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The study aims to investigate the effects of dietary Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME) and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) supplementation on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant capacity of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS V, 10.01 g ± 0.24 g). Six experimental diets supplemented were marked as A0E0 (basic diet, 0% AME and 0% ELE), A0E0.1 (0% AME and 0.1% ELE), A0.02E0, A0.02E0.05, A0.02E0.1, A0.02E0.2 (0.02% AME with 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% ELE). After 8 weeks, A0.02E0 diet significantly increased the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and decreased the glucose (GLU), triglyceride content (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) of the plasma, the malonaldehyde (MDA) content of the liver, the A0E0.1 group significantly increased the total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) content of the plasma, decreased the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content of the plasma when compared with A0E0 group (Independent T-test: P

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This study's objective was to determine the impact of dietary humic substances on immune response and blood profiles in piglets. A total of 24 crossbred piglets (Slovakian White × Landrace; 35 days old; average body weight of 11.67 kg) were allotted to two dietary groups with (experimental; 5 g·kg−1) or without (control; 0 g·kg−1) natural humic substances supplementation. In this study, we observed a significant increase of the proportion of CD4+CD8- lymphocytes (p < 0.001) in the experimental group. The results also showed a tendency for an increase of the phagocytic activity and the engulfing capacity of phagocytes and the numbers of the other monitored lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD21+, CD4-D8+, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD25+) in piglets in the experimental group compared to the control group. Supplementation of humic substances increased serum alkaline phosphatase compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Other monitored blood parameters were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. It concluded that inclusion of humic substances in the diet of piglets could have a stimulating effect on cellular immunity, without a negative effect on haematological and biochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of replacing alfalfa hay with Artemisia sieberi leaves (ASL) on growth performance, feeding behaviors, total tract feed digestibility, ruminal fermentation as well as blood cells, and biochemical parameters. A total of 21 Kermani male lambs (average body weight (BW) of 25.2 ± 0.9 kg) were randomly divided into three groups and offered the following treatments: (1) basal diet (65% concentrate and 35% alfalfa hay as forage source), (2) ASL inclusion at 25% of forage source (8.75% of TMR, ASL25), and (3) ASL addition at 50% of forage source (17.5% of TMR, ASL50). The experiment lasted for 64 days, including 14 days of adaptation and 50 days of data collection. Dietary ASL inclusion decreased lambs’ feed consumption (6.7 and 2.8% reduction in ASL25 and ASL50, respectively, p < 0.05) without affecting water intake, final BW, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Moreover, feeding behaviors, including time spent for eating, ruminating, and chewing activities, were uninfluenced by the dietary ASL addition on days 25 and 50 of the experiment. Based on the data provided, the substitution of alfalfa hay with ASL resulted in an increase in the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber (p < 0.05). In addition, the ruminal fluid of ASL-fed lambs had a lower molar proportion of acetate and a higher proportion of propionate compared to that of the control animals (p < 0.05), whereas other volatile fatty acids (VFA) and total VFA were not different between the experimental groups. Blood hematocrit, hemoglobin, red cells, white cells, and their differentiation, platelets, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, calcium, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, urea, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde remained unchanged when ASL was included in the diet. Regardless of the slight decrease in dry matter intake, the lack of adverse effects of dietary ASL addition on growth performance, feeding behaviors, rumen fermentation, and blood hemato-biochemical parameters, along with positive impacts of ASL on propionate production and total tract feed digestibility, suggest that Artemisia sieberi leaves can be considered as a potential alternative feed resource for small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese quails reared under high stocking density (SD) were evaluated for the effects of grape seed powder (GSP) and meal (GSM) supplementation on performance, blood biochemistry, thigh and breast muscle fatty acids, antioxidant status, and HSP70 gene expression. We randomly assigned 288 (15-day-old) quail chicks to six treatment groups in a factorial design (2 × 3) with four replicates, involving two density levels [160 cm2/bird (LD) and 80 cm2/bird (HD)] and three feed forms (FFs) [no supplementation, grape seed powder (3% GSP), grape seed meal (3% GSM)]. SD had a significant effect on live weight, but not on weekly feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Serum creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly affected by FF and SD × FF (p < 0.05). A high SD reduced the n-3/n-6 ratio of breast muscle and a significant interaction was