Animal Nutrition Research Articles

Reform and Practice of Ideological and Political Teaching in the Course of Processing and Storage of Forage Crops

The 6th document of the Ministry of Education in 2019 pointed out that ideological and political education should run through the whole process of talent training, insisting that the effect of "cultivating people by virtue" should be regarded as the fundamental standard to test all the work of colleges and universities. Forage Processing and Storage is based on the basic theory of maintaining and improving the nutritional value of forage feed and reducing the nutritional loss in the process of processing and storage. It focuses on the science of processing technology of forage. It is a professional course of grassland science major in higher agricultural schools. The teaching content involves botany, seed science, soil science, culture science, animal nutrition, ecology and other aspects, which contains rich ideological and political elements. With the purpose of "cultivating people by virtue", the paper explored the ideological and political elements, and integrated them with professional knowledge organically. Through the analysis of typical teaching cases, the reform and practice of ideological and political teaching of Forage Processing and Storage are promoted, and the correct values and scientific outlook are set up by the students in a subtle way.

Determination of Cannabinoids in Meat Products and Animal Feeds in Singapore Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

There has been a growing interest in the use of hemp as an animal feed ingredient considering its economic value and nutritional properties. However, there is a paucity of research regarding the safety of hemp-based animal feed currently. Thus, this raises safety concerns on the potential transfer of cannabinoids from hemp-based animal feed to animal products intended for human consumption and its health effects. As such, the detection and quantification of cannabinoids in meat and animal feeds would be desirable for monitoring purposes. In this study, a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous quantification of four major cannabinoids (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) in meat and animal feeds by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was successfully developed and validated. The method was selective and sensitive, achieving limits of detection and quantification for the four cannabinoids from 5 to 7 µg/kg and 15 to 21 µg/kg, respectively. The overall recovery with matrix-matched calibration curves for the cannabinoids ranged from 87-115%. The coefficients of variation were between 2.17-13.38% for intraday precision and 3.67-12.14% for inter-day precision. The method was subsequently applied to monitor cannabinoids in 120 meat and 24 animal feed samples. No cannabinoid was detected, suggesting no imminent food safety concerns arising from the potential incorporation of hemp and by-products in animal feed and nutrition under the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Nutritional Value of the Larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and the House Fly (Musca domestica) as a Food Alternative for Farm Animals-A Systematic Review.

Dietary alternatives using insect-based products as an alternative for farm animal nutrition have been the object of study due to the high nutritional value of these feeds and the costs related to both their production and consequently their commercialization. Thus, the use of flies, especially larvae, has a high content of proteins and lipids (fat), as well as minerals and essential nutrients for development and growth, directly impacting the production of these animals, whether meat or milk. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compile data from the literature on the nutritional value of adults and larvae of Black soldier (Hermetia illucens) and housefly (Musca domestica) as a dietary alternative for animal feed. The Prisma checklist was used. After reviewing the data found in the literature, following the systematic review, it was noted that studies emerge that larvae of black soldier flies and domestic flies of the order Diptera obtain essential sources in the nutrition of ruminants, in addition to obtaining rapid digestibility, thus adhering to reproduction with high nutritional content, due to incident levels of protein, lipids, and minerals in M. domestica and Lucilia sericata, making it a target for inclusion in the diet of farm animals. In addition, it is concluded that both species are studied for their sustainable potential as well as for offering greater economic and nutritional viability when compared to ingredients present in production animal feed.

