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Simple Summary: This review aims to raise attention to precision technologies applied to the world of beekeeping, the implementation of the precision technological approach by a normal beekeeper, the reliability of the data analysis, the state of the art, and the pros and cons found to date in the apiary sector. The present review aims to summarize the more recent scientific literature and updated state of the art on the research effort spent in adapting hardware–software tools to understand the true needs of honeybee colonies as a prerequisite for any sustainable management practice. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis was also performed with the aim of identifying the key factors that could support or impair the diffusion of precision beekeeping (PB) systems. Honeybee husbandry, or beekeeping, is starting to approach precision livestock farming (PLF), as has already happened in other animal husbandry sectors. A transition from the current paradigm of rational beekeeping to that of precision beekeeping (PB) is thus expected. However, due to the peculiarities of this species and the related farming practices, the PB technological systems (PB systems) are still undergoing a development process that, to some extent, limits their large-scale practical application. Several physical–chemical (weight, temperature, humidity, sound, gases) and behavioral traits (flight activity, swarming) of the hive are reviewed in light of the evolution of sensors, communication systems, and data management approaches. These advanced sensors are equipped with a microprocessor that records data and sends it to a remote server for processing. In this way, through a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) system, the beekeeper, using specific applications on a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone, can have all the above-mentioned parameters under remote control. In general, weight, temperature, and humidity are the main hive traits monitored by commercial sensors. Surprisingly, flight activity sensors are rarely available as an option in modular PB systems marketed via the web. The SWOT analysis highlights that PB systems have promising strength points and represent great opportunities for the development of beekeeping; however, they have some weaknesses, represented especially by the high purchasing costs and the low preparedness of the addressed operators, and imply some possible threats for beekeeping in terms of unrealistic perception of the apiary status if they applied to some hives only and a possible adverse impact on the honeybees' colony itself. Even if more research is expected to take place in the next few years, indubitably, the success of commercial PB systems will be measured in terms of return on investment, conditioned especially by the benefits (higher yields, better colonies' health) that the beekeeper will appraise as a consequence of their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Alternative protein sources are essential due to the future perspectives of increasing the world's human population. Insects could be a great opportunity to improve the sustainability of animal production. In this context, the black soldier fly is one of the most promising species, even if the best level of its inclusion in the broiler diet, as well as the best insect stage to use, is not completely defined. Our study showed that both larvae and prepupae meals had a positive effect on animal health, in particular on the intestinal microbiota. One hundred and twenty, one-day-old male broiler chicks were used to investigate the effects of supplementation with different dietary protein sources on their performance and immune systems. Chicks were randomly divided into four equal experimental groups (six replicates, each of five chicks). The first group served as a control and was fed a standard corn–soybean meal diet. The second, third, and fourth groups were fed diets in which the soybean meal (SBM) was partly replaced by fish meal (FM), black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), and black soldier fly prepupae (BSFP), respectively. Throughout 1–14 and 15–42 days of age, FM, BSFL, and BSFP were added at 3 and 5%, respectively. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the FM group was the best among the tested groups. Feeding BSFP decreased final body weight (BW), BW gain, feed intake, and impaired the FCR compared to the other treatments for the entire experimental period. The BSFP group had significantly lower cecal Salmonella counts compared to the control group and lower total bacterial counts compared to the other groups except for BSFL. BSFL can be fed to broiler chickens at 3% during the starter period and 5% during the grower-finisher periods without negative influences on growth performance, red blood cell characteristics, blood lipid profiles, and nutrient excretion, while BSFP can improve the chickens' gut ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research evaluates the nutritional values, protein quality, amino acid utilization, and metabolizable energy of oil-extracted