Weight Gain Of Animals Research Articles

Здрібнення особин як стратегія популяцій в антропогенних умовах (досвід 50-річного вивчення популяцій гризунів)

Based on results of 50 years of continuous observations of populations of the pine vole (Microtus subterraneus de Selys-Longchamps, 1836) and yellow-necked wood mouse (Sylvaemus flavicollis Melchior, 1834), the phenomenon of reducing body size of individuals was revealed, particularly a significant reduction in body dimensions and body mass. The research was conducted at the Kaniv Nature Reserve covering various stages of the local ecosystem's existence under anthropogenic impact. Four cycles of density dynamics of two populations are chosen for comparison of their characteristics. The first three cycles correspond to qualitatively different periods in the existence of the protected ecosystem and populations of the studied species, whereas the last cycle reflects the current situation. It has been established that the tendency to decrease body dimensions is also characteristic for other rodent species, its manifestations are observed for 35 years, and the scale gradually increases. By fatness indexes, individuals of the pine vole on average lose 23.3% and yellow-necked wood mice lose 16.7% of the former values. It was shown that the level of reduce in exterior parameters is always greater in females than in males, and in the group of breeding adults it can reach 32%. It has been found that the phenomenon also applies to juveniles, whose fatness decreases by an average of 21%. The phenomenon occurs against the background of violations of various aspects of population dynamics, which allows it to be associated with anthropogenic changes in the environment. It is suggested that shrinking can be realized by various mechanisms. First, as a result of mortality, the largest individuals and reproductive females with their greatest energy needs fall out of the population, and, second, the growth and weight gain of young animals is slower. As a result, the decrease in external parameters of individuals reduces their specific energy needs and allows them to better survive under adverse conditions. From these points of view, reducing body dimensions can be considered as a specific population strategy to maintain ecological balance.

Effect of using bentonite and vitamin C on some economic traits of local Arabian lambs

The current study was conducted in the animal field of the College of Agriculture and Marshlands / University of Thi-Qar for the period from 6/11/2020 to 16/2/2021 to know the effect of adding different percentages of bentonite and vitamin C to the diets of male Arabized lambs, as the study included the use of (16) males Arabized lambs, and the experiment lasted for 100 days. The lambs were taken after weaning at the age of 5 months, with an average weight of (28 kg ± 1.24). The animals were randomly divided into four groups, with four lambs per group. The first group-included animals fed the basic diet. T2 animals were fed with bentonite added to the basic diet at a rate of 20 g/kg dry weight, T3 were fed with vitamin C in the form of capsules at a rate of 50 mg/kg live weight in addition to the basic diet, while T4 animals treated with 10 g bentonite/kg dry weight added to the diet + 25 mg vitamin C / kg live weight provided to the animal in the form of capsules. Hay was offered freely to all the different transaction lambs. The results were statistically analyzed using the complete random design, a significant increase (P≤0.05) was observed in the average body weight, The average daily and total weight gain of the third group animals (treated with vitamin C) compared to the control group and the other treated groups, as the average body weight increased from the start of the eighth week until the twelfth week, a non-significant increase was also observed in the amount of feed consumed and the food conversion efficiency of the T3 group compared to the control group.

Hematological parameters in dry cows after immunization with a polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine

The article presents materials on the testing of a polyvalent vaccine. It was found that after double immunization of cattle with a polyvalent vaccine against infectious rhinotracheitis, viral diarrhea, respiratory syncytial, parainfluenza-3, rota-and coronavirus infection, no hematological changes in the body and violations of physiological functions were detected in the vaccinated animals. Animal husbandry is constantly developing. For the further development of this industry, new and old technologies of animal breeding are used in various cattle breeding enterprises. Livestock breeders are faced with various tasks to increase milk yields, weight gain in young animals, the safety of livestock, and the quality of livestock products. Given that cattle can get sick with various infectious and non-infectious diseases, this problem is very urgent. However, the tasks you can perform by providing cattle complete balanced feed for protein, vitamins, trace elements, introduction of new technologies in breeding, raising productivity and preservation of animals through the creation of improving the breed characteristics of the animal [1, 2, 3]. One of the main tasks facing the breeders is to increase milk yield in cows producing healthy calves, increase their viability, safety and weight gain in fattening [4, 5]. Numerous researchers have found that various infectious diseases in calves caused by pathogenic viruses and bacteria cause huge economic damage to animal husbandry. Infectious diseases are the most dangerous, as they cause mass diseases, deaths, negatively affect the health of animals, reduce the receipt of low-quality products from them. It is known from various literature sources that in case of violation of zoohygienic rules when keeping calves, in particular, crowding of animals, drafts, not timely cleaning of manure, cleaning of premises and feeders leads to the accumulation of various microorganisms in livestock premises, both viruses and bacteria. As a result, a significant accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms leads to the emergence of infectious diseases in calves [6,7, 9].

Імунологічний профіль крові ярок за використання у раціонах про- і пребіотичних добавок

Goal. To study the effect of different doses of pro- and pre-biotic preparations of domestic production, made based on baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when they are added to feeding rations of heifers, on the immunological status of the organism and the intensity of growth and development of animals. Methods. The study was conducted on heifers of Askanian meat-wool breeds aged from 11 to 12 months in the winter-spring stall period. The diet of animals in the control group consisted of meadow hay and standard mixed fodder K 83-19-89. Animals of the experimental groups in the mixed fodder received pro- and pre-biotic additions. The studies used zootechnical (determination of gross, average daily, and relative weight gain of animals), physiological and biochemical (determination of the number of leukocytes in the blood, the content of circulating immune complexes and lysozyme and bactericidal activity), analytical (analysis of literature sources on the topic of the article), and statistical computer programs in the processing the obtained data) methods. Results. It is established that the use in mixed fodder for heifers at the age of 11–12 months in the winter-spring stall period of the pro-biotic Enzymaktyv (EA) in doses of 0.4; 0.8 and 1.2% and pre-biotic Inactivated dry glutathione yeast (IDGY) in doses of 1.0, 1.4 and 1.8% by its weight has a positive effect on the level of immunological ingredients in the blood and productive qualities of animals. The addition of pro-biotic EA and pre-biotic IDGY in the specified doses to mixed fodder of heifers increases the number of leukocytes in their blood by 1.2–6.4%, reduces the content of medium molecular circulating immune complexes (CIC) in the blood by 5.3–12.8%, activates lysozyme and bactericidal activity in serum in 1.03–1.25 times. The use of pro-biotic EA in feed in the studied doses increases the gross increase in live weight of animals by 15–35%, and relative — by 14–32%, while the use of prebiotic IDGY — by 30–55 and 27–50% respectively. Conclusions. Taking into account the results of immunological parameters of blood and intensity of growth of animals, they recommend adding 0.8% pro-biotic EA and 1.4% pre-biotic IDGY to the feed for heifers in the winter-spring stall period.

Cyperus rotundus L. reverses the olanzapine-induced weight gain and metabolic changes-outcomes from network and experimental pharmacology

Cyperus rotundus L. is used to treat multiple clinical conditions like inflammation, diarrhea, pyrosis, and metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity. The present study aimed to predict the interaction of reported bioactives from Cyperus rotundus against obesity via network pharmacology and to evaluate the efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus against the olanzapine-induced weight gain and metabolic disturbances in experimental animals. Reported phytochemicals of Cyperus rotundus were retrieved from the open-source database(s) and published literature and their targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction, enriched in STRING, and bioactives-proteins-pathways network was constructed using Cytoscape. Further, the hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was co-administered with olanzapine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 days in Sprague Dawley rats. During treatment, body weight and food intake were recorded; after the successful completion of 21 days of treatment, animals were fasted to perform oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Further, the animals were euthanized; blood and abdominal fat were collected for lipid profiling and histopathological examination respectively. Herein, network pharmacology predicted neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction as a primarily modulated pathway and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b as a majorly triggered protein via the combined action of bioactives. Further, Cyperus rotundus significantly reversed weight gain, cumulative food intake, ameliorated the lipid and glucose metabolism, and promoted energy expenditure.

