Search

Background: Camel meat tainted with heavy metals or trace elements may pose a health risk to consumers. Heavy metal contamination poses a severe danger due to both their toxicity and bioaccumulation in the food chain. Aim: To estimate the residual levels of heavy metals (Co, Cr, Mn, Se, and As) in muscle, liver, kidney, hair, and serum of three camel breeds (Magaheem, Maghateer, and Wadha) collected from Al-Omran abattoir, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 225 tissue samples (muscles, liver, kidney, serum, and hair) were taken and analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Health risk assessment was assessed using the guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Results: Camel breed significantly (p < 0.05) influences Co, Cr, Mn, and Se accumulation and distribution in organs and muscle; however, arsenic accumulation was not significantly affected (p < 0.05) by camel breeds. The highest values of Co, Cr, Se, and Mn in all examined samples were detected in the liver samples of Maghateer and Magaheem breeds. Furthermore, significant strong positive correlation between serum and liver cobalt, chromium, manganese, and arsenic. The estimated daily intake owing to camel meat consumption was less than the tolerated daily intake. Conclusion: Heavy metals were distributed among different breeds of camel. Trace elements (Pb and Cd) in meat and offal were below the international maximum permissible limit. The correlation between samples reflects the role of hair as a good tool for the identification of heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biostimulation is a management practice that improves the reproductive parameters, potentiates the desire, and improves the reproductive efficiency during the short breeding season in camels. Aim: This study aims to investigate the concurrent changes in hormonal profiles in response to management and behavioral situations on camel farms in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 10 male and 50 female camels were used in this study. The hormonal profile of male camels was evaluated weekly starting from December to August. Results: The results show that both serum testosterone and cortisol levels increased (p < 0.01) from December to March compared to April to August. A strong negative correlation was observed between testosterone levels and temperature (r = −0.81, p < 0.05), and a similarly robust negative correlation was found between cortisol levels and temperature (r = −0.83, p < 0.05). The dominant rutting males showed higher levels of testosterone than the submissive males. Serum testosterone levels increased (p < 0.01) in males out of rutting after hearing the sounds of other couples before and during mating. Conclusion: Hearing sounds emitted during mating increases the testosterone output, and improves the libido of male camels during the nonrutting period. It is important to keep two individually housed males for mating purposes. One male joins the herd alone in winter (winter rutter), and the other joins in spring (spring rutter), this could keep the libido extended rutting and improve the reproductive performance in camel herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern poultry industry, the application of novel phytogenic bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential aims to enhance productivity and quality and to minimize the stress of associated diseases. Herein, myricetin, a natural flavonoid, was evaluated for the first time on broiler chickens' performance, antioxidants and immune modulating functions, and tackling avian coccidiosis. A total of 500 one-day-old chicks were divided into five groups. The negative (NC) and infected control (IC) groups were fed a control diet without additives, and the latter was infected with Eimeria spp. Groups supplemented with myricetin (Myc) were fed a control diet of Myc (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg diet each). On d 14, all chicks except those in NC were challenged with oocysts of mixed Eimeria spp. Significant improvements in the overall growth rate and feed conversion ratio were detected in the group that was fed 600 mg/kg, unlike the IC group. Notably, groups that were fed 400 and 600 mg/kg showed higher total meat antioxidant capacity with an inverse reduction in oxidative and lipid peroxidation biomarkers (hydrogen peroxide: H2O2; reactive oxygen species: ROS; Malondialdehyde: MDA). Of note, the upregulation of glutathione peroxidase; GSH-Px, catalase; CAT, superoxide dismutase; SOD, heme oxygenase-1; HO-1 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 NQO1 genes in jejunum and muscle were prominently observed with increasing levels of supplemental Myc. At 21 dpi, the severity of coccoidal lesions (p < 0.05) induced by mixed Eimeria spp. and oocyst excretion were greatly reduced in the group that was fed 600 mg/kg of Myc. In the IC group, higher serum levels of C-reactive protein; CRP and nitric oxide; and NO and the upregulated expression of inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin-1β; IL-1β, interleukin-6; IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α; TNF-α, chemotactic cytokines; CCL20, stromal cell-derived factor-1; CXCL13, and avian defensins; AvBD612) were subsided in higher levels in the Myc-fed