Moringa peregrina seed meal as a new protein resource for poultry nutrition. The results reveal that oil-extracted Moringa peregrina seed meal is a good source of nutrients and antioxidants and has 131.4 mg/100 g dry-weight tannic acids. The oil-extracted Moringa peregrina seed meal has a considerable amount of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose. Most of the total fatty acids were unsaturated, amounting to 84.57%. In conclusion, oil-extracted Moringa peregrina seed meal has a considerable level of bioactive materials, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and metabolizable energy. Nonetheless, its protein quality was lower than soybean meal protein, which suggested further research. The chemical composition, antioxidant activity, tannic acid content, mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid profiles of oil-extracted Moringa peregrina seed meal (OEMPSM) were determined. Apparent (AME) and true (AMEn) metabolizable energy and apparent (AAAU) and true (TAAU) amino acid utilization were evaluated using a precision feeding trial. The protein (CP) quality was evaluated by a total efficiency analysis method. The antioxidant activity, gauged by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), was 237, 353, and 15.2 mg/mL for the water and ethanol extracts, and ascorbic acid, respectively. Tannic acids were 131.4 mg/100 g dry weight. The OEMPSM had 27.2% CP and 22.4, 15.1, and 15.8 MJ/kg of gross energy, AME and AMEn, respectively. The neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose were 40.2, 29.7, and 10.5% DM, respectively. The 15.41% of total fatty acids were saturated and 84.57% unsaturated. The AAAU and TAAU of OEMPSM were 30.92% and 61.06%, respectively. From findings, OEMPSM comprises a valuable level of bioactive substances, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and energy; it can provide up to 1.12% of the requirements of total amino acids of chickens (1–21 days); however, the quality of its protein was found to be 44.6% less than that of protein of soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In aquaculture, the aspect of nutrition is essential for fish health, quality of the products and side effects on economic profitability. In recent years, the interest on natural compounds, as fish health promoters, is exponentially increasing and this is going to support the development of new and balanced commercial diets for aquaculture. Honeybee pollen (HBP) is a good source of bioactive compounds that have demonstrated to have significant beneficial effects on immunity responses in farmed species. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HBP and its extract on some parameters related to the immune response and quality, in farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Isoenergetic and isoproteic diets were formulated as follows: a control diet (CTR); two diets containing 5% (P5) and 10% (P10) of HBP inclusion; two diets containing HBP extract, obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) (HBP_SFE), at 0.5% (E0.5) and at 1% (E1). The results demonstrated that the diet E1 improved both fish health-related parameters while not impairing fillets quality, suggesting that this level of supplementation could be suitable for gilthead seabream inflammatory responses. The awareness of the correlation between administered diet, fish health and products' quality has led to the increase in the research for innovative and functional feed ingredients. Herein, a plant-derived product rich in bioactive compounds, such as honeybee pollen (HBP), was included as raw (HBP) and as Supercritical Fluid Extracted (SFE) pollen (HBP_SFE) in the diet for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). The experiment was carried out on 90 fish with an average body weight of 294.7 ± 12.8 g, divided into five groups, according to the administration of five diets for 30 days: control diet (CTR); two diets containing HBP at 5% (P5) and at 10% (P10) level of inclusion; two diets containing HBP_SFE, at 0.5% (E0.5) and at 1% (E1) level of inclusion. Their effects were evaluated on 60 specimens (336.2 ± 11.4 g average final body weight) considering the fish growth, the expression of some hepatic genes involved in the inflammatory response (il-1β, il-6 and il-8) through quantitative real-time PCR, and physico-chemical characterization (namely color, texture, water holding capacity, fatty acid profile and lipid peroxidation) of the fish fillets monitored at the beginning (day 0) and after 110 days of storage at −20 °C. The results obtained showed that the treatment with diet E1 determined the up-regulation of il-1β, il-6, and il-8 (p < 0.05); however, this supplementation did not significantly contribute to limiting the oxidative stress. Nevertheless, no detrimental effect on color and the other physical characteristics was observed. These results suggest that a low level of HBP_SFE could be potentially utilized in aquaculture as an immunostimulant more than an antioxidant, but further investigation is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Due to the high sustainability of insect farming, the