Treatment 1 Research Articles

Morpho-histological Study of the Rat Spleen Post-Induction of Sodium Nitrite and Acorus calamus L. Rhizome Ethanolic Extract

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is one of the most inorganic salts and is often used in processed meat products. Long-term consumption of sodium nitrite has been reported to cause of oxidative stress and spleen histological changes. Therefore, anti-oxidative effects are needed from natural ingredients such as Acorus calamus L. The study aims to determine the effect of A.calamus L. rhizome extract on anatomical structure and histological changes in the rat spleen induced with NaNO2. We used a completely randomized design with twenty-five male rats divided into 5 groups. Negative control (NC) was given 0.5% CMC for 40 days; positive control (PC) on days 1-15 was given NaNO2 (50 mg/kg BW); on days 16-30 given (50 mg/kg BW) NaNO2 + 0.5% CMC and on days 31-40 given 0,5% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). Treatment 1 (T1), Treatment 2 (T2), and Treatment 3 (T3) on days 1-15 were given NaNO2 doses of 50 mg; and; on days 16-30, groups T1, T2, and T3 were given NaNO2 + extract with each predetermined dose (250 mg/kg BW for T1, 500 mg/kg BW for T2, and 750 mg/kg BW for T3). For days 31-40 groups T1, T2, and T3 were given extracts with each predetermined dose. Results revealed that the extract of the A. calamus L. rhizome affects weight, length, and width of the spleen (P<0.05); and bleeding lesions; while having no noticeable effect (P<0.05) and having a noticeable effect on the area of the white pulp (P<0.05). Administration of ethanol extract of A. calamus L. at a dose of 250 mg/kg BW has an impact on improving spleen length; a dose of 500 mg/kg BW has an impact on the weight and length of the spleen; and a dose of 750 mg / kg BW has an impact on improving spleen length, but the size variation is still in the normal category. While extracts at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg BW have a repair impact on tissue shrinkage in damaged white pulp.

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation to improve voluntary intake, availability of nutrients and growth performance in weaned crossbred calves

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) on voluntary feed intake, availability of different nutrients and growth performance in weaned crossbred calves. Fifteen weaned healthy female Jersey crossbred calves (weight 79.73±3.46 kg; age 234.5±11.33 days) were divided equally into three groups viz., Control (T0), Treatment-1 (T1) and Treatment-2 (T2). Growth trial was conducted on these calves for 90 days. Animals in each treatment group were fed ad lib. total mixed ration (TMR) (CP 12%, TDN 65%) individually for 90 days. Calves under control (T0) group were fed ad lib. TMR (without EFE). Calves under T1 and T2 were fed ad lib. TMR supplemented with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg DM of TMR and with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 12000 and 24000 IU/kg DM of TMR, respectively. Significantly greater DMI per unit body weight (kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was recorded in enzyme supplemented groups compared to control group; however, difference between T1 and T2 was non-significant. Addition of EFE in the TMR diet of calves increased TDN and DCP intake (g/kg W0.75) in T1 and T2 than T0 . Supplementation of EFE also enhanced TDN (%), DCP (%), DNDF (%), DE (Mcal/kg of feed) and ME (Mcal/kg of feed) value of the diets under T1 and T2 than T0. Average daily weight gain (g/d/calf) was estimated greater in T1 and T2 than T0. The feed conversion efficiency was similar among three treatments. Whereas, plasma total protein and albumin concentration increased significantly due to supplementation of EFE in the diet of calves. Therefore, it may be concluded that supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg TMR DM) may boost growth potential of finisher Jersey crossbred calves with enhanced intake of nutrients.

Effect of Manure and Glomus hoi on Heavy Metals and Soil Properties of Spent Engine Oil Contaminated Soil

