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Introduction: In order to find early selection criteria to improve the longevity of show jumping horses, a specific protocol was designed. Methods: Before entering competition, young horses selected from extreme stallions for longevity were measured for many traits, including blood parameters. Blood samples were taken from 952 horses aged 2–4 years old, sired by two groups of stallions: one with unfavorable (U) and the other with favorable (F) extreme estimated breeding values for functional longevity. These breeding values were previously calculated from data on 202,320 horses that participated in show jumping competitions between 1985 and 2022. Functional longevity was defined as time spent in competition, adjusted for the level of performance. The 59 measured parameters included hematology, proteins, cytokines, liver and kidney function, bone and joint health, oxidative stress and endocrinology. Heritability was estimated using a mixed model that accounted for the effect of age, sex, estimated weight, visit (place and date of collection), and animal random additive value with 10,280 horses in pedigree. A Partial Least Square logistic regression was performed to predict the sire group. Results: Age, sex and estimated weight significantly affected 36, 19 and 16 variables, respectively. The visit had a significant effect on all variables. Heritability estimates were high, with 75% higher than 0.20% and 30% higher than 0.50. The most heritable traits included mean corpuscular volume (0.92, se 0.11), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (0.90, se 0.11), white blood cells (0.55, se 0.13), total alkaline phosphatase (0.68, se 0.12) and percentage of γ-globulin (0.57, se 0.12). The logistic regression that predicted the group of sires favorable for longevity identified 16 significant variables. Key findings included: lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p -value < 0.001), lower mean corpuscular volume (p -value < 0.001), lower number of white blood cells (p -value < 0.01), higher percentage of intestinal and bone alkaline phosphatase (p -value < 0.01) for a lower total alkaline phosphatase (p -value < 0.01), higher percentage of α2-globulin (p -value < 0.001) and lower percentage of β1-globulin (p -value < 0.01). Discussion: Blood parameters measured at rest in young horses may be predictive of their genetic value for functional longevity in show jumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Probiotics, like Lactobacillus plantarum, show promise in managing obesity, but delivery challenges hinder their effectiveness. This study explores the effects of NCAP microcapsules with L. plantarum on weight, lipids, liver function, and insulin in rats over eight weeks, enhancing the bacteria's survivability through microencapsulation. Results: NCAP microcapsules (10-15 µm, >79% survival) effectively protected L. plantarum. In rats, a high-fat diet with NCAP microcapsules (HFDC) significantly reduced body weight (176 g vs 179 g, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (33 mg/dL vs 44 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and improved liver markers (aspartate transaminase 56 U/L vs 69 U/L, p = 0.008; alanine transaminase 36 U/L vs 38 U/L, p < 0.001). L. plantarum counts were notably higher in HFDC (870,963,590 CFU/g vs 14,454 CFU/g, p < 0.001). Conclusions: NCAP microcapsules enhance L. plantarum survivability and improve weight, lipids, liver function, and insulin. This study addresses the need for effective probiotic delivery systems, offering insights into metabolic health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate supplement intake, ruminal parameters, and blood parameters of beef cattle supplemented with different protein sources (soybean meal or extruded urea– starea) during the rainy and wet-dry transition seasons. Four ruminally cannulae crossbred cattle were distributed in a completely randomized design in four paddocks Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, with two paddocks per treatment, with three 30-d periods each season (rainy and wet-dry). The treatments were: (1) Concentrated supplement containing extruded urea (Starea) and (2) Concentrated supplement containing soybean meal. During the rainy season, the animals received 0.45% of BW in supplement per day. In the wet-dry transition period, the animals received 0.70% of BW of supplement per day. Animals fed soybean meal had greater supplement intake. The treatment with extruded urea supplement had rumen pH higher in the wet period. There was an interaction of treatment × hour for ammonia N for both seasons, where during the wet season, soybean meal at 6 h sampling had greater ammonia N compared with the other treatment, and during the wet-dry transition, soybean meal at 6 h and extruded urea supplement at 0 h had greater ammonia concentration. The total VFA was not affected by treatment independent of the season. The acetate: propionate ratio was lower with soybean meal supplement during the wet season. The total replacement is not recommended of true protein by non-protein nitrogen sources in supplements for beef cattle kept in Marandu-grass pastures during the rainy and wet-dry transition seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to conduct a multidisciplinary investigation integrating detailed morphology, molecular characterization, water parameters, histopathology alteration, and the trials of treatment of Clinostomum spp. In this study, 300 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were collected from the farmed and wild Nile River at Al Bahr Al Aazam, Giza Governorate to assess Clinostomid infection prevalence. Fish and water samples were collected from private fish farms, and water drains at Dakahlia, and Giza, Egypt. Analysis of the water revealed inadequate water quality, particularly in the fish farms. Snails and piscivorous birds were abundant at fish collection sites. The recovered Clinostomid MCs morphological characteristics and COI gene sequence analysis identified them as Clinostomum complanatum, C. phalacrocoracis, and Euclinostomum heterostomum. Clinostomid MCs disturbed the fish's hematological and biochemical blood parameters. Bath treatment of parasitized fish with praziquantel (2 mg/L for 24 h) revealed a significant reduction in the number of vital MCs vs. infected fish (non-treated). Praziquantel (PZQ) is an effective and safe therapy for controlling Clinostomid infections affecting farmed Nile tilapia. The current findings indicate a link between poor environmental conditions and Clinostomum infections in tilapia. The study highlights the impacts of Clinostomid MCs on fish health and recommends bath treatment with PZQ as an efficient control method for these dangerous parasites to protect human and fish health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the impact of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on growth performance, carcass traits, liver and kidney functions, immunity and antioxidant indicators, digestive enzymes, and cecum bacteriology of growing rabbits. One hundred 5-week-old New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits were randomly divided into 5 equal groups and fed for 8 weeks on the basal diet only or on the basal diet supplemented with different levels of Ag-NPs (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 mg/kg diet). Animals in each group were randomly distributed in 10 cages (replicates), with two rabbits each. Different dietary concentrations of Ag-NPs significantly increased live body weight (LBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also, body weight gain (BWG) increased dramatically during all experimental periods except 11–13 weeks of age. Levels of 0.25 and 1 mg of Ag-NPs/kg diet showed the highest increase in LBW, BWG, and FCR. All studied carcass traits, except liver %, were not affected by Ag-NPs levels. Rabbits fed diet supplemented with 1 mg Ag-NPs had the highest liver %. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were increased (P<0.05) in groups treated with 0.25 and 0.75 mg Ag-NPs. In contrast, serum values of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), urea and creatinine were significantly reduced with the supplementation of Ag-NPs up to 0.75 mg/kg diet. The immunoglobulins M, G, and A (IgM, IgG, and IgA), complement 3 (C3) and lysozyme activity were improved with the inclusion of nano-silver in the rabbit feeds, particularly at the level of 0.25 mg Ag-NPs/kg feed. The inclusion of Ag-NPs in rabbit diets at different concentrations increased the total antioxidant capacity and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Ag-NPs had higher levels of digestive enzymes than the control group. The addition of Ag-NPs reduced the load of E. coli, Salmonella spp. and coliform in the rabbit cecum. Overall, the inclusion of 0.25–1 mg Ag-NPs/kg to NZW rabbit diets has shown beneficial effects on health and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture sector plays a vital role in global food security, yet it grapples with significant challenges posed by infectious diseases. Piscine lactococcosis is one of the significant threats in rainbow trout aquaculture due to its potential to cause severe economic losses through mortalities, reduced growth rates, and increased susceptibility to other pathogens. It poses challenges in disease management strategies, impacting the sustainability and profitability of rainbow trout farming. The current study focuses on the variations in serum blood parameters of farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss during a lactococcosis outbreak caused by Lactococcus garvieae. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, fish were examined for parasites and bacteria, and DNA from bacterial colonies was PCR‐amplified and sequenced for identification. Overall, 13 biochemical parameters, including proteins, enzymes, lipids, chemicals, and minerals, were measured in serum blood samples from both diseased and healthy fish. The results indicate significant alterations in the levels of these parameters during the outbreak, highlighting the impact of infections on the blood profile of farmed rainbow trout. Urea levels were significantly higher in diseased fish compared to controls, and creatinine, phosphorus, and magnesium also showed similar trends. Alanine aminotransferase and total protein levels were higher in control fish. Chloride levels differed significantly between groups. Iron levels were higher in controls and lower in diseased fish. No significant differences were found in other parameters. This study reveals significant changes in serum blood parameters of rainbow trout during a lactococcosis outbreak caused by L. garvieae. These changes highlight the potential of these parameters as tools for monitoring health status, stress, and aquaculture management. Continuous monitoring can provide valuable insights into disease severity and overall fish health, aiding in the development of improved management practices. The presented data contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of piscine lactococcosis and developing effective mitigation strategies for farmed rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The goat is used as a tool of poverty reduction at the village level in developing countries. The Black Bengal is a popular goat breed in Bangladesh and the eastern part of India. They have high prolificacy and skin quality and delicious meat. A high level of kid mortality and poor growth rate represent a significant barrier to increasing the productivity of Black Bengal goats. Low birth weight and insufficient milk yield of dams are responsible for the poor growth and high mortality of these kids. It is considered that maternal nutrition during pregnancy plays an important role in the birth weight of kids and the lactation performance of dams. In the present study, the effects of three levels (18, 14, and 10 percent) of dietary crude protein (CP) during late pregnancy on the growth performance of dams and kids, birth weight of kids, and milk production of does, as well as blood parameters, survivability rate, carcass characteristics and meat composition of kids, and expression of the H-FABP gene related to muscle fat content, were investigated. The results show that maternal dietary protein during late pregnancy enhances the milk production of does and the growth and carcass characteristics of Black Bengal kids. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of different levels of dietary protein during late pregnancy on the performance of Black Bengal does and their kids. Twelve does were divided into three groups, with four in each, and three diets, i.e., high protein (18% CP), medium protein (14% CP), and low protein (10% CP) were supplied for 50 days, commencing from 100 days post-coitum to parturition. During the first 100 days of pregnancy, uniform rations with similar ingredients were provided to fulfill the nutrient requirements depending on the live weight of does. All three diets were isocaloric (10.0 MJ/kg DM). Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA, and the significance of the difference among means was determined by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The main effects of diet and sex, as well as their interaction, were analyzed by two-way ANOVA by using the GLM procedure. The relative expression values of qPCR were calculated by using the 2−ΔΔCt analysis method. Live weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high-protein-fed dams than other groups during the experimental period. The milk yield of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high-protein-fed goats than in the low-protein group. The lactation length of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high- and medium-protein-fed does than in the low-protein-fed does. The duration of post-partum anestrus of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the low-protein-fed dams than in the high-protein group. The birth weight of kids tended to be higher in the high-protein group but did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. In male kids, weaning weight, final weight, live weight gain, and average daily gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in female kids. Weaning weight was higher (p < 0.05) in kids of the high-protein-fed does than the low-protein group. Final weight and live weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of the high-protein-fed does than in the low-protein-fed group. On the other hand, average daily gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of the high- and medium-protein-fed does than the low-protein group. The average body length and wither height of kids at the 32nd week was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than those of the low-protein-fed group. The average heart girth of kids at the 32nd week was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than the medium- and low-protein groups. The survival rate of kids was higher in the medium- and high-protein-fed does than in low-protein group. Hot carcass weight and ether extract content of meat were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high-protein group than in the other groups. The dressing percentage was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the kids of high-protein-fed does than low-protein-fed goats. The expression of the H-FABP gene was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than those of the medium- and low-protein groups. In conclusion, maternal dietary protein levels positively influences the production performance of Black Bengal does and their kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing concentrates with cassava root-top silage (CARTOS) on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood parameters, and growth performance of beef cattle. Methods: Twenty crossbred bulls with a body weight (BW) of 226±56 kg were randomly assigned to one of five treatments for 90 d in a randomized complete block design having four blocks based on BW. The concentrates were replaced by CARTOS at levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% dry matter (DM). Animals were fed dietary treatments at 1.8% BW, with rice straw offered ad libitum. Results: The DM and crude protein (CP) intake were decreased (p<0.01, p = 0.04) when the diet’s CARTOS level was increased. The digestibility of DM, OM, and CP were not different among treatments, while fiber digestibility was increased with the inclusion of CARTOS (p = 0.03). The addition of CARTOS to replace concentrates did not change ruminal pH or volatile fatty acid proportions except for acetic acid, which increased with the addition of CARTOS (p = 0.03). The ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) was decreased (p<0.01) with increasing levels of CARTOS. The blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen decreased (p = 0.01) with the addition of CARTOS at 100%, whereas total protein and hematological parameters did not change with increasing levels of CARTOS. The use of CARTOS to substitute concentrates at 75% and 100% decreased average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) (p<0.01); therefore, the addition of CARTOS up to 50% maintained ADG and G:F in beef cattle. Conclusion: CARTOS can replace concentrates up to 50% in beef cattle diets without adversely affecting feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, blood parameters, or growth performance of beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macadamia oil has high concentrations of oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, which can increase tissue sensitivity to insulin, improving glucose absorption efficiency, and reducing lipogenesis through gene modulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of macadamia oil associated with vitamin E supplementation on performance, blood parameters, meat quality and sensory characteristics, meat fatty acid profile, and expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism in grazing lambs. The experimental treatments were control diet (Control), Control + 0.1% of body weight of macadamia oil (MO), MO + 745 IU of vitamin E/dry matter (MOVE). Macadamia oil improved feed efficiency, reflecting a lower dry matter intake, as the average daily weight gain did not differ from Control. Meat quality parameters were not affected by macadamia oil or vitamin E supplementation. Supplementation with macadamia oil improved meat appearance, flavor, and overall liking. Supplementation with macadamia oil provided a higher proportion of C18:3 n3 and a lower proportion of CLA. The expression of SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, SCD1, and ELOVL6 genes were not modified with the supplementation of macadamia oil and vitamin E. In conclusion, supplementation with macadamia oil improves feed efficiency and meat quality; and the inclusion of 745 IU of vitamin E/kg of dry matter for grazing lambs reduces 36% of lipid oxidation of the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, Tibetan sheep only graze pastures without any supplementary feed. However, in recent years, feedlots are being used for fattening Tibetan sheep. The present study compared the growth rates, blood parameters, rumen fermentation, and bacterial communities in Tibetan sheep fattened by pasture grazing (PG) versus those fattened by stall feeding (SF). Twenty 18-month-old Tibetan sheep wethers (42.6 ± 2.11 kg) were divided randomly into PG (n = 10) and SF (n = 10) groups. The PG sheep grazed the grasslands without any supplementary feed, while the SF sheep were offered a commercial total mixed ration (TMR) at a crude protein content of 16.2% DM and an ME of 10.59 MJ/kg. The sheep were on their treatments for 70 days, which included 10 days for adaptation and 60 days for measurements. The average daily gain, white blood cell and lymphocyte counts were greater (p < 0.05), while the platelet count was lower (p < 0.05) in the SF group than in the PG group. The serum glutathione peroxidase activity, and concentrations of total proteins and albumin were greater (p < 0.05), while glucose was lower (p < 0.01) in the PG group compared to the SF group. The concentrations of ruminal ammonia–N and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were greater (p < 0.05), while the pH was lower (p < 0.05) in the SF group compared to the PG group. The molar proportion of acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate were greater (p < 0.01) in the PG sheep than in the SF sheep, but the molar proportion of propionate and iso-VFAs did not differ (p > 0.05) between the groups. Based on the PCoA, the ruminal bacterial communities were distinct between groups, and the alpha diversity was greater (p < 0.001) in the PG sheep than in the SF sheep. The dominant phyla of the rumen bacteria were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was greater (p < 0.001) in the SF group than in the PG group. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus was greater (p < 0.05) in the SF group, while the abundances of Prevotella, the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Butyrivibrio, and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae were greater (p < 0.05) in the PG group. It was concluded that the Tibetan sheep adopted a short-term intensive fattening strategy when stall fed which altered the rumen bacterial community and blood parameters, enhanced rumen fermentation, and, ultimately, improved their average daily gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Assessment of the levels of vital blood parameters in donors is essential to evaluate their health status, ensure their suitability for donation, preserve the integrity of the circulatory system, and facilitate comprehensive health monitoring. The aim of our study was to analyse the levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocyte count, MCV, MCH, and MCHC in 12 groups of first-time donors and experienced donors of both sexes at the John Paul II Regional Blood Donation and Treatment Centre in Słupsk, northern Poland. The donors were divided into three age groups (18-30 years, 31-45 years, and 46-65 years). Methods: Using MANOVA multivariate significance tests, we examined the main effects of donor-related factors (age, sex, donor stage) on morphological blood parameters to evaluate different haematological parameters, such as Hb, Ht, RBC, MCV, MCH, and MCHC, and identified statistically significant relationships between all variables. Results: The multivariate analysis of these three main factors showed that the variation in haemoglobin (Hb) levels accounted for 46% of the explained dependence in this statistical model. In particular, approximately half of the variability in the multivariate statistical analysis was attributed to the role of Hb and haematocrit (Ht). In addition, the β-coefficient values for Hb and Ht were statistically higher in relation to donor sex and donor type (single versus repeat). These β-coefficient values from our data represent the strength and direction of the relationship between the haematological parameters (Hb and Ht) and the specific donor characteristics. A higher β-coefficient indicates a stronger influence of donor sex and donor type on these parameters, suggesting that these factors contribute significantly to the variation in the Hb and Ht levels. Based on our results, the comprehensive analysis of the entire statistical model of metabolic biomarkers revealed the following hierarchy: Hb > Ht > MCHC > MCV > RBC > MCH. The results obtained showed strong statistical relationships, as indicated by the high values of the key statistical indicators in our analysis. The coefficient of determination (R²) showed that the model explained a significant proportion of the variance in the data, while the F-test statistic confirmed the significance of the predictors. Conclusions: These strong statistical dependencies provided a clear justification for selecting this model over others, as it effectively represented the underlying relationships within the data. These statistics help to assess how well the model matches the actual data, thereby helping to reduce the risks associated with blood donation, optimise donor safety, and maintain the quality and efficiency of blood transfusion services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to compare the effects of Fe-sucrose with Fe-fumarate and Fe-Gly on blood parameters, serum biochemistry and organ index in piglets, and the theoretical basis for the application of Fe-sucrose was also provided. In this experiment, 32 healthy 35-day-old crossbred weaned male piglets were selected and randomly divided into 4 treatments each of which included 8 replicates of 1 pig. Pigs were reared in single cages to ensure that the difference in body weight between treatments was not significant (P>0.05). Treatment 1 was the control and the iron source was ferrous sulphate monohydrate, while the iron sources for treatments 2, 3 and 4 were Fe-fumarate, Fe-Gly and Fe-sucrose, respectively. The level of iron was 100 mg/kg (as iron) for all treatments. Feeding trials were conducted for 7 d adaptation period and 42 d experiment period. The results showed that: ① compared to ferrous sulphate monohydrate, Fe-sucrose significantly increased the average daily weight gain and apparent digestibility of nutrients (dry matter, organic matter and crude protein) in piglets, significantly reducing the feed-to-weight ratio (P<0.05). ② Fe-sucrose significantly decreased serum triglyceride and urea nitrogen content (P<0.05), serum total protein content was significantly increased (P<0.05) in Fe-Gly group. ③ Fe-Gly and Fesucrose significantly increased total glutathione and reduced glutathione content in serum and jejunum (P<0.05), respectively. Fe-fumarate increased the content of total glutathione, oxidized glutathione and reduced glutathione in jejunum (P<0.05), respectively. ④ Fe-sucrose significantly increased the spleen index (P<0.05), whereas Fe-Gly and Fe-sucrose significantly increased the lung and duodenal index of piglets (P<0.05). In conclusion, compared with inorganic iron, organic iron improved growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, blood parameters, serum biochemistry, and organ index in piglets to some extent. Under the conditions of this study, the order of effectiveness of different iron sources was: Fe-sucrose>Fe-Gly>Fe-fumarate>ferrous sulphate monohydrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haematological and genotoxicological parameters of the Levant green frog Pelophylax bedriagae (Camerano, 1882) and the Western Caspian turtle Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833) were studied. These species inhabited two sites with differing water quality in the Sarıçay Stream passing through the city centre of Çanakkale, Türkiye. We examined whether the two species were affected by the water quality classes identified based on physical and chemical properties of the water. Statistically significant differences were found between the two sites in terms of the frequencies of micronucleus, lobbed, notched, kidney-shaped and blebbed nuclei, as well as total nuclear abnormality in Pelophylax bedriagae. Moreover, a higher rate of nuclear abnormalities was observed at the more polluted site, classified as water quality class IV. Statistically significant differences were observed in the haematocrit value, percentages of lymphocytes, eosinophils, heterophils and basophils, erythrocyte width and frequencies of lobbed and kidney-shaped nuclei as well as the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, often used as a stress indicator, in Mauremys rivulata. In this species, it was determined that parameters other than lymphocyte and eosinophil percentages were higher in specimens from the more polluted site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Considering the costs of providing feed for feeding ruminants, agricultural by-products, which are generally cheaper than conventional feeds, can be included in the diet of fattening animals, which will reduce production costs. One of these agricultural by-products is cotton waste from cotton ginning factories, which due to its plant origin and as a source of protein, fat and raw fibers, this product has the ability to be used as an alternative feed in the diet of fattening animals. This edible material is a mixture of woody parts of cotton bolls, stems, remnants of cotton fibers and leaves. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of substituting different levels of cotton waste for dried alfalfa on growth performance, quantitative and qualitative carcass traits, apparent digestibility, blood parameters, and liver enzymes Afshari lambs. Materials and methods: In this study, 24 male Afshari lambs with a mean weight of 30±1.9 kg and a mean age of 4 months were used in 4 treatments and 6 repetitions for 90 days. The experimental treatments included: 1) control group, 2) diet containing 33.33% cotton waste, 3) diet containing 66.66% cotton waste, 4) diet containing 100% cotton waste instead of dry alfalfa. Growth performance traits including daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured during the experiment period. Also, at the end of the experiment, three lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to measure the quantitative and qualitative traits of the carcass. On the 90th day of the experiment, blood samples were taken from five lambs from each treatment to measure blood parameters and liver enzymes. Results: The growth performance results showed that replacing 100% of cotton waste instead of dried alfalfa (1890 gr) in the diet of fattening lambs significantly increased the daily feed intake compared to the control group (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio in the treatment containing 100% replacement of cotton waste instead of dried alfalfa (6.70) was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P<0.05). The final live weight in treatments where cotton waste was replaced by dried alfalfa was higher than the control group (P<0.05). Also, the treatment containing 100% replacement of cotton waste instead of dried alfalfa had a higher final weight (56.22 kg) than the control group and other groups. Apparent digestibility of crude fat (75.11%), NDF (69.31%) and ADF (30.32%) in the treatment containing 100% replacement of cotton waste instead of dried alfalfa compared to the control group It increased significantly (P<0.05). The concentration of blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL in blood serum increased with consumption of cotton waste (P<0.05); But the concentration of HDL decreased (P<0.05). A decrease in cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen was observed by replacing 33.33% of cotton waste (P<0.05). The live weight before slaughter, hot carcass weight, hot carcass percentage, cold carcass weight, cold carcass percentage, cold half carcass weight, thigh percentage and head percentage in the treatment containing 100% replacement of cotton waste instead of dried alfalfa increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The general result of the present study showed that replacing 100% of cotton waste instead of alfalfa improved the growth performance, quantitative traits of the carcass and the apparent digestibility of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Fertility of dairy cows leads to profitability and financial stability of herds. Fertility is a complex trait that is influenced by various factors. Genetic improvement of fertility is difficult due to its low heritability. Cows that do not conceive are usually removed from the herd. Cows have to give birth in order to enter a new stage of milk production. In the dairy cattle industry, the fertility trait is one of the most effective economic components, because the decrease in fertility prolongs the postpartum cycles and increases the costs of open days. Probiotics, prebiotics, and microbial products, including bioactive peptides, enzymes, and organic acids, can be mentioned among the additives effective on production. Probiotics are bacteria and yeast that are beneficial for the health of the body, especially the digestive system. The purpose of this research was to evaluate Multi-Act-D supplement with prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic (manufactured by Ariana Biotechnology Company) on milk production and composition, blood parameters and reproduction in Holstein dairy cows. Materials and methods: In the present study, 100 animals were needed, which were studied in two groups: 50 treated animals (received 80 grams of Multi-Act supplement daily) and control between 20 and 100 days after giving birth. Once every month, the amount of milk produced and its ingredients were measured in the general recording of the herd. Blood samples were taken from 9 cows in each group on days 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100, and blood parameters were analyzed. Reproductive traits include the number of days until the first insemination, the number of inseminations per pregnancy, the percentage of pregnancy compared to the first insemination and total inseminations (percentage of conception), the percentage of pregnancy up to 100 days of lactation, the percentage of pregnancy up to 120 days of lactation, the percentage of infertility at 200 days and days. Re-registered. Results: The results showed that milk production, milk protein percentage, milk protein content, milk lactose content and body condition score all increased in the treatment group, and milk fat percentage, total milk solids percentage, milk urea nitrogen decreased (P<0.05). Also, the concentration of total protein and iron increased in the treatment group (receiver of Multi-Act -D supplement), but the concentration of cholesterol and malondialdehyde decreased (P<0.05). In the treatment group, the percentage of pregnancy increased until the 120th day of lactation and the number of open days decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: The use of Multi-Act -D supplement in the early lactation period had beneficial effects on lactation performance and reproduction of Holstein lactating cows. It has also had positive effects on the concentration of some blood parameters in these cows and reduced the level of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Probiotics, like Lactobacillus plantarum, show promise in managing obesity, but delivery challenges hinder their effectiveness. This study explores the effects of NCAP microcapsules with L. plantarum on weight, lipids, liver function, and insulin in rats over eight weeks, enhancing the bacteria’s survivability through microencapsulation. Results: NCAP microcapsules (10–15 μm, >79% survival) effectively protected L. plantarum. In rats, a high-fat diet with NCAP microcapsules (HFDC) significantly reduced body weight (176 g vs 179 g, p

