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Simple Summary: The silkworm has fascinated people all around the world for centuries due to numerous applications of by-products resulting from its metamorphosis. A decline has been noticed due to industrialization and some disease concerns; however, several reasons strengthen compelling arguments for keeping up this species. The most prevalent nutrients identified along silkworm rearing, from mulberry leaves up to larvae, pupae, and silk, are proteins. The biological value of protein is based on amino acids. The presence of other nutrients, especially fatty acids (n-3 family), vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, along with the profile in amino acids, which are taken from mulberry leaves and metabolized by larvae and then transferred to pupae, strengthen the conviction according to which silkworm by-products have a great nutritional potential that is either comparable with fish meal or better than other aquaculture-specific feedstuffs. This paper aims to present deep knowledge about amino acids (classification, metabolism, occurrence, mechanisms, and potential functions) for silkworms and fish to further understand these species. The silkworm Bombyx mori, the second most varied group of insects, is a fascinating insect that belongs to the Lepidoptera species. We aimed to deepen our knowledge about the composition and significance of amino acids (AA) from the sericulture chain to fish. AAs are the most prevalent molecules throughout the growth process of silkworms. We described AAs classification, occurrence, metabolism, and functions. Online datasets revealed that the essential AAs (EAA) level in fish meal and silkworm pupae (SWP) is comparable. SWP have a high content of methionine and lysine, which are the principal limiting AAs in fish diets, indicating that SWP have nutritional potential to be added to fish diets. Additionally, an overview of the data analyzed displays that SWP have a higher protein efficiency ratio than fish meal, the classical protein-rich source (>1.19 times), and compared to soybean meal, the second-most preferred source of protein in aquaculture (>2.08 times), indicating that SWP can be considered effective for animal feeding. In this study, we provide an overview of the current knowledge concerning AAs, paying special emphasis to EAAs and explaining, to some extent, certain mechanisms and functions of these compounds, from mulberry leaves to larvae–pupae and fish diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the characteristics and associative impact of the compounds from mulberry leaves and yeast (S. cerevisae). Nutritional characteristics of the mulberry leaves, yeast properties and metabolism, as well as the effects on silkworms, were described. The online English databases used were MDPI, PubMed, Research Gate, Google Scholar, and Elsevier. The nutrition and health of silkworms B. mori depend on protein and amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals, all abundant in mulberry leaves. Furthermore, mulberry leaves contain bioactive phytochemicals offering health benefits. Many dietary supplements were investigated for their potential to enhance nutritional, technical, and health benefits, even though mulberry leaves are considered a complete feed for B. mori silkworm. Yeast is a good source of proteins, amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins that can contribute to the fortification of mulberry leave characteristics. S. cerevisiae species also produce several secondary metabolites: polyketides, phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of yeast dietary addition on economic indicators and health status in silkworm fifth instar. Yeast can act as a probiotic, release digestive enzymes and influence gut microbiota. Alterations in the gut microbiota improve immunological resistance and nutrition metabolism, ameliorating silkworm performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the importance, characteristics, mechanisms, and effects of probiotics added to silkworm B. mori feed. Scientific databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, MDPI, Elsevier) were screened. We are searching for alternative solutions to improve the nutritional quality of the mulberry leaves. Probiotics present properties such as non-pathogenetic or non-toxicity, adhere to epithelial cells, can be reproduced, stimulate immune response, have a positive influence on the host, can survive in intestinal mucosal surface, etc., and perform various functions that recommend them as natural feed supplements in silkworm nutrition. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Saccharomyces species are the most evaluated probiotics used in insects. In addition to producing lactic acid, probiotics also lower intestinal pH, inhibit pathogen populations, alleviate inflammation in the gut, boost immunity, and improve overall intestinal health. Silkworm gut contains various bacterial phylotypes (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) that are crucial in nutrients metabolism and exhibit metabolites and enzymes indispensable for growth. This review highlighted that supplementing mulberry leaves with probiotics represents an eco-friendly strategy to improve the silkworm's performance, economic traits, and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of sericultural vegetative genetic resources is a permanent concern in the sericulture field, being known that the mulberry leaf is the only source of food for the silkworm Bombyx mori L. These sericultural vegetal genetic resources are mainly used to obtain planting material used for establishment the mulberry plantations, but also for the mulberry