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This study investigated the effect of supplementation of Malva sylvestris leaf powder (MSLP) on the production performance of broiler chicken. Ven Cobb broiler chicks (240 day-old male chicks) were distributed randomly into four treatments, each replicated four times, with 15 birds per replicate. The diets formulated were T1 (control) given basal diet only, T2 (basal diet +1.0% MSLP), T3 (basal diet +1.5% MSLP), and T4 (basal diet +2.0% MSLP). The highest improvement of 3.83% in the average daily gain (ADG) was recorded in the T3 group fed 1.5% Malva powder in the diet compared to the control (P = 0.009). The average daily feed intake (ADFI) tended to decrease with an increase in the dose of MSLP in the diet, with the lowest feed intake in the T4 group fed 2% MSLP. During the overall period (7–42 days), the feed/gain (F/G) ratio reduced significantly (P = 0.048) in the T3 and T4 groups compared to the control. The dressed and breast meat yield was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T3 group, with no significant change (P > 0.05) in the thigh yield. The changes in the pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) of breast meat were found to be non-significant (p > 0.05) between the control and various other treatments. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the T3 and T4 groups. There was no negative effect of including MSLP in the diet on the color coordinates of breast meat among different treatments. Compared to the control, the serum immunoglobulin values increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T3 and T4 groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed no difference between various treatments; however, malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) according to dietary treatments. Serum cortisol increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T4 group compared to other treatments. The inclusion of Malva powder in the diet at the 2% level significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the coliform count compared to the control birds. Supplementation with Malva powder resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio of broiler birds in the T3 and T4 groups. In conclusion, MSLP supplementation at 1.5% and 2% resulted in improved production performance of broiler chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this meta-analysis was to quantify the potential of CH 4 -mitigating strategies in dairy cattle when accounting for the effects of treatment dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation period. Data from 218 studies with dairy cattle published between 1963 to 2022 were reviewed. Individual CH 4 mitigation strategies selected for the analysis were algae (Asparagopsis spp.), 3-nitrooxypropanol, nitrate, lipids, plant secondary compounds, and direct-fed microbials (DFM). Response variables evaluated were daily CH 4 emission (g/d), CH 4 yield (g CH 4 /kg DMI), and CH 4 intensity (g CH 4 /kg milk yield [MY] and ECM). Relative mean difference between treatment and control means reported in the studies were calculated and used in the statistical analysis. Robust variance estimation method was used to analyze the effects of CH 4 mitigation strategies. Dose, forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C), dietary concentrations of CP, ether extract (EE), NDF, ADF, and starch, and supplementation period were used as continuous explanatory variables. Data for algae supplementation were limited and responses to studied species were contrasting but, overall, Asparagopsis spp. effectively decreased daily CH 4 emission, CH 4 yield, and CH 4 intensities by 29.8 ± 4.6%, 23.0 ± 5.3%, 34.0 ± 4.3%, and 22.6 ± 7.3%, respectively. Supplementation of 3-nitrooxypropanol decreased daily CH 4 emission, yield, and intensity (per kg MY and ECM) by 28.2 ± 3.6%, 28.7 ± 2.8%, 29.2 ± 3.1%, and 31.8 ± 2.8%, respectively, compared with control. Decreasing dietary fiber (i.e., F:C, NDF, and ADF), whereas increasing dietary starch concentration increased the efficacy of 3-nitrooxypropanol at mitigating enteric CH 4 emission. Nitrate supplementation decreased CH 4 emission, yield, and intensity (per kg ECM) by 18.5% ± 1.9%, 17.6 ± 1.6%, and 13.0 ± 0.2%, respectively, compared with control. Efficacy of nitrate at mitigating enteric CH 4 yield and CH 4 intensity was positively associated with dose, and efficacy of nitrate at mitigating CH 4 yield was positively associated with dietary starch concentration. Lipid supplementation decreased CH 4 emission, yield, and intensities by up to 14.8 ± 2.3%, respectively, compared with control. Efficacy of lipids supplementation was positively associated with dietary EE, starch, and supplementation period, but negatively associated with dietary ADF concentration. Free oil supplementation tended to increase lipid efficacy by 31% at decreasing CH 4 emission, compared with control. Condensed tannins and plant-derived bioactive compounds decreased CH 4 yield by 11.3 ± 2.9% and 5.7 ± 2.5%, respectively, but oregano did not affect enteric CH 4 emission metrics in the current meta-analysis. Direct-fed microbials were not effective in mitigating enteric CH 4 emission variables. Data were limited to determine the effects of dietary nutrients and duration of supplementation on efficacy of Asparagopsis spp., plant secondary compounds and DFM. Overall, supplementation of the diet with Asparagopsis spp., 3-nitrooxypropanol, nitrate, and lipids were the most effective strategies for decreasing enteric CH 4 emission in dairy cattle. Variability in the efficacy of most CH 4 mitigation strategies can be partially explained by differences in treatment dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation period. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquafeed additive quality and quantity remain pivotal factors that constrain the sustainability and progress of aquaculture feed development. This study investigates the impact of incorporating the benthic diatom Amphora coffeaeformis into the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock, on the blood biochemistry, steroid hormone (SH) levels and seed production efficiency. Broodstock females displaying mature ovary indications were initially combined with males at a ratio of three females to one male. A total of 384 adult Nile tilapia (288 females and 96 males) were used, with 32 fish (24 females and eight males) assigned to each of 12 concrete tanks (8 m³; 2 m × 4 m × 1 m), with three replicate tanks for each dietary treatment, throughout a 14‐day spawning cycle until egg harvest. Fish were fed one of four different dietary treatments: AM0% (control diet), and AM2%, AM4% and AM6% enriched with the diatom A. coffeaeformis at levels of 20, 40 and 60 g/kg of diet respectively. At the trial's conclusion, total protein, albumin, triglyceride and creatinine), SHs (follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, free testosterone, total testosterone, progesterone and prolactin) and seeds production efficiency of Nile tilapia improved significantly (p < 0.05) in alignment with the increment of A. coffeaeformis supplementation. The findings propose that including A. coffeaeformis at levels ranging from 4% to 6% could be effectively employed as a feed additive during the Nile tilapia broodstock's spawning season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This present study evaluated the efficacy of dietary benzoic acid (BA) and oregano essential oil (OEO) separately or together as a substitute for a commercial coccidiostatic drug (salinomycin) on growth performance and physiological and immunological responses in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria species. It was found that the BA and OEO applied alone or in combination significantly reduced gut pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) and Eimeria spp. and concurrently enhanced the Lactobacillus population with better body weight gain, improved feed utilization, and superior hematological values. It boosted the immune system by enhancing Eimeria-specific immunoglobulin Y titer and up- and down-regulated various immune gene expressions to protect the chickens from inflammatory reactions that were not demonstrated in salinomycin-treated birds. This study suggests that the combined application of OEO and BA can substitute for salinomycin in controlling coccidiosis as well as improving growth performance, gut health, and immune responses in broiler chickens. To overcome the antimicrobial residues in food, benzoic acid (BA) and oregano essential oil (OEO) are used in the broiler chicken industry. Independently, both exerted anticoccidial and antimicrobial actions and improved growth performance in broiler chickens. Their effect may be multiplied when they are used in combination. This present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of dietary BA and OEO alone or in combination as a substitute for a commercial coccidiostatic drug on growth performance and physiological and immunological responses in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria species. A total of 252 unsexed 1-day-old broiler chicks were equally allotted to 36 pens, each pen containing seven chicks. The pens were randomly assigned to six treatments with six pens (replicates) for each treatment (n = 6)—(i) negative control, (ii) positive control, coccidia-challenged and non-treated, (iii) supplemented with salinomycin (an anti-coccidial drug) at 60 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged, (iv) supplemented with BA at 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged, (v) supplemented with OEOat 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged (OEO), and (vi) supplemented with BA at 500 mg/kg of feed and OEO at 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged (B&O). The liver enzymes and thyroxine and creatinine levels were not affected (p > 0.05) both in coccidia-challenged and supplemented chickens. The BA and OEO applied separately or in combination (B&O) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced gut pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) and Eimeria spp., and concurrently enhanced (p > 0.05) the Lactobacillus population with better body weight gain, improved feed utilization, and superior hematological values. It also up-regulated (p > 0.05) the interferon-γ gene expression and down-regulated (p < 0.05) the interleukin-10 and Toll-like receptor-4 gene expression to protect the chickens from inflammatory reactions, which were not demonstrated in salinomycin-treated birds. The B&O supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the immune system by enhancing Eimeria-specific immunoglobulin Y titer and lymphocyte proliferation response. This study suggests that the combined application of OEO and BA can substitute for a commercial anti-coccidial agent (salinomycin) in controlling coccidiosis as well as improving growth performance, gut health, and immune responses in broiler chickens with a means of antimicrobial-resistant free food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring sustainability has increasingly become a significant concern not only in aquaculture but in the general agrifood sector. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate pathways to feed substitutes/best practices to enhance aquaculture sustainability. The application of fungi in aquaculture provides innovative methods to enhance the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture. Fungi play numerous roles in aquaculture, including growth, immunity enhancement and disease resistance. They also play a role in bioremediation of waste and bioflocculation. The application of fungi improves the suitability and utilization of terrestrial plant ingredients in aquaculture by reducing the fibre fractions and anti-nutritional factors and increasing the nutrients and mineral contents of plant ingredients. Fungi are good flotation agents and can enhance the buoyancy of aquafeed. Pigments from fungi enhance the colouration of fish fillets, making them more attractive to consumers. This paper, via the relevant literature, explores the multifaceted roles of fungi in aquaculture, emphasizing their potential to transform aquaculture through environmentally friendly and sustainable techniques. The effectiveness of fungi in reducing fibre fractions and enhancing nutrient availability is influenced by the duration of fermentation and the dosage administered, which may differ for various feed ingredients, making it difficult for most aquaculture farmers to apply fungi approximately. Therefore, the most effective dosage and fermentation duration for each feed ingredient should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The use of fermented agricultural by-products as novel feed additives to improve animal health and livestock production has attracted attention due to their enhanced nutritional values after fermentation. Blueberry pomace, rich in bioactive substances, has health benefits. This study investigated the effects of fermented blueberry pomace on intestinal health in late-phase laying hens. The findings indicated that dietary fermented blueberry pomace supplementation could improve small intestinal barrier function and modulate cecal microbiota in laying hens during the late laying period and thus could be a potential feed additive in poultry production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented blueberry pomace (FBP) on the intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiome of aged laying hens. A total of 320 Yukou Jingfen No. 8 laying hens (345-day-old) were randomly divided into a control group, 0.25% FBP group, 0.5% FBP group, or 1.0% FBP group. The results showed that the villus height (VH) in the jejunum of the 0.25–0.5% FBP groups and villus surface area in the jejunum of the 0.25% FBP group were higher (p < 0.05), while 0.25% FBP supplementation displayed a higher (p = 0.070) VH in the ileum compared to the control group. Mucin-2 expression was upregulated (p < 0.05) in the jejunum of the 0.5% FBP group and the ileum of the 0.25–0.5% FBP groups. Compared to the control group, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 expressions were upregulated (p < 0.05) in the 1.0% FBP group. Microbiota analysis revealed that Prevotella abundance in the cecum of the 0.5–1.0% FBP groups was higher (p < 0.05) than in the 0.25% FBP group. In addition, microbial function prediction analysis showed that cecal microbiota in the 0.25% FBP group were mainly enriched by alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism and methane metabolism. Moreover, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed the potential correlations between the abundance of the cecal microbiota and intestinal-barrier-function-related gene expressions, as well as the short-chain fatty acid content, of laying hens. In summary, dietary FBP supplementation enhanced intestinal barrier function by improving intestinal morphology, upregulating gene expressions related to barrier function, and altering the cecal microbiota of aged laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of nanoscale synthetic zeolite powder (NZeP) levels in diet on water quality, growth performance, muscle proximate composition, and some blood biochemical indices of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings were evaluated in a 60‐day experiment. One hundred eighty fish with an average weight of 5.91 ± 0.45 g were distributed in three different groups of control (basal diet without NZeP), NZP0.5% (basal diet + 0.5% NZeP), and NZeP1% (basal diet + 1% NZeP) with triplicate. The zeolite particles were characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (FE‐SEM/EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results revealed that the total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration in the NZeP dietary groups decreased compared to the control group after the 20th day of the experiment (p < 0.05). The TAN concentration in the NZeP1% group was lower than in the NZeP0.5% group on days 50 and 60 (p < 0.05). The final weight, weight gain, and average daily gain parameters were lower in the fish fed on NZeP1%‐supplemented diet than in other dietary groups (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio value decreased in the NZeP dietary groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). The lowest FCR value was recorded in the NZeP1% dietary group (p < 0.05). The muscle crude protein content increased in the fish fed on diet supplemented with NZeP1% in comparison to the control (p < 0.05). The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration decreased in the plasma of fish fed on NZeP‐supplemented diets compared to the control (p < 0.05). The plasma glucose concentration was lower in the NZeP1% dietary group than the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the adding nanozeolite powder at a level of 1% to diet had positive effects on water quality, the growth performance, and muscle proximate composition of Nile tilapia fingerlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from Shang Platycodon and to analyze its hygroscopic, moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Orthogonal experiments were used to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from Shang Platycodon by ultrasonic-assisted water extraction and alcohol precipitation. The polysaccharides extracted under the optimal extraction process were refined and used for the determination and analysis of hygroscopic moisturizing and antioxidant properties. The results showed that the extraction rate of polysaccharides was 9.75% when the liquid-material ratio was 20 mL/g, the ultrasonic extraction temperature was 50 ℃, and the ultrasonic extraction time was 20 min, which was the best extraction process for polysaccharides from Shang Platycodon. In the case of RH 60% and RH 81%, the order of moisture absorption rate was glycerol > sodium alginate > glycerol polysaccharides; and in dry envi⁃ronment, the moisture retention rate was sodium alginate > polysaccharides of bellflower > glycerol. Polysaccharides from Shang Platycodon can scavenge hydroxyl radicals and DPPH free radicals, and the concentration of polysaccharides is positively correlated with scavenging ability. Among them, when the concentrations of polysaccharides were 2.0 mg/mL and 10.0 mg/mL, respectively, half of the hydroxyl radicals and DPPH radicals could be inhibited. Studies have shown that the polysaccharide from Shang Platycodon is not enough hygroscopic, but it has good moisturizing property and has certain antioxidant properties, which can be developed as a natural animal feed additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology (Nano) applications of feed additives can potentially improve feed-substrate efficiency to enhance livestock productivity. The utilization of Nano in feed in ruminants still tends to be under-explored and reviewed, particularly the application of Nano in trace minerals to enhance the reproductive performance and productivity of ruminants such as selenium. Trace minerals are essential for animal well-being and productivity, and the bioavailability of trace minerals is influenced by a complex matrix of interacting variables, including the chemical form of the minerals used and those found in the diet, the nature of the food ingested, the total composition of the diet, and the health and nutrition of the livestock. Nanominerals such as selenium (nano-Se) have shown impressive results when used as animal feed supplements in ruminants. Nano-Se can significantly boost wellness and immunity, gastrointestinal system function, microbiota homeostasis, metabolism, and reproductive performance in ruminants. This review aims to present the current knowledge on the technology of nano-Se in ruminants, ranging from the nanomanufacturing procedures of nano-Se, the impact of supplementation on the ruminant digestive system, productivity, and reproductive performance in ruminants in some dosages to find the optimized dosage to be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of supplementing broiler diets with andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC) on the fat, cholesterol, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in broiler meat. The experiment utilized 200 day-old chicks (DOC) of the CP 707 strain, which were fed experimental diets starting at 15 days of age. The average initial body weight was 465±1.50 g per bird, and the birds were reared until 35 days of age. The research design followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five dietary treatments and four replications per treatment, each containing 10 broilers. The dietary treatments included a basal diet (R1= 0% andaliman) and diets supplemented with 0.25% (R2), 0.5% (R3), 0.75% (R4), and 1% (R5) andaliman. The variables measured were meat fat content, cholesterol content, and MDA levels. The results indicated that andaliman supplementation had no significant effect (P0.05) on the fat, cholesterol, or MDA content of broiler meat. The observed ranges were 140.61–161.61 mg/100 g for fat content, 140.61–161.61 mg/100 g for cholesterol content, and 8.11–8.56 µg/g for MDA levels. In conclusion, the addition of andaliman to broiler diets did not significantly influence the fat, cholesterol, or MDA content in the meat.

