Weight Gain Rate Research Articles

Performance, some blood paremeters, fatty acid profile and TBARS value of broiler chickens fed chia seed

This study aims to determine the effect of chia seeds added to broiler rations at the level of 5% on live weight, live weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, breast meat fatty acid profile and meat shelf life. A total of 112 daily-aged Sasso chicks were used in the experiment. Chicks were divided into 2 groups of 56 animals. Each group is divided into 8 subgroups of 7 broilers. The experimental group ration was prepared to contain 5% chia seeds starting from the 15th day. During the experiment, feed and water were given ad libitum. Before the experiment, a 14-day initial ration was applied to all groups. The trial lasted 49 days. In the study, there was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of body weight, live weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion rates (P>0.05). At the end of the experiment, the breast meat Linolenic acid ratio of the experimental group (2.02%) was significantly higher than the control group (1.07%) (P

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a hyperlipidic-hyperglycemic diet in inducing weight gain and dyslipidemia in wistar rats

Hyperlipidic and hyperglycemic diets, called cafeteria diets, are important factors that favor the development of pathologies and comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, neoplasms, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, their use in experimental studies that aim to understand the factors that encompass the pathophysiology and treatment of obesity and the comorbidities involved has increased in recent years. Taking that into consideration, the aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a high-fat-hyperglycemic (HHD) diet in inducing weight gain and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats. In this study, 22 rats were divided into 2 groups, and exposed to standard and high-fat-hyperglycemic diets for 11 weeks. After that, euthanasia was carried out along with collection of blood samples for analysis of the following parameters of the lipid profile: triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), and TG/HDL-c ratio. A more expressive weight gain was found in the rats that received HHD (p=0.006) in relation to the group maintained on the standard diet. Furthermore, no statistically detected alterations were found in the levels of TG, TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, and TG-HDL-c ratio. Analysis of the results indicated that HHD was effective in inducing weight gain in rats. However, there was no significant influence on the lipid profile.

Effects of Dietary Ursolic Acid on Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on the growth performance and intestinal health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four diets were formulated with UA supplementation at 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, defined as the control (CON), UA250, UA500, and UA1000, respectively. After an 8-week feeding experiment, the results showed that, in the UA500 group, the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) increased, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and hepatosomatic index decreased. Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity exhibited a significant increase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased. An intestinal histological analysis revealed an improvement in the intestinal structural integrity of the UA500 group. The mRNA relative expression levels of physical barrier-related genes [occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occluden-1 (zo-1)] were upregulated. The mRNA relative expression of interlenkin 10 (il-10) increased, and the mRNA relative expression of interlenkin 1β (il-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α) significantly decreased. The abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria decreased, and the abundance of Tenericutes increased. The abundance of Mycoplasma, Cyanobium, and Staphylococcus decreased, while the abundance of Clostridium increased. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of UA significantly enhanced the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass while improving intestinal barrier function through its influence on the abundance of intestinal flora, such as Tenericutes, Firmicutes, and Mycoplasma. Optimal dietary UA levels for largemouth bass were determined to be between 498 and 520 mg/kg based on quadratic regression analyses of WGR, SGR, and FCR or T-SOD and MDA content.

Effects of Soybean Isoflavones on the Growth Performance and Lipid Metabolism of the Juvenile Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis

