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The present study aimed to determine the effect of different levels of protein on the growth, body composition, amino acid profile and serology of Channa marulius fingerlings. The experiment was conducted in ten happas installed in earthen ponds, each stocked with 10 fishes for 90 days. Four commercial fish feeds having 25%, 30%, 32% and 40% crude protein (CP) levels were fed to fish at 3% of their wet body weight three times a day. The results of the study revealed that highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were observed in 30% protein feed. Meanwhile, moisture content was higher in fish fed with 30% CP feed while highest crude protein was recorded in 40% CP fed fish. Lowest fat content was observed in 32% CP feed. Amino acid profile of fish revealed better results in 30% CP feed. Total protein, glucose and globulin were also highest in fish feeding 30% CP feed, while albumin was highest in 40% CP feed. It is concluded that 30% CP feed showed better results in terms of growth, amino acid profile and serological parameters without effecting fish body composition. Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína sobre o crescimento, composição corporal, perfil de aminoácidos e sorologia de alevinos de Channa marulius. O experimento foi conduzido em dez happas instalados em tanques de terra, cada um abastecido com 10 peixes, por 90 dias. Quatro alimentos para peixes comerciais com níveis de 25%, 30%, 32% e 40% de proteína bruta (PB) foram dados aos peixes com 3% de seu peso corporal úmido três vezes ao dia. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que maior ganho de peso, taxa de conversão alimentar e taxa de sobrevivência foram observados em 30% de proteína alimentar. Enquanto isso, o conteúdo de umidade foi maior em peixes alimentados com 30% de PB, enquanto a proteína bruta mais alta foi registrada em peixes alimentados com 40% de PB. O menor conteúdo de gordura foi observado em rações com 32% de PB. O perfil de aminoácidos dos peixes revelou melhores resultados na ração com 30% de PB. Proteína total, glicose e globulina também foram maiores em peixes alimentados com ração com 30% de PB, enquanto a albumina foi mais alta com 40% de PB. Conclui-se que a ração com 30% de PB apresentou melhores resultados em termos de crescimento, perfil de aminoácidos e parâmetros sorológicos sem afetar a composição corporal dos peixes.

This study investigated the effects of replacing fishmeal with Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) on growth, feed utilization and intestinal histology of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The control diet contained 350 g/kg fishmeal, and then dietary fishmeal was decreased to 300 g/kg, 250 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 150 g/kg and 100 g/kg by CAP inclusion, respectively (FM-30, FM-25, FM-20, FM-15, FM-10). The largemouth bass (110.0 ± 1.0 g) were fed one of the six diets for 8 weeks. The groups of FM-30, FM-25 and FM-20 showed the similar weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) to the control (P > 0.05), while the WG of FM-10 group was decreased by 15.9%, and FCR increased by 0.12 when compared to the control (P 0.05). In conclusion, CAP could replace 150 g/kg fishmeal in diet (350 g/kg fishmeal) without adverse effects on growth, feed utilization and intestinal histology of largemouth bass.

The present study was conducted to estimate the optimum requirement of phosphorus in practical diets for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Six iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated with the supplementation of monocalcium phosphate (MCP) of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g/kg in basal diet containing 350 g/kg fish meal, respectively. The digestible phosphorus of the six diets was measured as 5.7, 6.7, 7.8, 8.7, 9.3 and 10.0 g/kg, respectively. Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups of 25 juvenile fish (initial body weight, 16.0 ± 0.2 g) for 60 days. The results showed that weight gain increased, and feed conversion ratio decreased with the increase of dietary phosphorus. When dietary MCP exceeded 15 g/kg (digestible phosphorus of 8.7 g/kg), the WG and FCR were maintained at the similar values. The crude ash, phosphorus and calcium contents in whole body, apparent digestibility of phosphorus and protein retention also increased with the increasing phosphorus level in diets. Vertebrae phosphorus and calcium levels and plasma phosphorus showed no further increase when dietary MCP reached 20, 20 and 10 g/kg with digestible phosphorus of 9.3, 9.3 and 7.8 g/kg, respectively. Broken-line analysis indicated that the digestible phosphorus requirement for largemouth bass were 8.9, 8.7 and 9.6 g/kg based on weight gain, feed conversion ratio and vertebral phosphorus content. In conclusion, the supplementation of MCP in a diet containing 350 g/kg fish meal improved the growth and feed utilization of largemouth bass, and the digestible phosphorus requirement was suggested to be 8.7–8.9 g/kg with MCP supplementation of 15.0–15.8 g/kg.

Salmonella is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne zoonoses in humans. Thus, the development of strategies to control bacterial pathogens in poultry is essential. Peanut skins, a considerable waste by-product of the peanut industry is discarded and of little economic value. However, peanut skins contain identified polyphenolic compounds that have antimicrobial properties. Hence, we aim to investigate the use of peanut skins as an antibacterial feed additive in the diets of broilers to prevent the proliferation of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). One hundred sixty male hatchlings (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to (i) peanut skin diet without SE inoculation (PS); (ii) peanut skin diet and SE inoculation (PSSE); (iii) control diet without SE inoculation (CON); and (iv) control diet with SE inoculation (CONSE). Feed intake and body weights were determined at weeks 0 and 5. On days 10 and 24 posthatch, three birds per pen (24 total) from each treatment group were euthanized, and the liver, spleen, small intestine, and ceca were collected. The weights of the liver, spleen, and ceca were recorded. Organ invasion was determined by counting SE colonies. Each pen served as an experimental unit and was analyzed by using a t test. Performance data were analyzed in a completely randomized design by using a general linear mixed model to evaluate differences. There were no significant differences (P0.05) in weekly average pen body weight, total feed consumption, bird weight gain, and feed conversion ratio between the treatment groups. There were no significant differences in SE CFU per gram for fecal, litter, or feed between the treatment groups CONSE and PSSE. However, for both fecal and litter, the PSSE treatment group tended (P ≤ 0.1) to have a lower Salmonella CFU per gram compared with the CONSE treatment group. The results indicate that peanut skins may have potential application as an antimicrobial feed additive to reduce the transmission or proliferation of SE in poultry environments or flocks.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of phytogenic extract on growth and health of tilapia. Three experimental diets were designed as the basal diet (Con) and phytogenic extract (Flourishing, F) supplemented diets at 0.5 and 1 g/kg inclusion (F-1 and F-2), which the phytogenic additive was extracted from Eucommia ulmoides, Astragalus membranaceus, Lonicera japonica and Codonopsis pilosula. The three diets were fed to juvenile tilapia (14.0 ± 0.1 g) with 30 fish per cage, and three replicate cages from the three groups were placed in one indoor concrete pool (a total of three pools were used). After 8 weeks of feeding, the weight gain was significantly increased, and feed conversion ratio was decreased in F-2 group (P

Objective An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing graded concentrations of inorganic sulphur (S) without and with folic acid (FA) in maize-soybean meal diets on performance, slaughter and anti-oxidant variables, immune responses and serum protein fractions in broiler chicken. Methods Inorganic S was supplemented at 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20% alone or in combination with FA (4 mg/kg) in basal diet (BD) containing no supplemental methionine (Met) and FA. A control group was fed with the recommended concentration of Met. Each diet was offered to 10 pens of 5 male broiler chicks (Cobb 400) and fed ad libitum from day 1 to 42. Results The broilers fed the BD had lower body weight gain (BWG), feed efficiency (FE), higher lipid peroxidation (LP), lower activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), lower lymphocyte proliferation ratio (LPR), and reduced concentrations of total protein, albumin, and globulin in serum. Supplementation of FA and S to the BD improved the BWG (all concentrations of S) and FE (0.20% S) similar to the control group. Similarly, the combination of S and FA significantly improved the concentrations of total protein, albumin, and globulin in serum, reduced the LP and increased the activity of GSHPx and LPR. However, responses in the above parameters were related to the concentration of S in the diet. The slaughter variables and antibody titres against the Newcastle disease were not affected with the treatments. Conclusion Based on the results, it is concluded that the combination of S (0.2%) and FA (4 mg/kg) improved the body weight gain and feed efficiency, similarly supplementation of these nutrients improved the concentration of protein fractions and reduced the stress (reduced LP and improved GSHPx) variables in serum and improved the cell mediated immune response (LPR) in broilers fed sub-optimal concentrations of Met in diet.