Assessing the Early Establishment and Adaptability of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) in Irrigated and Rainfed Conditions of Punjab, Pakistan

In Punjab, Pakistan, more than 60% expenditure incurred on the feeding of livestock and offered low quality forage thus affecting the productivity of milk and meat. The less production of livestock oriented products often results malnutrition in the society. An effort was made to evaluate the Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) early growth and its adaptation to rainfed and irrigated environments. The main objective of this study is to provide important new information for sustainable fodder production systems. The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design with seeds obtained from Korea and was carried out in the winter of 2023 in both rainfed Chakwal and irrigated Sargodha zone of Punjab. The plant's response to varying soil conditions and water availability was evaluated by measuring a range of growth parameters, such as plant height, population density, root and shoot biomass, root length, and the root-shoot ratio. The results show that there are significant differences between rainfed and irrigated locations as established by the statistical analysis. Italian Ryegrass in irrigated plots showed higher mean plant height (43.75 cm), higher plant population (317.50 plants/m²), higher shoot biomass (7.425 g/plant), greater length of roots (5.950 cm), and a lower root-shoot ratio (0.1135) than in rainfed areas. Additionally, the study provides data on soil profiles that show differences between the two locations in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The findings provide important information for enhancing Italian Ryegrass cultivation in Punjab's various agro-ecological zones, given the critical role fodder feed plays in supporting livestock and agriculture. The study provides the basis for well-informed farming practices by highlighting the importance of water management strategies to improve fodder production during scarcity period and, by consequently, animal nutrition in the area.

In vitro bioaccessibility of inorganic and organic copper in different diets

In poultry diets, copper is an essential nutrient that is critical for various physiological functions. Although copper sulfate is commonly used due to its cost-effectiveness, organic copper sources are gaining popularity because of their superior production outcomes and environmental benefits. Nevertheless, understanding the distinct bioaccessibility of inorganic and organic copper in diverse dietary setting remains limited. This study investigated the bioaccessibility of copper sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, and copper proteinate in the intestine via in vitro digestion and in situ dialysis. The results showed significant differences in the molecular size distribution of compounds formed by different copper salts within the intestinal environment, thereby leading to varying bioaccessibility. Copper sulfate has a bioaccessibility of 47 % ± 4%, which is significantly lower than copper amino acid chelate and copper proteinate (63% ± 5%, and 60% ± 4%, respectively) in purified diet systems. Similarly, in whey protein systems, sulfate records 54% ± 10% bioaccessibility compared to 78% ± 9% and 76% ± 5% for copper amino acid chelate and copper proteinate. Coexisting feed ingredients have a significant impact on copper bioaccessibility. Copper sulfate forms precipitates, reducing its bioaccessibility to 34% ± 1% in sodium nitrate solution. The addition of digestive enzyme increases the bioaccessibility of copper sulfate to 81% ± 2% by providing organic ligands. Digestive enzyme also enhanced the bioaccessibility of copper proteinate from 36% ± 4% to 81% ± 4% by degrading its ligands. However, feed ingredients may decrease copper bioaccessibility by forming macromolecular complexes with copper, as all the organic ligands can competitively bind with copper in the intestine. These findings emphasize the importance of considering copper salt types and diet composition in animal nutrition practices.

Antioxidant Potential of Exosomes in Animal Nutrition.

This review delves into the advantages of exosomes as novel antioxidants in animal nutrition and their potential for regulating oxidative stress. Although traditional nutritional approaches promote oxidative stress defense systems in mammalian animals, several issues remain to be solved, such as low bioavailability, targeted tissue efficiency, and high-dose by-effect. As an important candidate offering regulation opportunities concerned with cellular communication, disease prevention, and physiology regulation in multiple biological systems, the potential of exosomes in mediating redox status in biological systems has not been well described. A previously reported relationship between redox system regulation and circulating exosomes suggested exosomes as a fundamental candidate for both a regulator and biomarker for a redox system. Herein, we review the effects of oxidative stress on exosomes in animals and the potential application of exosomes as antioxidants in animal nutrition. Then, we highlight the advantages of exosomes as redox regulators due to their higher bioavailability and physiological heterogeneity-targeted properties, providing a theoretical foundation and feed industry application. Therefore, exosomes have shown great potential as novel antioxidants in the field of animal nutrition. They can overcome the limitations of traditional antioxidants in terms of dosage and side effects, which will provide unprecedented opportunities in nutritional management and disease prevention, and may become a major breakthrough in the field of animal nutrition.