Background and Aim: To address the problems associated with the availability and prices of conventional feeds, researchers have started to include alternative feeds to reduce the cost of diets and increase profitability. This study examined the influences of olive cake (OC), either alone or in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), in the diet of black kids. Materials and Methods: Thirty kids were distributed into three treatments: A free OC diet (control [CON]), OC (20% OC), and OCSC (20% OC with 1 g SC head/d). While penned individually, the kids were fed daily and allowed to acclimate to their diets and pens for 7 days. After acclimation, the kids were fed the prescribed diets for 63 days. Five kids were chosen from each group on day 50 of the feeding period and moved to the metabolic cages to evaluate nutrient digestibility and N balance. At the end of the study, all kids were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. Results: Feeding the OCSC diet increased (p = 0.035) DM intake for kids compared with the OC and CON. The CP intake was higher (p = 0.021) in the OCSC group than in the CON group. Growth performance parameters were higher (p ≤ 0.031) in the OCSC group than in the CON diet. Feed conversion efficiency was improved (p = 0.052) by incorporating OCSC compared with the CON diet. Consequently, economic return was enhanced (p = 0.003) by feeding the OC and OCSC groups. Kids fed the OCSC had a higher cold carcass weight (p = 0.054) than those fed the CON diet. The OCSC group also showed increased (p ≤ 0.027) loin cut and intermuscular fat weights compared with the OC and CON groups. All measured serum metabolites were similar in CON and groups incorporating OCs or OCSCs. Conclusion: The results showed that adding 20% OC combined with SC to the diet of growing kids improved some growth and carcass characteristic parameters without affecting their health status. Notably, using OC along with SC could be an option for feed cost reduction in kids’ diets.

