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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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

The gas emissions have increased in recent years, which has exacerbated the greenhouse effect. In the livestock sector the main sources of emissions are considered to be the production, processing and transport of animal feed, manure decomposition, processing and transport of animal products (post-slaughter transport, refrigeration and packaging of animal products). A significant emission reduction, including nitrogen, are within the reach of animal producers. Adopting current best practices and technologies for feeding, raising and maintaining animal health, manure management, and greater use of biogas and energy-saving technologies would help the livestock sector to grow. reduction of greenhouse gases. This review aims to highlight the possibilities that pig farmers have in order to adopt strategies to reduce nitrogen emissions from farms. [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]

The present study was conducted to isolate, identify and characterize a lactic acid bacteria strain from turkey ileum content (46-day-old). The new strain was phenotypical confirmed as Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and conserved under the code IBNA 09. Bacterial profile of L. acidophilus was compared with other strains known as L. paracasei CCM 1837 and L. plantarum ATCC 8014, based on cultural, morphological, biochemical and enzymatic activity (amylase and cellulase). The strains appear as Gram positive bacilli, thin, non-spore-forming, isolated, diplo form, in short chains or in small irregular piles on Man Rogosa and Sharp (MRS) broth and agar medium. The identification and biochemical traits were performed by catalase assay, API 50 CHL V 5.1 soft (L. acidophilus biotype 2, 99.9% ID; good identification to the genus L. paracasei spp. paracasei 1 or 3, 48-51% ID; L. plantarum 1, 99.9% ID) and ABIS online (L. acidophilus ~ 88%; L. paracasei spp. paracasei, ~ 90%; L. plantarum, ~91%). The highest total score of extracellular amylase activity was recorded by L. acidophilus IBNA 09 at 24-48 h (5.10 ± 0.176 U/mL, 4.99 ± 0.409 U/mL), follow by L. paracasei CCM 1837(0.12 ± 0.002 U/mL, 0.15 ± 0.001 U/mL). During entire period, cellulase production was observed only for L. acidophilus (0.28 ± 0.019 U/mL), comparative with L. paracasei where the activity was observed in the first 24 h, respectively at 72 h for L. plantarum. These results suggest that L. acidophilus IBNA 09 possesses potential probiotic traits as a suitable candidate for amylase and cellulase production, and starter culture can improve cereal fermentation and the process of digestion in poultry nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to evaluate in vitro the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from ileum intestinal content tract of a healthy broiler (45-d-old Cobb 500). The isolate was assayed morphologically, culturally, biochemically. The tolerance to low pH an11d bile salt were tested as well. Phenotypically, the isolate strain was identified to be Lactobacillus acidophilus. The new strain was conserved as Lactobacillus acidophilus IBNA 64 in the Collection of INCDBNA. It is Gram-positive Bacillus, thin, non-spore forming, appears isolated, rarely in the diploid form, in short chains or in small irregular piles in culture of 24h in Oxoid MRS broth and MRS agar medium. The strain is an aerotolerant bacteria. The identification and analysis of the biochemical characteristics was performed by catalase assay, API 50 CHL Biomerieux strips, apiweb API 50 CHL V 5.1 soft (Lactobacillus acidophilus 1, 74.4% ID and L. crispatus 19.0% ID) and ABIS online (Lactobacillus acidophilus ~ 88.3%). The strain showed good viability at pH 7±2 (8.32±0.330 log CFU/mL), respectively was able to resist at pH 3 (7.14±0.133 log CFU/mL) and 0.3% bile salts (7.56±0.19 log CFU/mL) during 3 h exposure. Results obtained provide some probiotic properties for L. acidophilus, but further studied will be done until to use for in vivo test in poultry feed. [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]

Direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplementation in piglet's nutrition may offer high benefits to the young animals by diminishing the bacteria pathogens from the gastrointestinal tract and environment. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051a (BS, 1.6 x 109 CFU/mL) on the piglet's microbiota in the weaning crisis. A total of 60 piglets, 30 days ± 3 days of age, were allotted in 3 homogeneous groups (C, E1 and E2, 10 piglets/6 pens, 2 replicates/group) supplemented with BS 1% (E1), respectively 3% (E2)/kg feed. At the end of the trial (46 ± 3 d-old), 6 piglets were slaughtered (2 piglets/group) and intestinal content (ileum and cecum) were collected for evaluating the microbiota and intestinal pH values. The piglet's faces were collected for microbial analysis on 1-d, 8d, and 16 d. The numbers of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Coliforms bacteria, Enterococcus spp., Clostridium spp. and Bacillus spp. from intestinal content were modified at the addition of BS, whereas, from faeces samples, the microbiota was insignificant (P ≥ 0.05). The addition of