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The study investigated the effects of violin note B7 (Violin), double bass note E1 (Bass) and Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448 (Mozart), on laying hens in terms of the production performance, egg quality and physiological characteristics. One hundred and sixty 600-day-old laying hens (ISA Brown) were randomly categorised into four groups with four replicates (10 hens/ replicate), and exposed to specific sound frequency for 12 weeks. The results indicated that Violin group presented significantly higher thick albumin height, Haugh unit and yolk index compared to the control group (p <.05). The treatment groups exhibited higher level of glutathione peroxidase in the jejunum–ileum and serum compared to the control group (p <.05). The Violin and Bass groups displayed lower levels of interleukin (IL)-1β in the jejunum–ileum, while the levels of IL-6 were lower in treatment groups compared to the control group (p <.05). The expression of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) gene was lower in the treatment groups than the control group (p <.05). Bass and Mozart groups exhibited lower messenger RNA (mRNA) level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) compared to those in the control group. The number of ASVs (amplicon sequence variants) in the jejunum–ileum of the Violin group was three times higher than that in the control group. These observations suggest that specific sound frequency stimulation can enhance the egg quality and also aid in regulating oxidative stress of laying hens. Highlights: Specific sound frequency stimulation has the potential to improve egg quality. Targeted sound frequency stimulation can assist in the regulation of oxidative stress in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most recognizable natural secondary carotenoid astaxanthin producer, the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis cultivation is performed via a two-stage process. The first is dedicated to biomass accumulation under growth-favoring conditions (green stage), and the second stage is for astaxanthin evolution under various stress conditions (red stage). This mini-review discusses the further improvement made on astaxanthin production by providing an overview of recent works on H. pluvialis, including the valuable ideas for bioprocess optimization on cell growth, and the current stress-exerting strategies for astaxanthin pigment production. The effects of nutrient constituents, especially nitrogen and carbon sources, and illumination intensity are emphasized during the green stage. On the other hand, the significance of the nitrogen depletion strategy and other exogenous factors comprising salinity, illumination, and temperature are considered for the astaxanthin inducement during the red stage. In short, any factor that interferes with the cellular processes that limit the growth or photosynthesis in the green stage could trigger the encystment process and astaxanthin formation during the red stage. This review provides an insight regarding the parameters involved in bioprocess optimization for high-value astaxanthin biosynthesis from H. pluvialis.

This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium by‐product (ACBP) on growth performance and immune response in weaning piglets. Total available content and antioxidant capacity of ACBP were determined. Ninety‐six black pigs were randomly distributed to 24 pens. Study compared four groups which were supplemented with ACBP at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, or 10% for 6 weeks after weaning at 4 weeks. Results showed that ACBP on total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total triterpenoids contents were 13.68 mg GAE/g DW, 1.67 μg QE/g DW, and 15.6 mg/g, respectively. Weaning piglets fed 2.5% ACBP showed a significant decreased body weight gain compared with those supplemented with 5% ACBP, 10% ACBP, and control groups. Results showed that all ACBP groups increased the villi height of jejunum significantly. Incidence of diarrhea in 11 weeks with supplementation with 5% and 10% ACBP diets were lower than in control group. The 10% ACBP group showed significantly lower expression of immune response genes (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ) than the 2.5% and 5% ACBP groups. Based on results, dietary supplementation with 10% ACBP did not significantly affect body weight but could decrease piglet diarrhea condition and expression of IL‐1β and IL‐6 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of Phyllanthus emblica leaves and branches mixture (PE) on growth performance, oxidative status and intestinal characteristics in broilers, as well as the in vitro antioxidant potential of PE extract (PEE). As the result of in vitro evaluation, the PEE had a total phenolic compound content of 95.5 ± 2.75 mg of Gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (DW), and a total flavonoid content of 3.04 ± 0.06 mg of quercetin equivalent/g DW. The PEE exhibited significant antioxidant activity through various mechanisms, including chelation of ferrous iron, reducing power, scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, inhibition of liposome peroxidation and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). A total of 320 Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated into four