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An imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in sperm has been linked with lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in sperm, indicating a possible correlation to fertility potential. This cross-sectional study involved 56 infertile men (aged 25–45), and assessed the relationship between the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio in sperm and seminal plasma with sperm DNA fragmentation. Individuals were categorized based on high or low levels of sperm DNA fragmentation according to two tests (TUNEL and SCSA assay less or greater than 10 and 30%, respectively), and their fatty acid composition, as well as sperm functional tests, were analyzed. Results showed that men with high DNA fragmentation exhibited higher percentages of total saturated, monounsaturated, and omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios in both sperm (P < 0.001) and seminal plasma (P < 0.001) compared to men with low DNA fragmentation. The percentage of sperm lipid peroxidation, and residual histone (P < 0.05) were higher, while the percentage of sperm motility (P < 0.001) was lower in the former compared to the latter group. Moreover, Pearson's correlation revealed positive associations between the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio with sperm lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and residual histones in both sperm and seminal plasma. Overall, these observations suggest that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may be related to male fertility potential, as it appears that individuals with a high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids have better sperm quality compared to men with a lower omega-3 fatty acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of supplementation with two calcium salt fatty acid sources (soybean oil (CaSO) and linseed oil (CaLN)) before and after parturition on lactation performance and blood metabolite profiles in dairy cows. A study was conducted with twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (parity = 3.12 ± 0.9 and Backfat thickness = 21.77 ± 1.98) that were divided into a 2 × 2 factorial design 21 days before expected calving. The aim was to investigate the interplay between prepartum (CaSO or CaLN, at 2 % of dry matter) and postpartum (at 1.4 % of dry matter) fat supplementation on lactation performance and blood metabolite profiles. Initially, cows were grouped according to the source of prepartum fat (either CaSO or CaLN, with 12 cows in each group). Postpartum, these groups were further subdivided according to whether the fat source was administered continuously (LN-LN, SO-SO) or alternately (LN-SO, SO-LN) over a 28-day period. This resulted in four different treatment groups, each with six cows. The fat supplements contained 84 % fat and 9 % Ca. No statistically significant differences were found in dry matter intake (DMI), colostrum yield or most concentrations of blood metabolites (insulin, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea-N). However, cows fed CaSO prepartum had a significantly higher plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) than cows fed CaLN. Cows fed CaSO had higher backfat thickness (BFT) from day −21–0 than those fed CaLN (P = 0.05). Notably, cows in the SO-SO group lost the most weight, while cows in the SO-LN group lost the least, especially on days 21 and 28 postpartum (P = 0.05). Switching from soybean oil prepartum to linseed oil postpartum (SO-LN) significantly increased milk production in the first 28 days of lactation compared to other diets. In addition, the fat content in milk was influenced by the type of fat supplementation prepartum, with cows receiving CaSO having a lower milk fat percentage than those receiving CaLN (P < 0.05). The results on blood parameters suggest potential benefits of the SO-LN diet for postpartum cows, as emphasized by stable BHB concentrations and the highest IGF-1 concentrations, especially without the elevated BHB concentrations typically associated with the SO-SO diet. The blood concentrations of total protein, urea-N, triglycerides and NEFA were not affected by the treatments. Also, the dietary change did not adversely affect liver function, as shown by unchanged AST and ALT concentrations. Therefore, the results suggest that a dietary intervention involving the administration of soybean oil prepartum and switching to linseed oil postpartum (SO-LN strategy) has the potential to improve milk yield during the early lactation period. • Prepartum calcium salts of linseed and soybean oil had no significant effect on dry matter intake or colostrum yield. • Linseed oil prepartum increased milk fat %, while soybean oil prepartum raised blood insulin-like growth factor 1 levels. • Soybean oil prepartum and linseed oil postpartum increased milk yield but reduced blood glucose, cholesterol, and BHB. • Soybean oil prepartum and linseed oil postpartum resulted in the least backfat loss, while soybean oil pre- and postpartum led to the most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as a reproductive disorder in mammalian females. Medical plants are known from ancient times and herbal therapy is common in many countries for preventing and treating different diseases or disorders. The effect of fennel essential oil and/or flaxseed oil on body weight, blood parameters, and histological structure of ovaries and pancreas in rat suffered PCOS, was investigated. Thirty adult Wistar female rats (BW=260±20 g) that 24 of them suffered by PCOS by a