Abstract This study aimed to conduct a multidisciplinary investigation integrating detailed morphology, molecular characterization, water parameters, histopathology alteration, and the trials of treatment of Clinostomum spp. In this study, 300 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were collected from the farmed and wild Nile River at Al Bahr Al Aazam, Giza Governorate to assess Clinostomid infection prevalence. Fish and water samples were collected from private fish farms, and water drains at Dakahlia, and Giza, Egypt. Analysis of the water revealed inadequate water quality, particularly in the fish farms. Snails and piscivorous birds were abundant at fish collection sites. The recovered Clinostomid MCs morphological characteristics and COI gene sequence analysis identified them as Clinostomum complanatum, C. phalacrocoracis, and Euclinostomum heterostomum. Clinostomid MCs disturbed the fish’s hematological and biochemical blood parameters. Bath treatment of parasitized fish with praziquantel (2 mg/L for 24 h) revealed a significant reduction in the number of vital MCs vs. infected fish (non-treated). Praziquantel (PZQ) is an effective and safe therapy for controlling Clinostomid infections affecting farmed Nile tilapia. The current findings indicate a link between poor environmental conditions and Clinostomum infections in tilapia. The study highlights the impacts of Clinostomid MCs on fish health and recommends bath treatment with PZQ as an efficient control method for these dangerous parasites to protect human and fish health.