groups: control, basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1%, 2% PE. Each group was fed for 35 d. The results showed that the group fed with 0.5% PE had significantly better weight gain, and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. Moreover, each PE group significantly reduced coliform and Clostridium perfringens in the ileum and caecum. Additionally, PE group with 0.5% concentration had significantly higher villus height in the jejunum compared to the other group. Furthermore, compared to the control group, each PE group had significantly lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the serum. In the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of chickens, each PE group showed significantly higher mRNA levels of antioxidant-regulated genes, including Nrf2, GST, GCLC, SOD1 and HO-1. In contrast, the expression levels of NOX1 and ROMO1 genes were significantly lower. In conclusion, the inclusion of 0.5% PE in the basal diet could have a positive impact on the growth performance of broilers by modulating intestinal characteristics and oxidative status. Phyllanthus emblica affects the growth performance, oxidative status and intestinal characteristics in broilers. The 0.5% PE group had significantly better weight gain and improved FCR. The 0.5% PE in the basal diet could potentially enhance growth performance by modulating intestinal characteristics and oxidative status in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rusa unicolor swinhoei is an economically important animal in Taiwan, owing to the market demand for its velvet antler. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and structure of Formosan sambar deer using microsatellites. The observed genetic diversity was low, which is likely attributable to inbreeding and bottleneck effects. Moreover, this study revealed two distinct genetic groups within the captive populations and found no significant population genetic structure among the captive populations in Taiwan. These findings have the potential to improve breeding management and contribute to the mitigation of inbreeding, thereby promoting the productive potential of Formosan sambar deer. Formosan sambar deer (Rusa unicolor swinhoei) are of great economic significance in Taiwan, resulting in a substantial increase in deer farming to meet the high demand for velvet antlers. Inbreeding depression and reduced genetic variability can lead to the deterioration of captive populations. In this study, 239 Formosan sambar deer were genotyped using 13 microsatellites to analyze their genetic diversity and population genetic structure. Our results indicate a high-resolution power of these microsatellites in individual discrimination and parentage analysis. However, captive populations exhibit a low level of genetic diversity, likely because of inbreeding and bottleneck effects. Both principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analyses revealed two distinct and segregated genetic groups within the captive populations and indicated no clear population genetic structure among the captive populations. Introducing new genetic material from the wild through translocation offers a potential solution for mitigating the impact of inbreeding and enhancing genetic diversity. The comprehensive information obtained from these genetic analyses is crucial for the development of effective breeding strategies aimed at preserving and enhancing Formosan sambar deer populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Black pigs are the most competitive hogs in Taiwan as they have a higher price than commercial non-black hogs due to their desirable meat quality for locals, and they have accounted for 15% of Taiwan's hog production since 2011. However, the litter sizes before the weaning of local black sows are much smaller than those of maternal breeds such as Landrace and Yorkshire, which are commonly used in Taiwan. Herd productivity is highly influenced by dam litter size and piglet weight before weaning. The KHAPS Black Pig was registered as a new breed in Taiwan in 2010 and was designed as a maternal line for black hog production. The direct–maternal genetic effects on litter size and piglet weight were tested for selection efficiency. The direct–maternal genetic correlation had a great impact on the prediction of maternal breeding value. Therefore, it is crucial to estimate the direct–maternal genetic parameters of litter size and piglet weight to assist future selection decisions for the genetic progress of this new breed. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of litter size and piglet weight from farrowing to weaning in KHAPS Black sows. The genetic parameters investigated were the direct (h2d), maternal (h2m), realized (h2r), and total (h2T) heritability, as well as correlations (rd, rm, and rdm) within and between traits. The analyses were performed using single- and three-trait animal models with and without maternal genetic effects. In the three-trait model with maternal genetic effect, all estimates of h2d and h2m were significantly different from zero except the h2d of mean birth weight. Positive values of rd and rm between traits were observed as expected in the range of 0.322–1.000. Negative values of rdm were found within and between traits and were less associated with mean piglet weight traits than litter size traits. Estimates of