groups. Taken together, these findings indicate the promising antioxidant role of Myc in modulating immune responses and reducing growth depression associated with coccidia challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in soybean meal (SBM) is considered the main question that motivates the poultry feed industry to develop its traditional processing techniques. Phytate and trypsin inhibitors are the prominent ANFs in SBM that inhibit nutrient digestion and absorption. One of the most recent and effective processing methods is fermentation of SBM with different fermentative microorganisms. Applying double stages of microbial fermentation of SBM, utilizing Asperigillus oryzae and Bacillus subtilis, was proven to be a highly effective method in eradication of most ANFs, such as phytate and trypsin inhibitors, while simultaneously improving SBM protein and amino acid content. Inclusion of double-fermented soybean meal (DFSBM) in broiler rations triggered better feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and amino acid transporters that improved the birds' weight gain and muscle nutritional value. Inclusion of microbial fermented soybean meal in broiler feed has induced advantageous outcomes for their performance and gastrointestinal health via exhibiting probiotic effects. In this study, soybean meal (SBM) was subjected to double-stage microbial fermentation utilizing functional metabolites of fungi and bacteria. In broiler diet, DFSBM replaced SBM by 0, 25, 50 and 100%. DFSBM was reported to have higher protein content and total essential, nonessential and free amino acids (increased by 3.67%, 12.81%, 10.10% and 5.88-fold, respectively, compared to SBM). Notably, phytase activity and lactic acid bacteria increased, while fiber, lipid and trypsin inhibitor contents were decreased by 14.05%, 38.24% and 72.80%, respectively, in a diet containing 100% DFSBM, compared to SBM. Improved growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility, including phosphorus and calcium, and pancreatic digestive enzyme activities were observed in groups fed higher DFSBM levels. In addition, higher inclusion levels of DFSBM increased blood immune response (IgG, IgM, nitric oxide and lysozyme levels) and liver antioxidant status. Jejunal amino acids- and peptide transporter-encoding genes (LAT1, CAT-1, CAT-2, PepT-1 and PepT-2) were upregulated with increasing levels of DFSBM in the ration. Breast muscle crude protein, calcium and phosphorus retention were increased, especially at higher inclusion levels of DFSBM. Coliform bacteria load was significantly reduced, while lactic acid bacteria count in broiler intestines was increased with higher dietary levels of DFSBM. In conclusion, replacement of SBM with DFSBM positively impacted broiler chicken feed utilization and boosted chickens' amino acid transportation, in addition to improving the nutritional value of their breast meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The emergence of antibiotics resistance is a warning sign to limit antibiotics usage as growth promoters in the poultry industry. Probiotics served as superior candidates for replacing antibiotics in the poultry sector. However, the beneficial functions of probiotics did not reach their targeted outcomes owing to the harsh environment in the poultry gut. In this context, evolution of biotechnological aids offers new avenues for increasing bioavailability and beneficial efficacy of in-feed additives including probiotics. Therefore, encapsulation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B. amyloliquefaciens) into nanocarriers boosted its growth-promoting purposes and consequently modulated the functions of digestive enzymes and kept the microbiota homeostasis towards the beneficial ones. The strengthening capability of B. amyloliquefaciens-loaded nanoparticles for broilers' gut barrier limited Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) colonization and shedding. This superior outcome would in turn interrupt the transmission cycle of C. jejuni through the food chain and consequently protect against its adverse consequences in humans. Probiotics as novel antibiotics' substitutes are verified to provide barriers for hindering the colonization of enteric bacterial pathogens with nutritional benefits. For enhancement of the probiotics' effectiveness, their integration within nanomaterials is a paramount tool to support the progress of new compounds with functional features. Therefore, we addressed the impact of effective delivery of probiotics (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) loaded nanoparticles (BNPs) on performance and Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) shedding and colonization in poultry. Two hundred Ross broiler chickens were divided into four groups fed various BNP levels: BNPs I, BNPs II, BNPs III, and BNPs-free diets for 35 days. Nanoparticles delivery of probiotics within broiler diets improved growth performance as reflected by higher body weight gain and superior feed conversion ratio, especially in BNPs II- and BNPs III-fed groups. In parallel, the mRNA expression levels of digestive enzymes encoding genes (AMY2a, PNLIP, CELA1, and CCK) achieved their peaks in BNPs III-fed group (1.69, 1.49, 1.33, and 1.29-fold change, respectively) versus the control