The effect of a Forest Biomass Supplement on Morphophysiological Parameters of Calves

Breeding, preserving, and successfully rearing young animals resistant to various environmental influences is one of the main parameters of effective livestock management. The study aimed to study the indicators of natural resistance and the growth rate of calves under the influence of dietary supplements. The studies were carried out on four groups of black-and-white calves, 10 heads each, at the age of 2-5 months. The dairy calves of the control group were fed according to the ration adopted on the farm (basic ration, including cereal-legume hay, whole milk, milk replacer, concentrates, chalk, salt). In addition to the main diet, the animals of the experimental groups were given a dietary supplement. At 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5, months of age, calves were given 12-23, 19-38, and 23-47 g.head-1 of dietary supplement per day, respectively. The article deals with the effect of a forest biomass supplement on the morphophysiological parameters of calves. Biochemical blood analysis and the features of metabolic processes in the bodies of animals are studied. The results indicated that the use of a dietary supplement at a dosage of 30 g/head of cattle per day contributes to the highest increase (9.9%) in live weight gain of experimental animals and an improvement in natural resistance parameters (bactericidal activity of blood serum, phagocytic activity of neutrophils). Based on the data of biochemical and haematological blood tests, the authors conclude that the inclusion of a dietary supplement in the diet of calves has a positive effect on the indices of natural resistance and the course of nitrogen metabolism.

Effect of the functional feed PristineGoldVet on clinical and biochemical blood parameters of sables

Currently, against the background of a decrease in the quality of feed rations, the use of protein hydrolysates is a certain novelty in fur farming. PristineGoldVet functional food is a natural product obtained by vacuum lyophilization. With systematic use, it has a regulating effect on clinical blood parameters, optimization of homeostasis, biochemical reactions and physiological functions in the body of animals through the normalization of the microecological status. It contains (in 100 g): 19 amino acids: alanine – 5.16 g, asparagine – 6.75 g, arginine – 8.15 g, serine – 3.45 g, tyrosine – 2.27 g, proline – 1.17 g, cysteine – 1.06 g, ornithine – 0.07 g, glycine – 3.53 g, glutamine – 11.74 g, valine – 2.59 g, threonine – 4.32 g, isoleucine – 4 , 17 g, leucine – 7.12 g, methionine – 2.97 g, lysine – 8.76 g, phenylalanine – 3.69 g, tryptophan – 1.09 g, histidine – 1.71 g; 12 vitamins: B1 – 32 mg, B2 – 1100 mg, B3 – 1652 mg, B5 – 5200 mg, B6 – 38 mg, B9 – 84 mg, B12 – 1.6 mg, C – 2400 mg, D3 – 4 mg, E – 1100 mg, K – 150 mg, H – 4 mg; 10 microelements: potassium – 261 mg, calcium – 41.5 mg, phosphorus – 280 mg, magnesium – 15.8 mg, sodium – 20.3 mg, manganese – 3.5 mg, zinc – 1.9 mg, iron – 13.6 mg, nickel 0.1 mg, copper 0.1 mg. The article presents the results of studies of the dynamics of changes in hematological and biochemical blood parameters in clinically healthy sables when using the functional food "PristineGoldVet" aimed at maintaining the functions of the digestive and endocrine systems, improving the quality of fur and increasing the gain in live weight of young animals. When using a protein hydrolyzate, it was established: an increase in the content of erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and albumin fraction and a decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In addition, an increase in live body weight was observed in animals. It has been proven that the use of PristineGoldVet functional food in the diets of sables can increase their feed value, which has a beneficial effect on digestion indices.

