Similar Initial Weight Research Articles

Exploring the molecular basis of efficient feed utilization in low residual feed intake slow-growing ducks based on breast muscle transcriptome

Residual feed intake (RFI) has recently gained attention as a key indicator of feed efficiency in poultry. In this study, 800 slow-growing ducks with similar initial body weights were reared in an experimental facility until they were culled at 42 d of age. Thirty high RFI (HRFI) and 30 low RFI (LRFI) birds were selected to evaluate their growth performance, carcass characteristics, and muscle development. Transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression correlation network analyses of pectoral muscles were conducted on six LRFI and six HRFI ducks. The results revealed that selecting for LRFI significantly reduced feed consumption (P < 0.05) and improved feed efficiency without affecting the growth performance, slaughter rate, or meat quality of ducks (P > 0.05). Moreover, compared with HRFI ducks, LRFI ducks had a lower pectoral muscle fat content (P < 0.05), larger muscle fiber diameter and area (P < 0.05), and lower muscle fiber density (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in gene expression between LRFI and HRFI ducks, with 102 upregulated and 258 downregulated genes, which were enriched in the PPAR signaling pathway, adipocytokine signaling pathway, actin cytoskeleton regulation, ECM-receptor interaction, and focal adhesion. The expression of genes associated with fat and energy metabolism, including ACSL6, PCK1, APOC3, HMGCS2, PRKAG3, and G6PC1, was downregulated in LRFI ducks, and weighted gene co-expression correlation network analysis identified PRKAG3 as a hub gene. Our findings indicate that reduced mitochondrial energy metabolism may contribute to the RFI of slow-growing ducks, with PRKAG3 playing a pivotal role in this biological process. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular changes underlying RFI variation in slow-growing ducks.

Immune, Oxidative, and Morphological Changes in the Livers of Tibetan Sheep after Feeding Resveratrol and β-Hydroxy-β-methyl Butyric Acid: A Transcriptome-Metabolome Integrative Analysis.

This study investigated the effects of dietary resveratrol (RES) and β-Hydroxy-β-methyl butyric acid (HMB) on immune, oxidative, and morphological changes in the livers of Tibetan sheep using transcriptomics and metabolomics. One hundred and twenty male Tibetan lambs of a similar initial weight (15.5 ± 0.14 kg) were randomly divided into four groups with thirty lambs per treatment: (1) H group (basal diet without RES or HMB); (2) H-RES group (1.5 g/day of RES); (3) H-HMB group (1250 mg/day of HMB); (4) H-RES-HMB group (1.5 g/day of RES and 1250 mg/day of HMB). The experiment was conducted for 100 days, including a pre-test period of 10 days and a formal period of 90 days. The results showed significantly increased concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and IgM in the H-RES-HMB group (p < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The glycolytic indices including creatinine kinase (CK), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were significantly increased in the H-RES-HMB group compared with the others (p < 0.05). A histological analysis showed that the hepatic plate tissue in the H-RES-HMB group appeared normal with multiple cells. The transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of genes associated with the calcium signaling pathway (MYLK2, CYSLTR2, ADCY1, HRH1, ATP2B2, NOS2, HRC, ITPR1, and CAMK2B) and the NF-κB signaling pathway (BCL2 and CARD14) in the H-RES-HMB group were upregulated. The key differential metabolites (d-pyroglutamic acid, DL-serine, DL-threonine, fumarate, and glyceric acid) were enriched in the pathways associated with D-amino acid metabolism, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and carbon metabolism. The combined transcriptomic and non-targeted metabolomic analyses showed the co-enrichment of differential genes (NOS2 and GLUD1) and metabolites (fumarate) in arginine biosynthesis-regulated glycolytic activity, whereas the differential genes (ME1, SCD5, FABP2, RXRG, and CPT1B) and metabolites (Leukotriene b4) co-enriched in the PPAR signaling pathway affected the immune response by regulating the PI3K/AKT and cGMP/PKG signaling. In conclusion, the dietary RES and HMB affected the hepatic antioxidant capacity, immune response, and glycolytic activity through modulating the transcriptome (BCL2, CAMK2B, ITPR1, and IL1R1) and metabolome (DL-serine, DL-threonine, fumaric acid, and glycolic acid).

