T2 Group Research Articles

Effect of different dietary oil sources on the performance, egg quality and antioxidant capacity during the late laying period

This study investigated the effects of different dietary ratios of linseed and soybean oils on the performance, egg quality, and antioxidant capacity of late-phase laying hens. A total of 360 70-week-old Jinghong laying hens were randomly assigned to four groups of six replicates each, with 15 chickens per replicate. Diets with linseed oil to soybean oil ratios of 3:0 (T1), 2:1 (T2), 1:2 (T3), and 0:3 (T4) were fed for 4 weeks. No significant differences in egg weight, feed intake of laying hens, egg production, or feed-to-egg ratio (P > 0.05) were observed among the groups. Compared with the T4 group, the T2 group had a significantly higher number of 8–10 mm follicles. Moreover, albumen height and Haugh units were significantly higher in the T3 group than in the T4 group (P < 0.05), although significant differences were not observed among the T1, T2, and T3 groups. With an increase in linseed oil addition to the feed, the content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in chicken eggs significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared to the T4 group, the addition of linseed oil to the diet significantly reduced the blood malondialdehyde content and increased the blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. The GSH-PX activity and total antioxidant capacity in the oviducts of the T3 group were significantly higher than those of the T4 group (P < 0.05). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 in the oviduct tissues were significantly higher in the T3 group than in the T4 group (P < 0.05). This study showed that a linseed oil to soybean oil ratio of 1:2 in the T3 group enhanced egg quality by reducing oxidative stress and improving the oviduct microenvironment.

Silicon Enhanced Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) Production and Induced Defense Responses Against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

The spread of invasive pests exacerbates the direct damage to host plants and the potential threat to the environment. Silicon has the potential to enhance host plant resistance to insects while also increasing plant yield. This study evaluated changes in Italian ryegrass biological yield and resistance to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae after silicon supplementation (sodium silicate and potassium silicate at 6 mmol·L−1 were denoted as groups T1 and T2, respectively). Silicon supplementation significantly increased the shoot biological yield (T1 by 30.26%, T2 by 23.05%) and silicon content (T1 by 22.61% and T2 by 12.43%) of Italian ryegrass. At the same time, silicon supplementation increased the protein, soluble sugar, and vitamin contents of Italian ryegrass, while also stimulating the improvement of its physical and chemical defenses. Therefore, even though the nutrient intake of fall armyworm increased, the synergistic physical-chemical defense formed by silica deposition, flavonoid content, and increased protease inhibitor activity in the Italian ryegrass still weakened the antioxidant capacity of the larvae and inhibited larval feeding and protein accumulation. The larval body weight of the T1 and T2 groups decreased by 20.32% and 15.16%, respectively. The comprehensive scores showed that sodium silicate and potassium silicate of the same concentration had similar effects on the growth and insect resistance of Italian ryegrass. These findings suggest that both sodium and potassium silicate are effective silicon supplements for host plants. Therefore, reasonable supplementation of silicon fertilizer may become an important alternative plan for optimizing the comprehensive pest control strategy in agricultural production areas in the future, but this still needs further field research verification.

The The Effect of Epigallocatechin 3-gallate on Body Weight and Abdominal Fat of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to Monosodium glutamate

Abstract: MSG can caused obesity that can affect metabolism in the body. The administration of EGCG can increase energy expenditure and metabolism. This study aimed to determine the effect of epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) on body weight and the percentage of abdominal fat of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to monosodium glutamate (MSG). Twenty-five rats were divided into five treatment groups. The C- group was given only aquadest and Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) 1%. The C+, T1, T2, and T3 groups were given MSG 120 mg/kg/BW and CMC-Na 1%, and EGCG at 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg/BW, respectively. All treatments were given orally for 28 days. The results showed that administration of MSG tends to be followed by an increase in body weight, except in group T2 where body weight was relatively stable. The administration of MSG 120 (to the C+ group) increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) the percentage of epididymal fat and peritoneal fat. The administration of EGCG 8 (to the T2 group) significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) the percentage of retroperitoneal, epididymal, and peritoneal fat, compared to the group exposed to (C+ group). The percentage of retroperitoneal fat and epididymal fat was significantly lower (p&lt;0.05), but the percentage of peritoneal fat was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) compared to normal mice (C-). The administration of EGCG 16 (to the T3 group) followed a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in retroperitoneal fat and epididymal fat, but the percentage of peritoneal fat was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05), compared to (T2 group). It could be concluded that the administration of EGCG 8 mg/kg BW/day reduced the weight of retroperitoneal fat, epididymal fat, and peritoneal fat compared to mice given MSG alone. This research is expected to become the main reference for product processed from the substance EGCG which can reduce body weight and abdominal fat. Keywords: cardiovascular disease, epididymal, obesity, peritoneal, retroperitoneal.