Influence of feeds contaminated by microscopic fungi on the physiological state of animals

Today feeding disorders (deficiency of crude protein and limiting amino acids), the use of feed contaminated with microscopic fungi can lead to immune depression. When feeding dysfunctional feed, the live weight gain of young animals and fattening pigs is reduced by 10-90%, depending on the balance and completeness of the rations in terms of nutrients. The article assesses the degree of contamination of feed with microscopic fungi and studies the effect of eliminating the deficiency of crude protein, lysine and methionine on the health status and weight gain of laboratory rats when feeding moldy wheat grain. A balanced for essential amino acids feed allows reducing the stress of the body's defense system from the negative effects of saprophytes. An experiment was carried out on 200 (10 groups, n = 20) weaned rats of the Wistar line in order to comparatively study the consequences of feeding the diets containing wheat grain contaminated with fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, deficient and balanced to the norms of the requirement for crude protein and two essential amino acids - lysine and methionine. The number of micromycete reaches 109 CFU (spores) in 1 gram of feed. These molds are dangerous because of the possibility of their spores entering the body of animals and germinating in the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, intestines, reproductive organs, and muscle tissue. Once in the blood, mold spores spread throughout the body. A complete zootechnical analysis of grain was carried out in the toxicology laboratory using the methods of zootechnical and biochemical analyzes of feed, livestock products and metabolic products. The negative effect of microscopic fungi on the health indicators of white rats is less pronounced with a balanced diet for essential amino acids. A decrease in the tension of immunity, expressed in a decrease in T-cell deficiency and activation of phagocytosis, was determined. The average daily gain on the contaminated feed decreased by no more than 20%, while the gain on the contaminated diet was 50-60% lower.

Long-term melatonin treatment attenuates body weight gain with aging in female mice.

Women usually experience body weight gain with aging, which can put them at risk for many chronic diseases. Previous studies indicated that melatonin treatment attenuates body weight gain and abdominal fat deposition in several male animals. However, it is unclear whether melatonin affects female animals in the same way. This study investigated whether long-term melatonin treatment can attenuate body weight gain with aging and, if it does, what the mechanism is. Ten-week-old female ICR mice were given melatonin-containing water (100 μg/mL) or only water until 43 weeks. Melatonin treatment significantly attenuated body weight gain at 23 weeks (control; 57.2 ± 2.0 g vs melatonin; 44.4 ± 3.1 g), 33 weeks (control; 65.4 ± 2.6 g vs melatonin; 52.2 ± 4.2 g) and 43 weeks (control; 66.1 ± 3.2 g vs melatonin; 54.4 ± 2.5 g) without decreasing the amount of food intake. Micro-CT analyses showed that melatonin significantly decreased the deposition of visceral and s.c. fat. These results suggested that melatonin attenuates body weight gain by inhibiting abdominal fat deposition. Metabolome analysis of the liver revealed that melatonin treatment induced a drastic change in the metabolome with the downregulation of 149 metabolites, including the metabolites of glucose and amino acids. Citrate, which serves as a source of de novo lipogenesis, was one of the downregulated metabolites. These results show that long-term melatonin treatment induces drastic changes in metabolism and attenuates body weight gain and fat deposition with aging in female mice.

Effects of Microwave Oven Exposed Diet on Animal Weight and Testicular Tissue and Relative Role of Mentha Piperita

Background: Usage of electronic gadgets like microwave oven is increasing day by day that heats the food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiations which has many hazardous effects on human health including fertility. Aim: To find the effects of microwave oven exposed diet on weight and testis of mice along with protective effects of Mentha Piperita and Melatonin Study Design: Randomized control trial. Methodology: Adult male mice (n=32) were divided into four groups. Control group (G1) received standard pellets prepared for mice. Second group (G2) was given mice pellets exposed to microwave oven. Third group (G3) received Mentha Piperita leaf extract along with mice pellets exposed to microwave oven and the fourth group (G4) received oral melatonin along with pellets exposed to microwave oven. After experimental period, wt of each mice was again recorded and then mice were sacrificed. Data analyzed by SPSS 21.0v. Results: There was no statistically significant difference of weight gain of animals but there was significant reduction in weight of testis in group G2 but in G3 and G4 wt of the testis was close to control. Conclusion: It was concluded that microwave oven exposed diet had no significant effect on overall weight gain of the animal but it significantly reduced weight of the testis in group G2. However, Mentha Piperita and Melatonin both had ameliorative effects on the wt of the testicular tissue. Keywords: Mice, Testis, Weight, Mentha piperita and Melatonin