Effects of the use of phytonutrients in the diet of dairy ruminants: Systematic review

Objective. This systematic review examines the effects of essential oils used as phytonutrients in the diet of dairy animals, considering parameters such as feed consumption, total apparent digestibility, methane emissions and milk production, based on studies published between 2018 and 2023. Material and methods. Bibliographic research electronic method resulted in a careful selection of articles, which were reviewed and tabulated for evaluation. Results. The results show that 51.35% of the articles did not report significant effects of phytonutrients on milk production. However, 66.67% of the studies observed an increase in feed efficiency and 50% reported the presence of effects on apparent digestibility. Furthermore, there was a reduction in methane emissions in animals treated with phytonutrients. Conclusions. Sharing these results with dairy farming professionals can promote more sustainable and effective practices, as well as support future research and innovations in animal nutrition, aiming for both productive efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Interpretation of yield and quality traits of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties by heatmap technique

BackgroundBarley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the most cultivated cool-season cereal after wheat in Türkiye. This can be attributed to its uses in the malt industry, human consumption, and animal nutrition etc. This study investigated yield, physiological, and quality traits of different barley varieties using heatmap and principal component analysis (PCA) technique to identify the varieties with better yield and superior quality. MethodsA total of 12 barley varieties (8 two-row and 4 six-row) were used in the study. The varieties were sown under natural conditions and data relating to yield, phenology and quality traits (grain yield, heading time, plant height, number of spikes m−2, 1000-grain weight, and starch ratio) were recorded. The recorded data were analyzed by PCA and heatmap techniques to determine the better-performing varieties. ResultsSignificant variations were observed among the tested varieties for all evaluated traits (p < 0.01). Heatmap categorized the recorded traits into two clusters, and traits within the same cluster exhibiting interconnectedness. The primary cluster comprised of plant height, heading time, and 1000-grain weight. Similarly, the second significant cluster contained the varieties with similar grain yield, starch ratio, and the number of spikes m−2. The varieties ‘Bozlak’ and ‘Mert’, ‘Aydanhanim’ and ‘Tosunpaşa’, ‘Erciyes’ and ‘Çatalhüyük’, and ‘Sabribey’ and ‘Asutay’, exhibited significant resemblance for the recorded traits. The PCA revealed that 1000-grain weight was associated with the heading time, whereas starch ratio was associated with the grain yield. ‘Erciyes’ (3.58 tons ha−1), ‘Çatalhüyük 2001′ (2.95 tons ha−1), and ‘Bozlak’ (2.72 tons ha−1) recorded the highest yield, whereas ‘Erciyes’ variety resulted in the delayed heading. Similarly, ‘Çatalhüyük’, and ‘Erciyes’ produced the highest number of spikes m−2. Likewise, ‘Çatalhüyük 2001′, and ‘Tosunpaşa’ resulted in the heaviest 1000-grains, while ‘Asutay’ resulted in the highest starch ratio. ConclusionIt is concluded that ‘Çatalhüyük’, ‘Erciyes’, and ‘Tosunpaşa’ are superior varieties in terms of yield-related traits, whereas ‘Asutay’ proved better for starch ratio. Therefore, these varieties could be used in future breeding programs to improve these traits.