h2T were consistently larger than those of h2r in both the single- and three-trait model analyses. In addition, the three-trait model can take into account the association between the traits, so the estimates are more accurate with smaller SEs. In conclusion, maternal genetic effects were not negligible in this study, and thus, a multiple-trait animal model with maternal genetic effects and full pedigree is recommended to assist future pig breeding decisions in this new breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of triiodothyronine (T3)- or dopamine (Dp)-supplemented diets on oxygen consumption by Na+, K+-ATPase activity in broiler chicks. Five groups, each with twenty-four 6-day-old chicks, randomly received one of the five dietary treatments: (1) Basal diet (commercial broiler rations with 23.0% crude protein and 3,133 kcal metabolizable energy/kg) or CON, (2) basal diet plus 0.7 μmol Dp/kg diet or Dp0.7, (3) basal diet plus 2.4 μmol Dp/kg diet or Dp2.4, (4) basal diet plus 1.9 μmol T3/kg diet or T1.9, and (5) basal diet plus 3.8 μmol T3/kg diet or T3.8 from 6 to 14 days of age. There were four replicates per treatment and 120 birds in total. At 14 days of age, three chicks from each replicate of each treatment were pooled into a flock and fed commercial broiler diets until 7 weeks of age. Compared to CON group, birds fed with T3-supplemented diets had lower thyroid, abdominal fat pad, gizzard and pancreas weight, and heavier heart weight adjusted for fasted body weight. Chicks with T1.9 had lower ileal densities at 14 day old compared with those in Dp groups or CON. Chicks with T3.8 exhibited greater duodenal and jejunal O2 consumptions as well as ouabain-sensitive O2 consumptions of jejunum and small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) by 46.5%, 58.3%, 40.6%, and 26.4% increases, than those in CON. Partial correlation analysis revealed that the weight and length of the small intestine were negatively correlated with body weight gain. Oxygen consumption in the various small intestinal segments was negatively correlated with their respective densities (mg/mm2). In conclusion, a greater oxygen requirement for maintaining ouabain-sensitive respiration (Na+-K+-ATPase) in the intestine limits energy availability to support gastrointestinal tract growth and, thereby, may result in lower body weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial and sand mining activities have severely degraded the water quality of the Kelantan River, as well as the river ecosystem. However, there have been inadequate studies on the effect of industrial and sand mining on organisms in the Kelantan River. Therefore, this study assessed the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in the bivalves of genus (Polymesoda expansa) marsh clams from the Kelantan River tributaries, namely the Geting River and the Semarak River, which are located near to an industrial and a sand mining area, respectively. More than 50 marsh clams were collected at these sites. Heavy metals in marsh clams were extracted using aqua regia methods and analyzed using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS). The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu at the Semarak River were 4.61, 2.16, 194 and 6.20 mg/kg, respectively. Accordingly, the concentrations at the Geting River were 4.43, 2.50, 196 and 7.90 mg/kg, respectively. The pattern of metal concentrations within the whole tissue of marsh clams from the Geting River and the Semarak River were in the following order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd (concentration in mg/kg). The mean concentration of selected metals (Zn, Cd, Pb) in the studied samples exceeded the permissible limit set by the Malaysia Food Safety and Food Regulation 1985, the Food and Agricultural Organization, the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health Thailand, and the Food and Drug Administration of United States (USFDA). Therefore, continuous monitoring of these bioindicators is essential to minimize the increasing health risk for aquatic life, as well as in food sources for human consumption, in the Kelantan River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in protein expression in the testes of ganders at various breeding stages. A total of nine 3-year-old male White Roman ganders were used. The blood and testis samples were collected at the nonbreeding, sexual reactivation, and breeding stages for sex hormone analysis and proteomic analysis, respectively. The testicular weight and serum testosterone observed for ganders at the breeding stage were higher than those for ganders at nonbreeding and sexual reactivation stages (P < 0.05). There were 124 protein spots differentially expressed in the testes of ganders at various reproductive stages. A total of 107 protein spots of 74 proteins was identified through mass spectrometry. Most of the differentially expressed proteins were responsible for the molecular functions of protein binding (24%) and catalytic activity (16%). A functional pathway analysis suggested that proteins involved in steroidogenesis, metabolism, and spermatogenesis pathways changed in the White Roman geese at various reproductive stages. In conclusion, ganders at various reproductive stages exhibited different levels of testosterone and protein expression in the testes. The varied levels of the proteins might be