single intra-muscular (IM) injection of 4 mg/kg estradiol-valerate (EV) were allocated to the treatments. Fennel essential oil (100 mg/kg BW/day) and flaxseed oil (429 mg/kg BW/day or 240 mg ω-3/kg BW/day) were fed using oral gavage in a 50-day period after PCOS induction. Serum concentration of progesterone, testosterone, insulin, and glucose, and also HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and QUICKI indices were affected (P< 0.05) by the treatments. Fennel essential oil increased (P <0.05) blood insulin hormone compared to PCOS and control groups. Our results showed that induction of PCOS in rats increased (P <0.05) fasting blood glucose, but consumption fennel essential oil or flaxseed oil decreased its concentration to the normal threshold. Results of this study showed that feeding fennel essential oil or flaxseed oil due to their anti-diabetic effects and anti-oxidative properties improved the body mass index, serum glucose, insulin and progesterone concentration, and HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and QUICKI indices in rats suffered PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy cows often suffer metabolic disorders due to the challenges of the transition period. The aim of study was to determine the effects of feeding pomegranate byproduct silage (PBS) on feed intake and some blood parameters, such as non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), interleukin-1 (IL-1), serum amyloid-A (SAA), prostaglandin F2α metabolites (PGFM), and progesterone (P4) in fresh Holstein cows. The experimental groups were as follows: CON (0 g PBS of DM) and PBS (120 g PBS of DM). Results showed that replacing corn silage with PBS had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) throughout the study. The CON group had highest (p < .05) NEFA at 14 d postpartum and serum BHBA was decreased by feeding PBS, especially on days 21 (p < .05) and 28 (p < .05) and the entire study (p < .01). Cows fed PBS had lower (p < .05) serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) than CON cows at different times. Feeding PBS decreased (p < .01) serum IL-1 compared to CON group (216.7 versus. 515.5 Pg/ml) at 28 d postpartum, and also cows fed 120 g PBS had higher (p < .01) serum P4. It was concluded that feeding PBS had no adverse effect on feed intake, milk production, and some reproductive parameters. Moreover, PBS positively affected serum metabolites in fresh dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine some effects of omega-6/omega-3 ratio by adding low level of calcium soap of fish oil (CSFO), calcium soap of soybean oil (CSSO) with or without a mixture of pennyroyal and rosemary essential oils (EO) on feed intake and apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen bacteria community, back fat thickness changes, feeding behavior and blood metabolites in peripartum ewes. For this purpose, 40 pregnant Shall ewes in a completely random design were used from 21 d before to 80 d after lambing. Four experimental groups were: (1) diet containing CSSO – EO; (2) diet containing CSSO + EO; (3) diet containing CSFO – EO; and (4) diet containing CSFO + EO. The fat sources and a mixture of EO were added to rations based on 1.3% of DM and 0.6 g/kg of DM, respectively. Results showed that the interaction of fat sources and EO (Fat×EO) affected (P < 0.05) some characteristics such as feed intake, nutrient digestibility, butyrate and NH3-N production in rumen, rumen bacteria population; and blood urea, total protein and globulin. Moreover, supplementation the mixture of EO increased (P < 0.05) feed intake, total apparent tract digestibility, ruminating and chewing behavior and the plasma glucose level. Also, EO caused an increase (P < 0.05) in population of some rumen bacteria such as R. Flavefaciens , R. albus and B. fibrisolvens , total VFA, acetate and butyrate production in rumen and pH of ruminal fluid. On the other hand, proportion of propionate and NH3-N concentration in the rumen fluid, triglyceride level of plasma were decreased (P < 0.05) by EO. Adding fish oil to the diets enhanced (P < 0.05) feed intake before and after lambing and it caused a reduction (P < 0.05) of F. succinogenes and P. ruminicola bacteria and a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of butyrate in the rumen. The changes of back fat thickness were not affected by fat sources and EO supplementation. It was concluded that essential oil and low level of fish oil had synergetic effect on feed consumption and apparent total tract digestibility in Shall ewes. Also, the interaction of fat sources and essential oil changed and improved rumen fermentation, without having adverse effects on blood metabolites. • Fish oil has synergetic effects with essential oils mixture in diet of peripartum ewes. • Low ratio of omega-6/omega-3 and essential oils increase feed intake and nutrient digestibility in ewes. • Low levels of fish oil (1.3%) and essential oils improves rumen fermentation parameters. • The mixture of essential oils in ewes' diet affect rumen bacteriome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Semen cryopreservation is affected by individual differences and use of cloned animal from the same source is the main tool to eliminate genetic variation. Pomegranate seed (PS) contains fatty acids and phenolic compounds which have antioxidant properties. Essential fatty acids and antioxidants are vital for production of healthy sperm by improving sperm membrane integrity and protecting sperm from oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of dietary supplementation of PS on some blood metabolites and sperm parameters following freezing-thawing of semen of cloned goats were investigated. 