of age. Compared with the HL diet, the HS diet improved blood IgG and insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations, and increased the weights of the rumen and whole stomach and increased the papilla length and tunica muscularis thickness of the rumen, especially the tunica muscularis thickness of the duodenum. In conclusion, feeding an HS diet along with early weaning at 42 days of age increased solid feed intake and resulted in improved growth performance, molar proportion of butyrate in the rumen, blood immune index levels and gastrointestinal development of post-weaned Holstein male calves.

A novel dietary multi-strain yeast fraction modulates intestinal toll-like-receptor signalling and mucosal responses of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

This study was conducted to evaluate the mucosal immune responses of rainbow trout when supplementing an experimental formulated feed with multi-strain yeast fraction product (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cyberlindnera jardinii). In total, 360 fish (initial BW 23.1 ± 0.2 g) were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments in an 8-week feeding trial. The dietary treatments included basal diet (control) and control + 1.5 g/kg multi-strain yeast fraction product (MsYF) fed continuously and pulsed every two weeks between control and MsYF diet. No negative effects on growth performance of feeding the MsYF supplemented diet were observed. SGR and FCR averaged 2.30 ± 0.03%/day and 1.03 ± 0.03, respectively, across experimental groups. Muscularis thickness in the anterior intestine after 8 weeks of feeding was significantly elevated by 44.3% in fish fed the MsYF continuously, and by 14.4% in fish fed the MsYF pulsed (P < 0.02). Significant elevations in goblet cell density in the anterior and posterior (>50% increase) intestine were observed after 8 weeks of feeding the MsYF supplemented diet (P< 0.03). In contrast, lamina propria width was significantly lower in fish fed the experimental diets (>10% reduction). The gene expression analysis of the intestine revealed significant elevations in expression of tlr2, il1r1, irak4, and tollip2 after 4 weeks of feeding the MsYF. Significant elevations in effector cytokines tnfα, il10 and tgfβ were observed after 4 weeks of feeding the MsYF regime. After 8 weeks significant elevations in the gene expression levels of il1β, ifnγ, and il12 were observed in fish fed the MsYF. Likewise, the expression of the transcription factor gata3 was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Supplementation of the multi-strain yeast fraction product positively modulates the intestinal mucosal response of rainbow trout through interaction with toll-like receptor two signalling pathway and potential for increased capacity of delivery of antigens to the underlying mucosal associated lymphoid tissue.