Comparative Growth Performance of Genetically Improved, Chinese, and Local Strains of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Mid-hill Nepal

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of rainbow trout fry (Oncorhynchus mykiss) derived from the best performing families in a previous experiment.&#x0D; Study Design: Experimental (Original Research Article).&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Fisheries Research Station (FRS), Trishuli Nepal, between April 2021 and June 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 2700 fry with similar initial weights were randomly assigned to three groups based on their origin: Farmers Trout (T1:1.39±0.16g), Chinese Trout (T2: 1.40±0.06g), and Genetically Improved Trout (T3: 1.19±0.1g), each group replicated thrice with 300 fish per tank. The parameters assessed were weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate. All fish were fed farm-made feed for 90 days with fortnightly sampling.&#x0D; Results: The Genetically Improved trout group exhibited the highest weight gain (14.22±0.51g), followed by the Chinese trout (13.08±0.24g), and Farmers trout (10.77±0.82g) groups (P=.01). The specific growth rate followed a similar trend, with the Genetic group showing the highest value of 4.28±0.08% and the Farmers group showing the lowest value of 3.60±0.07% (P=.01). However, there was no significant difference in the feed conversion ratio among the groups, which ranged from 0.77 to 1.07. Conversely, the Chinese group's fry demonstrated a significantly higher survival rate (77.94±3.63%) compared to the Genetic (72.33±1.09%) and Farmers (59.28±4.6%) groups (P=.02).&#x0D; Conclusion: The weight gain and growth rate of genetically enhanced rainbow trout is considerably higher and may enhance the production and profitability of the rainbow culture in Nepal. However, the performance of genetically improved trout requires more validation in farmer’s raceways.

DISTILLER’S DRIED GRAINS SUPPLEMENTED Wz3ITH ENZYME COCKTAIL AND YEAST AFFECT EGG QUALITY, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD PROFILE OF BREEDING HENS

This experiment aimed to examine the influences of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in breeding hen’s nutrition (0, 10, and 20%, respectively) with or without enzyme cocktail blend and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SC) supplementation on the sustainability of eggs and semen quality, fertility and hatchability, and blood biochemistry. In total, 360, twenty weeks old indigenous Inshas breeding hens and 36 Inshas cocks (for natural mating) were used in the experiment. Inshas is a crossing breed that originated from mating Sinai and White Plymouth Rock breeds. Hens and cocks of all experimental groups had approximately similar initial body weights (1,560 ± 12.3 g) at the start of the experiment and were divided into 12 groups, each containing three replicates (10 hens + 1 cock). Moreover, 60 cocks were divided into 12 groups of five cocks each and housed individually in cages for semen quality estimation using the artificial collection technique. Increasing DDGS up to 20% in diets of breeding hens decreased (p≤0.05) eggshell thickness compared to 0 and 10% DDGS, but it elevated (p≤0.05) color of yolk and Haugh unit score during the storage period. Dietary treatments did not significantly affect the percentage fertility, hatchability, and abnormality of embryos and body weight of day-old chicks. Semen quality was not significantly affected by dietary DDGS. Yeast supplementation increased (p≤0.05) sperm concentration per ejaculate by 5.21% and total normal sperm/ejaculate and sperm concentration by 5.87%. Increasing DDGS levels up to 10% and 20% decreased blood plasma total cholesterol by about 4.1%. Enzyme cocktail supplementation increased (p≤0.05) blood plasma Ca by 5.4% of 20% DDGS diets, but other blood plasma parameters were unaffected. Enzyme cocktail addition to DDGS diets also decreased plasma cholesterol by 3.63%. Feeding a 10% and 20% DDGS diet increased (p≤0.05) plasma creatinine by 9.75% and decreased the uric acid/creatinine ratio by about 11.1%. In conclusion, corn DDGS could be included in dual-purpose breeding hen’s diet up to 20% without adverse effects on the sustainability of the quality of eggs and semen, fertility and hatchability, and blood biochemistry. Furthermore, enzyme cocktail at 500 gm/ton feed and yeast at 1 kg/ton feed supplementations significantly and similarly improved eggshell thickness by 1.44-1.72%, and yeast increased sperm concentration and total sperm output per ejaculate. Key words: Distillers dried grains with soluble; Breeding hens; Multi-enzymes; Yeast; Fertility; Hatchability; Semen quality.

Effects of winter barn feeding and grazing on growth performance, meat quality and rumen fungal community of Tibetan sheep

The grazing grassland ecosystem on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is highly impacted by seasonal temperature variations. During the long cold season, the biomass and nutrient contents of forage grass do not meet the nutritional needs of grazing livestock and seriously affect growth performance and livestock products. This study investigated different feeding strategies on growth performance, meat quality and rumen fungal community of Tibetan sheep in the winter. Twelve one-year-old healthy castrated Tibetan sheep with similar initial body weights were randomly grouped into traditional grazing (TG) and barn feeding (BF) groups. The TG sheep were labelled and grazed on the local cool-season pasture without feed supplementing, while BF sheep were fed a mixed diet in feeding shed. Compared with the TG group, significantly increased body weight and average daily weight gain (ADG) were observed in the BF group (p < 0.001), which resulted in a significant increase in the hot carcase weight, net meat weight, carcase rate and net meat rate (p < 0.01). Moreover, the longissimus dorsi muscle of the BF group showed significantly increased muscle fibre diameter, perimeter, and area and increased crude protein and ether extract contents (p < 0.01), while the meat tenderness and amino acid content were reduced. ITS high-throughput sequencing showed that Ascomycota was the predominant fungal phylum in the rumen of Tibetan sheep. At the genus level, the rumen of TG sheep presented higher proportions of Preussia, Anaeromyces and Pilidium, while the most abundant genera in the BF sheep were Penicillium, Acaulium and Vishniacozyma. In summary, BF strategy enhanced the relative abundance of several dominant fungal genera related to the nutrient absorption and metabolism capacity, and effectively improves the growth and slaughter performance and affects meat quality of Tibetan sheep in the winter.