This study aimed to assesses the impact of spent engine oil on selected soil properties including the heavy metal uptake before and after application of manure. The field experiments were carried in the early cropping season (April – July) and in the late cropping season (September – December) of year 2020 at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm, Ile-Ife. Spent-engine oil (SEO) was sourced from a mechanic workshop in Osogbo, Osun State. Amendments (poultry droppings, cow dung and leaves of Gliricidia sepium) were collected from OAU Teaching and Research Farm, Ile-Ife. Glomus hoi was also collected from around the region, and the spores were isolated through wet sieving methods. The test crop used was maize (variety is AWR- SYN- Y. A land area of 69 m x 17 m was ploughed and harrowed and arranged in an 8 X 6 alpha lattice design, containing sixteen (16) treatments with three concentrations which resulted in a total of forty-eight (48) plots in each replicate, each plot measured 2 m X 2 m with a spacing of 1 m in between the plots. The plots were impacted with Spent-engine oil (SEO) sourced from petrol engines. The oil was applied in concentration of 0 ml (0 L/ha), 400 ml (1000 L/ha) and 800 ml (2000 L/ha) to the plots. The treatments were applied to plots 7 days after Spent-engine oil (SEO) application. The layout of the experiment is as follows: Treatment 1 (T1) - Spent-engine oil only; Treatment 2 (T2) - Spent-engine oil + Cow dung; Treatment 3 (T3) - Spent-engine oil + Poultry Manure; Treatment 4 (T4) - Spent-engine oil + Glomus hoi; Treatment 5 (T5) - Spent-engine oil + Gliricidia Sepium leaves; Treatment 6 (T6) - Spent-engine oil + Cow dung + Poultry Manure; Treatment 7 (T7) - Spent-engine oil + Glomus hoi + Gliricidia sepium leaves; Treatment 8 (T8) - Spent-engine oil + Cow dung + Poultry Manure + Glomus hoi + Gliricidia sepium leaves. After treatments application, the plots were left for two weeks before planting to allow for incubation. Data collected were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. At the end of the experiment, all soils were impacted with the presence of increased Spent-engine oil with an increase in heavy metals in the soil. The findings suggest that a combination of different organic amendments can significantly reduce the heavy metal uptake of soils contaminated with spent-engine oil. However, further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of these treatments on soil quality and plant growth.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae live cells and culture on growth and productive performance in lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

An experimental work was conducted to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae live cells and its culture on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk composition, body condition score, selected blood metabolites, feed conversion efficiency (FCE), nutrient digestibility, body weight gain, and economics of milk production in lactating multiparous Nili-Ravi buffaloes. In total, 20 buffaloes of age 5 years ± 6 months and weighing 550 ± 20 kg were selected and assigned to four dietary treatments (n=5 buffalo/treatment) under completely randomized design. The dietary treatments include treatment 1 (T1) control, treatment 2 (T2) 5g/head live yeast, treatment 3 (T3) 5g/head yeast culture, and treatment 4 (T4) 10 g/head yeast culture per day for 60 days excluding 14 days as an adjustment period. The results indicated that T4 showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in DMI, milk yield and components, blood glucose level, digestibility of nutrients, and body weight gain while significant decrease in blood urea nitrogen as compared to other treatment groups. Body condition score was not affected among treatments. In conclusion, yeast culture supplementation significantly improved (p <0.05) milk yield, milk composition, DMI, body weight gain, blood glucose level, and digestibility while significantly decreased blood urea level as compare to control. Economic return was also improved. BCS was not improved. Comparatively, yeast culture showed significant improvement in growth and productive performance as compare to live yeast. Meanwhile, 10-g yeast culture showed better results as compare to 5-g yeast culture.

Nutrient digestibility of fibrous feedstuffs in high-concentrate diet with sodium-bicarbonate (NaHCO3) addition in rumen-fistulated Brahman bull

Ruminants are given substantial quantities of concentrate diets full of quickly fermentable carbohydrates to increase output performance; however, it can also lead to digestive disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding NaCHO3 to a high-concentrate diet on the nutrient digestibility of locally available fibrous feedstuffs in the Philippines. The experiment utilized a rumen-fistulated Brahman bull. The treatment diets were the following: Treatment 1 (T1): Untreated rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw; T2: Urea-treated rice straw; T3: Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach); T4: Napier silage; T5: Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) tops; and T6: Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.). The nylon bags containing the treatment diets were incubated in the rumen at two periods: first at a high-concentrate (70% level), and second at a high concentrate added with NaCHO3). The results showed that the nutrient digestibility of locally-available feedstuffs varies significantly (p&lt;0.05) both with and without NaHCO3. The addition of NaHCO3 in a high-fiber diet improves the digestibility of locally available fibrous feedstuffs in terms of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Therefore, the addition of NaHCO3 to a high-concentrate diet has the potential to positively stabilize rumen pH and enhance the nutrient digestibility of locally available fibrous feedstuffs.