In this study, the effect of oral administration of chaste tree fruit (CTF) extract was evaluated on growth performance, hematological indices, serum biochemical parameters, and the expression of growth and appetite-related genes in goldfish (Carassius auratus). The fry (N = 300; 2.40 ± 0.12 g) were randomly dispersed into 12 aquaria and fed with different levels of CTF extract (0 (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) for 56 days. At the end of the trial, the highest body weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio were observed in the fish fed with 1.5% CTF extract (P 0.05). The levels of aspartate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase were decreased by increasing the supplementation levels of CTF extract and the lowest values were obtained in 1.5% CTF extract diet (P

The use of antibiotic feed additives in poultry feed is currently discouraged owing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other drawbacks. The benefits and importance of phytogenic feed additives as potential alternatives in poultry nutrition include stimulation of digestion, higher feed conversion rate, reduced incidence of disease and profitability. Evaluation of the mineral content and other properties of plant material generates useful information towards rationalizing the use of plants as alternatives to antibiotic feed additives. Concentrations of macro-and micro-minerals in Morinda lucida, Acalypha wilkesiana, Ficus exasperata and standard broiler feed were determined using ICP-MS, and ICP-OES. Levels of degradation of C and N over specific periods of time were evaluated by dry oxidation (Dumas). Radical scavenging activities were investigated using DPPH and ABTS assays while levels of phytochemical constituents were assessed using standard methods. Macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the plant powders were generally higher than those of standard broiler feed. With few exceptions it was observed that the levels of total C and N as well as the C/N ratio in plant powders and standard feed were proportional to storage time. Macronutrients were higher in F. exasperata and A. wilkesiana while micronutrients were higher in A. wilkesiana and M. lucida. The highest total N and C levels were observed in M. lucida while A. wilkesiana showed the highest C/N ratio. Remarkable radical scavenging activities were displayed by A. wilkesiana while the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were exhibited by aqueous and acetone extracts of F. exasperata respectively. High antioxidant activity was correlated with high total C and C/N ratio of the plant powders. In M. lucida leaf powder, fructose was the dominant sugar at 8,450 mg/kg DW followed by glucose and sucrose with a good amount of Se at 0.32 mg/kg DW. The contents of malic acid were the highest (20,500 mg/kg DW). Organic acids decrease intestinal Escherichia coli and Salmonella species in broilers. Cl− was the most predominant anion. Minerals and organic acids are essential antimicrobial and antioxidant constituents of poultry diets for the maintenance of gut flora health, and their body metabolic, enzymatic and antioxidant defence. This study highlights the nutrients content of the selected plants, providing motivation for further investigation of these species as poultry feed additives.

Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis, Agave fructans, and symbiotic of both encapsulated on growth performance, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and immune status in broiler chickens, and to compare these with diets including antibiotic growth promoters and without additives.Methods: A comparative experimental study was carried out with 135 male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Each trial was divided into 5 equal groups. Control group (CON) received a standard diet without growth promoter; GPA, a standard diet with colistin sulfate and zinc bacitracin (0.25 g/kg of feed); PRE, a standard diet with 1% Agave fructans; PRO, a standard diet with Bifidobacterium animalis (11.14±0.70 log CFU/g); SYM, a standard diet with B. animalis and Agave fructans.Results: A significant decrease in food consumption was found for the GPA, PRE, and SYM, compared to the CON group. The results show a better feed conversion index in PRE and GPA with respect to the CON group with the highest conversion index. Interestingly, the weight of the gastrointestinal tract shows a statistically significant difference between GPA and PRE groups. Moreover, the length of the gastrointestinal tract of the GPA group was less than the PRE group. In the total leukocyte count, there was a statistically significant increase in the GPA group compared to the CON, PRE, and PRO groups, and the heterophiles-lymphocytes index was lower in PRO. Regarding the cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) decreased in PRO compared to CON and PRE, while IL-1β increased in the SYM group.Conclusion: Alternative treatments were shown to achieve similar productive results as growth-promoting antibiotics and showed improvement over diet without additives; however, they have immunomodulatory properties and improved the development of the gastrointestinal tract compared to the treatment of growth-promoting antibiotics.

Aim This study aimed to determine the potential prophylactic efficacy of probiotic individually and/or in combination with anti-coccidial drug on the performance and immunity of broilers under an induced coccidial infection over a 28-day of experimental trial. Methods One hundred and eighty 1-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups, included control group (CG), control positive group (CPG), probiotic-treated group (Prob), diclazuril-treated group (Dic), and probiotic + diclazuril-treated group (Prob + Dic). On day 21 of age, all birds, except group CG, were orally inoculated with 1 ml of tap water containing 25,000 Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts. Results Our results showed that the probiotic treatment did not influence pre-challenge body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). During the post-challenge period, chickens in groups probiotic and diclazuril individually and in combination exhibited higher body weight and lower (better) FCR, reduced oocyst shedding (throughout the day four, five, six and seven post-infection), cecal lesions and mortality compared with control positive chickens. Moreover, Compared to CPG group, Prob + Dic group showed increased (p < 0.05) serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) and decreased the concentrations of interferon gamma (IFN-γ). On the other hand, individual treatment with probiotic exhibited highest serum levels of IL-10 and IgM, while diclazuril alone increased the blood concentrations of IL-10 and decreased the levels of IFN-γ compared to control positive group; however, there was no significant effect of Prob on IFN-γ, Dic on IgM and all groups on interleukin-17. Conclusion In conclusion, supplementation of probiotic, with and/or without anti-coccidial drug, enhances immunity and inhibits the negative effects of Eimeria infection. Significance and Impact of the Study This study reveals the anti-coccidial mechanisms of probiotic in the presence and absence of anti-coccidial drug in preventing the coccidia infection.

Objective: An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of algae-based antioxidant containing Se yeast (EconomasE®) on the growth performance, visceral organ weight, meat quality, and oxidative stability of broiler chickens.Methods: Nine hundred sixty, day-old male broiler chickens (Cobb, 43.97±0.55 g) were divided into three dietary treatments and allocated into 12 deep litter pens in a completely randomized design giving 4 replicate cages for each treatment. Three dietary treatments were: i) control (CON, basal diet with sufficient nutrient), ii) vitamin E (VitE, basal diet supplemented with 100 IU VitE), and iii) Algae-based antioxidant containing Se yeast (EcoE, basal diet supplemented with 0.2% algae-based antioxidant containing Se yeast: EconomasE®). Maize soybean meal based basal diets were formulated to meet or exceed the nutrition requirement for broiler chickens. Chickens were fed ad-libitum experimental diets during the 42 days experiment period. On days 21 and 42, body weight and feed intake were measured to calculate the feed conversion ratio of the chickens. Intestine and visceral organs were measured together with meat quality and oxidative stability on days 14 and 42.Results: Chickens fed with EcoE showed improved (p

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different levels of boron supplementation on the performance and eggshell quality of 162 breeding quails at 7 weeks of age. For this purpose, 9 different diets with addition of 0, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 120, 160 and 240 mg/kg B were used. The experiment was designed at 9 different levels of B, as 3 replicates, on 27 subgroups in total. Each cage compartment was accepted as replicate and 4 female and 2 male quails were placed in each cage. Water and feed are provided as ad-libutum to the quails that are housed in battery-type cages and the lighting was applied continuously. The final body weight (FBW) of the quails, body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), egg production (EP%), egg mass (EM), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight (EW), egg specific gravity (ESG), egg surface area (ESA), eggshell weight (ESW%), eggshell breaking strength (ESBS) values were measured. The effect of the addition of different levels of B to the rations on BW, BWG, FI, EP %, EM and FCR was not statically significant, while effects on EW (p

In recent years, high-fat diet (HFD) has been widely applied in aquaculture, which reduces the intestinal health of cultured fish. The current study evaluated the protective effects of nano-selenium (nano-Se) on intestinal health of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed with HFD. A total of 135 experimental fish were fed with a regular diet (Con), a HFD (HFD) and a HFD containing nano-Se at 0.6 mg/kg (HSe) for 10 weeks. The results showed that dietary nano-Se significantly improved the survival rate and feed efficiency which were reduced by HFD in juvenile grass carp (P

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of inclusion of defatted black soldier fly larvae (Def-BSFL) meal as a protein source on the performance and blood plasma constituents of broiler chickens. A total of 360-day-old chicks were assigned into four dietary groups, which included four different levels of Def-BSFL meal namely control (0% BSFL), T1(4% BSFL), T2 (8% BSFL) and T3 (12% BSFL) for six weeks experimental feeding period. At the end of the experiment, the blood samples of three birds from each treatment were collected to measure plasma constituents. Birds fed control and T1 diets demonstrated higher feed intake during the finisher stage compared with T2 and T3 diets. The heaviest weight for the 6-week feeding trial was recorded at T1 (1043.8 ± 65.9 g). Birds fed T1 (1.1 ± 0.0) and T3 (0.9 ± 0.1) diets displayed lower feed conversion ratio during the finisher stage than those fed control (1.7 ± 0.1) and T2 (1.8 ± 0.3) diets. Birds fed the control diet demonstrated the highest red blood cell with mean and standard deviation of 7.5 ± 0.34, whereas those fed the T2 diet showed the highest haemoglobin levels with mean and standard deviation of 15.8 ± 0.24. Birds fed T1, T2, and T3 diets exhibited a higher number (P

An appropriate stocking density is beneficial to run an efficient business and improve animal welfare. In most traditional livestock this is defined as the number of animals per area. However, the larvae of the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), one of the most important commercial insects, live both on top and inside their feed. In this study we assessed if different areal stocking densities (2D, range 0.6-10.4 larvae/cm2) resulted in a different growth rate and feed efficiency when the volumetric stocking density remained constant (1 larvae/cm3). In a first experiment the larvae received wheat bran once at the start, but in the second experiment wheat bran was added throughout the experiment to ensure that the larvae remained at 1 larvae/cm3. The results indicate that, given a stable volumetric density, the areal density can vary between 0.6 and 10.4 larvae/cm2 without extreme variation in growth, survival or feed efficiency. The lowest assessed densities did result in a slightly lower average weight and yield. A maximum yield per volume of feed was observed at 2.5 larvae/cm2 (feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.76 dry feed/live larvae). Yet, the overall highest yield was observed at 10.4 larvae/cm2 as the increased areal density far outweighed the slight decrease in FCR. In conclusion: when mealworm larvae are provided with an equal volume of wheat bran the influence of areal density is low and could be as high as 10.4 larvae/cm2 for optimal yield.

