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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on gut health and performance in post-weaning piglets. In total, 40 piglets were divided into two experimental groups and fed a basal diet with (TRT) or without (CON) 0.2% mannan oligosaccharides for 35 days. Growth performance was determined weekly and faecal microbial composition on days 0, 14 and 35. On day 36, histometrical evaluations were performed on duodenal, jejunal, ileal, and colon samples. mRNA gene expression of inflammation-related genes was evaluated in samples of ileal Peyer&rsquo, s patches (IPP). MOS administration improved feed efficiency in the last two weeks of the trial (p &lt, 0.05), and a decreased clostridia content was found in faeces at day 14 (p = 0.05). TRT piglets showed increased duodenal villi height (p &lt, 0.05), and reduced mRNA levels of Tumour Necrosis Factor &alpha, (p &lt, 0.05) and Toll-Like Receptor 4 (p &lt, 0.01) in IPP. Our results suggest beneficial effects of MOS supplementation on gut morphology and the expression of inflammation-related genes in post-weaning piglets, accompanied by increased feed efficiency.

Phytobiotics are usually tested in feed and throughout the production cycle. However, it could be beneficial to evaluate their effects when administered only during critical moments, such as changes in feeding phases. The aim of the trial was to investigate the effect of a commercial plant extract (PE, IQV-10-P01, InQpharm Animal Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on growth performance, blood antiradical activity and cecal microbiome when administered in drinking water to broiler chickens during the post-hatching phase and at each change of diet. In the experiment, 480 1-day-old male broiler chicks were assigned to two groups in a 50-day trial. Broilers received drinking water (C) or drinking water plus PE (T) at a rate of 2 mL/L on days 0 to 4, 10&ndash, 11 and 20&ndash, 21. PE did not affect performance and water intake, while total antiradical activity was improved (p &lt, 0.05). A greater abundance of lactic acid bacteria (false discovery rate (FDR) &lt, 0.05) was found in the T group and the result was confirmed at a lower taxonomic level with higher Lactobacillaceae abundance (FDR &lt, 0.05). Our findings suggest that PE administration during critical moments of the production cycle of broiler chickens may exert beneficial effects at a systemic level and on gut microbial ecology.

In the search for the reduction of antibiotics in farm animals, a concept was developed based on studies with medium-chain fatty acid with 6-12 atoms (MCFA). In particular, they have been shown to exhibit against Gram+ bacteria in piglets at relatively high concentrations. However they can be hardly used as such because of their repellent odour and taste and for their rapid absorption in upper gastrointestinal tract. These problems could be overcome by the generation of monoacylglycerol, but esterification is usually carried out on a silica base, which reduces the concentration of FA, therefore limiting the antibacterial effects. Our hypothesis is that the saponification with calcium salts might positively affect their concentration in the GIT. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of Laurate calcium soap (C12-Ca soap) on growth performance and health of post-weaning piglets. At weaning, 192 crossbreed Topics piglets were assigned to 3 experimental groups consisting of 16 pens (4 pigs/pen each): CTR (negative control), T1 (basal diet plus Amoxycillin at 400 mg/kg), and T2 (basal diet plus C12-Ca soap at 1 kg/ton). Gain and feed consumption did not differ among groups. Feed efficiency was higher in T1 (0,61) and T2 (0,58) than CTR (0,51) (P, International Journal of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Vol 5, No 1s (2018)

Free range systems can improve the welfare of laying hens. However, the access to environmental resources can be partially limited by social interactions, feeding of hens, and productivity, can be not stable and damaging behaviors, or negative events, can be observed more frequently than in conventional housing systems. In order to reach a real improvement of the hens' welfare the study of their laying performances and behaviors is necessary. With this purpose, many systems have been developed. However, most of them do not detect a multiple occupation of the nest negatively affecting the accuracy of data collected. To overcome this issue, a new "nest-usage-sensor" was developed and tested. It was based on the evaluation of thermografic images, as acquired by a thermo-camera, and the performing of patter recognitions on images acquired from the nest interior. The sensor was setup with a "Multiple Nest Occupation Threshold" of 796 colored pixels and a template of triangular shape and sizes of 43 × 33 pixels (high per base). It was tested through an experimental nesting system where 10 hens were reared for a month. Results showed that the evaluation of thermografic images could increase the detection performance of a multiple occupation of the nest and to apply an image pattern recognition technique could allow for counting the number of hens in the nest in case of a multiple occupation. As a consequence, the accuracy of data collected in studies on laying performances and behaviors of hens, reared in a free-range housing system, could result to be improved.