Association of relative fat mass with prevalence of erectile dysfunction in US men: an analysis of NHANES 2001-2004.

The high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) underscores the critical importance of interventions and preventive measures targeting potential risk factors, among which obesity stands out. Relative fat mass (RFM) emerges as a superior indicator for quantifying body fat compared to traditional metrics like body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC). However, research on the relationship between RFM and ED is extremely limited. A total of 3627 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004 were eligible for analysis. The RFM is calculated using the following formula: RFM = 64-(20×height/WC). Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to assess the correlation between RFM and ED, supplemented by smooth curve fitting to further explore the linear association. When all potential covariates adjusted, continuous RFM demonstrated a positive association with ED prevalence (odds ratio (OR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.18, P = 0.002). When RFM was categorized into tertiles (T1-T3), participants in T3 group exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of ED (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.19, 4.05, P = 0.020) compared to those in T1. Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger correlation among participants aged over 60 years, obese individuals, and those with hypertension, while weaker correlations were observed among those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). After sensitivity analysis for severe ED, the aforementioned regression analysis results remained statistically significant. The final ROC analysis demonstrated that the predictive ability of RFM was superior to that of BMI and WC, with an AUC (95% CI) of 0.639 (0.619-0.659). Elevated RFM demonstrated a linear correlation with increased incidence of ED and exhibited strong predictive capability for ED, underscoring the importance of obesity intervention for ED. Future studies with larger clinical samples are necessary to confirm our findings and expand the application value of RFM in assessing ED risk.

Effects of metformin supplementation in high-carbohydrate diets on growth performance, glucose metabolism, intestinal flora, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀×Epinephelus lanceolatu♂)

Metformin, or 1,1-dimethylbiguanide, is a hypoglycemic drug that lowers blood glucose by reducing glycogen synthesis and increasing glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. Six diets with iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipid compositions were prepared, including a positive control (20 % carbohydrate, PC) and a negative control (30 % carbohydrate, T0). The experimental diets contained 0.2 % (T2), 0.4 % (T4), 0.6 % (T6), and 0.8 % (T8) metformin based on the negative control diet. A total of 540 hybrid groupers, with consistent size and health conditions, were randomly assigned to six groups. Each group contained 30 fish, with three replicates per group, and they were fed for eight weeks. The high-carbohydrate diet reduced weight gain, digestive enzyme activities and specific growth rates (P>0.05), while significantly increasing hepatosomatic indices (P<0.05). Metformin supplementation reduced both hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices (P<0.05). The high-carbohydrate diet led to increased levels of glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, hepatic fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphatase in the serum (P<0.05). In contrast, metformin supplementation significantly lowered glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels (P<0.05), while enhancing the activities of hepatic glucokinase, phosphofructokinase-1, and pyruvate kinase (P<0.05). It significantly reduced the activities of PEPCK and G6Pase and downregulated the expression of ir, pi3k, pdk, ampkα1, and gs in fish on high-carbohydrate diets, while metformin supplementation upregulated the expression of ir, pi3k, pdk, ampkα1, and gs genes compared to the T0 group (P<0.05). In terms of microbiota, a high-carbohydrate diet increased pathogenic bacteria like Proteobacteria and Photobacterium, while metformin boosted beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes and Brevibacillus. Overall, the high-carbohydrate diet impaired growth and insulin sensitivity, while metformin improved glucose metabolism, promoted beneficial bacteria, and supported intestinal health.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation: impact on growth, hematology, immune response, and resilience to Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings.

