Dietary Supplementation Of Vitamin Research Articles

Role of dietary nutrients and metabolism in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide. The development of CRC is driven by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is growing evidence that changes in dietary nutrition may modulate the CRC risk, and protective effects on the risk of developing CRC have been advocated for specific nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, lipid, vitamins, micronutrients and prebiotics. Metabolic crosstalk between tumor cells, tumor microenvironment components and intestinal flora further promote proliferation, invasion and metastasis of CRC cells and leads to treatment resistance. This review summarizes the research progress on CRC prevention, pathogenesis, and treatment by dietary supplementation or deficiency of glucose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, micronutri-ents, and prebiotics, respectively. The roles played by different nutrients and dietary crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment and metabolism are discussed, and nutritional modulation is inspired to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of CRC.

Supplementation of the Combination of Quercetin and Vitamin E Alleviates the Effects of Heat Stress on the Uterine Function and Hormone Synthesis in Laying Hens.

Chickens are sensitive to heat stress because their capacity to dissipate body heat is low. Hence, in chickens, excessive ambient temperature negatively influences their reproductive performance and health. Heat stress induces inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby rendering many reproductive organs dysfunctional. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the supplementation of dietary quercetin and vitamin E on the uterine function, eggshell quality via estrogen concentration, calcium metabolism, and antioxidant status of the uterus of laying hens under heat stress. The ambient temperature transformation was set at 34 ± 2 °C for 8 h/d (9:00 am-5:00 pm), which was followed by 22 °C to 28 °C for 16 h/d. Throughout the experiment, the relative humidity in the chicken's pen was at 50 to 65%. A total of 400 Tianfu breeder hens (120-days-old) were randomly divided into four dietary experimental groups, including basal diet (Control); basal diet + 0.4 g/kg quercetin; basal diet + 0.2 g/kg vitamin E; and basal diet + the combination of quercetin (0.4 g/kg) and vitamin E (0.2 g/kg). The results show that the combination of quercetin and vitamin E significantly increased the serum alkaline phosphatase levels and the antioxidant status of the uterus (p < 0.05). In addition, the combination of quercetin and vitamin E significantly increased the concentrations of serum estrogen and progesterone, as well as elevated the expression of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 and follicular cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member-1 (p < 0.05). We also found that the calcium levels of the serum and uterus were significantly increased by the synergistic effects of quercetin and vitamin E (p < 0.05), and they also increased the expression of Ca2+-ATPase and the mRNA expression of calcium-binding-related genes in the uterus (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with the increased eggshell quality of the laying hens under heat stress. Further, the combination of quercetin and vitamin E significantly increased the uterine morphological characteristics, such as the height of the uterine mucosal fold and the length of the uterine mucosa villus of the heat-stressed laying hens. These results collectively improve the uterine function, serum and uterine calcium concentration, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness (p < 0.05) in heat-stressed laying hens. Taken together, we demonstrated in the present study that supplementing the combination of dietary quercetin and vitamin E alleviated the effects of heat stress and improved calcium metabolism, hormone synthesis, and uterine function in the heat-stressed laying hens. Thus, the supplementation of the combination of quercetin and vitamin E alleviates oxidative stress in the eggshell gland of heat-stressed laying hens, thereby promoting calcium concentration in the serum and eggshell gland, etc., in laying hens. Hence, the combination of quercetin and vitamin E promotes the reproductive performance of the laying hens under heat stress and can also be used as a potent anti-stressor in laying hens.

Vitamin E alleviates chlorpyrifos induced glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation to inhibit ferroptosis in hepatocytes and mitigate toxicity in zebrafish

Organophosphates, a widely used group of pesticides, can cause severe toxicity in human beings and other non-target organisms. Liver, being the primary site for xenobiotic metabolism, is extremely vulnerable to xenobiotic-induced toxicity. Considering the numerous vital functions performed by the liver, including xenobiotic detoxification, protecting this organ from the ubiquitous pesticides in our food and environment is essential for maintaining homeostasis.In this study, we have investigated the impact of the organophosphate pesticide, Chlorpyrifos (CPF), on zebrafish liver at a concentration (300 μg/L) which is environmentally realistic. We have also demonstrated the role of dietary supplementation of α-tocopherol or Vitamin E (Vit E) (500 mg/kg feed) in mitigating pesticide-induced liver toxicity. Mechanistically, we showed that Vit E resulted in significant elevation of the Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expressions, especially that of GST and GPx, resulting in reduction of CPF-induced intracellular lipid ROS and hepatic LPO. Further interrogation, such as analysis of GSH: GSSG ratio, intracellular iron concentration, iron metabolizing genes, mitochondrial dysfunction etc. revealed that CPF induces ferroptosis which can be reversed by Vit E supplementation. Ultimately, reduced concentration of CPF in zebrafish serum and flesh highlighted the role of Vit E in ameliorating CPF toxicity.