Objective This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing concentrates with cassava root-top silage (CARTOS) on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood parameters, and growth performance of beef cattle. Methods Twenty crossbred bulls with a body weight (BW) of 226±56 kg were randomly assigned to one of five treatments for 90 d in a randomized complete block design having four blocks based on BW. The concentrates were replaced by CARTOS at levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% dry matter (DM). Animals were fed dietary treatments at 1.8% BW, with rice straw offered ad libitum. Results The DM and crude protein (CP) intake were decreased (p

Aim: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a common inhalation poisoning in emergency department (ED) admissions. In this study, we aimed to determine the negligible biochemical and electrocardiogram (ECG) pathological findings of this group of patients with CO poisoning and asymptomatic clinical cases with a CO level below 15% at first admission who are frequently discharged from the ED. Materials and Methods: A total of 68 patients who were exposed to CO poisoning who did not have any clinical complaints or symptoms at the first examination and whose carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level was between 5% and 15% were included in the study. The group with a COHb level of 5-10% was considered to have a very low level, whereas the group with a COHb level of 10-15% was considered to have a low level. Among the laboratory findings at the time of admission, the COHb level measured at the time of admission to the ED, troponin a cardiac marker, potential of hydrogen and lactate measurements, and white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil levels were recorded. ECG data were recorded. Results: With regard to COHb levels of low-dose and very low-dose CO poisoning, ECG parameters showed a significant difference, but not in heart rate (p=0.001) between the groups. Regression analysis was performed between ECG heart rate and COHb level, and the linear regression equation was found to be y=2.38x+58.32 (r2=0.68). Conclusion: It should be kept in mind that patients may sometimes present with low COHb levels at ED presentation. If patients have available ECGs, they should definitely be compared with their previous ECGs, and blood parameters, especially lactate, troponin, WBC, and neutrophil levels, should be evaluated. It should not be forgotten that tissue and organ damage can occur with low-dose poisoning.

The study investigated the beneficial effects of vitamin E-loaded nano-emulsion (NEVE) on hemato-biochemical changes, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immunological variables, and semen quality in heat-stressed rabbit bucks. Forty adult V-line rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing NEVE at 0 (NEVE0), 50 (NEVE50), 100 (NEVE100), and 200 (NEVE200) mg/kg for 12 weeks. The NEVE had a mean particle diameter of 32.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.6, and a zeta potential of −31.1 mV. The dietary NEVE significantly improved the hematological, blood protein, lipid profile, and liver functions of rabbit bucks (p

Abstract Shift work has become increasingly common in modern society. Shift work has been associated with a range of negative health outcomes. Therefore, this 10-years retrospective cohort study, aimed to investigate the relationship between shift work and blood and metabolic parameters. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a metal parts manufacturing industry in 2023. In this study, 204 shift workers and 204 day workers were examined. All the studied blood and metabolic parameters were collected by reviewing the medical records of all participants during a 10-years period (2013–2022). Moreover, the amounts of physical, chemical, and ergonomics harmful agents in the work environment were investigated. All the collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The values of Body Mass Index (BMI), Red Blood Cell Count (RBC), Platelets Count (PLT), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Level (TSH), Fasting Blood Sugar Level (FBS), Creatinine, Triglyceride (TG), Liver Enzymes level (SGOT and SGPT), and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) were higher among the shift work employees, and a significant difference was observed between the values of these parameters between the two groups. The results of logistic regression showed that the highest effect of shift work was observed on the parameters of FBS, TG, SGPT, TSH, Physical activity, BMI, Sleep duration, PLT, and Sleep quality with beta coefficient values of 0.49, 0.33, 0.29, 0.29, 0.20, 0.18, 0.14, 0.13 and, 0.11, respectively (p-value

Abstract In this study, We aim to explore the association between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and distant metastasis of gastric cancer and develop an efficient nomogram for screening patients with distant metastasis. A total of 1281 inpatients with gastric cancer were enrolled and divided into the training and validation set.Univariate, Lasso regression and Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis was used to identify the risk factors of distant metastasis. The independent predictive factors were then enrolled in the nomogram model. The nomogram’s predictive perform and clinical practicality was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis. Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis identified d-dimer, CA199, CA125, NLR and PNI as independent predictive factors. The area under the curve of our nomogram based on these factors was 0.838 in the training cohort and 0.811 in the validation cohort. The calibration plots and decision curves demonstrated the nomogram’s good predictive performance and clinical practicality in both training and validation cohort. Therefore,our nomogram could be an important tool for clinicians in screening gastric cancer patients with distant metastasis.

Introduction: Although minerals include a small part of the total cost of poultry feed, they perform special functions in the body. Given that today's birds are primarily raised under stressful conditions (including high production demands, environmental stress, heat, and exposure to various other stress factors), their nutrient metabolism, including the absorption of minerals, has changed. This has led to decreased feed consumption, reduced mineral absorption, and consequently, increased excretion of minerals. Minerals that serve as cofactors for many enzymes are crucial; thus, to support proper functioning and enhance the immune system's response, higher amounts of these nutrients are required in diets. Chromium (Cr) is a critical micronutrient for humans and animals. It contributes to physiological and nutritional efficiency. Chromium increases glucose glycogenesis, promotes glucose transport, and increases protein synthesis. Chromium is important in protein digestion and reduction of lipid peroxidation and increased growth production. Chromium deficiency is associated with reduced growth rate, and glucose, and protein metabolism. Under environmental, nutritional, and hormonal stress, the benefits of chromium supplementation clearly demonstrated. Considering that with the increase in age and egg size, the egg quality decreases, and also the function of the immune system decreases at the late phase of egg production. Therefore, supplementation of layer hen diets with some nutrients at the end of the production period can improve the egg quality and potentiate the humoral immune response. Thus, the subject of the current study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of chromium-methionine on egg laying performance, egg quality traits at different storage times and temperatures, humoral immune response, and some blood biochemical parameters of laying hens at late–phase of the egg production cycle.Materials and Methods: A total of 120 Leghorn laying hens (Hy-line W36, 73 weeks- old) were assigned in a completely randomized design with 6 dietary treatments, 5 replicates and 4 laying hens in each replicate for 6 weeks. The experimental treatments were 6 levels of chromium-methionine supplementation (0, 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 μg/kg of diet) of corn-soybean meal-based diet. The hens were housed in a 60 × 60 × 40 cm cage. All hens were housed in an environmentally controlled house with temperature maintained at approximately 25ºC. The house had controlled ventilation and lighting (16L: 8D). All hens were supplied with feed and water ad libitum. The hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were recorded daily. The feed conversion ratio was expressed in kilograms of feed consumed per kilogram of the egg mass. The effects of organic chromium supplementation of laying hens on egg quality traits were evaluated every 2 weeks at 75, 77, and 79 weeks of age. The egg shape index was calculated by dividing egg length to egg width. At the end of the experiment, to measure certain blood parameters, one bird from each replicate was selected, and blood was drawn from the wing vein. After preparing the serum, the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, glucose, and malondialdehyde were measured using Pars Azmoon kits according to the manufacturer's instructions.Results and Discussion: Supplementing the diet with chromium-methionine had a significant effect on laying performance (including feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and egg production) and egg quality traits (such as eggshell weight, yolk color, yolk weight, albumen height, and Haugh unit). The results showed that birds fed 2000 µg/kg chromium-methionine had the lowest feed intake and the best feed conversion ratio and egg production percentage were observed with the addition of 1600 and 2000 g/kg organic chromium. By suppressing stress factors, chromium can increase the ovulation rate and increase the percentage of egg production. Addition of organic chromium except 2000 μg/kg improved albumen height and Haugh unit compared to the control group. The interaction effect between egg storage time and storage temperature on the yolk height and yolk percentage, albumen and yolk pH were significant. Carotenoids are responsible for the color of the yolk and they are a part of the fat-soluble compounds, so any factor that can improve the digestion and absorption of fats will probably lead to an increase in the color of the egg yolk. Haugh unit is a measure to determine the quality of egg white, which determines the quality of the egg. The higher HU means better egg quality (fresher, higher quality eggs have thicker whites). Blood serum cholesterol of chickens fed with 800 µg/kg of chromium-methionine decreased compared to the control group. The lowest serum concentration of malondialdehyde was observed using 1600 and 2000 µg/kg organic chromium. Addition of 1600 µg/kg of chromium-methionine increased total immunoglobulin production against sheep red blood cells. The effects of dietary chromium supplementation on improving immune responses can be attributed to its antioxidant activity. By enhancing antioxidant activity, chromium reduces the production of corticosterone, a potent suppressor of immune system function. This reduction in corticosterone levels prevents the decrease in lymphocyte production and proliferation, ultimately supporting the continued production of antibodies.Conclusion: In total, dietary supplementation of 1600 μg/kg chromium-methionine can improve egg laying performance including feed conversion ratio, egg production, and egg mass, as well as egg quality traits such as egg shell weight and albumen height of laying hens at the late-phase of laying cycle. Supplementation of layer diets with 1600 μg/kg organic chromium improved the humoral immune response at the late-phase of egg production cycle by increasing the production of total immunoglobulin against sheep red blood cells.

The aim of this research was to examine the relation between body and metabolic parameters in 105 young Holstein-Friesian cows in the period before puberty and locomotion score (LS) in the first lactation. During the examination of heifers (6-12 months of age) body condition score (BCS), body measurements and growth rate were determined. The blood to determine metabolic and hematology profile. The LS was evaluated monthly during the first five months after calving. Multivariate analysis and principal component analysis stated that selected body conformation parameters, blood parameters and LS were interrelated. Simple linear trends and/or complex LS prediction models indicated a positive correlation between values of LS and BCS, body growth, bilirubin, aspartate-aminotransferase, glucose, calcium, nonesterified fatty acid, leukocytes, granulocytes and negative correlation with albumin and cholesterol (P2 or LS>2 using two consecutive measurements are possible based on metabolic parameters. LS and lameness occurrence in the first lactation could be predicted in heifers very early, even before reaching sexual maturity, using blood parameters and body measurements.

