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The study aims to statistically optimize the phytase production by Penicillium oxalicum PBG30 in solid-state fermentation using wheat bran as substrate. Variables viz. pH, incubation days, MgSO4, and Tween-80 were the significant parameters identified through the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) that majorly influenced the phytase production. Further, central composite design (CCD) method of response surface methodology (RSM) defined the optimum values for these factors i.e., pH 7.0, 5 days of incubation, 0.75% of MgSO4, and 3.5% of Tween-80 that leads to maximum phytase production of 475.42 U/g DMR. Phytase production was also sustainable in flasks and trays of different sizes with phytase levels ranging from 394.95 to 475.42 U/g DMR. Enhancement in phytase production is 5.6-fold as compared to unoptimized conditions. The in-vitro dephytinization of feed showed an amelioration in the nutritive value by releasing inorganic phosphate and other nutrients in a time-dependent manner. The highest amount of inorganic phosphate (33.986 mg/g feed), reducing sugar (134.4 mg/g feed), and soluble protein (115.52 mg/g feed) was achieved at 37 °C with 200 U of phytase in 0.5 g feed for 48 h. This study reports the economical and large-scale production of phytase with applicability in enhancing feed nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of metal wire and additive manufacturing, due to changes in temperature, humidity, current, voltage, and other parameters, as well as the failure of machinery and equipment, a failure may occur in the manufacturing process that seriously affects the current situation of production efficiency and product quality. Based on the demand for monitoring of the key impact parameters of additive manufacturing, this paper develops a parameter monitoring and prediction system for the additive manufacturing feeding process to provide a basis for future fault diagnosis. The fault diagnosis and prediction system for metal wire supply and additive manufacturing utilizes STM 32 as its core, enabling the capture and transmission of temperature, humidity, current, and voltage data. The upper computer system, designed on the LabVIEW 2019 virtual instrument platform, incorporates an LSTM neural network model and facilitates a connection between LabVIEW and MATLAB 2019 to achieve the prediction function. The monitoring and prediction system established in this study is intended to provide basic research assistance in the field of fault diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane, both enteric and from manure management, is the most important greenhouse gas from ruminant livestock, and its mitigation can deliver substantial decreases in the carbon footprint of animal products and potentially contribute to climate change mitigation. Although choices may be limited, certain feeding-related practices can substantially decrease livestock enteric CH 4 emission. These practices can be generally classified into 2 categories: diet manipulation and feed additives. Within the first category, selection of forages and increasing forage digestibility are likely to decrease enteric CH 4 emission, but the size of the effect, relative to current forage practices in the United States dairy industry, is likely to be minimal to moderate. An opportunity also exists to decrease enteric CH 4 emissions by increasing dietary starch concentration, but interventions have to be weighed against potential decreases in milk fat yield and farm profitability. A similar conclusion can be made about dietary lipids and oilseeds, which are proven to decrease CH 4 emission but can also have a negative effect on rumen fermentation, feed intake, and milk production and composition. Sufficient and robust scientific evidence indicates that some feed additives, specifically the CH 4 inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol, can substantially reduce CH 4 emissions from dairy and beef cattle. However, the long-term effects and external factors affecting the efficacy of the inhibitor need to be further studied. The practicality of mass-application of other mitigation practices with proven short-term efficacy (i.e., macroalgae) is currently unknown. One area that needs more research is how nutritional mitigation practices (both diet manipulation and feed additives) interact with each other and whether there is synergism among feed additives with different mode of action. Further, effects of diet on manure composition and greenhouse gas emissions during storage (e.g., emission trade-offs) have not been adequately studied. Overall, if currently available mitigation practices prove to deliver consistent results and novel, potent, and safe strategies are discovered and are practical, nutrition alone can deliver up to 60% reduction in enteric CH 4 emissions from dairy farms in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colostrum is a rich source of nutritional and non-nutritional components and is recognized as essential to transfer passive immunity to newborn calves. Because of the individual and seasonal variability in colostrum yield and composition, maintaining an adequate supply of high-quality colostrum year-round remains a challenge for commercial dairy producers. In this narrative review, we described the individual, seasonal, and herd-level variability of colostrum production and summarized the association between individual animal factors such as parity, sex of the calf, calf birth weight, as well as indicators of the cow's metabolic status and the yield and composition of colostrum. Further, we reviewed the current knowledge on the influence of prepartum nutrition and management strategies on colostrum production. Research on the metabolizable energy and protein supplied in the prepartum diet as well as on the inclusion and source of vitamins, minerals, and feed additives suggests prepartum nutrition influences the yield, quality, and composition of colostrum. Furthermore, the prepartum environment and dry period length remain influential factors in the production of colostrum. However, additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which prepartum nutrition and management affect colostrum production. Finally, time from calving to colostrum harvest and oxytocin administration as well as the current knowledge on the effect of heat treatment and colostrum storage strategies on colostral components were discussed. To conclude, we identify critical gaps in knowledge for future focus of investigation in colostrum research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The phytogenic cocktail (PC) is a unique combination of natural plant extracts consisting of coconut shell smoke, clove leaf extract, and mangosteen rind extract, predominantly containing phenol, eugenol, and α-mangostin. Chicken performance can be improved by its antibacterial properties. This study aimed to test PC as a replacement for antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), assessing its impact on performance, intestinal microbes, and carcass traits in slow growth KUB chickens. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty KUB chicks were distributed randomly to five dietary groups. Each group constituted six replicates, one replicate contained eight chicks. The treatments included the control diet (CD) with no additives, CD with 50 ppm Zinc bacitracin as an additive (AGPs), CD paired with 198 mL PC/ton feed provided for the initial 12 weeks (PC1), CD with 198 mL PC/ton feed given for the first 4 weeks (PC2), and CD supplied with 198 mL PC/ton feed for the first 8 weeks (PC3). Performance and mortality indicators were assessed during the feeding stage up to 12 weeks of age, while intestinal total microbial count and carcass characteristics were determined at 12 weeks. Duncan's multiple-range test identified differences among the treatments in the randomized experiment. Results: The AGPs group weighed significantly more (p < 0.05) than PC2 but not significantly different (p > 0.05) from Control, PC1, and PC3 at 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the body weight (BW) between the AGP, CD, and PC groups. The AGPs group had a significantly greater BW than PC1 and PC2 at 12 weeks (p < 0.05), but was comparable to CD and PC3 (p > 0.05). During the starter phase (0-4 weeks), dietary addition of AGPs or PCs significantly reduced feed intake (p < 0.05); however, no significant effect (p > 0.05) was observed during the later feeding periods (0-8 or 0-12 weeks). During the starter period, PC3 yielded the best feed conversion ratio, slightly surpassing AGPs and significantly (p < 0.05) outperforming CD. No significant variations (p > 0.05) were detected in the carcasses among the treatments. The reduction of abdominal fat relative weight was significant (p < 0.05) during the first 8 weeks of PC feeding. After the 12-week trial, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the proportionate weights of the crop, proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, cecum, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, heart, and liver. The reduction in the intestinal microbe population due to AGPs or PC was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). About 100% viability was confirmed by the absence of mortality throughout the study. Conclusion: PC supplementation in KUB chicken feed enhances their performance. The optimal feeding regimes were effective during the first 8 weeks of age. In the 0-4 week time frame, feeding the PC to the chicken worsened performance whereas no improvement was observed in the 0-12 week