possibility to farm insects as a food and feed source seems to be very promising. Reusing and enhancing food waste is possible by using it as a substrate for the growth of insects. In this context, black soldier flies (BSF) can grow on a wide range of substrates, transforming them into valuable biomass. In this trial, four different substrates were used and were evaluated for their suitability for larvae rearing: broiler feed as standard diet, a vegetable diet, a diet with 50% of vegetables and 50% of butchery wastes, and a diet composed by 75% of vegetables and 25% of butchery wastes. Butchery wastes can be suitable, but they must be well combined with other ingredients to balance the high level of lipid and the low content of protein, and vegetable wastes can be an appropriate candidate. Vegetable and butchery wastes are easy to find and collect, and in the present trial, they showed interesting potential for BSF larvae growth producing, at 22 days of age, insects with interesting chemical characteristics. The use of vegetable wastes reduced the level of the reactive oxygen species in insect hemolymph, suggesting a positive effect of larvae welfare. Hermetia illucens larvae (five days old) were farmed on broiler feed (control diet), a vegetable diet (V100), a 50% of vegetable diet + 50% of butchery wastes (V50 + B50), and a 75% of vegetable diet + 25% of butchery wastes (V75 + B25) to evaluate their suitability. Ten kilograms of substrate and 6000 larvae composed each replicate (nine per group). Larvae were weighed and measured every two days until the 25% developed into prepupae. Larval mortality and growing indexes were calculated. Substrates, larvae, and frass chemical composition were analyzed. Larvae oxidative status and stability were measured in hemolymph and body. The V100 larvae showed the lowest live weight, length, thickness, and growth rate but had low mortality rate and high substrate reduction index and protein conversion ratio. The V100 larvae had similar protein to and lower lipids than the control ones, while the V50 + B50 and V75 + B25 larvae contained higher lipids and lower protein than the others. Despite the vegetable wastes, at different levels, the reactive oxygen species content decreased in hemolymph, and the V100 diet depressed growth performance and should be avoided. The use of butchery wastes combined with vegetable ingredients can be a suitable alternative to balance the high level of lipid and the low content of protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Although there is an established understanding of the nutritional requirements for poultry production, the evaluation of the feed form for chickens still needs to be further examined. It is generally believed that a pellet diet has a positive effect on chicken growth, but there are some studies that have reported no difference between pellet and mash on chicken's performance. The present study indicated that pellet diets improved the production performance and nutrition metabolism through positive changes in the laying rate, feed intake, egg albumen quality and apparent digestibility of laying hens. One of the most important factors that determine feed utilization by chickens is the feed form. Although it is generally believed that pellet diets have a positive effect on chicken growth, there are some studies that have indicated no difference between pellet and mash on chickens performance. This study was conducted to assess the effects of feed form on production performance, egg quality, nutrient metabolism and intestinal morphology in two breed laying hens. Two hundred and sixteen 25-week-old Hy-Line brown (n = 108) and Hy-Line grey (n = 108) hens were selected. Each breed was randomly allocated into two treatments with 6 replications (9 birds in each replication), which were fed mash and pellet diets, respectively. Production performances were recorded daily and egg quality traits were measured every two weeks. At 42 weeks of age, one bird per replication from each experimental group was selected for metabolism determination and intestine morphology observation. Compared with mash diets, pellet diets improved laying rate (p < 0.05), ADFI (average daily feed intake, p < 0.05), egg weight, shell strength, yolk proportion and Haugh unit (p < 0.05) in both breeds and reduced the FCR (feed conversion ratio, p < 0.05) in Hy-Line grey. The apparent digestibility of DM% (dry matter) and CP% (crude protein) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both breed laying hens fed pellet than those fed mash. The apparent digestibility of P% (phosphorus) and Ca% (calcium) was higher in Hy-Line grey fed pellet and was higher in Hy-Line brown fed mash. Compared to mash diets, pellet diets increased the VH (villus height), CD (crypt depth) and VCR (ratio of villus height to crypt depth) of the small intestine of Hy-Line grey, and increased the VH and CD of duodenum and ileum of Hy-Line brown. Overall, pellet diets improved production performance and nutrition metabolism through positive changes in the laying rate, feed intake, egg albumen quality and apparent digestibility of laying hens. The current