Effects of dietary supplementation of vitamin A on the tibia quality of goslings.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of VA on the tibial growth, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism, VA and vitamin D (VD) deposition, and associated gene expression in goslings. A total of 180 healthy, 1-day-old male goslings were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups (0, 9,000, and 15,000 IU VA/kg), with 6 replicates containing 10 goslings each. They were weighed and sampled on days 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70. No addition of VA reduced VA content in the serum and liver of goslings, and supplementation of 15,000 IU/kg VA increased VA content from day 14 (p<0.05). The trend of VA concentration in the serum and liver was in line with the relative mRNA expression of retinoic acid receptor β in the jejunal mucosa. In both no addition of VA and supplementation of 15,000 IU/kg VA reduced 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-VD3) content in the serum and VD content in the liver (p<0.05). From day 28, no addition of VA or supplementation of 15,000 IU/kg VA had a negative effect on tibia length, strength, and Ca, P, and ash content in goslings (p<0.05). Tibia P content was lower in the supplementation of 15,000 IU/kg VA group than in the no addition of VA group (p<0.05). No addition of VA or supplementation of 15,000 IU/kg VA had the most effect on early serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in goslings (p<0.05). The effect of no addition of VA on the bone gla protein (BGP) content of goslings started from day 14 (p<0.05). The relative mRNA expression of BGLAP and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in the liver and jejunal mucosa was decreased by either no addition of VA or supplementation of 15,000 IU/kg VA (p<0.05). Both no addition of VA and supplementation of 15,000 IU/kg VA affected the mineralization process of the bone, and ultimately reduced tibial quality.

Influence of dietary supplementation of vitamin A (retinol) on haematology and oxidative stress biomarkers pregnant of West African Dwarf ewes

Influence of dietary supplementation of vitamin A (retinol) on haematology and oxidative stress biomarkers pregnant of West African Dwarf ewes

Effect of Simultaneous Dietary Supplementation of Betaine, Selenomethionine, and Vitamins E and C under Summer Conditions in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Heat stress in pigs negatively affects welfare, health, and performance. Osmoprotectants and antioxidants may alleviate oxidative damage during hot periods. We investigated whether an additive-enriched feed can reduce negative effects in pigs during summer conditions. Sixty growing-finishing pigs were allocated into two groups: the control (CF) and summer feed (SF) group. The CF group contained 0.4 mg/kg inorganic selenium and 100 ppm vitamin E, while the SF group contained 0.3 mg/kg inorganic selenium, 0.1 mg/kg selenomethionine, 200 ppm vitamins E and C, and 0.2% betaine. Feed was offered ad libitum. Respiration rate, rectal and skin temperature, behaviour, and weight gain were assessed weekly. Daily measurements of these parameters were performed during a 3-day heat wave (temperature humidity index (THI) ≥ 75) and during an artificial heating period. Individual average daily water intake (ADWI) and feed intake were measured using RFID systems. The ADWI of the SF group did not change during heat load while it increased for the CF group. Independent of dietary treatment, increases in ∆THI or the THI were accompanied by significant increases in both respiration rate and skin temperature. In conclusion, the SF may induce a reduced need to increase ADWI during hot periods. In addition, mainly skin temperatures and especially respiration rates revealed the sensitivity of pigs to heat stress.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Vitamin E on the resumption of cyclic ovarian activity in Murrah buffaloes

The postpartum anestrus and silent estrus are the challenging cause for low reproductive efficiency in buffaloes especially in tropical climate conditions. This study was aimed at assessing the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on the resumption of cyclic ovarian activity in periparturient Murrah buffaloes through plasma progesterone (P4) hormone profiles. The Murrah buffaloes (n=12) were selected during their late gestation based on the expected date of calving that fall between November and February, from ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute livestock herd and were divided randomly into two groups (n=6). Buffaloes of group I were given only the control diet, while group II was supplemented with 2000 IU/day/head vitamin E along with control feed. Blood samples were collected from each buffalo at weekly intervals from day +21 to +56 after calving. Plasma P4 was estimated by direct radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results revealed that plasma P4 levels were statistically non-significant between groups except on day 21. However, the overall P4 profile of each buffalo indicated ovarian activity; from day 28 postpartum in supplemented group and day 42 in the control group. From the experiment, it could be inferred that the dietary supplementation of vitamin E has no effect on the resumption of cyclic ovarian activity/ steroidogenesis.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Essential Oils, Lysozyme, and Vitamins' Blend on Layer Hen Performance, Viral Vaccinal Response, and Egg Quality Characteristics.