In order to study the effects of soybean isoflavones on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of juvenile Chinese mitten crabs, six experimental diets were formulated by gradient supplementation with 0%, 0.004% and 0.008% soybean isoflavones at different dietary lipid levels (10% and 15%). The groups were named as follows: NF-0 group (10% fat and 0% SIFs), NF-0.004 group (10% fat and 0.004% SIFs), NF-0.008 group (10% fat and 0.008% SIFs), HF-0 group (15% fat and 0% SIFs), HF-0.004 group (15% fat and 0.004% SIFs) and HF-0.008 group (15% fat and 0.008% SIFs). All crabs with an initial weight of 0.4 ± 0.03 g were fed for 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 0.004% or 0.008% SIFs significantly increased the weight gain and specific growth rate of crabs. Diets supplemented with 0.004% or 0.008% SIFs significantly reduced the content of non-esterified free fatty acids and triglycerides in the hepatopancreas of crabs at the 10% dietary lipid level. Dietary SIFs significantly decreased the relative mRNA expressions of elongase of very-long-chain fatty acids 6 (elovl6), triglyceride lipase (tgl), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (srebp-1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a (cpt-1a), fatty acid transporter protein 4 (fatp4), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2 (cpt-2), Δ9 fatty acyl desaturase (Δ9 fad), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1b (cpt-1b), fatty acid-binding protein 10 (fabp10) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (mttp) in the hepatopancreas of crabs. At the 15% dietary lipid level, 0.008% SIFs significantly increased the relative mRNA expressions of fatty acid-binding protein 3 (fabp3), carnitine acetyltransferase (caat), fatp4, fabp10, tgl, cpt-1a, cpt-1b and cpt-2 and significantly down-regulated the relative mRNA expressions of Δ9 fad and srebp-1. In conclusion, SIFs can improve the growth and utilization of a high-fat diet by inhibiting genes related to lipid synthesis and promoting lipid decomposition in juvenile Chinese mitten crabs.

Effects of Dietary Bio-Fermented Selenium Supplementation on Growth, Immune Performance, and Intestinal Microflora of Chinese Mitten Crabs, Eriocheir sinensis.

Selenium is a vital trace mineral that is crucial for maintaining regular biological processes in aquatic animals. In this study, a four-week dietary trial was carried out to assess the impact of bio-fermented selenium (Bio-Se) on the growth and immune response of Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis. The crabs were randomly allocated to five dietary treatment groups, each receiving a different dose of Bio-Se. The doses included 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.5, and 3.0 mg/kg and were accurately measured in basal diet formulations. The results showed the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate (SR) in the 1.5 mg/kg Bio-Se group were the highest, and 3.0 mg/kg of Bio-Se has an inhibitory effect on the WGR, SGR, and SR. The activities of the immune enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and acid phosphatase (ACP), of the hepatopancreas were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the 1.5 mg/kg Bio-Se group, while they decreased (p < 0.05) in the 3.0 mg/kg feeding group compared to the 0 mg/kg feeding group. The concentration of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) exhibited the opposite pattern. Similarly, the mRNA expression levels of antimicrobial peptides (ALF-1, Crus-1, and LYS), ERK, and Relish genes were also observed to be the highest in the 1.5 mg/kg Bio-Se group compared with the other groups. Furthermore, the administration of 1.5 mg/kg of Bio-Se resulted in an increase in the thickness of the intestinal plica and mucosal layer, as well as in alterations in the intestinal microbial profile and bacterial diversity compared to the dose of 0 mg/kg of Bio-Se. Notably, the population of the beneficial bacterial phylum Fusobacteria was increased after crabs were fed the 1.5 mg/kg Bio-Se diet. In conclusion, the oral administration of 1.5 mg/kg of Bio-Se improved the growth efficiency, antioxidant capabilities, immunity, and intestinal health of E. sinensis. Through a broken-line analysis of the WGR against dietary Bio-Se levels, optimal dietary Bio-Se levels were determined to be 1.1 mg/kg. These findings contribute valuable insights to the understanding of crab cultivation and nutrition.

Effects of Feeding Rates on Growth Performance and Liver Glucose Metabolism in Juvenile Largemouth Bronze Gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti).

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding rates on growth performance, liver glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis, and glycogen decomposition in juvenile largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti). A total number of 600 fish were randomly distributed into 12 cylindrical plastic tanks with 50 fish per tank and triplicate tanks per treatment. Fish were fed with 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% feeding rates (body weight per day) three times day-1 for 8 w. The results indicated that the feeding rates significantly increased the body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate (p < 0.05), while showing no significant effects on the condition factor and survival rate (p > 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was significantly enhanced by the feeding rate (p < 0.05), although no significant differences were observed when the feeding rate exceeded 3% (p > 0.05). The plasma glucose levels in the 4% and 5% groups were significantly higher than those in the 2% and 3% groups. Compared with other groups, the 5% group significantly increased the crucial rate-limiting enzyme activities and mRNA levels of glycolysis (PFKL and PK) (p < 0.05), while showing no significant differences on enzyme activities (PC, PEPCK, and G6P) and mRNA (pepck and g6p) levels of gluconeogenesis (p > 0.05). In addition, the mRNA levels of hepatic glut2 and glut4 in the 5% group reached the highest levels (p < 0.05). When the feeding rate exceeded 3%, hepatic glycogen and lipid accumulation were significantly increased, leading to a fatty liver phenotype. Meanwhile, the mRNA level of liver glycogen synthetase (gysl) was significantly increased (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in glycogen phosphorylase (pygl) (p > 0.05). In summary, under the conditions of this study, a feeding rate exceeding 3% significantly accelerated hepatic glycogen and lipid accumulation, which ultimately induced fatty liver formation.