period. The application enhanced weight loss, feed efficiency, and reduced abdominal fat. Based on the research findings, the PC can replace AGPs as a feed additive due to comparable or superior improvement results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winemaking by-products (WBP) such as grape pomace (GP), seed, and skin represent a rich source of phenolic compounds (PCs), fiber, fatty acids, and essential nutrients. Due to their profile and content of PCs, WBP can exert multiple bioactive properties on animal health, nutrition, and production. Specifically, beneficial effects have been observed in pigs. Therefore, these by-products and wine polyphenols extracts have been considered as valuable ingredients and as promising alternative to replace conventional resources of monogastric diets and thus minimize feeding cost. Nevertheless, these by-products are discarded and improperly disposed. Indeed, only 3% of the recovered by-products are used in animal nutrition without prior treatment. Emphasis has been placed on generating added value to obtain more significant economic and technological benefits and greater efficiency in animal production. This review discusses the most relevant and recent studies on the inclusion of WBP and their PCs during different stages of the pork production system (gestation-lactation, weaning, growth, and finishing) and their effects on the final quality of pork products. Additionally, strategies and treatments applied for the use of pomace in pig diets are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the impacts of dietary supplementation with two probiotics, PondToss® and LactéolFort®, on the growth performance and biochemical indices of the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in clear water (CW) and biofloc technology (BFT) systems. Six different treatments were applied: T1 (CW without probiotics, control), T2 (BFT without probiotics), T3 (BFT with PondToss® at 0.5g g-1), T4 (BFT with PondToss® at 1g kg-1), T5 (BFT with LactéolFort® at 0.5gkg-1), and T6 (BFT with LactéolFort® at 1g kg-1). Over 90 days, shrimps with initial average weights of 3.9 to 4.10g were fed the experimental diets to satiety twice daily. The study found that neither rearing system nor probiotic treatment affected water temperature or dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. However, the treatments significantly influenced water pH, dissolved nitrogen forms (ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate), total suspended solids (TSS), total alkalinity (as CaCO3), and floc volume (VF). Biofloc and probiotic-enriched diets stimulated growth in terms of weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate. In biofloc conditions, shrimps fed with probiotics showed an increased feed intake and a better feed and protein utilization. Biochemical indices such as albumin, total protein, and globulin levels varied significantly among the groups, with the control group (T1) recording the lowest survival rate (66.89%), while the BFT and probiotic-enriched groups had higher survival rates, ranging from 87.35 (T6) to 90.21% (T2). The findings suggest that probioticsupplemented diets in BFT systems improve water quality, boost shrimp growth, enhance nutrient utilization, and positively affect biochemical characteristics. Thus, combining probiotics with biofloc technology appears to be a promising strategy for enhancing shrimp performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding trial was conducted to study the influences of dietary basil leaves powder (BLP) supplements on productive and physiological performance in growing Japanese quail. A total number of 192 unsexed birds (9 days old) were randomly assigned to four equal treatments (48 birds), in six replicates, eight birds each. The 1st group was used as a control group. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were fed diets containing 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% BLP, respectively. The findings showed that control diets with BLP levels (especially, 1.5% BLP) had beneficial effects by improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) and decreasing feed intake (FI). Diets containing BLP significantly augmented carcass and depressed abdominal fat weight. Giblets and dressing had no significant effect. Diets with BLP resulted in increasing the absolute weights of the immune organs. The quail fed on a diet with 1.5% BLP achieved significantly the highest values of total protein, globulin, and albumen. A significant lowest value was recorded regarding serum glucose. Lipid profile and thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4) values in BLP-treated groups were significantly better than the control. There was a numerical increase in color, texture, and overall acceptability of quail meat values with the inclusion of all BLP levels compared to the control. Furthermore, net revenue and economic efficiency values were improved for quail-fed BLP diets. In conclusion, BLP can be used as feed additives to boost the productive and physiological performance of growing Japanese quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on red carotenoid‐rich Paracoccus carotinifaciens NITE SD 00017 for salmon and trout (category: sensory additives; functional group: colourants; substances which when fed to animals add colours to food of animal origin) for the renewal of its authorisation. The applicant provided evidence that the additive complies with the conditions of the authorisation. The Panel concludes that the use of the additive in salmon and trout remains safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. When assessing consumer exposure to canthaxanthin and adonirubin at the level of the existing maximum residue limits (MRL) for poultry and the proposed MRL for trout/salmon (5 mg/kg muscle), the exposure of consumers exceeds the acceptable daily intake (ADI) in the population classes toddlers and other children. The Panel considers that there is no need to restrict the use of the additive to fish older than 6 months or of more than 50 g. Red carotenoid‐rich Paracoccus carotinifaciens NITE SD 00017 is not irritant to the skin, but is irritant to the eyes. It is considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser and any exposure via skin or the respiratory tract is a risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the fruit of Carum carvi L. (caraway oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel concluded that the use of caraway oil is of no concern up to the following concentrations in complete feed: 9 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 13 mg/kg for laying hens, 12 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 16 mg/kg for piglets, 19 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 24 mg/kg for sows, 35 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 11 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, 10 mg/kg for dairy cows, sheep, goats, horses and rabbits, 25 mg/kg for salmonids and dogs. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For cats, ornamental fish and other species, no conclusion can be drawn. The use of caraway oil in animal feed under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumer and the environment. The additive under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes, and as a respiratory and skin sensitiser. When handling the essential oil, exposure of unprotected users to perillaldehyde may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. Since C. carvi and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of a preparation of dried cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I‐4407 (Actisaf® Sc 47) as a zootechnical additive for rabbits for fattening and non‐food producing rabbits. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing terms of the authorisation. The Panel concluded that the additive remains safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Regarding the safety for the user, the additive is not a skin or eye irritant. However, it should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, and any exposure through skin and respiratory tract is considered a risk. The present application for renewal of the authorisation did not include a proposal for amending or supplementing the conditions of the original authorisation that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive. Therefore, there was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of indigo carmine as a colourant feed additive for cats, dogs and ornamental fish. In its previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that indigo carmine is safe for cats and dogs at levels up to 250 mg/kg complete feed and for ornamental fish up to 1000 mg/kg complete feed. These conclusions were limited to indigo carmine with a purity of at least 93% colouring matter. For the current assessment, the applicant submitted additional data on the characterisation and on the toxicological profile to support the safety of the additive with the purity of at least 85% colouring matter. Based on the new data submitted, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that indigo carmine (purity of at least 85% colouring matter) is safe for cats and dogs at levels up to 250 mg/kg complete feed and for ornamental fish up to 1000 mg/kg complete feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of calcium D‐pantothenate for the renewal of its authorisation as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. The additive calcium D‐pantothenate is already authorised for use in all animal species (3a841). The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of the authorisation and that the production process has not been modified. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive remains safe for all animal species, consumers and the environment. Calcium D‐pantothenate is not irritant to skin and eyes and is not a skin sensitiser. The present application for renewal of the authorisation does not include any modification proposal that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive, and therefore, there is no need for re‐assessing the efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34271 when used as a technological additive to improve ensiling of fresh plant material. The additive is intended for use in easy and moderately difficult to ensile fresh plant material for all animal species at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh plant material. The bacterial species L. plantarum is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strain was established and no acquired antimicrobial resistance genes of concern were detected. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for all the animal species, for consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34271 should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, and any exposure through skin and respiratory tract is considered a risk. One preparation was shown not to be irritant to skin or eyes. However, the Panel cannot assess the irritation potential of other possible preparations. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34271 has the potential to improve the fermentation of the silage prepared from fresh plant material with a DM range of 30%–35% at a minimum concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/kg fresh material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) process was developed to provide a safety assessment approach for microorganisms intended for use in food or feed chains. In the period covered by this statement, no new information was found that would change the status of previously recommended QPS TUs. The TUs in the QPS list were updated based on a verification, against their respective authoritative databases, of the correctness of the names and completeness of synonyms. A new procedure has been established to ensure the TUs are kept up to date in relation to recent taxonomical insights. Of 81 microorganisms notified to EFSA between October 2023 and March 2024 (45 as feed additives, 25 as food enzymes or additives, 11 as novel foods), 75 were not evaluated because: 15 were filamentous fungi, 1 was Enterococcus faecium, 10 were Escherichia coli, 1 was a Streptomyces (all excluded from the QPS evaluation) and 46 were TUs that already have a QPS status. Two of the other eight notifications were already evaluated for a possible QPS status in the previous Panel Statement: Heyndrickxia faecalis (previously Weizmannia faecalis) and Serratia marcescens. One was notified at genus level so could not be assessed for QPS status. The other five notifications belonging to five TUs were assessed for possible QPS status. Akkermansia muciniphila and Actinomadura roseirufa were still not recommended for QPS status due to safety concerns. Rhizobium radiobacter can be recommended for QPS status with the qualification for production purposes. Microbacterium arborescens and Burkholderia stagnalis cannot be included in the QPS list due to a lack of body of knowledge for its use in the food and feed chain and for B. stagnalis also due to safety concerns. A. roseirufa and B. stagnalis have been excluded from further QPS assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of sepiolite as a technological feed additive for all animal species. In 2022, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an Opinion on the safety and efficacy of the same additive. The Panel concluded that sepiolite used as a feed additive is safe for the consumers and the environment, and efficacious as a thickener‐suspending agent, binder and anticaking agent in feed for all animal species under the proposed conditions of use. The additive was not considered an eye or skin irritant. However, it was considered a respiratory irritant, a respiratory and dermal sensitiser; owing to the dusting potential and its silica content, the additive was considered a risk by inhalation. Regarding the target species, in the previous Opinion, the Panel concluded on the safety of the additive for dairy ruminants. However, no conclusion could be drawn for all other species/categories. Based on the tolerance studies in chickens for fattening, weaned piglets and trout evaluated in the current assessment, and the one in dairy cows previously assessed, the Panel concluded that the inclusion of sepiolite at the maximum recommended level of 20,000 mg/kg complete feed is safe for all animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for the renewal of the authorisation of l‐tyrosine as a nutritional feed additive. The additive is authorised for use in all animal species (3c401). The applicant has provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed concluded that the use of the feed additive in animal nutrition remains safe for the target species, consumers, and the environment. As regards the safety for the user, l‐tyrosine is not an irritant to skin or eyes. In the absence of data, the potential of l‐tyrosine to be a dermal and respiratory sensitiser cannot be excluded. Exposure by inhalation of persons handling the additive is likely. The present application for renewal of the authorisation does not include any modification proposal that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive and, therefore, there is no need for re‐assessing the efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755) and endo‐1,3(4)‐beta‐glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10/AveMix® XG 10 L) as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned and suckling piglets. The additive is already authorised for use in weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for weaned piglets and the extension of use to suckling piglets. The applicant declared a change in the carrier material used in AveMix® XG 10 from soybean meal to calcium carbonate + wheat flour or calcium carbonate + sepiolite. The applicant provided evidence that the additive AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + wheat flour and AveMix® XG 10 L comply with the conditions of the authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal FEED (FEEDAP) noted that no data were submitted to support compliance of the formulation of AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + sepiolite with the conditions of the authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that both formulations of the additive (powder and liquid) remain safe for the target species, consumers and the environment, and that the extension of use to suckling piglets would not affect these conclusions. AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + sepiolite and AveMix® XG 10 L are not irritant to skin and eyes. No conclusions on the irritation potential of AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + wheat flour could be drawn. The additive in all its formulations is considered a respiratory and skin sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for weaned piglets. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious in suckling piglets at 4000 XU and 900 BGU/kg complete feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755) and endo‐1,3(4)‐beta‐glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10/AveMix® XG 10 L) for the renewal of its authorisation as a zootechnical feed additive for laying hens and minor poultry species for fattening and laying. The applicant declared a change in the carrier material used in AveMix® XG 10 from soybean meal to calcium carbonate + wheat flour or calcium carbonate + sepiolite. The applicant provided evidence that the additive AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + wheat flour and AveMix® XG 10 L comply with the conditions of the authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) noted that no data were submitted to support compliance of the formulation of AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + sepiolite with the conditions of the authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that both formulations of the additive (powder and liquid) remain safe for laying hens and minor poultry species for fattening and laying, consumers and the environment. AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + sepiolite and AveMix® XG 10 L are not irritant to skin and eyes. No conclusions on the irritation potential of AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + wheat flour could be drawn. The additive in both formulations is considered a respiratory and skin sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in preparing and presenting an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the assessment of the efficacy of feed additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide as technological feed additives for all animal species. In its previous opinion on the safety and efficacy of the additives, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide is safe, when added to sodium chloride at a maximum content of 80 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg for turkeys for fattening and laying hens and other laying/breeding birds, all porcine species and categories, all ruminant species and categories, rabbits, horses, salmonids and other minor fin fish, dogs and cats. However, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additives for chickens for fattening and other poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding other than turkeys, and for all species/categories other than the above listed. In the current assessment, the applicant is proposing a maximum content of 60 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg sodium chloride for chickens for fattening and other poultry species (except turkeys) for fattening or reared for laying/breeding and for all species/categories other than the listed above. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide are safe at a maximum content of 80 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg sodium chloride for: turkeys for fattening and reared for breeding, laying hens and other laying/breeding birds, all porcine species, all ruminant species, rabbits, equines, salmonids and minor fin fish, dogs and cats. The Panel concluded also that a maximum content of 60 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg sodium chloride is safe for chickens for fattening and minor poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding and all other animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755), endo‐1,3(4)‐beta‐glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) and polygalacturonase (produced with Aspergillus fijiensis CBS 589.94) (AveMix® 02 CS/ AveMix® 02 CS L) as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned and suckling piglets. The additive is already authorised for use with weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for weaned piglets and the extension of use to suckling piglets. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. There was no new evidence that would lead the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) to reconsider its previous conclusions that the additive is safe for weaned piglets, the consumer and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. This conclusion applied also to the new target species (suckling piglets) for which a request for an extension of use was made. The additive in both formulations (powder and liquid) is not irritant to skin or eyes but should be considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for weaned piglets. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious in suckling piglets at 2140 XU, 1230 BGU and 46 PGLU/kg complete feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the alpha‐amylase (Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L) produced with a genetically modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis (DSM 34315) as a zootechnical feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species. The additive is available in two forms, a coated thermotolerant granulate formulation and a liquid formulation. The production strain and its DNA were not detected in an intermediate concentrated product representative of the final formulations. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the final product did not trigger safety concerns with regard to the genetic modification. The Panel concluded that Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L is safe for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species at the recommended inclusion level of 80 KNU/kg complete feed. The use of Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L in animal nutrition under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumers and the environment. The additive in any form was shown to be non‐irritant to the skin and the solid form was shown to be non‐irritant to the eyes. No conclusions could be drawn on the potential of the liquid form to be irritant to the eyes or on the potential of both forms of the additive to be dermal sensitisers due to lack of data. Owing to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, the additive in either form was considered to be a respiratory sensitiser and any exposure by inhalation is considered a risk. In the absence of data, the Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Quillaja saponaria powder and Yucca schidigera powder (Magni‐Phi®) for all avian species (to slaughter age/weight, or to the point of lay) and ornamental birds, as a zootechnical additive (digestibility enhancer and other zootechnical additives). The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for chickens for fattening at the level of 250 mg/kg complete feed with a margin of safety of 20 assuming that the additive contains 3.58% of saponins. This conclusion was extrapolated to all growing poultry species and ornamental birds. The Panel concluded that the use of the feed additive in animal nutrition at 250 mg/kg complete feed is of no concern for the safety for the consumer and the environment. The Panel also concluded that the additive is not irritant to skin, but irritant to the eyes and to the respiratory system. Due to the lack of data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. The FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for all poultry species and ornamental birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the characterisation of the feed additive consisting of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) produced by fermentation with Ensifer adhaerens (CGMCC 19596). The additive is intended to be used as a nutritional additive for all animal species. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the characterisation of the production strain, due to uncertainties on whether the production strain E. adhaerens CGMCC 19596 was genetically modified. However, since viable cells and DNA were not detected in the product, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), produced with E. adhaerens CGMCC 19596 would not raise safety concerns as regards the production strain. In the present submission, the applicant provided supplementary information regarding the origin and history of modifications of the strain. Based on the data provided, the FEEDAP Panel concluded on the characterisation of the production strain E. adhaerens CGMCC 19596, which can be considered not to be genetically modified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I‐1079 as a zootechnical feed additive for dogs and all other Canidae. The additive is intended for use in feed for dogs and all other Canidae at a proposed minimum inclusion level of 1 × 109 CFU per kg of complete feed. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. Since the identity of the active agent has been clearly established and no concerns are expected from other components of the product, the additive is considered safe for the target species. Since the additive is intended to be used only in feed for dogs and other non‐food‐producing animals, an assessment of the safety for the consumer and the environment is not needed. The non‐coated form of the additive was shown to be non‐irritant to skin and eyes. No conclusion can be drawn on the eye irritation potential of the coated form of the additive due to the lack of data. The additive in both forms, should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser and any exposure through skin and respiratory tract is considered a risk. The Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I‐1079 at the proposed conditions of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key step in the characterisation of bacterial strains used in the food and feed chain is the identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in their genomes. The presence of acquired AMR genes influences important aspects of the risk assessment, such as the applicability of the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach, which can have a direct impact on the data requirements. Aiming to implement the EFSA approach to discriminate between 'intrinsic' and 'acquired' AMR genes, a bioinformatics pipeline was developed and applied to the species of the genus Bacillus that are most frequently subjects of applications for regulated products submitted to EFSA. The results are presented as a catalogue of genes indicating their abundance and distribution among complete and confirmed genomes publicly available for each species. The results of this work are aimed to support the evaluation of AMR genes in a consistent and harmonised way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical preparations, such as essential oils are increasingly used as feed additives to improve the feed quality and animal health while reducing antibiotic use. Regarding safe usage of these preparations for both humans and relevant animal species (e.g., food‐producing animals and pets), the toxicity of their constituents requires to be characterised. Particularly, p‐allylalkoxybenzene derivatives, that are present in certain botanical preparations, are known to be both genotoxic and carcinogenic and raise health concerns. However, little is known about species differences in sensitivity to the biological effects of these compounds, nor on the transfer from feed to food. Moreover, toxicokinetic properties and resulting toxicity of these compounds can be influenced by other substances present in the botanical preparations. Narrowing this knowledge gap, a NAM‐based approach was carried out for five representative p‐allylalkoxybenzenes: elemicin, estragole, methyleugenol, myristicin and safrole for six model species: cat, chicken, cow, human, pig and rat. The aim was to generate in vitro kinetic data from liver S9 incubations to explore potential species differences in bioactivation of p‐allylalkoxybenzenes combined with PBK modelling. The influence of terpenoids on the p‐allylalkoxybenzene‐bioactivation was investigated in parallel. In vitro bioactivation was observed in all species for phase I and phase II metabolism at the species and compound‐specific level. The presence of terpenoids revealed to be of minor influence on the p‐allylalkoxybenzene‐bioactivation. The PBK model simulations for two p‐allylalkoxybenzenes revealed that all species have a relatively higher formation of the 1'‐sulfooxy metabolite compared to that in rats (differences exceed the default uncertainty factor of 4). PBK model simulations of excretion/deposition of the p‐allylalkoxybenzenes and their related 1'‐hydroxy metabolite indicated limited transfer into milk, eggs and edible tissues. This case study demonstrates the applicability of NAMs to identify species differences in the metabolism of natural compounds from botanical preparations in support of risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methane reduction technology has not yet been put into practical use because of problems such as reduced digestibility, increased costs, additives remaining and microbial adaptations. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of allicin and illite supplementation on ruminal methane production, growth performance and carcass characteristics of the Hanwoo steers. Methods: For the in vitro experiment, 3 Hanwoo cows equipped with rumen fistula were used. The 28 Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary groups: control (CON), T1 (1.0% illite), T2 (0.1% allicin), or T3 (1.0% illite and 0.1% allicin). All data were analyzed using the generalized linear model procedure. Result: The methane production was rapidly increased for all the treatments after 8 h, but decreased compared to the control after 24 h (P<0.05) of incubation. There was no difference in the growth performance and carcass characteristics of steers among the treatments. Thus, allicin 0.1% and/or illite 1.0% have the potential to be used as natural feed additives to reduce methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a type A coronavirus that causes severe watery diarrhea in piglets, resulting in severe economic losses worldwide. Therefore, new approaches to control PEDV infection are essential for a robust and sustainable pig industry. We screened 314 small-molecule drug libraries provided by Selleck and found that four drugs had obviously inhibitory effects on PEDV in Vero cells. PA-824, which had the highest SI index and the most reliable clinical safety, was selected for in vivo experiments. Animal attack tests showed that PA-824 effectively alleviated the clinical signs, intestinal pathological changes, and inflammatory responses in lactating piglets after PEDV infection. To further investigate the antiviral mechanism of PA-824, we measured the inhibitory effect of PA-824 on PEDV proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. By exploring the effect of PA-824 on the PEDV life cycle, we found that PA-824 acted directly on viral particles and hindered the adsorption, internalization, and replication phases of the virus, followed by molecular docking analysis to predict the interaction between PA-824 and PEDV non-structural proteins. Finally, we found that PA-824 could inhibit the apoptotic signaling pathway by suppressing PEDV-induced p53 activation. These results suggest that PA-824 could be protective against PEDV infection in piglets and could be developed as a drug or a feed additive to prevent and control PEDV diseases. IMPORTANCE PEDV is a highly contagious enteric coronavirus that widely spread worldwide, causing serious economic losses. There is no drug or vaccine to effectively control PEDV. In this study, we found that PA-824, a compound of mycobacteria causing pulmonary diseases, inhibited PEDV proliferation in both in vitro and in vivo. We also found that PA-824 directly acted on viral particles and hindered the adsorption, internalization, and replication stages of the virus. In addition, we found that PA-824 could inhibit the apoptotic signaling pathway by inhibiting PEDV-induced p53 activation. In conclusion, it is expected to be developed as a drug or a feed additive to prevent and control PEDV diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the experimental composition of artificial feeds on the productive performance and economic component of growing carp in ponds. Methodology. The study was conducted in 2023 in ponds of the State Enterprise "Nyvka" (Kyiv). Two groups of Nyvka scaly carp (1+) were formed, which were grown in analogy 0.5 ha ponds at a stocking density of 1.5 thousand fish/ha. The control group of fish was fed with a commercial feed with a protein content of 25 % for 112 days. The feed of the experimental group of fish was supplemented with a complex of feed additives: 0.2 % of the phytogenic additive Inulin and 0.04 % of precipitated sulphur (feed). The study results were analysed using methods generally accepted in fish farming. During the growing season, similar growing conditions and systematic monitoring of the physicochemical parameters of the aquatic environment and the development of the natural food supply in the ex perimental ponds were ensured. After catching, size and weight parameters were studied, weight gain and the economic component of carp rearing were analysed. Findings. During the period of carp growing, the water conditions did not differ significantly and met fish farming standards. The water temperature ranged from 18 to 28°C. The average seasonal values of the main hydro chemical parameters were within the normative values, except for some excess of free ammonia (0.11 - 0.20 mg/dm³) and iron (1.48 - 1.61 mg/dm³), as well as a significant increase in chloride content (112.9 - 113.3 mg/dm³), but this phenomenon is typical for the water supply source of this farm. The development of the natural food supply in the ponds was satisfactory, the average seasonal biomass of phytoplankton was at the level of 23.14 mg/dm³ in the control, 43.0 mg/dm³ in the experiment, zooplankton -- 7.26 and 13.05 g/m³, respectively, zoobenthos -- 0.63 and 0.44 g/m². The results of the study showed the effectiveness of experimental carp feeding in ponds. It was found that the average weight of the caught fish at the end of the growing season in the experimental group was 4.4 %, and, accordingly, fish productivity was 6.0 % higher than in the control group, and the feed conversion rate was 7.4 % lower. Considering the cost of fish seeds and feed spent on growing, 7.3 % of additional profit was obtained by feeding the experimental diet. Originality. For the first time, the effectiveness of the complex use of Inulin and feed sulphur in carp feeding was determined in accordance with the pharmacological characteristics of these feed additives, productive and economic parameters of cultivation. Practical value. As a result of the implementation of the proposed method of improving the digestibility of feed components, it will be possible to increase the fish productivity of ponds and, accordingly, reduce feed costs for cultivation, as well as improve the quality of fish products. This creates an opportunity to expand the use of semi-intensive and resource-saving pond aquaculture technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of emulsifier and/or carbohydrase additives on the production performance of growing pigs offered a diet with a high proportion of white lupine seeds cv. Butan. The experiment involved 49 Naïma × P76 male piglets with an initial body weight of 10.5 kg divided into seven groups. The control group was fed a diet without any additives, whereas the remaining groups received diets with the addition of emulsifier, β glucanase, and β-xylanase separately or in combination. The apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of crude protein were significantly improved (P < 0.05) by all additives, although no significant differences were observed in dry matter and ether extract digestibility (P > 0.05). Both to the performance results and ammonia concentration, pH, and digesta viscosity (P > 0.05), were not different when these feed additives were used. The most promising effects on nutrients digestibility and performance were obtained were emulsifier, β-glucanase and their blend were added to the feed mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the level and type of essential oils (EOs) derived from oregano (ORO), thyme (THO), clove (CLO), and cinnamon (CIO), when used as feed additives, on in vitro rumen fermentation and methanogenesis. This was achieved by conducting a metaanalysis that integrated data from relevant studies. A total of 17 articles were included comprising 154 data points. The collected data were subsequently analysed using a mixed model methodology implemented in a SAS software version 9.4. The findings showed that the level of EOs exerted a significant (P < 0.01) linear effect, resulting in increased pH, decreased volume of total gas, CH4, and NH3, reduced total volatile fatty acids (VFA) levels, dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), and bacterial population. A quadratic effect was also observed with respect to reduced (P < 0.01) CO2 and propionate (C3 ) levels. Additionally, the protozoan population demonstrated a linear decrease (P < 0.05), while butyrate (C4) concentration exhibited a quadratic increase (P < 0.05). However, increasing levels of EOs did not affect the acetate (C2)- and methanogen-producing bacterial populations. With respect to different EO types, ORO and THO significantly reduced (P < 0.05) total gas (30–41%) and CH4 production (38–39%) compared to the control. ORO and CLO in turn significantly decreased (P < 0.05) C3 generation (5–7%), while ORO increased C4 levels (14%) compared to the control. Moreover, CLO, CIO, and THY administration led to a decrease in OMD (8–23%). Due to the limited dataset on microbial population, the diverse types of EOs showed no significant impact on bacterial, protozoan, or methanogen populations. In conclusion, while specific doses of EOs can suppress ruminal methane emissions, they can also inhibit rumen fermentation processes. Among the EOs examined, ORO demonstrated the most potent antimicrobial ability against methanogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile acid (BA) is a feed additive that can increase fat digestibility in poultry. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to assess the effectiveness of supplementation with bile acid on growth performance, carcass trait, fat digestibility, and blood lipid profile of broiler by meta-analysis evidence. Peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English were found using databases such as PubMed, and Scopus. The meta-analysis required information on moderators (inclusion level, and treatment duration), a sufficient description of randomization, performance data, and associated measures of variance such as standard deviation (SD) or standard error (SE). All analyses were carried out using the Open Meta-analyst for Ecology and Evolution (OpenMEE) program. Data from the 10 studies included in the meta-analysis were pooled and presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. Results indicate that dietary BA supplementation decreases FCR (SMD = --0.50, 95% CI: --0.76 to -0.23, p<0.001), and tends to decrease abdominal fat (SMD = SMD = -0.39; 95% CI = -0.78 to 0.01; p=0.055). Contrastingly, BA supplementation increases fat digestibility (SMD = 1.67; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.26; p<0.001) and dressing carcass (0.44; 95% CI -0.08 to 0.8; p=0.016) compared with the controls The meta-analysis explains that bile acid is an ingredient that could be used as a feed additive in broiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purposes of feed additives administration are to increase feed quality, feed utilization, and the performance and health of animals. For many years, antibiotic-based feed additives showed promising results; however, their administration in animal feeds has been banned due to some public concerns regarding their residues in the produced milk and meat from treated animals. Some microorganisms have desirable properties and elicit certain effects, which makes them potential alternatives to antibiotics to enhance intestinal health and ruminal fermentation. The commonly evaluated microorganisms are some species of bacteria and yeasts. Supplementing microorganisms to ruminants boosts animal health, feed digestion, ruminal fermentation, animal performance (meat and milk), and feed efficiency. Moreover, feeding microorganisms helps young calves adapt quickly to consume solid feed and prevents thriving populations of enteric pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract which cause diarrhea. Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus oryzae are the commonly used microbial feed additives in ruminant production. The response of feeding such microorganisms depends on many factors including the level of administration, diet fed to animal, physiological status of animal, and many other factors. However, the precise modes of action in which microbial feed additives improve nutrient utilization and livestock production are under study. Therefore, we aim to highlight some of the uses of microorganisms-based feed additives effects on animal production, the modes of action of microorganisms, and their potential use as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition of the necessity for employing natural additives in animal feed has grown alongside the ban on antibiotics in the animal feed sector. Grapes, as well as by-products of the wine-making industry (grape marc and seed extracts), possess biologically active chemical constituents that can be used to improve animal production by incorporating them into animal feed. Grapes are a valuable resource of polyphenols, especially flavonoids, stilbenes and phenolic acids, most of them showing therapeutic or health-promoting properties. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the impact of polyphenols on animal gut health. The first section of the review discusses the chemical structure of the major polyphenols in grapes and the polyphenols' bioavailability and metabolism in pigs. The second and major part of the review reviews the results of investigations into the antioxidant, antimicrobial and prebiotic effects of grape polyphenols in pig diets, as well as their regulation of intestinal barrier functions through signalling pathways and intestinal responses. All of this is supported by previous research, findings and conclusions. There are fewer recorded pig studies, but the inclusion of up to 9% grape by-products resulted in improved performance with an increased mean daily gain. Ultimately, this analysis concluded that supplementation of pigs with grape phenolic compounds as natural feed additives enhanced their antioxidant capacity, improved humoral and cellular immune responses, and promoted gut ecosystem biodiversity and the overall production performance in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sida rhombifolia (S. rhombifolia) is a widely used herbal plant for humans because of its antioxidant and antibacterial effects, but its potential use as a feed additive for livestock has not been investigated. Twenty 350 days‐old Anyi tile‐like grey chickens were randomly divided into a control group (fed basal diet) and a treatment group (fed basal diet + 3% of S. rhombifolia), and these chickens were feed for 31 days. Dietary S. rhombifolia remarkably enhanced plasma antioxidants, including the significantly increased total antioxidant capability (p < 0.01), catalase (p = 0.04), and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in the treatment group. Furthermore, dietary S. rhombifolia also modulated chicken cecal microbiota, including an increased microbial diversity (Shannon, p = 0.03; Chao1, p = 0.03) in the treatment group. Regarding taxonomic analysis, 34 microbial taxa showed significant differences between the two groups. Meanwhile, the dominant phylum Actinobacteriota (p = 0.04), and dominant genera Desulfovibrio (p = 0.04) and Olsenella (p = 0.02) were significantly increased after treatment, whereas the pathogenic genus Escherichia‐Shigella (p = 0.04) was significantly decreased after feeding S. rhombifolia. The results indicating that S. rhombifolia has potential for use as a natural plant feed additive for chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The drawbacks of using antibiotics as feed additives for blue foxes have gradually become apparent; moreover, thymol has wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity and has the potential to replace antibiotics in various animals. However, there are few reports on the effects of thymol on blue foxes. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of thymol on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical indicators, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota of blue foxes. Twenty-four male blue foxes (120 ± 5 d) of similar weight (6.05 ± 0.16 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups. 0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg thymol were added to the basal diets of groups C, L, M, and H, respectively. Results: Compared with those in the C group, the addition of 100 mg/kg thymol to the diet significantly increased organic matter (OM) digestibility, crude protein (CP) digestibility, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, the VH of the duodenum, the CD of the jejunum, the VH of the ileum, and the VH/CD of the ileum (P < 0.05) and strongly significantly increased IgG (P < 0.01). The addition of 200 mg/kg thymol to the diet increased the VH/CD of the duodenum (P < 0.05). The addition of 300 mg/kg thymol to the diet significantly increased the VH and CD of the jejunum (P < 0.05). The addition of 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg thymol to the diets increased the final weight (FW) (P < 0.05). Adding 100 mg/kg thymol significantly increased the levels of interleukin-4 (IL- 4) and catalase (CAT) compared with those in the other groups (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA gene detection revealed that thymol can change the abundances of Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium, Allobaculum, Streptococcus, Megasphaera, and Lactobacillus in the gut. Conclusion: The addition of thymol to diets can increase the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium, and Allobaculum, which may contribute to improving the growth performance of blue foxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton is an outstanding herb with the homology of medicine and food. Its ripe fruits are traditionally used as an important tonic for kidneys and liver in China. Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton is rich in nutritional components and a variety of bioactive ingredients. A total of 206 compounds have been isolated and identified, they mainly include flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, iridoid glycosides, and triterpenoids. These compounds exert anti-osteoporosis, anti-tumor, liver protective, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton has been traditionally used to treat many complex diseases, including osteoporotic bone pain, rheumatic bone, cancer, related aging symptoms, and so on. In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, there are more than 100 prescriptions containing L. lucidum W.T. Aiton. Among them, some classical preparations including Er Zhi Wan and Zhenqi fuzheng formula, are used in the treatment of various cancers with good therapeutic effects. Additionally, L. lucidum W.T. Aiton has also many excellent applications for functional food, ornamental plants, bioindicator of air pollution, algicidal agents, and feed additives. Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton has rich plant resources. However, the application potential of it has not been fully exploited. We hope that this paper provides a theoretical basis for the high-value and high-connotation development of L. lucidum W.T. Aiton in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and application of functional feed ingredients represents a great opportunity to advance fish growth and health, boost the immune system, and induce physiological benefits beyond those provided by traditional feeds. In the present study, we looked at the feasibility of in vitro methods for screening the qualities of functional feed ingredients using the fish cell line RTgill-W1, which has never been used in fish nutrition, and the culture of Paramoeba perurans. Five functional feed ingredients (arginine, β-glucan, vitamin C, and two phytogenic feed additives) were selected to investigate their effects on cell viability and reactive oxygen species production. Three of the selected ingredients (arginine and two phytogenic feed additives) were additionally tested to assess their potential amoebicidal activity. As these functional ingredients are the core of a commercially available feed (Protec Gill, Skretting AS), their beneficial effects were further assessed in a field trial in fish affected by complex gill disease. Here, the analyzed parameters included the evaluation of macroscopic and histopathological gill conditions, pathogen detections, and analyses of plasma parameters. RTgill-W1 cell line assays were a good tool for screening functional ingredients and provided information about the optimal ingredient concentration ranges, which can be helpful for adjusting the concentrations in future feed diets. Through the culture of P. perurans, the tested ingredients showed a clear amoebicidal activity, suggesting that their inclusions in dietary supplements could be a viable way to prevent microbial infections. A three-week period of feeding Protec Gill slowed the disease progression, by reducing the pathogen load and significantly improving gill tissue conditions, as revealed by histological evaluation. The use of diets containing selected functional ingredients may be a feasible strategy for preventing or mitigating the increasingly common gill diseases, particularly in cases of complex gill disease, as documented in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, anthropogenic activities have released heavy metals and polluted the aquatic environment. This study investigated the ability of the silica-stabilized magnetite (Si-M) nanocomposite materials to dispose of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) toxicity in Nile tilapia and African catfish. Results: Preliminary toxicity tests were conducted and determined the median lethal concentration (LC50) of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) to Nile tilapia and African catfish to be 5 mg/l. The sublethal concentration, equivalent to 1/20 of the 96-hour LC50 Pb(NO3)2, was selected for our experiment. Fish of each species were divided into four duplicated groups. The first group served as the control negative group, while the second group (Pb group) was exposed to 0.25 mg/l Pb(NO3)2 (1/20 of the 96-hour LC50). The third group (Si-MNPs) was exposed to silica-stabilized magnetite nanoparticles at a concentration of 1 mg/l, and the fourth group (Pb + Si-MNPs) was exposed simultaneously to Pb(NO3)2 and Si-MNPs at the same concentrations as the second and third groups. Throughout the experimental period, no mortalities or abnormal clinical observations were recorded in any of the treated groups, except for melanosis and abnormal nervous behavior observed in some fish in the Pb group. After three weeks of sublethal exposure, we analyzed hepatorenal indices, oxidative stress parameters, and genotoxicity. Values of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea, and creatinine were significantly higher in the Pb-intoxicated groups compared to the control and Pb + Si-MNPs groups in both fish species. Oxidative stress parameters showed a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, along with a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) concentrations, as well as DNA fragmentation percentage in the Pb group. However, these values were nearly restored to control levels in the Pb + Si-MNPs groups. High lead accumulation was observed in the liver and gills of the Pb group, with the least accumulation in the muscles of tilapia and catfish in the Pb + Si-MNPs group. Histopathological analysis of tissue samples from Pb-exposed groups of tilapia and catfish revealed brain vacuolation, gill fusion, hyperplasia, and marked hepatocellular and renal necrosis, contrasting with Pb + Si-MNP group, which appeared to have an apparently normal tissue structure. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that Si-MNPs are safe and effective aqueous additives in reducing the toxic effects of Pb (NO3)2 on fish tissue through the lead-chelating ability of Si-MNPs in water before being absorbed by fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), predominant polyphenols in oaks, are widely used in grape wine aging, feed additives, and human healthcare. However, the limited availability of a high‐quality reference genome of oaks greatly hampered the recognition of the mechanism of HT biosynthesis. Here, high‐quality reference genomes of three Asian oak species (Quercus variabilis, Quercus aliena, and Quercus dentata) that have different HT contents were generated.Multi‐omics studies were carried out to identify key genes regulating HT biosynthesis. In vitro enzyme activity assay was also conducted. Dual‐luciferase and yeast one‐hybrid assays were used to reveal the transcriptional regulation.Our results revealed that β‐glucogallin was a biochemical marker for HT production in the cupules of the three Asian oaks. UGT84A13 was confirmed as the key enzyme for β‐glucogallin biosynthesis. The differential expression of UGT84A13, rather than enzyme activity, was the main reason for different β‐glucogallin and HT accumulation. Notably, sequence variations in UGT84A13 promoters led to different trans‐activating activities of WRKY32/59, explaining the different expression patterns of UGT84A13 among the three species.Our findings provide three high‐quality new reference genomes for oak trees and give new insights into different transcriptional regulation for understanding β‐glucogallin and HT biosynthesis in closely related oak species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium butyrate (SB) is an organic compound that undergoes specific biochemical processes in animals to dissociate into butyrate ions (C4H7O2 -) and sodium ions (Na+). Both of these ions play a crucial role in the animal body. Butyric acid is the main component of SB that exerts its effects. It is involved in many key biochemical reactions and is indispensable for maintaining the normal physiological functions of animals. SB has various biological functions, such as promoting body growth, regulating intestinal health, improving the diversity of gastrointestinal microbiota, and exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It plays an important role in improving the intestinal morphological structure, regulating the balance of gut microbiota, inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, enhancing immune function, and protecting the intestinal barrier. As an alternative to antibiotics, SB has a broad application prospect in the feed of ruminant animals. The article mainly reviews the biological functions of SB, its absorption and metabolism, and the research progress of SB application in ruminants, aiming to provide a reference for the efficient application and promotion of SB in the field of ruminant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry's digestive tract lacks hydrolytic phytase enzymes, which results in chelation of dietary minerals, vital amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, phytate‐phosphate unavailability, and contamination of the environment due to phosphorus. Therefore, it is necessary to use exogenous microbial phytases as feed additive to chicken feed to catalyze the hydrolysis of dietary phytate. Potential sources of microbial isolates that produce desired phytases for chicken feed supplementation have been isolated from agricultural croplands. It is achievable to isolate phytase‐producing bacteria isolates using both broth and agar phytase screening media. Potential substrates for submerged fermentation (SmF) for bacterial phytase production and solid‐state fermentation (SSF) for fungal phytase production include rice and wheat bran. Following fermentation, saturated ammonium sulphate precipitation is typically used to partially purify microbial culture filtrate. The precipitate is then desalted. Measurements of the pH optimum and stability, temperature optimum and stability, metal ions stability, specificity and affinity to target substrate, proteolysis resistance, storage stability, and in vitro feed dephosphorylation are used to perform an enzymatic evaluation of phytase as an additive for poultry feed. The growth of the feed phytase market is primarily due to the expansion of chicken farms to