The Effectiveness Of Spraying Nano Bone Ash And Oil Palm Emty Fruit Bunch Ash On Leaf Character Appearance Of Rice Mandel Variety

. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of spraying nano bone ash and palm oil emty fruit bunnch ash on leaf character appearance of rice Mandel variety. This research was carried out in the Agricultural Experiment Grenn House of the Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta in January to June2021. This study uses a single factor design arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD), there are 4 treatm ents. Each tratments consisted of 6 plant samples with 3 replications namely: P. Urea 250 kg/hectare + SP-36 100 kg/hectare + KCl 100 kg/hectare, Q.Urea 250 kg/hectare + SP-36 50 kg/hectare + KCl 100 kg/hectare + Nano Bone Ash concentration 0,2 %, R. Urea 250 kg/hectare + SP-36 100 kg/hectare + KCl 50 kg/hectare + Nano OPEFB Ash concentration 0,3 %, S.Urea 250 kg/hectare + SP-36 50 kg/hectare + KCl 50 kg/hectare + Nano Bone Ash concentration 0,2 % and Nano OPEFB Ash concentration 0,3 %. The results showed that the application of Urea 250 kg/hectare + SP-36 50 kg/hectare + KCl 50 kg/hectare + 0.2% Nano Bone Ash Concentration and 0.3% OPEFB Nano Ash concentration gave a significant effect on the character.sheat of leaf color, blade of leaf, chlorophyll content, length and width of stomata.

Banana crop response to different proportions of microorganisms and biochar in two soil textures

The indiscriminate use of chemicals has motivated this research. The objective was to compare the effects on the development of plant succession under microorganism and biochar management in sandy loam and clay loam textured soils. The research was carried out in two plots: plot one with sandy loam textured soil and plot two with clay loam textured soil. Three treatments and a control were established, 20 plants were selected for each one, the control (T0): 8 kg of silicon oxide at 75% + 1 l of biochar enriched with Trichoderma spp, treatment 1 (T1): 8 kg of 75% silicon oxide + 56 ml of Paecilomyces spp, treatment 2 (T2): 8 kg of 75% silicon oxide + 102 ml of Paecilomyces spp; and Treatment 3 (T3): 56 g of arbuscular Mycorrhiza. The highest value in plant height presented plot one (P1) with 3.22 m (T1), plant stem diameter presented P1 with 1.04 m (T1) and corm diameter in plot two with 1.18 m (T2). The results revealed that the treatments have a positive effect on the growth of the plants.

Dietary Fiber from Soybean (Glycine max) Husk as Fat and Phosphate Replacer in Frankfurter Sausage: Effect on the Nutritional, Physicochemical and Nutraceutical Quality.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary fiber from soybean (glycine max) husk as fat and phosphate replacer on the nutritional, physicochemical, and nutraceutical quality of Frankfurter sausage. A traditional formulation was used for the pork-based sausage and three treatments were established: control treatment (CT), sausage without SHDF; treatment 1 (T1), sausage and 1% SHDF; treatment 2 (T2), sausage and 1.5% SHDF. T2 showed the best nutritional contribution of the treatments, significantly favoring a lower content of fat and sodium, thus increasing the contribution of dietary fiber and calcium. A positive effect of SHDF on the water-holding capacity of the treatments was also observed. In addition, T2 remained stable during storage, while T1 and CT showed significantly reduced water-holding capacities of approximately 5%; this was in turn linked to hardness, as it was observed that on day 7 of storage, 27% less force was required to deform the T2 sausages. Regarding color, no significant difference was observed with the addition of SHDF to the product. The results suggest that the dietary fiber extracted from soybean husks has potential for application in food and can be used as an ingredient to improve the functional and nutritional quality of Frankfurter sausages by reducing the content of fat and phosphates.

Turmeric and Ginger Extracts Affects the Proximate Composition, Oxidative Stability, Shelf Life and the Microbial Biota of Smoked &lt;i&gt;Clarias gariepinus&lt;/i&gt; Fillets