The significance of plant-derived products in aquaculture lies in their potential to offer sustainable alternatives, promoting eco-friendly practices. This study investigated the impact of nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves powder on the growth efficiency, hemato-biochemical variables and non-specific immune system of rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. To achieve this objective, sample average weight (5.23 ± 0.34g) were categorized into four groups, namely control, T1, T2 and T3 in triplicate and administered diets fortified with nettle in amounts of 0, 1, 3 and 5% respectively for a duration of 60 days. After 60 days of fortified diet, the fish underwent intraperitoneal injection with bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila), and subsequent relative percentage survival (RPS) was observed. The growth performance, including "weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER)", were notably higher in the T3 group (5%) than in others. The hematological values of White blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin revealed higher levels with a fortified diet. The dietary supplementation of nettle reduced serum cholesterol and glucose concentration, whereas it increased albumin, globulin, and total protein in the fish blood. Enhancements in lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity were observed in the intervention groups with feed containing nettle supplementation. The nettle diet at a 5% concentration demonstrated a higher RPS than the others following injection with A. hydrophila. The findings indicate the potential of nettle as a valuable nutritional supplement for increasing fish immunological reaction and bolstering pathogen resistance.

Progesterone supplemented uterine epithelial cell co-culture improves in vitro quality embryo production in buffalo

Objectives: The present study was conducted to study the effect of progesterone and uterine luminal epithelial cells monolayer on blastocyst development and hatching rate. Material and Methods: The isolation, culture, and characterization of slaughterhouse-derived uterine epithelial cells were done using standard protocol. The steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone were supplemented in embryo developmental media (EDM), and day 04 embryos were cultured in different groups as progesterone supplementation (T1), co-cultured with epithelial cell monolayer (T2), co-cultured with progesterone supplemented epithelial cell monolayer (T3), or without any treatment (control). Finally, the effect of different treatments was analyzed in terms of blastocyst and hatching rate. Results: The isolated epithelial cells depicted compact cuboidal or columnar morphology at the confluence. Immunocytochemical localization and polymerase chain reaction study revealed positive expression of cytokeratin and absence of vimentin. Significantly higher blastocyst and hatching rates were noted in the T3 group, followed by T2, T1, and control groups. Conclusion: The present study revealed improved in vitro embryo production after co-culturing embryos with progesterone-supplemented uterine epithelial cells in buffalo.

Euthyroid sick syndrome predicts the risk of ischemic stroke-associated pneumonia in the acute stage of ischemic stroke: a nested case-control study.

Ischemic stroke-associated pneumonia (iSAP) affects about 10% of acute ischemic stroke patients during hospitalization. Current prediction scales for iSAP are insufficient. Identifying early biomarkers for stroke-associated pneumonia is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) for iSAP in acute-stage of ischemic stroke patients. We studied 1767 acute ischemic stroke patients within one week of symptom onset, categorizing them into an infection group (iSAP, n=376) and control group (control, n=1391). COX regression analysis was used to identify the potential risk and protected factors. Kaplan-Meier time-event curves and Log-Rank tests were performed to differentiate infection time in patients with ESS or normal T3 group. The iSAP group had higher rates of risk factors like older age, atrial fibrillation, COPD, and ESS, along with elevated levels of WBC, CRP,and FT4 levels (all P < 0.001). Conversely, iSAP patients had lower GCS scores, eGFR, TSH, T3, FT3 (all P < 0.001) and T4 levels (P = 0.005) upon admission. No significant differences were observed in sex, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, or LDL-C levels (P > 0.05). COX regression analysis identified age, KWST scores, leukocyte count, CRP, and ESS (all P < 0.001) as significantly correlated with iSAP. ROC analysis revealed ESS as a predictor with sensitivity of 35.64% and specificity of 87.92% for SAP prediction, like atrial fibrillation and higher than COPD and eGFR. ESS at admission predicts a higher risk of stroke-associated pneumonia in acute-stage of ischemic stroke.