In order to study the metabolomic responses of rapeseed meal on grass carp and the role that tannin plays in those responses, grass carp were fed four diets for an eight week trial. Two were practical diets: FM diet contained 10% fishmeal without rapeseed meal, RM diet contained 50% rapeseed meal without fishmeal; the other two were semi-purified diets without (T0) or with 1.25% (T1) of supplemental hydrolysable tannin. The tannin content in the RM diet was close to that of T1. The rate of weight gain for RM was significantly lower than FM, while the feed conversion ratio in the T1 was significantly higher than T0. The muscle lipid and protein content was significantly lower and glycogen higher in the RM and T1 compared to the other treatments. The percent of muscle-saturated fatty acid (SFA) in the RM and T1 groups was significantly lower than FM and T0 groups, respectively, while the mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) in the RM group was significantly higher than FM. The hepatic activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were lower and the hepatic glycogen and malonaldehyde were higher in the T1 and RM than the other treatments. The total serum protein, globulin, and triglycerides were significantly higher in T1 and RM; the alanine aminotransferase in the T1 was significantly higher than T0; and the aspartate aminotransferase in the RM and T0 groups were significantly higher than the other treatments. In a metabolomic assay, 29 differential metabolites were identified between T0 and T1, 23 metabolites were downregulated, and 6 metabolites were upregulated in T1 compared to T0. Ninety-two differential metabolites were identified between FM and RM, 31 metabolites were downregulated, and 61 metabolites were upregulated in RM compared to FM. These indicated that lipid utilization and carbohydrate metabolism might be improved, while the protein metabolism was suppressed by rapeseed meal. The abnormal protein and lipid metabolism may be partly caused by tannin in the rapeseed meal, as the tannin contained within the rapeseed meal seemed to bring different effects that the tannin additive.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of groundnut haulm and maize bran mixture supplementations on feed intake, digestibility, body weight gain and carcass characteristics of local sheep fed hay basal diet at Salga sheep farm in Assosa district, Western Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments consisting of six blocks with four animals per block based on their initial body weight of 20.12 ± 0.05 kg (mean ± SD). Treatments comprised of feeding natural pasture hay ad libitum T1 = 0; T2 = 100% maize bran (MB); T3 = 50% MB and 50% Groundnut haulm (GNH), and T4 = 100% GNH. The amount of supplements offered was 300 g/day/animal on DM basis. The daily feed intake, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, dry matter and nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics parameters were measured during the experimental period. The study result indicates that the crude protein (CP) contents were 7.12% and 11.6%, and the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents were 67.9% and 57.5% for natural grass hay and groundnut haulm, respectively. The total DM intake was higher (P

The purpose of the current study was to detect the effects of different levels of rosemary volatile oil (VO) supplemented to laying quail diets on performance, egg quality parameters, and egg yolk oxidative stability. In this study, a total of 105 laying quails (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) at the age of 6 weeks were used and 3 main groups were formed, each containing 35 quails. Also, each main group was separated into 5 replicates containing an equal number of quails. Quails were fed a control diet without rosemary VO or diets which were containing at different levels (200 or 400 mg/kg) of rosemary VO supplemented to the control diet. At the end of the study, which was continued for a total of 56 days, no significant difference was found in the feed intake, feed efficiency and egg weights among the control and experimental groups. The supplementation of rosemary VO at the levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg to the diets caused an increase in quails' egg production (P

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary multi-strain probiotic (MSP) (Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 + Bacillus subtillis UBBS14 + Saccharomyces boulardii Unique 28) on performance, gut morphology and expression of nutrient transporter related genes in broiler chickens.Methods: A total of 256 (4×8×8) day-old CARIBRO Vishal commercial broiler chicks of uniform body weight were randomly distributed into four treatments with 8 replicates each and having eight chicks in each replicate. Four dietary treatments were T1 (negative control-basal diet), T2 (positive control-antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate at 20 mg/kg diet), T3 (MSP at 107 colony-forming unit [CFU]/g feed), and T4 (MSP at 108 CFU/g feed).Results: During 3 to 6 weeks and 0 to 6 weeks, the body weight gain increased significantly (p3 and T4 groups. The feed intake significantly (p3 during 0 to 3 weeks and the feed conversion ratio also significantly (p3 and T4 during 0 to 6 weeks. The humoral and cell mediated immune response and the weight of immune organs were also significantly (p3 and T4. However, significant (p3 followed by T4 and T2. At 14 d post hatch, the relative gene expression of glucose transporter (GLUT5), sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1) and peptide transporter (PepT1) showed a significant (p2, T3, and T4. Whereas, at 21 d post hatch, the gene expression of SGLT1 and PepT1 was significantly (p3 and T4.Conclusion: The supplementation of MSP at 107 CFU/g diet showed significant effects with improved performance, immune response, gut morphology and expression of nutrient transporter genes. Thus, the MSP could be a suitable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in chicken diets.

Galaxias maculatus aquaculture objectives is to produce millions of eggs. Wild females are small (2 g), have quick sexual maturity and low mean fecundity (500 eggs/female), requiring larger fishes with higher fecundity. This study aim is to evaluate experimentally the effect of the levels of protein, lipid and dietary energy on weight increases in adults. Five independent experiments were performed at different sequential time periods at the UCT hatchery, Chile. Specimens were obtained from a) Crystalline sea return specimen catches in the Tolten estuary (4 -6 cm, 0.3-0.4 g.). b) Hatchery cultured fish. Fish were fed by hand ad libitum. In experiments 1 to 4, pelleted diets were prepared with 3 to 5 levels of protein (treatments 27 up to 57%), crumble size, three 100 L fibre ponds replicates. In experiment 5 the effect of two lipid levels (8 and 21%) was evaluated with commercial extruded Salmon Nutra Starter isoproteic crumble 1 diet at 63%, replicated in 4 ponds. The results show: A tendency to increased weight in all sizes with an increased protein level in the pelleted diet.A maximal adult growth is obtained with a diet containing a minimum of 37% crude protein, with 40% the optimal value. A higher % protein in the diet or growth in weight lower feed conversion ratio. The feed conversion ratio in the extruded diet reaches up to 0.5 and in the pelleted vary from 0.7 to 1.5. Fish 0.6 g fed with 63% protein, extruded commercial diet with two different lipid levels (8 and 21%, 20.40 and 23.84 MJ kg-1, PE/TE 0.62 and 0.71) increased weight the first month 67 and 105% each. It has been established that high-energy diets with optimal levels of protein and lipid are a good short-term solution to obtain G. maculatus of higher weight. Resumo O objetivo da aquicultura de Galaxias maculatus é produzir milhões de ovos. As fêmeas selvagens são pequenas (2 g) e têm maturidade sexual rápida e fecundidade média baixa (500 ovos/fêmea), necessitando de peixes maiores e com fecundidade superior. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar experimentalmente o efeito dos níveis de proteínas, lipídios e energia da dieta sobre o aumento de peso em adultos. Cinco experimentos independentes foram realizados em diferentes períodos sequenciais de tempo no incubatório UCT, Chile. Os espécimes foram obtidos a partir de: a) capturas de espécimes de retorno do mar cristalino no estuário de Tolten (4-6 cm, 0,3-0,4 g); b) peixes de cultura em incubatório. Os peixes foram alimentados à mão ad libitum. Nos experimentos de 1 a 4, dietas peletizadas foram preparadas com três a cinco níveis de proteína (tratamentos 27 a 57%), tamanho do crumble, três repetições de tanques de fibra de 100 L. No experimento 5, o efeito de dois níveis de lipídios (8 e 21%) foi avaliado com dieta comercial isoproteica crumble 1 de Salmon Nutra Starter extrusada a 63%, replicada em quatro tanques. Os resultados mostram: uma tendência ao aumento de peso em todos os tamanhos, com um aumento do nível de proteína na dieta peletizada; um crescimento adulto máximo com uma dieta contendo um mínimo de 37% de proteína bruta, com 40% do valor ideal; uma porcentagem maior de proteína na dieta ou crescimento em peso com menor taxa de conversão alimentar. A taxa de conversão alimentar na dieta extrusada chega a 0,5, e na peletizada varia de 0,7 a 1,5. Peixes de 0,6 g alimentados com 63% de proteína e dieta comercial extrusada com dois níveis lipídicos diferentes (8 e 21%; 20,40 e 23,84 MJ kg-1; PE / TE 0,62 e 0,71) aumentaram de peso no primeiro mês em 67 e 105% cada, respectivamente. Foi estabelecido que dietas de alta energia com níveis ótimos de proteínas e lipídios são uma boa solução de curto prazo para obter G. maculatus de peso mais alto.