findings provided support for the advantages of feeding pellets during the peak egg laying period for the two popular laying hen strains, Hy-Line brown and Hy-Line grey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In poultry farming, additives are sought after to ensure the living needs of birds, improve the health of birds, and improve growth performance. Noticeably, more and more hopes for obtaining such effects are being placed in plant additives, called phytobiotics, which are safe as natural additives, both for the health of birds and for not leaving toxic residues in final products (meat and eggs). A valuable phytobiotic ingredient is cinnamon, used in the form of an oil or a powder, which is obtained from the bark or leaves of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon oil can stimulate the appetite, increase the secretion of digestive enzymes, stimulate immunity, have anti-allergic and detoxifying properties, and also have a positive effect on reducing sugar levels in the body. It has antimicrobial properties that destroy the cell membranes of pathogens, and, thanks to its antioxidant properties, it accelerates wound healing and stimulates the functioning and regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells. It is also antiparasitic, especially against gastrointestinal parasites. Due to the number of valuable properties of cinnamon oil, it seems advisable to find the most favorable dosage and time of application of this component to the chickens' water, that may cause intended effects such as improving the health of chickens and increasing the efficiency of their rearing. It was postulated that a phytobiotic preparation containing cinnamon oil and citric acid added to drinking water for chickens in a suitable amount and for a suitable time would beneficially modify the microbiota composition and morphology of the small intestine, thereby improving immunity and growth performance without inducing metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to establish the dosage and time of administration of such a phytobiotic that would have the most beneficial effect on the intestinal histology and microbiota, production results, and immune and metabolic status of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out on 980 one-day-old male chickens until the age of 42 days. The chickens were assigned to seven experimental groups of 140 birds each (seven replications of 20 individuals each). The control group (G-C) did not receive the phytobiotic. Groups CT-0.05, CT-0.1, and CT-0.25 received the phytobiotic in their drinking water in the amount of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mL/L, respectively, at days 1–42 of life (continuous application, CT). The birds in groups PT-0.05, PT-0.5, and PT-0.25 received the phytobiotic in the same amounts, but only at days 1–7, 15–21, and 29–35 of life (periodic application, PT). Selected antioxidant and biochemical parameters were determined in the blood of the chickens, as well as parameters of immune status and redox status. The morphology of the intestinal epithelium, composition of the microbiome, and production parameters of chickens receiving the phytobiotic in their drinking water were determined as well. The addition of a phytobiotic containing cinnamon oil and citric acid to the drinking water of broiler chickens at a suitable dosage and for a suitable time can beneficially modify the microbiome composition and morphometry of the small intestine (total number of fungi p < 0.001, total number of aerobic bacteria p < 0.001; and total number of coliform bacteria p < 0.001 was decreased) improving the immunity and growth performance of the chickens (there occurred a villi lengthening p = 0.002 and crypts deepening p = 0.003). Among the three tested dosages (0.05, 0.1, and 0.25 mL/L of water) of the preparation containing cinnamon oil, the dosage of 0.25 mL/L of water administered for 42 days proved to be most beneficial. Chickens receiving the phytobiotic in the amount of 0.25 mL/L had better growth performance, which was linked to the beneficial effect of the preparation on the microbiome of the small intestine, metabolism (the HDL level p = 0.017 was increased; and a decreased level of total cholesterol (TC) p = 0.018 and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) p = 0.007, LDL p = 0.041, as well as triacylglycerols (TAG) p = 0.014), and immune (the level of lysozyme p = 0.041 was increased, as well as the percentage of phagocytic cells p = 0.034, phagocytosis index p = 0.038, and Ig-A level p = 0.031) and antioxidant system (the level of LOOH p < 0.001, MDA p = 0.002, and the activity of Catalase (CAT) p < 0.001 were decreased, but the level of ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) p = 0.029, glutathione p = 0.045 and vitamin C p = 0.021 were increased). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Feed intake and the digestibility of that feed are key drivers of animal production from grazed forage. This study compared the digestibility and voluntary dry matter (DM) intake of grass-only and grass-white clover (grass-clover) forage in individually housed sheep. The study was a Latin square design, repeated in spring, summer and autumn in 2017. Grass-clover and grass-only forage was harvested daily and offered ad libitum to 6 individually housed wether sheep per treatment. Digestibility of the forage DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) was determined using the total faecal collection method. Dry matter intake was similar on both forage types. White clover inclusion increased forage crude protein concentration in autumn and reduced NDF concentration in the offered forage, resulting in increased nitrogen intake in autumn and reduced NDF intake in all seasons. Grass-clover swards had a significantly greater OM and DM digestibility compared to grass-only swards. This could potentially result in increased animal production from grass-clover swards compared to grass-only swards. Intake and digestibility are key drivers of animal production from grazed forage. The objective of this study was to compare the in vivo digestibility and voluntary dry matter (DM) intake of grass-only and grass-white clover (grass-clover) forage in individually housed sheep. This study was a Latin square design, repeated on three occasions in 2017: Spring (27 March–29 April), summer (19 June–22 July) and autumn (4 September–29 September). Grass-clover and grass-only swards were harvested daily and offered ad libitum to 6 individually housed wether sheep per treatment per period. Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were determined using the total faecal collection method. Dry matter intake was not significantly different between treatments. White clover inclusion increased forage crude protein concentration in autumn (p < 0.001) and reduced NDF concentration in the offered forage (p < 0.001), increasing nitrogen intake per sheep in autumn (p < 0.001) and decreasing NDF intake per sheep in autumn (p < 0.001). Grass-clover swards had a significantly greater OM and DM digestibility compared to grass-only swards (p < 0.05). This could potentially result in increased animal production from grass-clover swards compared to grass-only swards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Crude protein is an essential nutrient in poultry feed. Reducing the use of crude protein not only reduces the feed cost, but also minimizes pollution during poultry production. Thus, finding the minimum protein requirement in broiler diet without compromising broiler growth is the objective in the present study. Supplementing essential amino acids including methionine and lysine to the low-protein diet showed comparable growth performance and carcass yield to the regular protein diet. Thus, reducing the crude protein level is possible if the essential amino acid balance is adequate for broiler growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-protein diets with amino acid supplementation on growth performance, carcass yield, meat quality and nitrogen excretion of broilers raised under hot climate conditions during the finisher period. In trial 1, broilers from 28 to 49 days of age were fed 18% crude protein (CP) as a positive control or 15% CP supplemented with (1) DL-methionine (Met) + L-lysine (Lys), (2) Met + Lys + L-Arginine (Arg), or (3) Met + Lys + L-Valine (Val). In trial 2, broilers from 30 to 45 days of age, were fed an 18% CP diet as a positive control or 15% CP supplemented with Met, Lys, Arg, Val, L-Isoleucine (Ile) or combination with glycine (Gly) and/or urea as nitrogen sources: (1) Met + Lys, (2) Met + Lys + Arg, (3) Met + Lys + Val, (4) Met + Lys + Ile, (5) Met + Lys + Arg +Val + Ile + Gly, and (6) Met+ Lys + Arg + Val + Ile + Gly + urea. Protein use was improved by feeding low-protein amino acid-supplemented diets as compared to the high-protein diet. Feeding 15% crude protein diet supplemented with only methionine and lysine had no negative effects on carcass yield, CP, total lipids and moisture% of breast meat while decreasing nitrogen excretion by 21%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To reduce the environmental pollution is a must to preserve the health of the world. The environmental impact of poultry farming is receiving an increasing attention due to several emissions among these is phosphorus. This element is in general present in the commercial diets of broilers or laying hens in an amount exceeding the real needing of the animals, and, therefore, a great amount of phosphorus ends in the excreta. Thus, optimizing the amount of phosphorous in the diets of poultry could partially alleviate the environmental impact of these farms. A total of 420 day old chicks were divided into seven groups (5 replicates of 12 chicks/group) fed isoproteic and isoenergetic diets. The control group was fed diets containing 0.50%, 0.45% and 0.40% of non-phytic phosphorous (nPP) in starter (1–35), grower (37–56) and finisher (57–64 d) periods, respectively. The three intermediate nPP (IntnPP) groups were fed diets with 0.40%, 0.35% and 0.30% nPP according to the growth period and were submitted to three dietary treatments: unsupplemented; supplemented with 500 FTU/kg diet of an Aspergillus niger phytase (IntnPP_fp) and supplemented with 