Growth of Bamboo Lobster (Panulirus versicolor; Latreille, 1804) Fed with Feed Made from Sosodek Fish Meal (Atherinomorus lacunosus)

Bamboo lobster (Panulirus versicolor) is a marine commodity with promising prospects for aquaculture development. Feed is a critical issue in the growth of P. versicolor, necessitating an effective, affordable solution that promotes optimal growth. This study aimed to examine the use of sosodek fish meal (A. lacunasus) as a nutrient source to enhance the growth of P. versicolor. Specimens of P. versicolor (weighing 79.97±38 g) were obtained from local fishermen in Togean District, Tojo Una-Una Regency, Central Sulawesi. The experiment tested the use of sosodek fish meal as a feed ingredient at different percentages: 0% (control), 10% (A), 20% (B), and 30% (C). The lobsters were kept in containers with 25 liters of seawater, with one lobster per container, and each treatment was replicated three times. Feed was given at 5% of body weight, three times daily. Body weight was measured every two weeks. Water quality was maintained within a range suitable for P. versicolor. The results indicated that weight gain and daily growth rates, from highest to lowest, were observed in treatment C (11.84 g and 0.49%/day), B (7.4 g and 0.21%/day), A (2.82 g and 0.09%/day), and control (2.38 g and 0.08%/day). Feed conversion ratios, from lowest to highest, were recorded as C (13.1), B (25.1), A (71.9), and control (64.0). Feed utilization efficiency, from highest to lowest, was seen in treatment C (10.28%), B (4.32%), A (1.85%), and control (1.72%). Survival rates for all treatments were 100%. The analysis showed that individual weight gain, daily growth rates, and feed utilization efficiency were significantly higher, and feed conversion ratios were lower in treatment C (30% sosodek fish meal) compared to other treatments (P&lt;0.05). Utilizing 30% sosodek fish meal as feed ingredient significantly enhances the growth of P. versicolor.

The effect of dietary full-fat Hermetia illucens larvae meal on growth performance and intestine physiology in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different inclusion levels of full-fat Hermetia illucens larvae (HI) meal as a protein source on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, health, and microbiota of largemouth bass. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated by adding HI to replace 0 % (HI0, control), 10 % (HI10), 20 % (HI20), 30 % (HI30) and 40 % (HI40) of fish meal (FM) in diets. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 fish per aquarium. Fish were fed two times daily to apparent satiation for 80 days. The results indicated that weight gain rate, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio were not appreciably reduced until more than 30 % of the FM protein was replaced with HI. Fish fed HI40 diet had the lowest fatty acid (C18:3, C20:5, C22:6) contents (P < 0.05). Moreover, the villi height was decreased, villi width and goblet cell number in hindgut was increased in the HI40 group compared with the other groups, respectively. Meanwhile, serum diamine oxidase activity, D-lactate and endotoxin contents increased markedly as the proportion of HI increased (P < 0.05). Notably, the increased dietary HI levels down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of cldnd1b and ocel1 in intestine. Higher malondialdehyde content and down-regulated expression of sod and gpx1a in the intestine were also observed in the HI40 group. Accordingly, the increased dietary HI levels upregulated the expression of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) and down-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (transcriptional growth factor-β1 and interleukin-10) (P < 0.05). In addition, the abundance of both intestinal Lactobacillus and Streptococcus increased significantly, while the abundance of Cetobacterium decreased in the HI20 group (P < 0.05). Broken-line model analysis based on weight gain rate against dietary HI replacement level indicated that the optimum replacement level was 26.79 %. However, including too high proportion of HI could induce intestinal dysbiosis, impair the intestine physical barrier, and finally reduced growth of Micropterus salmoides.