Effects of Microplastics on Animal Health and Nutrition

Macro plastics are defined as plastics that are larger than 20 cm. Plastics that measure between 5-20 cm are referred to as mesoplastics, while those between 1-5 mm are known as large microplastics. Plastics that measure between 1-1000 μm are called small micro plastics, and those that are smaller than 1000 μm are referred to as nano-plastics. Microplastics are particles that result from the degradation of plastic products or are specifically produced in the form of small pieces. They are considered to be less than 5 μm in size. Micro plastics have come to the fore in re-cent years and are pollutants of major concern to the environment. Plastic materials are commonly used on farms, but they can have negative effects on farm animals. Ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats require cellulolytic micro-organisms for fiber digestion in their diet. The micro biota of the digestive system varies according to dietary habits. The digestive system and other organs can be adversely affected by sudden changes and damage to the micro biota. The ingestion of large plastic materials causes rumen complications such as rumen atony, indigestion and tympani in livestock. Ingested plastic fragments degrade in the digestive tract, increasing the number of small particles likely to be ingested. In a recent study, the presence of low-density micro plastics in sheep feces suggests that animals can ingest micro and macro plastics from their environment and feed. The increase in demand for the consumption of plastics worldwide is increasing the production of plastics. This situation causes the presence of micro plastics to increase rap-idly day by day. Even if the production of plastics decreases, the continuous degradation of plastic waste in the earth will continue the formation of micro plastics and cause environmental pollution. The effects of microplastics in our coun-try should be investigated by conducting detailed studies from the perspective of veterinary medicine.

A Dynamic Tool to Describe Lamb Growth and Its Use as a Decision Support System.

A dynamic model has been developed to simulate aspects of feedlot lamb growth and body composition, including energy and protein requirements, growth rate, composition of gain, and body mass. Model inputs include initial body mass (kg), standard final mass (kg), age (days), and dietary energy concentration (Mcal·kg-1). The model was assessed as a decision support tool using a dataset of 564 individual measures of final body mass and diet energy. The simulations provide graphical and numerical descriptions of nutrient requirements, composition of gain, and estimates of animal performance over time. The model is accurate and precise, with a root mean squared error of 7.79% of the observed final body mass and a coefficient of determination of 0.89 when simulating the same variable. The model can be used as a reliable decision support tool to estimate final body mass and the days on feed required to reach a certain final mass with precision and accuracy. Moreover, the dynamic model can also serve as a learning tool to illustrate practical principles of animal nutrition, nutrient requirement relationships, and body composition changes. This model holds the potential to enhance livestock management practices and assist producers in making informed decisions about feedlot lamb production.

Review: Nutritional Needs of Honeybees and Legislation on Apiculture By-Products in Animal Nutrition.

Honeybees are some of the smallest farmed animals, and apiculture by-products, e.g., honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and pollen contribute to animal nutrition. For the effective production of these by-products, the optimal development and nutrient supply of the honeybee is required. Beginning with the development of the mouth and anal pores on the second day of embryonic development, the digestive tract differentiates into the mouth and fore-, mid-, and hindgut during the pupal stage. The various glands within the oral cavity are particularly important, secreting enzymes and substances that are crucial for digestion and hive nutrition, e.g., invertase and royal jelly. Honeybees rely on a specialized caste system, with worker bees collecting nectar, pollen, water, and resin for the nutrition of the entire hive. Macronutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, obtained primarily from pollen and nectar, are essential for the growth and development of larvae and the overall health of the colony. Inadequate nutrient intake can lead to detrimental effects on larval development, prompting cannibalism within the hive. Apiculture by-products possess unique nutritional and therapeutic properties, leading to a growing interest in the use of honey, beeswax, propolis, and pollen as a feed additive. In recent years, the use of apicultural by-products in animal nutrition has been primarily limited to in vivo studies, which have demonstrated various positive impacts on the performance of farm animals. Honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and pollen are listed feed stuffs according to Regulation (EC) No. 68/2013. However, for animal nutrition there is not any specific legal definition for these products and no legal requirements regarding their ingredients as given for honey or beeswax in European food law.