essential and unique key factors in seasonal reproduction in ganders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits worldwide, producing over 100 million tons in 2013. Banana peel, a byproduct that represents 40% of the entire banana's weight, is rich in bioactive compounds and has a high antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use banana peel powder (BPP) as an antioxidant broiler feed additive. The bioactive compound and antioxidant capacity of BPP were determined. The results showed that BPP contained 872.7 GAE/100 g DM of total phenolic content, and gallocatechin was detected at a concentration of 91 mg/100 g DM, and BPP's ferrous chelating ability, ferric ion reducing ability power, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging capacity indicated its high antioxidant capacity. A total of 216 one-day-old Ross 308 female broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of four groups that received the basal diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, or 2% dry BPP for 35 d. The results showed that the 0.5% BPP-supplemented group had increased serum SOD activity and lowered serum malondialdehyde levels, while the liver mRNA expression of Nrf2, SOD, CAT, GPx, and HO-1 were upregulated in the 0.5% and 1% BPP-supplemented groups. In conclusion, the current study shows that BPP has a potent antioxidant capacity and dietary supplementation with 0.5% BPP enhances antioxidative status, suggesting that BPP has potential as an antioxidant feed additive. Banana peel has abundant bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Banana peel enhance the antioxidant status of broilers by up-regulating Nrf2/ARE associated genes. Banana peel has potential as an antioxidant feed additive in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of T-2 toxin and antioxidants on the incidence and severity of angel wing in White Roman geese. Twelve pens were used in this study, and half of them received dietary supplementation of T-2 toxin (10 ppm) and antioxidants (vitamin C 1000 ppm plus Se 0.3 ppm). Each pen contained birds from the normal wing line (NL), the selected angel wing line (AL), and a controlled commercial line (CL). The results showed that there was no significant difference in the body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of goslings that were supplemented from birth to 6 weeks of age with T-2 toxin and antioxidants. The alkaline phosphatase level in the T-2 toxin group was lower than that in the control group at 4 and 6 weeks. The haemoglobin level in the T-2 toxin group was lower than that in the control group at 6 weeks. There was a significant interaction between T-2 toxin and antioxidants in the severity score of angel wing (SSAW) and incidence of angel wing (IAW) at 6 weeks. In conclusion, the results suggest that a diet supplemented with T-2 toxin does reduce alkaline phosphatase levels. When the diet contained T-2 toxin and antioxidants, the SSAW and IAW increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to ascertain the feasibility of using rice straw fermented by Trichoderma as ruminant roughage. Three species or three strains of Trichoderma (NTLg-Te S5-1, NTLg-Te S9-1, and Tien Chung Ca6-1) were used to inoculate hot water-sterilized rice straw. Result showed that rice straw fermented with Trichoderma NTLg-Te S5-1 had the highest cellulase and xylanase activity. Antioxidant ferulic acid content of water extract was improved after fermentation. Eighteen Barbados sheep were randomly distributed into one of three dietary groups. Ration of Bermuda hay group (BER) is 90% Bermuda hay with 10% concentrate. Unfermented rice straw (RS) group and fermented rice straw (FRS) group substituted 25% of Bermuda hay with rice straw or fermented rice straw. Dry matter intake, daily weight gain, blood analysis, and feed conversion ratio were not significantly different among groups after 4 weeks of trial. Dry matter digestibility of BER was the highest, and of FRS was significantly higher than RS. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum of FRS and BER was lower than RS. These results indicated that 25% substitution of Bermuda hay with Trichoderma-fermented rice straw in the diet of Barbados sheep could increase digestibility and inhibit lipid oxidation when compared to unfermented rice straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian embryos are among the most convenient and the primary representatives for the study of classical embryology. It is well-known that the hatching time of duck embryos is approximately one week longer than that of chicken embryos. However, the key features associated with the slower embryonic development in ducks have not been adequately described. This study aimed to characterize the pattern and the speed of early embryogenesis in Brown Tsaiya Ducks (BTD) compared with those in Taiwan Country Chicken (TCC) by using growth parameters including embryonic crown-tail length (ECTL), primitive streak formation, somitogenesis, and other development-related parameters, during the first 72 h of incubation. Three hundred and sixty eggs from BTD and TCC, respectively, were incubated at 37.2°C, and were then dissected hourly to evaluate their developmental stages. We found that morphological changes of TCC embryos shared a major similarity with that of the Hamburger and Hamilton staging system during early chick embryogenesis. The initial primitive streak in TCC emerged between 6 and 7 h post-incubation, but its emergence was delayed until 10 to 13 h post-incubation in BTD. Similarly, the limb primordia (wing and limb buds) were observed at 51 h post-incubation in TCC embryos compared to 64 h post-incubation in BTD embryos. The allantois first appeared around 65 to 68 h in TCC embryos, but it was not observed in BTD embryos. At the 72 h post-incubation, 40 somites were clearly formed in TCC embryos while only 32 somites in BTD embryos. Overall, the BTD embryos developed approximately 16 h slower than the chicken embryo during the first 72 h of development. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to describe two distinct developmental time courses between TCC and BTD, which would facilitate future embryogenesis-related studies of the two important avian species in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary supplementation ofTrichoderma pseudokoningiienzyme powder (EP) and its effect on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and antioxidative status of broilers.In vitroexperiments showed that xylanase and cellulase activities of EP were 487.96 ± 14.14 U/g and 18.55 ± 0.54 U/g, respectively. Total phenolic and ferulic acid content was 4.79 ± 0.35 mg GAE/g DW and 4.38 ± 0.32 μM/g DW, respectively. A total of 240 d-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly subjected to one of four treatments, namely diets supplemented with dry EP at 0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.4% for 35d. Results showed that in the starter phase (1–21 d), the EP supplemented groups had improved body weight, weight gain and FCR compared to the control group. The villus:crypt ratio of both jejunum and ileum in all EP-treated groups was significantly higher than that of the control group. When testing serum antioxidant activity, results showed that 0.2% and 0.4% EP supplementation significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity in both the finisher phase and the overall experimental period. In addition, catalase activity was elevated in all EP supplemented groups in both the finisher phase and throughout the experimental period. 0.1% EP seemed to have no effect during the starter period. Serum malondialdehyde concentration was not affected by EP supplementation. These results suggest that EP is potential feed additive in terms of improving broiler performance and enhancing antioxidative status, while also providing an optimal intestinal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study evaluated the effects of 10% solid-state fermentation (SSF) wheat bran (WB) by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) in broiler diets, on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota and serum characteristics of broiler chickens. The results showed that fermented wheat bran with BA or BA and SC reduced NDF and ADF contents in WB material. A total of 240 male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into four feeding groups: (1). Basal diet with 10% WB (control treatment). (2). Basal diet that replaced WB with fermented WB by BA (FWBA). (3). Fermented WB by SC (FWSC), and (4). Fermented WB by BA and SC (FWBA+SC), each group was fed these particular diets for 35 d. Results demonstrated that replacement of WB with FWBA and FWBA+SC improved feed conversion ratio (d 1 to d 35) compared to the control group. Moreover, the 10% FWBA group significantly enhanced the lactic acid bacteria count in the ileum of 35 d old broilers. Compared to the control group, the 10% FWBA and 10% FWSC groups, showed significantly increased ileal lactic acid levels, and in the 10% FWSC group, the ileum villus height was significantly increased in 35 d old broilers. However, treatments with 10% FWBA and 10% FWBA+SC had a tendency to reduce serum cholesterol. In conclusion, a 10% FWBA replacement in the diet could ameliorate health status in broilers by improving growth performance, modulating intestinal microbiota and increasing lactic acid in the ileum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment investigated the effects of wheat bran fermented withTrichoderma pseudokoningii(FWB) on growth performance, intestinal morphology and the incidence of non-specific pathological lesions in broilers.In vitroexperimental results showed that cellulase and xylananse activity of fermented wheat bran reached its peak at day 4 and solid-state fermentation (SSF) enhanced the reducing sugar content. In addition, the possibility ofTrichodermaadhering to the broiler’s crop epitheliums was also discovered. A total of 180 day-oldRoss308 male broilers were randomly distributed into one of the three dietary groups until 35 d of age: basal diet (control), 10% of basal diet replaced with wheat bran (10% WB) or 10% of diet replaced with fermented wheat bran (10% FWB). Results showed that 10% FWB group had lower feed consumption than the others, but improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) for starter phase (1 to 21 d) when compared to the control group. Furthermore, 10% FWB group had significantly increased villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio in the ileum compared to the control group.Coliformbacteria count in the ileum was lower in the 10% WB group than the control, however, there were no differences between the 10% WB and 10% FWB treatment groups in