A preliminary study on the effects of substituting fishmeal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal on Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) juveniles: Growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient composition, disease resistance, and economic returns.

This study aims to develop an alternative aquafeed derived from insect meal for Lates calcarifer juveniles, with the objectives of exploring the physiological performance, biological parameters, and economic analysis of substituting fishmeal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) as part of the diet of L. calcarifer juveniles. Five practical diets were formulated to include 0% (BSFL0, serves as control group), 5% (BSFL5), 10% (BSFL10), 15% (BSFL15), and 20% (BSFL20) of BSFL meal, partially or fully replacing FM, respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 fish (10.70 ± 0.07 g) per tank (300 L). The fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of defatted BSFL meal replacing FM on the growth performance, feed efficiency, composition analysis of fish muscle, cumulative mortality rate challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and economic returns of L. calcarifer. These results show that differences in weight gain and specific growth rate among the different treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.05), except for the absence of significant variation (p < 0.05) between BSFL0 and BSFL5, and followed by BSFL10 > BSFL0 > BSFL5 > BSFL15 > BSFL20. However, the feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio showed the opposite trend as above. Although the diets experienced a decline in crude protein content and an increase in crude fat content with the increasing proportion of BSFL substituting FM, the crude protein and fat content of fish muscle were only slightly influenced. It is worth mentioning that levels of nonessential amino acids, delicious amino acids, saturated fatty acids, omega-6, omega-9 in BSFL10 group all showed an increase compared with the control group. After a 7-day challenge test with V. parahaemolyticus, the cumulative mortality rates of the BSFL5 and BSFL10 groups, respectively, dropped to 5.20%, 5.28% compared to the control group's 16.88%; however, the mortality rates of BSFL15 (34.67%) and BSFL20 (41.77%) groups were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) increased. From an economic perspective, the incidence cost for each experimental group showed a trend as BSFL10 < BSFL0 < BSFL5 < BSFL15 < BSFL20, whereas the profit index in each treatment exhibited the opposite trend as above. It was concluded that low (5%) or moderate (10%) levels of BSFL substituting FM in aquaculture feed could improve the physiological performances, disease resistance, and economic returns of L. calcarifer. However, excessive substitution (>15%) leads to a negative effect. From an economic point of view, 10% inclusion of BSFL in practical diets is recommended for L. calcarifer juveniles.

Alleviating effects of guar gum on high-fat diet-induced liver injury in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This research aimed to determine the effect of dietary guar gum inclusion in high-lipid diets on the liver health of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Four high-fat diets (10 % crude lipid) containing 0 % (HF), 0.3 % (HFG0.3), 1 % (HFG1), and 3 % (HFG3) of guar gum and a normal-lipid diet (5 % crude lipid; Control) were formulated. The tested diets were evenly and randomly distributed to fifteen tanks, with each tank containing thirty fish (4.53 ± 0.05 g). Fish were fed until apparent satiation for eight weeks. Compared to HF, diets HFG0.3, HFG1, and HFG3 significantly improved feed efficiency, with the HFG0.3 diet enhancing weight gain rate and specific growth rate. The results indicated that HF induced gut dysbiosis, hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and disturbance in hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Compared to the HF diet, diets HFG0.3, HFG1, and HFG3 substantially decreased hepatic lipid accumulation and malonaldehyde content, increased catalase activity and the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKα2), peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, and decreased the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Moreover, the HFG0.3 and HFG1 diets dramatically increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and liver X receptor expression and decreased protein carbonyl contents and expression of IL-8, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65), and tumor necrosis factor α. Furthermore, the HFG1 diet significantly increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 expression and reduced expression levels of fibroblast growth factor 19, farnesoid X receptor, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein type 1. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that HFG 0.3 and HFG1 substantially increased the enrichment of beneficial microbiota (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, Cetobacterium, and Fusobacterial) and decreased the enrichment of harmful microbiota (e.g., Proteobacteria, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas) compared to HF. These results suggested that guar gum can mitigate high-fat diet-induced liver damage in fish.