Abstract Use of brown seaweed (Ecklonia maxima) as a nutraceutical source in indigenous chicken diets is limited by high dietary fibre levels. Inoculating seaweeds with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) spawn (OMS) could enhance the utility of the spent mushroom substrate (SMS). This study investigated the effect of feeding incremental levels of brown seaweed SMS on growth performance, physiological responses, and meat quality parameters in Boschveld roosters. A total of 324, 4-week-old Boschveld roosters were weighed and randomly allotted to 36 pens (9 birds per pen) to produce six replicates per dietary treatment. The diets were formulated as follows: a standard grower diet (CON); and CON containing 150 g/kg of brown seaweed inoculated with OMS at 0 (SMS0), 20 (SMS20), 30 (SMS30), 40 (SMS40) and 50% (SMS50). Birds fed diet CON had the least feed intake (p 0.05) were observed for breast meat quality parameters. In conclusion, feeding brown seaweed SMS improved growth performance and slaughter weight, altered some blood parameters and internal organs, without affecting breast meat quality of Boschveld roosters. Based on the quadratic response for BWG, the optimum OMS level was deduced at 20% in a brown seaweed-based Boschveld rooster diet.

Simple Summary: An Aeromonas veronii strain, isolated from bronze gudgeon, was identified as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Through bacterial isolation, virulence gene analysis, and physiological characterization, we identified this bacterium as containing the act, alt, lip, LuxS, and ascV genes, which are distinct from those reported in infections of other aquatic animals. Designated as strain WH10, this is the first documented instance of Aeromonas veronii infecting bronze gudgeon. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of bacterial transmission and underscore the necessity for further research into Aeromonas veronii pathogenesis. Aeromonas veronii, an opportunistic pathogen toward aquatic organisms, was identified as the causative pathogen (isolate WH10) in diseased bronze gudgeon via bacterial isolation, and morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular characterization. WH10 exerted its pathogenicity via five virulence genes, including those encoding cytotoxic enterotoxins (act and alt), lipase (lip), a quorum sensing-controlled virulence factor (LuxS), and a Type III secretion system inner membrane component (ascV). WH10 was shown to be sensitive to compound sulfamethoxazoles, cefothiophene, doxycycline, and sulfamethoxazole. Toward bronze gudgeon, WH10 had a median lethal dose (LD50) of 1.36 × 106 colony forming units/mL. Analysis of blood parameters of diseased fish revealed significant increases in monocytes and neutrophils, but decreased numbers of lymphocytes. Serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and triglyceride concentration were significantly higher in diseased fish than in healthy fish. The reverse was noted for alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and glucose. Thus, Aeromonas veronii is implicated as the causative agent of the mass mortality observed in bronze gudgeon, warranting further investigations into the diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of this infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight-week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the effects of dietary probiotic (P), garlic (G), and onion (O) powders on growth, hematology, and serum parameters in the juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Seven practical diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (49% protein) and isolipidic (20% lipid) and the diets included the P, O, and G at the concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 1%, respectively, at the replace of wheat flour. Rainbow trout fed the G supplemented diet displayed a higher specific growth rate (SGR) when compared with fish fed the P and the mix of probiotics and onion (PO) (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the fish fed the G diet was lower than the P diet (P < 0.05). Net protein utilization (NPU) of the juveniles fed the O and PO diets was higher than the other experimental groups, except the G (P < 0.05). The group fed the G diet exhibited significant differences in the packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels of groups fed the P and PO (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts (P > 0.05). Significant differences were recorded among the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), while juveniles fed the G and PG diets were higher than the P and O groups (P < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that supplementing diets with garlic can improve some growth parameters such as SGR and PER for rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) on the growth performance, meat quality, carcass traits, blood profile, and cecal bacteria of broiler chickens. MLP-fed broilers showed the highest weight gain, average daily feed intake, and best feed efficiency, as evidenced by a lower feed conversion ratio. MLP also enhanced meat quality, indicated by higher pH, lower cooking loss, and reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Positive impacts on the blood profile included increased red blood cell count, higher hemoglobin levels, and a lower stress indicator (H/L ratio). Additionally, MLP positively changed the cecal bacterial population by reducing harmful E. coli and Shigella spp. while increasing beneficial Lactobacillus spp. Thus, MLP is a promising natural feed additive for improving broiler growth, meat quality, overall health, and producing antibiotic-free and healthier broilers for consumers. The effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) on the growth, meat quality, carcass characteristics, hematobiochemical profile, and cecal bacteria of broiler chicken was investigated in this research trial. In this study, 192-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were assigned in a completely randomized design to three groups: control, antibiotic, and MLP. A standard basal diet was given to the control group, while the antibiotic group received 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and the MLP group received 100 mg/kg M. oleifera leaf powder supplemented basal diet. Each group was further divided into eight replicates consisting of eight birds each, and the trial ran for 35 days. Among the groups, the MLP-fed broilers achieved the highest final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Notably, the FCR for the whole experimental period was lower in the MLP group, indicating a more efficient use of feed for growth. Supplementation of MLP with basal diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) the weight of thighs and drumsticks relative to live weight %, while the spleen and abdominal fat weight (% of live weight) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Adding MLP to the diet improved the meat quality of broilers, as indicated by the highest pH of meat at 45 min and the lowest cooking loss (%) observed in this group. MLP exhibited hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects, with the lowest total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to non-supplemented groups. The hematological profile revealed that the MLP group exhibited the highest RBC count and Hb level, while also showing the lowest H/L ratio. Moringa supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) modulated the cecal bacterial population, reducing pathogenic E. coli and Shigella spp. while increasing beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and the total aerobic plate count (TAPC). In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) can be used as a natural feed supplement for promoting the growth, meat quality, healthy blood, and sound health of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was designed to evaluate the advantages of using multi-strain probiotics feed (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Clostridium butyricum) (PRO) and alpha-monolaurin (AML) on laying performance, criteria of egg quality, blood parameters, and yolk fatty acids' profile in laying hens. One hundred forty of Bovans brown laying hens at 45 weeks old (25th week of egg production) were randomly allocated into four groups, with seven replicates of five birds each in a complete randomized design. The first group was fed a basal diet without feed additives (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, and fourth groups received diets containing 1 g PRO, 1 g AML, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML/kg diet, respectively. No significant impacts of PRO, AML, or their mixture on body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), or egg weight. Egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were enhanced by 1 g PRO/kg and /or 1 g AML/kg supplementation in laying hen diets. Furthermore, egg shape index, eggshell thickness, and yolk color were statistically higher by PRO and AML supplementation at 55 weeks. However, oviduct, infundibulum, and uterus weights were significantly decreased by 1 g PRO or/and 1 g AML. Additionally, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) levels were decreased by PRO and AML supplementation. In conclusion, it seems that dietary inclusion with 1 g PRO/kg, 1 g of AML/kg, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML improved egg production, egg mass, FCR, and yolk fatty acids profile and lowered total cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: At the last days of incubation, avian mortality commonly happens due to the lack of enough nutrients and amino acids (Fardoost et al. 2019). However, in ovo injection or in ovo feeding is considered a new technique for improving growth of chickens (Ebrahimi et al. 2017). Most studies indicated improving effect of in ovo feeding of nutrients (especially amino acids) on small intestine growth and histology as well as higher absorptive capacity of digestive system (Ebrahimi et al. 2017, 2018a,b; Elwan et al. 2019; Fardoost et al. 2019). Previous studies indicated an improving effect of excess feeding of arginine on growth performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, and intestinal histology of broilers (Ebrahimi et al. 2013, 2014, 2016b). However, there are few records regarding the impact of in ovo injection of arginine on intestine histology of chickens. Accordingly, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of in ovo injection of different levels of arginine on carcass traits, blood metabolites, and small intestine histology of broiler chickens. Materials and methods: For this reason, 300 fertile broiler breeder eggs were divided into three treatment groups: 1- 0.5% L-arginine in ovo injection group (100 eggs), 2- 1% L-arginine in ovo injection group (100 eggs), 3- control group included distilled water injected (sham-control subgroup, 50 eggs) and non-injected (control subgroup, 50 eggs). Eggs were then set into the incubator for the first 18 days with the temperature of 37.8°C and six rotations per day. At d 14 of incubation, eggs were injected into the amniotic fluid (Ebrahimi et al. 2017) as follows: 1- in ovo injection of 5 mg Larginine/ ml distilled water, 2- in ovo injection of 10 mg of L-arginine/ml distilled water, 3- control group included sham-control (in ovo injection of 1 ml distilled water) and control (received no injection). For in ovo injection, solution pH was set at 7.0. At d 18 of incubation, eggs were moved into hatchery boxes. After hatching, chicks were reared for 24 days. During the experiment, chicks received standard commercial diets based on Ross recommendations asstarter (0-10 days) and grower (11-24 days), (Table 1). At d 24, blood samples of three chickens per each replicate were collected, centrifuged (3000 rpm for 20 minutes), and serum was separated to evaluate cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride, uric acid, and total protein by the Enzymatic Colorimetric method (Ebrahimi et al. 2017). Then, all birds were weighed, slaughtered, some carcass traits (scalped carcass, eviscerated carcass, breast, thigh, gizzard, proventriculus, pancreas liver without gall bladder, heart, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were weighed, and their relative weight to chicken body weight were calculated. Also, length of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was evaluated and their samples were stored in 10% formalin for fixation to evaluate histological parameters (crypt depth, villus height, villus thickness, mucosal thickness, and crypt diameter) using Hematoxylin - Eosin staining method (Ebrahimi et al. 2017). Then, villus height to crypt depth ratios were calculated. Afterwards, data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design by the Proc GLM of SAS software (Ver 9.2). Also, TukeyKramer test was used for comparing treatments and results presented as least square means ± standard error. Results and discussion: Based on the results, in ovo injection of different levels of L-arginine did not affect hatchability, day-old chick weight, chick weight to egg weight ratio, 24-day-old chicken weight, feed conversion ratio, relative weight of all carcass traits, cholesterol, glucose, total protein and blood urea nitrogen (P> 0.05), (Table 2). However, serum triglyceride was significantly affected by experimental treatments (P <0.01) and the highest amount was observed in 0.5% L-arginine in ovo injection group (Table 2). In a similar study, Gao et al. (2017) indicated that L- arginine in ovo injection increased weight gain of broiler chickens. Furthermore, Abdolalizadeh Alvanegh et al. (2017) reported the improving effect of in ovo injection of different ratios of L- arginine to L- lysine on chick weight and their carcass traits. Also, they reported higher serum total protein level, while lower blood urea nitrogen of broiler chicks with in ovo injection of different ratios of L- arginine to L- lysine (Abdolalizadeh Alvanegh et al., 2017). Present results indicated no significant effect of in ovo injection of L-arginine on most weight and length parameters of small intestine length (P>0.05); however, relative weight of jejunum was significantly affected by in ovo injection of L-arginine (P<0.05) and the highest amount was observed in 0.5% L-arginine in ovo injection group (Table 3). Present results indicated no significant effect of in ovo injection of L-arginine on duodenal crypt diameter; jejunal villus height, crypt depth and diameter, and mucosal thickness; and ileum villus height, crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and mucosal thickness (P>0.05), (Table 3). However, significant effect of in ovo injection of Larginine was observed on duodenal villus height, villus thickness, crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and mucosal thickness; jejunal villus thickness and villus height/crypt depth ratio; and ilium villus thickness and crypt diameter (P<0.05), (Table 3). Also, the highest amount in most histological parameters was observed in 1% arginine treatment (Table 3). In a similar study, it was reported that in ovo injection of L- methionine had a positive impact on small intestine length and weight with improvement in villus height, crypt diameter, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratio of duodenum and jejunum (Fardoost et al. 2019). Also, in ovo injections of L- lysine improved histological parameters of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (Ebrahimi et al. 2017). Ebrahimi et al. (2018b) with in ovo injection of different DL- methionine to L- lysine ratios reported higher small intestinal weight and length along with higher Villus height and Villus height to crypt depth ratio. Conclusion: Based on the overall results of the study, injection of 0.5% arginine showed a positive effect on the growth and small intestine morphology of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shift work has become increasingly common in modern society. Shift work has been associated with a range of negative health outcomes. Therefore, this 10-years retrospective cohort study, aimed to investigate the relationship between shift work and blood and metabolic parameters. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a metal parts manufacturing industry in 2023. In this study, 204 shift workers and 204 day workers were examined. All the studied blood and metabolic parameters were collected by reviewing the medical records of all participants during a 10-years period (2013–2022). Moreover, the amounts of physical, chemical, and ergonomics harmful agents in the work environment were investigated. All the collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The values of Body Mass Index (BMI), Red Blood Cell Count (RBC), Platelets Count (PLT), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Level (TSH), Fasting Blood Sugar Level (FBS), Creatinine, Triglyceride (TG), Liver Enzymes level (SGOT and SGPT), and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) were higher among the shift work employees, and a significant difference was observed between the values of these parameters between the two groups. The results of logistic regression showed that the highest effect of shift work was observed on the parameters of FBS, TG, SGPT, TSH, Physical activity, BMI, Sleep duration, PLT, and Sleep quality with beta coefficient values of 0.49, 0.33, 0.29, 0.29, 0.20, 0.18, 0.14, 0.13 and, 0.11, respectively (p-value < 0.01). The present study contributes to a growing body of evidence that blood and metabolic factors are likely to be influenced by shift work. These findings have important implications for policy makers, highlighting the need for interventions to mitigate the negative health effects of shift work on workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to examine the relation between body and metabolic parameters in 105 young Holstein-Friesian cows in the period before puberty and locomotion score (LS) in the first lactation. During the examination of heifers (6-12 months of age) body condition score (BCS), body measurements and growth rate were determined. The blood to determine metabolic and hematology profile. The LS was evaluated monthly during the first five months after calving. Multivariate analysis and principal component analysis stated that selected body conformation parameters, blood parameters and LS were interrelated. Simple linear trends and/or complex LS prediction models indicated a positive correlation between values of LS and BCS, body growth, bilirubin, aspartate-aminotransferase, glucose, calcium, nonesterified fatty acid, leukocytes, granulocytes and negative correlation with albumin and cholesterol (P<0.01). A positive correlation existed between LS in different months of the study (P<0.001). Prediction of LS was significantly better (P<0.0001) using complex models (r=0.736-0.905) that include body measures, blood parameters, and LS in the first month compared to models with individual parameters (r=0.547-0.757). Predetermination of cows that will develop lameness problems such as LS>2 or LS>2 using two consecutive measurements are possible based on metabolic parameters. LS and lameness occurrence in the first lactation could be predicted in heifers very early, even before reaching sexual maturity, using blood parameters and body measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape seed oil (GSO) is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds that have been shown to affect physiological disorders associated with chronic diseases positively. The article demonstrates GSO's chemical structure and health benefits, including its ability to alleviate oxidative stress, modulate cytokines, exhibit antimicrobial activity, and potentially prevent cancer. The review highlights the positive impact of GSO on livestock growth and products quality, particularly when combined with grape pomace in broiler and rabbits diets. Including grape seed extract in animals' diets improved carcass traits under oxidative stress conditions. It may also help reduce total lipid levels and lower LDL cholesterol levels, benefiting heart health. The article emphasizes the need for more studies to better understanding of the optimal bioactivity of GSO and to determine the recommended doses of GSO for human consumption. The review suggests that GSO could be a promising natural feed additive for improving poultry health and product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted at Grdarasha field in Salahaddin University –Erbil during the period from 23 November 