African catfish, Clarias gariepinus of average weight 1.5 kg were filleted and pretreated with extracts of turmeric (TU) and ginger (GI) before hot smoking at 80 °C. The combination levels of TU and GI per treatment were as follows: Treatment 1, T1 (100TU:50GI), T2 (50TU:100GI), T3 (0TU:150GI), T4 (0TU:0GI), and T5 (75TU:75GI). The fillets were immersed into the treatment solution for 20 min and then hot smoked for 36 hours at 80°C. The smoked and dried fillets were stored for 30 days and analyzed for proximate composition, thiobarbituric acid essential substances (TBASR), peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid content, total volatile nitrogen base, and fungal and microbial biota. Protein content increased in the post-treated sample while moisture was reduced and lipid varied with smoking. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of the fillets were highest among those subjected to treatment T4, 0.75±0.11mg/100g but lowest for those of T1, 0.38±0.01mg/100g. The free fatty acids of the fillets after treatment, ranged from 1.23±0.07 % oleic acid in fillets treated with T1, to 3.06±0.08% oleic acid in fillet treated with T4. The fillets TVB-N treated with treatment 4 (T4), had the highest 1 TVB-N 19.81±0.04 mg/100g. Fillet treated with T4 had the highest FFA of 3.06±0.08% oleic acid while those treated to T1 had, 1.23±0.07 % oleic acid. Peroxide value was highest for T4, 20.07±0.22 and lowest for those subjected to T1, 10.30±0.03.Treatment 1 was toxic to both bacterial and fungal infestation with no visible growth of Rhizopus spp growth after 3 days of incubation. However, there was high vegetative fungal growth in the T4 experimental group.

PENGARUH TAHAPAN BIOREMEDIASI TERHADAP EFEKTIVITAS ELIMINASI MERKURI (Hg) DI MEDIA CAIR

Gold miners use mercury for the gold extraction process, and annually releases no less than 1,000 tons of hazardous materials into the environment. The mercury content in the Kahayan watershed reaches 2,996 - 4,687 g/l and this value exceeds the standard limit for mercury content in water. Mercury is highly toxic so that it causes negative impacts on the environment and public health. Bioremediation is one of solution to reduce mercury waste pollution. Mercury bioremediation using microorganisms and adsorbents requires appropriate process steps to be effective in eliminating mercury. This study aims to determine the effect of the bioremediation steps on the effectiveness of mercury (Hg) elimination in liquid media and to determine the most effective bioremediation steps for mercury (Hg) elimination in liquid media. This study used an experimental method with a non-factorial Completely Randomized Design consisting of treatments, namely control (K), treatment 1 (T1), treatment 2 (T2), treatment 3 (T3), treatment 4 (T4), with 5 (five) times repetition. Analysis the results of the bioremediation stage used AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). Data were analyzed using One-way Anova test, LSD test and effectiveness test. The results showed that the bioremediation stage had a significant effect on the effectiveness of mercury (Hg) elimination in liquid media, this was proven by the results of statistical tests carried out using the One-way Anova test and further tests where the different reduction data obtained from each treatment. The initial level mercury 10 ppm, after being given treatment decreased T1 to 1.25 ppm, T2 to 1.33 ppm, T3 to 1.06 ppm, and T4 to 1.24 ppm. The most effective bioremediation step for the elimination of mercury (Hg) in liquid media is the T3 stage starting from Mercury Waste→Microalgae→Bacteria→Red Clay→Activated Charcoal, with a mercury reduction effectiveness value of 89.4%.

Effects of Andrographis paniculata Leaf Extract on C-Reactive Protein and Serum Ferritin in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sepsis Model Rat

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin are acute-phase reactants that have demonstrated association with the severity of a variety of inflammation-mediated illnesses, including infection and sepsis. Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) leaf is traditionally used as an anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial herb. Sambiloto leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, immuno-stimulatory, antiviral, and antioxidant activitiesObjective: To evaluate the effect of Sambiloto leaf extract (Andrographis paniculata) on inflammation biomarker (CRP and serum ferritin) in a rat model of sepsis-induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods: This research was a true experimental study with a post-test-only control group design. Twenty five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups consisting of a healthy control (HC), Negative control (NC), Treatment 1 (T1) Sambiloto 200mg/kgBW, T2 Sambiloto 400mg/kgBW, T3 Sambiloto 500mg/kgBW). Sambiloto leaf extract was given on days 8-21 and LPS 5mg/kgBW was injected intraperitoneal on day 22. On the 25th day, blood was drawn and CRP and serum ferritin levels were analyzed using ELISA method. The data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis test.Results: The mean CRP levels of HC, NC, T1, T2,T3 were 7.72 ± 2.53; 8.12 ± 1.08; 5.22 ± 1.71; 6.40 ± 1.19; 5.14 ± 1.37 ng/dl respectively. The mean serum ferritin level of HC, NC, T1, T2, T3 were 293.60 ± 66.53; 601.20 ± 100.17; 433.40 ± 194.65; 331.60 ± 75.97; 318.00 ± 69.64 ng/dl respectively. There were differences in CRP levels in groups T1(p=0.012) and T3(p=0.010), serum ferritin levels in groups T2(p=0.014) and T3(p=0.008) to the control group.Conclusion: Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) leaf extract has anti-inflammatory effects in the rat model of sepsis.

