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ABSTRACT: Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae convert wastes into protein, playing a vital role in addressing the challenge of sustainable poultry production. These larvae accumulate toxic substances, posing a risk to feed and food safety. This study investigates the effects of substituting soybean meal with different levels of BSF larvae meal on laying performance, egg quality, serum analysis, and the deposition of various metals in eggs, meat, and excreta. A total of 1,008 Lohmann hens (age 48 wk) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments. The treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal (CK) diet replaced with 7% (BSF7), 14% (BSF14), and 21% (BSF21) BSF larvae meal. Each treatment consisted of 6 replicates with 42 hens each and the trial lasted for 8 wk. Dietary BSF larvae meal treatments increased (linear, P < 0.05) the laying rate (1.52 to 1.95%) and decreased (linear, P < 0.01) the feed intake (3.64–3.86 g) during the entire experiment. During 48 to 52 wk, egg weight was decreased (P < 0.001) 0.93 g for the BSF21 group compared to CK group, however, during 52-56 wk, no differences in egg weight were observed among treatments. The addition of BSF larvae meal enhanced the eggshell strength (linear, P < 0.05), with no effect on the albumen height and yolk weight (P > 0.05). Low transfer of arsenic, lead, and cadmium concentration was observed in the egg yolk and egg white across different treatments (P > 0.05). Conversely, the concentrations of these metals and iron showed an increase, while Zinc exhibited a decrease in excreta as the dietary intake of BSF larvae meal increased. The chromium and iron increased linearly (P < 0.001) in the egg white with the inclusion of BSF larvae meal. Egg white iron and chromium showed a strong positive correlation with the dietary zinc and copper. Taken together, BSF larvae can replace soybean meal completely in laying diet, however, careful attention requires to elevated metal levels in diet and excreta.

This study was aimed to show the changes of some blood parameters by the effect of biological and chemical treatment of rice straw,It was conducted at The Ruminant Research Station in Abu Ghraib / Directorate of / Agricultural Researches / Ministry of Agriculture, for the period from June 1, 2021 until August 27, 2021 (preceded by the preliminary period 14 days), The study included 12 Iraqi buffalo calves aged 5 - 6 months. the calves were randomly divided into three equal groups (4 calves / group), kept in individual pens and distributed among group.T1 (the control group) in which the calves were fed on untreated rice straw T2 the calves were fed on rice straw treated with urea at a rate of 3% T3 the calves were fed on rice straw treated with Trichoderma harzianum at a rate of 0.1%. The triglycerides concentration were decreased significantly (p≤0.05) in the T2 (11.28 mg/dL) and T3 (11.32 mg/dL) compared with T1 (20.79 mg/dL). similarly, the level of very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL) was decreased 2.25, 2.26, 4.16 mg/dL for T2, T3, and T1, respectively. The creatinine concentration in T2(87.19 mmol/L) was significantly decrease than that of T1(177.8 mmol/L) and T3(176.75 mmol/L). Also, ALP concentration increased in T2 (238.93 IU/liter) compared with T1. (151.82 IU/liter), while it did not differ significantly with T3( 205.83 IU/liter) Also T3 did not differ significantly from T1. The differences in the concentration of lipid profile, protein fractions and enzymes activity among groups lacked significance, feeding of rice straw treated biologically and chemically had no negative effect on buffalo calves health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The two most prevalent public health issues are dyslipidaemia and iron deficiency anaemia, notably in developing nations such as India. There is a correlation between these two serious disorders, however research on Indian people is lacking in this area. Methods: This is a prospective study to assess the effect of iron treatment on Indian Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) patients and their effect on serum lipid profile post iron therapy. In this study, 52 patients with confirmed iron deficiency anaemia with dyslipidaemia were examined, with a mean age of 49±11 years and a gender distribution of 37 females and 15 men. The serum lipid profile was tested for changes in (TGL, TC, LDL, HDL, VLDL cholesterol) and After three months of oral iron supplements, the patients were reassessed and monitored. Results: The outcomes are reported as mean and standard deviation. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels were considerably (P < 0.001) higher in the iron deficiency anaemia group (272.2+29.2 mg/dl and 170.1+17.1mg/dl) than in the post iron therapy group (218.00 28.3 mg/dl and 123.7 + 20.3mg/dl) and the level of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) was considerably (P = 0.02) higher in IDA group (61.3+10.7 mg/dl) compared to the post iron therapy group (44+8.9 mg/dl). Similarly, before therapy IDA and dyslipidaemia group free serum iron was (40.8+8.4) after iron therapy it significantly enhanced to 124.1+14.5. Conclusion: Present finding concluded that aberrant serum lipid profiles are linked with IDA in Indian adults and iron therapy has a considerable beneficial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae convert wastes into protein, playing a vital role in addressing the challenge of sustainable poultry production. These larvae accumulate toxic substances, posing a risk to feed and food safety. This study investigates the effects of substituting soybean meal with different levels of BSF larvae meal on laying performance, egg quality, serum analysis, and the deposition of various metals in eggs, meat, and excreta. A total of 1,008 Lohmann hens (age 48 wk) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments. The treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal (CK) diet replaced with 7% (BSF7), 14% (BSF14), and 21% (BSF21) BSF larvae meal. Each treatment consisted of 6 replicates with 42 hens each and the trial lasted for 8 wk. Dietary BSF larvae meal treatments increased (linear, P < 0.05) the laying rate (1.52 to 1.95%) and decreased (linear, P < 0.01) the feed intake (3.64-3.86 