Tolerance and toxicity assessment of a novel methionine source, dipeptide Met-Met on common carp Cyprinus carpio

Methionine is the first-limiting essential amino acid in plant-based diet, and also is the most toxic amino acid. The study aimed to evaluate the tolerance and toxicity of a dipeptide DL-methionyl-DL-methionine (Met-Met) in the diet of common carp Cyprinus carpio. Five iso‑nitrogenous (∼ 380 g kg−1) and isoenergetic (∼185 MJ kg−1) diets were formulated including a positive control diet (100 g kg−1 fish meal, FM) supplemented with 3 g kg−1DL-Met and four low fish meal diets (40 g kg−1 fish meal), with 0 (M0), 3 (M3), 6 (M6), and 15 (M15) g kg−1 Met-Met being supplemented. The Met-Met supplementation levels of 6 and 15 g kg−1 were designed as the 2- and 5-fold of the optimal level (3 g kg−1) for the tolerance and toxicity assessment, respectively. After 10 weeks of feeding, the lowest growth performance was observed in the M0 group, as evidenced by the lowest weight gain rate and specific growth rate. Contents of protein and amino acid in whole-body, and retentions of nitrogen and amino acid were highest in the M6 group, while these values decreased in M15 group. Fish fed diet M15 showed lower levels of albumin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, and higher alanine aminotransferase, total bile acid, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) compared with M3. Fish fed diet M15 had lower levels of glucose, HDL, and higher T-AOC and malonaldehyde compared to M6. Genes related to bile acid metabolism (cyp8b1, rxrα, fxr), anti-inflammatory (tgfβ1, tgfβ2, il10), proinflammatory (tnfα, il1β, il17) were significantly down-regulated in the M15 group compared to M3. However, caspase-3 expression significantly up-regulated in the M15 group compared with M6. Increased signals of hepatic vacuolation and fibrosis were observed in the M0 and M15 groups. Besides M15 group showed higher expression of apoptosis signal marker, cleaved caspase-3 in hepatopancreas. This study clarified the safety margin of Met-Met was 2× dosage as 6 g kg−1, while 15 g kg−1 Met-Met caused deleterious consequences, manifested as the highly occurred of cholestatic liver disease.

Evaluating the efficacy and safety of neonatal chyme reinfusion therapy: A feasibility study using a novel medical device

Neonatal and pediatric intestinal failure related to enterostomy is an infrequent but burdensome condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study presents the development and clinical validation of a novel device to resolve these problems, by formalizing a safe and efficient enterostomy chyme reinfusion technique. A novel neonatal chyme reinfusion device was designed and manufactured ('The Insides Neo', The Insides Company, New Zealand), prior to validation in a feasibility study in tertiary neonatal intensive care centres. Neonates with double enterostomy were recruited and commenced on chyme reinfusion therapy using the novel device to test safety, efficacy, tolerability, and usability within nursing workflows. Device and clinical outcomes were recorded along with nursing feedback. Registered under the ANZCTR, identifier no. ACTRN12621000835842p. Ten neonates were recruited across two centres, with a median usage duration of 37.5 (range 12-84) days. Following initiation of therapy, rate of weight gain increased from mean 68.8±37.4 to 197±25.0g/week (p=0.024). Of the 7/10 neonates on PN at commencement of therapy, 4/7 were able to wean and achieve enteral autonomy. All neonates tolerated the device with uniformly positive nursing feedback and minimal time to learn and incorporate the novel device into nursing workflows. There were no device-related adverse events. A novel device was developed and validated to be safe and effective at performing chyme reinfusion therapy in neonates. This device is anticipated to improve the clinical care and outcomes of neonatal patients with double enterostomies.