one. Notably, with increasing the levels of BNPs, the abundance of beneficial microbiota, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, was favored over harmful ones, including Clostridium species and Enterobacteriaceae. Birds fed higher levels of BNPs displayed significant improvement in the expression of barrier functions-linked genes including DEFB1, FABP-2, and MUC-2 alongside substantial reduction in cecal colonization and fecal shedding of C. jejuni. From the aforementioned positive effects of BNPs, we concluded their potential roles as growth promoters and effective preventive aids for C. jejuni infection in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to compare the effects of dietary eubiotics or intravenous amino acid infusions (IVAAI) as two different growth promoters on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, performance, and blood biochemical parameters of buffalo calves in subtropical climatic conditions. Thirty male buffalo calves (284.40 ± 18.45 kg) were randomly distributed into three groups and fed a basal diet (BD) of concentrate feed mixture and roughages. The first group was fed BD and considered as the control, the second group was fed the BD supplemented with eubiotics at 1.0 kg/ton of concentrate, whereas the third group was intravenously infused with amino acid (IVAAI) injection at a dose of 2.0 ml/100 kg body weight. Results showed that the total gain and the average daily gain were improved (P < 0.05) with dietary eubiotics. The digestibility of some nutrients was increased (P < 0.05) with dietary addition of eubiotics. In addition, eubiotics stabilize (P < 0.05) the rumen pH, which reduce the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis but increased (P < 0.05) ruminal NH3-N and total volatile fatty acids. The rectal temperature was decreased (P < 0.05) with eubiotics supplementation. In conclusion, the use of eubiotics induced superior positive effects on the digestibility of nutrients, rumen fermentation, rumen enzymes, rumen protein concentration, growth performance, feed conversion, blood parameters and ameliorated the harmful effects of thermal stress of buffalo calves in comparison with intravenous infusion of amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the fects of different levels of dietary silver nanoparticle (AgNP) powder on performance, intestinal microflora, carcass traits and blood parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred seven-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups, each group replicated three times with 20 birds per replication. Chickens were fed the basal diet with 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg AgNPs per kg feed. Dietary inclusion of AgNPs improved the final body weight, cumulative weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The best broiler performance, carcass traits, and relative organ weights were observed in the group supplemented with 2.5 ppm AgNPs. Increasing the AgNP dose resulted in a significant decrease in the caecal lactose positive and enterococci bacteria populations, while lactobacilli counts were numerically increased. The silver residues in the breast and thigh muscle significantly increased (p <.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Dietary inclusion of AgNPs induced dose-dependent lesions in liver, kidney, spleen and duodenum tissues involving degeneration, necrosis, mononuclear infiltration and focal aggregation of inflammatory cells. In conclusion, despite its potential positive impacts on growth performance, carcass traits and caecal microbial population diversity at a dose of 2.5 ppm, dietary inclusion of AgNPs had the following negative effects on broilers: 1) silver residues in breast and thigh muscle, which may result in AgNPs transmission to consumers, and 2) cytotoxicity in intestinal, liver, spleen and kidney cells in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, we suggest the use of lower doses of AgNPs (< 2.5 ppm diet) in poultry production in the future studies. Dietary inclusion of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in broiler diets more than 2.5 mg/kg diets had many negative effects represented by accumulation of silver residue in broiler meat and the possibility of transmission of nanosilver to consumers. AgNPs had a cytotoxic effect on intestine, liver, spleen and kidney cells in a dose-dependent manner in broilers and might be harmful to chicken and human health. Therefore, we do not recommend using AgNPs as a dietary growth promotor or antibacterial agent in broiler diets and their use and marketing should be controlled and restricted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Yucca schidigera powder (YSP) on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumen enzyme activity, and growth performance of growing buffalo calves. A total of 15 buffalo calves aged approximately 8–10 months with 167 ± 3.5 kg average body weight were randomly assigned to three treatments with five calves/treatment. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control and YSP groups receiving either 1 g (T1) or 2 g (T2) YSP/ kg dry matter (DM) in the concentrate mixture. The results revealed that the digestibility of DM, ether extract (EE), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were significantly (P < 0.05) improved, whereas the digestibility of crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose were decreased (P < 0.05) with addition of YSP powder. Dietary supplementation with YSP affects (P < 0.05) rumen fermentation in terms of reducing ruminal ammonia-N, total volatile fatty acids, the molar proportion of acetate, ruminal enzyme activity and the total protozoa counts. In addition, supplemental YSP, particularly 2 g/kg DM, increased significantly (P < 0.05) the daily dry matter intake of feed, daily weight gain, blood glucose, and albumin levels. It can be concluded that YSP is one of the most effective ways to improve rumen fermentation, growth performance, and mitigation of ammonia and methane in livestock production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) as a substitution for soybean meal on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumen enzyme activity, blood metabolites, growth-related hormones, and growth performance of buffalo calves. Thirty buffalo calves eight to nine months of age with an average body weight of approximately 153.7 ± 0.97 kg were randomly distributed through three dietary treatments (ten calves/treatment). MLM inclusion rates were 15% (M15) and 20% (M20), replacing soybean meal by 50 and 75% in the concentrate mixture, respectively. The results indicated that, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter (OM), and crude fiber (CF) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with MLM inclusion, while the digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) reduced significantly (p < 0.05) with MLM addition. Dietary supplementation with MLM significantly affected (p < 0.001) rumen fermentation by reducing ruminal enzymes, ruminal ammonia-N, total protozoa, and acetate/propionate ratio and increasing acetic, propionic, and butyric acids and total volatile fatty acid concentrations (p < 0.001). Furthermore, dietary inclusion of 15% MLM significantly improved (p < 0.001) final body weight, dry matter intake of feed, daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, blood metabolites, and plasma insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I). It can be concluded that MLM is a multi-purpose protein supplement that provides some nutritional and therapeutic advantages when replacing 50% of soybean meal. Dietary supplementation of 15% MLM improved rumen fermentation, growth performance, blood metabolites, plasma IGF-I and mitigated ammonia and methane without any adverse effects in growing buffalo calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to elucidate the effects of short-term, high protein diet on ovarian activity and metabolic status in synchronized Ossimi ewes. Fourteen Ossimi ewes divided into a high protein (HPG; n = 7) and a control group (CG; n = 7). Estrous synchronized using two doses of Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) that were administered 10 days apart. For the five days before the second dose of PGF2-α, a high protein diet consisting of 20% crude protein was fed to the HPG and the CG was provided a maintenance diet. The estrus period was significantly longer and the ovulation rate was significantly higher in the HPG as compared to the CG (P < 0.05). A significantly longer ovulation time and larger diameter ovulatory follicles were observed in the HPG (P < 0.05). A high protein diet had a significant effect on the number of recruited follicles and the diameter of the ovulatory follicle (P < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of estradiaol-17β, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, blood urea, and glucose detected in the HPG as compared to CG ewes (P < 0.05). It is concluded that short-term, high protein flushing may improve estrus expression, ovarian activity, and metabolic status in PGF2α analog synchronized Ossimi ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolation from minced camel meat and identify the phenotype and genotype of the ESBL. A total of 150 samples were collected randomly from butchers' shops in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that, overall, 17 (11.3%) E. coli isolates were recovered from the minced meat samples. The isolates were classified biochemically at the species level using the VITEK 2 system. The antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli isolates was determined based on their MIC profile. The highest resistance was determined to be ampicillin (64.7%), doxycycline (23.5%), cefotaxime (23.5%) and ciprofloxacin (17.6%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was determined in four isolates. Screening of the 17 isolates for ESBLs revealed that, four strains were resistant to cefotaxime and ceftazidime. A combination disk test (CDT) was used for ESBL phenotype conformation. The ESBL-encoding genes were characterized by PCR. The four isolates produced CTX-M group- 1 ESBLs. The blaSHV gene was detected in one isolate and blaTEM in two isolates. The eaeA gene was detected in 3 isolates, stx2 gene in two isolates with the hlyA gene in one isolate. It can be concluded that there is clear evidence of the circulation of ESBLs producing E. coli in the minced camel meat. A high resistance was determined to ampicillin and doxycycline. The molecular detection of virulence genes may suggest the transmission