g) during the entire experiment. During 48 to 52 wk, egg weight was decreased (P < 0.001) 0.93 g for the BSF21 group compared to CK group, however, during 52-56 wk, no differences in egg weight were observed among treatments. The addition of BSF larvae meal enhanced the eggshell strength (linear, P < 0.05), with no effect on the albumen height and yolk weight (P > 0.05). Low transfer of arsenic, lead, and cadmium concentration was observed in the egg yolk and egg white across different treatments (P > 0.05). Conversely, the concentrations of these metals and iron showed an increase, while Zinc exhibited a decrease in excreta as the dietary intake of BSF larvae meal increased. The chromium and iron increased linearly (P < 0.001) in the egg white with the inclusion of BSF larvae meal. Egg white iron and chromium showed a strong positive correlation with the dietary zinc and copper. Taken together, BSF larvae can replace soybean meal completely in laying diet, however, careful attention requires to elevated metal levels in diet and excreta., Competing Interests: DISCLOSURES The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In traditional Chinese medicine, Herba Lysimachiae (HL) is mainly used to treat rheumatic arthralgia. Current pharmacological studies also showed that HL has therapeutic potential for synovial diseases. HL is an oral drug, whose compounds need to enter the blood circulation before reaching the injured tissue, thus potentially causing activity or toxicity to the blood system. In this study, the biolabel‐led research pattern was used to analyze the serum profile after HL intervention, based on which the safety and efficacy of HL were explored. Metabonomics and proteomics were combined to analyze the biolabels responsible for the interventions of HL in serum. Bioinformatics databases were used to screen for the material basis that may interfere with biolabels. Omics analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins (19) and metabolites (5) were identified and considered as the potential biolabels, which were involved in 8 biochemical processes (platelet activation and aggregation, blood glucose release, immune and inflammatory regulation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, tumor progression, blood pressure regulation, and uric acid synthesis). Thirty‐one compounds may be the material basis to interfere with 11 biolabels. The present research reveals that the potential activities and toxicities of HL can be explored based on the biolabel‐led research pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • In the CO group, higher glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels and lower HDL levels were observed vs the control ones. • Structural changes in glucose, amides, and lipids in the CO group may be associated with the development of obesity. • A strong correlation between the biochemical parameters and the FTIR data. • FTIR spectra reflect the quantitative and qualitative molecular changes that occur in childhood obesity. Childhood obesity (CO) negatively affects one in three children and stands as the fourth most common risk factor of health and well-being. Clarifying the molecular and structural modifications that transpire during the development of obesity is crucial for understanding its progression and devising effective therapies. The study was indeed conducted as part of an ongoing CO treatment trial, where data were collected from children diagnosed with CO before the initiation of non-drug treatment interventions. Our primary aim was to analyze the biochemical changes associated with childhood obesity, specifically focusing on concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins, insulin, and glucose. By comparing these parameters between the CO group (n = 60) and a control group of healthy children (n = 43), we sought to elucidate the metabolic differences present in individuals with CO. Our biochemical analyses unveiled lower LDL (low-density lipoproteins) levels and higher HDL (high-density lipoproteins), cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and glucose levels in CO individuals compared to controls. To scrutinize these changes in more detail, we employed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy on the serum samples. Our results indicated elevated levels of lipids and proteins in the serum of CO, compared to controls. Additionally, we noted structural changes in the vibrations of glucose, β-sheet, and lipids in CO group. The FTIR technique, coupled with principal component analysis (PCA), demonstrated a marked differentiation between CO and controls, particularly in the FTIR region corresponding to amide and lipids. The Pearson test revealed a stronger correlation between biochemical data and FTIR spectra than between 2nd derivative FTIR spectra. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the molecular and structural changes occurring in CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-thalassemia major is a significant health problem in the world that obliges patient to repeated blood transfusions. Frequent transfusions cause toxic iron overload and the association between serum iron levels and β-thalassemia major have been extensively studied in literature. Nonetheless, data on trace elements is still limited. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between some trace element levels in serum and β-thalassemia major. The quantifications of Al, K, Sn, Sb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Ba, Co, As and Se elements were carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry system. Mann Whitney U test is performed in order to test the statistical difference between patient and control groups in terms of their element concentrations. Significant differences were observed for the concentrations of Al, K, Sn and Sb elements and for the correlation between concentrations of K—Sb elements. The study indicates higher levels of Al and Sb, and lower levels of K and Sn elements of patients when compared to control group. These findings reveal the altered profile of serum trace element concentrations and so, further studies are required to evaluate the potential of trace elements as biomarkers and/or to administrate their levels in blood to reduce the related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Feed additives