THE INVESTIGATION OF ELEMENTS AFFECTING CERTAIN MICROALG'S DEVELOPMENT AND POSSIBLE ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES

During the previous few decades, the pursuit has experienced an increase for novel marine-derived molecules with potential use in the pharmaceutical, human or animal nutrition, cosmetics, and bioenergy industries. The current study aimed at obtaining the optimum growth rate of some microalgal isolates and finding their antibacterial activity. The microalgae were purified in BG11 medium and the biomass extracted using ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether and methanol was then examined for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods.The optimum growth rate obtained at pH 8, temperature 26-28 ℃, and 2000 lux for all algal isolates. All microalgae extracts showed antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria with different solvents. The higher antibacterial activity obtained with ethanol extracts while water extract showed low antibacterial activity. Chlorella sp. and Spyrogyra sp. showed higher antibacterial rather than other isolates. Overall, these results imply that microalgae extracts, particularly those from Spirogyra sp. and Chlorella sp., may be sources of antibacterial chemicals. To identify and describe the precise bioactive substances in charge of the reported inhibitory effects, additional study is required. Further research into the mechanisms of action, safety, and possible uses of these microalgae extracts in bacterial infection management would be advantageous

Developing fish oil emulsion gel enriched with Lentinula edodes single cell protein and its effect on controlling the growth of Acinetobacter baumannii

In this study, the characterization of fish oil (FO) emulsion gel (EGEL) containing single cell protein (SCP) produced from Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) and its potential inhibition against Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) were investigated. Oil extracted from the fish liver was emulsified with tween 80 and water, and then gelled using gelatin with the assistance of an ultrasonic homogenizer. The characteristics and surface analysis of SCP-EGEL were examined using FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning electron microscope). The particle size distribution and zeta potential of SCP-EGEL were measured using a Malvern Zetasizer. When SCP-EGEL was applied to the surface of the medium inoculated with A. baumannii, the inhibition zone (IZ) was 8.2 mm. An expansion of the IZ was observed (10.2 mm) when SCP-EGEL was applied to a fish skin (FS) surface prepared in the shape of a 6-mm diameter disc. In the SEM images, when SCP was added to lipo gel, the gel structure appeared flattened or swollen in some areas. The appearance of SCP cells being covered with gel gave the impression that they have a secondary wall. Therefore, the resulting complex can potentially be used as an additive in animal and human nutrition, in functional food coatings to suppress A. baumannii, and in fish feed to enrich it with protein.

An innovative spray method to enrich feed mixture for hens with micronutrients

A modern approach to animal nutrition involves the use of sustainable and environmentally safe solutions with maximum efficiency and the provision of all required nutrients. It is necessary to search for new methods of animal feed formulation and enrichment to meet these requirements. This paper presents an innovative spray biosorption method fortification of feeds for laying hens with valuable micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the method in vitro (extraction in water and ammonium citrate) and in vivo tests on laying hens. Experiments were conducted on a laboratory scale (up to 1 kg of feed was enriched), semi-technical scales (up to 1000 kg of feed was enriched), and the possibility of enriching feed in a spouted bed column was also investigated to test this method for an industrial scale. The influence of process conditions on biosorption efficiency (total concentration of micronutrients in solution 5000–15,000 g/L, the low rate of enrichment liquid 3.33·10–8 to 1.33·10–7 m3/s, material spraying time 68–720 s) was also investigated. A group of 108 Lohmann Brown laying hens was randomly divided into six experimental groups (including a control group). Each group of hens was fed a compound feed in which all or part of their micronutrient requirements were replaced with material enriched by the innovative method for 90 days. Egg characteristics, sensory evaluation, and micronutrient content were analysed, and in most cases, better results were obtained than with feeds enriched by standard methods. High-quality eggs were obtained, and egg production reached 95–96 %. The amount of micronutrients in the egg content was higher than the standard value for conventional farming for all research groups. A significant improvement in eggshell quality was also observed. The results are promising, and micronutrient-enriched eggs can be functional foods with higher micronutrient content.

Introducing the Mellorater-The Five Domains Model in a Welfare Monitoring App for Animal Guardians.