Assessment of the hormesis effect and toxic damage of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hormesis and toxicity of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Triplicate isonitrogenous and isocaloric aflatoxin B1 diets—CD (control, 0 ug/kg), D1 (20 ug/kg), and D2 (500 ug/kg)—were prepared and fed to grass carp with an initial mean body weight of (15.2 ± 0.1) g for 56 days. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of grass carp fed diet D2 were significantly higher, and the feed coefficient and crude fat content of the whole body were significantly lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with those fed diet CD. Serum superoxide dismutase content of grass carp fed D1 diet increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with an increasing dose of aflatoxin B1, but when the dose reached 500 ug/kg (D2), serum superoxide dismutase, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M of grass carp decreased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), while malondialdehyde increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05). After short-term feeding of aflatoxin B1-containing diets (D1 and D2), liver body index, visceral body index, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea nitrogen content of grass carp increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), total bile acid secretion decreased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and structural damages such as increase in vacuoles, organizational structure loosening, and nucleus translocation were observed in the liver. Meanwhile, liver function indexes such as serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly with the increase of aflatoxin B1 dose (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, the height of intestinal villi, crypt depth, villus–crypt ratio, and tubular cell number, as well as the content of trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine of grass carp in the D2 group, were significantly higher than those in the CD group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, after a short-term intake of low doses of aflatoxin B1 (≤500 ug/kg), the toxicological damage of aflatoxin B1 was pronounced, although it produced a certain degree of hormesis on the growth performance and intestinal structure and function of grass carp. At a dose of 20 ug/kg, the non-specific immune system and liver structure and function of grass carp showed obvious toxic damage.

Preventive and reparative potentials of heat-inactivated and viable commensal Bacillus pumilus SE5 in ameliorating the adverse impacts of high soybean meal in grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Probiotic Bacillus pumilus SE5, heat-inactivated (HSE5) or active (ASE5), were supplemented to high soybean meal (HSM) (36 %) diet at whole term (0–56 days) and middle term (29–56 days) to investigate the preventing and repairing effects of B. pumilus SE5 in ameliorating the adverse effects of HSM in Epinephelus coioides. The results suggested that the HSM significantly decreased the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and increased the feed conversion rate (FCR) at day 56 (P < 0.05), while HSE5 and ASE5 promoted the growth performance. The HSE5 and ASE5 showed preventive and reparative functions on the antioxidant capacity and serum immunity, with significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and increased acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and complement 3 (C3). The HSM impaired the intestinal health (destroyed the intestinal structure, significantly increased the contents of serum D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase, and reduced the expressions of claudin-3 and occludin), while HSE5 and ASE5 improved them at whole term and middle term. The HSM impaired the intestinal microbiota and reduced its diversity, and the HSE5 or ASE5 improved the intestinal microbiota (especially at whole term). HSE5 and ASE5 improved the intestinal mRNA expressions of anti-inflammatory genes (il-10 and tgf-β1) and reduced the expressions of pro-inflammatory genes (il-1β, il-8, il-12), and promoted the expressions of humoral immune factor-related genes (cd4, igm, mhcII-α) and antimicrobial peptide genes (β-defensin, epinecidin-1 and hepcidin-1), and decreased the expressions of NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway-related genes (ikk-α, nf-κb, erk-1), and improved the expressions of MAPK signaling pathway-related gene p38-α (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the heat-inactivated and active B. pumilus SE5 effectively prevented and repaired the suppressive effects of soybean meal in E. coioides, which underscored the potential of B. pumilus SE5 as a nutritional intervention agent in HSM diet in aquaculture.

Dietary monosodium glutamate affects the growth and feed utilization of Eriocheir sinensis by regulating the appetite related genes expression

This study assessed the impacts of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the growth performance, feed utilization, feed intake, and appetite regulation of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. A total of 240 juvenile crabs (9.16 ± 0.21 g) were assigned to six experimental diets supplemented with MSG at 0 %, 0.20 %, 0.39 %, 0.59 %, 0.78 % and 0.98 %. The results demonstrated that 0.59 % MSG supplementation significantly enhanced the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed utilization of juvenile E. sinensis by increasing feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary moderate MSG improved the mid-intestine morphology, such as height of microvillus (HMV), width of microvillus (WMV), and thickness of muscularis (TM). The qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of the appetite-stimulating neural signals agouti related protein (agrp) and ghrelin were increased significantly by dietary moderate MSG (p < 0.05). Conversely, the mRNA levels of protein kinase B (akt), target of rapamycin (tor) and 4E-binding protein (4e-bp), as well as appetite-suppressing neural signals pro-opiomelanocortin (pomc), corticotropin-releasing factor (crf) and peptide yy (pyy) were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). The two-slope broken-line regression analysis of SGR in relation to dietary MSG levels suggested that the optimum dietary MSG level for juvenile E. sinensis was 5.6 g/kg. Collectively, MSG may potentially stimulate or suppress the appetite regulation neural signals/hormones, thereby modulating the feeding behavior of E. sinensis.