500 FTU/kg diet of an Escherichia coli phytase (IntnPP_bp). The three low nPP groups fed diets contained 0.30%, 0.25% and 0.20% nPP and were submitted to the same dietary treatments than IntnPP to obtain LnPP, LnPP_fp and LnPP_bp groups. IntnPP and LnPP groups had lower body weight gain and feed, crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake (p < 0.05) than the control. Feed conversion ratio of IntnPP was more favorable (p < 0.01) than the LnPP group. CP and ME conversion ratios worsened (p < 0.01) in IntnPP and LnPP groups in comparison to the control. The nPP conversion ratio improved (p < 0.01) from the control to the LnPP group. Fungal phytase reduced (p < 0.05) feed, CP, ME and nPP intake than the bacterial one. IntnPP and LnPP diets had a lower digestibility of CP (p < 0.01) and CF (p = 0.01) than the control. IntnPP and LnPP groups showed a higher (p < 0.05) economic efficiency than the control. Blood total protein was the lowest (p < 0.05) in the LnPP group, the control group showed the lowest (p < 0.05) level of albumin and IntnPP group had the lowest (p < 0.01) globulin level. The use of bacterial phytase increased (p < 0.01) total protein and globulin and decreased (p < 0.05) the plasma cholesterol in comparison to fungal phytase. Decreasing nPP levels in colored slow-growing broilers diet negatively affects growth performance and the use of phytase can partly alleviate these negative effects, but the efficiency of different enzyme sources (bacterial or fungal) was tied to the dietary nPP levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recently, several studies have focused on the use of nutraceuticals and honey bee products to improve the welfare and sustainability of animal husbandry. Honey bee pollen is rich in bioactive substances, presenting a strong antioxidant activity with possible positive effects on growth performance and non-specific immune responses in reared fish. Despite its favorable characteristics, the addition of honey bee pollen to a meagre (Argyrosomus regius) diet in our trial resulted in a reduction of growth performances and diet digestibility, histological alterations of intestinal morphology, and high levels of biomolecular stress markers, probably due to its complex ultrastructure, which is indigestible for monogastric animals. These negative effects could be overcome by using bioactive component extraction methods and thus eliminating the indigestible fractions. Our results confirmed the general assumption that it should always be considered necessary to test nutraceutical additives of natural origin in a given species in order to verify the effective positive action and exclude any negative repercussions on animal health. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of honey bee pollen (HBP) in meagre (Argyrosoumus regius) juveniles' diets on growth performance, diet digestibility, intestinal morphology, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, stress-related molecular markers and biochemical blood profile of fish were evaluated, together with mineral trace and toxic element concentration in pollen and diets. Specimens of meagre (360) of 3.34 ± 0.14 g initial body weight, were randomly allocated to twelve 500 L circular tanks (30 fish per tank). Four diets were formulated: a control diet and three experimental diets with 1%, 2.5%, and 4% of HBP inclusion. All the growth parameters and crude protein and ether extract digestibility coefficients were negatively linearly affected by increased HBP inclusion (p < 0.0001). Histology of medium intestine showed slight signs of alterations in group HPB1 and HPB2.5 compared to control. Fish from HBP4 group showed severe alterations at the intestinal mucosa level. Immunohistochemical detection of TNF-α in the medium intestine showed the presence of TNF-α+ cells in the lamina propria, which resulted in accordance with the increased level of the TNF-α protein detected by immunoblotting in the liver. This stress situation was confirmed by the increased hepatic level of HSP70 (p < 0.05) in fish fed the HBP4 diet and by the linear decrease of total serum protein levels in HBP-containing diets (p < 0.0001). These negative effects can be related to the ultrastructure of the bee pollen grain walls, which make the bioactive substances unavailable and can irritate the intestine of a carnivorous fish such as meagre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Concurrently with the actual challenges in the poultry industry, we aimed to assess the changes induced by the inclusion of an alternative protein source (partially defatted Hermetia illucens larva meal, HI) at two different levels as well as hen age on the overall egg quality and deepened their effect of albumen technological properties. This study could provide useful information for the egg supply chain in order to optimize egg utilization, as a whole or as egg products, thus preventing food losses or undesirable wastes. Specifically, based on the obtained results, the eggs laid by hens fed the highest inclusion of HI would be directed towards egg product industry due to their reduced eggshell percentage and thickness which