Comparative Study on Ginger Powder and Ginger Extract Nanoparticles: Effects on Growth, Immune–Antioxidant Status, Tissue Histoarchitecture, and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas putida Infection in Oreochromis niloticus

A 10 week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of ginger powder (GP) and ginger extract nanoparticles (GNPs) on the growth parameters, digestive enzymes (lipase and amylase) activities, blood hematology, blood biochemical indices, immune indices (interleukin 10, immunoglobulin M, nitric oxide, and lysozymes), antioxidant activity, histological characteristics of kidney, spleen, liver, and intestine, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila or Pseudomonas putida infection in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (n = 225, 27.01 ± 0.15 g) were stocked in 15 glass tanks (50 × 40 × 60 cm) and randomly allocated to five experimental treatments (TRTs) in triplicate (15 fish/replicate, 45 fish/TRT), consisting of five isocaloric–isonitrogenous diets. The treatments comprised the basal diet (1) without any additives (control group, CON), (2) with 0.5% GP (GP0.5), (3) with 1% GP (GP1), (4) with 0.5% GNPs (GNPs0.5), and (5) with 1% GNPs (GNPs1). Fish were manually fed to satiety three times a day (at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.). Fish were weighed at the start of the experiment, then the body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were determined at the end of the experiment. At the end of the feeding period, 15 fish/TRT were intraperitoneally inoculated with two pathogenic bacterial strains (A. hydrophila or P. putida) in two separate challenge tests. Blood samples were collected from each TRT at two aliquots for hematological and biochemical analysis at the end of the feeding period. A significant improvement in fish growth was observed in GP and GNPs TRTs compared to the control group. There were no significant changes in the total amount of feed intake/fish in response to the experimental diets. Diets enriched with GNPs, particularly the GNPs1 TRT, resulted in a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) in digestive enzyme activity (lipase and amylase), serum growth hormone level, proteinogram, and immune indices (lysozyme, immunoglobulin M, interleukin 10, and nitric oxide). In addition, a significant increase in hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and catalase) was observed in fish fed with GNPs-enriched diets. Survival percentages following bacterial challenge were higher in GNPs1, followed by GP1 and GNPs0.5 TRTs. Normal histomorphology was found in liver, kidney, and spleen tissues in all experimental TRTs. We conclude that GP and GNPs could be included in Nile tilapia diets for promoting fish growth, immunity, antioxidant status, and disease resistance without harming organ functions. In particular, the most effective treatment was GNPs1.

Study of Mineral Composition and Quality of Fruit Using Vascular Restrictions in Branches of Sweet Cherry.

Calcium (Ca) and carbohydrate (CHO) supply in sweet cherry have been associated with fruit quality at harvest and during storage. There is little published information integrating CHO and Ca availability and distribution in sweet cherry and their effects on fruit quality. Accordingly, in the 2019-20 season, vascular restrictions were imposed on the phloem (girdling, G, stopping phloem flow) and xylem (transverse incision, S, cutting 50% of xylem cross-section area) of individual vertical branches of the sweet cherry combination 'Lapins'/Colt trained as Kym Green Bush system to modify mineral and CHO composition in fruit and associate such changes with quality at harvest and storage. The girdling to the phloem was used to induce changes in CHO distribution. The transverse incision to the xylem was a tool to modify Ca distribution. Five treatments (TR) were implemented: TR1-CTL = Control (without vascular restriction), TR2-G, at its base, TR3-G + G: at its base, and G further up at the change of year between the second and the third years of growth TR4--S and TR5-S + G. The vegetative (i.e., shoot and leaf growth), reproductive (i.e., fruit set and yield) development and stomatal conductance were monitored. Each branch was divided into the upper (1-and 2-year-old wood) and the lower (3-and 4-year-old wood) segments of the restriction applied. The quality and mineral composition (Ca, Mg, K, and N) of fruit borne on each segment were measured at harvest. The upper segment of TR3-G + G branches were harvested 10 d before the lower segment. The fruit from the upper segment of TR3-G + G was the largest, the sweetest, and had the higher titratable acidity concentration. However, fruits of this segment were the softest, had the lowest Ca concentrations, and had the highest ratios of N:Ca and K:Ca, compared with the other TRs. TR3-G + G branches developed the highest number of lateral current season shoots including shoots below the second girdling in the lower segment of the branch. This vegetative flow of growth would explain the mineral unbalance produced in the fruit from the upper segment of the branch. TR2-G did not register changes in fruit quality and mineral concentration compared with TR1-CTL. Surprisingly, the fruit from the branches with xylem restriction did not show changes in Ca concentration, suggesting that the xylem stream was enough to supply the fruit in branches without lateral shoot development. Fruit firmness was positively related to fruit Ca concentration and negatively related to the ratios of K:Ca and N:Ca.