We have evaluated the effects of different fish feeds on the body composition, growth, and enzyme activities of Labeo rohita (Rohu). In total, 240 fishes between the average weights of 24.77±2.15g were studied. The treatments were applied in a completely randomized design, with 4 treatments of 60 fishes each. Treatments consisted of four different fish feeds [Oryza (T1), AMG (T2), Aqua (T3), and Supreme (T4)]. Body composition, growth performance, and enzyme activities were evaluated. There was a significant variation in performance of fishes fed with different type of feed; as fishes having Oryza feed showed the highest weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and best feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared to other groups that were considered to be significant (P ≤ 0.05). High net weight gain was obtained in T4 when compared with T2 and T3. FCR value of T4 was less than T1 but higher than T2, T3 and T2, which showed the lowest values. The specific growth rate was recorded as average in T4, but T2 led a high SGR than T3. Similarly, crude protein level and digestive enzymes activity was recorded significantly highest in fed with Oryza (T1) as compared to AMG (T2), Aqua (T3), and Supreme (T4). Water quality parameters were recorded significant in all treatments except pH and DO of treatment (T1), significantly different from other treatments. It was concluded that Rohu (Labeo rohita) could show a promising growth rate and protease enzyme activity when fed with the Oryza feed of 25% protein. Resumo Avaliamos os efeitos de diferentes alimentos para peixes em relação à composição corporal, crescimento e atividades enzimáticas de Labeo rohita (Rohu). No total, foram estudados 240 peixes com pesos médios de 24,77 ± 2,15 g. Os tratamentos foram aplicados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos de 60 peixes cada. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro alimentos diferentes para peixes: Oryza (T1), AMG (T2), Aqua (T3) e Supreme (T4). Foram avaliados a composição corporal, o desempenho de crescimento e as atividades enzimáticas. Houve uma variação significativa no desempenho dos peixes alimentados com diferentes tipos de ração. Peixes com alimentação Oryza apresentaram maior ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento específico (SGR) e melhor taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR) em comparação com outros grupos que foram considerados significativos (P ≤ 0,05). Elevado ganho de peso líquido foi obtido em T4 quando comparado com T2 e T3. O valor da FCR de T4 foi menor que T1, mas maior que T2 e T3, que apresentaram os menores valores. A taxa de crescimento específico foi registrada como média em T4, mas T2 teve uma SGR alta do que T3. Da mesma forma, o nível de proteína bruta e a atividade das enzimas digestivas foram registrados significativamente mais altos nos peixes alimentados com Oryza (T1) em comparação com AMG (T2), Aqua (T3) e Supreme (T4). Os parâmetros de qualidade da água foram registrados como significativos em todos os tratamentos, exceto pH e OD do tratamento (T1), significativamente diferente dos demais tratamentos. Concluiu-se que Rohu (Labeo rohita) pode apresentar uma taxa de crescimento promissora e atividade da enzima protease quando alimentado com Oryza de 25% de proteína.

Ninety days study was conducted in hapas installed in earthen ponds. Fish of an average initial weight (220g) were evenly distributed in triplicate groups within fifteen hapas. Five experimental diets labeled as T1 (25% CP and NRC recommended amino acid level) as control diet, T2 (with 2% low protein and 5% amino acid supplementation), T3 (with 2% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation), T4 (with 4% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation) and T5 (with 4% low protein and 20% amino acid supplementation) were prepared. Fish were fed with @3% of their body weight twice a day at 10.00 & 16:00 hour. Significantly higher percent weight gain (420.18 ± 66.84a) and specific growth rate (13499.33±1273.54a) along with improved feed conversion ratio (1.29 ± 0.09b) and hundred percent survivals were recorded during the trial. Furthermore proximate analysis of meat showed significant improvement in the crude protein level (81.77 ± 0.19a) served with diet containing 20% limiting amino acids mixture. Therefore, limiting amino acids can be a source of cost effective feed and use safely in L. rohita diet. Resumo O estudo de 90 dias foi realizado em hapas instalados em tanques de terra. Peixes com peso inicial médio (220 g) foram distribuídos uniformemente em grupos triplicados em 15 hapas. Cinco dietas experimentais rotuladas como T1 (25% de CP e NRC recomendado nível de aminoácidos) como dieta controle, T2 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 5% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T3 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T4 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos) e T5 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 20% de suplementação de aminoácidos) foram preparadas. Os peixes foram alimentados com 3% do seu peso corporal duas vezes por dia às 10h00 e 16h00. Ganho de peso significativamente maior (420,18 ± 66,84a) e taxa de crescimento específico (13499,33 ± 1273,54a) juntamente com taxa de conversão alimentar melhorada (1, 29 ± 0,09b) e sobrevivência de cem por cento foram registrados durante o ensaio. Além disso, a análise aproximada da carne mostrou melhora significativa no nível de proteína bruta (81,77 ± 0,19a) servida com dieta contendo 20% de mistura de aminoácidos limitantes. Portanto, a limitação de aminoácidos pode ser uma fonte de alimentação econômica e usada com segurança na dieta de L. rohita.

Iraqi native chickens have tasty meat and eggs; however, they are characterized by low production efficiency. In fact, phenotypic traits, such as growth rate, are influenced by genes and environmental factors. During health and disease, a variety of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, motility, adhesion, migration, apoptosis, and immune response regulate the TGF-β genes. The enhancement in body weight can be reached through mass selection, whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) is relatively more difficult to improve. This means, selecting for body weight has been submitted as an effective way of indirectly improving feed conversion ratio. Therefore, the present study attempts to identify associations between productive traits and polymorphism of TGF-β2 gene in local Iraqi chicken. Seventy-five male birds were used in this study. The restriction enzyme RsaI has been used to detect the target region (284 bp) in the TGF-β2 gene. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified at the position 62 in the exon 1 region of TGF-β2 by using PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing technique. The genotypic frequencies were 46.7, 40, and 13.3% for CC and TC and TT genotypes, respectively. While the allele frequency of C and T were 0.67 and 0.33%, respectively. Generally, during the last period of rearing the best significant (P

Identification of the associations of cow feed efficiency with feeding behaviour and milk production is important for supporting recommendations of strategies that optimise milk yield. The objective of this study was to identify associations between measures of feed efficiency, feed intake, feeding rate, rumination time, feeding time, and milk production using data collected from 26 dairy cows during a 3 month period in 2018. Cows averaged (mean ± standard deviation) 2.2 ± 1.7 lactations, 128 ± 40 days in milk, 27.5 ± 5.5 kg/day milk, 1.95 ± 0.69 kg feed/1 kg milk—the measure used to express feed conversion ratio (FCR), 575 ± 72 min/day rumination time, and 264 ± 67 min/day feeding time during the observation period. The coefficient of variation for rumination time (min/d) was 12.5%. A mixed linear model was selected for analyses. The most feed inefficient cows with the highest FCR (≥2.6 kg feed/1 kg milk) showed the lowest milk yield (24.8 kg/day), highest feed intake (78.8 kg), highest feeding rate (0.26 kg/min) and BCS (3.35 point). However, the relative milk yield (milk yield per 100 kg of body weight) was the highest (4.01 kg/day) in the most efficient group with the lowest FCR (≤1.4 kg feed/1 kg milk). Our study showed that the most efficient cows with the lowest FCR (≤1.4 kg feed/1 kg milk) had the highest rumination time (597 min/day; p < 0.05), feeding time (298 min/day; p < 0.05), rumination/activity ratio (4.39; p < 0.05) and rumination/feeding ratio (2.04; p < 0.05). Less active cows (activity time 164 min/day; p < 0.05) were the most efficient cows with the lowest FCR (≤1.4 kg feed/1 kg milk). The behavioural differences observed in this study provide new insight into the association of feed behaviour and feed efficiency with milk performance. Incorporating feeding behaviour into the dry matter intake model can improve its accuracy in the future and benefit breeding programmes.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of dry banana peels (Musa Acuminate) and dry mango peels (Mangifera indica L.) against lead toxicity in weaning rats. Forty five growing male albino rats with weighting (70 ± 5g), and were divided into two main groups. The first group was the negative control group (9) rats, the second group (36) rats were exposed to lead acetate (200 mg/ kg from weight rat) daily drinking orally and divided into four subgroups. The subgroup one positive control group fed on basal diet only, the subgroup two fed on basal diet fortified with (15%) banana peels, the subgroup three fed on basal diet fortified with (15%) mango peels, the subgroup four fed on basal diet fortified with (15%) combination of (banana and mango peels) for (6) weeks. Blood samples were collected and hemoglobin was determined, then iron, lead, liver enzymes and kidney function were estimated. Calcium, phosphorus and lead were also evaluated in the bones. The best result found in the group fed on basal diet fortified with (15%) combination banana and mango peels improved daily feed intake, body weight gain; feed efficiency ratio, hemoglobin and serum iron level. Moreover, lead concentration was decreased in serum and also it was improved the concentration of calcium, phosphorous as well as lead in bone of intoxicated rats. Dry peels of fruits were improved liver enzymes and kidney functions compared with positive group. The histopathology results were agreedwith the results of serum parameters. These results recommend increasing the consumption of banana and mango peels. Nutrition Education Programs are needed to illustrate the importance of banana and mango peels in reducing lead toxicity. تاثير قشور المانجو والموز علي السميه المحدثه بواسطه اسيتات الرصاص في الفئران الملخص العربى أجريت هذه الدراسة لمعرفة تأثير قشور الموز الجاف وقشور المانجو الجاف ضد سمية الرصاص للجرذان في فتره النمو .خمسه واربعون جرذ من نوع ذکر الالبينو البيضاء فى فترة النمو بوزن (70 ± 5 جم) ، وتم تقسيمها إلى مجموعتين رئيسيتين, المجموعة الاولى الضابطه السالبه (9) جرذان. اما المجموعة الثانيه (36) جرذ تعرضت لخلات الرصاص من خلال تجريعهم (200 مجم / کجم من وزن الجرذ) يوميا, وتم تقسيمها إلى أربع مجموعات فرعية. تم تغذيه المجموعة الفرعية الأولى الموجبة الضابطة على النظام الغذائي الأساسي فقط، المجموعة الفرعية الثانية تغذت على النظام الغذائي الأساسي المدعم بنسبة (15٪) من قشور الموز، المجموعة الفرعية الثالثة تغذت على النظام الغذائي الأساسي المدعم بنسبه (15٪) قشور المانجو، المجموعة الفرعية الرابعة تغذت على النظام الغذائي الأساسي المدعم بنسبه (15٪) مزيج من (قشر الموز والمانجو) لمدة (6) أسابيع. تم تجميع عينات الدم وتقدير هيموجلوبين الدم ثم تقدير کلا من الحديد, الرصاص, انزيمات الکبد, ووظائف الکلى فى السيرم و تقدير کلا من مستوى الکالسيوم و الفسفور و الرصاص فى العظام. أظهرت النتائج ان الجرذان التى تناولت خليط قشور الموز و المانجو کانت تمثل أفضل النتائج فى معدل الزياده فى الوزن و الطعام المتناول و معدل کفاءة الطعام و تحسين فى مستوى الهيموجلوبين و الحديد و انزيمات الکبد ووظائف الکلى و حدوث انخفاض فى مستوى الرصاص فى السيرم مقارنه بالمجموعة الضابطة الموجبة و أکدت نتائج الفحص الهستوباثولوجى نفس النتائج السابقه. لذلک توصى الدراسه بعمل برامج للتوعيه الغذائيه لتوضيح أهميه قشور الموز و المانجو فى خفض خطر الاصابه أو التلوث بالتسمم بالرصاص. الکلمات المفتاحيه: التسمم بالرصاص , قشر الموز, قشر المانجو.

