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Forty-eight Pelibuey × Katahdin male intact lambs (25.12 ± 3.79 kg LW) were used in a 70-d growing-finishing trial. Dietary treatments consisted of total mixed corn-based diet supplemented with: (1) no feed additives (Control); (2) 150 mg of essential oils blend plus 0.10 mg of 25-hydroxy-Vit-D3/kg diet offered throughout the 70-d experimental period (EOD3); (3) Control diet fed during the first 35 days and zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation at 6 mg/kg diet offered during the final 35 days of the experiment (32 days with ZH with a withdrawal 3-d before harvest), and (4) basal diet supplemented with EOD3 during first 35 days finishing, and EOD3 in combination with ZH (EOD3 + ZH) during the subsequent 32-days with ZH withdrawal 3 days before harvest. The temperature-humidity index during the experiment averaged 80.4 ± 3.2. There were no treatment interactions (p > 0.20) on growth performance and carcass measures. Supplemental EOD3 did not affect (p = 0.43) dry matter intake (DMI), but increased (p < 0.01) carcass adjusted average daily gain (ADG, 9.2%), gain efficiency (GF, 6.7%), and observed vs. expected dietary net energy for maintenance (NEm, 4.8%) and for gain (NEg, 6.4%). Supplemental ZH did not affect dry matter intake (DMI, p = 0.50) but increased (p < 0.01) carcass adjusted ADG (14.5%), GF (13%) and observed vs. expected dietary NEm (9%) and NEg (11.7%). Compared to control lambs, the combination of both additives increased ADG (24.9%), GF (21.2%), and observed vs. expected dietary NEm and NEg (14.2% and 18.9%, respectively). There were no treatment interactions on carcass characteristics, visceral organ mass, or on gene expression of IGF1, IGF2 and mTOR in longissimus muscle (LM). Supplemental EOD3 increased hot carcass weight (HCW; 4.0%, p < 0.01) but did not affect other carcass measures. Supplemental EOD3 decreased (3%, p = 0.03) intestine mass weight (g intestine/kg empty body weight). Supplemental ZH increased HCW (6%, p < 0.01), dressing percentage (1.7%, p = 0.04), and LM area (9.7%, p < 0.01), and decreased kidney-pelvic-fat percentage (16.2%, p < 0.01), fat thickness (14.7%, p = 0.03), and visceral fat. Compared to controls, the combination of EOD3 with ZH increased HCW (10.2%). It is concluded that growth performance responses to supplemental EOD3 and ZH are additive. Both supplements can be fed in combination without detrimental effects on expected benefits when fed separately. In addition, ZH supplementation improves carcass traits.

The objective was to examine the effects of metabolizable protein (MP) and ruminal-protected methionine supplementation on growth performance of Holstein steer calves during the initial feedlot growing phase (112 d). One hundred eighty Holstein steer calves (122 ± 7 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to 30 pens (6 steers per pen). Five treatments were applied: 1) control, a diet based on steam-flaked corn containing urea and dry distillers grains plus solubles as supplemental N sources with no amino acid addition; 2) control diet plus blood meal supplementation; 3) diet from treatment 2, with 0.064% Smartamine M (70% methionine; Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA) supplementation; 4) diet from treatment 2 with 0.096% Smartamine M supplementation; 5) diet from treatment 2 with 0.128% Smartamine M supplementation. All diets were formulated to exceed the estimated MP requirements. The estimated metabolizable lysine, as well as methionine, was deficient in the control diet. Blood meal was added to the control diet to meet estimated lysine requirements (diet 2), the other diets had increasing concentrations of supplemental methionine. Supplemental MP enhanced (10%, P  0.10). Supplemental MP did not affect (P > 0.10) dry matter intake (DMI) during the first 56-d period; however, it tended to increase (P = 0.08) DMI during the subsequent 56-d period. Overall, supplemental MP or methionine had no appreciable effect (P > 0.10) on DMI. Supplemental MP improved (P  0.10) gain efficiency during the second 56-d period, although it tended to enhance (P = 0.08) estimated dietary NE. Supplemental methionine did not appreciably affect (P > 0.10) gain efficiency or estimated dietary NE. Therefore, adding MP to cover the estimated limiting amino acid supply in diets may enhance the gain efficiency and dietary energetics of growing Holstein calves. However, amino acid addition supplementation beyond the requirements may not produce extra productive performance of steer calves.

This study aimed to identify potential probiotic strains of Bacillus subtilis from healthy fish gut microbiota for application in aquaculture. The effects of dietary B. subtilis administration on growth performance, serum enzyme activity, immune gene expression, and disease resistance in darkbarbel catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) were investigated. The isolate, identified through gene sequencing and biochemical tests, demonstrated resilience to pH 3.0% and 6.0% bile, and exhibited extracellular protease, cellulose, lipase, and amylase production. Darkbarbel catfish were fed diets with varying B. subtilis concentrations (0 CFU/kg [T0], 107 CFU/kg [T1], 108 CFU/kg [T2], and 109 CFU/kg [T3]). After 8 weeks, significant increases (p < 0.05) were observed in final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, serum lysozyme, serum superoxide dismutase, alkaline phosphatase, and total antioxidant capacity, whereas malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased. Feeding darkbarbel catfish with B. subtilis diets increased immunoglobulin M (IgM) and C3 gene expression (p < 0.05), indicating a positive impact on the fish's immune system. The strain upregulated interleukin 10 (IL‐10) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) expression and downregulated TNF‐α and IL‐1β, suggesting potential anti‐inflammatory effects. Following a 7‐day challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila, fish fed with B. subtilis exhibited lower mortality, with higher survival rates in the T2 and T3 groups. In conclusion, supplementing darkbarbel catfish diets with B. subtilis effectively enhances growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Addressing the shortage of high-quality protein resources, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of enzymolysis-fermentation compound protein feed (EFCP) in the diets of growing-finishing pigs, focusing on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, carcass traits, and meat quality. Methods: Sixty DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs with an initial body weight of 42.76 ± 2.05 kg were assigned to 5 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial design. These dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal diet (CON), untreated compound protein feed (UCP) substitution 50% (U50) and 100% SBM (U100) diets, and EFCP substitution 50% (EF50) and 100% SBM (EF100) diets. Each treatment had 6 pens (replicates) with 2 pigs per pen, and the experiment lasted 58 d, divided into phase I (1–28 d) and phase II (29–58 d). Following phase I, only the CON, U50, and EF50 groups were continued for phase II, each with 5 replicate pens. On d 59, a total of 15 pigs (1 pig/pen, 5 pens/treatment) were euthanized. Results: During phase I, the EF50 group had a higher average daily gain (ADG) in pigs (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group, whereas the U50 group did not have a significant difference. As the substitution ratio of UCP and EFCP increased in phase I, there was a noticeable reduction in the final body weight and ADG (P < 0.05), along with an increase in the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) (P < 0.05). In phase II, there were no significant differences in growth performance among the treatment groups, but EF50 increased the apparent digestibility of several nutrients (including dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, gross energy) compared to U50. The EF50 group also exhibited significantly higher serum levels of neuropeptide Y and ghrelin compared to the CON and U50 groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the EF50 group had higher carcass weight and carcass length than those in the CON and U50 groups (P < 0.05), with no significant difference in meat quality. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that replacing 50% SBM with EFCP during the growing-finishing period can improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass traits of pigs without compromising meat quality. This research offers valuable insights into the modification of unconventional plant protein meals and developing alternatives to SBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sophora flavescens is considered to be of various medicinal and economic importance. Previous studies have shown that it has antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune‐enhancing functions. To explore the full potential of S. flavescens in fish feed development, we investigated the effects of different levels of S. flavescens added to the diet on the growth performance, haematological indices, and the intestinal bacterial community of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The feeding trial lasted for 56 days, and the initial weight of the fish was 40.00 ± 5.00 g. Nile tilapia were randomly divided into six groups: a control group (CN) and five S. flavescens supplementation groups (0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08%, 0.16%, and 0.3% [w/w] of S. flavescens in diet). The growth performance of fish increased first and then decreased with the increase of S. flavescens supplemental level. Compared with other experimental groups, the growth performance of fish supplemented with 0.08% S. flavescens was significantly improved (p < 0.05). Haematological indices exhibited that erythrocyte (RBC), along with leucocyte (WBC) indices, exhibited a secondary trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increase of S. flavescens, reaching the highest level at 0.08% (p < 0.05). However, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) exhibited a secondary trend of first decreasing and then increasing with the increase of S. flavescens and reached the lowest value at 0.08% (p < 0.05). Compared with the CN, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) significantly decreased and changed when the additional amount of S. flavescens was 0.04% in each treatment group (p < 0.05). In another way, the gut microbial profiles revealed that Bacteroides dominated the gut communities, and compared with the control group, two uncultured bacteria were suppressed. In addition, when the supplemental level of S. flavescens was more significant than 0.04%, the proliferation of Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Solibacillus silvestris, and Escherichia sp. in the gut of Nile tilapia was promoted. The results revealed that S. flavescens, as an additive to the Nile tilapia diet with levels ranging from 0.04% to 0.08%, can enhance the growth performance and immunity and promote the proliferation of intestinal beneficial bacteria of Nile tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the effect of prolonged feeding with a high inclusion level of Spirulina, combined with peptidases, on broiler chicken's growth performance, digesta viscosity, carcass attributes and meat quality. The experiment involved 120 male broilers divided into 40 battery brooders, each housing 3 birds. Post 7-day acclimatisation with a corn and soybean-based diet, the birds were provided with one of four diets: a corn and soybean meal-based diet (CON), a mix incorporating 15% Spirulina (SP), a Spirulina-rich mix supplemented with 0.025% of commercial VemoZyme® P (SPV), or a Spirulina-rich mix supplemented with 0.10% of porcine pancreatin (SPP). The CON group had higher body weight and weight gain (p < 0.001) and a lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.001) from day 7-21, compared to the Spirulina-fed groups. Spirulina-fed chickens significantly increased ileum viscosity (p < 0.05). Spirulina also elevated the weight (p < 0.05) of the duodenum and the length (p < 0.001) of the entire gastrointestinal tract compared to CON. Breast and thigh muscles from Spirulina-fed broilers displayed higher values of yellowness (b*) (p < 0.001), pigments (p < 0.05), and n-3 PUFA (p < 0.01), while n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) and a-tocopherol (p < 0.001) decreased relative to the CON. In conclusion, the introduction of a high level of Spirulina into broiler diets for an extended duration, has the potential to diminish birds' growth performance, possibly due to increased digesta viscosity. However, it does enhance the nutritional quality of the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs (cFF) as dietary substitutes of corn, soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), hematobiochemical profiles, and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens. Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups (5 replicates of ten birds per replicate) according to their average body weight (BW, 38.0 ± 0.11 g). All groups received a two-phase feeding program: starter, d 1–12 and grower, d 12–33. The control group (cFF0) was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn, soybean meal and soybean oil. The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn, soybean meal, and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25% (cFF6.25), 12.5% (cFF12.5) or 25% (cFF25) for the following 33 d. Results: The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups, although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period (12–33 d) and over entire experimental period (1–33 d) in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose (P = 0.026), positively affecting the gain to feed ratio (P = 0.001). The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period, whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period (P < 0.05). Additionally, a linear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF (P < 0.05); however, no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance. Conclusions: The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens, even up to 25% substitution levels, for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions. Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been identified as a low-cost and promising feed additive to to alleviate weaning stress in young livestock and poultry effectively. This study investigated the impact of probiotic fermentation on the metabolite content of BanQi (Radix Isatidis and Astragalus membranaceus) extract while also examined the effects of both fermented-BanQi (FBQ) and unfermented-BanQi (UBQ) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, intestinal villi, and gut microbiota in weaned lambs. This study demonstrated that compared with UBQ, FBQ contained significantly higher levels of free amino acids (e.g., phenylalanine and isoleucine), short peptides (e.g., Val–Leu–Pro–Val–Pro–Gln and Gly–Leu), and the active ingredients (e.g., vindesine and reserpine) (P < 0.05). The addition of FBQ to the diet significantly increased the final body weight and average daily gain of weaned lambs (P < 0.05). In addition, FBQ significantly increased the total protein level in the serum and the villus length of the jejunum and ileum in lambs, while significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea (P < 0.05). Sequencing of the intestinal flora showed that FBQ improved the diversity of intestinal flora and promoted the enrichment of beneficial bacteria in the lamb intestine, such as Mogibacterium and Butyrivibrio, compared to NC or UBQ groups (P < 0.05). Fermentation with Bacillus subtilis can enhance the content of free amino acids, peptides, and active ingredients in BanQi extract, making it an effective method to improve the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine. Adding FBQ to the diet can improve the growth performance of weaned lambs, and its mechanism may be related to increasing the height of intestinal villi and increasing the diversity of intestinal flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hormesis and toxicity of shortterm low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Triplicate isonitrogenous and isocaloric aflatoxin B1 diets—CD (control, 0 ug/kg), D1 (20 ug/kg), and D2 (500 ug/kg)—were prepared and fed to grass carp with an initial mean body weight of (15.2 ± 0.1) g for 56 days. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of grass carp fed diet D2 were significantly higher, and the feed coefficient and crude fat content of the whole body were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with those fed diet CD. Serum superoxide dismutase content of grass carp fed D1 diet increased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increasing dose of aflatoxin B1, but when the dose reached 500 ug/kg (D2), serum superoxide dismutase, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M of grass carp decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde increased significantly (P < 0.05). After short-term feeding of aflatoxin B1-containing diets (D1 and D2), liver body index, visceral body index, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea nitrogen content of grass carp increased significantly (P < 0.05), total bile acid secretion decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and structural damages such as increase in vacuoles, organizational structure loosening, and nucleus translocation were observed in the liver. Meanwhile, liver function indexes such as serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly with the increase of aflatoxin B1 dose (P < 0.05). In addition, the height of intestinal villi, crypt depth, villus–crypt ratio, and tubular cell number, as well as the content of trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine of grass carp in the D2 group, were significantly higher than those in the CD group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, after a short-term intake of low doses of aflatoxin B1 (≤500 ug/kg), the toxicological damage of aflatoxin B1 was pronounced, although it produced a certain degree of hormesis on the growth performance and intestinal structure and function of grass carp. At a dose of 20 ug/kg, the non-specific immune system and liver structure and function of grass carp showed obvious toxic damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plant essential oils (PEOs) have received significant attention in animal production due to their diverse beneficial properties and hold potential to alleviate weaning stress. However, PEOs effectiveness is often compromised by volatility and degradation. Microencapsulation can enhance the stability and control release rate of essential oils. Whether different microencapsulation techniques affect the effectiveness remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PEOs coated by different microencapsulation techniques on growth performance, immunity, and intestinal health of weaned Tibetan piglets. Methods: A total of 120 Tibetan piglets, aged 30 days, were randomly divided into five groups with four replicates, each containing six piglets. The experimental period lasted for 32 days. The groups were fed different diets: a basal diet without antibiotics (NC), a basal diet supplemented with 10 mg/kg tylosin and 50 mg/ kg colistin sulfate (PC), 300 mg/kg solidified PEO particles (SPEO), 300 mg/kg cold spray-coated PEO (CSPEO), or 300 mg/kg hot spray-coated PEO (HSPEO). Results: The results showed that supplementation with SPEO, CSPEO, or HSPEO led to a notable decrease in diarrhea incidence and feed to gain ratio, as well as duodenum lipopolysaccharide content, while simultaneously increase in average daily gain, interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels and the abundance of ileum Bifidobacterium compared with the NC group (p < 0.05). Supplementation with SPEO, CSPEO, or HSPEO significantly elevated serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and concurrently reduced serum lipopolysaccharide and interferon γ levels compared with the NC and PC groups (p < 0.05). Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the SPEO and HSPEO groups significantly increased compared with the NC group (p < 0.05). Additionally, CSPEO and HSPEO significantly reduced jejunum pH value (p < 0.05) compared with the NC and PC groups (p<0.05). Additionally, Supplementation with HSPEO significantly elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), abundance of ileum Lactobacillus, along with decreased serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels compared with both the NC and PC groups. Discussion: Our findings suggest that different microencapsulation techniques affect the effectiveness. Dietary supplemented with PEOs, especially HSPEO, increased growth performance, improved immune function, and optimized gut microbiota composition of weaned piglets, making it a promising feed additive in piglet production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of bacterial enzyme fermented feed on growth performance, slaughter performance and gastrointestinal microflora of Xuhuai white goats were studied in this experiment. A total of 40 healthy white goats with the body weight of (10.0±2.0) kg were randomly divided into 4 groups with 1 sheep in each replicate. The goats in control group were fed a basal diet. The goats in groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ were fed the basal diet supplemented with 5%, 10% and 20% bacterial enzyme fermented feed, respectively, and were slaughtered after 180 days. Growth performance, slaughter performance, intestinal morphology and microbial flora structure were measured. The results showed as follows: compared with the control group, the final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, final body height, final body oblique length, final chest circumference and final tube circumference of trial groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the ratio of feed to gain was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The live weight before slaughter, carcass weight, net meat weight, slaughter rate, bone weight, ratio of bone to meat, eye muscle area, head weight, rumen weight, reticulum weight, valve stomach weight, net meat rate, carcass length, hoof weight, heart weight, liver weight, lung weight and kidney weight of trial group Ⅱ were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The carcass weight, slaughter rate, net meat weight, rumen weight, reticulum weight, live weight before slaughter and eye muscle area of test group Ⅲ were higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The villi height of duodenum and jejunum in group Ⅰ was significantly higher than that in control group (P< 0.05); the villi height of duodenum, jejunum and ileum in trial groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The rumen Chao1 index, Simpson index and Ace index in the experimental group Ⅱ and Ⅲ group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The abundance values of Bacteroidetes, fibrinobacteria and verrucobacteria in 3 experimental groups were increased compared with control group (P<0.05), while the abundance values of firmicutes and actinobacteria were significantly decreased compared with control group (P<0.05). The abundance values of Prevotella, Butyricothrix, Fibrinobacter and verrucothrix in test groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), and the abundance values of Bacteroides and Treponemas in test groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The intestinal Chao1 index and Ace index of test groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05); the abundance values of firmicutes in test groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P< 0.05), and the abundance values of Proteobacteria were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The abundance values of Prevotella in experimental groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P< 0.05), and the abundance values of Vibrio succinate, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Escherichia were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, feeding 10%-20% bacterial enzyme fermented feed can improve the growth performance, slaughter performance and gastrointestinal health of Xuhuai white goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of composite enzyme preparations on the growth performance, slaughter performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and ketone body quality of beef cattle. A total of 120 yaks from a large-scale yak farm in Xizang Autonomous Region were selected as test subjects, and were randomly divided into four groups: control group, 100 g/t compound enzyme preparation group, 200 g/t compound enzyme preparation group, and 300 g/t compound enzyme preparation group. Statistical analysis was made on the significant difference of the effects of compound enzyme preparation on various indicators of beef cattle. The average daily weight gain of the experimental group with the addition of complex enzyme preparations in the feed was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the feed to weight ratio was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05); the slaughter rate and backfat thickness of beef cattle in the experimental group showed significant differences compared to the control group (P<0.05); the apparent digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber in the experimental group of beef cattle was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05); the ketone weight and eye muscle area of the experimental group of beef cattle were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), while the cooked meat rate and shear force were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The results induicate that 200 g/t composite enzyme preparation can significantly improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and ketone body quality of beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of compound Chinese medicine feed additives on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant indicators, fecal score of small tailed Han sheep. 