Black soldier fly larvae oil as an alternative lipid source in diets for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI) is a promising insect species to be included in aquafeeds. HI larvae are rich in protein but also in fat, with a fatty acid profile dominated by saturated and medium-chain fatty acids. This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of vegetable oils (VO) with HI larvae oil (HIO) and its effects on growth, whole-body composition, nutrient retention, diet digestibility, and digestive enzyme activity. A control diet (HIO0, 45% crude protein, 18% lipids) was formulated to include 9.5% of a VO blend, and three other diets were formulated similar to the control but with the VO blend replaced at 42% (HIO42), 84% (HIO84), and 100% (HIO100). A growth trial was performed with triplicate groups of fish (initial body weight of 63 g) hand-fed to apparent visual satiation for 10 weeks. A digestibility trial was also performed simultaneously with triplicate groups of fish with similar initial body weights. Results indicate that the total replacement of VO mix with HIO did not affect growth performance, but feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio linearly improved with the increase of HIO in the diets. No differences between groups were found in whole-body composition and protein and energy retention. There was a trend for protein and energy digestibility to linearly increase with dietary HIO inclusion. Lipid digestibility was not affected by diet composition, however, the apparent digestibility of saturated fatty acids increased and of unsaturated decreased with the increase of dietary HIO inclusion. Total proteases activity was higher in fish fed diet HIO84 and lipase activity followed a positive linear trend with the increase in dietary HIO content. Overall, present results indicate that gilthead seabream can effectively utilize HIO without compromising growth performance and digestibility while improving feed utilization efficiency, thus establishing its potential as an alternative lipid source for aquafeeds.

Metagenomic insights into the relationship between gut microbiota and residual feed intake of small-sized meat ducks.

The objective of this study was to determine the regulatory effects of gut microbiota on the feed efficiency (FE) of small-sized meat ducks by evaluating correlations between gut microbiota and residual feed intake (RFI). A total of 500 21-day-old healthy male ducks with similar initial body weights (645 ± 15.0 g) were raised contemporaneously in the same experimental facility until slaughter at 56 days of age. In total, nine low-RFI (LR) and nine high-RFI (HR) birds were selected for further gut microbiota composition and functional analyses based on the production performance, and the RFI was calculated from 22 to 56 days of age. Growth performance results indicated a significantly lower RFI, feed conversion ratio, feed intake, and average daily feed intake in the LR ducks (P < 0.05). Taxonomy results of gut microbiota showed the identification of 19 kinds of phyla and more than 250 kinds of genera in all samples. No significant discrepancies in cecal bacterial α-diversity were discovered between the LR and HR groups, which indicated that the microbial modulatory effects on RFI may be attributed to the bacterial composition, rather than the species diversity. Differential analysis of bacterial communities between the LR and HR groups showed a significant increment of Firmicutes and a significant decline of Bacteroidetes in the LR group (P < 0.05). Specifically, genera of Erysipelatoclostridium, Parasutterella, Fournierella, and Lactococcus significantly proliferated, while Bacteroides significantly decreased in the LR group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that the RFI was significantly correlated with carbohydrate metabolism-related bacteria including Bacteroides, Alistipes, Bifidobacterium, Ruminiclostridium_9, Sellimonas, Oscillibacter, Escherichia-Shigella, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus. In conclusion, the communities related to carbohydrate metabolism had positive regulatory effects on the FE of small-sized meat ducks, promoting it by improving the relative abundance and utilization of these communities. The present study provides valuable insight into the dynamics of gut microbiota underlying the variations in the FE of small-sized meat ducks.

Effects of Dietary Isoleucine Supplementation on the Production Performance, Health Status and Cecal Microbiota of Arbor Acre Broiler Chickens.