Microbiological starter culture of probiotic action in the prevention and treatment of disbacteriosis in heifers and its effect on live weight gain

Scientists of the Bashkir Research Institute of Agriculture of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences are conducting scientific research on the development of biotechnological methods for housing and feeding calves of the preweaning rearing period using probiotic drugs. The purpose of the research was to conduct scientific and economic tests of the universal microbiological starter culture of probiotic action Biolax-U for the prevention and treatment of dysbiosis in heifers and to determine its effect on the live weight gain of young animals. Experimental investigations have been conducted in two farms in the Republic of Bashkortostan, where two groups of heifers (control and experimental) of Black-and-White breed of the preweaning rearing period have been formed, selected according to the method of pairs of analogues, taking into account origin, age, live weight. The expediency of using the universal microbiological starter culture of probiotic action Biolax-U as a medicinal product in the diets of calves has been investigated. Feeding of the universal microbiological starter culture of probiotic action Biolax-U allowed us to increase the average daily gains in the live weight of young animals, to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It has been found according to the results of control weighings of heifers that the live weight of heifers of the experimental groups was higher by the end of the experiment than the control herdmates in both experiments, and in the first experiment the difference was statistically significant at P < 0,01. It has been found that the absolute gain in the live weight of animals of the experimental groups receiving Biolax-U exceeded the control herdmates in the first experiment by 8,3 kg or 10,0 %, in the second experiment by 7,6 kg or 9,9 % as the result of improving the digestive system, increasing the digestibility and availability of feed in the diet. The heifers of the experimental groups in both experiments had an advantage in terms of average daily gain. For example, in the first experiment this advantage was 93 g/day or 10,0 %, in the second experiment it was 84,4 g/day or 9,9 %.

Glucosamine protects against neuronal but not vascular damage in experimental diabetic retinopathy

ObjectiveGlucosamine, an intermetabolite of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP), is a widely used nutritional supplement in osteoarthritis patients, a subset of whom also suffer from diabetes. HBP is activated in diabetic retinopathy (DR). The aim of this study is to investigate the yet unclear effects of glucosamine on DR. MethodsIn this study, we tested the effect of glucosamine on vascular and neuronal pathology in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced DR in vivo and on cultured endothelial and Müller cells to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action in vitro. ResultsGlucosamine did not alter the blood glucose or HbA1c levels in the animals, but induced body weight gain in the non-diabetic animals. Interestingly, the impaired neuronal function in diabetic animals could be prevented by glucosamine treatment. Correspondingly, the activation of Müller cells was prevented in the retina as well as in cell culture. Conversely, glucosamine administration in the normal retina damaged the retinal vasculature by increasing pericyte loss and acellular capillary formation, likely by interfering with endothelial survival signals as seen in vitro in cultured endothelial cells. Nevertheless, under diabetic conditions, no further increase in the detrimental effects were observed. ConclusionsIn conclusion, the effects of glucosamine supplementation in the retina appear to be a double-edged sword: neuronal protection in the diabetic retina and vascular damage in the normal retina. Thus, glucosamine supplementation in osteoarthritis patients with or without diabetes should be taken with care.

Effect of Palm kernel cake and probiotics on growth performance of growing Barki lambs