Haemato-biochemical indices and intestinal microbial population of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with Prosopis africana (African mesquite) essential oil

The objective of this present study was to investigate the haemato-biochemical indices and intestinal microbial population of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Prosopis africana (African mesquite) essential oil (PAEO). A total of 540 one-day old broiler chicks of Ross 302 strain were allotted to six treatments with 6 replicates consisting of 15 birds each in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were given ad libitum, and all necessary management practices were strictly observed throughout the experiment, which lasted for 8 weeks. The birds in treatment 1 (T1) was fed a basal diet with no PAEO, T2 was fed basal diet plus 1.2 g kg-1 Oxytetracycline, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were fed basal diet plus PAEO at 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg kg-1 respectively. All haematological parameters and intestinal microbial population were influenced by the dietary treatments (p ˂ 0.05). Total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol and urea were significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) across the dietary treatments and are within the physiological ranges reported for healthy chicken. However, serum tryglycerides, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, magnesium and chloride ion values were not affected by PAEO (p ˃ 0.05). It was concluded PAEO possess several properties – antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory and physiological amongst others all of which are vital for the health enhancing effects in birds. Prosopis africana essential oil can be supplemented up to 800 mg kg-1 in the diets of broiler chickens without causing any deleterious effect on their blood profile.

Red dragon (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit peel extract increased the motility and viability of spermatozoa of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus)

This study aims to determine the effect of red dragon (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit peel extract (RDFPE) on spermatozoa motility and viability of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus) as a model. Twenty male rats were randomly divided into negative control (NC), positive control (PC), treatment 1 (T1), treatment 2 (T2), and treatment 3 (T3) groups. All rats were given 2 mL of high cholesterol feed orally every day for 28 days. On day-15, all rats were measured for their blood cholesterol levels, followed by treatment for 14 days. Rats in the NC, PC, T1, T2, and T3 groups were treated with 1% Na-CMC, Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW, and RDFPE of 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg BW, respectively. On day-29, all rats were sacrificed to evaluate spermatozoa viability and motility. The results showed that spermatozoa viability and motility in the hypercholesterolemic rats (NC) group were the lowest (p &lt;0.05) among the groups. Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW (PC) group showed higher (p &lt;0.05) spermatozoa viability and motility compared to the NC group. RDFPE dose of 1000 mg/kg BW (T3 group) resulted in higher (p &lt;0.05) spermatozoa viability and motility compared to other RDFPE doses (T1 and T2) and the control (NC) groups, and it was similar (p &gt;0.05) compared with the Simvastatin treated (PC) group. It could be concluded that the administration of 1000 mg/kg BW ethanolic extract of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel increased the viability and motility of spermatozoa of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus) which were the same as the group of rats given Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW.

Red dragon (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit peel extract increased the motility and viability of spermatozoa of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus)

This study aims to determine the effect of red dragon (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit peel extract (RDFPE) on spermatozoa motility and viability of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus) as a model. Twenty male rats were randomly divided into negative control (NC), positive control (PC), treatment 1 (T1), treatment 2 (T2), and treatment 3 (T3) groups. All rats were given 2 mL of high cholesterol feed orally every day for 28 days. On day-15, all rats were measured for their blood cholesterol levels, followed by treatment for 14 days. Rats in the NC, PC, T1, T2, and T3 groups were treated with 1% Na-CMC, Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW, and RDFPE of 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg BW, respectively. On day-29, all rats were sacrificed to evaluate spermatozoa viability and motility. The results showed that spermatozoa viability and motility in the hypercholesterolemic rats (NC) group were the lowest (p &lt;0.05) among the groups. Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW (PC) group showed higher (p &lt;0.05) spermatozoa viability and motility compared to the NC group. RDFPE dose of 1000 mg/kg BW (T3 group) resulted in higher (p &lt;0.05) spermatozoa viability and motility compared to other RDFPE doses (T1 and T2) and the control (NC) groups, and it was similar (p &gt;0.05) compared with the Simvastatin treated (PC) group. It could be concluded that the administration of 1000 mg/kg BW ethanolic extract of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel increased the viability and motility of spermatozoa of hypercholesterolemic rats (Rattus norvegicus) which were the same as the group of rats given Simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW.