2021 to 5 January 2022, to determine the effect of using different calcium sources in a broiler diet on growth performance, blood parameters, bone characteristics, and immunity organs. Three hundred (300) chicks have randomly distributed into three (3) treatments following a completely randomized design (CRD). Five replications for each treatment, each replicate contains 20 birds. The dietary treatments include T1: control (0% eggshell), T2 and T3 increasing levels of eggshell powder as a replacement to limestone at 50% and 100%, respectively. The results showed no significant (P> 0.05) differences in broiler live body weight, body weight gain (BWQ), feed intake, feed conversation ratio, and mortality % among different weeks of experiments and different treatments used. The results of blood parameters did not note any significant variations among different treatment groups (P > 0.05) in TG, HDL, LDL and P, however, the significant differences (P < 0.01)was found in the Cholesterol, VLDL, and Calcium . Bone ash mainly consists of calcium and phosphorous, and their level of them differ significantly (P < 0.01) among the different treatments. Also, the results of the effect of dietary treatments on the broilers' bone properties indicated that no significant differences in bone length (cm), diaphysis diameter (mm), Lateral wall thickness (mm), Medial wall thickness (mm), Medullary canal diameter (mm), Tibiotarsal index. However, the significance was found in bone weight and bone-breaking strength which is considered to affect bone fractures in poultry. Nevertheless, the results showed no significant differences in immunity organs, including spleen % and bursa %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sainfoin species (Onobrychis spp.) have been employed for centuries as an essential forage for ruminant animals, both for grazing and as hay. The seeds produced by sainfoin have also been investigated as an animal feed source and were indicated to be a particularly protein‐rich supplement for monogastric animals. This study explores the effects of two sainfoin seed inclusion rates in rat diets compared to a control diet, focusing on blood biochemical parameters and a comprehensive histopathological evaluation of multiple organ systems. Thus, we provide a novel contribution to the body of evidence investigating sainfoin seeds as a protein supplement in monogastric animal diets. In this 21‐day experiment, seven rats each were assigned to the control group, a 5% sainfoin seed group, and a 10% sainfoin seed group. The control group received standard feed and water; the second group received feed with 5% sainfoin seeds; and the third group received feed with 10% sainfoin seeds. At the experiment's end, necropsies and evaluations were conducted. Histopathological exams revealed normal organ structures in all 21 samples, regardless of the group. Blood analysis showed statistically significant decreases in creatine, ALT, P, Ca, and Mg levels in the sainfoin seed groups compared to the control group, with most values nearing reference levels, suggesting potential benefits. Notably, no adverse effects were observed when sainfoin seeds were included at 5% and 10% in the rat feed. These findings contribute to a growing body of research investigating the inclusion of sainfoin seeds in monogastric animal diets, which is a foundational component of assessing sainfoin's potential as a novel pulse crop for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction1: Although minerals include a small part of the total cost of poultry feed, they perform special functions in the body. Given that today's birds are primarily raised under stressful conditions (including high production demands, environmental stress, heat, and exposure to various other stress factors), their nutrient metabolism, including the absorption of minerals, has changed. This has led to decreased feed consumption, reduced mineral absorption, and consequently, increased excretion of minerals. Minerals that serve as cofactors for many enzymes are crucial; thus, to support proper functioning and enhance the immune system's response, higher amounts of these nutrients are required in diets. Chromium (Cr) is a critical micronutrient for humans and animals. It contributes to physiological and nutritional efficiency. Chromium increases glucose glycogenesis, promotes glucose transport, and increases protein synthesis. Chromium is important in protein digestion and reduction of lipid peroxidation and increased growth production. Chromium deficiency is associated with reduced growth rate, and glucose, and protein metabolism. Under environmental, nutritional, and hormonal stress, the benefits of chromium supplementation clearly demonstrated. Considering that with the increase in age and egg size, the egg quality decreases, and also the function of the immune system decreases at the late phase of egg production. Therefore, supplementation of layer hen diets with some nutrients at the end of the production period can improve the egg quality and potentiate the humoral immune response. Thus, the subject of the current study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of chromium-methionine on egg laying performance, egg quality traits at different storage times and temperatures, humoral immune response, and some blood biochemical parameters of laying hens at late-phase of the egg production cycle. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 Leghorn laying hens (Hy-line W36, 73 weeks-old) were assigned in a completely randomized design with 6 dietary treatments, 5 replicates and 4 laying hens in each replicate for 6 weeks. The experimental treatments were 6 levels of chromium-methionine supplementation (0, 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 μg/kg of diet) of corn-soybean meal-based diet. The hens were housed in a 60 × 60 × 40 cm cage. All hens were housed in an environmentally controlled house with temperature maintained at approximately 25ºC. The house had controlled ventilation and lighting (16L: 8D). All hens were supplied with feed and water ad libitum. The hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were recorded daily. The feed conversion ratio was expressed in kilograms of feed consumed per kilogram of the egg mass. The effects of organic chromium supplementation of laying hens on egg quality traits were evaluated every 2 weeks at 75, 77, and 79 weeks of age. The egg shape index was calculated by dividing egg length to egg width. At the end of the experiment, to measure certain blood parameters, one bird from each replicate was selected, and blood was drawn from the wing vein. After preparing the serum, the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, glucose, and malondialdehyde were measured using Pars Azmoon kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results and Discussion: Supplementing the diet with chromium-methionine had a significant effect on laying performance (including feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and egg production) and egg quality traits (such as eggshell weight, yolk color, yolk weight, albumen height, and Haugh unit). The results showed that birds fed 2000 μg/kg chromium-methionine had the lowest feed intake and the best feed conversion ratio and egg production percentage were observed with the addition of 1600 and 2000 g/kg organic chromium. By suppressing stress factors, chromium can increase the ovulation rate and increase the percentage of egg production. Addition of organic chromium except 2000 μg/kg improved albumen height and Haugh unit compared to the control group. The interaction effect between egg storage time and storage temperature on the yolk height and yolk percentage, albumen and yolk pH were significant. Carotenoids are responsible for the color of the yolk and they are a part of the fat-soluble compounds, so any factor that can improve the digestion and absorption of fats will probably lead to an increase in the color of the egg yolk. Haugh unit is a measure to determine the quality of egg white, which determines the quality of the egg. The higher HU means better egg quality (fresher, higher quality eggs have thicker whites). Blood serum cholesterol of chickens fed with 800 μg/kg of chromium-methionine decreased compared to the control group. The lowest serum concentration of malondialdehyde was observed using 1600 and 2000 μg/kg organic chromium. Addition of 1600 μg/kg of chromium-methionine increased total immunoglobulin production against sheep red blood cells. The effects of dietary chromium supplementation on improving immune responses can be attributed to its antioxidant activity. By enhancing antioxidant activity, chromium reduces the production of corticosterone, a potent suppressor of immune system function. This reduction in corticosterone levels prevents the decrease in lymphocyte production and proliferation, ultimately supporting the continued production of antibodies. Conclusion: In total, dietary supplementation of 1600 μg/kg chromium-methionine can improve egg laying performance including feed conversion ratio, egg production, and egg mass, as well as egg quality traits such as egg shell weight and albumen height of laying hens at the late-phase of laying cycle. Supplementation of layer diets with 1600 μg/kg organic chromium improved the humoral immune response at the late-phase of egg production cycle by increasing the production of total immunoglobulin against sheep red blood cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the impact of age on the fecal microbiota in the genetic nucleus of cattle, with a focus on microbial richness, composition, functional diversity, and correlations with blood parameters. Fecal and blood samples from 21 cattle were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Older cattle exhibited greater bacterial diversity and abundance, with significant changes in alpha diversity indices (p < 0.05). Beta diversity analysis revealed significant variations in microbial composition between age groups and the interaction of age and sex (p < 0.05). Correlations between alpha diversity, community composition, and hematological values highlighted the influence of microbiota on bovine health. Beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, were more abundant in older cattle, suggesting a role in gut health. Functional diversity analysis indicated that younger cattle had significantly more abundant metabolic pathways in fermentation and anaerobic chemoheterotrophy. These findings suggest management strategies including tailored probiotic therapies, dietary adjustments, and targeted health monitoring to enhance livestock health and performance. Further research should include comprehensive metabolic analyses to better correlate microbiota changes with age-related variations, enhancing understanding of the complex interactions between microbiota, age, and reproductive status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of brown seaweed (Ecklonia maxima) as a nutraceutical source in indigenous chicken diets is limited by high dietary fibre levels. Inoculating seaweeds with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) spawn (OMS) could enhance the utility of the spent mushroom substrate (SMS). This study investigated the effect of feeding incremental levels of brown seaweed SMS on growth performance, physiological responses, and meat quality parameters in Boschveld roosters. A total of 324, 4-week-old Boschveld roosters were weighed and randomly allotted to 36 pens (9 birds per pen) to produce six replicates per dietary treatment. The diets were formulated as follows: a standard grower diet (CON); and CON containing 150 g/kg of brown seaweed inoculated with OMS at 0 (SMS0), 20 (SMS20), 30 (SMS30), 40 (SMS40) and 50% (SMS50). Birds fed diet CON had the least feed intake (p < 0.05) than all the other SMS treatment levels in weeks 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15. Diet SMS40 promoted higher (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) than CON in weeks 6, 7, 9 and 14. Gain-to-feed ratio linearly increased in weeks 7 [R2 = 0.288; p = 0.010], 11 [R2 = 0.581, p = 0.0001] and 14 [R2 = 0.389, p = 0.004], respectively. Quadratic responses (p < 0.05) were observed for BWG in week 5, white blood cells, heterophils, platelets, lymphocytes, monocytes, and relative spleen and large intestine weights as OMS levels increased. Linear increases were recorded for slaughter [R2 = 0.197, p = 0.017] and breast weights [R2 = 0.197, p = 0.020] as OMS levels increased. Diet SMS0 promoted higher (p < 0.05) relative caeca weights than the CON and SMS treatment groups. Neither quadratic nor linear responses (p > 0.05) were observed for breast meat quality parameters. In conclusion, feeding brown seaweed SMS improved growth performance and slaughter weight, altered some blood parameters and internal organs, without affecting breast meat quality of Boschveld roosters. Based on the quadratic response for BWG, the optimum OMS level was deduced at 20% in a brown seaweed-based Boschveld rooster diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The dry season is the most challenging season for beef cattle grazing. Intensification during the dry season ensures that animal performance is maintained and allows for increases in productivity per area. Thus, the use of concentrated supplementation not only ensures the adjustment of limiting nutrients in the pasture but also allows for the manipulation of the individual and area gain curve. The effects of nutritional strategies associated with supplementation levels and protein sources on the performance, blood parameters, and forage composition of Nelore animals in the rearing phase during the dry period of the year were evaluated. Two protein sources (PS) (soybean meal—SBM and dry distillers grain with soluble—DDGS) and two levels of concentrate (LC) (higher and lower) were tested in the Mombaça grass pastures. Higher levels of concentrate ensure greater productivity for beef cattle grazing. The highest LC increased the total weight gain of beef cattle grazing by 50.5%, while a lower LC increased the leaf/stem ratio (L/S) and crude protein (CP) content of Mombasa grass. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional strategies on the intensification of beef cattle farming on pastures during the dry period of the year. Eighty male cattle (testers) were randomly allocated to 16 paddocks formed with Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus), totaling five animals (testers) per paddock. The strategies consisted of two LCs [10 and 16.7 g·kg−1 body weight (BW)] and two PSs with DDGS and SBM in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The chemical, structural, and productive characteristics of the forage were evaluated, as well as the performance, productivity, and serum parameters of the supplemented animals. The forage presented a greater L:C (p = 0.033) and CP content (p = 0.007) when the lowest LC was used. Animals that received the highest LC had the highest supplement intake (p < 0.001) and the lowest pasture intake (p < 0.001). The nutritional strategy with an LC of 16.7 g·kg−1 of body weight (BW) resulted in a greater increase in total BW, i.e., 200 kg·BW ha−1 more. Therefore, higher levels of concentrate ensure greater productivity for beef cattle grazing, and DDGS can replace SBM in supplements used in the intensive raising of beef cattle on pasture without compromising the performance and productivity of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to study the effect of β-alanine levels on performance, quality characteristics of eggs and blood parameters of laying hens. In this research, 180 laying hens of "Hy-Line -W36" at the age of 78 to 86 weeks were used in five treatments and six replication (six hen in each replication). Experimental treatments included 5 level of 0, 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 mg of β-alanine per kg of diet. The results of this experiment showed that the addition of β-alanine at any level of the diet caused an increase in feed consumption in the whole period (P˂0.05). The addition of 400 mg of β-alanine per kg of the diet had more shell weight per surface area in the whole period (P˂0.05). The β-alanine treatments at any level of the diet caused an increase in VLDL concentration at the age of 84-86 week compared to the control treatment. The concentration of cholesterol in the yolk at the age of 82-84 week was higher in hens feed with a diet containing 800 mg per kg β-alanine than control birds (P˂0.05). In general, the results of this research showed that 800 mg of β-alanine per kg of diet can increase feed consumption, VLDL concentrations and egg yolk cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the anaesthetic effects of fennel and anise essential oils were investigated on common carp. Fish (10 ± 0.45 g) were exposed to nine concentrations of essential oils (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg L−1). Additionally, the histopathological effects on the fish tissues including gill, skin and hepatopancreas and physiological effects on some blood parameters (Na+, K+, Ca+2, Cl−, total plasma protein and glucose) of essential oils were investigated in carp. At the end of the experiment, fennel oil showed an anaesthetic effect at a concentration of 500 mg L−1 in carp (anaesthesia induction and recovery times were 308 and 472 s, respectively). Anise essential oil showed deep anaesthesia at a concentration of 100 mg L−1, but anaesthesia induction time was found to be very long (20 min). In addition, anise oil at concentrations above 100 mg L−1 caused 10% mortality in fish. Blood parameters except glucose level in both essential oils were unchanged during deep anaesthesia in carp. However, plasma glucose levels were found lower in fish anaesthetized with anise oil than control and fennel groups (P < 0.05). At the histopathological examination, no pathological findings were observed in any organ of fish in the fennel group. However, severe hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltrations in gills, erosive lesions in the skin and slight inflammatory reactions in the skin were observed in the anise group. The present study demonstrated that fennel essential oil at 500 mg L−1 concentration can be used as an effective and safe anaesthetic in common carp, but anise essential oil is not suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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IntroductionGeometric aquaculture growth has resulted in exponentially increasing use of agrochemicals as either parasiticides or herbicides in the aquaculture environment. This study determines some of the toxicological (haematological and biochemical) effects of glyphosate-based herbicides on non-target aquatic animals using Clarias gariepinus as the animal model.MethodSeventy-five apparently healthy adult C. gariepinus (300 g) were sourced from a local farmer and acclimatised for 2 weeks; of these, sixty subjects were divided into four treatment groups (fifteen fish per group and five replicates per unit) by simple randomisation and labelled as T0 (control), T1 (first treatment), T2 (second treatment), and T3 (third treatment). The treatments were replicated thrice. Four concentrations of Force up® [0 mL, 0.15 mL (0.003 mL/L or 5.1 mg/L), 0.225 mL (0.0045 mL/L or 7.65 mg/L), and 0.3 mL (0.006 mL/L or 10.2 mg/L) were added to a 50-L tank of water for T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Approximately 5 mL of blood was collected from the fish in each treatment group 96 h post-exposure for measurement of the blood parameters and biochemical indices using standard analytical methods as well as calculation of the mean values.ResultThe mean values of the packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count compared to the control group showed an initial increase at T1 but decreased as the glyphosate concentrations increased at T2 (0.0045 mL/L) and T3 (0.006 mL/L). The platelet mean values decreased at T1, increased at T2, and decreased at T3, while the mean values of the corpuscular volume, corpuscular haemoglobin, and corpuscular haemoglobin concentration increased with glyphosate concentration, with the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreasing at T2. Only the platelet value was statistically significant at a p-value of 0.05.DiscussionBased on the results of this study, it is deduced that glyphosate-based herbicide (Force up®) has genotoxic, hepatotoxic, and nephrotoxic effects on C. gariepinus even at sublethal doses, with more adverse effects at increasing concentrations.