The effect of two probiotic products with Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) as source of dietary protein and/or energy in ruminant diets on the growth performance and some blood parame-ters of Barki lamps were evaluated. Two com-mercial probiotic formulas (ZAD and ICEC-Trol) were administrated directly with theirap-plications: P1 (without probiotic), P2 (ZAD), P3 (ZAD + ICEC-Trol), the combination of four different rations: R1 (control), R2 (PKC as source of energy), R3 (PKC as source of en-ergy and protein) and R4 (PKC as source of protein). Barki lambs (n=96, 35kg average body weight) were randomly assigned to 12 experimental groups in a completely random-ized block design. (8 lambs for each group) and fed for 47 days. ZAD probiotic was ap-plied at 2 ml/head/day and ICEC-TROL was applied at 3 g/head/day. Animals weight gain and average daily gain were measured and Glucose, total protein, albumin, calcium and phosphorus were measured. Results showed that animals fed control ration (R1) with P2, R2 with P3 and R4 with P3 showed highest (P<0.05) total weight gain (10.75, 10.88 and 10.56, respectively) and average daily gain (0.229, 0.231 and 0.225, respectively). ZAD probiotic improved serum total protein, globu-lin, glucose when using with PKC in lambs’ rations. In conclusion, using PKC as a source of energy or protein, with two sources of pro-biotics in lambs’ rations showed to be more ef-fective in weight gain, while using one probi-otic (ZAD) is enough for fattening with tradi-tional rations.

Effect of synchronization of fermentation processes in body of young cattle

Indicators of rumen digestion of young cattle has been studied when fed with concentrates with high level of degradable protein and non-structural carbohydrates subjected to barothermal treatment. Extrusion of concentrated feed decreases degradability of concentrates protein by 26-28%. Correlation of indicators of rumen digestion in steers with the method of preparation for feeding with concentrates with high level of degradable protein and non-structural carbohydrates has been determined. So, in animals receiving feed subjected to barothermal treatment, the number of ciliates in rumen fluid increases by 5.4%, total nitrogen – by 2.9%, and concentration of ammonia and volatile fatty acids decreases by 8.1 and 3.4% Thus, processing of concentrates stimulates development of microflora of proventriculus and reduces the rumen protein loss. Barothermal treatment of concentrates with a high protein degradability and high level of non-structural carbohydrates increases productivity of animals and efficiency of feed. The average daily weight gain in animals of experimental group increases by 4.8-6.0%. As a result, the feed cost is reduced by 2.7-6.9%, and protein – by 2.6-5.7%.

Pork production method involving the use of new feed additive «Chlorelact»

The article presents materials on the development of an effective pork production technology involving the use of biologically active additive complex of biocorrective action “Chlorelact”, made on the basis of lactulose and microalgae chlorella, aimed at obtaining high meat productivity, as well as physiological indicators of young pigs. The scientific research were carried out on farm-breeding plant named after Lenin of Surovikinsky District of Volgograd Region. The experiment involved 3 groups of animals, 25 heads each at the age of 2 months. The use of feed additive «Chlorelact» made it possible to stibilize tissue metabolism and thus significantly increase in live weight gain of animals from experimental groups in comparison with animals of control group. The best results were obtained from animals that received a complex biologically active additive «Chlorelact» as part of a compound feed.

The phenomenon of the shrinking size of bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in an anthropogenic environment (experience of 50 years of observations)

Fifty years of continuous monitoring of the bank vole population (Myodes glareolus Schreber, 1780) revealed the phenomenon of shrinking body size of individuals, manifesting in significant reduction in their regular size and mass parameters. Field observations were carried out in the Kaniv Nature Reserve (Cherkasy region, Ukraine) during the first half of summer every year. In the forest biotopes of the reserve, this species is dominant in the group of rodents. The research period covered various stages of the existence of the protected ecosystem. Its small area, location ina densely populated region of Ukraine and interaction with neighboring territories which are involved in economic activities have always caused anthropogenic pressure on the protected area. Its nature and intensity determined the changes in the protection regime and the loss of reserve status in 1951–1968. Later, the territory of the reserve experienced increasing technogenic pressure accompanied by radioactive contamination. In this work, to compare their characteristics, four complete cycles of the density dynamics of the bank vole population (from depression to depression) were selected, the duration of which was 4–5 years. The first three cycles correspond to qualitatively different periods in the existence of the ecosystem and the population of the studied species, and the last one corresponds to the relatively current situation. Over the recent 30 years, the size and mass parameters of individuals of bank voles have deсreased, - this phenomenon was called shrinking. The process was also observed to tend towards consistent increase in scale. Differentiated analysis shows that in different sex and functional groups of animals, the decrease in exterior parameters can reach 30.3%. Shrinking is especially notable in the group of adult females that are actively involved in reproduction (compared to the second cycle, considered as the control, the decrease in parameters among these is 33.2%). Juveniles of this sex lost 31.8% of their fatness. Besides, in the population of voles, the proportion of large-size individuals was significantly reduced. The group of animals that overwintered significantly reduced its representation, and its existing representatives had much smaller exterior parameters. The studies found that the shrinking process is stable over time, which does not allow it to be considered a random phenomenon or an artifact of research. This phenomenon has no correlation with the amount or availability of food. It occurs against the background of numerous changes in various aspects of population dynamics, which gives grounds to associate it with anthropogenic changes in the environment. Shrinking is believed to be realized through various mechanisms. Firstly, as a result of mortality, the largest individuals and reproducing females with the greatest energy needs disappear from the population, and secondly, the growth and weight gain of young animals is slower. As a result, decrease in the size and mass parameters of individuals reduces their specific energy needs and allows the population to bring their requirements in correspondance with the capability of the environment to support a certain number of resource consumers. An analogy was drawn with the Dehnel’s phenomenon, described for shrews of the Sorex genus, whose body size and weight decrease is an element of preparation for experiencing adverse winter conditions. Based on similar concepts, the shrinking of its elements can be considered as a specific population strategy to maintain the ecological balance.

Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone-Synergistic or Antagonistic Agri-Food Chain Co-Contaminants?

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZEN) are two commonly co-occurring mycotoxins produced by members of the genus Fusarium. As important food chain contaminants, these can adversely affect both human and animal health. Critically, as they are formed prior to harvesting, their occurrence cannot be eliminated during food production, leading to ongoing contamination challenges. DON is one of the most commonly occurring mycotoxins and is found as a contaminant of cereal grains that are consumed by humans and animals. Consumption of DON-contaminated feed can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, refusal of feed, and reduced weight gain in animals. ZEN is an oestrogenic mycotoxin that has been shown to have a negative effect on the reproductive function of animals. Individually, their mode of action and impacts have been well-studied; however, their co-occurrence is less well understood. This common co-occurrence of DON and ZEN makes it a critical issue for the Agri-Food industry, with a fundamental understanding required to develop mitigation strategies. To address this issue, in this targeted review, we appraise what is known of the mechanisms of action of DON and ZEN with particular attention to studies that have assessed their toxic effects when present together. We demonstrate that parameters that impact toxicity include species and cell type, relative concentration, exposure time and administration methods, and we highlight additional research required to further elucidate mechanisms of action and mitigation strategies.

Bio protectors’ effect on the composition of some amino acids under alcohol-induced oxidative stress

The studies, which may reveal some elements of regulation between the metabolic processes of proteins (at the level of translation and changes in the amino acid spectrum) as well as catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates under conditions of pathological deviations of the functioning of the animal organism, are promising, and the search for protective substances of a different nature is necessary.&#x0D; The aim is to study and analyze a bio protectors’ effect on the composition of some amino acids under alcohol-induced oxidative stress.&#x0D; During the experimental period, changes in the body weight of rats confirm the depressant effect of alcohol on the dynamics of weight gain of animals during their growth and development, and the positive protective effect of betaine and additives (protein+minerals).&#x0D; The increased activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase in the blood serum of rats in experimental groups of animals with the absence of protectors’ substances in the diet indicates a deviation in the functional capacity of the liver. The determined indices of the content of creatinine and urea were increased significantly that points out on possible pathological deviation of the kidney. Under alcohol substances, changes of such biochemical indexes value as lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, and the content of malonic dialdehyde indicate oxidative stress. In the case of bio protectors’ presence, values of biochemical parameters become to ones in the animals of control groups.&#x0D; It was observed, that betaine has a higher potential for the correction of the above pathological abnormalities than protein-containing additives with minerals in the form of chelate, but the last is perspective for further study and their use as a raw material for the development of more complex bio protectors

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in ruminants in Ukraine: a 5-year meta-analysis