of foodborne illness to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pre and post-lambing intramuscular (i.m.) injections of vitamin E (VE) and selenium (Se) on the performance, reproductive indices and metabolic status of Ossimi ewes. A total of 20 pregnant ewes were divided randomly into two equal groups of ten animals. The control group (CG) was administered 3 ml of normal saline. The treated group (TG) was administered a combination of 5 mg of sodium selenite and 450 mg of VE twice weekly for 2 weeks pre and post lambing. The performance, reproductive indices, colostrum and milk mineral profiles, blood metabolites and antioxidant enzyme biomarkers were investigated in this experiment. VE and Se supplementation had a significant effect on ewe, lamb performance, colostrum and milk mineral profiles. The treated ewes lost less weight (0.7 kg) compared with the ewes in the control group (3.68 kg) on 30th day postpartum (P<0.001). Lambs born to treated ewes were heavier than those born to control ewes (4.47 kg vs 3.99 kg, respectively), gained more daily weight quickly (268.66 vs. 226.00 g, respectively, P<0.001) and weighed more on 30th day post-lambing (12.53 vs. 10.77 kg, respectively, P<0.001). Treated ewes had higher concentrations of blood glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, antioxidant enzyme biomarkers, and lower concentrations of serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). VE and Se supplementation had a significant effect (P<0.05) on postpartum reproductive performance of ewes in terms of fast uterine involution, earlier resumption of ovarian function and ovulation with large size ovulatory follicles, and greater numbers of small, medium, and large-sized follicles. In conclusion, VE and Se supplementation during late gestation and early lactation could be considered an effective strategy for minimizing the weight loss of ewes, enhancing lamb performance, the antioxidant and metabolic status, which improves the reproductive performance of Ossimi ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress causes economic losses via decreasing feed intake, nutrient digestion, weight gain, feed conversion, immunity, carcass quality and increasing mortality in broilers. The aim of the study was to assess the ability of dietary additive combinations to ameliorate the detrimental effect caused by chronic heat stress (32 ± 2ºC for 24 h per d) on performance, carcass traits, metabolic status and economic efficiency of broiler chickens. A total of 420, one-day old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were assigned into seven treatment groups (n=60) of five replicates. Each replicate contained 12 unsexed chicks. The control groups did not receive any supplementation to the basal diet (thermoneutral control (TNC) and heat stress control (HSC) groups). The other groups received control diet supplemented with 1 % cumin plus 1 % turmeric powders (T1); 1.5 g/kg potassium chloride plus 2 g/kg sodium bicarbonate (T2); 1000 ppm propolis plus 15000 IU vitamin A (T3); 1200 ppb chromium plus 500 ppm vitamin C (T4) ; 1200 ppm betaine plus 500 ppm vitamin E (T5). The results indicated that at 42 d of age, all dietary additive combinations improved the growth performance indices, carcass traits, concentrations of serum antioxidant enzyme biomarkers, stress biomarkers and economic efficiency in comparison to HSC group. Based on the obtained results, it could be concluded that dietary supplementation with betaine and vitamin E followed by chromium and vitamin C combinations offers a good management practice for alleviating heat stress related depression in the performance of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the long-term influence of feeding ground barley treated with lactic acid (LA) alone or with LA and heat on performance, energy and protein balance in dairy cows. Thirty cows were fed three diets differing in the treatment of barley grain, either unprocessed ground barley (Control), ground barley steeped in 1% LA at room temperature (LA-treated barley) or ground barley steeped in 1% LA with an additional heating at 55°C (LAH-treated barley). Cows were studied from week 3 to 17 post-partum. Dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and composition and body weight (BW) were measured daily. Estimated energy and protein balances were calculated and blood samples were collected three times during the experiment and analysed for common metabolites of energy and lipid metabolism. Digestibility of different treated barley and other dietary ingredients was investigatedin vivousing four wethers. The treatment of barley with LA and LAH increased the digestibility of organic matter (OM) by approximately 5% and the content of metabolisable energy by 0.5–0.6 MJ/kg DM. Data showed no effect of feeding diets containing LA- or LAH-treated barley at 39% of DM on overall DMI, BW, BW change, milk production and composition and on the blood variables studied. Diet influenced the estimated balances of net energy of lactation (p < 0.01) and the content of utilisable protein at the duodenum (p = 0.07) with cows fed the diet with LA-treated barley showing improved balances. In conclusion, feeding diets containing LA- or LAH-treated barley had no influence on performance, milk composition and blood