When monitoring an animal's welfare, it helps to have comprehensive and day-to-day information about the animal's life. The goal is to ensure that animal guardians (carers, keepers, and owners) use such information to act in the animals' best interests. This article introduces the Mellorater, an animal welfare monitoring app based on the 2020 Five Domains Model. This framework provides a means of capturing comprehensive information about the world in which individual animals exist. The Mellorater asks animal guardians to rate their agreement with 18 statements covering any focal animal's nutrition, environment, health, and behavioural interactions using a five-point Likert scale. No specialist training is required other than following straightforward instructions on using the app, which are provided. The Mellorater is not proposed as a validated welfare auditing tool because it relies on reflective self-reporting and, thus, is vulnerable to the user's subjectivity. If users' subjectivity is stable over time, then the longitudinal data may be considered useful proxies for trends in quality of life. That said, it has the potential to be used by trained auditors if scientifically validated, species-specific indicators are applied. The Mellorater collects anonymous data and has been approved for a study to explore how the use of such scales may differ among guardians of different species and in different contexts. In this paper, we conduct the following: (1) summarise the app's purposes; (2) clarify its capabilities and limitations; and (3) invite animal welfare scholars, veterinarians, health and welfare professionals, and animal guardians to use it.

Enhancing Animal Nutrition and Sustainability: The Vital Role of Genetically Modified Crops in Animal Feeding

Agriculture and livestock are fundamental to the economies of developing countries. A substantial portion of crop harvests is allocated for animal feed. Thus, more technological advancements are necessary to enhance agricultural productivity and provide affordable feed. Future biotech crops are expected to play a crucial role in this area. The goal is often to introduce traits into plants that do not naturally occur in these species. These new traits may include resistance to pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, or the production of specific nutrients or pharmaceutical agents. GM crops have indirectly benefited the livestock sector by increasing the yield of feed ingredients and improving quality traits. These crops are primarily used in livestock feed rations as energy and/or protein sources. Numerous animal feeding studies have been conducted to demonstrate that genetically modified crops are as nutritious and wholesome as compared to their conventional counterparts. No biological relevant differences in animal performance, health, or animal product (meat and milk) composition had been observed in various studies conducted. Overall, no significant differences in gain, intake, and feed conversion have been reported. Since the GM crop’s composition is not different from its conventional counterpart [except for the introduced transgene(s) and expressed protein(s)] and the expressed transgenic protein is rapidly digested in the digestive system, one would not expect any unintended effects. The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops into the market undergoes extensive testing and a rigorous approval process to ensure food, feed, and environmental safety. This process includes thorough analyses before GM crops are deemed safe for commercial use. GM livestock feed is assessed for its nutritional composition and digestibility by comparing it with conventional crops. Therefore, while GM crops have the potential to enhance the efficiency of animal agriculture by improving nutritional content, reducing pesticide use, and increasing crop yields, it is essential to approach their adoption with caution.

DNA barcoding and phylogenetic relationships of ecologically and commercially important seaweed species from the Azores (NE Atlantic)

Marine natural resources are increasingly demanded to support the livelihoods and wellbeing of humans facing multiple and simultaneous crises across the planet. Seaweeds, in particular, are renowned sources of bioactive marine compounds used for various purposes, including human and animal nutrition, soil fertilization, and healthcare markets. DNA-based tools are being adopted in integrative taxonomy and ecological research, as well as to monitor the supply chain of commercially important species. This research provides novel insights into the population genetics, phylogenetic relationships, and haplotype network of six commercially significant seaweed species that are abundant in the Azores archipelago and currently traded for industrial applications. This study provides a detailed assessment of the genetic diversity of the red seaweeds Asparagopsis armata, Asparagopsis taxiformis, and Pterocladiella capillacea, and the brown seaweeds Halopteris scoparia, Zonaria tournefortii, and Cystoseira pustulata, contributing with 17 newly generated barcodes of COI, rbcL, and 28S rDNA gene records from the Azores region to the reference databases. Understanding the species identification and population dynamics is critical for understanding species composition in biodiversity hotspots. This knowledge supports taxonomy, conservation, environmental protection, and the sustainable use of marine resources.