Maintaining respiratory tract health is crucial for layers, impacting gut health, laying performance, and egg quality. Viral diseases and standard vaccinations can compromise tracheal epithelium function, leading to oxidative stress. This study assessed the impact of a blend of feed additives, predominantly lysozyme (L), essential oils (EO), and vitamins (VIT) (referred to as L + EO + VIT), on young layers during an oral vaccination schedule. The supplementation significantly enhanced antibody titers for Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) after vaccination, trachea functionality and intestinal health in the jejunum, increased egg production, and exhibited a trend toward higher egg weight. Although feed intake showed no significant difference, egg quality remained consistent across experimental groups. Moreover, L + EO + VIT supplementation elevated total phenolic content in eggs, improving oxidative stability in both fresh and stored eggs, particularly under iron-induced oxidation. Notably, it substantially reduced yolk lipid peroxidation and albumen protein carbonyls. In conclusion, water supplementation with L + EO + VIT may enhance humoral immune response to IBV and NDV, positively impacting hen productivity. These findings indicate improved tracheal function and enhanced oxidative stability, emphasizing the potential of this blend in promoting overall health and performance in layers.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Soybean Bioactive Peptides and Vitamin E on Productive Performance and Some Carcass Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed at evaluating productive performance and some carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed feeds containing different levels of soybean bioactive peptide (SBP), and vitamin E. 180 Ross-308 broiler chicks were divided equally into five treatments, each replicated three times, and twelve unsexed chicks were placed in each replicate in a completely randomized design. For a 35-day trial period, the basal diet was either supplied without supplements (control group), or it was supplemented with SBP at 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g/kg diet, or with vitamin E at 250 mg/kg feed. Results indicated that body weights at different ages were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in SBP groups during 2nd week (except 2.5 g/kg SBP), 3rd week, 4th week, and 5th week as compared with control and vitamin E groups. Gain in total body weight, ratio of feed conversion, and production index were improved significantly (P≤0.05) in SBP compared to other groups. The economic efficiency improved in the SBP and the vitamin E group than in control group. Feed intake, mortality rate, carcass yield, total giblets, total edible parts, liver, and heart yield were similar among groups. The highest (P≤0.05) carcass weight and breast yield were observed in the SBP than in other groups, while the gizzard relative weight in the vitamin E group achieved the highest significant value (3.22 %) as compared with SBP and control groups. Significant effect among treatment was observed in thigh yield. In compared to the control, 5 (g/kg) SBP showed the lowest (P≤0.05) abdominal fat percentage. The current findings suggested that the supplementation of broiler diets with SBP improved productive performance and some carcass traits.

Comparative Effects of Vitamin A and E Dietary Supplements on Semen Traits, Reproductive System Morphology and Vitamin Storage in Rooster

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of long-term vitamin A and E dietary supplements on the semen traits and morphology of the reproductive system in older roosters to prolong their reproductive contributions to the flock. The research revealed that long-term dietary supplementation of both vitamins A and E maintained the traits of the semen at levels significantly higher than in the control roosters. Vitamin A especially maintained ejaculate volume and semen density, while vitamin E protected semen motility and viability. Vitamin A treatment maintained the uniformity of the epididymal epithelium. No eroded areas were identified in this epithelium. Most epithelial cells were principal cells with uniform stereocilia. The connective tissue which lines the epididymal tubule of the vitamin A treated rooster was thinner than those of the roosters from the control. Vitamin E predominantly protected the structure of the spermatogenesis line. Liver tissue concentrations of vitamins A and E were two times and four times higher respectively than the control. The two vitamins were eliminated in increased quantities through the seminal plasma in supplemented roosters. No mutual inhibition or potentiating effects were found between the two vitamins, suggesting that their combined administration should be further analyzed.