El presente estudio se trazó como objetivo valorar la inclusión de una tintura madre de ajo (Allium sativum) y orégano (Origanum vulgare) al 10% y 20% en el tratamiento de la coccidiosis y su repercusión sobre los parámetros productivos del pollo broiler. El trabajo de campo tuvo un tiempo de duración de 6 semanas. Se realizó en la Finca Experimental “La María”, de la Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, Los Ríos, Ecuador. Se empleó un diseño completamente al azar (DCA), con cuatro tratamientos y seis repeticiones; cada unidad experimental conformada por cinco aves. Para establecer las diferencias entre medias de los tratamientos se utilizó la prueba de Tukey (P≤0.05). Se evaluaron las variables: ganancia de peso, consumo de alimento, índice de conversión alimenticia, rendimiento a la canal y la carga parasitaria a través del conteo de ooquistes de coccidias. Las tres primeras variables no se vieron afectadas significativamente (P>0.05); sí positivamente en el rendimiento a la canal (76,66 y 77,25%) en los tratamientos 3 y 4. El análisis coproparasitario se analizó por el método MacMáster (Adaptado de la metodología de Hamet, 1981), se tomaron muestras de heces fecales al inicio y final de la investigación; se registró una disminución significativa del número de ooquistes de coccidias por gramos (OPG) de heces en los tratamientos T3 y T4 al final de experimento.

This study evaluated the effects of the dietary starch amylose/amylopectin ratio on growth performance, rumen fermentation and blood parameters, carcass characteristics and marbling score, and meat fatty acid profiles and transcriptional changes in the genes involved in the gluconeogenesis pathway in Chinese Qinchuan cattle. Forty-five cattle were randomly divided into three groups. The bulls were fed a control diet (middle amylose/amylopectin ratio=0.47) or diets with either waxy corn starch (WS) inclusion (low amylose/amylopectin ratio=0.23) or pea starch (PS) inclusion (high amylose/amylopectin ratio=0.60) for 90 days. The bulls were individually allowed to receive the diets at the daily amount of at least 2.1% of their individual BW twice daily. The bulls were weighed at 45-day intervals, and blood and rumen fluid samples were also collected at 45-day intervals. The bulls were slaughtered and longissimus thoracis (LT) samples were collected for meat quality measurements. Compared with PS, the average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency in control and WS were increased (P0.05) among the three groups. Compared with PS, the serum insulin concentration in WS was increased (P0.05). Chemical and physio-chemical compositions of LT did not differ (P>0.05) among the three groups. In conclusion, diets with low or middle amylose/amylopectin ratios increased the backfat thickness, and tended to improve ADG, but had no effect on other carcass characteristics, fat content in the LT, or the expression of hepatic genes related to the gluconeogenesis pathway in Chinese Qinchuan cattle.

Saudi journal of biological sciences 28(12), 7241-7247 (2021). doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.023, Published by Elsevier, Amsterdam [u.a.]

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of partial replacement of steam-flaked corn (SFC) with shredded sugar beet pulp (SBP) in the starter diet on selective intake (sorting), feeding and chewing behavior, blood biochemical parameters, and growth in newborn female Holstein dairy calves. A total of 48 calves (3 d old; 40.1 ± 0.84 kg body weight; mean ± SE) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 feeding treatments containing 0 or 25% SBP (percentage of dry matter [DM]) in the starter diet. Calves were weaned on d 61 and remained in the study until d 81. Intake of starter feed and total intake of DM (milk DM + starter feed DM), crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber were increased (P

Short-chain bioactive peptides are new and promising antimicrobial, immune moderating, and antioxidant agents. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity of CM11, a short antimicrobial peptide (AMP), against Streptococcus iniae and Yersinia ruckeri as fish pathogenic bacteria using standard disk diffusion and microdilution assays. In addition, in vivo effects of CM11 on fish growth, immunity, antioxidant activity, and disease resistance were evaluated using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. For in vivo study, based on in vitro susceptibility results, four diets were designed to include zero (as control), 10, 20, and 50 μg of CM11 per g diet referred to as control, P1, P2, and P3 treatments, respectively. After eight weeks of dietary trial, fish were challenged with Streptococcus iniae, and the survival rate was calculated for a period of two weeks. Results showed that CM11 effectively inhibited the growth of S. iniae and Y. ruckeri on agar plates at a concentration of eight μg/ml. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of CM11 were measured at 8 and 32 μg/ml for S. iniae and 16 and 64 μg/ml Y. ruckeri, respectively. In vivo results showed no noticeable effects on fish growth parameters, however, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found lower in P3 and P2 compared to control (P 0.05). Immunological and antioxidant responses were found strongly affected by CM11 in all treatment groups in which the highest values were found in the P3 treated group. Key immune and antioxidant genes were up-regulated particularly in fish receiving the highest level of CM11 (P3). Fish receiving the CM11 peptide showed better survival when challenged with S. iniae. These findings suggest the potential of CM11 for use in aquaculture as an antibacterial and immunostimulant agent.

The present study focuses on the immunity and growth of Penaeus indicus fed with varying protein levels (25%, 30%, and 35%) in a biofloc based rearing system. A 120 days growth trial was carried out using juvenile Penaeus indicus (0.71 ± 0.01) with dietary protein level, 25% (LP), 30% (MP), and 35% (HP), and a control diet-fed with 35% acted as control group resulting in 4 treatments each with four replicates and were randomly assigned 16 tank units (7500 L each). A combination of different carbon sources (molasses, wheat flour, and rice bran in 2:1:1 ratio), yeast and a probiotic (Bacillus sp.) consortium were used for the development of biofloc. At the end of the trial, the growth parameters of shrimps viz., initial weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and daily growth coefficient (DGC) were computed. The results indicated that shrimp fed with medium (30%) protein (MP) diet recorded significantly (P 0.05) improved growth performance compared to high protein fed group (35%) and low protein (25%) fed group (LP) in a biofloc system and control group (35%). The immunological parameters such as hemagglutination activity (HA) assay, serum protein, lysozyme, phenol oxidase (PO), and inhibition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were observed in serum, plasma, and hemocyte lysate supernatant (HLS). The HA activity, PO activity in plasma was found to be higher in high protein fed animals, whereas medium protein resulted in enhanced PO activity in serum. Similarly, lysozyme and SOD were inhibited well in high protein fed animals compared to the low protein fed group. The vital immune genes's mRNA profiling showed a potential rise in the expressional pattern in MP and HP treatments compared to LP and control. BGBP (beta-1,3-glucan binding protein) and hemocyanin mRNA transcript levels were highly upregulated in the HP (5 fold) and moderately expressed in MP (2 fold) and LP (1-2 fold). The transcripts of peroxinectin, antimicrobial peptides like crustin showed significant upregulation in HP followed by in MP and LP and control. Likewise, other immune genes, such as SOD, prophenoloxidase (proPO), showed a similar trend in a marginal way, indicating immunomodulation in the biofloc groups. This study suggested that biofloc with high protein (35%) supplementation can substantially enhance the immune response of shrimps, although medium protein level (30%) is optimum for improving the survival, growth, and in turn economic return in Indian white shrimp.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a mixture of three medicinal plants extracts (COP: common mallow (Malvae sylvestris), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium boiss)) on growth, hematological indices, immunological parameters, liver antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Accordingly, 540 common carp fingerlings were randomly allotted to 18 fiberglass tanks, including six treatments each in triplicate. Fish were fed with experimental diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5% of the herbal mixture. After 60 days, the effects on growth performance, antioxidant, and immunological parameters were evaluated. According to the results, the highest final weight was observed in the fish fed 2 and 3% of the herbal mixture. Also, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a significant decrease in fish treated with the herbal mix, so that the lowest FCR was observed in the treatment 1%. Hematological examinations such as red blood cells (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and hemoglobin showed significant changes between different parameters compared to the control group. The highest protein content was observed in the fish supplemented with 2, 3, and 5% herbs. Besides, in contrast to glucose, the cortisol level showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. The digestive enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, and Protease) were significantly higher in 2 and 3% treatments than in the control group. Also, a significant difference was found in Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content between the experimental and control treatments. Examination of liver enzymes (and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) showed a significant difference in herbal mixture treatments with the control group, according to which the lowest amount of these enzymes was recorded in 2 and 3% herb supplemented fish. Herbal mix resulted in higher mucosal and intestinal immunity parameters, including total immunoglobulin (total Ig), lysozyme, alternative complement activities (ACH50), protease, and ALP. According to the results, supplementing the diet with a mixture of the COP can significantly improve growth parameters, stimulate the innate immune system, and improve antioxidant defenses and liver health of common carp.