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA), have been shown to affect human gene expression, protein metabolism, apoptosis, and regeneration of hepatocytes. Furthermore, they have been demonstrated to inhibit proliferation of liver cancer cells in vitro, and to be essential for lymphocyte proliferation. In veterinary medicine, the use of BCAAs as integration of a normal dietary plan, is likely to be a valid choice for the same benefit found in human clinical nutrition, although this aspect is still debated. Indeed long-term oral supplementation with BCAAs in the prevention of liver fibrosis and injury in the dog's liver is still unclear. Aim of the present study will be to determine how BCAAs preserve liver functions in vitro. To this purpose we have selected and set up three different in vitro models: hepatic dog cells and canine hepatocellular carcinoma cells plated in 2D monolayer and hepatic dog cells cultured onto 3D scaffolds, obtained from decellularized rabbit liver using a combination of chemical agents and detergents. The strength and reliability of the in vitro models have been assessed, evaluating cell proliferation and morphology as well as recellularization density in 3D cultures. Further information will be acquired using the appropriate cellular and molecular markers., International Journal of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Vol 3, No 1s (2016)

Our study is focused on evaluation and use of the most effective and correct nutrients. In particular, our attention is directed to the role of certain amino acids in cachectic patients. During parenteral nutrition in humans, physician already associates in the PN-bags different formulations including amino acids, lipids and glucose solutions or essential amino acids solution alone or exclusively branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Studies investigated the effects of dietary BCAA ingestion on different diseases and conditions such as obesity and metabolic disorders, liver disease, muscle atrophy, cancer, impaired immunity or injuries (surgery, trauma, burns, and sepsis). BCAAs have been shown to affect gene expression, protein metabolism, apoptosis and regeneration of hepatocytes, and insulin resistance. They have also been shown to inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells in vitro, and are essential for lymphocyte proliferation and dendritic cell maturation. Oral or parenteral administration of these three amino acids will allow us to evaluate the real efficacy of these compounds during a therapy to treat malnutrition in subjects unable to feed themselves., International Journal of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Vol 2, No 1s (2015): Proceeding of Veterinary and Animal Science Days

The ratio of omega-6 (&omega, 6) to omega-3 (&omega, 3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the diet contributes to animal health and performance modulations because they have mostly opposite physiological functions. Increasing &omega, 3 PUFAs content in the maternal diet can stimulate antioxidative capacity in sow and piglets, however, the optimal ratio of &omega, 6 and &omega, 3 PUFAs in the sow diet is still under discussion. Rich sources of bioactive constituents such as brown seaweed are an excellent supplementation to promote animal health and antioxidant status. However, the knowledge of the effects of this compound, specifically in post-weaning piglets, is still limited. Moreover, the combined effect of a low &omega, 6:&omega, 3 PUFAs ratio in sow diet and seaweed supplementation in post-weaning piglets&rsquo, diet has never been studied. This research aims to assess the combined effect of a low &omega, 3 ratio in sow diets and seaweed supplementation in piglet diets on their growth and oxidative status. We also assessed the impact of a low &omega, 3 ratio in the maternal diet on reproduction, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, and plasma leptin concentration. Two sow diets (n = 8 each) contained either a control ratio (CR, 13:1 during gestation, starting from day 28 (G28) and 10:1 during lactation) or a low ratio (LR, 4:1 from G28 until the end of lactation (L-End)) of &omega, 3 FA by adding soybean oil or linseed oil, respectively. Reproductive performance was evaluated. Colostrum and milk at lactation day 7 (L7) and L-End were collected to analyze FA profile. Plasma was collected at G28, G79, G108, L7, L14, and L-End for determination of leptin and oxidative status. At weaning, 20 male piglets were selected per sow group to form 4 diet treatments (n = 10 each), which were supplemented with or without 4 g/kg seaweed. Recording of growth performance and collection of blood were performed at days 0, 7, 15, and 21 of post-weaning for oxidative status. LR diet increased (p &lt, 0.05) the survival rate of piglets at weaning, and individual and litter weight gains. Colostrum and milk at L7 and L-End had lower (p &lt, 0.05) &omega, 3 ratio in LR sows. Interaction between dietary treatments on sows and piglets was revealed for all examined growth parameters at most time points (p &lt, 0.05). LR diet did not affect plasma leptin levels and oxidative status. These findings suggest that the seaweed supplement during post-weaning could not improve growth rate and oxidative status of piglets born from mothers receiving a low dietary &omega, 3 ratio (4:1) during gestation and lactation. However, this low ratio was beneficial for weaning survival rate, sucking piglets&rsquo, weight gain, and &omega, 3 enrichment in colostrum and milk.