which can ease the negative effects of infection by the Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) are of interest to mink farmers. The effects of kelp meal (Ascophylum nodosum) supplementation on immune response, virus replication and blood parameters of mink inoculated with AMDV were assessed. AMDV-free black mink (n = 75) were intranasally inoculated with a local strain of AMDV and fed a commercial pellet supplemented with kelp meal at the rates of 1.5% or 0.75% of the feed or were kept as controls (no kelp) for 451 days. Blood was collected on days 0 (pre-inoculation), 31, 56, 99, 155, 366 and 451 post-inoculation (dpi). Results No significant difference was observed among the treatments for the proportion of animals positive for antibodies against the virus measured by the counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP), viremia measured by PCR, antibody titer measured by quantitative ELISA, total serum protein measured by a refractometer or elevated levels of gamma globulin measured by iodine agglutination test at the sampling occasions. At the termination of the experiment on 451 dpi, there were no differences among treatments for antibody titer measured by CIEP, total serum protein, albumin, globulins, albumin:globulin ratio, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and proportions of PCR positive spleen, lymph node or bone marrow samples, but blood urea nitrogen and creatine levels were significantly lower in the 1.5% kelp supplemented group than in the controls. Conclusion Kelp supplementation improved kidney function of mink infected with AMDV with no effect on liver function, immune response to infection by AMDV or virus replication.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of myrtle plant extract (MPE) on performance, some blood parameters, egg quality and immune response of older laying hens. A total of 192 laying hens (67 weeks old; initial body weight 1.63±0.17 kg) were used in this study. The MPE was added to the water of the experimental groups (0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, or 10%) for 8 weeks. Liquid chromatography analyses showed that myricetin was the predominant active ingredient (15.34 mg/L) in MPE. In treatment groups, feed consumption, egg mass (P

This study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of nanoparticles of zinc oxide in laying hen diets on laying performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, and zinc retention. A total of one hundred and twenty Bovans Brown laying hens (55-week-old) were assigned to four treatment diets including nanoparticles of zinc oxide at 0, 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg, respectively, for 12 weeks. Each treatment had six replicates with five hens each. The results revealed that feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (linear, P

This study was carried out to elucidate the effect of supplementing different levels of turmeric powder and curcumin on serum lipid profile, protein, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), ALT, AST enzymes, uric acid, creatine kinase and glucose. Seven-hundred and fifty chicks Ross 308, received from a local hatchery. Chicks divided into two groups, normal and heat stressed conditions, with 5 treatments and 3 replicates in which 25 chicks for each. The dietary treatments composed of basal diet (control), 50 g curcumin/ton, 75 g curcumin/ton, 1.65 kg turmeric powder/ton and 2.5 kg turmeric powder/ton. Results showed that adding turmeric powder and curcumin had significant effects (P<0.05) on serum lipid profile, protein profile, T3, T4, ALT enzyme, creatine kinase, uric acid and glucose. Concerning the rearing condition, which had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the serum cholesterol, LDL, total protein, albumin, T3 hormone, ALT, AST enzymes, creatine kinase, uric acid and glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study was conducted to assess the effects of acute heat stress (HS) on intestinal microbiota, and the associations with the changes in feed intake (FI) and serum profile. Methods and Results: Twenty four individually housed pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace, 30 ± 1 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments (8 pigs/treatment): (i) thermal neutral (TN) conditions (25 ± 1°C), (ii) HS conditions (35 ± 1°C), (iii) pair‐feeding (PF) with HS under TN conditions. After 24‐h treatment, pigs were monitored to assess FI, and samples of serum and faeces were collected to investigate serum profile, microbial composition and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The results showed that HS decreased (P < 0·05) FI compared with the TN group. Compared with TN group, HS changed the serum profile by affecting biochemical parameters and hormones related with energy metabolism and stress response; immune indicators were also altered in HS group. Most of changes in serum profile were independent of FI reduction. Additionally, HS shifted the diversity and composition of faecal microbial community by increasing (P < 0·05) Proteobacteria and decreasing (P < 0·05) Bacteroidetes. Moreover, HS decreased (P < 0·05) the concentrations of propionate, butyrate, valerate, iso‐valerate and total SCFAs in faeces in an FI‐independent manner. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation analysis implied that changes of serum profile have potential correlation with alterations of faecal microbiota and their SCFAs metabolites in acute HS‐treated grow‐finishing pigs. Conclusions: Metabolism disorders caused by 24‐h acute HS associated with changes of faecal microbiota and their SCFAs metabolites in an FI‐independent manner in grow‐finishing pigs. Significance and Impact of the Study: These results give us a new insight of the intestinal damage caused by acute HS and the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of myrtle plant extract (MPE) on performance, some blood parameters, egg quality and immune response of older laying hens. A total of 192 laying hens (67 weeks old; initial body weight 1.63±0.17 kg) were used in this study. The MPE was added to the water of the experimental groups (0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, or 10%) for 8 weeks. Liquid chromatography analyses showed that myricetin was the predominant active ingredient (15.34 