Effect of Supplementation of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on Growth Performance of Broiler in Konkan Region, India

The experimental trial of six weeks was conducted on 200 broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into five experimental treatment groups. Each treatment group was replicated into four with 10 birds per replication. The control (T1) group was fed standard ration and T2, T3, T4 and T5 group were provided same standard ration supplemented with 1.00 g, 2.00 g, 3.00 g and 4.00 g spirulina powder, respectively. The result of experimental trial showed that supplementation of spirulina powder was significantly highest live body weight in treatment T5 (1944.50 g/bird) as well as average live body weight gain (277.79 g/bird). It is concluded that, 4.00 g of spirulina powder significantly improved growth performance of broiler chicks than other treatments groups.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with sarcopenia in patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study.

Sarcopenia is a common complication of fatty liver, and sarcopenia increases the risk of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Chronic inflammation is the crucial link between sarcopenia and fatty liver. An anti-inflammatory diet is expected to be an essential measure to prevent sarcopenia in patients with fatty liver, and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a crucial tool for assessing the inflammatory potential of diets. However, the relationship between DII and sarcopenia in patients with fatty liver is unclear. This study investigated the correlation between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and sarcopenia in patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Data for this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018, with 917 patients with MAFLD participating in the study. Participants were divided into three groups based on DII tertiles: group T1 (n = 305), group T2 (n = 306), and group T3 (n = 306), and binary logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between DII and sarcopenia with stratified analyses based on the weights recommended by the NHANES and multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the association of DII with total appendicular lean mass. After adjusting for all confounders, DII was significantly and positively associated with the risk of sarcopenia in women [OR: 1.61, 95% CI: (1.226, 2.06), p < 0.001]. The risk of sarcopenia was higher in the T3 group compared to the T1 group [OR: 4.04, 95% CI: (1.66, 9.84), p = 0.002]. DII was negatively associated with appendicular lean mass adjusted for body mass index in both men and women. DII was significantly associated with the risk of sarcopenia in female patients with MAFLD, with higher DII scores related to a higher risk of sarcopenia. Higher DII scores related to a higher risk of sarcopenia in men with significant fibrosis.

Association between triglyceride-glucose index and in-hospital all-cause mortality under different glucose metabolism status among patients with coronary artery disease

BackgroundThis current study aimed to investigate the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and in-hospital all-cause mortality of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with different glucose metabolic statuses.MethodsParticipants were divided into three groups according to tertiles of the TyG index. Glucose metabolic status was classified as normal glucose regulation, pre-diabetes mellitus, and diabetes mellitus (DM). The primary outcome was in hospital all-cause mortality.ResultsWe observed a significant relationship between the TyG index and in-hospital deaths of patients with CAD in this study. After adjusting for multiple factors in the logistic regression model, the TyG index was still an independent risk factor, and the T3 group (OR, 2.311; 95% CI = 1.237–4.317; P = 0.009) was correlated with a 2.311-fold risk compared with the T1 group. In the subgroup analysis of different glucose metabolic status, the T3 group (OR, 1.541; 95% CI: 1.013–2.344; P = 0.043) were associated with a significantly higher risk of in-hospital deaths in CAD patients with DM.ConclusionsAn increased TyG index was correlated with a higher risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality. Our study indicated that TyG index could be a valuable predictor of in-hospital death of CAD patients, especially for individuals with DM.

Association between stress hyperglycemia ratio and postoperative major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in noncardiac surgeries: a large perioperative cohort study