A total of 24,000 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers with similar initial weights were used in this study and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 400 and 800 mg/kg isoleucine (Ile), denoted CON, ILE400 and ILE800, respectively. Results revealed that the final body weight, average daily weight gain, and eviscerated carcass rate, of broiler chickens in the ILE400 group were significantly higher than in other groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the ILE400 and ILE800 groups had a lower feed conversion rate and a higher survival rate and breast muscle rate (p < 0.05), while the abdominal fat rate was significantly lower than the CON group (p < 0.05). There were significantly lower serum concentrations of UREA, glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (TCHO) in the ILE400 and ILE800 groups than in the CON group (p < 0.05); glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was significantly higher in the ILE400 group than in the other groups, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration was considerably lower than in other groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, interleukin (IL)-10 concentration in the ILE800 group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The ILE400 group significantly down-regulated the mRNA expressions of fatty-acid synthase (FASN) and solid alcohol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), and significantly up-regulated the mRNA expressions of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and sirtuin1 (Sirt1) (p < 0.05). The ILE400 group had significantly higher intestinal villus height than the CON and ILE800 groups, while the ILE800 group had significantly lower intestinal villus height/crypt depth (p < 0.05). Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing showed that the Shannon index, and Verrucomicrobiota, Colidextribacter and Bacteroides abundances were significantly higher in the ILE400 group than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the ILE800 group reduced the Simpson index, phylum Firmicutes and Bacteroidota abundances (including genera Colidextribacter, Butyricicoccus, [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, Bacteroides, Alistipes, Barnesiella and Butyricimonas), and increased Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria (including genera Dyella, Devosia, unidentified_Chloroplast and Hyphomicrobium) (p < 0.05). Overall, our study showed that adding 400 mg/kg Ile to the diet (diets total Ile levels at 1.01%, 0.90% and 0.87% during the starter, grower and finisher phases, respectively) increased production performance and improved the health status in broiler chickens.

Association of polymorphisms in lipid and energy metabolism-related genes with fattening performance in Simmental cattle

Lipid and energy metabolism are major constituents of mammal growth and thus fattening performance of cattle. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms in lipid and energy metabolism-related genes including oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1), lactoferrin (LTF), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), beta-lactoglobulin (LGB), thyroglobulin (TG), annexin A9 (ANXA9), myogenic factor 5 (MYF5), protein kinase AMP-activated non-catalytic subunit gamma 3 (PRKAG3), and pituitary-specific transcriptional factor 1 (PIT1), on fattening performance in Simmental cattle. A total of 72 purebred Simmental bulls with a similar initial age and weight were fattened on the same farm for 10 months. Association analysis was performed using linear mixed models. The OLR1 marker was significantly associated with the final weight (FW), hot carcass weight (HCW), chilled carcass weight (CCW), dressing percentage (DP), and total weight gain (TWG). SCD affected the FW, TWG, and average daily live weight gain (ADWG). The present results clearly demonstrated the significant impact of the TG marker on fattening performance. It was highly significantly associated with the FW, HCW, CCW, and TWG. The SCD × TG and the OLR1 × TG interactions had remarkable effects on the traits analyzed. The GACC and CCCC haplotypes of the SCD × TG and OLR1 × TG, respectively, were found to be powerful markers for fattening performance in Simmentals. Novel associations in this study may be useful for further genetic evaluations to improve beef cattle breeding.

Dietary 18-carbon fatty acid unsaturation improves the muscle fiber development and meat quality of Megalobrama amblycephala

The study aimed to investigate the effects of four fatty acids with the same carbon-chain length and different saturations, stearic acid (SA), oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and linolenic acid (LNA), on the growth performance and muscle quality of Megalobrama amblycephala through in vivo and in vitro experiments. A total of 320 fish with similar initial weight (34.97 ± 0.14 g) were randomly fed 3% four kinds of 18-carbon fatty acids with different carbon saturation. Growth performance was assessed at the end of the feeding trial, and samples were collected for the corresponding indicators. Results showed that the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of unsaturated fatty acids groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05) than the SA group. Meanwhile, unsaturated fatty acids resulted in a significant increase in white muscle texture (hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness) (P < 0.05). With the increase of fatty acid unsaturation, the number of muscle fibers and density were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the sarcomere length decreased. The gene expression of sirt1 and camk were significantly up-regulated in unsaturated fatty acids groups (P < 0.05), and the genes related to muscle fiber development were also increased significantly (P < 0.05). In vitro study, the primary muscle cells of Megalobrama amblycephala were treated for 24 h according to the references. The results showed that 250 μmol of unsaturated fatty acids OA, LA, and LNA significantly up-regulated the protein levels of p-Ampk, Camk, and Pax7 associated with muscle fiber development (P < 0.05). In conclusion, unsaturated fatty acids can promote muscle fiber development and meat quality because of the different saturations, which may be realized by activating AMPK and Ca2+-dependent signal pathways.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, and performance of feedlot goat kids fed high-concentrate diets containing licury cake (Syagrus coronata).