Animal industry seeks cost-effective solutions to enhance performance and health of domestic animals. This study investigated the effects of supplementing Bacillus spp. probiotics and xylanase on 2000 one-day-old Japanese quails, randomly assigned to four treatment groups (10 replicates). The control group received no supplementation, while the others were supplemented with a Bacillus-based probiotic at 7.5 × 107 cfu/kg of feed, xylanase enzyme (2,000 U/kg) alone or in combination. Quails receiving both probiotic and enzyme exhibited significantly (p

The aquaculture industry is increasingly pursuing sustainable and effective alternatives to traditional fishmeal and fish oil-based feeds due to their economic and ecological drawbacks. Red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) has demonstrated potential as a functional feed additive due to its bioactive compounds, which can boost growth and immunity in fish. Here, this study investigated the effects of varying concentrations of red yeast (RY) in the diet of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) cultured in biofloc systems. Three hundred fish (27.62 ± 0.08 g) was randomly distributed into 15 fiberglass tanks (150 L each) across five dietary treatments: 0 g/kg (control), 5 g/kg (RY-1), 10 g/kg (RY-2), 20 g/kg (RY-3), and 40 g/kg (RY-4). Each treatment was replicated 3 times, and the experiment lasted for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of feeding trial, fish fed the 40 g/kg RY diet showed significantly higher weight gain (WG), specific growth rates (SGR), and final weight (FW). Additionally, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower in the 40 g/kg RY diet group (p < 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between RY concentration levels and WG, FW, and SGR (r = 0.695, 0.699, and 0.694, respectively), while a negative correlation was observed for FCR (r =—0.505). No significant differences were observed in survival rate (SR) between the RY-supplemented groups and the control group (p > 0.05). However, skin mucus and serum lysozyme activities increased significantly in fish fed the 40 g/kg RY diet (p < 0.05), while peroxidase activity remained unchanged compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Additionally, mRNA transcript levels of both pro-inflammatory (il-1β, il-8, and tnf-α) (approx. 1.76- to 1.87-fold) and anti-inflammatory (il-10 and tgf-β) (approx. 1.35- to 2.86-fold) cytokines in the spleen and intestine were upregulated with higher dietary RY levels compared to the control group (0 g/kg). These findings suggest that dietary inclusion of RY at 40 g/kg could be beneficial as a functional feed additive for koi carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of VILIGEN™, a blend containing sodium butyrate, dehydrated hydrolyzed yeast, and zinc proteinate, on the profile of the allochthonous intestinal microbial community, the activity of digestive enzymes, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A feeding trial was conducted with five VILIGEN™ doses (0.00, 0.60, 1.20, 2.40, and 4.80 g kg−1). The fish were randomly distributed into four groups per treatment, with 28 fish for experimental unit. Fish were fed to apparent satiety twice daily for 60 days. The gut medial portion was collected for enzyme activity and morphological analyses, while feces samples from the same gut portion were sampled for microbial characterization. Morphological indexes and structure of the intestinal physical barrier were determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The tight junction proteins were quantified by western blot. Fish-fed diets containing VILIGEN™ showed the greatest alpha diversity and abundance of the phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria and the genera Legionella, Aquisphaera, Bacillus, and Gordonibacter. Trypsin activity was higher in the gut of fish-fed VILIGEN™ supplemented diets. Regarding the greatest intestinal tissue integrity, fish-fed diets containing 2.40 g kg−1 VILIGEN™ showed the lowest fusion of the gut folds and the highest development and microvilli height. VILIGEN™ showed beneficial effects for Nile tilapia gut health, presented a positive modulatory effect on the morphology and integrity of the intestinal epithelium, increased trypsin activity, and modulated gut microbial community, including high alpha diversity of bacterial species in the gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to explore alternative and advantageous additives due to the essential requirement for ensuring the safety and well-being of aquatic animals. The present study investigated the role of Lactobacillus helveticus (Lh) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) on growth performance, hematology factors, digestive capacity, antioxidant activity, and stress in tissue prior and post-exposure to heat shock on common carp (Cyprinus carpio). For this purpose, 240 common carp with mean weight of 23.79 ± 0.49 g were allocated into four groups (20 fish each) and fed for 56 days on 0, 10 7 CFU g-1 Lh, 550 mg kg-1 CGA, and a combination of both elements (10 7 CFU g-1 + 550 mg kg-1 CGA) (T0, T1, T2, and T3). At the end of feeding period (56 days), growth performance, hematology indexes, digestive enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, stress, and immunity factors were evaluated. Thereafter, common carp was exposed to heat shock and levels of antioxidant enzymes and stress factors were estimated. There was an observable disparity in the growth parameters among various treatments, and the most prominent level was discovered in T3. There were no significant disparities in hematology indicators (p > 0.05). The levels of trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin, and protease were significantly higher in common carp fed with CGA and Lh. The total protein exhibited a significant increase in common carp fed with CGA and Lh (p < 0.05). The addition of CGA and Lh had no significant impact on urea and triglyceride content (p > 0.05). The lysozyme activity, ACH50, and total immunoglobulin exhibited a significant increase in common carp when subjected to CGA and Lh (p < 0.05). The effects of CGA and Lh on catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significant both before and after heat stress. Moreover, these effects were more pronounced in fish that were fed with supplemented diets (p < 0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels demonstrated a significant decrease among the treatments before and after the heat challenge and the lowest level of MDA was recorded in T3 during both phases (p < 0.05). The aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose, and cortisol levels also showed a significant decline in fish that were fed with supplemented diets both before and after heat stress (p < 0.05). Given the importance of L. helveticus and chlorogenic acid, the incorporation of both substances exhibits a powerful synergistic effect, thereby maximizing their advantageous properties in enhancing growth efficiency, digestion, hematological profile, biochemical markers, and immune-antioxidant capacity in common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of kaffir lime (KL), Citrus hystrix, leaf powder on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, blood and antioxidant parameters, and disease resistance in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. A total of 450 healthy juveniles (10.5 g) were randomly distributed into five groups and fed diets containing 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of KL for eight weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, 10 healthy fish from each group were challenged with Edwardsiella tarda infection. The study findings demonstrated significant differences in all growth parameters, including final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion rate, hepatosomatic percentage, and viscerosomatic index between dietary KL and control groups, with the group fed 2% and 3% KL exhibiting superior performance (p < 0.05). Dietary KL significantly increased white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit (p < 0.05) in African catfish, with the highest values observed in the 2% and 3% KL groups. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations between treatments. Furthermore, dietary KL significantly increased digestive enzyme activities, including lipase, amylase, and protease (p < 0.05), and the highest activities were observed in fish fed 2% and 3% KL. Antioxidative responses, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in KL-treated fish, were also significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Finally, the highest and the lowest cumulative survival rates following a challenge with E. tarda were 3% KL and control groups, respectively. Based on the study results, 2% or 3% dietary KL could improve the growth and health of African catfish, thus enhancing aquaculture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary administration of a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa mill and Glycyrrhiza glabra, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) glycerides for weanling piglets. An in vitro digestion followed by total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) assessment was performed before the in vivo application. At weaning, a total of 210 piglets were randomly allocated to two experimental treatments (7 replicates/15 piglets for each replicate). Control group (CTR) was fed a standard basal diet while the treated group (T) was fed the basal diet mixed with 1.500 mg/kg of blend. After in vitro digestion, TPC and TAC evidenced peaks at the end of oral and gastric phases in comparison to the intestinal one in line with the high content of phenolic compound (P < 0.05). Treatment conditioned body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05), fecal score on 6, 7, and 8 d after weaning (P < 0.05). At 35d, the T group showed a decrease in salivary cortisol compared to CTR (P < 0.05). Duodenum and jejunum sections of T piglets revealed higher villi (P < 0.05), deeper crypts (P < 0.01), and increased V/C ratio (P < 0.01). CTR showed a higher expression of duodenal Occludin (P < 0.05). Jejunal E-cadherin and Occludin were more expressed in T jejunum sections (P < 0.05). Twelve differentially abundant genera were identified in T group caecal samples. Potentially harmful Clostridium sensu stricto 13 was reduced by the treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the tested blend positively affected salivary stress markers and the gut health of weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian feed additive terhadap jumlah eritrosit, kadar hemoglobin dan nilai hematokrit pedet peranakan Friesian Holstein (PFH). Penelitian ini menggunakan pedet PFH jantan sebanyak 16 ekor dibagi menjadi 2 kelompok berdasarkan umur yaitu 4 minggu (n=8 ekor) dan 12 minggu (n=8 ekor). Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok. Masing – masing kelompok umur diberi 4 perlakuan berbagai dosis pemberian feed additive, sehingga terdapat 8 kelompok perlakuan. Setiap kelompok perlakuan terdiri dari 2 ekor pedet. Dosis perlakuan pemberian feed additive adalah sebagai berikut: 0 ml (kontrol atau P0); 0,5 ml (P1); 1 ml (P2); dan 1,5 ml (P3). Pengambilan sampel darah dilakukan sebanyak tiga kali (sebelum, 30 hari dan 60 hari) selama dua bulan pemeriharaan. Data dianalisis statistik menggunakan sidik ragam dan dilanjutkan dengan uji berganda Duncan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian berbagai dosis feed additive tidak berbeda nyata terhadap jumlah eritrosit, kadar hemoglobin dan nilai hematokrit (P> 0,05) pada pedet. Namun, kelompok umur berpengaruh nyata terhadap rataan jumlah eritrosit dan kadar hemoglobin (P

Technology of feed additive for fry feeding in fish farms is developed to provide both important nutrients (proteins, lipids, etc.) and optimal peptide composition of protein that is achieved using proteolysis of raw materials under certain conditions. For this purpose, enzymatic hydrolysis of substandard small-sized frozen pollock was used. The rational duration of the hydrolysis process was 60 min. that provided the degree of protein hydrolysis of 26–28 %. The experimental fermentolysate was concentrated to a water content of 3–4 % and presented as a feed additive TINRO-60. This product is compared with other feed additives (dried fermentolysates) produced in Russia from fish raw materials using bioconversion, such as Biomarin, Bioprom and Vakhob. General chemical composition of tested products was determined by standard methods of analytical chemistry; composition and content of fatty acids — by gas-liquid chromatography; microand macroelements, as well as toxic metals — by atomic absorption spectrophotometry; fractional composition of proteins and peptides — by high pressure gel permeation chromatography; amino acid composition — by ion exchange chromatography on a high-speed analyzer. All tested samples contain similar amount of the main feed component — protein substances. The quantitative ratio of peptide fractions is also comparable, the sum of the most active fractions (MW 0.1−10.0 kDa) in TINRO-60 and Biomarin is close to their level in tissues of Artemia, natural food for fish fry. The content of essential amino acids, EPA and DHA is significant in Biomarin, TINRO-60 and Bioprom, but almost twice lower in Vakhob. Analysis of mineral composition showed that bioconversion into dry fermentolysates does not cause concentration of toxic elements. High quality of the protein feed additive TINRO-60 produced by bioconversion of nonstandard fish raw materials under certain conditions is proved.

ABSTRACT: Methane, both enteric and from manure management, is the most important greenhouse gas from ruminant livestock, and its mitigation can deliver substantial decreases in the carbon footprint of animal products and potentially contribute to climate change mitigation. Although choices may be limited, certain feeding-related practices can substantially decrease livestock enteric CH4 emission. These practices can be generally classified into 2 categories: diet manipulation and feed additives. Within the first category, selection of forages and increasing forage digestibility are likely to decrease enteric CH4 emission, but the size of the effect, relative to current forage practices in the United States dairy industry, is likely to be minimal to moderate. An opportunity also exists to decrease enteric CH4 emissions by increasing dietary starch concentration, but interventions have to be weighed against potential decreases in milk fat yield and farm profitability. A similar conclusion can be made about dietary lipids and oilseeds, which are proven to decrease CH4 emission but can also have a negative effect on rumen fermentation, feed intake, and milk production and composition. Sufficient and robust scientific evidence indicates that some feed additives, specifically the CH4 inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol, can substantially reduce CH4 emissions from dairy and beef cattle. However, the long-term effects and external factors affecting the efficacy of the inhibitor need to be further studied. The practicality of mass-application of other mitigation practices with proven short-term efficacy (i.e., macroalgae) is currently unknown. One area that needs more research is how nutritional mitigation practices (both diet manipulation and feed additives) interact with each other and whether there is synergism among feed additives with different mode of action. Further, effects of diet on manure composition and greenhouse gas emissions during storage (e.g., emission trade-offs) have not been adequately studied. Overall, if currently available mitigation practices prove to deliver consistent results and novel, potent, and safe strategies are discovered and are practical, nutrition alone can deliver up to 60% reduction in enteric CH4 emissions from dairy farms in the United States.