theC. perfringenscount. There were no morphological changes or incidences of non-specific pathological lesions in the 10% FWB group. These results suggested that replacing 10% of a basal diet with fermented wheat bran could not only improve growth performance but also provide optimal intestinal morphology in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Toona sinensis(TS) leaf is a well-known traditional oriental medicine herb. The purpose of this study was to evaluatein vitroantioxidant capability and performance assessment of White Roman goose supplemented with dried TS leaves (TSL). The TSL extracts contained 22.23 ± 1.13 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (DW) and 1.38 ± 0.06 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW of total phenolics and flavonoid contents. The scavenging action of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and superoxide anion was as good as that of the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid, respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation of TSL extracts at 2.5 mg/mL reached nearly 40% compared with the BHT. One hundred and eight White Roman geese aged 6 weeks were distributed to six pens randomly, and fed a grower dietad libitumduring the growing period, with each pen containing nine males and nine females following completely randomized design. Diets were supplemented with the following levels of dried TSL: 0% (control), 0.1% or 0.2% groups for 6 weeks, respectively. The results revealed no significant effects among treatments in the growth performance, blood biochemical parameters and muscle fibre of the grower geese. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) content of the serum in the 0.2% TSL group was significantly higher than that of the control group. In conclusion, dried TSL powder has antioxidative effectsin vitroand could serve as a promising natural feed additive to improve the serum SOD content of grower geese. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of short light regimes and lower dietary protein content on the reproductive performance of White Roman geese in an environment- controlled house. Thirty-two ganders and 80 geese during the third laying period were allotted into 16 pens, randomly assigned into a split-plot design with two different lighting regimes: (1) short light regimes (SL) with 6.5 h of light and 17.5 h of dark (6.5L:17.5D), and (2) long light regimes (LL) with 19L:5D during the 6-wk prelaying period, followed by two different levels of protein diets (Low CP: 15% vs . High CP: 18%) for the laying period. The results showed that birds treated with the SL light regime had a heavier body weight compared to those treated with LL at the arrival of the peak period of egg production (6.19 vs. 5.87 kg, P < 0.05). Geese under LL had a longer laying period than those under SL treatment (277 vs. 175 day, P < 0.05), while the geese under SL treatment had a higher laying intensity (15.4% vs. 12.6%, P < 0.05), fertility and hatchability than those under LL treatment. Our results suggest that the White Roman geese treated with 6-wk short light regime during the prelaying period and on the low CP diet during the laying period found conditions sufficient to sustain their regular reproduction performance, which would benefit geese farmers in the perspectives of energy saving and prolonged laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is an essential external factor influencing various physiological processes, including reproductive performance, in birds. Although several attempts have been made to understand the effect of light on poultry production, the effect of light of a particular wavelength (color) on the reproductive function in geese remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of various monochromatic light sources on the levels of sex hormone and on semen quality of ganders. Of 30 male White Roman geese in their third reproductive season (average age = 3 years), 27 were divided into three groups receiving monochromatic white or red or blue lights. The birds were kept in an environmentally controlled house with a lighting photoperiod of 7L:17D for six weeks as the adaptation period. The photoperiod was subsequently changed to 9L:15D and maintained for 24 weeks. Three ganders at the beginning of the study and three from each group at the end of the adjusting period and the 20th and 30th week of the study period were sacrificed, and their testes and blood samples were collected for determining the sex hormone levels. Semen samples were collected for determining semen quality parameters, including the semen collection index, sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm morphology, and semen quality factor. The results showed that the testosterone and estradiol levels remained unchanged in all three groups at all time points. The ratio of testosterone to estradiol of ganders exposed to white light was significantly higher than that of ganders exposed to red light at the 30th week ( P < 0.05). Semen collection index and sperm viability of ganders exposed to blue light were significantly the lowest ( P < 0.05). Moreover, sperm motility, sperm viability, and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa of ganders in white light were the highest ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that artificial illumination with white light may