Effect of Adding Cordyceps Sinensis Extract and the Probiotic to the Diet on some Blood Traits of Broiler

From October 28, 2021, to December 8, 2021, this study was done at the University of Anbar’s Department of Animal Production inside the College of Agriculture (42 days). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of feeding broilers (aged 1–42 days) diets containing either a single dose or two doses of Cordyceps Sinensis (C.S) extract mushroom and the probiotic, as well as combinations of these ingredients, on the animals’ physiological performance and certain blood traits. In this study, 210 one-day-old (Ross 308) chicks weighing an average of 40g were split into seven treatments with three replicates each (10 chicks for each replicate). The control treatment (T1) was used as a baseline against which the effects of the experimental treatments could be measured. In treatments 2 and 3, C.S extract was added at 300 and 600 mg/kg feed, respectively. A probiotic was added to the meal at a dosage of 3 g/kg in Treatment 4 (T4) and 6 g/kg in Treatment 5 (T5). The sixth treatment (T6) added a probiotic (3 g/kg of feed) and a C.S. extract (300 mg/kg of feed). The seventh treatment (T7) involved adding 600 milligrams of C.S. extract per kilogram of feed in addition to 6 grams of probiotics per kilogram of feed. Treatments T1, T3, and T6 were shown to be statistically superior to T2 and T7 in terms of white blood cell trait (WBC), whereas Treatments T4 and T5 showed no significant differences. Treatments T3 and T7 were found to have a significantly (P≤0.05) higher heterozygous cell to lymphocyte ratio than treatments T2, T4, T5, and T6, but did not differ from the control treatment T1. Based on biochemical characteristics of the blood serum, it was found that the concentration of glucose in the blood was significantly higher in treatments T2, T4, T5, and T7 compared to treatments T1, T3, and did not differ between treatments T6 and T7 (P≤0.05). Treatments T2, T5, and T7 had a higher total protein concentration than treatments T1, T4, and T6, and did not differ significantly from treatment T3. Treatment T3 had the lowest total protein concentration. Treatments T2, T4, T5, and T7 had higher globulin concentrations than did treatments T1, T3, and T6 (P≤0.05). When comparing the effects of treatments T1, T4, T5, T6, and T7 on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), T1 and T4 showed a statistically significant (P≤0.05) reduction compared to treatments T2, T3, T5, T6, and T7. Concerning the concentration of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the results showed a significant deterioration (P≤0.05) in treatments T3, T5 and T7 compared to treatments T1, T2, T4 and T6. Results reveal that treatment T3 significantly raises (P0.05) triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) compared to treatment T2, but does not significantly differ from treatments T1, T4, T5, or T6 or T7. The results revealed that treatments T3, T4, and T5 considerably improved cholesterol concentration compared to treatments T2, T6, and T7 (P≤0.05), while treatment T1 did not significantly affect cholesterol concentration (control treatment). HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels were found to be substantially (P≤0.05) higher in T1 (control treatment) and T3 compared to T4, T5, and T6, but did not differ significantly from T2 and T7. The results showed that the concentration of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was substantially higher (P≤0.05) in treatments T2, T4, and T5 compared to treatments T1, T3, and T7, but did not differ significantly from treatment T6.

Digestibility, Growth Performance, Body Measurement and Hormone of Sheep Fed with Different Levels of Brachiaria decumbens Diets.

Limited data are available regarding the effects of Brachiaria decumbens on sheep's growth performance at different times. Therefore, this current study focused on sheep's nutrient apparent digestibility, feed efficiency, body index, and growth hormone when they are fed with low and high levels of B. decumbens diets. A total of 30 six-month-old male Dorper cross sheep were divided randomly into three treatment groups with 10 sheep per treatment. Treatment 1 (control) sheep were fed with Pennisetum purpureum and pellets as the basal diet, whereas Treatment 2 and 3 sheep were fed with feed mixed with low (10%) and high (60%) levels of B. decumbens, respectively. The study was conducted in two phases consisting of short-term feeding (seven days) and long-term feeding (90 days). Throughout the experiment, daily fecal voided were collected in the morning for seven days continuous before the end of each feeding phases for the determination of nutrient apparent digestibility. The amount of feed offered and refusals plus body weight gain were recorded daily to determine the feed efficiency (FE). Besides, the body measurements of each sheep from every treatment were measured weekly and blood samples were collected for the analysis of growth hormone (GH) concentration. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the nutrient apparent digestibility, growth performance, body measurement, and GH concentration among treatment sheep throughout the study period. Treatment 3 sheep fed with 60% of B. decumbens diet revealed the lowest dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility during the long-term feeding. Likewise, Treatment 3 (T3) sheep had the lowest total bodyweight gain, average daily gain, total feed intake, and daily feed intake among treatment sheep. The heart girth index (HGI) of T3 sheep was also significantly lower during the short-term feeding. Moreover, the GH concentration of T3 sheep was significantly lower as compared to the control that decreases steadily throughout the study period. In conclusion, high levels of B. decumbens showed the most significant results out of all three treatments indicating the presence of saponins, which produce negative effects on the sheep's overall performance.

Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Body Weight Gain and Gut Bacterial Load in Broiler Chickens

Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) have promising importance in chicken production as antibiotic alternatives to balance chicken gut microorganisms and improve productivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the body weight gain (BWG) and gut bacterial load of broiler chicks fed on selected herbs. For this experiment, 360 unsexed one-day-old broiler chicks of Cobb 500 with an average weight of 40.74 g were randomly allocated into six treatment groups with three replicates of 20 chicks in each pen. The treatment 1 (T1) group was fed by a basal diet alone. Chickens of T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 were fed the basal diet containing 1% of basil, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme leaves powder, respectively for 49 days. Body weight (BW), BWG, and average daily weight gain (ADWG) data were recorded every week and at the end of every phase. On days 21 and 42, three chickens from each replicate were slaughtered for microbiological analysis (pathogenic and normal flora) of cecum contents aseptically. The obtained result showed that chickens kept on T3 had significantly higher BW, BWG, and ADWG during the starter and grower phases. Significantly highest final BW was recorded during the finisher phase on T3 and T6. Chickens that consumed T3 and T6 had significantly higher overall BWG and ADWG. The lowest Escherichia coli counts were seen in chickens fed on rosemary (T5) on both days 21 and 42 of the experimental time. Similarly, the highest Lactobacilli counts were recorded on chicken fed on T5 (day 21) and T3 (day 42). On the other hand, almost all treatment herbs showed a higher Enterococcal count, with the highest recorded for T3 (day 21) and T6 (day 42). The present findings suggest that supplementing lemongrass and thyme leaf powder improves BW performance and gut microbial composition. Likewise, rosemary leaf powder enhances the beneficial microbial composition and reduces pathogenic bacteria. However, the underlying detailed biological mechanisms and dose standardization of these herbs for inclusion in the diet of broiler chickens need to be studied further.

Comparartive Analysis of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings Reared in Pond and Cage Systems in Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria

A study was conducted to compare performance of Clarias gariepinus reared in bamboo cage and concrete pond systems. The cage system measured 2.5m by 2.5m x 2m while the pond system measured 10m x 10m x 15m in length, width and depth respectively. The experiment was conducted between March and August 2019. The cage system composed of a predator barrier net constructed with galvanized angle rod and ½ copper wire mesh. Fish net was made up of ½ netting materials (210 D/9), nylon twine (210 D/9 and 210 D/8) and ropes (10mm PE and 4mm PE, as house in which the fish fingerlings were stocked. The stocked fish were held captive in the fish net cage while water flowed through it. This was assigned Treatment 1 (T1) while the concrete system was assigned Treatment 2 (T2). Each of the treatments was stocked with 1,500 Clarias fingerlings of 10g average weight and managed simultaneously for a period of 184 days. Data were analysed using analysis of variance. Results showed 83.3% and 96.6% survival rates in cage and pond systems respectively. Average weight at harvest per fish ranged between 332.6g and 415.7g for cage system and 250.6g and 350.8g for pond system. The survival rate in cage culture (83.3%) was low due to high water current, as cage was floated, hence fingerlings could not maximize feed intake at the initial stage. Results of weight frequency showed varying degrees of importance. For the cage culture the percentage weights varied between 12% in the group belonging to 251 – 300g in size having 150 number of fish to 21.6% in the group of 401 – 451g size with 270 fish specimen while in pond culture it varied between 3.45% in 401 – 451g size with 50 fish to 41.38% in 201 – 250g size having 600 fish samples. Inference from these results indicated that cage system had bigger fish at harvest than the pond system. From the results, the cage fish culture is more profitable in terms of weight and biomass. However, adequate care should be taken to ensure maximum utilization of feed in cage culture system.