The current trial was carried out to evaluate the impacts of adding licury cake (Syagrus coronata) in high-concentrate diets for goat kids feedlot-finished on growth performance and metabolic parameters. Forty crossbred non-castrated Boer goat kids with approximately four months and similar initial live weights (20.15 ± 2.79kg). The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized, with four diets (0, 10, 20, and 30% of licury cake inclusion in a dry matter basis (DM)). Licury cake inclusion decreased nutrient intake and digestibility (P < 0.05). Times spent in feeding (P < 0.001) and rumination (P = 0.003) activities, number of events in feeding (P < 0.001) and idling (P = 0.015) increased, whereas a linear reduction occurred in feeding and rumination efficiencies of DM and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.001). Nitrogen (N) intake, retained N (P < 0.001), triglycerides concentrations (P = 0.002), aspartate-aminotransferase, alanine-aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase decreased with the licury cake inclusion (P < 0.05). Final body weight (P = 0.008), average daily gain (P = 0.001), and total weight gain (P = 0.001) decreased linearly when licury cake was included in diets. High-concentrate diets containing increasing levels of licury cake decrease intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients and performance when supplied for goat kids feedlot-finished. Therefore, the inclusion of the studied levels of licury cake in goat kids fed high-concentrate diets is not recommended for feedlot-finished systems.

Nintedanib Treatment After Ovulation is an Effective Therapeutic Strategy for the Alleviation of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in a Mouse Model.

PurposeOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious complication of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. In this study, we hope to explore whether nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, can inhibit OHSS by blocking signaling of vascular endothelial growth factor in a mouse model. Considering that nintedanib been approved for the treatment of some diseases. We believe that nintedanib has important potential in the treatment of OHSS.MethodsFemale ICR mice aged 6–8 weeks with similar initial weights were used to establish the OHSS model. At 12 and 24 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger, we administered nintedanib by subcutaneous injection and analyzed the OHSS-related physiological characteristics and biochemical indices of the model mice within 48 hours after hCG-trigger.ResultsNintedanib significantly alleviated the symptoms of OHSS after hCG-trigger compared with those of OHSS group (weight change, P < 0.0001; ovarian weight, P < 0.0001, peritoneal exudation level, P < 0.01). Further investigation proved that the corpus luteum (number, P < 0.001; diameter, P < 0.0001) and luteal vessel (P < 0.0001) development were inhibited in the nintedanib administration group. Then, the vascular permeability test showed that the capillary bleeding points (P < 0.0001) were also significantly reduced in nintedanib administration group. Gene expression tests demonstrated that the intercellular connection-related genes expression in the nintedanib administration group was similar to that in the no-OHSS induced group. Further detection of coagulation and thrombosis indices indicated that the nintedanib administration in the OHSS model did not increase the risk of thrombosis or bleeding.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that nintedanib can alleviate and manage the symptoms of OHSS in a mouse model. These findings identify a feasible scheme for the prevention and treatment of OHSS in clinical practice in the future. Moreover, since the scheme can be implemented after ovulation, it will not cause potential adverse effects on gametogenesis, fertilization or embryonic development.

Dietary Bacillus subtilis relieved the growth retardation, hepatic failure, and antioxidative depression induced by ochratoxin A in Thinlip Mullet (Liza ramada)

Mycotoxicosis is a severe challenge in the aquafeed industry and is involved in low productivity and high economic loss. On this occasion, available dietary supplements, including probiotics, may relieve the impacts of mycotoxicosis on the performances of aquatic animals. In this study, four test diets were prepared to test the effects of Bacillus subtilis (BS), ochratoxin A (OTA), and their mixture (BS/OTA) on the performances of Mullet (Liza ramada). Fish of similar initial weight (11.38 ± 0.24 g) were divided into four groups stocked in triplicate hapas (0.5 ×0.5 ×1 m) at 15 fish per hapa. Fish fed the control diet (without BS or OTA), BS (2 × 106 CFU/g), OTA (1 mg/kg) or BS (2 × 106 CFU/g) and OTA (1 mg/kg) (BS/OTA). After eight weeks, the final weight (FBW) and specific growth rate (SGR) were markedly enhanced by dietary BS and reduced by OTA contamination, while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was meaningfully reduced by dietary BS and increased by OTA. The hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBCs), and white blood cells (WBCs) were markedly lowered by OTA toxicity. Fish fed BS, or BS/OTA diets showed no significant differences with the control in terms of Hb, PCV, RBCs, and WBCs (p ˃ 0.05). The BS-fed fish showed the same normal intestinal and liver structure with an improved appearance of intestinal villi. The OTA-exposed fish showed deterioration of intestinal mucosa and stunted growth of intestinal villi with severe liver vascular dilatation and congestion in addition to hepatocytes degeneration. The combination of BS with OTA alleviated the pathological effect of individual OTA on the intestinal villi, improved intestinal morphology, and restored the normal hepatic structures with mild periductal inflammatory reaction around the bile duct. The blood total protein and albumin levels were markedly increased by dietary BS and lowered by OTA. Fish fed BS/OTA diet had higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and urea than fish fed the control but lower than those contaminated with OTA. The catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were markedly increased by dietary BS and lowered by OTA toxicity. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was decreased by dietary BS and increased by OTA toxicity. Interestingly, fish fed the control and BS/OTA diet had similar FBW, SGR, FCR, survival rates, Hb, PCV, RBCs, WBCs, creatinine, CAT, GPx, SOD, and MDA levels. In conclusion, dietary B. subtilis relieved the negative impacts of OTA contamination via protecting fish's intestine, liver, and kidney function.