Background and Aim: The continuous use of anthelmintic drugs has led to global issues of resistance. One breakthrough to address this problem is the utilization of bio-anthelmintics derived from active compounds in agro-industrial waste. This in vivo study investigated the effectiveness of Podang mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit peel waste extract for anthelmintic purposes, using concentrations up to 5%. Materials and Methods: This study included 28 Etawa crossbred goats aged 17 months. Goats were randomly assigned to four groups: A negative control, an aqueous fruit peel extract (AFPE) group at 2.5%, another AFPE group at 5%, and a positive control receiving ivermectin. Goats chosen had egg per gram (EPG) counts surpassing 1000 before exposure to Haemonchus contortus. For 7 days within a 9-week study, AFPE from Podang mangoes was given. On the 7th day, the positive control group was administered ivermectin. AFPE dosage relied on the average abomasum fluid per kilogram of animal weight. The feeding regimen consisted of concentrate and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott is customized for the nutritional needs of livestock. Data on feed consumption, digestibility, average daily gain, percentage reduction in fecal egg count, body condition score, and clinical parameters were collected throughout the study. Results: At higher treatment levels (AFPE), there was a greater reduction in both EPG and fecal egg counts. The expected and normal ranges were maintained for consumption and digestibility. While body weight increased, FAMACHA parameters showed a decrease. Compared to the negative control group, substantial disparities (p < 0.05) existed for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit in both the positive control and the treatment groups. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, indicative of liver and kidney health, were within normal ranges. Conclusion: At a concentration of up to 5%, Podang mango waste extract (AFPE) can function as a substitute for traditional helminth medicines or bio-anthelmintics in goats, enhancing their production.

In vitro model provides alternatives to the use of live animals in research. In pig nutrition, there has been a tremendous increase in in vivo research over the decades. Proper utilization of in vitro models could provide a screening tool to reduce the needs of in vivo studies, research duration, cost, and the use of animals and feeds. This study aimed to develop a multi-step porcine in vitro system to simulate nutrient digestion and intestinal epithelial immune responses affected by feedstuffs and feed additives. Seven feedstuffs (corn, corn distillers dried grains with solubles [corn DDGS], barley, wheat, soybean meal, soy protein concentrates, and Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass [CGCM]), feed enzymes (xylanase and phytase), and supplemental amino acids (arginine, methionine, and tryptophan), were used in this in vitro evaluation for their efficacy on digestibility, digesta characteristics, and intestinal health compared with the results from previously published in vivo studies. All in vitro evaluations were triplicated. Data were analyzed using Mixed procedure of SAS9.4. Evaluations included (1) nutrient digestibility of feedstuffs, (2) the effects of feed enzymes, xylanase and phytase, on digestibility of feedstuffs and specific substrates, and (3) the effects of amino acids, arginine, tryptophan, and methionine, on anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-heat stress statuses showing their effects (P

1. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers.2. Data from 75,594 broilers were extracted from 17 articles (19 trials) published between January 2010 and March 2023. The main criteria for the publication selection were as follows, at least three treatments applied (negative control group without MOS or AGP versus MOS or AGP supplementation), presence of performance results, and intra-experimental variation associated with the mean of response (such as standard error). Treatments were classified as control, MOS, or AGP, and adjusted means of treatment were compared. Additionally, the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of each type of supplementation were calculated relative (Δ) to the control group (ΔADFI and ΔADG) and expressed as a percentage of the difference.3. Broilers receiving a diet supplemented with MOS had a 3.7% better BWG and 3% better FCR compared to the control diet (P < 0.001), but these variables were similar to the group receiving AGP supplementation. No significant difference was detected in FI among treatments (P > 0.050). The relationship between ΔADG and ΔADFI was linear for the MOS and AGP-supplemented group (P < 0.050). The ΔADG of broilers fed diets supplemented with MOS or AGP was 6.4% and 4.54% when ΔADFI was zero, respectively. The ΔADG of MOS increased by 0.58% for every 1% of increasing observed in ΔADFI. The corresponding value for the increased ΔADG for the AGP group was 0.69%.4. The results of this meta-analysis indicated that MOS supplementation is effective in increasing BWG and reducing FCR, similar to broilers fed a diet supplemented with AGP. Therefore, MOS is a safe and sustainable alternative for AGP-free poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of scale and industrialization of animal husbandry, the era of total prohibition comes. At the same time, the beef cattle industry's demand for natural and safe feed additives is increasing day by day, and the research and development of green, safe and pollution-free substitute products is the inevitable trend of the development of beef cattle industry. Natural Chinese herbal resources are abundant in our country. Chinese herbal are rich in various nutrients and are widely used in beef cattle breeding industry. Chinese herbal feed additives have multiple functions and complex medicinal mechanism. It can cure diseases, reduce inflammation and sterilization, regulate the balance of intestinal flora, promote nutrient absorption and metabolism, improve animal production performance and immune function, feed digestibility and quality of animal products. This paper summarizes the active substances, biological functions and application of Chinese herbal additives in beef cattle breeding, aiming to provide reference for the wide application of Chinese herbal additives and the healthy breeding of beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The objective was to determine the long-term effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) on CH 4 emission and milk production characteristics from dairy cows receiving 3-NOP in their diet for a full year, covering all lactation stages of the dairy cows. Sixty-four late-lactation Holstein-Friesian cows (34% primiparous) were blocked in pairs, based on expected calving date, parity, and daily milk yield. The experiment started with an adaptation period of 1 wk followed by a covariate period of 3 wk in which all cows received the same basal diet and baseline measurements were performed. Directly after, cows within a block were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 dietary treatments: a diet containing on average 69.8 mg 3-NOP/kg DM (total ration level, corrected for intake of nonsupplemented GreenFeed bait) and a diet containing a placebo. Forage composition as well as forage-to-concentrate ratio altered with lactation stage (i.e., dry period and early, mid, and late lactation). Diets were provided as a total mixed ration, and additional bait was fed in GreenFeed units (C-Lock Inc.), which were used for emission measurements. Supplementation of 3-NOP did not affect total DMI, BW, or BCS, but resulted in a 6.5% increase in the yields of energy-corrected milk and fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). Furthermore, milk fat and protein as well as feed efficiency were increased upon 3-NOP supplementation. Overall, a reduction of 21%, 20%, and 27% was achieved for CH 4 production (g/d), yield (g/kg DMI), and intensity (g/kg FPCM), respectively, upon 3-NOP supplementation. The CH 4 mitigation potential of 3-NOP was affected by the lactation stage dependent diet to which 3-NOP was supplemented. On average, a 16%, 20%, 16%, and 26% reduction in CH 4 yield (g/kg DMI) was achieved upon 3-NOP supplementation for the dry period, and early, mid, and late-lactation diets, respectively. The CH 4 mitigation potential of 3-NOP was affected by the length of 3-NOP supplementation within a lactation stage dependent diet and by variation in diet composition within a lactation stage dependent diet as a result of changes in grass and corn silage silos. In conclusion, 3-NOP reduced CH 4 emission from cows receiving 3-NOP for a year, with a positive effect on production characteristics. The CH 4 mitigation potential of 3-NOP was influenced by diet type, diet composition, and nutrition value, and the efficacy of 3-NOP appeared to decline over time but not continuously. Associated with changes in diet composition, increased efficacy of 3-NOP was observed at the start of the trial, at the start of a new lactation, and, importantly, at the end of the trial. These results suggest that diet composition has a large effect on the efficacy of 3-NOP, perhaps even larger than the week of supplementation after first introduction of 3-NOP. More studies are needed to clarify the long-term effects of 3-NOP on CH 4 emission and to further investigate what influence variation in diet composition may have on the mitigation potential of 3-NOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper shows the effect of introducing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AG10 biomass into quail feed. Quails that received a probiotic feed additive for seven weeks demonstrated a significant improvement in such economic indicators as the dynamics of live weight, the mass of gutted carcasses and feed consumption per kg of gain. Using the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence libraries sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform, shifts in the microbiota of the cecum have been detected, which may contribute to improving the morphological and physiological parameters of quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enteric methanogenesis in ruminants is identified as one of the primary anthropogenic sources of total atmospheric methane. Recent evidence suggests that rumen methanogenesis is significantly suppressed by lovastatin. Nevertheless, it has not been reported whether the methane reduction by lovastatin depends on ruminant livestock type, nor has fiber degradability been examined. The current research aimed to analyze the in vitro effect of lovastatin on the major fermentation end-products, gas production (GP) kinetics, and fiber degradation of a forage-based diet using rumen inoculum from sheep, goats, and cows. The experiment was conducted as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (dose of lovastatin: 0, 80, and 160 mg/L and three inoculum sources) in a completely randomized design. The results suggested that lovastatin did not affect the GP kinetics parameters. The anti-methanogenic properties of lovastatin were variable depending on dose and inoculum source. Lovastatin demonstrated a superior methane-lowering effect in sheep rumen inoculum compared with goat and cow inocula. The total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production was unaffected by lovastatin, but changes in acetate and valerate proportions were registered. Remarkably, lovastatin decreased the NH3-N concentration with goat and sheep inocula and the in vitro neutral fiber detergent (NDF) degradation for all inoculum sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L‐tryptophan, an essential amino acid for physiological processes, metabolism, development, and growth of organisms, is widely utilized in animal nutrition and human health as a feed additive and nutritional supplement, respectively. Despite its known benefits, safety concerns have arisen due to an eosinophilia–myalgia syndrome (EMS) outbreak linked to L‐tryptophan consumed by humans. Extensive research has established that the EMS outbreak was caused by an L‐tryptophan product that contained certain impurities. Therefore, safety validations are imperative to endorse the use of L‐tryptophan as a supplement or a feed additive. This study was conducted in tertiary hybrid [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] pigs to assess general toxicity and potential risks for EMS‐related symptoms associated with L‐tryptophan used as a feed additive. Our investigation elucidated the relationship between L‐tryptophan and EMS in swine. No mortalities or clinical signs were observed in any animals during the administration period, and the test substance did not induce toxic effects. Hematological analysis and histopathological examination revealed no changes in EMS‐related parameters, such as eosinophil counts, lung lesions, skin lesions, or muscle atrophy. Furthermore, no test substance‐related changes occurred in other general toxicological parameters. Through analyzing the tissues and organs of swine, most of the L‐tryptophan impurities that may cause EMS were not retained. Based on these findings, we concluded that incorporating L‐tryptophan and its impurities into the diet does not induce EMS in swine. Consequently, L‐tryptophan may be used as a feed additive throughout all growth stages of swine without safety concerns. L‐tryptophan, an essential amino acid for organismal functions, is commonly used in animal nutrition and human health. However, safety concerns have arisen due to an eosinophilia–myalgia syndrome (EMS) outbreak linked to L‐tryptophan. This study assessed the safety of L‐tryptophan fermentation products as a feed additive and its relationship to EMS in swine. No adverse effects, including EMS‐related symptoms, were observed during the study. The results suggest that incorporating L‐tryptophan into pig diets, along with impurities, is safe throughout their growth cycles, alleviating concerns about EMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) has been in feed in the past in many countries, and mainly, its leaves were used as a food source for birds and animals to enhance productivity and accelerate their metabolism. It also enhances the carcass percentage of meat animals, particularly broilers. It can potentially be used as a soya bean replacer as it will lower the feed cost. Its leaves can boost the immune system, particularly enhancing the chicken's ability to fight against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Its antioxidant capability prevents free radical generation, reducing the chances of free radicle injuries. In ruminants, its use as a feed additive can lead to an increase in milk production. In animals, any kind of stress during the raising stage deteriorates the meat quality, so this herb prevents the carcass meat from deteriorating and has a better percentage of crude protein, crude fiber, and metabolizable energy, which results in an economic perspective. Supplementation of Urtica dioica in feed can enhance carcass output and provide the potential to counteract bacterial and viral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

As sturgeon breeding has proliferated, there has been a heightened demand for growth stimulators in their diets. This study aimed to determine the impact of dietary chitosan on growth performance, whole‐body proximate composition, growth‐related gene expression, and intestinal histology in juvenile Acipenser stellatus. A total of 180 A. stellatus juveniles with an average weight of 31.90 ± 0.73 g were fed with diets containing 0 (control), 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 g chitosan.kg−1 basic diet for eight weeks. The findings revealed a significant enhancement in growth performance with rising chitosan concentrations. Furthermore, chitosan supplementation upregulated the expression of the growth hormone gene in both brain and liver tissues. In liver samples, the most pronounced expression of the insulin‐like growth factor‐1 gene was noted at 6.0 g chitosan.kg−1, while in brain samples, peak expressions were observed in both the 4.5 and 6.0 g chitosan.kg−1 treatments. While the whole‐body proximate composition remained relatively stable, there was a notable decrease in whole‐body lipids with the escalation of chitosan dosage. Intestinal villi dimensions, both height and width, were amplified in the chitosan‐supplemented groups compared to controls. In summation, chitosan supplementation showed promise in bolstering growth performance, refining intestinal morphology, and enhancing growth‐related gene expression. Analysis of the polynomial regression of weight gain and specific growth rate revealed that the optimum dietary chitosan requirements in A. stellatus were 5.32 and 5.21 g chitosan.kg−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a new nanomaterial in the feed chain requires a risk assessment that involves in vitro gastrointestinal digestions to predict its degradation and oral exposure to nanoparticles. In this study, a nanosilver-based material was incorporated into pig and chicken feed as a growth-promoting additive and subjected to the corresponding in vitro gastrointestinal digestions. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) analytical platform was used to obtain information about the silver released in the different digestion phases. It included conventional ICP-MS for total silver determination, but also single particle ICP-MS and coupling to hydrodynamic chromatography for detection of dissolved and particulate silver. The bioaccessible fraction in the intestinal phase accounted for 8–13% of the total silver, mainly in the form of dissolved Ag(I) species, with less than 0.1% as silver-containing particles. Despite the additive behaving differently in pig and chicken digestions, the feed matrix played a relevant role in the fate of the silver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of stickwater (SW) (from fishmeal factories) on growth performance, immune system, and blood indicators on Huso huso larvae. Four experimental diets were prepared including the following: 0 (control, SW0), 0.5 (SW0.5), 1.5 (SW1.5), and 2.5 (SW2.5) % SW. A total number of 1440 larvae (0.12 ± 0.007 g) were selected 10 days after starting live feeding and were randomly stored in rearing tanks (120 larvae per tank). The fish were fed 6 times a day during the feeding trial. At the end of experiment, the highest weight gain (24.42 g) and specific growth rate (6.26%) were observed in SW0.5 (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, SW1.5 treatment showed the best FCR (0.8) and PER (2.41%), although other treatments did not differ significantly. Total serum protein, albumin, and triglyceride levels increased by adding SW to the diet. The highest levels of total protein and albumin were seen in SW1.5 and SW2.5, respectively. There was a significant difference in triglyceride and the highest level was observed in SW1.5 treatment (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary stickwater did not significantly influence cholesterol, glucose, ALT, and ALP concentrations (p ≥ 0.05). The highest level of lysozyme enzyme activity was in SW0.5 and SW1.5, which showed a significant difference with the treatment without stickwater (p ≤ 0.05). Also, the presence of stickwater in the diet increased the level of serum immunoglobulin, but this increase did not cause a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05). The present study showed that adding stickwater (0.5 to 1.5%) to Beluga larvae's diet improves their growth performance and some innate immune and serum biochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The continuous use of anthelmintic drugs has led to global issues of resistance. One breakthrough to address this problem is the utilization of bio-anthelmintics derived from