mg/L) in MPE. In treatment groups, feed consumption, egg mass (P<0.05), egg production (P<0.01) increased (10% MPE) and water consumption ascended (5% MPE) compared to the control birds. Feed conversion ratio did not change. In 2.5% MPE group, greater egg weight (P<0.001) and darker egg yolk (P<0.01) were observed than the control birds. Regarding immunity, the 5% Myrtus group produced higher neutrophil and large amounts of IgG (P<0.05) indicating that significant results were also observed in the immunological response of laying hens vaccinated against the Newcastle virus. Serum alanine aminotransferase level increased (P<0.05) in treatment groups whereas serum glucose levels decreased significantly (P<0.01). Other than that, none of the blood parameters changed. It is concluded that Myrtus communis L. plant extract showed positive effects on the egg yolk, some performance parameters and immune system of older laying hens without any adverse effects on egg traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fennel ethanol extract on egg production, serum parameters, and bone attributes of laying hens administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). A total of 192 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were assigned to four treatments of four replications in a completely randomized design for 9 weeks (36-44 weeks of age). Experimental groups consisted of 1) positive control (PC) diet (basal diet only), 2), negative control (NC) diet (basal diet + 30 mL CCl4/kg diet), 3) NC diet plus 50 mg fennel extract/kg diet (50F), 4) NC diet plus 100 mg fennel extract/kg diet (100F). Egg production and feed intake were recorded weekly. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and bone mineralization and strength were measured. The higher dose of fennel extract (100 mg) increased (P < 0.05) egg production and feed intake, and decreased (P < 0.05) cracked egg percentage compared to positive control group. Serum concentrations of Ca and P were also higher in this group (P < 0.05) while the lipid levels and activities of hepatic enzymes in the serum were lower (P < 0.05). This group also had improved (P < 0.05) Ca and P retention in tibia bone, and also greater tibia shear force and stiffness. However, these improvements did not restore the state to the same level as that observed in chickens in the positive control. In conclusion, supplementing 100 mg of fennel extract to diets of layers administered with CCl4 partially ameliorates the detrimental effects of CCl4, and also could improve egg production, serum parameters, and bone attributes.

The fruit of Ligustrum lucidum (FLL, Nuzhenzi in Chinese) is an important traditional medicine, and have attracted significant research attention because of their various biological activities. However, there are few research reports available on the use of FLL as a feed additive in livestock nutrition, particularly in layers. This study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of the diet of laying hens with FLL on laying performance, egg quality and blood metabolites. A total of 360 72-week-old hens were allocated to three dietary treatments (eight replications of 15 hens/treatment group) and were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with an inclusion level of 0.25% or 0.50% of FLL powder in the final feed, until 78 weeks of age. Hens were housed in a three-tier cage system. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Blood samples and eggs were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that dietary supplementation with FLL did not affect egg weight, feed conversion ratio, eggshell thickness, albumen height, egg yolk color, eggshell breaking strength or egg shape index. However, FLL supplementation significantly decreased (P

Tempe is a potential source of protein for 250 million people in Indonesia. Indonesian soybean demand reached 2.2 million tons per year, and 1.3 million tons of which are used for tempe production. Approximately 70% of the soybeans are imported from different countries. To improve national food security, it is important to use local soybean as a raw material. Therefore, this study used Grobogan local soybean as raw material. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the consumption of tempe (from local soybean Grobogan) in the long term, ie over a 90-day subchronic test using rats as a model. Parameters measured were serum biochemical profile, hematology, malonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver and kidney organs of rats. This research was conducted using three groups of rats which were fed tempe, boiled soybean, and casein as a source of protein in the ration. Data feed convertion efficiency showed that tempe of Grobogan soybean had a better protein quality than that of boiled soybean and casein. As compared to the groups of rats fed with boiled soybean and casein, the group fed with tempe had a higher HDL cholesterol, however no significant difference was observed in the hematological parameters, MDA and SOD in liver and kidney organs. This suggests consumption of tempe made from Grobogan soybean in the long term does not have a negative impact on health.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of yeast β-glucan on the nutrient digestibility and serum profiles in pre-ruminant Holstein calves. Forty-two neonatal Holstein calves ((39.6±4.2) kg) were randomly allotted to six groups, and each was offered one of the following diets: a basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented with 25, 50, 75, 100 or 200 mg of yeast β-glucan kg−1 feed (dry matter basis). The basal diet consisted of a milk replacer and a starter feed. The trial lasted for 56 d. Two digestibility trials were conducted from d 14 to 20 and from d 42 to 48. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 14, 28 and 42 for serum profile analyses. On d 56, three calves from each group were slaughtered, and intestinal samples were collected to assess the villous height, crypt depth and mucosal thickness. Although feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment (P>0.05), the average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratios were higher (P0.05). Compared with the control group, supplementation of yeast β-glucan decreased (P0.05). The supplementation of yeast β-glucan stimulated the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P