maintain a better semen quality than that with red or blue lights in ganders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mushroom waste compost is the main byproduct when cultivating mushrooms. Due to its high mycelium content, mushroom waste compost may improve animal health by increasing antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that supplementing animal diets with fiber could improve body composition and health. The results showed that supplementation with mushroom waste compost accelerates adipolysis and enhances the antioxidant capacity of broilers. Among all treatment groups, broilers given dietary supplementation with 0.5% mushroom waste compost showed improved feed conversion rate and the highest adipose metabolism. Pennisetum purpureum Schum No. 2 waste mushroom compost (PWMC) is the main byproduct when cultivating Pleurotus eryngii. Due to the high mycelium levels in PWMC, it may have potential as a feed supplement for broilers. This study investigated the effects of PWMC supplementation on antioxidant capacity and adipose metabolism in broilers. In the study, 240 broilers were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: basal diet (control), 0.5%, 1%, or 2% PWMC supplementation. Each treatment group had 60 broilers, divided into three replicates. The results showed that supplementation with 0.5% PWMC decreased the feed conversion rate (FCR) from 1.36 to 1.28, compared to the control. Supplementation with 0.5% or 2% PWMC decreased glucose and triglyceride levels, compared to the control (p < 0.0001), the concentrations of adiponectin and oxytocin increased from 5948 to 5709, 11820, and 7938 ng/ mL; and 259 to 447, 873, and 963 pg/ mL, respectively. Toll-like receptor 4 was slightly increased in the 0.5% and 1% PWMC groups. Both interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were significantly decreased, by about three to five times for IFN-γ (p < 0.0001) and 1.1 to 1.6 times for IL-1ß (p = 0.0002). All antioxidant-related mRNA, including nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and superoxidase dismutase-1 (SOD-1), increased significantly following PWMC supplementation. Both claudin-1 and zonula occludens 1 increased, especially in the 2% PWMC group. Excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) significantly increased by about 5, 12, and 11 times in the 0.5%, 1%, and 2% PWMC groups. All adipolysis-related mRNA were induced in the PWMC treatment groups, further enhancing adipolysis. Overall, 0.5% PWMC supplementation was recommended due to its improving FCR, similar antioxidant capacity, and upregulated adipolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The stress and anti-nutrient effect caused by environmental problems and animal feed is an urgent problem in poultry production. As ancient probiotics, Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae can effectively improve the immunity of animals. Furthermore, the anti-nutrient object, phytate, reduces nutrition absorption. Therefore, S. cerevisiae or A. oryzae with phytase co-fermentation may help solve these problems. Results show that the addition of a fermentation product can effectively reduce the inflammatory response and drop the number of harmful bacteria in the ileum of broilers. Among them, A. oryzae fermentation product has a better effect than S. cerevisiae fermentation product. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzae are both ancient probiotic species traditionally used as microbes for brewing beer and soy sauce, respectively. This study investigated the effect of adding these two probiotics with phytase fermentation products to the broilers diet. Fermented products possess protease and cellulase, and the activities were 777.1 and 189.5 U/g dry matter (DM) on S. cerevisiae fermented products (SCFP) and 190 and 213.4 U/g DM on A. oryzae fermented products (AOFP), respectively. Liposaccharides stimulated PBMCs to produce nitric oxide to 120 μmol. Both SCFP and AOFP reduced lipopolysaccharides stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) nitric oxide release to 40 and 60 μmol, respectively. Nevertheless, in an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, SCFP and AOFP also increased the survival rate of lipopolysaccharides stimulated PBMCs by almost two-fold compared to the negative control. A total of 240 broilers were divided into four groups as Control, SCFP 0.1% (SCFP), SCFP 0.05% + AOFP 0.05% (SAFP), and AOFP 0.1% (AOFP) groups, respectively. Each group had 20 broilers, and three replicate pens. The results showed that the addition of SCFP, SAFP, and AOFP groups did not affect the growth performances, but increased the jejunum value of villus height and villus: crypt ratio on SAFP and AOFP groups compared to the control and SCFP groups. Furthermore, adding SCFP, SAFP, and AOFP significantly reduced the number of Clostridium perfringens in ileum chyme. SCFP, SAFP, and AOFP significantly reduced the amount of interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthases, interferon-γ, and nuclear factor kappa B mRNA expression in PBMCs, especially in the AOFP group. In summary, all the SCFP, SAFP, and AOFP groups can be suggested as a functional feed additive since they enhanced villus: crypt ratio and decreased inflammation-related mRNA expression, especially for AOFP group in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]