could increase their fragility. Contrariwise, due to the impaired albumen technological properties, as foaming, found in the egg laid by 27–35 wk-old hens, they could be preferentially sold as a whole. The impact on the egg quality and the albumen technological properties were here evaluated as affected by diet and hen age (A) of 162 Hy-line Brown hens. Three isoproteic and isoenergetic diets were formulated respecting the requirements for Hy-line hens: the control diet (C) based on conventional protein sources, and other two where vegetable proteins were substituted at 25% (HI25) and 50% (HI50) by partially defatted Hermetia illucens larva meal (HI). Ten eggs collected from each group at the hen ages of 20, 27, and 35 weeks were evaluated. The eggshell percentage and thickness were significantly reduced in the HI50 eggs (11.93% and 476 µm, respectively) compared to the C (12.34%, 542 µm) and HI25 (12.54%, 516 µm). The aging lowered (p = 0.05) the protein and increased (p < 0.001) water contents of the eggs. Although the foam capacity of the HI50 albumen was halved than the C group (p < 0.05), it was unaffected by the aging. Additionally, this did not impair the volume and the textural properties of a batter (angel cake) in which it was included. On the opposite, the textural characteristics of the cake made by the oldest hens (i.e., 35 wk-old) were compromised. In conclusion, the diet and hen age differently affected egg quality and its technological properties, which could be positive to obtain eggs to destine directly to the market or to the egg industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The rabbit farming sector is going through a difficult period. The reduction in the consumption of rabbit meat and the increased attention paid by consumers to the welfare of farmed animals require the adoption of farming methods that are as "natural" as possible and at the same time may ensure the maintenance of good growth performance. In this sense, free-range breeding on the ground and in colonies allows the rabbits to express more natural behaviour, but it also presents some negative aspects such as decreased growth performance, higher energy expenditure of subjects due to a higher locomotion activity, and the need for a larger rearing space. Mirrors can represent a valid solution by improving the rabbits welfare and at the same time ensuring good growth performance and carcass quality traits. The aim of this work was to propose a model of free-range raising for rabbit able to maximize the animal welfare and at the same time the productive performances through the use of mirrors. A total of 81 rabbits were allocated into free-range areas and divided into three groups (nine replicates per group): in the first group (face to face, F2F), the rabbits of each replicate could see each other. In the second group (blind) each replicate was isolated from the others; in the third group (mirrors), the replicates were divided as for the Blind group but two mirrors were placed in a corner of the perimeter. The blind group rabbits showed the lowest final weight (p < 0.05), while rabbits from the mirrors groups showed the best FCR and net dressing out values. The blind group showed the highest production of total short chain fatty acids, acetate (p < 0.05) and propionate (p < 0.01). The F2F rabbits showed higher levels of creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase and lower values of blood glucose than those of the other groups, due to the higher locomotion activity. The use of mirrors can improve rabbit's growth performance and carcass traits by lowering the rabbit's locomotion activity in comparison to the other tested systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study showed that the use of mirrors may represent a low-cost useful tool to stimulate the expression of natural behaviors when rabbits are bred in small groups in a free-range system. The use of mirrors appeared to simulate the condition in which rabbits were allowed to have visual contacts with the other groups, improving important natural behaviors (olfactory investigation, gnawing, alertness, allo-grooming, stretching, locomotion). This is important in the view of adopting welfare-friendly techniques in rearing of farm animals, since consumers demand for high quality animal products is changing in a way that includes in the concept of home-made products also alternative rearing systems complying with the conditions of welfare. The aim of this research was to evaluate the possible usefulness of mirrors in improving rabbit behavior in a free-range breeding system. Three groups (each consisting of nine replicates of three animals) were compared: isolated, isolated with mirrors and separated by a wire mesh (possible visual and olfactory contacts). Rabbits allowed to have a visual and olfactory contact showed a significantly higher expression of important natural behaviors (olfactory investigation, gnawing, alertness, stretching, locomotion) compared to the isolated rabbits (with or without mirrors); while rabbits in the mirror group showed higher allo-grooming activity than those isolated and no different locomotion