found between FF (p < 0.001). The SD × FF interaction reduced the Σn-6 ratio in HDM’s thigh muscle, whereas in LDM, the ratio increased (p < 0.01). At high SD, neither GSP nor GSM reduced biological markers of oxidative stress (p > 0.05). Compared to GSP, GSM had higher efficacy at reducing HSP70 levels related to high SD levels. Despite this, at high SD, a diet containing 3% of GSP and GSM was not effective in overcoming oxidative stress. Therefore, more studies using different doses of GSM and GSP in quail diets would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed restriction after weaning is a common strategy used in commercial rabbit farms to improve feed efficiency, promote health, and reduce mortality. However, few studies have investigated the feed restrictions of Minxinan black rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Thus, the effects of feed restriction on growth and slaughter performance, intestinal morphology, and blood biochemical indices of Minxinan black rabbits were evaluated in this study. Rabbits in group A (control group) had ad libitum intake, while those in feed restriction groups (groups B, C, and D) were restricted to 80% of the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of group A the day before. The rabbits in group B were fed once per day at 8:00 am. Rabbits in groups C and D were fed twice per day at 8:00 am (50%) and 4:00 pm (50%) and 8:00 am (30%) and 4:00 pm (70%), respectively. The experimental period lasted for 8 weeks. Compared to that in group A, the diarrhea rate of group C was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the ADFI, feed conversion ratio, abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat rate, total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein, and intestinal crypt depth of all feed restriction groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio in group D was significantly better than that in groups B and C (P < 0.05). The efficiency index (EI) of groups C and D was higher than that of groups A and B (P < 0.01). Triglyceride levels in groups C and D were significantly lower than those in group A. The villus length to crypt depth of the duodenum and jejunum in group D was significantly higher than that in group A (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the following parameters can be improved by feed restriction: feed conversion ratio, diarrhea rate, abdominal fat rate, serum ALT, lipid indices and intestinal health of Minxinan black rabbits, and the EI of the farm. Feeding twice per day, 30% at 8:00 am and 70% at 4:00 pm, had the best comprehensive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity, and its consequences for human health, is a huge and complicated problem that has no simple solution. The constant search for natural and safe compounds with systemic action that can be used for obesity prophylactics and treatment is hampered by the limited availability and variable quality of biomass of wild medicinal plants. Plant cell biotechnology is an alternative approach for the sustainable production of vegetative biomass or individual phytochemicals with high therapeutic potential. In this study, the suspension cell biomass of the medicinal plants, Dioscorea deltoidea Wall., Tribulus terrestris L., and Panax japonicus (T. Nees) C.A. Mey, produced in 20 L and 630 L bioreactors, were tested for therapeutic effects in rat models with alimentary-induced obesity. Three-month intake of water infusions of dry cell biomass (100 mg/g body weight) against the background of a hypercaloric diet reduced weight gain and the proportion of fat mass in the obese animals. In addition, cell biomass preparation reduced the intracellular dehydration and balanced the amounts of intra- and extracellular fluids in the body as determined by bioimpedance spectroscopy. A significant decrease in the glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood was also observed as a result of cell biomass administration for all species. Hypocholesterolemic activity reduced in the line P. japonicus > D. deltoidea > T. terrestris/liraglutide > intact group > control group. By the sum of parameters tested, the cell culture of D. deltoidea was considered the most effective in mitigating diet-induced obesity, with positive effects sometimes exceeding those of the reference drug liraglutide. A safety assessment of D. deltoidea cell phytopreparation showed no toxic effect on the reproductive function of the animals and their offspring. These results support the potential application of the biotechnologically produced cell biomass of medicinal plant species as safe and effective natural remedies for the treatment of obesity and related complications, particularly for the long-term treatment and during pregnancy and lactation periods when conventional treatment is often contraindicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of an evaluation of the effect of experimentally dosed salinization and salinization with a simultaneous moderate increase in temperature on somatic indices, biochemical blood parameters, and the survival of perch Perca fluviatilis fingerlings are presented. The limit of salinity tolerance for perch fingerlings used in the experiment turns out to be a mineralization value of 8 g/L. An increase in temperature leads to a decrease in the tolerance limit of perch fingerlings during salinization to 5.3 g/L. Under conditions of elevated temperature and mineralization, maximum mortality is noted, as well as the lowest values of the condition factor and the hepatosomatic index of fish, indicating the debilitation of experimental individuals, which is determined by the revealed disorders of