Effect of phosphorus on growth performance, intestinal tight junctions, Nrf2 signaling pathway and immune response of juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed different α-ketoglutarate levels

Previous research has shown that dietary α-ketoglutarate (AKG) supplementation can promote growth performance, phosphorus metabolism, and skeletal development of juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed low phosphorous diets. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that 1% AKG dietary supplementation reduces the dietary phosphorus requirements of juvenile mirror carp. A total of 12 experimental isoproteic and isolipidic diets containing available phosphorus levels of 0.21%, 0.38%, 0.55%, 0.72%, 0.89%, and 1.07% dry matter with either 0 or 1% AKG supplementation were used in the study. A total of 1080 juvenile fish of similar initial weight (0.90 ± 0.03 g) were selected and randomly assigned to 36 tanks. There were three replicates for each experimental group, with a density of 30 fish per tank. Fish were fed to satiation for 8 weeks. The results indicated that fish fed the diet supplemented with 1% AKG showed a significant increase in final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), feed intake (FI) and phosphorus intake (PI) compared to the diet without AKG (P < 0.05). FBW and WGR increased significantly with increasing available phosphorus levels from 0.21% to 0.89% (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of ZO-1, claudin 11, and occludin was significantly increased by dietary AKG and phosphorus (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Nrf2, GPx1a, and CAT in the Nrf2 signaling pathway was significantly increased by dietary AKG and phosphorus (P < 0.05). The expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β2 were significantly increased by dietary AKG and phosphorus, but the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-a and NF-κB were significantly decreased with dietary AKG and phosphorus supplementation (P < 0.05). Based on second-order polynomial regression analysis of WGR against dietary phosphorus levels, the optimal dietary phosphorus level was found to be 0.79% of dry feed for juvenile mirror carp fed a diet with 1% AKG supplementation and 0.93% of dry feed without AKG supplementation. This study confirmed that AKG supplementation can reduce the phosphorus requirements of juvenile mirror carp by promoting growth performance, intestinal tight junctions, Nrf2 signaling pathways and immune response.

Effect of Dietary Phytogenic and Probiotic Supplementation on Productive Performance and Immune Response of Inshas Laying Hens.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of Pedicoccus acidilactici as probiotic (P), chicory as phytogenic (C) and their interactions between them (P x C) on productive performance and immune response of Inshas laying hens. A total number of 720 chickens, 26 weeks old with nearly similar initial average weight were used in this study. Hens were randomly distributed into twelve experimental groups each of 60 birds. A factorial arrangement design (3x4) with three levels of probiotic (0, 0.5 and 0.1 g/kg diet) and four levels of chicory leaves powder (0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg diet) and their interaction were tested for 24 weeks. Results obtained showed highly significant variation (p < 0.01) in averages of feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production rate (EPR) and egg mass at the most periods of the experiment and all over the experimental period due to all treatments applied, Insignificant variation were found in average body weight, feed intake and egg weight due to dietary levels of probiotic and chicory all over the experimental period, while the interaction between them showed highly significant variation (p < 0.01) in body weight and egg weight only. The best FCR (4.67. 4.64 and 4.03 g feed/g egg), EPR (53.35, 53.29 and 62.16 % hen/day) and egg mass (26.19, 26.22 and 30.10 g/hen/day) were found in birds fed diets supplemented with 1.0 g probiotic, 5 g chicory / kg diet and the interaction between (P2 x C1), respectively. Significant improvement (p < 0.05) in immune response toward antibody titers of Newcastle (ND) and Influenza (H9N2) due to dietary probiotic only. The highest values of relative economical efficiency were found 129.20, 281.39 and 270.14% were listed for diets containing 1.0 g probiotic, 5 g chicory /Kg diet and their interactions between the same levels, receptively. It could be recommended to use probiotic at a level of 1.0 g, chicory at level of 5 g /Kg diet and their interactions (1.0 g probiotic x 5 g chicory/Kg diet) to improve the productive performance, immune response and economical efficiency of Inshas laying hens.