active compounds in agro-industrial waste. This in vivo study investigated the effectiveness of Podang mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit peel waste extract for anthelmintic purposes, using concentrations up to 5%. Materials and Methods: This study included 28 Etawa crossbred goats aged 17 months. Goats were randomly assigned to four groups: A negative control, an aqueous fruit peel extract (AFPE) group at 2.5%, another AFPE group at 5%, and a positive control receiving ivermectin. Goats chosen had egg per gram (EPG) counts surpassing 1000 before exposure to Haemonchus contortus. For 7 days within a 9-week study, AFPE from Podang mangoes was given. On the 7th day, the positive control group was administered ivermectin. AFPE dosage relied on the average abomasum fluid per kilogram of animal weight. The feeding regimen consisted of concentrate and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott is customized for the nutritional needs of livestock. Data on feed consumption, digestibility, average daily gain, percentage reduction in fecal egg count, body condition score, and clinical parameters were collected throughout the study. Results: At higher treatment levels (AFPE), there was a greater reduction in both EPG and fecal egg counts. The expected and normal ranges were maintained for consumption and digestibility. While body weight increased, FAMACHA parameters showed a decrease. Compared to the negative control group, substantial disparities (p < 0.05) existed for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit in both the positive control and the treatment groups. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, indicative of liver and kidney health, were within normal ranges. Conclusion: At a concentration of up to 5%, Podang mango waste extract (AFPE) can function as a substitute for traditional helminth medicines or bio-anthelmintics in goats, enhancing their production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some chemicals have been utilized as a feed additive and growth stimulator to boost poultry performance in recent decades. Cereals have been one of the most extensively utilized feed in the rearing period of broiler chickens but due to their highly price it can present an economic consequence and some limitations of their use, alternatives such as orange byproducts have been recommended. In the second point there is a large utilization of growth stimulants during the rearing period of broilers, but due to the adverse consequences of antibiotic resistance and the limitations of their use, alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, plant essential oils, essences and by-products have been recommended. Orange waste can be found in abundance in some parts of the world. Aldehydes, esters, terpenes, alcohols, ketones, carotenoids, nobiletin, pectin and bioflavonoids such as hesperidin and naringenin are among the volatile substances found in orange waste. The practical applications of orange by-products and pomace in chicken feeding are presented in this review paper. This review presented the effects of orange waste and by-products on chicken performance and carcass components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed additives in fish rations improve feed efficiency, increase the growth rate of fisheries, and play a significant role in the immunoprophylactic control of infections in aquaculture. This study aims to evaluate the hematological and biochemical effects of Spirulina, PoultryStar®, and colistin on Cyprinus carpio, as well as the histopathological alteration caused in the liver and intestine of C. carpio fed with these additives. One hundred and eighty C. carpio fish were grouped into six groups of thirty fish each for the purpose of the experiment. Group A was fed a diet without any additives, and this served as the control group. Groups B and C were fed diets that contained 1% and 2% of Spirulina, respectively. PoultryStar® at 1% and 2% was added to the diet fed to fish in groups D and E, respectively, while group F was fed a diet that contained 3000 IU of colistin. Blood samples were collected and subjected to hematological and biochemical assays for the evaluation of hemato-biochemical indices. Liver and intestine samples from each experimental group were subjected to histopathological analysis. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the hematological and biochemical indices of the different groups of fish. The histopathologic examination of the liver and intestine samples of C. carpio treated with Spirulina, PoultryStar®, and colistin revealed variable pathological alterations. Findings from this study showed that Spirulina and PoultryStar® could be used in aquaculture, and studies should be conducted to further determine the prospects of colistin in pisciculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aflatoxicosis is one of the major issues for the public health. Control of aflatoxins is necessary to avoid the health hazards in human and animals. Present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus licheniformis as a novel feed additive for control of aflatoxicosis. A total of 40 rats were equally divided into the four groups. The first group (BD) was kept as control, treated with basal diet. In second group (AF), the rats were treated with aflatoxins (28 μg/kg BW). In the third group (AFBL) the rats were treated with aflatoxins (28 µg/g BW) and Bacillus licheniformis (1 × 108 cfu/mL). In the fourth group (BDBL) the rats were treated with only Bacillus licheniformis (1 × 108 cfu/mL). The parameters studied were, phagocytic response by carbon clearance assay system, lymphoproliferative response to PHA-P, antibody response to SRBCs, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status of the rats and interleukin concentrations, along with histopathology of organs. Results of this study confirmed the immunomodulation and antioxidant capacity of Bacillus licheniformis against 28 µg/kg BW of aflatoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are natural, semi-synthetic, or chemical compounds that have anti-microbial activity and are used in livestock and poultry production for a variety of reasons, including therapeutic and growth promotion. The use of antibiotics in poultry production has been associated with the development of resistant bacteria. The present study attempted to explain the role of antibiotics as poultry growth promoters, bacterial resistance, and risks for human health, with a special focus on some selected bacterial species isolated from poultry farms and products. Furthermore, the manuscript reviewed the literature on alternative feed additives to reduce the reliance on antibiotics. Microbial resistance is a significant global health concern that has been a top global threat in the 21st century. The use of antibiotics in poultry production as non-therapeutic or growth promoters is at low doses and continuously, associated with developing resistant bacteria. Meanwhile, antibiotic-resistant genes in humans may have their roots in the diets of animals treated with antibiotics. Developing bacterial resistance has encouraged researchers to reduce the reliance on antibiotics by identifying potential feed additives, such as essential oils, bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, probiotics, prebiotics, organic acid, and enzymes that improve the immune system functions, reduce morbidity and mortality, improve the growth performances of poultry, and preserve consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin C supplementation on the survival rate and histopathological changes of gills and kidneys of tilapia infected by Aeromonas hydrophila. Three doses of vitamin C were tested (150; 300; and 450 mg/kg) with two control groups. Tilapia with uniform size (average weight of 14 grams) as the criteria for inclusion were randomly distributed in five ponds with 15 tilapia fish per pond. Tilapia was fed with hands until full for two weeks. Tilapia was then infected with A. hydrophila to find out the survival rate and histopathological changes of gills and kidneys at the end of the experimental period or 7 days after infection. The supplementation of 150 mg/kg vitamin C in feed increased Tilapia's survival rate (%) by 86.67% or higher than other treatment and control groups. The damage to gills in terms of lamella separation was found in all treatment groups and kidneys. The results found that the supplementation of 150 mg/kg vitamin C in feed increased survival rate but did not give effective protection on gills and kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress significantly affects the physiological and performance aspects of broiler chickens, leading to reduced growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency. This research investigates the impact of various dietary additives and supplements on blood serum components in heat-stressed Ross 308 broiler chickens. A completely randomized design with eight treatment groups, each with four replications and 12 birds per replication, was used. Significant differences were found in blood parameters such as glucose, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and AST, as well as in heterophil percentage, lymphocyte count, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and bronchitis antibody titers (p < 0.05). Dietary interventions also significantly altered the E. coli population in the cecum (p < 0.05). Diets enriched with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C notably reduced E. coli populations under heat-stress. However, no significant differences were observed in tibia characteristics (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of feed additives in mitigating heat stress effects in broiler chickens. We recommend incorporating vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, and Eubiotic supplements to enhance the well-being and performance of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions.