Effects of a Chinese herbal medicine mixture on growth performance, immune response, and gene expression in Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis)

Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), known for their safety, low toxicity, and minimal impact on the environment, are often used as a natural feed additive in aquaculture to prevent or control diseases of aquatic animals. However, their effect on cell responses of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) remains unexplored. In this study, the extract mixed with four Chinese herbs of Astragalus membranaceus, Lycium barbarum, Rhizoma polygonati and Codonopsis pilosula in proportions (7:8:3:2) was used as a feed additive for 60 days to study their effects on the growth performance and immune response of P. sinensis in greenhouse mode. Results showed that the weight gain rate and the specific growth rate in the CHMs group were 46.63 % and 0.64 %, which were 1.13- and 1.15-fold of that in the control group, respectively. Besides, CHMs could significantly improve the survival rate by 76.94 % after artificial infection of Aeromonas hydrophila. The CHMs group also exhibited significant increases in the activities of total superoxide dismutase (27.76 %), catalase (41.28 %), glutathione peroxidase (14.62 %), and glutathione sulfur transferase (36.75 %) compared to the control group. Conversely, malondialdehyde concentration was reduced to 67.82 % of that in the control group. Moreover, the concentration of lysozyme and complement C3, as well as the activity of acid phosphatase, rose by 16.43 %, 24.30 %, and 27.68 %, respectively. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that growth, immunity, and lipid metabolism-related pathways are involved in the response to CHMs. Among these, the two pathways of the cell cycle and the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction may play important roles in the growth and immunity of P. sinensis. SMOX, STAT3, and HMGCS1 may serve as key genes in CHMs-stimulated immune response in P. sinensis; GADD45B, ARG1, ACVR1C, and BMP7 may be crucial genes in promoting the growth of P. sinensis. This study provides a theoretical and practical basis for the green and efficient culture of P. sinensis.

Growth response of post weaned F1 Friesian × Borena (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) crossbred growing heifers fed on wheat straw-based densified complete feed block.

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of feeding wheat-straw based densified complete feed block (DCFB) on daily weight gain, feed intake, digestibility and feed conversion rate in growing heifer calves. Eight weaned F1 Frisian*Borena (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) crossbred calves (92.5 ± 27.5kg body weight) and 5 months of age were randomly distributed into four groups, each with two animals evaluated under 4 × 4 double Latin Square Design for 240 days. The control treatment was natural pasture hay (NPH) and concentrate mix (CM) fed conventionally in a way that covers 50:50% requirements on dry matter (DM) bases and DCFB prepared by mixing wheat straw (WS) to concentrates mixture in the ratio of 50:50 (T2), 40:60 (T3) and 30:70 (T4), respectively. Each heifer group was fed on each diet for 60 days. At the end of each period the last 7 days were used to collect feed and feacal samples. However, the heifers were weighed each 15 days to estimate daily growth performances. It was found that significant (P < 0.05) differences among groups in average daily gain, feed conversion rate, feed intake and digestibility. The densification of WS and feeding in the form of feed block generally improved feed DM and nutrient intake and digestibility. The increase in the proportion of CM in the DCFBs also increased the DM and nutrient intake and digestibility. Heifer growth rate was higher (P < 0.05) in T1, T3 and T4 diets than T2 groups. Feed conversion ratio was higher (P < 0.05) both in T3 and T4 compared to T1 and T2. The total cost of production per each gram body weight gained was recorded higher (P < 0.05) for calves in the T2 group compared to calves in T1, T3 and T4. In conclusion, maintaining post weaned F1 heifer calves on DCFB composed of wheat straw and a commercial calf's concentrate based diet in the ratio of 40 to 60 would both biologically and economically feasible.