The production of environmentally friendly livestock products is currently receiving much attention, especially in the European Union. The problem of monitoring the quality and safety of meat and milk in modern conditions is relevant not only for Ukraine but also for the world community. The scientific substantiation of the methods of research on meat for sale subject to invasive diseases is especially important, as the product may pose risks to the consumer. One of the criteria for assessing the welfare of a herd is the prevalence of helminthiases in cattle. Ruminant parasitoses in Ukraine have always been and remain a separate, often significant, problem for veterinary specialists. Helminths have evolved to use a wide range of ecological niches. In this study, we tried to quantify the prevalence of helminthiases among ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) in Ukraine. The relevant studies were searched for in the online databases. The meta-analysis included 15 publications from January 2015 to December 2020 which reported the spread of parasites in Ukraine. The research results show that the infestation of ruminants with gastrointestinal helminths on the territory of Ukraine is 56.7%. Egger’s regression test revealed no significant publication bias. During the period of pastured farming, stable parasitocenoses are formed in the body of ruminants. The parasitoses are caused by helminths (gastrointestinal strongyles, liver flukes, paramphistomas, dicrocelia). They are recorded in monoinvasions or mixed invasions. Ruminants, according to helminthological examination in different climatic zones, are constantly infested with trematodes. In Ukraine, the presence of three species of flukes has been confirmed in ruminants: Fasciola hepatica, Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Paramphistomum cervi. Parasitization by those species negatively affects the profitability of dairy farming. Trematodes cause significant economic losses: reduced milk productivity of cows, reduced live weight gain of young animals, negative impact on reproduction. At the same time, fascioliasis is socially significant and dangerous to humans. According to the analyzed literature sources, two types of cestodes have been registered in Ukraine: Moniezia benedeni and M. expansa. The epizootic situation regarding nematodes is just as fraught. That is the most numerous group of helminths, their fauna is represented by the following species: Strongyloides papillosus, Nematodirus spathiger, Bunostomum spp., Oesophagostomum radiatum, Haemonchus contortus, Toxocara vitulorum, Trichuris skrjabini, T. ovis and T. globulosa. It is proven that in cattle parasitocenoses are recorded more often than monoinvasions. The highest rates of prevalence of infection were observed when polyinvasion included gastrointestinal strongyles, namely from the order Strongylida. Strongyloides papillosus is the most common taxonomic representative, while Fasciola hepatica has the lowest prevalence of infection, especially in sheep. Updated data on helminthiasis will expand the screening strategy to maintain the health of farm ruminants and reduce economic losses.

PERFORMANCE OF FATTENING BUNAJI BULLS FED DIETS CONTAINING GRADED LEVEL OF PALM KERNEL CAKE

A fattening trial was conducted for 90 days using 20 Bunaji bulls with a live weight range of 190-200kg and aged 2-2.5 years to determine fattening performance. The bulls were fed diets containing varying levels of palm Kernel cake (PKC). Four bulls per treatment were allotted to 5 dietary treatments in Completely Randomised Design. Concentrate and basal diets of Digitaria smutsii were offered at 2% body weight. The data collected from the experiment were analysed using General Linear Model Procedure of SAS, (2002) The crude protein contents of the experimental diets varied between 15.63 and 20.31% while ME ranged from 11.75 to 11.78MJ/kg DM. The crude fibre varied from 13.92 to 23.31%. Average feed intake ranged between 8.67-9.11Kg/day with animals on 10, 20 and 40% PKC showed significant (P&lt;0.05) difference across the treatments. Average daily weight gain was highest (1.33kg) for animal on 10% PKC followed by (1.31kg) on 30% PKC inclusion. No significant differences (P&gt;0.05) was observed in average weight gain for animals on diets containing 0 20 and 40% PKC inclusions. All the experimental bulls attained an average weight gain of between 1.13Kg to 1.33Kg. Cost per Kg gain was highest at 0% PKC inclusion and lowest at 40% PKC. Net benefit (NB) and value of weight gain (VWG) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher for bulls on 10 and 30% PKC inclusion. There was positive net benefit and Return to Investment (ROI) on feed across treatments. The inclusion of PKC lead to reduction in feed