water homeostasis. An increase in energy costs with an increase in temperature is consistent with the data of an increase in the load on the excretory system of fish due to an increase in the permeability of fish tissues, which leads to a decrease in the content of basic inorganic ions in blood plasma. At the background temperature, chronic exposure to increased mineralization also leads to the depletion of the metabolic reserves of the fish body and the predominance of catabolic processes, which is confirmed by the low content of total protein and protein metabolism metabolites in blood plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance characteristics and egg quality in layers decline steadily in the last stage of laying owing to maturity which harmfully influences the meta- bolism of the birds. The effects of vitamin D3 supplementation (2500, 3000, 3500, and 4000 IU/kg diet) on production parameters of layers were exa- mined. Eight hundred eighty Lohmann egg layers (age of 81 weeks) were allotted randomly into 5 dietary treatments with 4 replication of 44 birds each. The standard ration in the present trial contained 3.25% of calcium contents along with natural vitamin D3 in feed ingredients. The addition of dietary vitamin D3 at all levels substantially (p ≤ .05) improved the rate of laying, egg weight, feed intake, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and broken eggs rate compared to the control diet. Besides this, the addition of vitamin D3 at 3000, 3500, and 4000 IU/kg to basal diets enhanced (p ≤ .05) the indexes of shape, albumen and yolk, specific gravity, Haugh unit score, shell thickness, and shell strength than those of control and 2500 IU vitamin D3/kg diets. Increasing vitamin D3 levels from 2500 to 4000 IU/kg diets elevated serum calcium, phosphorus, and VIT-D3 compared to the control diet. In conclusion, the addition of various levels of vitamin D3 (2500--4000 IU/kg diet) in the layer's basal ration at the last production stage might be helpful means to develop the performance of layers, egg worth traits, as well as physiological status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental trial was carried out to evaluate the impact of a mixture of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis probiotic supplementation via the drinking water (AVI-GROW®) on growth performance, carcass traits, gut microbiome, intestinal histomorphology, blood biochemical indices, and litter quality of broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (as hatch) were randomly allocated into two groups, each with three replicates (80 chicks/replicate). The control group (T1) and the supplemented group (T2) were fed a basal diet, however, T2 was supplemented with (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water at the rate of 1mL/L drinking water every 12 hours for 2 days after every vaccination and change of diet. The experiment lasted 31 days. Supplementation of (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water in T2 significantly (P≤0.05) improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as villus crypt ratio of the small intestine as compared to the control. The dressing percent, breast, thigh and drumstick yields were improved in T2 than in control. Additionally, blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol, ALT, and AST concentrations were reduced, while total protein concentration was significantly (P≤0.05) increased in T2 as compared to control. Moreover, cecal Clostridial counts were significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 as compared to control. Supplementation of (AVIGROW ®) in (T2) reduced nitrogen content in birds' excreta and litter. Conclusively, the supplementation of (AVI-GROW®) via the drinking water could improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, gut microbiome, intestinal histomorphology, blood biochemical indices, and litter quality in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Currently, the poultry industry is developing quite intensively, this is why the use of various additives that accelerate growth and improve the quality of products is associated with this. The biologically active additive «Kovelos-Sorb» has similar properties – an enterosorbent based on particles of amorphous silicon dioxide. Purpose. To study the features of morphological adaptation of heart structures and biochemical blood parameters of Ross-308 broiler chickens when introducing the «Kovelos-Sorb» sorbent into the main diet. Materials and methods. Two groups of Ross-308 broiler chickens were studied from 1 day to 40 days, with a total number of 160 heads from 8 age groups of 10 individuals each. The experimental group of chickens was injected with the sorbent «Kovelos-Sorb» in the amount of 0.1% by weight of feed to the main diet. The study of morphological and biochemical parameters of the broiler organism was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Results. The analysis of the dynamics of changes in the morphological structures of the heart (linear measurements – longitudinal size, transverse size, girth, thickness of the epicardium, myocardium, endocardium, thickness of muscle fibers), the volume of cardiomyocyte nuclei, biochemical blood parameters of Ross-308 broiler chickens when added to the main diet of the enterosorbent «Kovelos-Sorb». Conclusion. It was found that the silicon-containing sorbent «Kovelos-Sorb» has a positive effect on the qualitative morphological characteristics of the heart of Ross-308 broiler chickens, manifested by stabilization of shell structures, in an increase in the thickness of the muscle fibers of the atria and ventricles of the heart.