Carcass and antioxidative status of the brain and meat of two hybrids of broiler chicken fed Ficus carica leaf powder and vitamin C supplemented diets

Abstract The study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of Ficus carica leaf powder and vitamin C on the antioxidative status of the meat and brain of two hybrids of broiler chicken. Two hundred- and forty-day-old chicks, each of Arbor Acres (AA) and Cobb 500 (C5) hybrids of broiler chicken were randomly assigned to diets. Diet 1 and 2 had no supplement; diets 3 and 4 supplemented with vitamin C (200mg/kg of basal), diet 5 and 6 received 1g Ficus carica Leaf Powder (FCLP)/Kg of basal diet while diets 7 and 8 had 1g FCLP/kg of basal diet + 200mg of vitamin C. The interactive effect of hybrid, vitamin C and FCLP significantly influenced the dressing percentage, gizzard, pancreas, heart and proventriculus. Brain catalase and glutathione were significantly influenced by the hybrid, vitamin C and FCLP inclusion. Dietary supplementation of FCLP and vitamin C significantly lower the lipid peroxidation of the meat. There was significant interactive effect of the factors on lipid peroxidation while meat catalase and glutathione were significantly increased by the inclusion of FCLP. This study revealed that the dietary inclusions of broilers’ diets with 1g FCLP and 200mg vitamin C/kg of feed could influence carcass and organs weights as well as improve meat quality and brain antioxidant status of broiler chicken, with the C5 hybrid showing better antioxidative status.

Organic selenium and vitamin E for gilts and sows bred in equatorial climate.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary supplementation of organic selenium (Se) and vitamin E for sows from 1st and 2nd parity order, without adiabatic cooling on physiological parameters, reproductive performance, milk composition, litter performance and blood concentrations of antioxidant enzymes. A total of 96 sows were allotted in a 4 × 2 completely factorial design, with 4 experimental groups and 2 parity orders (1st and 2nd). The experimental groups consisted of: ACCon-sows receiving adiabatic cooling and no dietary supplementation of organic Se and vitamin E; WACCon-sows without adiabatic cooling and no dietary supplementation of organic Se and vitamin E; WACSe-sows without adiabatic cooling with dietary supplementation of 0.3 mg/kg organic Se; WACSeE-sows without adiabatic cooling with dietary supplementation of 0.3 mg/kg organic Se and 90 UI of vitamin E. ACCon Sows had lower respiratory rate, rectal temperature and body surface temperature when compared to the others sows (p < 0.05). Sows without evaporative cooling had lower daily milk production and weaned litters with lower weight and average daily gain when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). ACCon sows presented higher weaned piglets to WACSeE sows. WACSeE Sows had higher concentrations of GSH-Px when compared to other experimental groups and higher levels of SOD than sows from ACCon and WACSe. Piglets of sows from WACSeE group presented higher levels of GSH-Px and SOD when compared to the other experimental groups. ACCon sows have higher milk yield and higher litter weight than others groups. Under equatorial climate conditions, dietary supplementation of organic Se and vitamin E from first and second parity order sows does not respond efficiently on thermoregulatory physiology and performance compared to adiabatic cooling, but modulates the enzymatic antioxidant balance of sows and piglets.

Maternal Supplementation of Vitamin E or Its Combination with Hydroxytyrosol Increases the Gut Health and Short Chain Fatty Acids of Piglets at Weaning.

An adequate intestinal environment before weaning may contribute to diarrhea predisposition and piglet development. This study evaluates how the dietary supplementation of vitamin E (VE) (100 mg/kg), hydroxytyrosol (HXT) (1.5 mg/kg) or the combined administration (VE + HXT) given to Iberian sows from gestation affects the piglet's faecal characteristics, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), fatty acid profile or intestinal morphology as indicators of gut health; and quantify the contribution of the oxidative status and colostrum/milk composition to the piglet's SCFAs content and intestinal health. Dietary VE increased isobutyric acid (iC4), butyric acid (C4), isovaleric acid (iC5), and ∑SCFAs, whereas HXT increased iC4 and tended to decrease ∑SCFAs of faeces. Piglets from HXT-supplemented sows also tended to have higher faecal C20:4n-6/C20:2 ratio C22:6 proportion and showed lower occludin gene expression in the duodenum. The combination of both antioxidants had a positive effect on iC4 and iC5 levels. Correlation analyses and regression equations indicate that faecal SCFAs were related to oxidative status (mainly plasma VE) and colostrum and milk composition (mainly C20:2, C20:3, C20:4 n-6). This study would confirm the superiority of VE over HXT supplementation to improve intestinal homeostasis, gut health, and, consequently piglet growth.