Effects of Salinity on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Antioxidant Capacity of Spotbanded Scat (Selenotoca multifasciata) Juveniles

As a euryhaline fish species that inhabits estuarine and coastal regions, the spotbanded scat (Selenotoca multifasciata) experiences growth influences during its larval stage due to variations in salinity. Here, we evaluated salinity required by early-stage spotbanded scat juveniles to achieve the highest growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, survival, and antioxidant capacity. We reared spotbanded scat juveniles (all 0.50 ± 0.05 g) in 0–35‰ salinity gradients for 50 days and recorded their survival rate every 10 days. After 50 experimental days, we measured morphological data, stomach and intestinal digestive enzyme activities, and liver antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde contents. In general, 5–15‰ salinity led to 100% survival. The 5‰ salinity group demonstrated the highest values for the following measures: final wet body weight; weight gain rate; specific growth rate; growth percentage; average daily gain; stomach amylase and lipase specific activities; and intestinal amylase, lipase, trypsin, and pepsin specific activities. However, stomach trypsin and pepsin activities did not demonstrate significant between-group differences (all p &gt; 0.05). The 25‰ salinity group demonstrated the highest liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and malondialdehyde content. Finally, the 0‰ salinity group demonstrated the highest liver catalase activity. Thus, spotbanded scat juveniles demonstrate the highest survival rates, growth performance, and digestive enzyme activity at 5‰ salinity and the strongest oxidative stress responses at 25‰ salinity.

The effects of coated inorganic trace minerals on the growth performance, mineral retention, and intestinal health comparing with inorganic and organic trace minerals for juvenile American eels (Anguilla rostrata)

This study was conducted to compare the effects of coated inorganic trace minerals (CITM) with those of inorganic and organic trace minerals on the growth performance, mineral retention in the whole-body, and intestinal health of juvenile American eels (Anguilla rostrata). Eels were randomly divided into the inorganic trace minerals (ITM) group, organic trace minerals (OTM) group, coated inorganic trace minerals I (CITM I) group, and coated inorganic trace minerals II (CITM II) group, respectively. The supplementation level of trace minerals in the CITM II group was 50 % of those in the CITM I group. Eels were fed experimental diets for ten weeks. Compared with the ITM group, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, protein efficiency, and feed efficiency of those in the CITM I and CITM II groups were increased. Eels in the CITM I group exhibited higher retention rates of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc in whole body than those in the ITM and OTM groups. CITM I group displayed the increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, immunoglobulin M, and D-lactic acid compared to the ITE group. Compared with the ITM and OTM groups, CITM I and CITM II groups showed enhanced intestinal histology and activities of intestinal amylase, lipase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), coupled with an increase of GSH content. Proteome analysis demonstrated that, compared to the ITE group, CITM I group displayed enhanced intestinal protein abundance associated with vitamin digestion and absorption, fat digestion and absorption, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis. In conclusion, CITM is more beneficial for the growth performance, mineral retention in the whole-body, and intestinal health of juvenile American eels compared to ITM and OTM sources. Our findings provide valuable insights into the application of the coated trace minerals sources in the diets for American eels and potentially for other fish species.

Impact of changes in recommendation of optimal gestational weight gain in Japan: A retrospective study in a single tertiary center.

In March 2021, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revised the optimal gestational weight gain standards. In this study, we examined whether this revision affected gestational weight gain and low birth weight rates. We analyzed the records of singleton pregnant women who underwent checkups from their 1st trimester and delivered at our institute after 37 weeks between 2020 and 2021 (before the revision) and between 2022 and 2023 (after the revision). Pregnancy outcomes were assessed in the following four groups stratified by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI): underweight (BMI: <18.5 kg/m2), normal-weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI: ≥30 kg/m2). Leaflets on the optimal gestational weight gain standards for each group were distributed to all pregnant women at the first prenatal checkup. In each group, gestational weight gain did not change before and after the revision, with the corresponding values of 10.8 kg and 11.1 kg in the underweight (p = 0.94), 10.7 kg and 10.4 kg in the normal weight (p = 0.14), 9.7 kg and 9.2 kg in the overweight (p = 0.32), and 7.4 kg and 6.7 kg in the obese (p = 0.44) groups. Furthermore, the prevalence of low birth weight did not decrease in all groups. No significant differences in gestational weight gain or low birth weight were observed after the revision of the 2021 gestational weight gain recommendations. Merely distributing leaflets to pregnant women may not be sufficient to improve gestational weight gain or reduce low birth weight rates.