The subject for the research was Phytoadditive containing extracts from herbs: Rhaponticum carthamoides, Serratula coronata, Filipendula ulmaria. There has been studied the effect of Phytoadditive on biochemical parameters of blood (total protein, albumins, aminotransferases, urea, total cholesterol, reserve alkalinity, calcium), indicators of milk fat, protein and average daily milk yield of lactating cows at the age of 3 years, which were divided into experimental (Phytoadditive + basic diet) and control (basic diet only) groups of 10 animals per group. Phytoadditive in powder form was administered individually to the diet of animals of the experimental group daily, once at a dose of 10 grams per head per day during 90 days. Analysis of Phytoadditive for the presence of biologically active substances showed that the major compounds in it are ecdysteroids (mainly hydroxyecdysone) and flavonoids (rutin) in a total concentration of 13.5 g/kg. At the end of the experiment in cows of the experimental group, in comparison with the initial indicators, significantly (p < 0.05) increased the amount of albumin by 16.7 % (up to 45.3±2.4 g/l), calcium by 21.7 % (2.3±0.01-2.8±0.02 mmol/l). Other studied markers of the biochemical status did not change significantly (p> 0.05) and after the final blood test they were: aminotransferases (AST − 30.1±1.2 U/l, ALT − 35.0±2.8 U/l), urea (5.9±0.1 mmol / l), reserve alkalinity (20.2±2.6 vol.% CO2), cholesterol (2.8±0.1 mmol/l). All studied blood parameters did not go beyond the reference values throughout the experiment, which indicated the absence of any negative properties of Phytoadditive. At the end of the experiment, the milk indicators of cows in the experimental group had the following values: milk yield (19±0.2 kg), fat (4.3±0.4 %), protein (3.3±0.1 %), which exceeded the result in control by 5.5 %; 0.1 and 0.2 %, and in comparison with the beginning of the experiment by 18.7 %, 0.6 and 0.2 %, respectively. Thus, as the result of use of Phytoadditives in cows during lactation, a positive trend was noted in terms of its effect on milk yield, milk quality and the absence of any negative effect on the studied blood parameters.