activity than those separated by wire mesh. Thus, mirrors seemed to be able to modify the behavioral repertoire of isolated rabbits by acting on social perception in rabbits reared in small groups in a free-range system. Nevertheless, despite it being advisable to use a combination of different indicators in order to assess the stress level of an animal, the accuracy of serum cortisol, as well as of some secondary stress markers assay, appeared to be limited in this type of breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The environment sustainability of farms is extremely important for the future of the world. In this context, the lowering of the pollution from intensive poultry farms is necessary. Due to its low levels and low digestibility in feeds, Zn is often overdosed in poultry feed, and its excess in the excreta can accumulate in the soil, inhibiting the growth of soil microorganism as well as altering their morphology and metabolism, thus reducing the crop yield and quality. Enzymes, such as phytase, can breakdown the linkage of Zn with phytic acid in vegetable feeds, thus increase the Zn availability for animal digestion. In this way, very low supplementation of Zn to the diets can meet the requirement of poultry. The effect of phytase and inorganic Zn supplementation was studied in 180 male White Pekin ducks (WPD) from 1 to 56 days of age. The birds were divided into four groups fed the same basal diet (containing 26 ppm of Zn from raw materials): the control group did not receive Zn supplementation; the second group was supplemented with 30 ppm of Zn oxide; and the third and fourth groups were fed the control and the 30 ppm diets, respectively, both supplemented with 500 U of E. coli phytase. Each group contained five replicates of nine ducks. The body weight and feed intake were recorded at 1, 28 and 56 days of age. At 56 days of age, five birds/group were used to measure feed digestibility and five other birds/group were slaughtered. Zn at 30 ppm increased the body weight gain (BWG, p < 0.01) and feed intake (p < 0.05) and improved the feed conversion (FCR, p < 0.05) of the growing ducks. The Zn retention and Zn level in the excreta increased (p < 0.01) due to Zn supplementation. The addition of phytase improved BWG (p < 0.01) and FCR (p < 0.05) of growing ducks. The use of phytase reduced (p < 0.01) the level of Zn in duck excreta. Phytase supplementation to the basal diet at 30 ppm seems to be adequate to meet Zn requirements for ducks without further Zn additions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recently, several studies have focused on the use of insect larvae meal as an alternative to soybean meal in poultry diets. In this regard, it is crucial to understand all the possible aspects related to the chemical-nutritional characteristics, the effects on the animals' health and welfare, and the safety of different insect meals. This study aimed to evaluate volatile fatty acids production in the caeca, the intestinal morphometry, and the brush border enzymatic activity of hens fed different levels of Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae meal for 24 weeks. The research also aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the concentration of toxic elements in insect meals. Overall, the insect meal inclusion affected the small intestine morphometry, the enzymatic activity, and the caecal microbial activity. The soybean meal group showed the highest intestinal functionality, while a compensatory mechanism, probably mediated by the chitin, led to a positive increase of volatile fatty acids and butyrate in the 50% protein replacement diet with potential positive effects on gut healthiness. The levels of toxic elements in the diets and insect meal were lower than the maximum levels of heavy metals set by the EU Commission for the feed. To evaluate the effects of feeding a Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal on the different intestinal traits of hens, and to determine the toxic elements' concentration in the insect meal and diets, 162 hens were randomly allotted to three groups. The control received a corn-soybean meal-based diet (SBM); the HI25 and HI50 groups received two diets in which the 25% and 50% of the dietary protein were replaced by the HI protein, respectively. The duodenal and jejunal villi height and villi/crypt were higher (p < 0.01) in the SBM than in the HI groups. The ileal villi height was higher (p < 0.05) in the SBM and HI25 groups than the HI50. The HI50 group exhibited a lower duodenal maltase activity. The intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) activity linearly decreased in the duodenum and jejunum as the dietary insect meal inclusion increased. The HI50 group had a higher acetate and butyrate level than the SBM. The levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) in the diets and insect meal were lower than the maximum values established by the EU Commission. The 25% soybean protein replacement with Hermetia illucens larvae meal in the diet of laying hens was more suitable and closer to the optimal level than 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]