100 female small tailed Han sheep aged about three months were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates per group and five sheep per replicate, namely the control group, test group Ⅰ, test group Ⅱ, and test group Ⅲ. The growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, antioxidant indicators, and fecal score of the small tailed Han sheep were tested and statistically analyzed. The test lasted for 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the final weight of group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05); the weight gain and average daily weight gain of groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ in the test were significantly increased (P<0.05); the serum TP levels in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ significantly increased (P< 0.05); the serum ALB content in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05); the serum MDA content in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ significantly decreased (P<0.05); in terms of sheep fecal score, On day 28, the fecal scores of group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ significantly decreased (P<0.05); on day 42, the fecal scores of group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ significantly decreased (P<0.05). In summary, adding compound Chinese medicine feed additives to the diet can effectively improve the growth performance of small tailed Han sheep, improve serum growth biochemical indexes, enhance antioxidant capacity, and improve fecal morphology, making it suitable for clinical application, the appropriate amout of additive is 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of silymarin on growth performance, liver weight and liver antioxidant capacity of layer chickens induced with diquat (DQ). A total of two hundred and forty one-day-old Hy-Line White layer chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (group C) and diquat group (group D) were fed a basal diet, and silymarin group (group S) and silymarin + diquat group (group SD) were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of silymarin. Group C and group S were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL/kg normal sodium, and group D and group SD were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL/kg diquat solution at 20 day. The experiment was lasted for 21 days. The results showed as follows: ① at 1 to 20 days of age, the average daily gain of groups S and SD was significantly higher than that of groups C and D (P<0.05). At 20 to 21 days of age, the average daily gain and weight change rate of group S were significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.05). And the final weight, average daily gain and weight change rate in the SD group were significantly higher than that in group D (P<0.05). ② Compared with group D, absolute liver weight and relative liver weight was significantly lower in group S (P<0.05) and relative liver weight was significantly lower in group SD (P<0.05). ③ The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver of layer chickens in the group S were significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of group C. Compared with group D, the T-AOC in liver of layer chickens in the group SD was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with silymarin can improve the growth performance, liver weight and liver antioxidant capacity of layer chickens under DQ-induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In the limited field of research on Kazakhstan's poultry, this study explores a new area by investigating the lack of studies on the impact of probiotics from camel milk and mare's milk. This study provides valuable knowledge about an important aspect of poultry production in the region. Aims: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of probiotics isolated from traditional fermented dairy products, fermented camel milk (shubat) and fermented mare's milk (koumiss) on the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. Methods: In total, 240 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly separated into four treatment groups of three replicates (20 birds per replicate). Three experimental groups were fed by basal diet plus drinking water containing 0.25 mL, 0.5 mL, and 1.0 mL of probiotics per bird (Pro1, Pro2, and Pro3 respectively). The control group was fed by basal diet plus drinking water. The carcass characteristics included the weights of the body and carcass rate. Organoleptic analysis, proximate composition, pH, drip loss, cook loss and were used to determine meat-quality properties. Key results: According to the study results isolated probiotics Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei SH1, Enterococcus faecalis SH6, and Kazachstania unispora Y 2.2 had a significant effect on body and carcass weight (P < 0.05). Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were also improved in probiotics groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, Pro 2 group had increased meat protein contents (P < 0.05). No significant differences in organoleptic quality between the control and experimental groups fed with the probiotics were determined. Conclusions: Traditional fermented dairy products could become a source of new effective probiotics useful to improve broiler production. Implications: The readily available shubat and koumiss in Kazakhstan present a promising opportunity for establishing localised probiotic production for poultry, indicating a viable path for promoting sustainable and tailored approaches to poultry farming in the region. This study examined the effectiveness of probiotics derived from fermented camel and mare's milk products (shubat and koumiss) in Kazakhstan for improving broiler chicken production. Several probiotic strains had a significant effect on body and carcass weights, and average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were also improved. Considerable presence of these traditional fermented dairy products in Kazakhstan offers a promising opportunity for the creation of locally derived probiotics specifically designed for poultry use. This potentially enables the adoption of more environmentally friendly and specialised broiler-farming practices in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Heat stress compromises growth performance and meat quality and results in economic losses in pork production. Aims: We investigated the effects of supranutritional levels of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VitE), along with organic acid blends, on the growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs over a period of weeks during late summer to early autumn in Westbrook, Queensland, Australia. Methods: A total of 264 crossbred pigs (25.8 ± 2.4 kg, mean ± s.d.) at 11 weeks of age were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two aging times (2 or 5 days) nested within each pig. The factors included antioxidants (Se/E, with recommended or supranutritional doses of Se and VitE), an organic acids (OA) blend added to drinking water (control vs supplemented), and sex (female vs male). Key results: Between 16 and 18 weeks of age, high Se/E decreased daily feed intake (P = 0.010) but had no effects on average daily gain or feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Male pigs grew faster (P = 0.040) and had a higher FCE than females (P = 0.050). Supplementation with OA increased FCE in males but not females (OA × Sex interaction, P = 0.035). Between Weeks 16 and 20, male pigs grew faster (P < 0.001), tended to eat more (P = 0.057), and had higher FCE (P = 0.002) than females (P < 0.001). There were no main effects of Se/E or OA on meat quality, except protein oxidation was reduced by high Se/E (P = 0.047). Sex impacted only Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), with male pigs having lower WBSF than females (P = 0.053). Meat aging decreased WBSF (P < 0.001), but it increased cooking loss (P = 0.036), myofibrillar fragmentation index (P < 0.001), lipid oxidation (P < 0.001) and colour parameters (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: Supplementation with Se/E for up to 10 weeks and OA for 5 weeks did not influence production parameters or pork quality in late summer, except that high Se/E decreased protein oxidation, and significant heat stress conditions were not experienced as expected. Implications: Supplementation with Se/E and OA may be effective when environmental temperatures are higher. The management of heat stress is an increasing topic of interest in pork production, especially during summer. This study approaches nutritional management to mitigate the negative impacts of environmental temperature on pork production and meat quality by supplementing selenium and vitamin E in pigs' diets, along with organic acid in drinking water. The results of this study suggest that during cool seasons, supplementing antioxidants and organic acids in grower-finisher's diets may be unnecessary, reducing the feed cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to study effects of a chronic feeding of deoxynivalenol (DON) on growth performance, organ weight, organ DON accumulation, and blood parameters in pigs. Methods: Forty-eight castrated male pigs with a body weight of 10.4 kg (standard deviation = 1.7) were assigned to one of 2 diet groups in a randomized complete block design with 6 blocks of pens per diet and 4 pigs per pen. A corn-soybean meal-based control diet was prepared to contain a low DON concentration of 0.28 mg/kg. Corn distillers dried grains with solubles naturally contaminated with DON were used at 30.0% to prepare a contaminated diet with a high DON concentration of 1.8 mg/kg. During the 56-day experimental period, body weight and feed intake were recorded every 14 days. A pig from each pen was euthanized for the collection of organs and muscle every 14 days. Results: Gain:feed in pigs fed the contaminated diet during days 14 to 28 and days 28 to 42 were less (p<0.05) compared with the control group. As increasing feeding period, the DON concentrations in fresh liver increased during days 14 to 28 and then decreased during the subsequent periods in the DON group, whereas the DON concentrations in fresh liver were constant during the experimental period in the control group (quadratic interaction p = 0.049). The DON concentration in the kidneys in the DON group was greater (p = 0.002) than that in the control group regardless of feeding period. On day 56, the granulocyte count in the DON group was less (p = 0.035) than the control group. Conclusion: A chronic feeding of DON for 14 to 42 days decreased gain:feed in pigs, and dietary DON naturally contaminated in corn distillers dried grains with solubles accumulated in the liver during days 14 to 28. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the effects of Apidaecin Api-PR19 as feed additive on growth performance, intestinal health, and small intestinal microbiota of broilers. Methods: A total of 360 1-d-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to 3 groups with 6 replicates including control group with basal diet (CON), antibiotic growth promotor group with basal plus 10 mg/kg colistin sulfate and 50 mg/kg roxarsone (AGP), and antibacterial peptide group with basal diet plus 330 mg/kg Apidaecin Api-PR19 (ABP). The trial lasted 35 d. Results: Results showed that dietary Api-PR19 addition increased (p<0.05) the average daily feed intake, average daily gain and decreased (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 1 to 21 d compared with the CON group. The digestibility of dry matter and crude protein were higher in AGP and ABP groups (p<0.05) where greater trypsin activity was detected in duodenum (p<0.05). The ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in duodenum and jejunum was increased at 35 d when broilers were given diets with ABP or AGP (p<0.05). Besides, ABP treatments up-regulated (p<0.05) the mRNA expression of EAAT3, GLUT2, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 in duodenum of broilers at 35 d of age. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that ABP treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) duodenal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) content. In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that there were differences in the intestinal microbiota diversity and composition among three groups. Notably, the linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that p_Firmicutes, g_Enterococcus, g_Carnobacterium, g_Kitasatospora, and g_Acidaminococcus were dominant in ABP group. Redundancy analysis showed that these changes in gut microbiota in ABP group had correlation with growth performance, intestinal morphology, and content of sIgA. Conclusion: In general, these results indicated that dietary 330 mg/kg Apidaecin ApiPR19 supplementation promoted growth performance of broilers by improving intestinal development, nutrients absorption, immune function and modulating intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) are the main bioactive ingredients in bamboo leaves. They have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and other effects. In this study, the effects of dietary BLF on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of broilers were investigated. A total of 288 broilers were divided into three groups with eight replicates and 12 birds in each replicate. Broilers were fed a basic diet or the basic diet supplemented with 1000 or 2000 mg kg−1 BLF for 56 days. RESULTS: The results showed that supplementation of BLF increased body weight (BW) and average daily weight gain (ADG), and reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05). The serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) content of broilers in the BLF1000 group was increased and the interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) content was decreased (P < 0.05). The levels of IgM and IL‐10 in jejunum mucosa were found to be enhanced by BLF (P < 0.05). The BLF1000 group exhibited a significant reduction in the concentration of TNF‐α (P < 0.05). Serum and jejunum mucosa total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) levels in the BLF1000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The serum catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) effects of the BLF1000 group and serum CAT effects of BLF2000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The CON group demonstrated a lower relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R‐7_group and Oscillibacter than the BLF group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dietary BLF inclusion enhanced the growth performance, immune, and antioxidant functions, improved the intestinal morphology, and ameliorated the intestinal microflora structure in broiler. Adding 1000 mg kg−1 BLF to the broiler diet can be considered as an effective growth promoter. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed provides macro-, micro-nutrients, and biological bioactive components that may improve broiler production. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of various levels of brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and hepatic growth and nutrient transporter gene expressions. The study followed a completely randomized design (CRD) (twelve treatments, six replicates, and seven birds per replicate). The dietary treatments contained: basal diet [negative control (NC)], basal diet + vitamin E (100 mg/kg feed) [positive control (PC)], basal diet + 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25% BS and GS, respectively. The data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) of the statistical analysis system (SAS 9.4) by one-way ANOVA. Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to assess the significant differences between treatment groups at p<0.05. Various levels of BS and GS (p<0.05) improved body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed intake (FI) at the starter phase. No significant effects were observed in the carcass characteristics. The AID of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), and dry matter (DM) during the starter phase were significantly improved. The hepatic growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene had increased expression in birds fed 0.50% and 0.75% of GS-contained diets. Similarly, birds fed 0.50% of BS and 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of GS had higher (p<0.05) expression of the hepatic Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene. Furthermore, there were no significant effects on the intestinal nutrient transporters genes, including aminopeptidase (APN), glucose transporter (SGLT5), and oligopeptide transporter (PepT1) at the jejunum tissue. It was therefore concluded that different levels of BS and GS in the broiler chickens' diet improved the starter period growth performance and nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of polypropylene (PP) microplastics on the growth performance, hematological profile and oxidative stress responses in the liver and brain tissues of Oreochromis niloticus juvenile. The microplastic exposure was done by offering microplastic‐incorporated feed to the fish. The feed was prepared by mixing microplastics and the feed in three different ratios; Low (1.5 g/kg), Medium (3.0 g/kg), High (4.5 g/kg), and a control with no plastics in it. The trial was done for 7 weeks. A significant impact on the growth performance of the fish was observed in terms of body weight gain, specific growth rate, metabolic growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and energy retention. All the treatments had a significant difference in growth parameters compared to the control. The results of the hematological profile confirmed erythropoietic impairment in the fishes due to high microplastic exposure which led to an anemic condition in the fishes and mortality in the early juvenile stage. The antioxidant enzyme analysis also shows significant oxidative stress induced in liver and brain tissues in a dose‐dependent manner. Exposure to PP microplastics significantly affected the growth, health and metabolism of O. niloticus. Further studies on genetic and cellular levels should be done to elucidate the wide‐ranging effects of MPs on fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, scientists have developed techniques and processing methods to minimize animal feed waste and costs. The agricultural waste from each part of the cassava plant is rich in macronutrients, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a potential candidate to be used as animal feed. However, the significant content of anti-nutritional properties in cassava, which are linked with the indigestibility of the animal, led to controversy regarding the strategy to use cassava as highly commercialized animal feed. Among the anti-nutritional compounds found in cassava waste, cyanide was found to have the most negative effect on the animals upon feed consumption. Therefore, several strategies to maintain the homeostasis of nutrient and non-nutrient compounds improved the production and commercialization of cassava waste-based animal feed. Physical pretreatment, microbial pretreatment, and fermentation significantly reduced the cyanide content in the cassava waste. In terms of fermentation, solid-state fermentation of moist, solid, non-soluble organic material acts as a nutrient and energy source. Factors such as moisture content, particle size, temperature, pH, media composition, choice of microbial inoculum, and inoculum density were important to increase protein content, improve digestibility, amino acids, enzymes, and vitamins. The impact of using cassava waste as animal feed replacement was significant on the digestibility, growth performance, and changes in blood parameters of the animals. Despite the challenges in nutrient content and biological action, the accessibility and availability of cassava in different geographical areas also pose significant challenges. Therefore, applying technological advancements, particularly in enhancing the nutritional content and biological mechanisms, is important, with the implementation of advanced research and collaboration with industries and other stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of black bean (BB) supplementation on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant capacity of high-fat diet-induced obese mice. The results demonstrated that although the inclusion of BBs led to increased body weight, total energy intake, and feed efficiency ratio, it did not significantly alter the overall body composition, including adiposity. Notably, BB consumption reduced total cholesterol levels, suggesting its potential to manage dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, BBs significantly enhanced in the total antioxidant capacity, as indicated by the notable increase in both the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity. These findings provide significant insights into the promising health benefits of BBs in the context of metabolic syndrome and related health complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-sized essential minerals and nutrients synthesized from plant extracts are being explored for their impact on growth, immune stimulation, and overall fish health. This study evaluated the growth performance, health, and survival of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, particularly when challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Biosynthesized Aloe vera leaf iron oxide nanoparticles (ANP) were confirmed by ultra-violet spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy as nanoparticles. The ANPs were added to the basal diet at 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 mg/kg, forming five treatments. The fish were fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 84 days. Results showed that dietary ANP improved weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and feed conversion ratio significantly with increasing levels of the nanoparticles. Fish fed 160 mg/kg ANP diet had a weight gain of 102.12 ± 18.91 g, while fish fed the control diet had a weight gain of 78.89 ± 22.2 g. Fish quality indices, including head-to-body percentage, visceral-somatic ratio, and flesh ratio, were similar (p > .05) across treatments. Supplementation of ANP improved significantly fish carcass quality and survival rate compared to the control diet. Fish fed nanoparticle diets had significantly different (p < .05) moisture, ash, and protein contents across all treatments. The fat content decreased with increasing nanoparticle levels, with the control diet showing the highest value (14.54%) and 160 mg/kg ANP diet the lowest (12.94%). Dietary ANP also improved carcass iron and zinc contents significantly. Additionally, ANP increased packed cell volume, red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte sedimentation count more than the control diet. Alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels increased with ANP in the diets. Fish-fed ANP diets had higher (p < .05) total serum protein than fish fed the control diet. ANP diets reduced blood glucose levels significantly, and cholesterol levels decreased marginally with increasing nanoparticle levels. Conclusively, ANP positively influenced the growth, immunity, and survival of C. gariepinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different doses of Acreosporium terreticulum culture on the growth performance and immune function of mice. A total of 80 mice with similar body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates per group and 5 mice per replicate. Hens in the control group were fed a basal diet, and hens in test groups T1, T2 and T3 were fed 0.5, 1.5 g/kg and 2.5 g/kg Acreosporium terreticulum culture to the control diet for 28 days. The results showed as follows: the average daily gain in group T2 was significantly higher than that in CT control group, T1 and T3 groups (P<0.05), and the growth performance of mice in group 1.5 g/kg was the best. The spleen index and thymus index of T2 group were higher than those of control group, T1 and T3 groups, but there was no significant difference among all groups (P>0.05). The serum hemolysin content of T2 group was higher than that of control group, T1 and T3 groups, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05); the phagocytic index α1 of T2 group was higher than that in CT control group, T1 and T3 groups (P<0.05); the phagocytic percentage of macrophages of T2 group was significantly higher than that in control group, T1 and T3 groups (P<0.05); the phagocytic index α2 of macrophages in T2 group was higher than that in control group, T1 and T3 groups, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). In conclusion, Acreosporium terreticulum culture could increase the average