improvement program and the establishing of the phytoremediation potential of mulberry plants. The research carried out for the preliminary testing in laboratory of in vitro multiplication potential of some mulberry varieties have highlighted the possibility of using the biotechnologies of tissue cultures, meristems and organs for testing the phytoremediation potential of mulberry plants with sericultural destination. Thus, a planting material was produced, consisting of mulberry vitroplants colonized with vesicular-arbuscular endomycorrhizae, which keep the genetic characteristics of parental forms, but present superior bioproductive parameters and physiological tolerance on soils contaminated with lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hempseed has an excellent antioxidant content and is a rich source of essential amino acids and n-3 fatty acids. The objective of this paper consists on evaluating the hempseed Jubileu variety effects on performance, nitrogen (N) balance. The prediction of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions was done as well. For 3 weeks of trial, a total of 15 pigs (39 kg ± 0.32) were randomly allocated individually in digestibility cages. Following a 7-day adaption period, there were two balancing periods where urine and feces were quantitatively collected. Two types of diet were used: Control group received a classical diet and Experimental group which received the same diet, supplemented with 5% hempseed. The growth parameter and carcass quality were not significantly altered by hempseed addition; however, a slight increased of ADG and feed conversion was noticed. Due to the significantly decreased of N concentration in the urine, TNO value was lower as well (P<0.05). A decline of N digestibility was noticed for HS group diet (P<0.001). Average value of N2O estimated was lower in HS fed group (P = 0.03). In conclusion, hempseed is a proteo-oleaginous source, which can be added in pigs' diet with beneficial effect on performance, N metabolism indicators and N2O emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an annual legume tolerant to drought. Guar meal (GM) is a protein- and carbohydrate-rich co-product generated after the mechanical separation of the endosperm from the germ and hull of guar seed. GM has received considerable interest in animal feed as an alternative to soybean meal (SM). In this study, we aimed to assess the nitrogen (N) balance indicators, performance, carcass traits, and main greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from enteric fermentation (E-CH4) and manure (M-CH4 and N2O). Two tests were performed: (i) a biological trial on 45 pigs (15 animals/group) and (ii) a digestibility test in metabolism cages (N = 15, 5 replicates/group). Three different diets were given to the pigs: one diet was based on 0% GM (SM diet); in the second, GM-50%, GM replaced 50% of the SM; and the third was GM-100%, in which GM fully replaced the SM. The GM and SM diets were analyzed for their proximate composition. A model based on prediction equations was used to estimate the GHGs. GM up to 10% in the diets of finishing pigs did not significantly impact growth performance or carcass traits, although a slight increase in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was observed. GM up to 10% improved N digestibility (p < 0.0001), net protein utilization (p < 0.0001), the biological value of protein, coefficients of metabolizability, and the coefficient of the total tract's apparent digestibility. Irrespective of its dietary proportion, GM decreased total nitrogen output (TNO, p = 0.11). A highly significant impact was noted for N2O and E-CH4 (for DM, p < 0.0001), as well as a significant impact for E-CH4, expressed as g CO2 Eq (p = 0.007), and g CO2 Eq. LU (livestock unit, p = 0.005), also reported as ADG (p = 0.024). Manure, M-CH4, was not significantly influenced. In conclusion, GM can replace up to 100% SM and is thus a valuable byproduct that does not alter animal performance and can positively impact N2O and E-CH4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 2016 revision of the World Health Organization classification the term therapy-related myeloid neoplasia (t-MN) defines a subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprising patients who develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS-t) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML-t) after treatment with cytotoxic and/or radiation therapy for various malignancies or autoimmune disorders. We report the case of a 36 year old patient with t-MN (t-MDS) after achieving complete remission (CR) of a PML-RARA positive acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) at 32 months after diagnosis. Initially classified as low risk APL and treated according to the AIDA protocol - induction and 3 consolidation cycles - the patient achieved a complete molecular response in September 2013 and started maintenance therapy. On follow-up PML-RARA transcript remained negative. In January 2016 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia developed and a peripheral blood smear revealed hypogranular and agranular neutrophils. Immunophenotyping in the bone marrow aspirate identified undifferentiated blast cells that did not express cytoplasmic myeloperoxidase. The cytogenetic study showed normal karyotype. The molecular biology tests not identified PMLRARA transcript. A diagnosis of t-MDS (AREB-2 - WHO 2008) was established. Treatment of AML was started with 2 “3+7” regimens and 1 MEC cycle. Two months from diagnosis, while in CR, an allogeneic HSCT from an unrelated HLA compatible donor was performed after myeloablative regimen. An unfavorable clinical evolution was followed by death on day 9 after transplantation. The occurrence of t-MNs during CR of APL represents a particular problem in terms of follow-up and differential diagnosis of relapse and constitutes a dramatic complication for a disease with a favorable prognosis.