The cross-sectional study was carried out to compare the hematological and serum biochemical profiles between bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affected and apparently healthy cattle during the period from March 2014 to October 2016. A total of 189 blood samples were collected from 93 bTB affected and 96 apparently healthy cattle of 3 Upazilas of Chittagong. The bovine tuberculosis (bTB) was diagnosed primarily by Caudal Fold Tuberculin Tests (CFTT) and confirmed by the Comparative Intradermal Tuberculin Test (CITT). The whole blood was analyzed for hematology, and serum samples were used for biochemical analysis. The study revealed that, the values for TEC, Hb and PCV were higher in infected cohort (based on CFTT) in compare to their counterpart control group. Among these three parameters only PCV values were statistically significant (P = 0.05). Only basophil percentage was significantly (P = 0.05) higher in infected cohort. The values of total protein, albumin, creatinine and SGOT were insignificantly lower and the values of calcium & phosphorus were also insignificantly higher in bTB affected cattle than control group of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine if supplementation of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) altered select organ weights, histology, and cardiac anatomical features at harvest and 2) to determine if administration of a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin (VP) challenge following 20 d of ZH supplementation altered the blood chemistry profile in cattle. Crossbred heifers (n = 20; 556 ± 7 kg BW) were randomized into 2 treatment groups: 1) control (CON), without ZH, and 2) zilpaterol (ZIL; ZH at 8.33 mg/kg [DM basis] for 20 d). On d 20 of supplementation, heifers were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters. On d 24, starting at 0800 h and continuing until 1600 h, blood samples were collected at 60-min intervals. At 1000 h, heifers received an i.v. bolus of CRH (0.3 μg/kg BW) and VP (1.0 μg/kg BW) to activate the stress axis. Serum was separated and stored at -80°C until analyzed for a large-animal chemistry panel. Following the CRH/VP challenge, heifers were harvested on d 25, 26, and 27 (5, 6, and 7 d after ZH supplementation); BW, HCW, select organ weights, and histology were measured, and a total heart necropsy was performed. A treatment effect (P ≤ 0.02) was observed for Ca, K, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase. Zilpaterol-fed heifers had decreased (P ≤ 0.02) concentrations of Ca and K and increased concentrations (P < 0.01) of creatinine (P = 0.02) during the CRH/VP challenge when compared to control heifers. Control heifers had greater (P ≤ 0.05) alkaline phosphatase and sorbitol dehydrogenase concentrations when compared with ZIL heifers. A treatment × time interaction (P = 0.02) was observed for P; concentrations were similar between treatments from -2 to 6 h postchallenge, and 7 h postchallenge CON heifers had decreased P. Liver (P = 0.06) and kidney (P = 0.08) weights as a percentage of BW tended (P ≤ 0.08) to be reduced in ZIL heifers. Gross liver weights tended (P = 0.08) to be lower in ZIL heifers. Other organ (heart, lung, adrenals) to BW ratios remained similar (P ≥ 0.41). These data suggest that there are some variations observed between treatments in terms of response to ZH supplementation and the CRH/VP challenge; however, in the environmental conditions of this study, limited variation in blood metabolic responses and organ weights suggests that the supplementation of ZH did not detrimentally alter the physiology of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit of Ligustrum lucidum (FLL, Nuzhenzi in Chinese) is an important traditional medicine, and have attracted significant research attention because of their various biological activities. However, there are few research reports available on the use of FLL as a feed additive in livestock nutrition, particularly in layers. This study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of the diet of laying hens with FLL on laying performance, egg quality and blood metabolites. A total of 360 72-week-old hens were allocated to three dietary treatments (eight replications of 15 hens/treatment group) and were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with an inclusion level of 0.25% or 0.50% of FLL powder in the final feed, until 78 weeks of age. Hens were housed in a three-tier cage system. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Blood samples and eggs were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that dietary supplementation with FLL did not affect egg weight, feed conversion ratio, eggshell thickness, albumen height, egg yolk color, eggshell breaking strength or egg shape index. However, FLL supplementation significantly decreased (P<0.001) mortality, cracked-egg rate and blood serum levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and alanine aminotransferase, and increased (P<0.001) blood serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. No differences in serum levels of total protein, albumin, glucose, calcium, aspartate aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase were observed in hens fed FLL compared with the control group. It can be concluded that FLL, at a supplementation level of 0.25% final feed, can be used as an effective feed additive to improve the performance of laying hens during the late laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Decaleside II, a novel trisaccharide isolated from the edible roots of Decalepis hamiltonii, belongs to a new class of natural insecticides. We have evaluated the mammalian safety of Decaleside II in the laboratory mouse. Our results on acute and sub acute toxicity study suggest that Decaleside II is not toxic to the laboratory mice as there were no symptoms of toxicity or mortality up to 2400 mg/kg bw. Haematological profile was unaltered and serum profiles of enzymes were not significantly affected. The lack of toxicity of Decaleside is attributed to the 1,4 α linkage of the sugars which are easily hydrolyzed by the digestive enzymes such as glucosidases. The selective toxicity to insects and mammalian safety of Decaleside II makes them highly suitable for use as novel grain protectants of natural origin.