Effects of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed on performance, immunity, total antioxidant activity of serum and intestinal development of broilers

This experiment aimed to examine the effect of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed (BPC) in comparison with using sub-therapeutic doses of lincomycin and the excessive inclusion of vitamin E on performance, immunity, total antioxidant capacity of serum and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-d-old male broiler chicks with similar initial weight (Ross strain) were randomly assigned to 6 groups (8 chicks/pen): non-treated group (basal diet), basal diet supplemented with 2 mg/kg lincomycin, basal diet supplemented with 50 IU vitamin E, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter period, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter and grower periods and basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg throughout the whole experiment. The highest final body weight was obtained in the group supplemented with BPC in starter and grower periods. In the finisher phase, broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the starter period and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) better feed conversion ratios (FCR). Jejunal villus height was significantly elevated in broilers supplemented with antibiotic (P < 0.001), furthermore it tended to be greater in broilers fed BPC in the starter period. The jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in broilers fed the diet containing antibiotic in comparison to other groups. Humoral immune response against Newcastle disease vaccine tended to be elevated in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial (P > 0.05). Broilers supplemented with BPC in starter and grower, and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) higher antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The highest total antioxidant capacity was obtained in broilers supplemented with the excessive level of vitamin E, furthermore it tended to improve in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial. In summary, the results of the study indicated that addition of BPC in broiler diets in the whole trial could improve FCR, immune responses and total antioxidant activity of serum, and BPC could be used in broiler diets as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics.

The regulatory roles of yucca extract on the growth rate, hepato-renal function, histopathological alterations, and immune-related genes in common carp exposed with acute ammonia stress

The accumulation of ammonia in fish ponds regularly occurs in intensive aquaculture systems, and the inclusion of yucca extract is recognized as a practical solution to adsorb the waterborne ammonia. In this context, the study was planned to investigate the possible regulatory roles of yucca extract on the performances of common carp exposed to acute ammonia stress. Fish with similar initial weight were assigned to four groups (triplicates) where fish in the control group reared without ammonia exposure and without yucca treatment whereas the second group was exposed to ammonia (10 mg/L) without yucca treatment. The third group treated with yucca (0.75 mg/L) without ammonia while the fourth group exposed with ammonia and treated with yucca. The groups were named as the control, the ammonia, the yucca, and the ammonia/yucca. After 30 days, the growth performance, survival rate, total protein, albumin, and globulin of fish treated with yucca extract had the highest values (P < 0.05) followed by control and those exposed to acute ammonia stress and treated with yucca. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) displayed the lowest value in fish treated with yucca without ammonia stress while the highest FCR was in fish exposed to ammonia without yucca (P < 0.05). The uric acid and urea levels displayed the lowest value in fish treated with yucca without ammonia stress while the highest uric acid and urea were in fish exposed to ammonia without yucca (P < 0.05). The levels of blood creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) implemented the highest values in fish exposed to acute ammonia stress without yucca while the lowest values were in the group of fish treated with yucca without ammonia exposure (P < 0.05). The expression of hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and interleukin (IL-10) genes were upregulated in fish treated with yucca and downregulated in fish exposed to acute ammonia stress. Heat shock protein (HSP70), interleukin (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin (IL-1β) were upregulated in fish exposed to acute ammonia stress and downregulated in the group of fish treated with yucca extract (P < 0.05). The histopathological study revealed that fish exposed to acute ammonia stress had inflammatory and abnormal features while yucca extract induced anti-inflammation influences. Hence, the study concluded that the treatment of yucca extract is recommended to protect common carp from the toxicity of waterborne ammonia.

Effects of Dietary Protein Levels on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Serum Metabolites, and Meat Composition of Tibetan Sheep during the Cold Season on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Simple SummaryThe Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) is an ovine breed well adapted to the harsh plateau environment. For a long period of time, Tibetan sheep farming has been an important pillar industry for native herders on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. With the increasing demand for sheep meat and products, nutrition research has gained increasing importance. In this study, the effects of three different dietary protein levels (10.1%, 12.1%, and 14.1%) on growth performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and meat composition were investigated in Tibetan sheep during the cold season. The results showed that the diets containing 12.1% and 14.1% protein were better than a diet containing 10.1% protein for enhancing the growth performance, carcass performance, and meat products of the Tibetan sheep.Dietary protein is a critical nutrient that directly influences the health and production of livestock. Recent studies showed that protein supplements could enhance the growth performance of Tibetan sheep. However, there is a lack of information regarding the influence of dietary protein levels on carcass traits and meat composition. This study investigated the effects of dietary protein levels on growth performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and meat composition in Tibetan sheep during the cold season on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A total of eighteen 1-year-old, healthy, castrated Tibetan sheep with similar initial body weights (31.7 ± 0.72 kg) were randomly divided into three treatment groups with different dietary protein level (low protein (LP, 10.1%); medium protein (MP, 12.1%); high protein (HP, 14.1%)) diets. The results indicated that the Tibetan sheep fed with the MP and HP diets had greater final body weights (BWs), average daily gains (ADGs), and average daily feed intakes (ADFIs) (p < 0.05). The MP and HP diets also improved the hot carcass weight, net meat (including the fat) weight, and bone weight of the sheep significantly (p < 0.05). Besides, the dietary protein levels could significantly affect the serum concentrations of growth hormone (p < 0.05). The diameter of muscle fibers in the MP group was significantly greater than that in the LP group (p < 0.05), while the density of muscle fibers showed the opposite trend. The dietary protein levels only significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the ether extract content and profile content of the longissimus dorsi muscle but had no effect on other parameters of meat composition. In summary, our results indicate that dietary protein levels affect growth performance, carcass traits, and meat composition and that diets containing 12.1% and 14.1% protein are recommended to obtain better production performance and meat products in Tibetan sheep, rather than a diet containing 10.1% protein, during the cold season on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Soybean oligosaccharide, stachyose, and raffinose in broilers diets: effects on odor compound concentration and microbiota in cecal digesta