BackgroundThere has been a concerning rise in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) following noncardiac surgeries (NCS), significantly impacting surgical outcomes and patient prognosis. Glucose metabolism abnormalities induced by stress response under acute medical conditions may be a risk factor for postoperative MACCE. This study aims to explore the association between stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and postoperative MACCE in patients undergoing general anesthesia for NCS.MethodsThere were 12,899 patients in this perioperative cohort study. The primary outcome was MACCE within 30 days postoperatively, defined as angina, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, heart failure, stroke, or in-hospital all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves visualized the cumulative incidence of MACCE. Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to assess the association between the risk of MACCE and different SHR groups. Restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to explore potential nonlinear relationships. Additionally, exploratory subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 592 (4.59%) participants experienced MACCE within 30 days after surgery, and 1,045 (8.10%) within 90 days. After adjusting for confounding factors, compared to the SHR T2 group, the risk of MACCE within 30 days after surgery increased by 1.34 times (95% CI 1.08–1.66) in the T3 group and by 1.35 times (95% CI 1.08–1.68) in the T1 group respectively. In the non-diabetes group, the risk of MACCE within 30 days after surgery increased by 1.60 times (95% CI 1.21–2.12) in the T3 group and by 1.61 times (95% CI 1.21–2.14) in the T1 group respectively, while no statistically significant increase in risk was observed in the diabetes group. Similar results were observed within 90 days after surgery in the non-diabetes group. Additionally, a statistically significant U-shaped nonlinear relationship was observed in the non-diabetes group (30 days: P for nonlinear = 0.010; 90 days: P for nonlinear = 0.008).ConclusionIn this large perioperative cohort study, we observed that both higher and lower SHR were associated with an increased risk of MACCE within 30 and 90 days after NCS, especially in patients without diabetes. These findings suggest that SHR potentially plays a key role in stratifying cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk after NCS.

Effects of In Ovo Taurine Injection on Embryo Development, Antioxidant Status, and Bioactive Peptide Content in Chicken Embryos (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Stress in birds disrupts the homeostasis of the organism, leading to an inability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. Taurine, an effective antioxidant, affects various cellular mechanisms, including cation modulation, protein phosphorylation, and cell proliferation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of colloid with taurine applied in ovo to Albumin on embryonic development, oxidative stress indicators and the content of bioactive peptides-carnosine and anserine-in the pectoral muscle. The research materials were eggs of the parent flock (Ross 308) divided into four groups (K (without injection), T50-concentration of taurine hydrocolloid 50 ppm (mg/L); T100-colloid concentration 100 ppm (mg/L) taurine; T500-colloid concentration of 500 ppm (mg/L) taurine). The experimental solutions were injected in an amount of 0.3 mL into egg white. Eggs were incubated under standard incubation conditions. The addition of 100 and 500 ppm taurine had a highly significant (p = 0.001) effect on the plasma antioxidant potential in chicks. The level of anserine increased with increasing concentrations of taurine. These changes were highly significant (p = 0.007). The level of anserine in the T2 and T3 groups was determined to be 2.5 times higher than in the pectoral muscles of embryos not treated with taurine colloid. An analysis of the results showed that the administration of an increased dose of hydrocolloid with taurine increased the content of carnosine and anserine in the pectoral muscle. Colloid with taurine applied in ovo to chicken white egg reduces oxidative stress and increases homeostasis of the organism.

Effect of Feed Supplementation of Shatavari Root Powder (Asparagus racemosus) on Growth Performance of Broiler in Konkan Region

The present study aimed to highlights the effect of feed supplementation of Shatavari root powder (Asparagus racemosus) on growth performance of broiler in Konkan region. A substantial portion of the production expenses is attributed to the cost of feed and in a developing country like India, the supply of quality and affordable feed has been inconsistent. To enhance the overall productivity of poultry birds, it is imperative to maintain a reliable source of low-cost feed. The experimental trial of six weeks was undertaken for total 200-day old broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into five experimental diets. Each treatment group was replicated into four with 10 birds per replicate. The control (T0) group was fed standard ration and T1, T2, T3, and T4 group were provided same standard ration supplemented with 5.00, 10.00 , 15.00 and 20.00 g /kg Shatavari root powder, respectively. Result of experiment showed that supplementation of Shatavari root powder was significantly highest live body weight in treatment T2 (1852.50 g/bird) as well as average live weight gain (264.64 g/bird). It is concluded that, 10.00 g of Shatavari root powder significantly improved growth performance than other treatments groups.