This study aimed to identify whether the silkworm pupae (SWP) added to pigs' diets can be considered a valuable protein-rich alternative source. The silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) and its by-products are highly valuable in terms of nutrition, medicine, and commerce. The SWP is the main by-product of the sericulture, considered a well-balanced source of nutrients in terms of proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins and various bioactive substances such as fatty acids, peptides, and polyphenols with antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular, hepato-protective properties. The mulberry silkworm's potential for use in human food has been previously extensively documented, whereas the preponderance of literature data on SWP used in the livestock industry specific focus on poultry. There is limited pig-related data. In this study, we reviewed the most recently published papers on PubMed, Elsevier, MDPI, and Research Gate, using the keywords "silkworm pupae", "composition", "protein", and "pigs". We did not find any negative consequence on pigs' growth and health parameters in the reviewed published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main concerns and challenges of raising silkworms include economic value, mulberry management, biodiversity conservation of genetic resources, and developing highly productive breeds for genetic variety. This study investigated the relationship between the economic relevance of the products generated throughout the value chain, limitations, and opportunities to generate incomes for sericulture farmers, trends, and perspectives worldwide, particularly in Romania. Seventy-seven publications were considered from online databases. The diversification of products generated at each level of the value chain of silkworm rearing and their multipurpose applications impact social and economic life. Hence, silk is well known as a valuable biomaterial for industry, suitable for textile and medicine. There are several arguments to use silkworms in human food even though they are not yet authorized as edible insects at the European level. Thus, as a nutrient-rich by-product, silkworm pupae (extract, cakes, and oil) have medicinal properties and can be used for human and animal nutrition. Sericin, silk fibroin, and chitin are bioactive compounds in cocoons and pupae with pharmacological implications and drug composition, while biomass is suitable for biodiesel and excreta for compost. The farmers' attitudes and mentality associated with political circumstances influence the perspectives for the sericulture field. Due to the high likelihood of using their products, small-medium-scale farmers might benefit sericulture by identifying new sales marketplaces and finding new beneficiaries for directing their multiple products. The funds allotted by government subventions for supporting this fascinating activity and opportunities for jobs may aid in encouraging to start of a new sericulture business or to contribute developing the existing one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) is an important monophagous insect in the sericulture industry. The mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) are known as valuable plants rich in nutrients and nutraceuticals due to the presence of chemo-factors (morin, β-sitosterol) and antioxidants (flavonoids, anthocyanin and alkaloids), the traditional feed in the rearing of silkworm larvae. The mulberry is also used in pharmaceutical, food, beverage and healthcare industries, being considered a suitable plant for sustainable development. Over time, research on using the artificial diet in silkworms has been focused on different topics: i) rearing silkworms in the season when mulberry leaves are insufficient or not available and ii) as an organism model for human diseases (i.e., tumour, degenerative and metabolic diseases) due to the low breeding cost, short generation time, genetic background, large progeny size and numerous genes homologous to humans. This review aimed to summarize the literature information about the impact of nutrition as a key factor in silkworm rearing and the effectiveness of using an artificial diet based on different ingredients in silkworm productivity and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the effects of the dietary supplementation of microencapsulated L. acidophilus and L. plantarum and their combination on the growth performance, organ development, diarrhoea incidences, blood profiles, intestinal histomorphology and microflora in weaned piglets. For that, 160 piglets with an average body weight (BW) of 8.52 ± 0.15 kg were divided into four groups (40 piglets/group) and allotted to one of the four dietary treatments as follows: a basal diet (C diet) or a basal diet containing 1 × 108 CFU/g of L. acidophilus (LA diet), or a diet containing 3 × 108 CFU/g of L. plantarum (LP diet) and a diet with the combination of both bacterial strains (LA + LP diet) for 21 days. On day 14, probiotics significantly increased ADFI, while FCR was higher in the LA and LP groups than the C and LA + LP groups. No effects (p > 0.05) on visceral organs weight, intestinal pH and biochemical parameters among treatments were noticed. Treatments significantly lowered diarrhoea incidence compared to control. Villus width was greater (p < 0.05) in all small intestinal segments in piglets fed probiotics. In the jejunum and ileum villus length, crypt length, and