In present study, anti-diabetic effect of camel milk and black seed oil, separate and combined, on hematobiochemical and histological parameters of selected organs was evaluated. Forty female albino rats were split into 5 groups (n=8): Group A was kept as normal. Alloxan®was administered in groups B to E for induction of diabetes. Group B was considered diabetic control while group C, D and E were offered camel milk @ 40ml/kg/day, black seed oil @ 0.8ml/day in separate and combination respectively for 30 days. Weekly blood glucose level was monitored. Animals were slaughtered to collect: blood for hematology and serum analysis and tissues for histology. Microscopy of H&E stained tissues was done at 100X to observe degenerative alterations in liver, kidneys and uterus. Least Significance Difference (LSD) test was used to compare the group means. Diabetes showed significant (P<0.05) impact on all parameters studied except uterine histometry which remained unaltered. Camel milk and black seed oil, separate or combined, significantly (P<0.05) recovered diabetic altered hematological (RBC, PLT, WBC, MCV, Hb, lymphocyte (%), MCH) and serological parameters (AST, ALT, Creatinine, BUN). Combined therapy of these agents showed more significant (P<0.01) reduction in blood glucose level as compared to their individual effects. Histological observations demonstrated that camel milk and black seed oil improved the altered histology of liver and kidneys towards normal. Hence, camel milk and black seed oil collectively have potential to restore diabetogenic hematological and serological parameters with capacity to constraint the diabetic encounter on liver and kidneys' histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tempe is a potential source of protein for 250 million people in Indonesia. Indonesian soybean demand reached 2.2 million tons per year, and 1.3 million tons of which are used for tempe production. Approximately 70% of the soybeans are imported from different countries. To improve national food security, it is important to use local soybean as a raw material. Therefore, this study used Grobogan local soybean as raw material. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the consumption of tempe (from local soybean Grobogan) in the long term, ie over a 90-day subchronic test using rats as a model. Parameters measured were serum biochemical profile, hematology, malonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver and kidney organs of rats. This research was conducted using three groups of rats which were fed tempe, boiled soybean, and casein as a source of protein in the ration. Data feed convertion efficiency showed that tempe of Grobogan soybean had a better protein quality than that of boiled soybean and casein. As compared to the groups of rats fed with boiled soybean and casein, the group fed with tempe had a higher HDL cholesterol, however no significant difference was observed in the hematological parameters, MDA and SOD in liver and kidney organs. This suggests consumption of tempe made from Grobogan soybean in the long term does not have a negative impact on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães da cidade de Uberlândia, MG. As taxas de reatividade sorológica dos animais frente a esses parasitos foram comparadas em relação à sua origem e condições de vida. Um total de 369 amostras de soro canino foi obtido de três grupos de cães: (A) 213 pacientes do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, (B) 62 pacientes de clínicas veterinárias particulares da cidade e (C) 94 cães errantes da cidade. As amostras foram analisadas para a presença de anticorpos contra os parasitos por meio de ELISA. Os resultados mostraram soropositividades de 30,3% para T. gondii, 9,2% para N. caninum e 5,7% para ambos os parasitos. O grupo de cães errantes apresentou maior taxa de prevalência de anticorpos para os dois parasitos estudados. Pode-se concluir que as taxas de soropositividades para T. gondii e N. caninum nas populações caninas estudadas parecem ser fortemente influenciadas por suas origens e condições de vida.