Effect of Ashwagandha (powder, extract and their mixtures) on feed intake, body weight gains, feed efficiency ratio, lipid profile, liver enzymes, kidney functions and fertility hormones in rats were examined. Forty-two adult male rats weighing (115±5 g) were divided into 2 main groups. The first main group fed on basal diet as a (negative control group) consisted of (7) rats, while the second main group consisted of (35) rats divided into five similar subgroups were injected with sodium valproate to induce testicular injury at a dose (500 mg/kg) body weight. The first subgroup was then maintained as positive control (+Ve), the second subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha powder (100 g/kg diet), the third subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha extract (10 mg/kg b.w/rat) orally, the fourth subgroup was fed on basal diet plus L-carnitine (150 mg/kg b.w/rat) orally, the fifth subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha powder and (Ashwagandha extract & L-carnitine/rat orally) for one month. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected from each rat and separate the serum which used for determination of some biochemical analysis. Tests specimens were taken for examination. The results of Ashwagandha powder, extract and combination orally to rats revealed that non-significant differences in body weight gains, feed efficiency ratio, feed intake and decreased serum lipid profile and increased in HDL-c. It also decreased in liver enzymes, kidney functions and fertility hormones serum Testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Lutenizing Hormone in induced rats which feed on combination of Ashwagandha powder, extract and L-carnitine. So this study recommended using Ashwagandha in improving fertility for patients. الملخص العربي الأشواجندا وتأثيرها على الهرمونات التناسلية لذکور الجرذان تم دراسة تأثير الأشواجندا (مسحوق، مستخلص، خليط منهما) على المأخوذ الغذائي ومعدل کفاءة الغذاء وزيادة وزن الجسم ودهون الدم ووظائف الکبد والکلى وهرمونات الخصوبة في سيرم الجرذان. تم تقسيم أثنين وأربعين من ذکور الفئران البالغة والتي يتراوح أوزانها ما بين (115 ±5 جم) إلى مجموعتين رئيسيتين. المجموعة الأولى الرئيسية تم تغذيتها على نظام غذائي أساسي کمجموعة ضابطة سالبة وتتکون من (7) فئران بينما المجموعة الثانية الرئيسية تتکون من (35) من الفئران قسمت إلى خمسة مجموعات فرعية متساوية تم حقنهم بمادة صوديوم فالبورات لإصابة الخصية بجرعة (500 ملجم/کجم). المجموعة الأولى الفرعية المصابة تم الاحتفاظ بها کمجموعة ضابطة موجبة، المجموعة الثانية الفرعية المصابة تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي مضاف له مسحوق الأشواجندا (100 جم/کجم) من الغذاء، المجموعة الثالثة الفرعية المصابة تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي ومستخلص الأشواجندا (10 ملجم/کجم) من وزن الجسم لکل فأر بالفم، المجموعة الرابعة الفرعية تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي والکارنتين (150 ملجم/کجم) من وزن الجسم لکل فأر بالفم، والمجموعة الخامسة الفرعية تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي مضاف له مسحوق الأشواجندا وإعطاء مستخلص الأشواجندا والکارنتين لکل فأر عن طريق الفم لمدة شهر. وفي نهاية التجربة تم جمع عينات الدم لفصل السيرم المستخدم في التحاليل البيوکيميائية، کما أخذت عينة من الخصية لإجراء الفحوص عليها. وأوضحت النتائج عدم وجود فروق معنوية في المأخوذ الغذائي ومعدل کفاءة الغذاء وزيادة نسبة وزن الجسم وإنخفاض مستويات السيرم من الکوليسترول الکلي (TC) والدهون الثلاثية (TG) والبرويتينات الدهنية منخفضة الکثافة (LDL-c)، والبروتينات الدهنية منخفضة الکثافة جدا (VLDL-c)، وزيادة في البروتينات الدهنية عالية الکثافة (HDL-c). کما حدثت انخفاض في إنزيمات الکبد، ووظائف الکلى. کما زادت هرمونات الخصوبة في السيرم من Testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Lutenizing Hormone في الفئران المصابة التي تغذت على خليط من مسحوق ومستخلص الأشواجندا والکارنتين. لذا توصي الدراسة باستخدام الأشواجندا لتحسين هرمونات الخصوبة للمرضى. الکلمات المفتاحية الأشواجندا، الفئران، هرمونات الخصوبة، دهون الدم، إنزيمات الکبد، وظائف الکلى، التحاليل الکيميائية الحيوية.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of metabolizable protein (MP) supply on milk production, blood metabolites, and health in dairy cows during early lactation. Three experimental diets were formulated to contain 114, 107, 101 g of MP/kg of dry matter (DM; 114MP, 107MP, and 101MP, respectively) with crude protein contents of 17.0, 16.2, and 15.3% of DM, respectively. One hundred multiparous Holstein cows were fed 1 of these 3 diets during wk 1 to 3 and wk 4 to 13 of lactation in one of the following sequences: (1) 114MP and 107MP (114MP/107MP), (2) 114MP and 101MP (114MP/101MP), or (3) 101MP and 101MP (101MP/101MP). During wk 1 to 3, the 114MP and 101MP treatments were 20 and 27% deficient in estimated MP, respectively. From wk 4 to 13, the 114MP/107MP, 114MP/101MP, and 101MP/101MP treatments were 8, 12, and 13% deficient in estimated MP, respectively. Data were analyzed separately for wk 1 to 3, 4 to 13, and 1 to 13. Dry matter intake and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield were not affected by treatment during wk 4 to 13 or wk 1 to 13; however, ECM yield decreased for 101MP versus 114MP from wk 1 to 3. Similarly, feed efficiency was not affected by treatment from wk 4 to 13 or wk 1 to 13, and was reduced with 101MP versus 114MP during wk 1 to 3. Milk N efficiency tended to increase for 101MP versus 114MP for wk 1 to 3 and increased with 101MP/101MP and 114MP/101MP relative to 114MP/107MP during wk 4 to 13 and wk 1 to 13. Treatment had no influence on yields and concentrations of milk components from wk 4 to 13 or wk 1 to 13; however, compared with 114MP, feeding 101MP tended to decrease milk fat yield and decreased yields of milk true protein and lactose for wk 1 to 3. Both milk and blood urea N concentrations decreased for 101MP/101MP and 114MP/101MP relative to 114MP/107MP during wk 4 to 13 and wk 1 to 13, and were reduced with feeding 101MP versus 114MP from wk 1 to 3. Treatment had no effect on the incidence of diseases in cows throughout the study. Serum concentrations of total fatty acids, albumin, and aspartate aminotransferase did not differ between 101MP and 114MP; however, serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was lower in cows receiving 101MP during the first 3 wk of lactation. Compared with 114MP, feeding 101MP during wk 1 to 3 increased plasma concentrations of creatinine and 3-methylhistidine (3-MHis) but did not change the ratio of plasma 3-MHis to creatinine. We found no differences in plasma creatinine or the ratio of 3-MHis-to-creatinine among treatments from wk 4 to 13; however, 101MP/101MP and 114MP/101MP had elevated plasma 3-MHis compared with 114MP/107MP. Treatment had no effect on body weight and body condition score over the duration of the study. Collectively, despite reduced milk production for the first 3 wk of lactation, feeding the 101MP/101MP treatment sustained lactational performance and improved milk N efficiency without negatively affecting the frequency of diseases in dairy cows during the first 13 wk postpartum.