meet the demand for meat and eggs from humans. The Food and Drug Administration in the USA and the European Food and Safety Authority are primarily in charge of putting rules pertaining to feed phytase use in chicken feed into effect. Conclusively, important components of the production of phytase additives for poultry feed include identifying a reliable source for potential microbe isolation, selecting an economical method of phytase production, thoroughly characterizing the biochemical properties of phytase, and comprehending the size and regulation of the current feed phytase market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a rapidly growing interest in how the avian intestine is affected by dietary components and feed additives. The paucity of physiologically relevant models has limited research in this field of poultry gut health and led to an over-reliance on the use of live birds for experiments. The development of complex 3D intestinal organoids or "mini-guts" has created ample opportunities for poultry research in this field. A major advantage of the floating chicken intestinal organoids is the combination of a complex cell system with an easily accessible apical-out orientation grown in a simple culture medium without an extracellular matrix. The objective was to investigate the impact of a commercial proprietary blend of organic acids and essential oils (OA+EO) on the innate immune responses and kinome of chicken intestinal organoids in a Salmonella challengemodel. Tomimic the in vivo prolonged exposure of the intestine to the product, the intestinal organoids were treated for 2 days with 0.5 or 0.25 mg/mL OA+EO and either uninfected or infected with Salmonella and bacterial load in the organoids was quantified at 3 hours post infection. The bacteria were also treated with OA+EOfor 1 day prior to challenge of the organoids to mimic intestinal exposure. The treatment of the organoids with OA+EO resulted in a significant decrease in the bacterial load compared to untreated infected organoids. The expression of 88 innate immune genes was investigated using a high throughput qPCR array, measuring the expression of 88 innate immune genes. Salmonella invasion of the untreated intestinal organoids resulted in a significant increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokine and chemokines as well as genes involved in intracellular signaling. In contrast, when the organoids were treatedwithOA+EO and challenged with Salmonella, the inflammatory responses were significantly downregulated. The kinome array data suggested decreased phosphorylation elicited by the OA+EO with Salmonella in agreement with the gene expression data sets. This study demonstrates that the in vitro chicken intestinal organoids are a new tool to measure the effect of the feed additives in a bacterial challenge model by measuring innate immune and protein kinases responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of animal welfare and the usage of antibiotics resulted in the development of different rearing systems and the use of feed additives as antibiotic alternatives. Cage-free broiler production allows birds to express their normal behavior promoting better welfare of the animal. The study aimed to investigate the growth performance of broiler chickens reared in cages and uncaged with feed additives. A total of 180 COBB broilers were used and randomly distributed into 6 different treatments and replicates following a randomized complete block design. The birds were weighed prior to arrival, 1st week, 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week, and 5th week to determine the growth performance parameters. Economic analysis was also measured after the end of the study. The data was analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS v. 9.4, and group comparison was used to evaluate the differences between the control and experimental groups. The result showed significant differences in feed intake at 1st week (p=0.0249) compared to the birds reared in an uncaged system. Feed intake in subsequent weeks and other growth performance parameters showed no significant differences throughout the study. Birds fed with 0.5% activated bamboo charcoal and bentonite clay obtained a higher return on investment than in 1% inclusion. These results imply that uncaged birds have the same growth performance with caged birds and could express their natural behavior at the same time. The result also revealed that better performance and profitability can be achieved at 0.5% inclusion of feed additives in the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic (Allium sativum) can improve the fish's immune system and modulate the gut microbiota composition, vital in host nutrition and health. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of garlic addition in formulated food on the taxonomic composition of the California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) intestinal microbiota, a marine fish with aquaculture potential. California yellowtail juveniles were fed diets with different garlic powder concentrations (4%, 10%, and 25%) for 30 days. Extraction and quantification of genomic DNA from two intestine sections (foregut and hindgut) were performed. Subsequently, the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from the samples was amplified and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq technology. The QIIME2 bioinformatics suite was used for the taxonomic assignment of the sequences and further statistics. Functions were predicted using PICRUSt2 and LefSe (MicrobiomeAnalyst Platform). As a result, the structure of the intestinal microbiota was modified in both intestine fractions, particularly at higher garlic concentrations. The Gammaproteobacteria class was the most abundant group in both intestine tissues, while Bacteroidia, Bacilli, Thermoleophilia, and Acidimicrobia decreased as garlic concentration increased. Changes in the predicted functions also accompanied changes in the taxonomic structure of the intestinal microbiota; briefly, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathways tended to decrease with increasing garlic concentration; in addition, several other functions, including protein and lipids metabolism and synthesis of biomolecules, were decreased as the garlic concentration increased. Our results suggest that dietary garlic supplementation induced changes in the structure and functionality of the gut microbiota in a dose-response manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of Chlorella vulgaris on growth performance, feed consumption, body composition, and immune response of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. Shrimps (4.00 ± 0.04 g) were divided into five groups (3 replicates/20 each) in 15 hapa (1 m3) and cultured for 56 days with five C. vulgaris experimented diets at five different concentrations (0, 15, 20, 25, and 30 g/kg feed). Growth performance, feed utilization, biomass, and body composition (protein, lipid, and ash) were analyzed and revealed significant increase (P < 0.05) in shrimp fed the high C. vulgaris diet. Additionally, the survival rate of shrimp in all experimental feeds was improved, but was not significant. Shrimp fed with C. vulgaris at different concentrations showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity. The study showed that shrimp fed with a concentration of 30 g/kg C. vulgaris in the diet showed significantly (P < 0.05) highest disease resistance against the pathogen tested. Hence, dietary C. vulgaris might be used to improve growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, and immune biomarker responses, leading to disease resistance in cultured shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing feed with a functional mixture of immunomodulators, including β-glucans, nucleotides, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol, associated with a diet with lower levels of animal protein (11.5%) and higher levels of soybean meal (43.5%), on the zootechnical performance, health, hematological and immunological parameters, intestinal morphology, centesimal composition, and intestinal microbiome of juvenile Nile tilapia (initial weight 1.88 g ± 0.25 g, mean ± standard deviation). Two isocaloric and isoproteic diets (35% crude protein) were formulated, one with the inclusion of the immunostimulant functional mixture (40 kg·t−1), composed of 150 mg·kg−1 of nucleotides, 1000 mg·kg−1 of β-glucans, 1000 mg·kg−1 of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and 20 mg·kg−1 of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and another without. The combined supplementation of nucleotides, β-glucans, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol resulted in a 59.95% increase in final weight, 64% weight gain, 66% daily gain, a 21.31% decrease in feed conversion rate, and double the retention of body protein. Supplementation also improved intestinal morphology and modulated the intestinal microbiome, increasing Chao-1 diversity. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that fish fed with both diets exhibited intact intestinal mucosal membranes. Supplementation did not alter the hematological and immunological parameters, suggesting that there was no overstimulation of the fish's immune system. This work allows us to evaluate the effect of reducing the use of animal protein in the diets of fish, along with the effects of nucleotides, β-glucans, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol. Together, these compounds can provide fish with the necessary tools to achieve optimal health and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]