Dietary supplements to reduce symptom severity and duration in people with SARS-CoV-2: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

BackgroundCOVID-19 has caused morbidity, hospitalisation and mortality worldwide. Despite effective vaccines, there is still a need for effective treatments, especially for people in the community. Dietary supplements have long been...

Effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation on growth performance, slaughter performance, antioxidant capacity and meat quality characteristics of finishing bulls

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of vitamin E (VE) on growth performance, slaughter performance, antioxidant capacity and meat quality characteristics of finishing bulls. Twenty Yanbian cattle (bulls) with initial body weight (BW) 485 ± 42 kg were randomly divided into two groups (control and treatment groups) and participated in a100-day finishing trial. The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet (total mixed ration, TMR). The treatment group was fed a basal diet supplemented with VE (provided as α-tocopherol acetate, 700 IU/bull/day). VE supplementation significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) of finishing bulls, the beef marbling score, meat color parameters (a* [redness]), intramuscular fat content, the concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), VE and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-13) in the serum and muscle tissue (P < 0.05). VE supplementation significantly decreased drip loss and cooking loss of the beef, the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in the serum and muscle tissue, the concentration of malondialdehyde in the muscle tissue (P < 0.05), and tended to decrease the feed: gain (P = 0.077) and shear force (P = 0.062) of the beef. In conclusion, VE supplementation can improve the meat quality parameters of finishing bulls, especially the improvement of beef tenderness. The improvement of beef tenderness by VE supplementation may be related to the increase of MMPs concentration, and a potential mechanism for the secretion of MMPs by VE supplementation may be related to its antioxidant capacity.

Different Effect of Vitamin E or Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation to Sow's Diet on Oxidative Status and Performances of Weaned Piglets.

Different feeding strategies are being applied to sows in order to obtain homogeneous piglets' weights and improved health status. This study evaluated how the dietary supplementation of vitamin E (VE) (100 mg/kg), hydroxytyrosol (HXT) (1.5 mg/kg) or the combined administration (VE + HXT) given to Iberian sows from day 85 of gestation affected the growth pattern of the piglets and their oxidative status; and quantified what these effects were due to. Dietary VE and HXT improved the oxidative status of sows and piglets. Both VE and HXT modified the growth pattern at birth and performances of the piglets in a different way according to the growing period. Piglets' performances were positively correlated with plasma VE and negatively with plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) of the sow. However, the highest variation in growth patterns was explained by the colostrum composition. Significant linear equations were observed between piglets' performances and colostrum saturated (SAT), n-7 monounsaturated fatty acids (C16:1n-7 and C18:1n-7) and different desaturases indices. This study would confirm that VE supplementation to the sow diet could be more adequate than HXT for the improved development during the first weeks of a piglet's life. The combined administration of both antioxidants would not produce additional positive effects compared to the individual supplementation.

Effect of different vitamin E sources on growth performance, nutrient utilization, anti-oxidant status and carcass characteristics in broiler chicken

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of supplementation with a synthetic (DL-α-tocopherol acetate) or herbal source of vitamin E on performance of broiler chicken during a 35-days feeding trial. Day-old broiler chicks (180) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each with three replicates. T1 (control) received a basal diet, Group T2 received a basal diet with synthetic vitamin E @ 100 g/quintal of feed, Group T3 received a basal diet with herbal vitamin E @ 100 g/quintal of feed and Group T4 received a basal diet with synthetic vitamin E @ 50 g/ quintal of feed + herbal vitamin E @ 50 g/quintal of feed. Supplementation of herbal vitamin E enhanced growth performance traits (average weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and economics of broiler production), retention of nutrients (dry matter, nitrogen, and ether extract), haematological parameters (Hb, PCV, and TEC) and serum total cholesterol in broiler chicks. Antioxidant status revealed significant increase in GSH but not SOD and CAT. A marked increase in the antibody titer against Newcastle Disease vaccine was recorded in the herbal vitamin E supplemented group. The carcass quality was statistically similar among different dietary treatments, however, lowest abdominal fat and meat cholesterol were recorded in the group supplemented with herbal vitamin E. The study depicts that dietary supplementation of synthetic or herbal vitamin E and their combination @ 100 g/quintal of feed improved the growth performance, antioxidant status and carcass quality of broiler chickens; and that herbal vitamin E was economical and more effective as compared to the synthetic vitamin E in improving the performance of broiler chickens.