daily gain, immune organ index and serum hemolysin content of mice. The phagocytic function of macrophages and mononuclear phagocytic cells were improved, and the appropriate dosage of Acreosporium terreticulum culture to improve the immune function of mice was 1.5 g/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of stickwater hydrolysate meal on growth, intestinal digestive enzymes, serum biochemistry and immune indexes of rice field eel (Monopterus albus). Healthy rice field eel with an initial weight of (25.00±0.20) g were used as the study subjects, and three treatment groups were set up with three replicates in each group and 50 rice field eel per box. Stickwater hydrolysate meal was used to replace 0, 2.5% and 5% fishmeal in the basal diet (fishmeal content of 40%), recorded as FM, SHM2.5 and SHM5.0, respectively, and the breeding experiment lasted 56 days. The results showed that the replacement of some fish meal (SHM2.5 and SHM5.0) by stickwater hydrolysate meal did not have any significant difference on the weight gain rate (WGR) of rice field eel (P>0.05); but significantly increased the intestinal trypsin (TPS) activity (P<0.05); the replacement of some fish meal by stickwater hydrolysate meal had no significant effect on the serum total cholesterol (TC), urea nitrogen (BUN), total bile acids (TBA), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), complement 3 (C3), malondialdehyde (MDA), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of rice field eel. There were no significant differences in the levels of alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase (P>0.05); the replacement of some fish meal by stickwater hydrolysate meal significantly increased the levels of serum immunoglobulin M (IGM), complement 4 (C4) and lysozyme (LZM) (P<0.05), and the levels of serum glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG) and alkaline phosphatase in the SHM5.0 group were significantly elevated (P<0.05). The results indicated that proper replacement of fish meal by stickwater hydrolysate meal has no adverse effect on growth, feed utilization and intestinal digestive enzymes of rice field eel and will enhance the immune function of rice field eel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary inulin supplementation on growth performance, slaughter performance, organ index and meat quality of weaned lambs. Thirty 60- day-old Leizhou goat lambs with similar body condition were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (basic diet), trial group Ⅰ (basic diet +0.1% inulin), trial group Ⅱ (basic diet +0.3% inulin) and trial group Ⅲ (basic diet +0.5% inulin) with 6 replicates per group and 1 sheep per replicate. The pre-test period lasted for 7 days and the formal period for 40 days. The test results showed as follows: ① compared with group C, the ratio of feed to gain (FCR) in test groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly decreased (P< 0.05); The average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in trial group Ⅱ were significantly increased (P<0.05). ② The carcass weight of trial group Ⅱ and slaughter rate of trial group Ⅲ were significantly increased compared with group C (P<0.05); the GR value of trial groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in GR value among groupsⅠ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ (P>0.05). ③ Spleen mass in test group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found in organ index among other groups (P>0.05). ④ The shear force of test groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly lower than that of group C (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in pH1h of test groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ (P>0.05), but there was a significant difference compared with group C (P<0.05). The cooking loss in test group Ⅲ was significantly lower than that in group C (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences in pH24h, brightness L*, redness a* and yellowness b* among other groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, adding inulin to the diet can improve the growth performance and slaughter performance of weaned lambs, reduce the feed to gain ratio, increase the spleen index and improve the meat quality. Under the conditions of this experiment, the appropriate dosage of inulin in the diet was 0.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pigeons are one of the oldest domesticated birds in the world, and humans have been raising pigeons for thousands of years. Pigeon meat is edible and rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. As a late-maturing bird, pigeons need to be fed by their parents to obtain nutrients. Therefore, the dietary nutritional level of pigeon breeders is vital for production and reproduction. However, there is currently no explicit nutritional requirement for pigeon riboflavin internationally. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary riboflavin levels on the reproductive performance of pigeon breeders and the growth performance and carcass traits of offspring squabs to estimate the riboflavin requirement of pigeon breeders. The natural riboflavin content in the basic diet of corn–peas–soybean–wheat–sorghum–corn gluten is 1.20 mg/kg. Different doses of riboflavin (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) were supplemented with the basal diet to produce five dietary treatments with total riboflavin levels of 1.20, 3.70, 6.20, 10.20, and 16.20 mg/kg. A total of 120 pairs of White King pigeons, aged 60 wks, were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each consisting of 24 pairs. Each pair was individually raised for 8 wks. After the experiment, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of the pigeon breeders, as well as the growth and carcass traits of offspring squabs at 28 days of age. The results showed that the dietary riboflavin levels had no significant effect on body weight, feed intake, egg weight, egg production, and egg fertility (p > 0.05). However, pigeons fed a diet without riboflavin had the lowest egg hatchability, egg yolk color, carcass trait, and riboflavin status, while exhibiting higher liver weight and liver index (p < 0.05). Moreover, the indices above showed increased or decreased linearly as the level of riboflavin was increased in the diet. Based on the broken-line regression model, pigeon breeders were determined to require a dietary riboflavin content of 11.4, 13.6, 13.4, 6.60, 4.28, 4.47, 4.67, 6.69, and 6.82 mg/kg to optimize hatchability, eviscerated weight, half-eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight, breast muscle percentage, liver weight, liver index, egg yolk riboflavin, and squab plasma riboflavin, respectively. In conclusion, the optimal supplemental dosage of riboflavin in the diets of pigeon breeders is 13.6 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to quantify the suppressive effects of a proprietary bromoform-containing product on bovine enteric methane production after 11 days of supplementation, (2) to map the duration of these effects for up to 9 days post-supplementation, and (3) to investigate whether bromoform is incorporated into the edible tissues of cattle as a result of supplementation in the daily ration for 30 days. Bromoform was supplemented from 0 to 63 ppm of the diet. In this study, supplementing with bromoform product resulted in an approximate 98% reduction of enteric methane production, with reduced methane levels observed across a 9-day post-supplementation period as compared with animals not receiving bromoform. Feed consumption was not affected by bromoform product supplementation, and no bromoform residues were found in fat, organ, or muscle tissue samples collected upon animal harvest. Thus, it was concluded that low-level supplementation of this bromoform-containing product is beneficial in reducing bovine enteric methane production for short-term durations without accumulation of bromoform within organ and edible tissues and with no evidence of effects on animal growth or feed consumption. Three experiments were performed investigating bovine enteric methane (CH4) production inhibition using a proprietary kelp blend product (PKBP) containing a halogenated methane analog (i.e., bromoform). Calves were fed a corn-silage basal diet top-dressed with the assigned treatment, with rations provided at 1.5 × NEm in Experiments 1 and 2 (n = 12 and 6 steers, respectively) and ad libitum in Experiment 3 (n = 9 steers). In Experiment 1, we evaluated bromoform's potency in decreasing CH4. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by treatment (p ≥ 0.11; 0 vs. 52.5 ± 10.5 ppm bromoform), whereas bromoform supplementation decreased CH4 (p < 0.01). In Experiments 2 and 3, treatments were 0, 9.5 ± 1.5, or 20 ± 3 ppm bromoform. In Experiment 2, we examined CH4 recovery following bromoform removal from the ration. Bromoform treatments were fed on d1, but not the subsequent 8 d, to investigate residual effects. On d1, CH4 was below limits of detection for 20 ppm bromoform inclusion. Across days, a cubic response (p < 0.01) was observed with 20 ppm bromoform inclusion, but not with 0 and 9.5 ppm inclusion levels. Experiment 3 (30 d finishing trial) tested bromoform effects on feeder calves. DMI (p = 0.53), average daily gain (p = 0.55), and gain:feed (p = 0.82) were not influenced by bromoform inclusion. Bromoform residues were undetectable in liver, kidney, adipose, and muscle samples collected at harvest. These experiments demonstrated that cattle fed PKBP experience short-term reductions in CH4 without tissue accumulation of bromoform and without evidence of effects on animal growth or feed consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Plant sugars have a good effect on promoting animal body development and immune function. This study confirmed that AHAS feeding in unweaned lambs can effectively promote the growth performance of lambs, enhance antioxidant activity, promote the secretion of antibodies and cytokines, increase the abundance of intestinal beneficial bacteria, reduce the number of harmful bacteria, and effectively promote the secretion of intestinal short-chain fatty acids. The present study was designed to assess the impact of Alhagi honey small-molecule sugars (AHAS) on Hu lambs. Therefore, in this study, AHAS low-dose (AHAS-L, 200 mg/ kg per day), AHAS medium-dose (AHAS-M, 400 mg/kg per day), and AHAS high-dose (AHAS-H, 800 mg/kg per day) were administered to Hu lambs to investigate the regulatory effects of AHAS on growth performance, oxidation index, immune system enhancement, and intestinal microbiota. The results showed that lambs in the AHAS-H group exhibited significantly increased in average daily weight gain, and growth performance compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, AHAS-H supplementation resulted in increased levels of serum antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC), serum antibodies (IgA, IgG, and IgM), and cytokines (IL-4, 10,17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, it increased the quantity and richness of beneficial bacteria at such as Sphingomonas, Ralstonia, and Flavobacterium, activating various metabolic pathways and promoting the production of various short-chain fatty acids. In summary, our findings highlight the potential of AHAS-H treatment in enhancing intestinal health of lambs by improving intestinal function, immunity, and related metabolic pathways. Consequently, these results suggest that AHAS holds promising potential as a valuable intervention for optimizing growth performance and intestinal health in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Benzoic acid has been supplemented in feeds to improve intestinal health and the growth rate of nursery pigs. Benzoic acid, a colorless crystalline organic compound, consists of a benzene ring with a carboxyl substituent, representing the simplest form of aromatic carboxylic acid. In pig feeds, benzoic acid primarily influences the small intestine rather than the large intestine of pigs, as benzoic acid does not require degradation in the stomach or beyond the small intestine. Benzoic acid possesses acidic properties, making it an effective feed additive in pig production through its antimicrobial action by reducing pH in feed and digesta in the gastrointestinal tract, positively modulating intestinal microbiota and enhancing nutrient utilization and intestinal health in pigs. Benzoic acid supplementation also decreases urinary pH through the production of hippuric acid and reduces ammonia emissions, which can positively affect the conditions of barns considering the intense pig production systems. However, depending on the levels of benzoic acid, its impact on growth is not always consistent. Thus, this review investigated the