Models of osmotic stress as a tool for proteomics and metabolomics of legume seeds

Drought poses a significant challenge to the sustainable development of modern agriculture and to the achievement of high crop yields. Water deficit causes osmotic stress and triggers plant physiological responses characterized by reduced water potential, diminished stomatal conductance, and decreased photosynthetic efficiency. Long-term adaptation to osmotic stress entails intricate metabolic rearrangements, leading to the accumulation of osmoprotectants, activation of antioxidant systems, and increased biosyntheses of stress-protective proteins. The severity and duration of drought, along with plant genotype and developmental stage, influence the plant response to stress, consequently affecting crop yield and quality. Particularly in the context of legumes, which are crucial for human and animal nutrition, understanding adaptive strategies to water deficit is essential for the cultivation of drought-resistant genotypes, primarily because these crops predominantly thrive in semi-arid regions. Proteomics and metabolomics approaches, in turn, serve as valuable tools, offering critical insights into the molecular dynamics governing plant responses to drought stress. Furthermore, the use of reliable drought simulation models is imperative for the effective evaluation of legume response to water scarcity, aiding the cultivation of drought-tolerant varieties. This review highlights the perspectives of utilizing different osmotic stress models to investigate proteome and metabolome alteration within seeds of food legumes.

Profile of mineral nutrients and proteins in soybean seeds (Glycine max (L.) Merrill): Insights from 95 varieties cultivated in Brazil

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) stands out as a major source of protein meal for human and animal nutrition. Nevertheless, the increase in soybean yield has been accompanied by a reduction in protein content over the last decades. In this study, we determined the profile of mineral nutrients and total protein in 95 soybean varieties broadly cultivated in Brazil, the world’s largest soybean producer and exporter, to identify a possible association between seed mineral and protein content. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF) was employed to determine the concentration of macro, i.e., potassium (K), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), and micronutrients, i.e., iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). The protein content of soybean seeds was evaluated using the Dumas method. The correlation and clustering between nutrients and proteins were determined using both univariate and multivariate non-parametric tests. Both protein and nutrient concentrations were not homogeneous across soybean seed varieties. It was also revealed that the higher the seed protein content, the higher the S, Mn, and Zn concentrations, whereas the opposite trend was observed for K and P. These results indicate an intricate association between S, Zn, Mn, and total protein content in soybean seeds.

Enhancing broiler chicken health and performance: the impact of phytobiotics on growth, gut microbiota, antioxidants, and immunity

AbstractThe total ban on antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock nutrition, introduced in EU (European Union) countries on 1 January 2006, presented animal nutritionists with a considerable challenge in finding alternatives. First, the additives had to protect animals’ digestive tracts from pathogenic bacteria, and second, they should be inert in relation to the animals’ bodies. After many experiments, phytobiotics seem like they may be an effective alternative. This article aims to review key scientific articles relating to the use of phytobiotics of various origins in the feeding of chickens for fattening. The review of the available literature brings together the most important research findings on the effects of phytobiotic supplementation on growth performance, gut microbiota, antioxidant status and immune system of broiler chickens. Phytobiotics are natural plant substances produced to protect plants against pathogenic microorganisms. Phytobiotics are classified as a group of biologically active compounds with a broad chemical diversity and may include terpenes, triterpenes and flavonoids. Based on the collected information, it can be concluded that the use of phytobiotics in appropriate quantities and proportions in feed for broiler chickens influences the proper functioning of the digestive tract by, among other things, stimulating beneficial microbiota and secretion of digestive enzymes. In addition, the introduction of such feed additives has an impact on the alleviation of inflammation, supports the functioning of the immune system and has a positive influence on production results.