Effect of Milk or Milk Derived Food Supplementation on Body Composition of Young Indian Women

Background: Lysine intake in India is low mainly due to consumption of cereals as staple diet and processing loss of lysine. The present study was aimed to assess the impact of supplementation either in the form of dietary supplements of lysine, calcium and vitamin D in order to identify an appropriate approach for the improvement of body composition. Methods: One hundred and twenty volunteer subjects in the age group of 20-30 years residing in Punjab Agricultural University hostels were selected for supplementary trial. Supplementation of milk and its products in amounts to fill the gap of dietary intake and adequacy of protein as well as limiting amino acid lysine in their diets for a period of 12 weeks was done to determine its effect on body composition. Result: The diets were also poor in protein quality as the limiting amino acid lysine was only 55% of the recommended level. Supplementation of milk and its products resulted in a significant reduction in body fat (6.62%) and visceral fat rating (9.47%) and a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass (3.98%) and bone mass (2.72%). The study recommends that improving the quality of diets through dietary supplementation of lysine, calcium and vitamin D is an effective approach to achieve optimum body composition.

Dietary Vitamin E and/or Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation to Sows during Late Pregnancy and Lactation Modifies the Lipid Composition of Colostrum and Milk.

Modifying the composition of a sow's milk could be a strategy to improve the intestinal health and growth of her piglet during the first weeks of life. This study evaluated how dietary supplementation of vitamin E (VE), hydroxytyrosol (HXT) or VE+HXT given to Iberian sows from late gestation affected the colostrum and milk composition, lipid stability and their relationship with the piglet's oxidative status. Colostrum from VE-supplemented sows had greater C18:1n-7 than non-supplemented sows, whereas HXT increased polyunsaturated (∑PUFAs), ∑n-6 and ∑n-3 fatty acids. In 7-day milk, the main effects were induced by VE supplementation that decreased ∑PUFAs, ∑n-6 and ∑n-3 and increased the Δ-6-desaturase activity. The VE+HXT supplementation resulted in lower desaturase capacity in 20-day milk. Positive correlations were observed between the estimated mean milk energy output and the desaturation capacity of sows. The lowest concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in milk was observed in VE-supplemented groups, whereas HXT supplementation increased oxidation. Milk lipid oxidation was negatively correlated with the sow's plasma oxidative status and to a great extent with the oxidative status of piglets after weaning. Maternal VE supplementation produced a more beneficial milk composition to improve the oxidative status of piglets, which could promote gut health and piglet growth during the first weeks, but more research is needed to clarify this.

Impact of Dietary Supplementation of Vitamins C and E on the Productive Traits, Egg Quality and Immune Response of Guinea Fowl in Al-Ahsa Province, Saudia Arabia

Guinea fowl production makes significant contributions to animal protein through producing cheap meat and eggs, which serve as a buffer to shortages of poultry products. This study aims to e the effect of vitamin C, vitamin E solely and together on laying performance, egg quality and some blood parameters of Guinea fowl. A total of 180 black guinea fowls at eight months of age were equally divided into four groups, 45 birds, each. Each group was subdivided into 3 replicates, each one consists of 15 birds. The dietary treatments include the control group (basal diet); basal diet plus 500 mg /kg vitamin C (T1); basal diet plus 200 mg/kg vitamin E and basal diet plus 500 mg vitamin C and 200 mg vitamin E /kg feed. The results revealed that, the overall production characters including livability of laying guinea fowl were significantly improved (P&lt;0.05) by the dietary inclusion of vitamin C and E singly or in combinations. The hen day egg production %, egg mass, albumen height, albumen weight, egg length, egg width and egg shell thickness were higher (P &lt; 0.01) in the group supplemented with the combination of vitamin C and E in comparison with other treatment groups. In addition, supplementation of the dietary combination of vitamin C and E significantly increased (P&lt;0.01) the Newcastle vaccine antibody titer and blood metabolites than single supplementation of both vitamins. In conclusion, the combined dietary supplementation of 500 mg /kg vitamin C and 200 mg/kg vitamin E had proved to be successful in improving the productive performance, egg quality, immune responses and the general health of black guinea fowl under present experimental conditions. This study proposes the synergistic beneficial action between vitamin C and vitamin E when supplemented together to Guinea fowl.