functional roles of benzoic acid on the intestinal health, nutrient utilization, and growth performance of nursery pigs, determined the optimal dose level of benzoic acid on the growth rate in nursery pigs, and compared the efficacy of benzoic acid and other acids, aiming to clarify the potential benefits of benzoic acid in pig feeds. The objectives of this review are to investigate how benzoic acid can mitigate the negative effects of weaning stress, improve the intestinal microbiota, intestinal health, and growth of nursery pigs, determine the optimal dose level of benzoic acid for the growth rate in nursery pigs, and compare the efficacy of benzoic acid and other acids in pig feeds. After weaning, pigs are exposed to less lactose and solid feed with high acid-binding capacity at infrequent intervals, causing an increase in digesta pH, reducing protein digestion, and increasing ammonia-producing bacteria in the stomach. Benzoic acid supplementation has improved the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs through its antimicrobial properties and pH reduction in the digesta. The positive modulation of luminal microbiota in the small intestine of pigs by benzoic acid improves intestinal morphology and enhances nutrient utilization, especially nitrogen, of nursery pigs. Benzoic acid supplementation of up to 1% in feeds also increases hippuric acid contents in the urine of nursery pigs, decreasing urinary pH, which is related to ammonia emission and barn conditions in intensive pig production. Supported by the beneficial impacts of benzoic acid, the growth performance of nursery pigs was also improved. However, excessive benzoic acid (over 2.5% up to 5%) in feeds reduces the growth performance of nursery pigs. Thus, this review conducted a meta-analysis of the results from 16 papers to determine the optimal dose level of benzoic acid for body weight gain of nursery pigs, which was found to be 0.60%. The efficacy of benzoic acid was similar to that of other organic acids, including citric acid, fumaric acid, formic acid, and formate salts. Collectively, benzoic acid supplementation can positively modulate the luminal and mucosal microbiota in the small intestine, increase nutrient utilization and intestinal health, decrease urinary pH, and improve the growth performance of nursery pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tannins, astringent polyphenols found in plants, show potential as a natural antibiotic to act as a substitute for antibiotics in animal feed additives. For ruminants, it has been widely documented that the addition of tannins to feed improves feed efficiency by increasing the amount of bypass protein. However, for monogastric animals, tannins are widely recognized as antinutritional factors, and, in some regions, it is still common practice to remove tannins from feed, e.g., through silage. The results of our previous study showed that the addition of 0.2% and 0.3% MGM-P (MGM is a commercial brand of tannin), especially the 0.3% addition, provided preventative effects regarding the incidence of diarrhea in early-weaned piglets. It has also been shown to have the ability to improve villus morphology and alleviate piglet diarrhea. Therefore, this study evaluated the effectiveness of higher doses of tannin extract MGM-P (0.5% and 1.0%) in preventing diarrhea and improving the growth performance of weaned piglets. Comparisons were also made with antibiotic additives. The results suggest that an addition level of 0.5% shows potential as an alternative to the use of antibiotics in monogastric animal feed. Using 0.5% and 1.0% MGM-P, the objective of the present study was to determine a more appropriate additive level for early-weaned piglets as an alternative to the use of antibiotics. Thirty-six weaned piglets were allotted to one of four groups and given a basal diet (NC), with the basal diet containing either 0.5% (LT) or 1.0% (HT) MGM-P or antibiotics (PC). Diarrhea incidence, growth performance, hematology, blood biochemistry, and blood amino acid concentrations were monitored during the experimental period. Three piglets per group with a body weight nearest to the average level were slaughtered after the experiment to assess their organ index. The results showed that no diarrhea was observed either in the treatment groups or in the control group. The 0.5% group showed an upward trend in body weight and average daily gain at all stages. The WBC counts at 21 days of age were higher (p > 0.05) both in the MGM-P addition groups and the LT and HT groups. For some of the plasma amino acids, such as arginine, phenylalanine concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the HT group at the end of the trial. The pathological examination of all organs confirmed no differences. Consequently, the 0.5% MGM-P addition level may be suggested as a potential alternative to the use of antibiotic additives. Even with additives as high as 1%, there is no negative effect on ADG and FCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to figure out the optimum stocking density of weaned lambs in northern China. A series of experiments were carried out to investigate the impact of different stocking densities on the growth performance, serum indexes of physiology and biochemistry, as well as the rumen microbial fermentation of weaned lambs. The experimental animals were selected male Australian white lambs with an initial weight of (14.78 ± 2.15) kg. Seventy-two lambs were then divided into three groups, according to the different stocking densities: 0.875, 0.625, 0.375 m² /lamb. The lambs of each group with three replicates were fed a mixture diet of corn stalk, corn, concentrate, premix. The suitable stocking density was fully investigated to evaluate, according to the production performance, rumen microbial fermentation, physiological, and biochemical indicators. The results indicated that the body weight gain, average daily gain, and average daily feed intakes of weaned lambs were positively related to the increasing stocking density, while the feed/gain was negatively related (P < 0.05). The lowest feed/gain was observed in the group with 0.625 m² /lamb. Furthermore, the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein showed a quadratic increase with the increasing stocking density (P < 0.01) after chemical analysis, whereas, there was no variation in the digestibility of rest nutrients. In serum physiological and biochemical parameters, there was a linear increase with the high density of stocking in the total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of the serum. While the increasing stocking density significantly increased the immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05). In addition, there were significantly increasing levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the serum, particularly with the increasing stocking density (P < 0.05). In terms of rumen fermentation and microbial composition, the rising stocking density resulted in a linear increase in the total volatile fatty acids and propionate concentration in the rumen of early-weaned lambs, except for a notable decrease in the acetate/propionate ratio (P < 0.05). According to 16s rRNA sequencing, the stocking density of weaned lambs shared a significantly positive influence on the relative abundance of unclassified_c_Clostridia. The relative abundance of Olsenella was negatively affected by the increasing stocking density (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive relationship between unclassified_c_Clostridia and body gain, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, while a negative relationship was observed with feed/body (P < 0.05). However, there was a negative correlation between Olsenella, body gain, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake. However there was a positive correlation with the feed/body (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the increasing stocking density positively resulted in the growth performance, the apparent digestibility, and rumen propionate fermentation of weaned lambs. Conversely, the stocking density of 0.375 m² /lamb presented adverse effects on immunity, oxidative stress state, and rumen microbial fermentation. Thus, the stocking density of 0.625 m² /lamb was recommended for the weaned lambs. The finding can also provide the engineering technical parameters in standardized facilities for the weaned lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of feeding 17% moringa leaf meal (MLM) on the ruminal and fecal microbial composition and body weight gain (BWG) performance of lambs (Ovis aries) and kids (Capra hircus). A total of n = 28 lambs (n = 14, no-moringa, n = 14, 17% moringa) and 24 kids (n = 12, no-moringa, n = 12, 17% moringa) were involved in the experiment and body weight was recorded fortnightly. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing was performed on 28, 22, and 26 ruminal solid, liquid fraction, and fecal samples from lambs, and 23, 22, and 23 samples from kids. Moringa supplementation significantly increased BWG in lambs (21.09 ± 0.78 to 26.12 ± 0.81 kg) and kids (14.60 ± 1.29 to 18.28 ± 1.09 kg) (p-value ≤ 0.01). Microbiome analysis revealed an elevated Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio in the moringa diet group. Moringa-fed animals exhibited increased microbial genera associated with volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production (Prevotella, Anaerovibrio, Lachnospiraceae, Butyrivibrio, Christensenella) and starch and fiber digesters (Proteobacteria, Ruminococcus). The increase in the bacterial genus Sharpea suggested possible methane reduction and decreased proportion of pathogens, Aliarcobacter_ID28198, Campylobacter_ID194 and Campylobacter_ID1660076 suggest health benefits. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis demonstrated significant alterations in microbial gene pool and metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate, protein, lipid and energy metabolism, indicating potential improvements in animal health. Overall, moringa feeding showed higher energy recovery, improved growth, and potential benefits in methane reduction and reduced pathogenic bacteria. Key points: •Study assessed the effects of Moringa olifera diet on lambs and kids. •Improved growth performance noted with moringa diet. •Moringa feed increased Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio in rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy feed can provide animals with balanced nutrition, thereby enhancing their growth performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary energy levels on the growth performance, serum metabolites, and meat quality of Jersey cattle–yaks. A total of 24 male Jersey cattle–yaks were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was fed diets with metabolizable energy levels of 8.21 MJ/kg (LE), 9.50 MJ/kg (ME), and 10.65 MJ/kg (HE), respectively. The HE and ME groups showed significantly higher final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency compared to the LE group (p < 0.05). The glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations were significantly increased in the serum of the ME and HE groups (p < 0.05). The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in the serum of the HE group than in the ME group (p < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels exhibited a significant decrease with increasing metabolizable energy levels in the diet (p < 0.05). Increasing dietary energy levels enhances the eye muscle area and intramuscular fat content of Jersey cattle–yaks (p < 0.05), with no effect on pH45 min, pH24 h, and shear force. In the HE group, the levels of heneicosanoic acid (C21:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), elaidic acid (C18:1n9t), and eicosadienoic acid (C20:2n6) were notably elevated (p < 0.05) when compared to the LE group. We concluded that a higher dietary energy level enhanced the growth performance and meat quality traits of male Jersey cattle–yaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was conducted to compare the effects of nisin (NIS) and ionophore antibiotic monensin (MON) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion and plasma metabolites of fattening Hu sheep. Methods: Thirty-six male Hu sheep (23.5 ± 1.0 kg) were divided into two blocks based on BW (low BW and high BW). Sheep within each block were then allotted to 9 pens respectively (two sheep/pen). Pens within each block were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: (1) basal diet (CON); (2) basal diet + 40 mg/kg DM of MON; (3) basal diet + 274.5 mg/kg DM of NIS. The study lasted 9 weeks, with the initial 2 weeks for adaptation and the subsequent 7 weeks for treatment. Results: The results showed that both NIS and MON addition had no