BS 1% and 3% decreased the numbers of Escherichia coli biotype β-hemolytic from piglet's intestinal content (P ≤ 0.05) and faces vs. C group. Salmonella spp. was not present. The intestinal pH from the ileum and cecum segment was observed to be lower in E1 + BS 1%, while in E2 + BS 3% the pH was higher vs. C group. In conclusion, 1% supplementation of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051a in piglets feed had a positive effect during the postweaning period on endogenous microbiota, fecal microbial count and intestinal pH evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 21 days trial was conducted to evaluate the performance and plasma biochemical markers on 40 pigs (8.14 ± 1.08 kg of average body weight and 30 ± 3 days of age) when 25% of triticale was replaced with millet in weaned diets. The group C (n = 20) received a conventional diet based on corn-triticale-soybean meal and in the M group (n = 20), 25% millet cv. ʻMariusʼ replaced triticale (2 replicates per group). At 7 days post-weaning, the performances and plasma profiles (lipid, protein, mineral, enzyme) were evaluated. The blood samples collected from the piglets jugular vein (n = 10) were determined by a chemistry analyser Spotchem EZ SP-4430, Arkray, Japan. The performances of piglets fed either M or C diet were comparable (P>0.05). No effect (P>0.05) of dietary treatment on plasma metabolites was observed. However, the inorganic phosphorus (IP) decreased (-15%; P0.04) in the M vs. C diet. The present study revealed that the replacement of 25% millet to the piglet's diet, even in the most critical period of their lives, maintains the performances and blood plasma parameters within the normal reference ranges, beneficial to the health status. [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]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the probiotic aspects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from faeces of a healthy piglet (30-d-old, Topigs). Cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics by standard API 50 CHL Biomerieux strips of isolated strain was assayed as well. The strain was conserved as Lactobacillus fermentum 1 IBNA 95 and can be found in the collection of INCDBNA. It is a Gram positive, non-spore forming, aerotolerant bacteria. It appears isolated and grew at 37°C in Oxoid MRS broth and MRS agar medium. The functional properties tested were to survive at pH 3.0 and to present resistance at addition of 0.3% bile salts (w/v). The strain was able to survive at a low pH value and to tolerate 0.3% bile salt solution during 3h exposure under according simulated gastrointestinal condition. Lactobacillus fermentum 1 IBNA 95 was presenting some probiotic features, thus can be a promising feed supplement for piglet's nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 25% millet (Panicum miliaceum) as replacement of triticale on some quality characteristics of pig meat. Forty pigs Topigs hybrid (initial body weight 13.58 ± 0.37 kg) used in the trial for 30 days were assigned into two dietary treatments: control diet (M) and experimental diet (E, with 25% millet that replaces triticale from M diet). The pigs were slaughtered (n=3/group) at 81 ± 3 days (final body weight 32 ± 4.5 kg). The samples were taken from the liver, Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscle and analyzed for: pH, colour and texture profile. The pH value of the liver and texture profile of all the tissue samples from E diet were not statistically different comparing to the M diet. Pigs fed E diet had a significantly increased value of redness a* in the liver (>17%) and in the ST (>45.5%) compared to M group. The liver yellowness b* was significantly higher (>53%) in the E group compared to the M group. For all tissue samples, the shear force was significantly affected in group E compared to the M group. In conclusion, the replacement of triticale with millet could be recommended for inclusion in pigs diets, without affecting pig meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotechnology studies have documented several positive effects of probiotic products on the animals' state of health. Probiotic Lactobacillus sp. treatments applied to broiler chickens may help restore the balance of the gastrointestinal microbiota. The way probiotics act against pathogens can prevent microbial diseases and improve the host's resistance to gut infections during physiological stress occurring in the intensive production system. Other advantages for the host expected from the use of probiotic products as feed additives are the synthesis of vitamins and the activation of the immune system. According to morphological approaches, there are some changes in the size of the intestinal absorption surface recorded after the administration of probiotic treatments to the broiler chickens. Such histological changes would relate to a better assimilation of the feed. Increasing the nutrient availability by the lactic acid bacteria colonies in the gastrointestinal tract improves the broiler chickens' production. The probiotic treatments are associated with a reduction in the number of pathogen populations and an increased percentage of the beneficial microorganisms, both leading to a better health status of the host. The applicability of probiotic