5–6 years cloned male goats (N = 9, 50 ± 2 kg) were randomly assigned to three different isocaloric and isonitogenous diet groups: supplemented with 0 (control), 30 and 60% (g/100 g of barley) replaced with PS for a total of 9 weeks. Sperm collection was carried out within 10–14 weeks. Semen samples were diluted whit cryo-protectant and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Sperm parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as, ability to induce fertilization were evaluated following freezing/thawing. According to the results of our study, treatment with PS induce higher plasma cholesterol production compared to control group at 8th week. However, testosterone and MDA (malondialdehyde) level of blood plasma were not significantly affected by PS treatment. In comparison to control group, PS supplementation significantly improved total sperm motility and viability in both 30 and 60% PS groups and reduced ROS production. Cleavage rate and developmental competency to blastocyst stage were similar to fresh sperm. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PS can improve sperm motility and viability following freezing-thawing and maintain developmental competency. Highlights • Initial analysis revealed the presence of a high content of unsaturated fatty acids in pomegranate seed (PS). • The PS supplementation significantly improved total motility of both PS30 and PS60 groups compared to the control group. • Sperm viability and membrane integrity were significantly higher in both PS supplemented compared to the control group. • The cleavage and blastocyst rate between the fresh sperm group and PS60 has shown no significant difference. • These improvements assure the increment of antioxidant content in seminal plasma and/or sperm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of fat sources and various ratios of dietary C 18:2 to C 18:3 fatty acids, through inclusion of palm fat powder and flaxseed oil, on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, health indices and some blood components of Holstein calves during the pre and postweaning periods. A total of 65 Holstein calves (30 males and 35 females) were randomly assigned to 1 of the 5 experimental groups: 1- starter diet with no fat supplement (CON, C 18:2 :C 18:3 = 18:1), 2- starter diet with 2.2% palm fat powder (PF, C 18:2 :C 18:3 = 18:1), 3- starter diet with 1.5% palm fat powder and 0.8% Ca-salts of flaxseed oil (PCF, C 18:2 :C 18:3 = 4:1), 4- starter diet with 2.7% Ca-salts of flaxseed oil (CFO, C 18:2 :C 18:3 = 1.5:1) and 5- starter diet with 2.2% flaxseed oil (FO, C 18:2 :C 18:3 = 1.5:1). Results showed that palm fat powder had no effect on feed efficiency, but increased ( P < 0.05) BCS and decreased (P = 0.01) blood urea nitrogen compared to the CON. Feeding CFO increased ( P < 0.01) ADG during postweaning period and feed efficiency over the entire study. Calves in the CFO group had better fecal scores ( P = 0.03) and general appearance scores ( P < 0.05) compared to the CON. Calves fed starter diet with lower C 18:2 to C 18:3 fatty acids ratio (CFO and FO groups) had greater hip height ( P = 0.01) and serum alkaline phosphatse ( P = 0.04) and fewer days with diarrhea ( P = 0.03) than the CON group. Fat sources and different C 18:2 to C 18:3 fatty acids ratio had no effect on ruminal fermentation parameters. In general, our results provide evidence that different fat sources had no adverse effect on feed intake and growth performance of calf. Moreover, decreasing C 18:2 :C 18:3 fatty acids ratio in calves starter diets, using Ca-salts of flaxseed oil (2.7%) or flaxseed oil (2.2%) had beneficial effects on growth performance, health indices and some blood components in Holstein dairy calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of study was to determine the effect of pre-calving body condition score (BCS) and previous milk yield on BCS change, blood metabolites, oxidative stress and milk production in Holstein cows. At 3 wk before expected calving, 100 multiparous cows were grouped according to their BCS and then classified based the previous 305 milk yield. The four experimental groups (25 cows each) were medium BCS and moderate milk yield (MM), medium BCS and high milk yield (MH), high BCS and moderate milk yield (HM), and high BCS and high milk yield (HH). The cows’ BCS was recorded at −21, 0, 21, 50 and 80 d related to parturition time. Daily milk production of cows was recorded after parturition. Blood samples were taken at d −21, −7, +1, +7 and +21 postpartum. The HH cows had lower (p <.05) plasma insulin than MH group. Also, the HH cows had lowest (p <.05) plasma insulin at 7 d after calving. Cows with high BCS had greater (p <.05) NEFA and BHBA concentration than medium BCS groups. Cows with high BCS had lower activity of antioxidant enzymes (p <.05) compared to medium BCS groups. Milk production, fat-corrected milk (FCM) and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were affected (p <.05) by pre-calving BCS and previous milk yield. Pre-calving BCS and previous milk yield affect (p <.05) milk fat production. In conclusion, the HH cows have greater milk production; however they are susceptible to oxidative stress and metabolic disorders risk based on their blood metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was evaluation the effect of sustained-release multi-trace element/vitamin bolus on blood metabolite and performance of Holstein dairy cows reared