In-pond raceway system technology (IPRS) was introduced in Pakistan in 2019 as solution for sustainable aquaculture approach by effectively increasing production, reducing pollution and facilitating feed and pond management. Fingerlings of GIFT Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (n = 16,500 in each raceway, initial weight = 32.00 ± 1.26 g) were stocked in June 2019 in two IPRS raceways (area of each raceway = 220 m3) for 171 days until harvested on November 30, 2019. Fingerlings stocked in traditional earthen ponds (area of each pond = 6167 m3) were studied as control (n = 3000 in each pond, initial weight = 32.00 ± 1.26 g). Average harvested biomass from raceways was 57.33 kg/m3 with an average daily weight gain per fish of 4.47 g per day. On the other hand, average harvested biomass from control ponds was 0.38 kg/m3 with an average daily weight gain per fish of 4.60 g per day. Average feed conversion ratio (FCR) in both raceways and control ponds was recorded as 1.25 and 1.24, respectively. Overall survival rate in both raceways and control ponds was above 99%. No sign of any disease was noted at any stage in both study groups. Crude protein and fats contents did not reduce in any raceway despite of high stocking density and sharp seasonal changes. Profile of essential and non-essential amino acids were found to be upto nutritional requirements of adult human. High levels of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in fish collected from raceways as compared to those in traditional earthen pond show that muscle quality was not compromised due to high stocking density in small area. Return on investment excluding capital cost was 47.05 which implies that IPRS technology can be economically feasible with further modifications.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) and mixture of both on male obese rats. Thirty (30) adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Group (1): Normal rats fed on basal diet as control negative (C-), Group (2): Control positive (C+) (untreated group). Group (3): Obese rats fed on basal diet and Chamomile (5%). Group (4): Obese rats fed on basal diet and Garcinia (5%). Group (5): Obese rats fed on basal diet and mixture of both (5%). At the end of experiment, after 28 days of feeding, all serum samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters. Body weight gain , feed intake and feed efficiency ratioalso calculated. Obesity led to a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in the level of HDL & AST/ALT while a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase was recorded in TC, TG, VLDL, LDL, AI, U.A, Creatinine, Urea, GOT, GPT, ALP & Glucose. Obese rats were fed on different diets and the results showed amarked improvement in all the different indicators. Improvement was more pronounced for garcinia compared to chamomile diets, and the best group was recorded for the mix group, indicating a synergistic action. It is therefore recommended to use them as effective treatments in reducing the accumulation of harmful fat in the body and reducing weight. الملخص العربى يهدف هذا البحث إلى تقييم تأثير أعشاب البابونج (کاموميل) والجارسينيا والخليط منهما علي ذکور الفئران المصابة بالسمنة. تم استخدام ثلاثين فأر من الذکور البالغين سبراغ داولي وتغذيتهم على نظام غذائى عالى الدهون لمدة 42 يوما ثم تقسيمهم إلى خمس مجموعات. مجموعة (1): وهي المجموعة الضابطة السالبة (-) تغذت على الوجبة الأساسية ، المجموعة (2): وهي المجموعة الضابطة الموجبة (+) وهي الفئران المصابة بالسمنة وتغذت على الوجبة الأساسية. المجموعة (3): الفئران المصابة بالسمنة التي تغذت علي نبات البابونج بنسبة 5%. المجموعة (4): الفئران المصابة بالسمنة التي تغذت على نبات الجارسينيا بنسبة 5 %. المجموعة (5): الفئران المصابة بالسمنة التي تغذت على الاثنين معا بترکيز 5%.. في نهاية التجربة ، بعد 28 يوما من التغذية ، تم تقدير الاختبارات البيوکيميائية للدم. وکذلک تم حساب BWG, FI, FER. الاصابة بالسمنة سببت ارتفاع في مستويات الجلوکوز واليوريا والکرياتينين واليوريک اسيد و ASTوALT وALP ومستوى الکوليسترول الکلي وجلسريدات ثلاثية والليبوبروتين منخفض الکثافة والليبوبروتين منخفض الکثافة جدا و AI وانخفاض مستويات الليبروتين مرتفع الکثافة و AST/ALT في الفئران المصابة بالسمنة وتحسنت النتائج باستخدام الأغذية المعالجة. لوحظ أن التحسن کان اکبر فى حالة غذاء الجارسينيا بالمقارنة بغذاء الکاموميل وأحسن المعاملات کانت فى حالة الغذاء الخليط مما يدل على وجود التآزر ولذلک يوصي باستخدامهم کعلاجات فعالة في الحد من تراکم الدهون الضارة في الجسم وخفض الوزن . الکلمات المفتاحية: السمنة – البابونج – الجارسينيا.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding super-conditioned corn at different temperatures on intake, growth performance, total-tract starch digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and feeding behavior of dairy calves. Thirty-six Holstein female dairy calves (40 ± 1.72 kg of body weight, ± SD) were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 3 treatments: (1) ground corn (control; CON; n = 12), (2) corn super-conditioned at 75°C (T-75; n = 12), and (3) corn super-conditioned at 95°C (T-95; n = 12). Three mash starter feeds with an identical nutritional composition were blended with 5% chopped alfalfa hay and fed to individually-housed calves from d 3 to 77 of their birth. All calves were fed 4 L/d of pasteurized whole milk twice daily since d 3 to 56, followed by 2 L/d of morning feeding from d 57 to 63 of age. Calves were weaned on d 63 and remained in the study until d 77. The T-75 and T-95 diets increased total-tract starch digestibility compared with the CON diet. Dry matter intake and weaning or final BW were not affected by treatments; however, average daily gain and feed efficiency increased in calves fed T-95 in the overall period. The T-95 diet increased withers height and tended to increase hip height compared with other diets, but feeding behavior did not change throughout the experimental period. Ruminal pH decreased in calves fed the T-95 diet compared with T-75 and CON diets. The molar proportion of ruminal propionate increased, whereas the acetate-to-propionate ratio tended to decrease in calves fed the T-95 compared with CON diet. Calves fed the T-95 diet had the highest blood glucose concentration, whereas a trend for increased insulin concentration was observed in calves fed T-95 compared with other diets. In conclusion, super-conditioning temperature of corn (T-95 vs. T-75 and CON) improved the average daily gain, feed efficiency, and skeletal growth, but did not influence dry matter intake during the first 77 d of age. Finally, the total-tract starch digestibility increased, whereas ruminal pH dropped during the postweaning period as super-conditioning temperature elevated.

Globally, ruminant production contributes immensely to the supply of the highest quality and quantity of proteins for human consumption, sustenance of livelihoods, and attainment of food security. Nevertheless, the phasing out of antibiotics in animal production has posed a myriad of challenges, including poor growth, performance and nutrient utilization, pathogen colonization, dysbiosis, and food safety issues in ruminants. Probiotics (direct-fed microbials), comprising live microbial strains that confer health and nutritional benefits to the host when administered in appropriate quantities, are emerging as a viable, safe, natural and sustainable alternative to antibiotics. Although the mechanisms of action exerted by probiotics on ruminants are not well elucidated, dietary probiotic dosage to ruminants enhances development and maturation, growth and performance, milk production and composition, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, pathogen reduction, and mitigation of gastrointestinal diseases. However, the beneficial response to probiotic supplementation in ruminants is not consistent, being dependent on the microbial strain selected, combination of strains, dose, time and frequency of supplementation, diet, animal breed, physiological stage, husbandry practice, and farm management. Nonetheless, several studies have recently reported beneficial effects of probiotics on ruminant performance, health and production. This review conclusively re-iterates the need for probiotics inclusion for the sustainability of ruminant production. Considering the role that ruminants play in food production and employment, global acceptance of sustainable ruminant production through supplementation with probiotics will undoubtedly ensure food security and food safety for the world. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ginseng (Ge) is one of the most famous and precious consumed herbal medicines around the world. Ge plant roots have many advantages regarded as important in increasing fish production. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the possibility of using different levels (0.0, 100, and 200 mg/kg diet) of Ge as a reproductive enhancer agent for African catfish, Clarias gariepinus males. Results revealed that fish fed 200 mg Ge/kg diet significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased growth performance, feed efficiency, gonado-somatic index, hematological parameters, serum follicle-stimulating hormone, total antioxidant capacity, sperm quality parameters, and ultrastructure of spermatozoa, as well as led to positively improved of the histological structure of the testes tissue compared to other treatments. Based on the obtained findings, it could be concluded that the effective use of dietary Ge at a level of 200 mg/kg as a promising reproductive agent for adult African catfish males consequently led to the sustainability of aquaculture for African catfish.

This research investigated the impact of aluminum sulfate (AS) as amendment to different types of litter (new, reused, and mixed litters) for reducing ammonia emission and improving productive performance of local dual-purpose breeding hens. A total of 450 hens and 60 cocks from the Inshas strain were randomly assigned to six groups (five replicates each of 15 hens + 2 cocks) raised in pen floor furnished with a wheat straw litter. The groups included: (1) new, (2) reused, (3) mixed (50% new + 50% reused) litter; the other groups (4, 5 and 6) were respectively housed on the same litter as groups 1, 2 and 3 but with the addition of 495 g of AS/m2 litter. The feed conversion ratio was better for layers raised on new litter with or without AS than other groups. Different kinds of litter had different moisture (p < 0.05) and pH (p < 0.05) values. Birds raised on litter types treated with AS significantly (p < 0.05) decreased intestinal pH and decreased total bacterial count compared to the same litter types without AS at the end of the experiment. Birds raised on new litter supplemented with AS had the highest plasma T3, total protein, globulin, Hgb, and PCV% and the lowest levels of uric acid and cholesterol at the end of the experimental period. Therefore, litter amendment with AS, also the mixed or reused one, could be recommended to reduce ammonia and, in turn, increasing plasma T3 and decreasing total bacterial count, leading to increasing bird’s performance.

A feeding experiment was conducted with rabbits as experimental animals for 2 months at 4 treatment groups under the same environmental conditions. The aim was to study the toxic effects of dietary graded levels of polyethylene (PE, 0, 1, 2, and 4 g/ton diet). The main effects were that some animals fed the PE-contaminated diets suffered from mange, diarrhea, weakness, and/or loss of weight. Post-mortem examination of the contaminated-diets fed rabbit revealed presence of bad smell liquids in its abdomen, residues of collective PE in the small intestine, collective feces in one part of the intestine and the parts were filled with aqueous accumulation, the color of one hepatic lobule was pale, and the lungs' color was bloody red. Yet, feed intake and water consumption increased by feeding the contaminated diets. Moreover, animals offered the contaminated diets reflected heavier body weight. However, the feed conversion (utilization) was negatively affected by the PE- contaminated diet; since, dietary PE-inclusion increased apparently feed consumption than the real body weight gain. Slaughter test of the PE-treated animals reflected many remarks including loss of rabbit's weight; increased skin weight, skin was thick and dough, changes in the color and quality of the carcass flesh, easy broken bone. When these animals were eviscerated, it were observed white-colored lungs, with necrosis and bloody infiltration, small-sized liver, with blackly-red color, enlarged gall bladder, narrow diameter of the small intestine, presence of collective mass of PE on the internal wall of the small intestine. The presence of PE in the experimental diets was responsible for significant lowering the specific gravity of the treated animals' bone, as well as their flesh moisture and fat; yet, their crude protein increased besides their edible parts and boneless meat percentages increased too, but not significantly. Dietary contamination with PE reflected its residues in the rabbits' flesh and increased the flesh content of ash (P>0.05). The contaminated diets were responsible for significantly (P≤0.05) evaluating lymphocytes %, MCV, MCH, and PLT and lowering both monocytes and granulocytes % as well as RBCs count. Significant (P≤0.05) increases in albumin, creatinine and uric acid concentrations and decreases of ALT activity were recorded with feeding rabbits the PE-contaminated diets; but, Cho. and Trig. concentrations were decreased (P≤0.05). There was a significant increase of scores of hepatic congestion and necrosis in liver from rabbits group received 0.4 PE when compared with control group. Statistical analysis shows significant increase of scores of renal congestion, fibrosis and acute tubular necrosis in group received 0.4 PE when compared with control group. Hence PE negatively affected rabbits' performance, health and quality, and may affect the consumers' health too.