Soybean oligosaccharides have been previously shown to be associated with the production of major odor-causing compounds in broilers, although little is known about the role of stachyose and raffinose, which are key components of soybean oligosaccharide, in broiler cecal microbiota and odor compound production. To this end, soybean oligosaccharide, stachyose, and raffinose were added to the birds' diets to investigate their effects on odor compound production and the microbial community characteristics of the cecum in broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old Arbor Acre broilers with similar initial live weight were randomly allocated into 5 dietary groups with 6 replicates of 10 birds. The diets included soybean meal (positive control), soybean meal-free (negative control), 0.6% soybean oligosaccharide, 0.6% stachyose, or 0.6% raffinose. After a 49-D feeding period, both ceca were aseptically removed postmortem, and the contents were collected and analyzed for skatole, indole, volatile fatty acids, and lactic acid by using high performance liquid chromatography. Bacterial communities were detected by using a high-throughput sequencing platform based on IlluminaMiSeq 2500. Levels of skatole and indole tended to be lower in the dietary supplementation of oligosaccharides. The lowest levels of skatole and indole were observed in the stachyose group (P < 0.05), while the highest levels were found in the negative control group (P < 0.05). Concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acid in the stachyose group were increased (P < 0.05) while those of butyric acid and lactic acid were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the soybean oligosaccharide and raffinose groups. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were prevalent in all groups, the proportion of Bacteroidetes was slightly decreased in the stachyose group, and Verrucomicrobia was abundant in the raffinose group (P > 0.05). Bacterial genera Alistipes and Parabacteroides were comparably abundant in the stachyose group, while Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia were more abundant in the negative control, stachyose, and raffinose groups, respectively. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that dietary oligosaccharide supplementation significantly reduced odor compound production by modulating the cecal microbial community. Compared with soybean oligosaccharide and raffinose, the addition of stachyose into diets may help improve gut fermentation and minimize odor compound generation in broilers.

Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Profiles of Chinese Ningxiang Pigs Following Supplementation with N-Carbamylglutamate.

Simple SummaryN-carbamylglutamate (NCG) has been demonstrated to promote the synthesis of endogenous arginine and improve reproductive performance. In the present study, we found that dietary NCG supplementation improved meat quality of a Chinese fat-type pig by increasing muscle tenderness and Phe concentration, and optimizing fatty acid profiles in different tissues. These results provided scientific evidence for the application of NCG as a feed additive in finishing pigs.The present study evaluated the effects of dietary N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on carcass traits, meat quality, and fatty acid profiles in the longissimus dorsi muscle and adipose tissues of Chinese Ningxiang pigs. A total of 36 castrated female pigs with a similar initial weight (43.21 ± 0.57 kg) were randomly assigned to two treatments (with six pens per treatment and three pigs per pen) and fed either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 0.08% NCG for 56 days. Results showed that dietary NCG reduced shear force (p = 0.004) and increased drip loss (p = 0.044) in longissimus dorsi muscle of Ningxiang pigs. Moreover, increased levels of oleic acid (C18:1n9c) (p = 0.009), paullinic acid (C20:1) (p = 0.004), and α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3) (p < 0.001), while significant reduction in the proportions of arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) (p < 0.001) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (p = 0.017) were observed in the longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs fed NCG when compared with those fed the control diet. As for adipose tissues, the C20:1 (p = 0.045) proportion in dorsal subcutaneous adipose (DSA), as well as the stearic acid (C18:0) (p = 0.018) level in perirenal adipose (PA) were decreased when pigs were fed the NCG diet compared with those of the control diet. In contrast, the margaric acid (C17:0) (p = 0.043) proportion in PA were increased. Moreover, the NCG diet produced PA with a greater proportion of total PUFAs (p = 0.001) (particularly linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) (p = 0.001)) compared with those produced by the control diet. These findings suggest that dietary NCG has beneficial effects by decreasing the shear force and improving the healthfulness of fatty acid profiles, providing a novel strategy for enhancing meat quality of pigs.