Upper limb kinematics in patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy with different levels of palsy

BackgroundNeonatal brachial plexus palsy remains a frequent condition and most of those patients often present active and passive joint limitation depending of the extend of the palsy. The aim of this study was to compare during the Mallet score tasks the upper limb kinematics of those patients with a reference database of non-involved arms but also to characterize kinematics changes according to the extent of the palsy. MethodsKinematic analysis was performed using an electromagnetic device. The point of achievement position and the range of motion were analyzed. The involved arm of thirty-three patients was studied. Several groups of patients were defined depending on the level of the palsy: a C5-C8 ± T1 group (fifteen patients), a C5-C6 group (five patients) and a C5-C7 group (thirteen patients). Data from non-involved arm of thirty patients were used as control. FindingsMany significant differences were found between the control and palsy groups and between the latter. When comparing the C5-C8 ± T1 and proximal groups, for all except the mouth task, at point of achievement the scapula was more in protraction and glenohumeral elevation was lower. Elbow flexion range of motion was different for all except the external rotation task, with a decreased flexion for mouth, neck and spine tasks and a higher flexion for elevation task. For mouth task, the C5-C8 ± T1 group had a lower supination range of motion than the proximal group. InterpretationThis study helps to better understand the effect of the palsy on the humerothoracic, scapulothoracic, glenohumeral and elbow kinematics.

Postbiotic studies of mixed cultures of Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis LH991 and Pichia kudriavzevii B-5P produced by in vitro rumen producing short-chain fatty acid

Background and Aim: Postbiotics are functional bioactive compounds or bioactive molecules with beneficial effects on health and functional activities in humans or livestock, produced by probiotic bacteria or yeast. Several postbiotics, including enzymes, short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, extracellular polysaccharides, microbial cell fragments, and teichoic acids, are currently being widely studied. This study aimed to explore the potential of secondary metabolites of Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis LH 991 and Pichia kudriavzevii B-5P as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast isolated from Budu (fermented fish) which can act as postbiotics through in vitro rumen fermentation. Materials and Methods: The method used a completely randomized design 5 × 4, with five treatments and four replications. The substrate diet consisted of 60% forage and 40% concentrate. The culture mixture was 1.3 × 1011 CFU/mL with a 50%:50% ratio of S. harbinensis LH 991 and P. kudriavzevii B-5P. The inoculum concentrations used in this study were 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. Treatments are arranged based on differences in inoculum concentration as follows: T0: control (0%); T1: 1%; T2: 2%; T3: 3%; and T4: 4%. Results: The T4 group showed a significant increase (p &lt; 0.01) in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), including acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate acids, compared with the other treatments. Meanwhile, T4 shows that there is no significant (p &gt; 0.01) effect on in vitro digestibility (in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility, and in vitro crude fiber digestibility). However, a highly significant (p &lt; 0.01) effect was on volatile fatty acid total, NH3, and microbial crude protein synthesis. Conclusion: It is concluded that the treatment with a 4% inoculum concentration (T4) containing a mixture of S. harbinensis LH 991 and P. kudriavzevii B-5P as LAB and yeast isolated from Budu (fermented fish) in 50%:50% ratio increased SCFA and rumen fermentation significantly, whereas it did not affect in vitro digestibility. Keywords: digestibility, in-vitro, postbiotics, probiotics, short-chain fatty acids.

Effects of Whole Flaxseed in Reduced Energy Diets on Broiler Chickens Meat Quality and Carcass Characteristics Under Heat Stress Condition

This study aimed to assess the impact of heat stress (HS) on broiler chickens provided with a low-energy diet including whole flaxseed, focusing on carcass characteristics and meat quality. A total of 250 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five groups (50 chicks per group), with two replicates for each group. The negative control treatment (T1) received a basal diet devoid of HS. The second treatment fed a basal diet under HS as a positive control (T2). In the third experiment, they fed a basal diet, including whole flaxseed, under heat-stress conditions (T3). The fourth treatment consisted of providing a low-energy diet with whole flaxseed under HS (T4). The fifth intervention was a reduced energy diet administered under HS (T5). The carcass characteristics and edible entrails in the T3 and T4 groups showed a significant improvement (P≤0.05) compared to the control groups. The meat quality in the T3 and T4 groups was considerably enhanced (P≤0.05) due to an increase in omega-3 fatty acid levels [α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], as determined by GC mass spectrometry compared to the control group that had a corn-soybean diet. In conclusion, incorporating whole flaxseeds into a low-energy diet during HS augmented broiler chickens’ productivity, improved carcass characteristics, and elevated omega-3 concentrations in the meat.