The article presents a study conducted at the Jim Corbett National Park in the Indian state of Uttarakhand on the impact of moderate exercise on intake, absorption and serum profile of minerals in semi-captive Asian elephants, which are considered as endangered species.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus brevis ZLB004 on growth performance, fecal microflora, and serum profile in weaned pigs. A total of 144 weaned pigs (Duroc×Yorkshire×Landrace) with an average initial body weight of 15.60±0.13 kg were randomly assigned to 3 treatments, with 4 replicate pen per treatment and 12 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.4, and 0.8 g/kg of L. brevis ZLB004. All pigs were given free access to feed and water for 30 d. The results showed that pigs fed diets with L. brevis ZLB004 increased average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio ( P =0.026, 0.031, and 0.022 respectively), while decreased diarrhea incidence ( P =0.044) compared with the control group. On d 30, dietary L. brevis ZLB004 increased lactobacillus populations ( P =0.001), reduced fecal coliform populations ( P =0.022). Supplemental L. brevis ZLB004 increased serum interferon-γ and total protein concentrations ( P =0.024 and 0.044, respectively), while decreased serum haptoglobin and blood urea nitrogen ( P =0.014 and 0.040, respectively). The results showed that L. brevis ZLB004 had beneficial effects on the improvement of intestinal microflora balance, immunity, and growth performance of weaned pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of dried peppermint ( Mentha piperita L.) leaves in laying hen diets on laying performance, egg quality, and serum metabolic profile. A total of one hundred and fifty Hy-Line Brown laying hens (64-week-old), were assigned to five treatment diets including dry peppermint leaves at 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 g/kg, respectively, for 12 weeks. Each treatment had six replicates with five hens each. Over the course of the trial, incremental dietary peppermint leaves significantly increased (linear, P<0.001) egg weight, egg production, egg mass and feed intake from 64–68, 68–72, 72–76 and 64–76 weeks of age. Moreover, feed conversion ratio was linearly decreased (P<0.001) with increasing levels of peppermint in laying hens diet. The inclusion of 20 g/kg peppermint resulted in overall best performance. Eggshell percentage, eggshell thickness and Haugh unit of hens fed diets supplemented with peppermint leaves were greater (P<0.01) than that of hens fed the control diet. However, peppermint supplementation did not influence other egg quality characteristics like albumen and yolk percentages and albumen height. Notably, serum cholesterol significantly decreased (P<0.001) but serum total proteins increased (P=0.015) with the increasing peppermint leaves levels. It can be concluded that peppermint leaves can be used as an effective feed additive to improve performance of laying hens during the late laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monodactylus argenteus, is a high-value euryhaline ornamental fish having a good market demand. Information about its nutrient requirement, especially protein, is essential for feed formulation to maintain good health, growth and colouration. A 3-month feeding trial on the fry of this species was carried out to evaluate the effect of varying dietary protein levels on growth, body indices, serum profile, skin carotenoid content and body composition. Hatchery-produced fry (ABW: 0.73 ± 0.08 g) were randomly distributed into 18 glass tanks (90 L water each) in a recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS) @ 10 fry per tank. Five isolipidic micro-diets (75 g kg−1) with graded levels of crude protein (CP) viz. 250 (CP 25), 300 (CP 30), 350 (CP 35), 400 (CP 40), and 450 (CP 45) g kg−1 were formulated and fed to satiation twice daily. At the end of the trial, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed with CP 35, CP 40 and CP 45 diets were observed to be significantly higher compared to those fed with CP 25 , and CP 30 diets. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) decreased with increased dietary protein levels. The viscerosomatic index (VSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI), exhibited a decreasing trend as the level of crude protein increased. The IPF was directly proportional to the dietary crude protein content of the diet, the maximum value being obtained in the CP 45 treatment. The whole-body crude protein content showed an increasing trend with the increment in dietary protein level up to the CP 40 diet and the diet with the highest crude protein exhibited the lowest whole body crude protein content. Analysis of serum profile revealed that serum triglycerides, glucose and protein levels were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the treatments. The group fed with CP 40 recorded the highest concentration of carotenoids which was not significantly different from CP 30 and CP 35 groups. The whole body amino acids profile showed a significant variation in alanine, serine, threonine, glutamine and glycine. Broken-line regression analysis revealed that the optimum dietary protein level was in the range of 325–349 g kg−1 for maximum growth of silver moony fry. Our study revealed that a minimum of 35% protein in the diet of silver moony fry is optimal for improved growth. • Silver moony quickly adapted to the RAS system and had excellent survival of 100% in all the treatment groups. • The growth of fish fed with 450 g kg−1 protein diet was comparable to 400 and 350 g kg−1and FCR with increasing dietary protein levels. • Protein efficiency ratio decreased with increased dietary protein levels among fish fed with the experimental diets. • The serum profile revealed that serum triglycerides, glucose, and protein level were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the experimental groups. • Broken-line regression revealed that the optimum dietary protein level could be in the range of 325–349 g kg−1 for silver moony fry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Obesity is currently epidemic in many countries worldwide and is strongly related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Mass spectrometry, in particular matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) is currently used for detecting different pattern of expressed protein. This study investigated the differences in low molecular weight (LMW) peptide profiles between obese and normal-weight subjects in combination with multivariate statistical analysis. MATERIALS: Serum samples of 60 obese patients and 10 healthy subjects were treated by cut-off membrane (30000 Da) to remove the most abundant proteins. The filtrates containing the LMW protein/peptides were analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Dataset was elaborated to align and normalize the spectra. We performed cluster analysis and principal component analysis to detect some ionic species that could characterize and classify the subject groups. RESULTS: We observed a down-expression of