total villi length were higher (p < 0.05), particularly in the LA + LP group. The probiotics, particularly the LA + LP group, modulated the cecal, jejunum and ileum microbial community structure and increased (p < 0.05) the amount of Lactobacillus spp. while decreasing the populations of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus. Our results indicated that dietary supplementation of microencapsulated probiotics, particularly the combination of L. plantarum and L acidophilus strains, maintained growth performance, lowered diarrhoea incidence and beneficially altered the intestinal architecture and microbial populations of weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the objectives of the sericultural research is the reducing of research field was the reducing of chemical fertilizers quantity by applying some ecological agricultural practices, among which it can be mentioned, next to using extraradicular fertilizing, also the biofertilizers of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhize (VAM) type, in the form of commercial products obtained by biotechnologies of high biological performance. The biofertilization of VAM type aims to reduce or eliminate the chemical fertilization, the mulberry being a plant with a high consumption of mineral elements. Also, this type of mycorrhize stimulates the plants growing and development, having a role in soil remediation and nutrition improvement from soil-plant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of age on breeders' performance, plasma proteins and total nitrogen content of excreta. The trial was conducted on 150 Ross 308 female breeders' (21-week-old). During 6-weeks, the birds were reared in similar management conditions and fed with standard feeds according to age (21 to 24-weeks, and >25 weeks). At the end of weeks 22, 24 and 26, blood and fresh excreta were sampled for analysis. Plasma proteins were determined by dry chemistry using reagent strips. Total nitrogen from excreta was assessed according to the Kjeldahl method. As expected, age significantly affected body weight, feed intake, protein intake, and nitrogen intake of breeders (P<0.0001). A dynamic age-related change was noticed in breeders' plasma proteins by increasing the total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, uric acid and urea nitrogen concentrations (P<0.05). The total nitrogen content of excreta registered a tendency to increase at 26-weeks compared to 22-weeks of age (P<0.06). Significant positive correlations were found between certain performance variables (feed intake, protein and nitrogen intake), plasma proteins and excreta total nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed to compare the plasma metabolic status and intestinal microflora of different breeders' genotypes. A total of 110 healthy female breeders (25-week-old) were divided into three groups: Transylvanians Barred Naked Neck (30 birds) and Black Naked Neck (30 birds) vs commercial Ross 308 breeders (50 birds). During a 5-weeks trial, the birds were reared on the floor system in climate-controlled conditions. They were fed a standard commercial laying breeder diet (15.26% crude protein and 11.30 MJ/kg metabolizable energy). Blood and intestinal content samples were collected at 30 weeks for analysis. Results revealed significant differences in plasma protein profile: total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin increased, and uric acid decreased in the Naked Neck varieties vs Ross 308 breeds. Energy profile showed higher glucose and lower HDL-Cholesterol levels in Naked Neck varieties. Plasma mineral profile archive highest calcium and phosphorus values for Naked Neck varieties vs commercial breed, with no significant change in Ca/P ratio. There was no genotype effect on plasma enzyme activities. Cecum microflora was significantly affected by genotype, the Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) and Coliforms population count decreased, while the beneficial population Lactobacillus (LAB) spp. and LAB: ENT ratio increases in the Naked Neck breeds vs commercial breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has described breeding and production performances of three Muscovy duck lines (spotted, white and black) during December 2019-June 2020 which has been raise on the teaching waterfowl farm Moara Domnească of the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest and results are compared with those recorded in year 2001. Each line group has been of 55 birds in size. There were monitored weekly, monthly and for whole laying cycle the following parameters: body weight, egg production, egg weight, fertility, hatchability, egg weight and day-old body weight. Spotted line had an average body weight of 2427 g for females and 4566 g for males an egg production of 59.42 eggs/bird and an egg weight of 78.21 g and a fertility of 88.48% and a hatchability of 39.79% and a day-old body weight of 47.10 g. White line had an average body weight of 2580 g for females and 4450 g for males and an egg production of 72.06 eggs/bird and an egg weight of 76.56 g and a fertility of 86.00% with a significantly lower hatchability (35.80%) and a day-old body weight of 48.32 g. Black line had an average body weight of 2262 g for females and 4750 g for males and an egg production of 52.45 eggs/bird and an egg weight of 84.72 g and a fertility of 90.24% with a significantly higher hatchability (40.90%) and a day-old body weight of 49.92 g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations has been performed on biological material inside teaching waterfowl farm of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest during December 2019 - June 2020 and results are compared with