impacts on average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and feed conservation rate (G:F) of sheep (p > 0.05). The digestibility of ether extract (EE) was lower in the MONfed and NIS-fed sheep (p < 0.01) than in the CON group, whereas crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher in the MON-fed sheep compared to those fed NIS (p < 0.05). Both NIS and MON supplementation decreased acetate levels and acetate/propionate ratio in the rumen of Hu sheep (p < 0.05). Sheep fed MON exhibited higher total cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.05) compared to the CON and NIS groups. However, there were no significant differences in other plasma metabolites, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total bile acid, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, etc., among the three groups (p > 0.05). Discussion: In conclusion, dietary addition of NIS and MON altered the rumen fermentation mode by reducing acetate levels, with no discernible effects on the growth performance of the fattening Hu sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the potential effects of varying wheat levels in broiler diets on growth performance, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota. Methods: Day-old male broilers were fed the same diet until 10 d of age. Then they were randomly assigned to 1) the low-level wheat group, where inclusion of 15.0% and 25.0% wheat in the grower and finisher diet, respectively, 2) the medium-level wheat group with 30.0% and 40.0% of wheat in the grower and finisher periods; and 3) the high-level wheat dietary group, in which the grower and finisher diets contained 55.77% and 62.38% of wheat, respectively. Results: Dietary treatments unaffected the body weight at 39 d, whereas incorporating high wheat in diets significantly increased the feed intake and reduced the feed conversion ratio from 10 to 39 d (p<0.05). Except for increased phosphorus digestibility in the high wheat group, dietary treatments had no significant effect on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract. Meanwhile, the broilers that consumed the medium and high content of wheat presented a higher villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth than those fed the low-level wheat birds. Feeding the medium-level wheat enhanced ileal integrity and depressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the ileum. The addition of high levels of wheat reduced the Chao1 index and the abundance of Lactobacillaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Ruminococcacea in cecal content, which probably decreased the metabolism of histidine, sulfur-containing amino acids, and the biosynthesis of lysine. Discussion: These results support the medium-level wheat diet improved intestinal barrier function and had no deleterious effects on the growth performance of broiler; dietary inclusion of high wheat reduced the feed conversion rate, which might be associated with the disturbed gut microbiota and decreased metabolism of amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of Bacillus spp. as probiotics in the swine industry, particularly for piglet production, has garnered significant attention in recent years. This review aimed to summarized the role and mechanisms of Bacillus spp. in promoting growth and maintaining gut health in piglets. Bacillus spp. can enhance intestinal barrier function by promoting the proliferation and repair of intestinal epithelial cells and increasing mucosal barrier integrity, thereby reducing the risk of pathogenic microbial invasion. Additionally, Bacillus spp. can activate the intestinal immune system of piglets, thereby enhancing the body's resistance to diseases. Moreover, Bacillus spp. can optimize the gut microbial community structure, enhance the activity of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli, ultimately promoting piglet growth performance and improving feed efficiency. Bacillus spp. has advantages as well as challenges as an animal probiotic, and safety evaluation should be conducted when using the newly isolated Bacillus spp. This review provides a scientific basis for the application of Bacillus spp. in modern piglet production, highlighting their potential in improving the efficiency of livestock production and animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weaning is an important period in the growth and development of lambs. Thus, effectively reducing the occurrence of weaning stress is critical for maintaining lamb production. Coated sodium butyrate has been shown to reduce inflammation, promote intestinal health, and maintain homeostasis. However, the application and potential mechanism of coated sodium butyrate in alleviating weaning stress in lambs are still unclear. To evaluate the effects of coated sodium butyrate on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of weaned lambs, 10 weaned lambs of 21-day-old were randomly divided into two groups: the CON group (basal diet) and the NaB group (basal diet +3 g/kg of coated sodium butyrate). The trial lasted 21 days. The experimental results showed that compared to the CON group, coated sodium butyrate supplementation in the diet significantly increased the average daily weight gain and daily feed intake of lambs (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to the CON group, the addition of coated sodium butyrate also significantly decreased the serum MDA level of lambs (p < 0.05). Notably, the addition of coated sodium butyrate did not have a significant effect on the cecal microbiota, while increasing the diversity of colonic microbiota and promoting the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Verrucomicrobiota, Akkermansia, Roseburia, and Sinobacteraceae, which are associated with the nutrient absorption of lambs (p < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation with coated sodium butyrate could promote the growth and antioxidant capacity of weaned lambs and alleviate weaning stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of guanidineacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, organ indexes, nutrient and amino acid apparent digestibility of short-haired black famale minks. Sixty short-haired black famale minks with similar body weight were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 replicates in each group and 1 mink per replicate. Single cage feeding. The minks in control group were fed basal diet, the minks in experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 200, 400, 600, 800 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg GAA. The preexperimental period lasted for 1 week and the experimental period was divided into experimental periodⅠ (1 to 5 weeks) and experimental period Ⅱ (6 to 10 weeks). The results showed as follows: compared with the control group, ① the basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg GAA significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during Ⅰ, Ⅱ and whole period (P<0.05), significantly decreased the ration of feed to gain (F/G) duringⅠ, Ⅱ and whole period (P<0.01), and significantly increased the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during whole period (P<0.01), the basal diet supplemented with 1 000 mg/kg GAA significantly increased the ADFI during period Ⅱ (P<0.01); ② the basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg GAA significantly increased cardiac index (P<0.05), and 1 000 mg/kg GAA group extremely significantly increased intestinal length (P< 0.01); ③ the basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg GAA extremely significantly increased the digestibility of crude protein (CP) during period Ⅰ (P<0.01), the basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg GAA significantly increased the digestibility of crude fat (EE) during period Ⅱ (P<0.05) and extremely significantly increased the digestibility of Ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) during period Ⅱ (P<0.01), and 1 000 mg/kg GAA significantly increased CP digestibility during period Ⅱ (P<0.05); ④ the basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg GAA significantly increased the digestibility of total amino acid (TAA) during period Ⅰ and glutamic (Glu) during period Ⅱ (P<0.05), extremely significantly increased the digestibility of lysine (Lys) during period Ⅰ and TAA during period Ⅱ (P<0.01), the basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg GAA extremely significantly increased the digestibility of cystine (Cys), methionine (Met) and arginine (Arg) during period Ⅰ (P<0.05), and extremely significantly increased the digestibility of Met and histidine (His) (P<0.05) during period Ⅱ, the basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg GAA extremely significantly increased the digestibility of valine (Val) and His during period Ⅰ (P<0.01), and extremely significantly increased the digestibility of Lys and Arg during period Ⅱ (P< 0.01). Comprehensive analysis of growth performance, organ index, apparent digestibility of nutrient and amino acids, basal diet supplemented with 600-800 mg/kg GAA is recommended for famale minks during growing period Ⅰ and Ⅱ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of yeast culture (YC) on growth performance, blood biochemical indexes and digestive function of suckling lambs. Twenty 7-day-old Nubian male suckling lambs were randomly divided into 2 groups, with 10 lambs in each group, which were control group and experimental group. The lambs in the control group were fed the lamb starter formula used by the sheep farm, and the lambs in the experimental group were fed the same diet with 5% YC added. The pre-test lasted for 7 days, and the test lasted for 26 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the total protein content, albumin content, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity in the blood of suckling lambs in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde content was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The activities of protease and lipase in the feces of suckling lambs in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the cellulase activity was extremely higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). It is suggested that YC has positive significance in promoting nutrient digestion, improving nutritional status and enhancing antioxidant capacity of suckling lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was designed to study the effects of alfalfa silage, maize silage and mulberry silage replacement diets with some peanut seedlings on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune function and economic benefits of mutton sheep. A total of 80 Duhan crossbred finishing mutton sheep were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates designed for each group and four sheep for each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental group used alfalfa silage, corn silage and mulberry silage to replace 60% of the peanut seedlings in the basal diet, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, the use of alfalfa silage, corn silage and mulberry silage significantly increased the weight (P<0.05) and significantly decreased the feed-to-weight ratio (P<0.05) of mutton sheep; the use of alfalfa silage significantly increased the average daily weight gain of mutton sheep (P< 0.05); and the use of alfalfa silage, corn silage and mulberry silage significantly increased the live weight, slaughter rate and eye muscle area (P<0.05); the use of alfalfa silage, maize silage and mulberry silage sig‑ nificantly increased the serum levels of Immunoglobulin A and Interleukin-2 (P<0.05) and significantly decreased the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and Interleukin-1β (P<0.05) in mutton sheep; the daily economic profit of silage alfalfa group mutton sheep increased by 19.47%. In summary, the partial replacement of peanut seedlings with silage alfalfa, silage corn, or silage mulberry in the diets of mutton sheep can improve the growth and slaughter performance of sheep, improve the immune function of sheep, increase economic benefits, and the application of alfalfa silage has the best application effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the effects of adding phytase to the diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestion, and gas emissions of pigs. The 128 healthy Du × Chang × Da ternary hybrid pigs from a large-scale pig farm in Guangrao County, Shandong Province were selected as the experimental subjects. They were randomly divided into four groups. The control group was fed with basic diet and conventional feeding, while the experimental groups A, B, and C were given basic diet+50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg phytase feeding, respectively. Each group had 4 replicates, with 