metabolites, but LA treatment without heat seems to improve the energy balance of cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of vitamin E (Vit E) and selenium (Se) injection on semen quality, testes measures and some blood parameters of Ossimi rams. Fourteen mature healthy Ossimi rams were randomly divided into two equal groups (7 rams in each). The first group served as control (CG), while 2nd group served as treatment group (TG). Rams of the TG were treated twice weekly with 5mg sodium selenite and 450mg Vit E for 1 month. Semen quantity (semen volume, and concentration of the semen ejaculated) and quality (mass motility and percentage of live and dead cells) were recorded twice weekly. Blood samples collection, testes measurements (testis length (TL), breadth (TB); and scrotal circumference (SC)) using measuring tape and caliper were recorded. Sonar examination of the testes (mediastinum testes and tunica albugenia) and all accessory gland measurements were performed every 2 weeks. Semen quality and quantity were significantly affected by treatments: the ejaculate volume, mass activity and sperm concentration increased (p <0.01) in treated rams in comparison with control ones. The percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa were reduced in the treated groups. Also ordinary testes measurements and sonar examination were mostly improved though the differences were not statistically significant. Pen libido test showed reduced reaction time for the first mount in treated rams. Serum testosterone, glutathione peroxidase and other blood parameters were elevated (p <0.05) in treated group in comparison with the control one. The results of this experiment confirm that injections of the combination of Vit E and Se during the breeding season improved semen characteristics and the overall reproductive performance of Ossimi rams. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aim: The isopods of the Crustacea are noteworthy. All marine, fresh, and brackish waterways at all depths are home to aquatic organisms. This order also includes species that live on land. This study aimed to report a new occurrence of the isopod Cirolana capricornica on the operculum, mouth, and body cavities of Epinephilus chlorostigma in the Suez Governorate, Egypt. Materials and Methods: With the help of fishermen, 50 live E. chlorostigma (Linnaeus, 1758) were randomly gathered along the Red Sea coast of the Suez Governorate during November and December 2019 for the current investigation. Isopods were isolated from the fish samples and captured using light and electron microscopy for morphological identification. Results: Some fish were emaciated, and minute white isopods were attached externally to the skin near the gills and mouth cavity, and internally to the mouth cavity. No correlation was observed between body cavity attachment and gross lesions. The prevalence of infestation was 16%. Conclusion: C. capricornica was identified using optical and electron microscopy to analyze the isopod specimens' morphology. This scavenging isopod species is newly discovered in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulated phytochemicals with augmented therapeutic and nutritional characteristics have become promising alternatives to antimicrobials in the poultry industry. Hence, our key target was to explore the efficacy of liposomal encapsulation, as a novel carrier, for essential oils (LEOs) on growth, digestibility, intestinal microbiota, and bacterial metabolites of broiler chickens. Moreover, the impact of encapsulated EOs on transcription mechanisms targeting the genes encoding digestive enzymes, gut barrier functions and antioxidant potential of broiler chickens was evidenced. Four equal broiler groups were fed 4 basal diets fortified with LEOs (oregano, cinnamon, and clove) at the levels of 0, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg diet. Our findings revealed significant improvement in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of birds fed higher levels of LEOs. These results came concurrently with increasing the activities of digestive enzymes at both serum and molecular levels and consequently nutrient digestibility (dry matter, ether extract, crude protein, and crude fiber) in these groups. Remarkably, the abundance of beneficial bacteria as well as the bacterial metabolites (valeric acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, and total short-chain fatty acids) was increased, while that of pathogenic ones was reduced following dietary inclusion of LEOs. Of note, the mRNA expression of genes encoding antioxidant stability [catalase ( CAT ), superoxide dismutase 1 ( SOD-1 ), glutathione peroxidase 1 ( GPX-1 ), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 ( NRF2 ), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 ( NQO1 ), and heme oxygenase-1 ( HO-1 )] as well as barrier functions [mucin-2 ( MUC-2 )] and tight junction proteins, TJP [junctional adhesion molecule-2 ( JAM-2 ) and occludin] were noticeably upregulated in broilers fortified with 400 mg/kg diet of LEOs. Overall, the present work recommended dietary inclusion of LEOs as beneficial additives for attaining targeted performance, gut health and antioxidant stability in poultry farming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]