those recorded in year 2001 for groups of 60 birds of races Peking, Campbell khaki and Indian Runner. During this period there were monitored and analyzed the following breeding and production parameters: body weight, egg production, egg weight, fertility, hatchability, egg weight and day-old body weight. Peking Duck had an average body weight of 2358 g for females and 2696 g for males and an egg production of 120.42 eggs/bird and an egg weight of 77,62 g and a fertility of 87.34 % and a hatchability of 54.52% and a day-old body weight of 44.04 g. Campbell khaki Duck had an average body weight of 1683 g for females and 1954 g for males and an egg production of 189.77 eggs/bird and an egg weight of 68.37 g (significantly lower compared to 2001) and a fertility of 89.61% and a hatchability of 58.42 (significantly higher) and a day-old body weight of 35.05 g (significantly lower). Indian Runner Duck had an average body weight of 1791 g for females and 2040 g for males and an egg production of 173.74 eggs/bird and an egg weight of 69.86 g (significantly higher) and a fertility of 83.31% and a hatchability of 51.11% and a day-old body weight of 37.25 g (significantly higher). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the widespread raising of swine in farms becomes a serious problem in terms of the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), having an environmental impact. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different diets on growth parameters changes in physical size, carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and microclimate monitoring. For 28 days, 7 TOPIGS sows (average initial body weight, BW ~ 205.09 kg) were allotted in two dietary treatments: control (C diet, 1.6% soybean oil) and experimental (E diet), (with 1.6% hemp oil). The type of oil differed by their fatty acids (FA) composition. Sows were individually weighed, P2 backfat thickness was determined by ultrasound and morphometric measurements of body size were taken three times during lactation. The CO2 emitted by sows and their litter was calculated. Microclimate parameters were recorded daily. The addition of 1.6% hemp oil in the diet improved sows final body weight and reduced weight loss (P<0.05). A high significant negative Pearson correlation was observed between PUFA intake, and their fraction (Σ n-3, Σ n-6, Linolenic and Linoleic as predominant n-3 and n-6 FA). The proportion of CO2 exhalated by sows fed E diet was significantly lower compared to C diet. The CO2 emission, temperature and relative humidity were affected (P<0.001) by the sows’ physiological status. The results from this study are indicating that the hemp oil inclusion in the sow's diet has a beneficial effect on performance. Further studies are necessary to determine the nutrition impact on environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 25-day trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary mixture alfalfa hay: peas powder as partial replacement of sunflower meal (SFM) on plasma energetic profile and microbial populations of growing pigs. Ten barrows (30.28±0.53 kg, body weight; 81±3 aged) were allocated to two diets. Control (C) based on corn-SFM and soybean meal, and experimental (LP) where the dietary mixture partially replaces the SFM. At 7 and 25-days, the blood samples (N=10) were used to determine the plasma energetic profile (Spotchem EZ SP-4430, Arkray, Japan). The feed and faeces microbial populations were established by counting the colonies on selected media for each microorganism. Results showed that the LP diet maintains appropriate glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol content to C diet (P>0.05) while improved the HDL-Cholesterol (13%, P=0.91) and LDL-Cholesterol (9%, P=0.08) content vs. C diet. In the pig's faeces, the LP diet increased the Lactobacillus (+23.33%; P<0.05) while decreased the abundance of Escherichia coli; as an effect, the total germ counts increased (+11%; P<0.05) while the Lactobacillus: Escherichia coli ratio was significantly improved vs. C diet. In conclusion, the dietary mixture alfalfa hay: peas powder had positive effects on gut health and plasma metabolite profiles of growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to assess the effect of feeding an n-3 PUFA-enriched diet on growth performance, plasma metabolites, and muscle fatty acids composition in growing pigs. Forty growing pigs (13.1±1.8 kg body weight) were randomly divided to receive a control [C based on corn-triticale-soybean meal (SBM)] or n-3 PUFA mix diet [extruded linseed EL: walnut meal WM, where the 80 g/kg dietary mixture (50:30 wt/wt) partially replace SBM] for 30 days. At the end of the trial, blood and muscle samples were collected for plasma profiles and fatty acids analyses. Feeding pigs with n-3 PUFA-enriched diet slightly improved body weight and average daily gain (P>0.05) with similar feed intake, and tend to improve feed efficiency (P=0.058). There was no effect on plasma protein profile, but the plasma urea nitrogen was decreased (P=0.042) indicating a higher utilization of dietary nitrogen. Plasma lipid profile was affected as a response to the dietary mixture by reducing the total cholesterol concentration (P=0.04) vs C diet. The Longissimus Dorsi muscle of pigs fed dietary mixture had higher contents in alpha-linolenic acid (P=0.030), docosahexaenoic (P=0.050), total PUFA (P=0.0001) and n-3 PUFA (P=0.019), and a lower n-6: n-3 ratio (P=0.002) vs pigs fed C diet. In conclusion, the dietary mixture had a positive effect on growing pigs' performance and health status, improving the plasma lipo-protein response and enhanced the fatty acid profile of the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]