Well-Being and Performance of Nursery Pigs Subjected to Different Commercial Vaccines Against Porcine Circovirus Type 2, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Lawsonia intracellularis.

Background/Objectives: Vaccination is a strategy in pig farming for the control of several pathogens, but commercial vaccines may have detrimental side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of commercial vaccines on the control of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp), and Lawsonia intracellularis (L. intracellularis) and their potential side effects on welfare, behavior, acute inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein and haptoglobin), and the performance of piglets during the nursery phase. Methods: A total of 240 piglets, both female and castrated males, with an average weight of 6.3 ± 0.9 kg were subjected to four treatments: T1-FLEXcombo® (Ingelvac®CircoFLEX and Ingelvac®MycoFLEX) + Enterisol® Ileitis; T2-FLEXCombo® + Porcilis® Ileitis; T3-Porcilis® PCV M HYO + Porcilis® Ileitis; and T4-FLEXCombo® + 0.9% saline solution. This study measured therapeutic interventions, body condition score, behavioral changes, rectal temperature, and inflammation biomarkers post-vaccination. Results: The T3 group required more therapeutic interventions and exhibited a 23.1% higher incidence of thin body condition (p < 0.05) and 10 times more animals with depressed behavior than T1 (p < 0.05). The piglets vaccinated for L. intracellularis (T2 and T3) had rectal temperatures exceeding 39.7 °C post-vaccination, significantly higher than in T1 (p < 0.05). The T1 animals showed five times more positive behavior traits 24 h after vaccination (p < 0.05). Touch response was 29% lower in the T2 and T3 groups, and the lying down behavior was higher in these groups compared to T1. Additionally, 41.7% of the T3 animals exhibited a sitting posture 48 h after vaccination. Higher serum C-reactive protein and haptoglobin levels were observed in T3 (p < 0.05) at 24 and 48 h post-vaccination. Feed intake was higher in T1 compared to T3 between 29 and 35 days of age. It is important to note that this study did not measure immune responses to the pathogens and did not include challenge tests, and therefore, it does not assess which vaccine is superior in pathogen control. Conclusions: The vaccine programs resulted in similar zootechnical performance. However, T1, T2, and T4 showed better effects on piglet welfare and behavior compared to T3.

Preparation and evaluation of an active modified oxygen/ carbon dioxide preservative for packaged fresh-cut durian

In this study, a series of chitosan/copper nanocomposites (CS/Cu-NCs) served as catalyzers for VC to remove O2 in food packages were successfully synthesized, characterized, and further utilized to prepare an active modified O2/CO2 preservative. Transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet-visible, and infrared spectra confirmed CS/Cu-NCs #1–3 were successfully synthesized. Three components of the preservative were optimized, and the best formulation was: CS/Cu-NCs #2: VC: NaHCO3=0.5:1.5:0.15. It maintained relatively stable O2/CO2 in the package at 10℃. Fresh-cut durian treated with 0 g (CK), 1.15 g (T1), 2.3 g (T2), and 3.45 g (T3) preservatives were stored at 10℃. Results showed that T1 group exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher firmness and VC content compared with CK at 12 d, indicating the best qualities. Key respiratory enzyme analyses verified that decreasing SDH, increasing G-6-PDH and 6-PGDH contributed mostly to the superior qualities of T1 group. This study could provide a prospective solution for packaged fresh-cut durian.

Genotoxic Damage in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss Exposed to Transport Stress

Transporting live fish is a common technique in the aquaculture industry. This research examined how 3-hour transportation stress affects the micronucleus frequency of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The micronucleus test was used to assess micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in peripheral erythrocytes. Fish were sampled before (control) and immediately after the 3-hour transport process (t0 group), 6 hours after the transport process (t6 group), 12 hours after the transport process (t12 group), and 24 hours after the transport process (t24). The research found that the greatest MN frequency was substantially detected in the t0 group (p