properties in vivo depends on keeping the appropriate ratio between the concentration of the probiotic products and the feed quantity adapted to the intense growth needs of the broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of sorghum grain inclusion in dairy cows diet, as an alternative to barley grain, on plasma biochemical markers (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase). Twelve Montbeliarde dairy cows, mid to late lactation, averaging 698 ± 27 kg body weight and 18 ± 1.3 l milk.day-1, were divided into two groups in a 43-day feeding trial: C diet, based on classical energetic sources (corn and barley) and E diet, where sorghum grain replace barley. The cows received the same forage diet. An analyzer BS-130 was used to determine the plasma parameters. Results showed that the use of 25% sorghum grain in E diet increased (+30%, P = 0.009) the plasma glucose and decreased the triglycerides (-20%, P = 0.032) comparing to C diet. Total protein and albumin increased (+10%, P = 0.002; respectively +17%, P = 0.013) as effect of dietary sorghum addition. The calcium concentration increased (+21%, P = 0.022), while the magnesium concentration decreased (-28%, P = 0.010) in E diet compared to C diet. The enzymes profile slightly increased as effect of fed sorghum grain, but the differences between treatments were not significant (P > 0.05). Replacement of barley grain with sorghum had no adverse effects on health status of dairy cattle, the assessed markers being within the health reference limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The egg has a double functionality because of its excellent composition of nutrients and bioactive compounds with important role in preventing the chronic and infectious diseases, plus the fact that it allows the development of a new organism. The egg is a complete and versatile food. Egg consumption (100 g] covers 5-20% of the daily vitamin and mineral requirement for the man and has a good energy to protein ratio. The quality requirements include organoleptic characteristics, nutritional properties, technological and safety aspects. Within the context of and increased demand for egg consumption, and of the requirements of the quality standards, the focus is on the research of the dietary improvement of the quality, while not overseeing the aspects related to hygiene, health state and contamination. For instance, egg colour is provided through natural plant pigments, carotenoids, which also have the role of antioxidants and/or precursors for vitamin A, and xanthophylls. Yolk quality is associated to yolk colour and with the cholesterol level. Selenium-methionine supplements to layer diets increase the a-tocopherol content of the eggs, while decreasing slightly the yolk cholesterol. A way to increase rapidly the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids level of the hen eggs is to use linseed, canola, hempseed, camelina etc., or to supplement the diets with fishmeal or fish oil. The low dietary Ca levels affect eggshell thickness, breaking strength and form. The incidence of broken eggs ranges between 6 and 8%. The acid-base balance, influenced by the Na, K, Cl ratio in layers, can affect the breaking strength of the eggshell. The laying hens are more susceptible to diseases, and the use of antibiotics in sub-therapeutic doses to stimulate growth and/or in prophylactic doses to prevent diseases, or in therapeutic doses to cure diseases, generated problems related to the microbe resistance. Romania has some of the highest levels of antimicrobial resistance in the EU. Health systems need to respond more efficiently to changing health care needs. Giving antibiotics to sick animals will kill many bacteria, but resistant bacteria can survive and multiply, thereby contaminating the food chain. Not without significance is the fact that the livestock health care and nutrition are the main factor affecting the quality of animal origin products, animal health, metabolic disorders incidence and animal performance. This is the reason why the research is complex, and the trend is to highlight the multiple quality and health aspects closely related to quantity and to consumer orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary extruded linseed (ELS):walnut meal (WM) mixture (8:1) on some plasma parameters and intestinal health in weaned piglets was investigated. Forty piglets (Topigs hybrid; body weight BW=8.02±0.82 kg), age 30±3 days, were divided into 2 groups and fed 2 diets: control (C, based on corn-triticale-soybean meal (SBM)) and experimental (ELS:WM, where the ELS:WM mixture 8:1 partially replaces SBM). Blood samples were collected at 7 and 21 days postweaning (PW). A chemistry analyzer was used to determine the plasma lipid (total cholesterol, T-Chol; HDL-cholesterol, HDL-C; triglycerides, TG), mineral and enzymatic profile. Microbial populations from fecal samples were determined by counting the colonies obtained on selected media. There was no effect of dietary mixture inclusion on plasma parameters at 7 and 21 days PW (P>0.05). The plasma HDL-C concentration was positively correlated with the alpha-linolenic (ALA) fatty acids content of diet at days 7 (r=0.94, P<0.0001) and 21 PW (r=0.89, P<0.0001), while at day 21 PW the T-Chol (r=0.52, P=0.08) and TG (r=0.54, P=0.07) tended to be influenced by the dietary treatment. Fecal score (FS) decreased at day 7 PW (P>0.05), and at day 21 PW a tendency to decrease FS as a response to dietary mixture addition was observed (P=0.07). The tested dietary mixture positively affected the microbial fecal populations by decreasing the Staphylococcus spp. (P=0.001), E. coli (P<0.0001) and fungi (P=0.004), also tended to increase the Lactobacillus spp. (P=0.08). In conclusion, the dietary mixture could be an alternative to partially replace SBM in piglet's diet due to positive biochemical response and intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with peas (cv. Tudor), on performance, carcass traits, plasma biochemistry and intestinal microflora in broiler chicks, was assessed. One-day-old broilers (n=400) divided in 2 groups were fed 2 isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets: control diet (C) based on corn-sorghum-SBM and experimental diet (PT) that contained 200 g/kg peas (cv. Tudor). Results shown that PT addition significantly affect performance, BWG of broilers was higher in starter (13.23%; P<0.0001), finisher (3.21%; P=0.014) and overall period (4.28%; P<0.0001); FI was increased with 7.54% (P=0.005) in starter, 0.89% (P=0.001) in finisher, respectively 1.19% (P=0.043) in overall period vs. C diet. The FCR was decreased in finisher (P=0.024) and total period (P<0.0001) in PT group. Feeding PT did not affect the carcass yields but increased breast yield (P=0.038), and a tendency to increase the legs yield and to decrease the abdominal fat was observed. Plasma total protein content was higher in PT group (P=0.045). Digestive organs weight, length of the intestinal tract and intestinal pH of broilers were not affected by feeding PT diet. No differences were found in the ileal population of Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli among treatments, except the counts of Lactobacillus spp. that increased (5.83%; P<0.0001) in PT group. In conclusion, dietary peas (cv. Tudor), in the amount of 200 g/kg, as partial replacement for SBM, improve performance and carcass traits, has a positive effect on plasma total protein and alter ileal microflora by increasing Lactobacillus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to provide a direction for evaluating the probiotic potential and safety of a microbial strain in order to use in weaning piglets. Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 21424 was analyzed morphologically, culturally, biochemically, for hemolytic activity and enzymatically (amylase and protease screening). In vitro, some probiotic properties were study as: resistance to pH by simulated gastric juice (pH 2 and 3) and bile salts (simulated intestinal fluid). The biochemical characteristics was performed by catalase assay, API 50 CHB Biomerieux strips, apiweb API 50 CHB V 4.0 soft (B. licheniformis, % ID 99.9) and ABIS online (~90.6% similarity). The hemolytic activity was assayed on blood agar medium. The strain was grown in nutrient medium, in two ways: static incubation (37°C, 24 h, 4 x 108 CFU/ml) and under constant agitation (37°C, 24 h, 120 rpm, 1.56 x 1010 CFU/ml). To screen out, the most favorable carbon source was included in the basal medium (1% w/v, pH = 7) glucose (12.11 ± 0.1), fructose (11.73 ± 0.67), lactose (12.03 ± 0.14) and starch (12.51 ± 0.27). The strain is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria, arranged in short chains or in small irregular pairs with ability to produce spores. The endospores were central, paracentral and subterminal. The strain growth was aerobic and was non -- hemolytic. The enzymatic process was observed by appearance of distinct zones around strain colonies. The strain presents relatively good viability at pH 3 and tolerated oxgall (0.3%). In conclusion, the results suggested that the strain present some probiotic traits and can be further assessed for other probiotic characters as antibacterial activity, induction of local immune response etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hempseed is a low-cost ingredient rich in n-3 fatty acids (FA). This study aimed to assess the FA concentration in different pig tissuesin combination with the performance as effect of the dietary addition of hempseed. Twenty hybrid Topigs (38.64 kg) were assigned to a 30d trial into 2 groups: C group received a basal diet and HS group received the same basal diet with 5% hempseed Jubileu variety. The FA were determined by gas chromatography. The n-3 rich diet altered highly significantly PUFA concentration in Longissimus dorsi, liver, heart and brain, especially n-3 PUFA (P<0.0001) without modifying significantly the performances. The brain and liver had registered the highest concentration of long chain FA in the HS diet (5.26% in liver, 5.04% in brain compared to 1.61% in heart). Long-chain FA were not identified in the Longissimus dorsi, whatever the diet. By addition of hempseed the C18:3n3 was increased significantly in all tissues except the brain. As the PUFA increased the peroxidability index also increased, especially in the liver and brain. We can conclude that the hempseed has a valuable nutritive potential, especially in n-3 PUFA, which led to a positive alteration of beneficial FAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]