IntroductionIn order to find early selection criteria to improve the longevity of show jumping horses, a specific protocol was designed.MethodsBefore entering competition, young horses selected from extreme stallions for longevity were measured for many traits, including blood parameters. Blood samples were taken from 952 horses aged 2–4 years old, sired by two groups of stallions: one with unfavorable (U) and the other with favorable (F) extreme estimated breeding values for functional longevity. These breeding values were previously calculated from data on 202,320 horses that participated in show jumping competitions between 1985 and 2022. Functional longevity was defined as time spent in competition, adjusted for the level of performance. The 59 measured parameters included hematology, proteins, cytokines, liver and kidney function, bone and joint health, oxidative stress and endocrinology. Heritability was estimated using a mixed model that accounted for the effect of age, sex, estimated weight, visit (place and date of collection), and animal random additive value with 10,280 horses in pedigree. A Partial Least Square logistic regression was performed to predict the sire group.ResultsAge, sex and estimated weight significantly affected 36, 19 and 16 variables, respectively. The visit had a significant effect on all variables. Heritability estimates were high, with 75% higher than 0.20% and 30% higher than 0.50. The most heritable traits included mean corpuscular volume (0.92, se 0.11), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (0.90, se 0.11), white blood cells (0.55, se 0.13), total alkaline phosphatase (0.68, se 0.12) and percentage of γ-globulin (0.57, se 0.12). The logistic regression that predicted the group of sires favorable for longevity identified 16 significant variables. Key findings included: lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p-value < 0.001), lower mean corpuscular volume (p-value < 0.001), lower number of white blood cells (p-value < 0.01), higher percentage of intestinal and bone alkaline phosphatase (p-value < 0.01) for a lower total alkaline phosphatase (p-value < 0.01), higher percentage of α2-globulin (p-value < 0.001) and lower percentage of β1-globulin (p-value < 0.01).DiscussionBlood parameters measured at rest in young horses may be predictive of their genetic value for functional longevity in show jumping.