under heat stress conditions. Maximum temperature humidity index (THI) was 77.7 during the trial. Fifty multiparious cows were randomly allocated to two experimental groups: 1-bolus supplemented cows (Treatment), and 2-no bolus (Control). Each bolus contained minerals (16.2 g Cu, 0.251 g Se, 0.236 g Co, 0.497 g I, 8.28 g Mn and 13.32 g Zn) and vitamins (545.6×10 3 IU of vitamin A, 109.1×10 6 IU of vitamin D 3 and 1092 IU of vitamin E). Results showed that cows supplemented with bolus tended to have higher milk yield ( P =0.07), milk fat ( P =0.03), protein ( P <0.001), and solid non fat (SNF) ( P <0.001) percentage compared to control. Bolus supplementation decreased the milk linear somatic cell count (SCC) score ( P =0.01). Cows administered bolus tended to have lower plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the postpartum period ( P =0.09). Days open (calving to conception) was shortened in response to bolus supplementation ( P =0.02). Cumulative pregnancy at fifth artificial insemination was significantly increased in response to treatment ( P =0.01). It was concluded that supplementation trace elements and vitamins above National Research Council (NRC) recommendation using a sustained release source had positive effects on reproductive and lactation performance of high producing dairy cows kept under heat stress condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate preweaning calf performance responses and initial postweaning profile of some blood metabolites to dietary supplementation of calf starter with essential oils or distillated residues blend ( Rosmarinus officinalis L., Zataria multiflora Boiss, and Mentha pulegium L.). Sixty Holstein calves, were randomly assigned to three dietary treatment groups: (1) starter with no additive (CON), (2) starter with essential oils blend (EOB, 300 mg/kg starter), and (3) starter with distillation residues blend (DRB, 50 g/kg starter). The blend was prepared by mixing the essential oils or the distillation residues (1:1:1) and then was added to the starter diet. Each group of calves was weaned based on two different methods: (1) gradual weaning during 4 d [G], and (2) abrupt weaning [A]. Results of DPPH test showed that radical scavenging activity of EOB was higher than DRB (81.4 vs. 15.4%) ( P <0.05). Supplementation of the starter diets with essential oils and/or distillation residues increased ( P <0.05) feed intake and average daily weight gain of calves. These calves had about 3 d lower age ( P <0.05) and higher body weight (BW) at the weaning time. Calves fed EOB had higher ( P <0.05) insulin concentrations during the weaning period, especially in abrupt weaned group compared to the group CON-A. The weaning method and treatment had no effect on total serum protein (TSP), serum albumin and globulin. It is concluded that supplementation of starter diets with a mixture of essential oils or distillation residues had a beneficial effect on the growing performance of suckling calves and may change some of blood metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to compare the effect of high energy or high energy-protein diets in long-term (16 days, flushing) or short-term (6 days, focus feeding) supplementation period on ovarian performance and serum metabolites and hormones of ewes. For this purpose 40 cyclic Naeini ewes (40 ± 1 kg BW and 2–3 years of age) were randomly assigned to experimental groups: 1—Control (CON), 2—long-term high energy diet (LE), 3—short-term high energy diet (SE), 4—long-term high energy-protein diet (LEP), and 5—short-term high energy-protein diet (SEP). Ewes were housed in the individual pens with free access to food and water. The estrous cycle of ewes was synchronized with insertion of intravaginal progesterone sponges for a 12-day period. Follicular development was observed by ultrasound four days before to one day after sponge removing (−4 to +1) and blood was sampled once a day during this time. Results showed that LE and SE groups had more large-size (>5 mm) follicles ( P < 0.05) than those the other group on day +1. Double ovulation rate was high in ewes fed with high energy diets. The LE and SE groups had higher ( P < 0.05) serum glucose, cholesterol and insulin, but lower urea concentration compared to the other groups. Feeding high energy caused low serum oestradiol before the sponge removing. However, the LE and SE groups had the highest ( P < 0.05) oestradiol concentration before the estrus time. Results of the present study revealed that change in dietary energy levels for a short-term or long-term period just before ovulation could improve the blood metabolites and reproductive performance of the ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) are increasingly recognized as important regulators of embryo development in mammals. This study investigated the importance of FGF signaling duringin vitrodevelopment of ovine embryo. The mRNAs of four FGFR subtypes were detected throughout preimplantation development ofin vitrofertilized (IVF) embryos, peaked in abundance at the morula stage, and decreased significantly at the blastocyst stage. To gain insight into the role of these mRNAs in embryo development, IVF embryos were cultured in the presence of FGF2 (100 or 500 ng/ml: beginning from days 1 or 4 to 7) or PD173074 (1 µM: beginning from days 1 to 7) as usual treatments for activation or inhibition of FGFRs, respectively. FGF2-supplementation did not affect the percentage of embryos that developed to the blastocyst, blastocyst cell count and the proportion of cells allocated in inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) compared to control (p > 0.05). Also, increasing the dosage or duration of FGF2 treatment did not significantly alter blastocyst yield or differential cell count (p > 0.05). PD173074-mediated inhibition of FGFRs did not significantly affect blastocyst yield (p > 0.05). Assessment of expression profiles of lineage-associated markers revealed that FGF2 (500 ng/ml) supplementation: (i) significantly increased expression of putative hypoblast marker (GATA4), (ii) significantly decreased expression of putative epiblast (EPI) marker (NANOG) and (iii) did not change TE markers (CDX2andIFNT) and pluripotency makers (OCT4, SOX2andREX1). In summary, FGF2-mediated activation of FGFRs may promote a switch in transcriptional profile of ovine ICM from EPI- to hypoblast-associated gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was conducted to compare the effect of transient high-energy diet in a short-term period with or without eCG injection on ovarian follicle development, twining rate, serum metabolites and hormones in ewes. A total of 45 estrous cyclic Naeini ewes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: 1—Control (control), 2—High energy short-term feeding (HE), and 3—high energy short-term feeding + eCG injection (HEe). Ewes were housed in individual pens with free access to feed and water. The stage of the estrous cycle of all ewes was synchronized by insertion of intravaginal progesterone sponges. Focus feeding started from 4 days before until 1 day after sponge removal. Follicle development was monitored from 4 days before until 1 day after sponge removal and blood samples were taken during this time. Results showed that ewes fed high energy diets (HE and HEe) had greater ( P < 0.05) large follicle numbers compared with the control group. Feeding high energy diets increased ( P < 0.05) serum glucose, cholesterol and insulin, but had lesser ( P < 0.05) serum urea nitrogen concentrations near the time of ovulation. After the start of experiment, ewes fed high energy diets had less ( P < 0.05) serum estradiol. However, 1 day after sponge removal, serum estradiol in HE and HEe groups increased ( P < 0.05). It was concluded that short-term (6-day) changes in amount of dietary energy with or without eCG injection increased twin births and had beneficial effects on the blood metabolites and hormone concentrations in Naeini ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of using tomato pomace (TP) in the starter feed containing different ratios of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid by including pure fat powder or calcium salt of flaxseed oil (FO) on growth performance and blood metabolites in calves before and after weaning. For this purpose, 48 7-day-old Holstein calves were allocated to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: starter feed without TP and FO (NTP-NFO; ratio of C18:2 to C18:3 = 12.39), starter feed containing 25 g/kg calcium salt of FO without TP (NTP-FO; ratio of C18:2 to C18:3 = 2.54), starter feed containing 100 g/kg TP without FO (TP-NFO; ratio of C18:2 to C18:3 = 12.21), and starter feed containing 25 g/kg calcium salt of FO and 100 g/kg TP (TP-FO; ratio of C18:2 to C18:3 = 2.48). All calves were weaned gradually from d 51–56 and remained in the trial until d 70 of the study. Results showed that TP × FO interaction was observed for several traits, whereby FO increased days in diarrhea, fecal score, and superoxide dismutase concentration and decreased insulin concentration when diet had not TP, but had the opposite effect when diets had TP. Furthermore, FO supplementation decreased starter feed intake in NTP diets and increased it in TP diets. The TP had no significant effects on final body weight (BW) and feed efficiency; however, TP-fed calves tended to have greater white blood cells and had greater neutrophil and lower low dencity lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations than NTP-fed calves. Moreover, calves fed starter feed containing TP had greater ruminal butyrate concentration than NTP-fed calves. Calves that received FO treatments had lower BW and starter feed intake and tended to have lower average daily gain (ADG) than those that did not receive FO. Regardless of TP, feeding FO increased eosinophils and decreased malondialdehyde compared with unsupplemented calves. Overall, our results showed that supplementation of starter feed with 100 g/kg TP adversely affected calves' performance. Also, adding 25 g/kg of FO in starter feed decreased calves' BW and starter feed intake, indicating that dietary FO may be less effective at improving performance during the early months of life. Calves fed TP-FO treatment had better performance than calves fed TP or FO alone, which indicates the synergic effect between TP and FO on the performance and health of dairy calves. • Usage of 10% of tomato pomace had no adverse effect on calves' performance. • Adding 2.5% of flaxseed oil decreased calves' BW and increased fecal score. • Tomato pomace and flaxseed oil had synergic effect on calves' performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant status can result in reduced reproductive activity and fertility in aged male broiler breeders. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplements (natural or nanoparticles) on the sperm characteristics, antioxidant system, fertility, and hatchability of aged roosters (54–64 wk), and to estimate the relative bioavailability value (RBV) of nano-curcumin on the measured parameters including the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), motility, viability, sperm count, volume, the concentration of testosterone, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), diameter of the spermatogenic tube (DST), epithelium thickness (Epi Th), spermatogonia count (SP count), fertility, hatchability, and relative weight of testis (RW-testis). A total of 30 roosters were individually caged and randomly assigned to 5 treatments comprising control (without curcumin as the basal diet), basal diet + 15 mg/kg curcumin (CUR15), basal diet + 30 mg/kg curcumin (CUR30), basal diet + 15 mg/kg nano-curcumin (Nano15), and basal diet + 30 mg/kg nano-curcumin (Nano30) for 10 wk. The slope ratio method was used to estimate the bioavailability of nano-curcumin by regressing each response on supplemental curcumin intake. Increasing dietary curcumin (P < 0.001) elicited a linear response to all studied traits. The RBV for volume, viability, motility, HOST, RW-testis, and GPx were estimated as 135 (CI: 115–156%), 143 (CI: 114–173%), 159 (CI: 122–196%), 132 (CI: 107–157%), 195 (CI: 126–264%), 176 (CI: 103–249%), and 178% (28–328%), respectively. Our findings revealed that curcumin nanoparticles enhance the reproductive efficiency of aged breeder roosters. In addition, the curcumin nanoparticles RBV exceeded that of natural curcumin, suggesting that lower concentrations of curcumin nanoparticles could have a significant effect on reproductive characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effects of different levels of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) meal (MTM) on egg quality traits, oxidative stability, blood biochemical parameters and liver health indices in laying hens receiving diets supplemented with lipid from different sources. For this purpose, Leghorn laying hens (Hy‐Line W‐36) were randomly assigned to 12 experimental treatments with eight replicates of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of four dietary fat sources (fish oil, sunflower oil, poultry oil and fat powder, each with different fatty acid profiles) and three levels of MTM (0.0, 15 and 30 g/kg) offered through 10 days of adaptation and 70 days of main recording. Results showed that dietary inclusion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including fish or sunflower oils, reduced serum cholesterol content but increased blood malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (p < 0.05). While fish oil improved the yolk colour index and Haugh unit (p < 0.05), it decreased yolk cholesterol concentration (p < 0.01). The highest hepatic glycogen content and tissue integrity as well as the lowest liver lipid percentage and MDA content were observed in birds fed diets supplemented with poultry oil. On the other hand, feeding 30 g/kg of MTM reduced not only hepatic lipid percentage but also aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities (p < 0.01), while it improved eggshell strength and thickness (p < 0.05). Supplementation of fat powder enhanced hepatic C16:0 content, while addition of poultry, sunflower or fish oil increased C18:1, C18:2 or C20:5 concentrations respectively (p < 0.01); nonetheless, feeding the highest level of MTM reduced hepatic ΣSFA but increased Σn‐3 fatty acids (p < 0.01). The interaction effects indicated that fish or sunflower oil supplementation increased the MTM level required to reduce not only serum or egg cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.05) but also blood or hepatic MDA content (p < 0.01). It was concluded that fish oil and MTM (30 g/kg) supplements might improve internal egg quality traits and eggshell quality respectively. The hepatic fatty acid profile was also found strongly correlated with dietary fatty acids. Finally, the best hepatic health indices and the highest oxidative stability were achieved when the birds were fed diets supplemented with poultry oil and 30 g/kg of MTM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Replacing corn silage (CS) with pomegranate by product silage (PBS) improved in vitro fermentation parameters. • Feeding 120 g PBS increased milk yield and energy corrected milk in heat-stressed fresh dairy cows. • Cows fed PBS had higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility and lower ruminal ammonia-N production. • Feeding PBS (120 g/Kg DM) had no adverse effect on blood metabolite. • Replacing CS with PBS in diets appears to decrease the feeding cost in dairy farms. Two experiments were conducted to determine the best level of pomegranate by-products silage (PBS) in dairy cows ration and then its effect on transition dairy cows under heat stress condition was studied. In the first experiment, corn silage (CS) was replaced with the incremental levels of PBS [0, 60, 120 and 180 g PBS/kg dry matter (DM)] in total mixed ration (TMR) and then the nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters were studied using a dual flow continuous culture system. In the second experiment, effects of feeding PBS (120 g PBS addition per kg DM of TMR) on in vivo nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites and milk yield were investigated in 20 postpartum transition dairy cows under heat stress condition [average of temperature-humidity index (THI); 74.3 ± 2.58]. Fresh pomegranate by-products (PB) including peel and seed were ensiled in a bunker silo with addition 20 g urea/kg DM. Results of the first experiment showed that PBS had about 49 g phenolic compounds/kg DM. Replacing of CS in TMR with 60 g and 120 g PBS improved neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility. TMR supplemented with 120 g PBS produced greatest