Abstract A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary β-glucan in combination with citral and eugenol on the growth, whole body composition, and innate immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) weighing 9.16 g, under cold suboptimal temperatures (20ºC). The treatments included a control (Co); β-glucan (G) at 1.0 g/kg/diet; citral and eugenol (CE) at 0.5 g/kg each; and a combination of β-glucan, citral, and eugenol (GCE) at the same concentrations (1.0, 0.5 and 0.5 g/kg, respectively). Although no significant differences were observed in growth parameters post-trial, proximate analysis indicated an increase in body protein and a decrease in body fat content in the GCE group compared to the Co and G groups, respectively. Enhanced respiratory burst activity of blood leukocytes and myeloperoxidase activity were recorded in the GCE group, indicating improved innate immune responses. Serum complement hemolytic activity was significantly higher in the G group, with no additional benefits from the CE or GCE treatments. Furthermore, the G and GCE groups displayed increased serum lysozyme activity when compared to the control. These findings suggest that the combination (GCE) of these feed additives may offer a beneficial strategy for promoting health in tilapia reared under stressful conditions.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of dietary butyric acid (BA) on the Japanese quail' performance, immunology, lipid profile, cecal microbiota, and antioxidant levels. 250 unsexed, one-week-old quail chicks were divided into 5 groups, each with fifty chicks (5 replicates of 10 chicks). The first group was given the basal diet (BD), while the 2nd to 5th groups were fed BD with 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg BA/kg, respectively. The results indicated that BA improved weight gain and FCR (p < 0.05) and decreased total FI. The 200 mg BA/kg of diet showed the lowest FI (p < 0.05) and the best FCR (p > 0.05). BA boosted immunity through increasing IgA, IgM, IgG, and Complement 3. Significantly lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed at 150 and 200 mg BA/kg (P < 0.05) than the control group. The BA-supplemented quail showed lower total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) than the control one. This effect was more pronounced for 100 and 200 mg of BA/kg. However, high low-density lipoprotein (HDL) did not differ from the control group (p > 0.05). BA at ≥100 mg/kg diet reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and induced greater levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), globulin, total protein, digestive enzymes than the control group (P < 0.05). BA decreased cecal E. coli, Salmonella, Enterococcus, and Coliforms and increased Lactic acid bacteria (p < 0.05) compared to non-supplemented group. Collectively, the inclusion of 100 mg BA/kg diet is ideal for Japanese quail production and health.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on liver injury induced by triphenyltin (TPT) in Cyprinus carpio (C. carpio). The fish (average weight of 56.9±0.4 g) were divided into 4 groups with four replicates: the control, TPT, SFN+TPT and SFN groups. Twenty fish were selected from each tank and cultured for 8 weeks. Then, serum and liver samples were collected for physiological, biochemical and metabolomic analyses. In the present study, TPT downregulated the expression of the lysozyme gene, upregulated HSP70 and Hsp90 gene expression, and decreased the activities of serum antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPX). However, dietary SFN alleviated oxidative stress, and prevented changes in immune genes. Metabolomic analysis revealed that TPT exposure changed key metabolites in the main phenylalanine, fatty acid and glycerophosphatide metabolic pathways, which are related to inflammation, oxidative stress and immunity and might also lead to an imbalance of liver energy and lipid metabolism. Dietary SFN promoted amino acid metabolism and increased metabolites related to immunity, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and protein synthesis in liver of C. carpio. In summary, dietary SFN supplementation reversed TPT-induced decreases in immunity and oxidative stress and regulated amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammation and immunity-related metabolic pathways.

ABSTRACT: Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 has been shown to improve broiler growth performance and immunity. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of B. laterosporus S62-9 on the immunity and lipid metabolism of broilers by means of transcriptomic analysis. A total of 160 1-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to a S62-9 group, the diet of which was supplemented with 106 CFU/g B. laterosporus S62-9 daily, and a control group, which was not. After 42 d of feeding, the broilers in the S62-9 group had higher body mass (7.2%) and feed conversion ratio (5.19%) than the control group. Supplementation with B. laterosporus S62-9 resulted in lower serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations. An analysis of the fatty acid composition of the broiler's thigh muscles revealed that the proportions of the unsaturated fatty acids myristoleic acid (C14:1) and arachidonic acid (C20:1) were higher for birds in the S62-9 group. Transcriptomic analysis also showed an upregulation of immunity-related genes in the S62-9 group. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis showed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was enriched in the liver, the defense response was enriched in the duodenum, and immunoglobulin-related entries were enriched in the jejunum of the S62-9 group. Furthermore, the expression of key genes involved in unsaturated fatty acid synthesis (SCD, encoding stearoyl-CoA desaturase) and fatty acid metabolism (HACD2, encoding 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase 2) was upregulated in the liver, and the expression of genes associated with fat biosynthesis and accumulation, such as PLIN1, encoding perilipin 1, and FABP4, encoding fatty acid binding protein 4, was upregulated in the ileum of the birds in the S62-9 group. In summary, supplementation with B. laterosporus S62-9 could improve immune defense and the fatty acid metabolism of broiler chickens, thereby enhancing their disease resistance and promoting growth and development.

This study investigated the effect of supplementation of Malva sylvestris leaf powder (MSLP) on the production performance of broiler chicken. Ven Cobb broiler chicks (240 day-old male chicks) were distributed randomly into four treatments, each replicated four times, with 15 birds per replicate. The diets formulated were T1 (control) given basal diet only, T2 (basal diet +1.0% MSLP), T3 (basal diet +1.5% MSLP), and T4 (basal diet +2.0% MSLP). The highest improvement of 3.83% in the average daily gain (ADG) was recorded in the T3 group fed 1.5% Malva powder in the diet compared to the control (P = 0.009). The average daily feed intake (ADFI) tended to decrease with an increase in the dose of MSLP in the diet, with the lowest feed intake in the T4 group fed 2% MSLP. During the overall period (7–42 days), the feed/gain (F/G) ratio reduced significantly (P = 0.048) in the T3 and T4 groups compared to the control. The dressed and breast meat yield was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T3 group, with no significant change (P > 0.05) in the thigh yield. The changes in the pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) of breast meat were found to be non-significant (p > 0.05) between the control and various other treatments. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the T3 and T4 groups. There was no negative effect of including MSLP in the diet on the color coordinates of breast meat among different treatments. Compared to the control, the serum immunoglobulin values increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T3 and T4 groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed no difference between various treatments; however, malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) according to dietary treatments. Serum cortisol increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T4 group compared to other treatments. The inclusion of Malva powder in the diet at the 2% level significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the coliform count compared to the control birds. Supplementation with Malva powder resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio of broiler birds in the T3 and T4 groups. In conclusion, MSLP supplementation at 1.5% and 2% resulted in improved production performance of broiler chicken.

Dietary butyrate is considered to have mostly positive impacts on the ruminal epithelium. However, its supplementation in a high-concentrate diet may not be justified as excessive ruminal butyrate may negatively affect the rumen. Furthermore, butyrate impact on the rumen may depend on its source. Thirty-two Świniarka growing rams (30.6 ± 2.5 kg; 11–14 months of age) were used to investigate the effect of a high-concentrate diet and sodium butyrate (SB) or tributyrin (TB) supplementation in a high-concentrate diet on the rumen structure and selected functions. The rams were allocated to four treatments and fed diets with: (1) low concentrate inclusion (22.5% of diet DM; L); (2) high concentrate inclusion (60% of diet DM; H); (3) H with SB (3.2% of diet DM; H+SB); and (4) H with TB (2.93% of diet DM; H+TB). The preplanned contrasts were used for treatment comparisons (L vs H treatments (H, H+SB, and H+TB), H vs H+SB, and H vs H+TB). The BW, BW gain and DM intake did not differ between treatments. In the atrium ruminis, epithelium thickness did not differ between the L and H treatments (P = 0.46), tended to be higher for H+SB than for H (P = 0.09) but did not differ between H+TB and H (P = 0.61). The expression of downregulated in adenoma was higher for L than for H treatments (P = 0.03) but was not affected by SB or TB supplementation (P ≥ 0.26). In the ventral rumen, the mucosa surface and epithelium thickness were lower for L than for H treatments (P