ionic species at m/z 655.94 and an over-expression of species at m/z 1518.78, 1536.77, 1537.78 and 1537.81 in obese patients. Furthermore we found some ionic species that can distinguish obese patients with diabetes from those with normal glucose level. CONCLUSION: Serum peptide profile of LMW associate with multivariate statistical approach was revealed as a promising tool to discriminate and characterize obese patients and it was able to stratify them in relation to comorbidity that usually are associated with this disease. Further research involving a larger sample will be required to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of chemical protein depletion in conjunction with gold-based nanoparticles for fast matrix assisted laser desoption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry-based human serum profiling was assessed. The following variables influencing the process were optimized: (i) amount of nanoparticles, (ii) sample pH, (iii) amount of protein and (iv) incubation time. pH was found the most important factor to be controlled, with an optimum range comprised between 5.8 and 6.4. The minimum incubation time to obtain an adequate profiling was 30min. Using this approach, serum from five patients with lymphoma, five patients with myeloma and from two healthy volunteers were correctly classified using Principal component analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility of using multiplex analysis of the cytokine profile as a marker for successful aging by comparing cytokine plasmatic levels of a group of Sicilian nonagenarians with those of young controls. We analyzed a panel of 17 cytokines, comprehensive of haematopoietic factors T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, inflammation regulatory cytokines, and chemokines. The assay was carried out using the Luminex system. Interleukin (IL)-6 levels (p = 0.01) were increased in nonagenarians, whereas no modifications of other proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were observed. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-2 levels are unmodified, suggesting a substantial maintenance of relevant T cell functions. In addition, a significant increase of IL-12 serum levels in nonagenarians versus young controls that might be related to the increase of natural killer (NK) cell functions characterizing aging processes was observed. The analysis of Th2 cytokines show an increase of IL-13 and a reduction of IL-4 levels mirroring the maintenance of some effector's mechanisms of the immunoresponse in advanced ages. Our results suggest that the multiplex analysis of cytokine levels might be useful in defining a successful aging profile. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The experiment was conducted by using two hundred commercial (Vencobb), sexed, day-old broiler chicks for a period of six weeks to study the dietary supplementation of valine with respect to serum protein and cholesterol characteristics. These chicks were randomly grouped into five treatments with four replicates of ten chicks each and fed with basal diet as T4 (Control), T2 (Basal diet + 0.04 percent valine), T3 (Basal diet + 0.08 percent valine), T4 (Basal diet + 0.12 percent valine) and T5 (Basal diet + 0.16 percent valine). Significantly (P < 0.01) the lowest value for serum total cholesterol (104.24 mg / dl) and HDL cholesterol (67.57 mg / dl) was observed in T, group. The dietary valine supplementation in broiler diet on serum total protein, albumin, serum creatinine and serum uric acid revealed a significant (P < 0.01) difference and the globulin and A/G ratio showed a significant (P < 0.05) difference between treatments. Based upon this study, it is concluded that supplementation of valine in broiler basal diet at the level of 0.04 percent (T2 group) significantly reduced the serum total cholesterol, Creatinine and uric acid levels and increased the total protein and albumin levels in a cost effective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Supplementation of peppermint oil at different levels was tested in the laying hens for 12 weeks. • Peppermint oil supplementation improved egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. • Peppermint oil in hens' diets led to a higher Haugh unit, eggshell quality and decreased serum cholesterol of laying hens. • Inclusion of peppermint oil to laying hens diet increased the digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, and phosphorus. Herbal plants and their extracts are commonly used as feed supplements to improve the performance and physiology of poultry. This study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of peppermint oil in laying hens' diets on laying performance, egg quality, nutrients digestibility, and serum metabolic profile. A total of two hundred Bovans brown laying hens (32 weeks old) were assigned to five treatment diets including peppermint oil at 0, 74, 148, 222, and 296 mg/kg, respectively, for 12 weeks. Each treatment had eight replicates with five hens each. The results revealed that the incremental dietary peppermint oil linearly increased (P < 0.001) egg weight, egg production, egg mass, and feed intake from 32 to 38, 38 to 44, and 32 to 44 weeks of age. Moreover, feed conversion ratio significantly improved (linear, P < 0.001) following the increase of levels of peppermint oil in laying hens' diet. Haugh unit and eggshell thickness and percentages were improved (P < 0.01) with the increase of levels of peppermint oil at 38 and 44 weeks of age. However, peppermint oil supplementation did not influence other egg quality characteristics like albumen and yolk percentages. Digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, and phosphorus linearly increased (P < 0.001) with the increase of levels of supplementation. Notably, serum total proteins increased (P < 0.01) while serum cholesterol significantly decreased (P < 0.001) with the increase of levels of peppermint oil. In conclusion, although all inclusion levels of peppermint oil improved egg production and quality, feed conversion ratio, digestibility of nutrients, and increased serum total proteins and decreased cholesterol levels of laying hens; however, better results were observed at higher levels of supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decaleside II, a novel trisaccharide isolated from the edible roots of Decalepis hamiltonii , belongs to a new class of natural insecticides. We have evaluated the mammalian safety of Decaleside II in the laboratory mouse. Our results on acute and sub acute toxicity study suggest that Decaleside II is not toxic to the laboratory mice as there were no symptoms of toxicity or mortality up to 2400 mg/kg bw. Haematological profile was unaltered and serum profiles of enzymes were not significantly affected. The lack of toxicity of Decaleside is attributed to the 1,4 α linkage of the sugars which are easily hydrolyzed by the digestive enzymes such as glucosidases. The selective toxicity to insects and mammalian safety of Decaleside II makes them highly suitable for use as novel grain protectants of natural origin.