total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and molar proportion of propionate after fermentation, but molar proportion of acetate and acetate:propionate ratio were lowest. Results of second experiment showed that replacing of CS with 120 g PBS increased total milk production and energy corrected milk (ECM), but it decreased milk protein and lactose content. Feeding fresh cows with 120 g PBS increased their lying behavior compared to the control group (712.1 vs. 572.6 min. d). Cows fed 120 g PBS had higher ADF digestibility and lower crude protein (CP) digestibility than that the control group. Cows fed 120 g PBS numerically had greater serum glucose. It was concluded that replacing of CS with 120 g PBS had potential to increase milk yield in Holstein dairy cows under heat stress condition without any adverse effect on their blood metabolites or health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was carried out to assess the effects of a blend of herbal essential oils (namely Thymus vulgaris, Mentha piperita, Rosmarinus offisinalis and Anethum graveolens) and different dietary lipid sources on the performance, ileal bacterial enumeration, intestinal histological alterations and immune responses in laying hens. For this purpose, a total of 150 laying hens were randomly allocated to six experimental treatments with five replicates of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of three levels of a mixture of essential oils (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and two sources of lipid (soybean oil and fish oil containing different ratios of n‐6 to n‐3 fatty acids) fed to the animals during an 80‐days feeding trial. Findings indicated that dietary administration of fish oil not only increased significantly the spleen relative weight (p < 0.01) and the antibody titre against Newcastle virus (p < 0.05) but also led to reductions in liver relative weight (p < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mixture of herbal essential oils brought about declines in hepatic relative weight, heterophile to lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.05) and intestinal pathogen populations (p < 0.01). Mention must also be made of the improvements it made in spleen weight (p < 0.01), antibody titres against SRBC (p < 0.01) and Newcastle virus (p < 0.05), villus height to crypt depth ratio (p < 0.01), goblet cell numbers (p < 0.05), lamina propria lymphatic follicle diameters (p < 0.01) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.06). It may be claimed that the enhancements observed in the performance of laying hens fed fish oil and 200 mg/kg of the blend of essential oils could have potentially been associated with improved intestinal health indices as well as cellular and humoral immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laying hen manure (LHM) is a major source of pollution due to its high nitrogen (N) and moisture content (MC). Therefore, reducing the MC of LHM is necessary to retain its recyclable value and reduce environmental pollution. One effective way is by incorporating sodium bentonite (SB) and wheat straw (WS) as amendments in the LHM. This work aimed to optimize the drying conditions of LHM and investigate the effect of SB and WS utilization on the dehydration rate, reduction of crude protein (CP), and reduction of ammonium-N (N H 4 + -N). The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize these processes. For this purpose, two sets of experiments (drying of LHM with and without SB and Ws) were designed. The independent parameters were air temperature (70, 80, and 90 °C), air velocity (1, 1.5, and 2 m s−1), layer thickness (5, 10, and 15 mm), SB (2%, 4%, and 6%), and WS (3%, 7.5%, and 12%). The results indicated that temperature and WS had the most significant influence on all responses. To maximize the dehydration rate and minimize the reduction of CP and N H 4 + -N, the optimal conditions were a temperature of 78 °C, air velocity of 1 m s−1, and layer thickness of 5 mm in the first set of experiments, and a temperature of 80 °C, air velocity of 1.5 m s−1, layer thickness of 11 mm, 6% SB, and 12% WS in the second set of experiments. Under the optimum conditions, LHM treated with 6% SB and 12% WS retained 10% more CP and 58% more N H 4 + -N than untreated LHM. Therefore, according to the obtained results, SB and WS are recommended as additives to reduce the CP and N H 4 + -N losses of LHM during the drying process. • Laying hen manure (LHM) drying was optimized to reduce crude protein (CP) losses and microbial load. • The effect of sodium bentonite and wheat straw on CP and N H 4 + -N losses in LHM was evaluated. • Models were confirmed with experimental data to achieve the desired goal. • LHM treated with 6% SB and 12% WS retained 10% more CP and 58% more N H 4 + -N than untreated LHM. • Higher drying temperatures decreased the Salmonella colonies compared to lower temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purmorphamine is a Sonic Hedgehog agonist that plays an important role in activity regulation of receptors and transcription factors. This study was carried out to assess the effects of Purmorphamine on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, epigenetic changes of in vitro matured oocytes and development of parthenogenetic ovine embryos. Ovine ovaries were randomly collected from industrial slaughterhouse, and cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in media containing 250 or 500 ng/ml Purmorphamine or without Purmorphamine as a control group. Then, after in vitro maturation (IVM), Hoechst