Abstract Background The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections have similar modes of transmission and clinical symptoms. There is a need to identify simple diagnostic indicators to distinguish these three infections, particularly for community hospitals and low- and middle-income countries that lack nucleic acid detection kits. This study used clinical data to assess the diagnostic value of routine blood tests in differentiating between SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and RSV infections in children. Methods A total of 1420 children treated at the Hangzhou Children’s Hospital between December 2022 and June 2023 were enrolled in this study, of whom 351 had SARS-CoV-2, 671 had influenza, and 398 had RSV. In addition, 243 healthy children were also collected. The blood test results of SARS-CoV-2 patients were compared to those of patients with influenza A and RSV and the healthy controls. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was employed to evaluate each blood parameter’s diagnostic value. Results Children with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited notably elevated levels of white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT) count, neutrophil count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) compared to influenza A patients (P

This study aimed to research changes in biochemical profile and oxidant-antioxidant activities of Damascus goats of different ages. The 45 non-gravid Damascus goats of different ages were included in the research. They were divided into three groups of 15 goats according to age: goat kids ( - ≤ 6-months age), young goats (2-3-year age) and old goats (5-8-year age). Biochemical parameters and oxidant-antioxidant activities were determined in serum samples using commercial kits and colorimetric methods. The lowest serum urea, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, globulin and magnesium levels were observed in goat kids (P < .05). Concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphorus, non-esterified fatty acids, albumin/globulin and alanine aminotransferase decreased with age in the goats (P < .05). Serum total oxidant capacity, total antioxidants capacity and oxidative stress index levels were increased in goat kids compared to old goats (P < .05). Furthermore the highest serum glutathione and glutathione preoxidase activities were observed in young goats (P < .05). An increase was determined in concentrations of serum β-carotene and bilirubin in old goats compared to goat kids (P < .05). In contrast, serum catalase activity, arylesterase, ceruloplasmin and uric acid values did not differ between the groups. The results obtained on the biochemical profiles and oxidant-antioxidant activities of Damascus goats will contribute to monitoring this breed's age-related health and nutritional status and establishing reference values.

Abstract Background Hearing impairment (HI) has become a major public health issue in China. Currently, due to the limitations of primary health care, the gold standard for HI diagnosis (pure-tone hearing test) is not suitable for large-scale use in community settings. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective HI screening model for the general population using machine learning (ML) methods and data gathered from community-based scenarios, aiming to help improve the hearing-related health outcomes of community residents. Methods This study recruited 3371 community residents from 7 health centres in Zhejiang, China. Sixty-eight indicators derived from questionnaire surveys and routine haematological tests were delivered and used for modelling. Seven commonly used ML models (the naive Bayes (NB), K-nearest neighbours (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), boosting, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO regression)) were adopted and compared to develop the final high-frequency hearing impairment (HFHI) screening model for community residents. The model was constructed with a nomogram to obtain the risk score of the probability of individuals suffering from HFHI. According to the risk score, the population was divided into three risk stratifications (low, medium and high) and the risk factor characteristics of each dimension under different risk stratifications were identified. Results Among all the algorithms used, the LASSO-based model achieved the best performance on the validation set by attaining an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.868 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.847–0.889) and reaching precision, specificity and F-score values all greater than 80%. Five demographic indicators, 7 disease-related features, 5 behavioural factors, 2 environmental exposures, 2 hearing cognitive factors, and 13 blood test indicators were identified in the final screening model. A total of 91.42% (1235/1129) of the subjects in the high-risk group were confirmed to have HI by audiometry, which was 3.99 times greater than that in the low-risk group (22.91%, 301/1314). The high-risk population was mainly characterized as older, low-income and low-educated males, especially those with multiple chronic conditions, noise exposure, poor lifestyle, abnormal blood indices (e.g., red cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet distribution width (PDW)) and liver function indicators (e.g., triglyceride (TG), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)). An HFHI nomogram was further generated to improve the operability of the screening model for community applications. Conclusions The HFHI risk screening model developed based on ML algorithms can more accurately identify residents with HFHI by categorizing them into the high-risk groups, which can further help to identify modifiable and immutable risk factors for residents at high risk of HI and promote their personalized HI prevention or intervention.

This study was attempted to reveal the changes in three hematological parameters such as blood hemoglobin, number of white blood cells (WBCs) and number of red blood cells (RBCs) and one biochemical (e.g., glucose) parameter along with the changes in histomorphological structures of gills and kidney of Nile tilapia fry reared in saline water. Two experimental set up were used for two different age groups- 5 days-after-hatch (5DAH) and 15 days-after-hatch (15DAH) - to test a novel hypothesis: if a little difference in the age during the first exposure to saline water could produce any variation in the results. They were placed into 6 plastic drums having six different salinity levels: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25. After 60 days, at least 5 individuals were taken out from each drum to observe the above-hematological and histomorphological parameters. A two-way-ANOVA revealed that, except for hemoglobin, all the observed parameters have been affected the effect of age × salinity interaction (P