8 pigs in each replicate. The pre trial period is 7 days, and the formal trial period is 28 days. Compared with the control group, the experimental group with added phytase in the diet significantly increased the average body weight and daily weight gain at the end of the experiment (P<0.05), while the feed to weight ratio significantly decreased (P<0.05); the apparent digestibility of crude protein and phosphorus in the experimental group pigs significantly increased (P<0.05); the emissions of harmful gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia in the experimental group pigs significantly decreased (P<0.05); the content of crude ash, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, cobalt, zinc, copper and other elements in the pig feces of the experimental group significantly decreased (P<0.05). Adding 150 mg/kg phytase to the basic diet of pigs can effectively promote growth performance, improve apparent nutrient digestibility, and reduce harmful gas and fecal emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial fermentation feed can reduce the contents of toxin and anti-nutrient factors, promote nutrient digestion and absorption, improve animal immunity, reduce breeding pollution and promote food intake. The use of microbial fermentation of unconventional raw materials can alleviate the current problems of the shortage of conventional raw materials in the sustainable development of animal husbandry and the pollution of the environment by breeding waste. The common strains and fermentation methods of microbial fermentation feed and the application of microbial fermentation feed in broiler production were reviewed, in order to provide reference for the development and application of microbial fermentation feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a compound additive consisting of Macleaya cor data extract, glucose oxidase, Clostridium butyricum, and Bacillus subtilis on the growth performance, health status, and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets. A total of 120 DLY crossbred weaned piglets, aged 28 days, were selected for this experiment. The piglets were randomly assigned to either a control group or a experimental group. The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental group received a basal diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg of the functional compound additive. The trial lasted for 35 days. The body weight and daily feed intake of the piglets was measured, and blood and fecal samples were collected at the end of the trial. The results were as follows: ① in comparison to the control group, the experimental group exhibited a significant increase of 8.50% in final body weight, 6.41% in average daily feed intake and 17.23% in average daily weight gain (P< 0.05), and a significant decrease of 9.00% in feed to gain ratio and 41.03% in diarrhea rate (P<0.05). ② Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly higher levels of serum IgG, IL-10, T-SOD, and GSH-Px (P<0.05), while the levels of serum IL-6 and MDA were significantly lower (P<0.05). ③ The α-diversity indices (Observed_species and Chao 1) of fecal microbiota showed a tendency to be higher in the control group (0.05

Spring Onion (Allium fistulosum), is a perennial plant and a native of Eastern Asia. It is rich in vitamins A and K, iron, calcium, and dietary fiber, which contribute to various health benefits, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improve blood regulation. The study aims to evaluate the response of spring onion to the different levels of concentration of bio-stimulant. Around 160 spring onion plants were utilized as planting materials. Before planting, extra leaves were cut to around 3 inches and roots were trimmed off too. The study was conducted at the School of Agriculture, University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos, Philippines using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). All data gathered were statistically computed, and subjected to ANOVA using STAR 2.0.1. The experiment has four treatments: 0%, 20%, 30%, and 40% BSS, respectively, and was replicated four times. Results indicate that the application of 30% BSS significantly enhances the height to 32.02cm higher by 2.09cm for those with 0% BSS at 29.93 cm only, On the number of slips, 30% BSS has a greater number of slips of 3.42 against those with 0% BSS at 2.17 slips only. Biomass accumulation is highly significant with 3,375.00kg/ha for 30% BSS higher by 1,562.50kg/ha for 0% BSS. The total yield for 30% BSS is 3,000.00kg/ha significantly higher by 1,562.50kg/ha for 0% BSS with 1,437.50kg/ha only. Based on these findings, the application of a 30% BSS is recommended to optimize some of the agronomic attributes and yield of spring onions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: With the increasing cost of bulk raw materials and advancements in the feed enzyme industry, corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) have shown more opportunities for use in broiler diets. Supplementation with multiple enzymes could mitigate anti-nutritional factors in DDGS, enhance nutrient digestibility, and thereby increase its utilization in broiler diets, leading to reduced feed costs. This study evaluated the effects of multienzyme supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, and pellet quality in broiler chickens fed diets containing conventional levels of DDGS (C-DDGS) and higher levels of DDGS (H-DDGS). Materials and Methods: A total of 800 1-day-old Cobb 500 chicks was assigned to four dietary treatments with eight replicates of 25 birds each: C-DDGS (5% DDGS in Starter and 10% in Grower), C-DDGS + Enzyme (C-DDGS diet supplemented with multienzyme), H-DDGS (10% and 20%) + Enzyme (H-DDGS diet supplemented with multienzyme, 10% DDGS in Starter and 20% in Grower), and H-DDGS (15% and 30%) + Enzyme. Results: The C-DDGS + enzyme diet increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG), reduced the feed conversion ratio, enhanced (p < 0.05) digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and hemicellulose (HC), and improved (p < 0.05) intestinal villus height and villus: crypt ratio of broilers. The H-DDGS (10% and 20%) + enzyme diet exhibited no difference in (p > 0.05) growth performance, nutrient digestibility (except HC), and intestinal morphological parameters, whereas the H-DDGS (15% and 30%) + enzyme diet decreased (p < 0.05) feed intake and BWG and reduced (p < 0.05) energy and DM digestibility by impact (p < 0.05) intestinal morphology compared with the C-DDGS enzyme-free diet. The H-DDGS diet had lower (p < 0.05) pellet hardness and poorer durability than the C-DDGS diet. Conclusion: Supplementing multienzyme in the C-DDGS (5% and 10%) diet improved growth performance from day 0 to 28 and diminished growth performance in the H-DDGS (15% and 30%) diet by influencing intestinal morphology and feed pellet quality in broiler chickens. In addition, when supplemented with multienzyme, the dietary DDGS level can be safely included at levels of 10% in 0-7 days and 20% in 8-28 days of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of different dietary levels of Triphala fruit powder on the growth performance, histology, serum parameters, gene expression indicators, and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings against Saprolegnia ferax infection. The fish were fed with either a control diet (without Triphala fruit powder addition) or three experimental diets including 1, 2, and 3% of TFP over a 60-day period. Two hundred and forty healthy fish (28.0 ± 0.2 g) were stocked in 12 tanks, 20 fish per tank. Dietary TFP supplementation significantly improved growth performance and feed efficiency to the un-treated group (P < 0.05). All Triphala fruit powder dietary groups had a significant higher amylase activity and lower levels of ALT, AST, and cholesterol than the control group (P < 0.05). The Triphala fruit powder treatment (3%) resulted in a significant increase in packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and monocyte values compared to other groups (P < 0.05). The study reported significant (P < 0.05) improvements in immune response and increased levels of haemoglobin, white and red blood cells, albumin, globulin, and total protein for the Triphala dietary groups. In all Triphala dietary groups, the mRNA expression levels of the growth-related (growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)) and immune-related genes (cc-chemokine, intereluekin-1β (IL-1β), and intereluekin-8 (IL-8)) were significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated compared to the control groups. After exposure to Saprolegnia ferax infection, the control group exhibited a higher mortality rate (up to 75%) than the Triphala-treated groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that dietary inclusion of Triphala at an optimal level of 3% improved the growth performance and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is one of the important factors in Chinese soft-shelled turtle culture. The study investigated the effects of light intensity on growth performance, stress, immune-related parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activities of Chinese soft-shelled turtles under the light environment of lighting the basking area in intensive farming. Four degrees of light intensities with three replicates were used, including LL (low light intensity, 6.56 ± 0.14 W/m2), ML (medium light intensity, 18.11 ± 0.54 W/m2), HL (high light intensity, 37.81 ± 2.85 W/m2), and control group (0 W/m2). The experimental photoperiod was fixed as 12 L: 12 D, and the water temperature was controlled at 30 ± 2 °C. After 152-day rearing, it was found that the growth performance of Chinese soft-shelled turtles in the LL group was significantly higher than that in the HL group. The serum cortisol level of turtles in the LL group was significantly lower than that in the HL group, indicating lower stress in the LL group compared to other groups. The content of lysozyme (LZM) was highest in the LL group, the content of acid phosphatase (ACP) in the LL group was significantly higher than that in the control group and the HL group, and the content of nitric oxide (NO) in the LL group was significantly higher than that in the HL group, implying that turtles in the LL group had the best immune performance. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity in the liver of turtles in the LL group were significantly lower than that in the control and HL groups. Further, the catalase (CAT) activity of turtles in the LL group was the lowest among the treatments. Malonaldehyde (MDA) content was significantly lower in the LL group than in the control and HL groups. Therefore, considering the growth performance and physiological status of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, it is recommended to provide a low intensity of light when lighting the basking area only, and the optimum light intensity for the growth of Chinese soft-shelled turtles is between 7.07 and 11.50 W/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics (SYP) in feeds for sows on the growth of offspring (Exp. 1), for nursery pigs on their growth (Exp. 2), and for nursery and finishing pigs on their growth (Exp. 3). Methods: Exp. 1 had 80 sows at breeding assigned to 4 groups with SYP at 0, 0.050, 0.175, and 0.500 g/kg. Offspring were fed a common diet for 126 d. Exp. 2 had 144 barrows at 8 kg body weight (BW) allotted to CON (no SYP); YPC (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); and YPD (SYP at 1.25, 0.75, and 0 g/kg; d 0 to 7, d 8 to 21, and d 22 to 42, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (6 pigs/pen). Exp. 3 had 96 barrows at 8 kg BW allotted to CON (no SYP); YPN (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); YPF (SYP at 0.100 g/kg; d 43 to 119); and YPA (SYP at 0.175 and 0.100 g/kg; d 0 to 42 and d 43 to 119, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (3 pigs/pen). Results: In Exp. 1, increasing SYP increased (p<0.05, quadratic) the sow body score (maximum at 0.30% SYP), reduced (p<0.05, quadratic) the days-wean-to-estrus (minimum at 0.27% SYP), and increased (p<0.05) offspring BW at weaning and their average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) at d 126. In Exp. 2, ADG, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and G:F of YPC were the greatest (p<0.05). The ADG and ADFI of YPD were greater (p<0.05) than CON. Fecal score of YPC and YPD was smaller (p<0.05) than CON. In Exp. 3, YPA had the greatest (p<0.05) ADG and YPN and YPF had greater (p<0.05) ADG than CON. Conclusion: SYP enhanced sow performance, offspring growth, growth of nursery and growing pigs with the greater efficacy at 0.27 to 0.32 g/kg feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]