stain, cell tracker blue and histone H4K12 antibody were used, respectively to assess the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, and histone acetylation rate of matured oocytes. Matured oocytes were activated and cultured to the blastocysts stage in order to determine the parthenogenetic embryo cleavage rate. Expression of Histone Deacetylase 1, 2 and 3 (Hdac1 , Hdac2 and Hdac3 ) genes were evaluated in matured oocytes by quantitative Real Time PCR. Results showed that although the concentration of 500 ng/ml Purmorphamine had no significant influence on the oocyte nuclear maturation, it led to an increase in oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. Also, no significant difference in the rates of cleavage and blastocysts per cleavage was observed (P > 0.05) in the groups treated with Purmorphamine compared to the control. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that in 500 ng/ml Purmorphamine treatment, Hdac 2 and 3 transcripts decreased and the H4K12 acetylation increased significantly (P < 0.05). Consequently, this study showed that 500 ng/ml Purmorphamine can induce the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes, and may possibly be a good addative for improvement of ovine oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The fermentation of soybean meal increased the percentage of small-sized peptides. • Fermented soybean meal improved weight gain and starter intake in calves. • Fermented soybean meal reduced weaning-related pro-inflammatory responses in calves. • Calves fed fermented soybean meal were well adapted to weaning stress. We studied the effect of different levels of soybean meal (SBM) and fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on the growth performance, blood parameters and immune response of abruptly-weaned calves in cold weather. Thirty-nine Holstein calves (body weight = 39.5 ± 3.3 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: 27% SBM + 0% FSBM (FSBM0 , control, n = 13); 18% SBM + 9% FSBM (FSBM9, n = 13); and 13.5% SBM + 13.5% FSBM (FSBM13, n = 13) from October 2017 to January 2018. The average weekly temperature was 8.5 ± 2.3 °C (95%, confidence interval) over a period of 9 weeks (wk) of the experiment. All the calves were weaned abruptly by removing the milk meal at the age of 59 days, but remained in individual hutches until the end of the experiment. The FSBM used in our experiment had a higher crude protein content, a higher percentage of rumen-undegradable protein, and a higher percentage of small-sized peptides (consisting of 2 to 3 amino acids) than SBM. A treatment × wk interaction was detected for the average daily gain (ADG) in which FSBM13-fed calves gained the least at wk 2 of the experiment, but gained the most at wk 6, after which they gained as FSBM9-fed calves. Calves fed FSBM0 initially had the highest ADG but at the end of wk 8 and 9, gained the lowest. In addition, starter intake also showed a significant treatment × wk interaction, with FSBM13- and FSBM9-fed calves showing a higher starter intake between wk 8 and 9 than FSBM0-fed calves. Calves fed FSBM13 had a higher withers and hip height than those fed other diets. The percentage of neutrophils (NEU), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NEU:LYM), and serum glucose concentration were higher in FSBM0-fed calves, 1 and 3 days post-weaning (DPW, 0 DPW = 59 days), but they had a lower percentage of LYM compared to FSBM13-fed calves. The white blood cells (WBCs) count also showed a treatment × wk interaction, with FSBM9-fed calves having higher WBCs between -2 and 3 DPW. The insulin concentration also exhibited a treatment × wk interaction. In this way, the FSBM13-fed calves had the lowest level of insulin, but those fed FSBM0 significantly increased their insulin level between -2 and 3 DPW. The concentrations of interleukin 1B and serum amyloid A were lower in FSBM13-fed calves than in those fed other diets. In conclusion, in this study, feeding FSBM increased calf growth performance while reducing the weaning stress via a pronounced reduction in the concentration of pro-inflammatory mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-protein diets often lead to an increase in urea concentration in follicular fluid of dairy cows, which may reduce oocyte competence. In the present study, maturation media were supplemented with urea (0, 20, 40 mg/dl), and amino acids (AAs) turnover was evaluated in the 24-h spent media of specimens (cell types), bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), cumulus cells (CCs), or denuded oocytes (DOs). The main effects of urea and cell type, and their interaction were significant on the individual turnover (expect threonine, glycine, and tyrosine) and total turnover, depletion, and appearance of AAs. The results showed a high level of urea and DOs increased the depletion of all AAs and that of essential and non-AAs, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed the highest sensitivity of isoleucine, lysine, and tryptophan to urea, especially in DOs. Principal component analysis (PCA) evaluated the strong correlations between the turnover of: (1) glutamine, aspartic acid or glycine, and developmental competence and fertilization of COCs; (2) serine, isoleucine, valine or glutamic acid, and cleavage rate of DOs; and (3) serine, glutamine, aspartic acid or alanine, and CCs viability. In conclusion, urea significantly changed the turnover of AAs by COCs, CCs and DOs, and reduced the subsequent developmental competence of bovine oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]