Information on growth dynamics of koi grown long-term in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) is lacking. The objective of this study was to establish baseline parameters for an older (i.e. not larval or juvenile) population of koi grown in a commercial RAS. A population of 1033 1.5-year-old koi (6 g to 764 g) cultured in a 60 m3 commercial decoupled aquaponics system with cannabis were graded into distinct size cohorts (six cohorts, from “very small” to “very large”), and their growth and population distributions were monitored over 66 days. Fish were weighed at day 0, day 36, and day 66. Feed conversion ratios and specific growth rates were between 2.8–4.1 and 0.63–0.87, respectively, and increased and decreased with fish size, respectively. Regardless of average initial weight or cohort size, several individuals in each tank vastly outgrew the rest of the population, resulting in right-skewed population distributions. Right-tail asymmetry (skewness) of the population distributions became more pronounced for all cohorts, except the largest cohort. Similarly, kurtosis (the relative number and extremity of outliers compared to a normal distribution) increased in all cohorts. These results suggest that the production of “tobi koi” or “shoot carp” is not restricted to larval and juvenile koi populations, and that if size disparity cannot be eliminated through husbandry practices (e.g. minimizing feed competition), populations should be graded 2–3 times yearly to promote growth and welfare of the smallest fish in a cohort.

The research aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary fructooligosaccharide, probiotics and their combination on the growth performance, antioxidant enzymes and stress resistance of juvenile Eriocheir sinensis. Crabs (average weight: 9.90 ± 0.07 g) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (3 tanks per group) fed experimental diets: basal diet (control group), basal diet supplemented with 5 g/kg FOS, basal diet supplemented with 2 g/kg multi-strain probiotics (each gram contains Lactobacillus acidophilus 106 CFU + Bacillus subtilis 107 CFU + Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1010 CFU) and basal diet supplemented with symbiotic (5 g/kg FOS + 2 g/kg multi-strain probiotics) (designated as control, D1, D2 and D3, respectively). After 8 weeks of feeding trial, crabs were exposed to the transportation process (3 h). Cumulative mortality was recorded at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after transport stress, and pre-transport and post-transport sampling of hepatopancreas occurred for assay. The results indicated that crabs fed D3 had significantly higher weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than crabs fed control diet. Before stress, compared to the control group, crabs fed D1 and D3 diet significantly increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activities, the highest activities of pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin were observed in crabs fed D2 diet. After stress, there was a trend that the activities of antioxidants enzymes and proteases in all groups were significantly decreased. And compared to the control group, crabs fed D1 and D3 diet significantly improved SOD and CAT activities, the lowest MDA activity was observed in crabs fed D3 diet, no significant difference was obtained in activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and three proteases among all groups (P > 0.05). At 96 h after transportation process, the lowest cumulative mortality was observed in crabs fed D3 diet, the difference among all groups before and at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after stress was not significant (P > 0.05). In summary, a basal diet supplemented with synbiotic could improve the growth performance and protect the hepatopancreas of Eriocheir sinensis more effectively than singular supplementation with prebiotics or probiotics.

Efforts to reduce protein in fish feed by maximizing the use of carbohydrates as an energy source must be supported by exogenous enzymes. One source of exogenous enzymes that can be used as a polysaccharide degrading agent easily obtained and wasted is rumen liquid in slaughterhouses (RPH). This study aims to determine the most effective carbohydrate level after being given rumen liquid as a source of exogenous enzymes in maximizing nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency in milkfish (Chanos chanos Forsskal). This study was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which consisted of 4 treatments and three replications. Thus there were 12 experimental units. The treatments tested were feeds with various levels of carbohydrates (27.81%; 39.50%; 46.97%; and 56.75%) then given cow rumen liquid as a source of the enzyme at a dose of 80 mL/100 g of feed. Nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency data obtained were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and continued with the W-Tuckey test. The results showed that feeding with various levels of carbohydrates in the feed that was first given cow rumen liquid waste had a significant effect (P0.05) on total digestibility, protein digestibility, and fat digestibility of milkfish. The most effective carbohydrate level in feed after being given cow rumen liquid which can optimize nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency of milkfish, is 46.97%.

Catfish have become an important contributor to fish production in Indonesia. Catfish consumption in Indonesia always increases every year. To meet the demand for catfish consumption, it was carried out with an intensive aquaculture system. However, the high cost of feed has been identified as a significant constraint in catfish farming. Efforts to increase catfish growth are needed to reduce feed costs, one of the efforts is by probiotic supplementation through the feed. This study was carried out to determine the best dose of probiotic rabal dried addition to increasing catfish growth. The experiment used four treatments and three replications. Probiotic rabal dried doses: 0% of feed (A)/feed (control), 5% of feed (B), 10% of feed (C), and (D) 15% of were used as treatment. The feed was given ad-satiation with a frequency of feeding three times a day. Observations were made for 45 days. The results indicated that the B treatment of 5% of feed gave the best absolute weight growth and feed conversion ratio. While catfish fish survival rate was not significantly different on all treatments.

Mulberry-leaf flavonoids (MF), extracted from mulberry leaves, exert antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of dietary MF on the ovarian function and liver lipid metabolism of aged breeder hens. We used 270 (60-weeks-old) Qiling breeder hens randomly assigned in 3 treatments with supplemental dietary MF doses (0, 30, 60 mg/kg). The results showed that dietary MF significantly improved the egg-laying rate, followed by the reduced feed conversion rate (FCR) (p 0.05). However, there is no obvious difference in hatchability and fertilised eggs hatchability among the three groups (p 0.05). The level of T-CHO, LDL-C and AKP in serum was reduced, and the HDL-C concentrations were increased by dietary MF (p 0.05). MF treatment also improved the antioxidant capacity and reduced the apoptotic index of the ovary (p 0.05). Additionally, dietary MF significantly increased the serum estradiol (E2) levels (p 0.05) and the transcription level of CYP19A1 and LHR in the ovary (p 0.05). Dietary MF enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver via up-regulating the mRNA expressions of PPARα and CPT-I (p 0.05). Moreover, the HMF group significantly decreased mRNA expressions of SREBP-1c (p 0.05) and increased mRNA expressions of ERα, VTG-Ⅱ and ApoB in the liver (p 0.05). In conclusion, dietary MF could improve the reproduction performance of aged breeder hens through improving ovary function and hepatic lipid metabolism.

Zinc (Zn) and vitamin E (VE) are essential micro-nutrients that contribute a pivotal role in the physiology and nutrition of fish. An experiment was designed to know the effects of Zn and VE addition in the diet on growth and feed utilization in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four diets containing Zn (80 mg/kg), VE (50 mg/kg), Zn (80 mg/kg) + VE (50 mg/kg), and without Zn and VE (control) were fed to Nile tilapia in aquaria with triplicate groups for 6 weeks. Survival, growth parameters (weight gain, WG; %WG; specific growth rate, SGR), and feed utilization (protein efficiency ratio, PER; feed conversion ratio, FCR) were calculated at the end of the feeding trial. Several hemato-biochemical parameters (hemoglobin, Hb; red blood cell, RBC; white blood cell, WBC, and glucose) and morphology of muscle were analyzed. The growth parameters (WG, %WG, and SGR) and feed utilization (FCR and PER) improved significantly in the fish fed with Zn, VE, and Zn + VE supplemented diets. There was no significant change in the values of Hb, RBC, WBC, and glucose level among different groups. Significantly improved diameter of muscle fiber, reduced distance between muscle fiber, and increased number of the nucleus and hyperplastic muscle fiber were observed in the fish fed with Zn, VE, and Zn + VE supplemented diets. These results suggested that Zn and VE can be effectively incorporated into the diets of Nile tilapia for better growth with maximum feed utilization.

This work evaluated the effects of food frequencies and self-feeding on the behavior, performance, and blood biochemistry of Colossoma macropomum. Juveniles weighing 3.63 ± 0.05 g were distributed in 27 aquariums (40 L), with six fish per aquarium, to evaluate nine treatments in three replications in a 12L:12D photoperiod. The treatments were 24-h self-feeding (SF); daytime self-feeding at will (SFD); nighttime self-feeding at will (SFN); and feeding at fixed frequencies of two (2D), four (4D), and six times (6D) daytime and twice (2 N), four (4 N), and six times (6 N) nightly. The treatments were offered in automatic feeders, with fixed frequencies programmed. Extruded commercial feed, with 46% protein, was used. The experimental period was 40 days. In the SF treatment, the animals exhibited 95.7% nocturnal and 4.3% diurnal feeding activity (p