A 14-week trial was undertaken to examine the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) and l -carnitine (LC) dietary supplementation, either individually or in combination, on the feed intake, growth, blood biochemistry, immunity, economic viability, and body composition of Nile tilapia fingerlings reared at a high stocking density. The study involved eight groups of 450 tilapia juveniles, with an average weight of 6.083 ± 0.09 g, assigned to different treatments. Two groups were fed a basal diet and stocked at densities of 30 and 60 fish per m3, respectively. The remaining groups were reared at a high stocking density of 60 fish/ m3 and fed diets fortified with LC at 150 mg (G3), LC at 300 mg (G4), CQ10 at 20 mg (G5), CQ10 at 40 mg (G6), LC at 150 mg + CQ10 at 20 mg (G7), or LC at 300 mg + CQ10 at 40 mg (G8) per kg of diet. The findings revealed that high stocking density had an adverse impact on tilapia growth performance. Nevertheless, the inclusion of LC and CQ10 in the diet, whether separately or in combination, significantly improved growth parameters and enhanced survival rates. The G6, G7, and G8 groups showed the most significant improvements in growth and survival. High stocking density resulted in decreased moisture and crude protein content, while LC and CQ10 supplementation increased these components and reduced crude fat and ash content. High stocking density negatively impacted blood metabolites, leading to elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea-N, as well as decreased total protein and albumin. However, supplementation with LC and CQ10 effectively alleviated these effects, improving the levels of these parameters. All supplemented groups showed enhanced lysozyme activity and IgM concentration, with the greatest improvements observed in the G6, G7, and G8 groups. Economic analysis indicated that LC and CQ10 supplementation improved final and relative margin, except in the G4 group. In conclusion, the combined supplementation of LC and CQ10 shows promise in enhancing productivity and profitability in tilapia farming under high stocking density conditions, particularly in concrete tanks. • Combined l -carnitine (LC) and coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) exhibited the highest improvements in growth and immunity. • Supplementation of fish diets with LC and/or CQ10 resulted in increased growth and a decrease in mortality rate. • The addition of LC and/or CQ10 to tilapia's diet improved the immune response and blood biochemical indicators. • Including 40 mg of CQ10 in the diet had the highest economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the toxicity effects of chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid, alone and in combination, on oxidative biomarkers and blood biochemistry of Cyprinus carpio. A total of 324 common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were distributed among 27 tanks and exposed to concentrations of 0.0, 100, and 200 μg L−1 of chlorpyrifos and 0.0, 10.0, and 20.0 μg L−1 of imidacloprid for 28 days. Changes in enzyme activities in the plasma of fish exposed to chlorpyrifos depended on the dose. In contrast, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities were significantly increased in fish exposed to imidacloprid, alone and in combination with chlorpyrifos. However, the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was significantly decreased. Exposure to imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos, alone and in combination, increased glucose, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine levels, whereas total protein and albumin levels were significantly decreased. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT) was significantly increased, while glutathione reductase (GR) was significantly decreased. Additionally, although the total antioxidant capacity (TAN) was significantly decreased, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased after exposure to imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos, alone and in combination. In conclusion, exposure to imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos, alone and in combination, induced oxidative stress and altered blood biochemistry in carp fish. Moreover, imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos had synergistic effects on some oxidative and biochemical biomarkers. [Display omitted] • The toxicity of chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid, alone and combined, on fish was assayed. • Chlorpyrifos exposure led to dose-dependent blood biochemistry changes. • Imidacloprid exposure changed blood biochemical parameters. • Exposure to chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid, alone and combined, induced oxidative stress. • Combined exposure of both pesticides showed synergistic effects on all biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding trial was conducted to detect the optimal dietary protein requirement for ship sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventris) juveniles. Four isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain different protein levels i.e. 40 % (P40), 45 % (P45), 50 % (P50), and 55 % (P55). A total of 180 ship sturgeon juveniles, with an average weight of 63.5 ± 1.3 g, were randomly distributed into triplicated groups (15 fish per tank) and fed on the experimental diets for 10 weeks. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in growth indices and feed intake were noted with increasing dietary protein levels up to 50 % after which (P55) fish growth was declined. The highest values of protein and lowest value of lipids and ash contents were noted in the whole-body of fish fed on the P50 diet. The levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were markedly influenced (P < 0.05) by varying dietary protein concentrations, and the most elevated values were identified in the P50 treatment. Linear increases were observed in alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphate levels; while quadratic increases were observed in aspartate aminotransferase activities due to the increase in dietary protein levels. Quadratic increases in total protein (TP), total immunoglobulin (total Ig), and lysozyme (LYZ) were observed due to feeding the fish on higher protein levels. The highest level of TP was significantly (P < 0.05) found in P50 and P55 with no significant (P > 0.05) difference between them. Levels of total Ig and LYZ were significantly (P > 0.05) highest in the P50 treatment. Based on the regression fitting curves of growth indices, the optimum dietary protein level for ship sturgeon (A. nutiventis) juveniles is found to be 46.5 % – 50 %. All data of this study are included in this article. • Ship sturgeon were fed on diets with 40 %, 45 %, 50 %, and 55 % crude protein for 10 weeks. • Significant increases in fish performance were noted with increasing dietary protein level up to 50 % protein. • The highest values of protein and lowest value of lipids and ash contents in fish body were obtained in 50 % protein. • The hemato-biochemical parameters were markedly influenced by varying protein concentrations. • Levels of immune indices were significantly enhanced due to the increase in dietary protein levels up to 50 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the in ovo feeding of green nanoparticles of silver (Nano-Ag), probiotics, and their combination on hatchability, carcass criteria and internal organs, biochemical parameters, and cecal microbial populations in hatched one-day-old chicks. On day 18 of incubation, 250 live embryo eggs were weighed and randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups: a negative control group, a positive control group consisting of chicks injected with 0.2 mL physiological saline, a group consisting of chicks injected with 0.2 mL Nano-Ag, a group consisting of chicks injected with 0.2 mL probiotics (Bifidobacterium spp.), and a group consisting of chicks injected with 0.2 mL combination of Nano-Ag and probiotics (1:1). The results showed that the in ovo injection of Nano-Ag or probiotics, alone or in combination, had no effect on hatchability, live body weight, or internal organs but improved (p < 0.05) chick carcass yield compared to the control groups. Furthermore, in ovo feeding decreased (p < 0.05) serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as cecal E. coli, but increased Bifidobacterium spp. when compared to the control groups. Based on these findings, in ovo injections of green Nano-Ag and probiotics, either alone or in combination, have the potential to improve chick health and balance the microbial populations in hatched one-day-old chicks.

To determine whether a clinical examination was adequate to assess the fitness of horses in a fence course riding, and to characterize the relationship between a clinical assessment of the horse's fitness, training schedule stage and its blood biochemistry, 22 horses were monitored before (S1), during training, immediately after warming-up (S2) and after an E level fence obstacle course ride (S3). The blood samples were taken from the jugular vein in the above three mentioned phases, for the determination of total protein (g/dl), nitrogen (mg/dl), glucose (mg/dl), lactic acid (nmol/l), calcium (mg/dl), cholesterol (mg/dl) and phosphorus (mg/dl). The intend of the paper is to present the obtained results as a reference study for the appropriate use by clinicians, sport horses owners and trainers in view to have a solid base in evaluation, for the adequate protection of health and welfare of the jumper horses competitors.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic complication and can pose a serious challenge to human health. DM is the main cause of many life-threatening diseases. Researchers of natural products have been continuously engaged in treating vital diseases in an economical and efficient way. In this research, we extensively used phytosteroids from Notholirion thomsonianum (Royle) Stapf for the treatment of DM. The structures of phytosteroids NtSt01 and NtSt02 were confirmed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Through in vitro studies including α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPPH assays, compound NtSt01 was found to be comparatively potent. An elevated dose of compound NtSt01 was also found to be safe in an experimental study on rats. With a dose of 1.0 mg/kg of NtSt01, the effect on blood glucose levels in rats was observed to be 519 ± 3.98, 413 ± 1.87, 325 ± 1.62, 219 ± 2.87, and 116 ± 1.33 mg/dL on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, days, respectively. The in vivo results were compared with those of glibenclamide, which reduced the blood glucose level to 107 ± 2.33 mg/dL on the 28th day. On the 28th day of NtSt01 administration, the average weights of the rats and vital organs (liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart) remained healthy, with a slight increase. The biochemical parameters of the blood, i.e., serum creatinine, blood urea, serum bilirubin, SGPT (or ALT), and serum alkaline phosphatase, of rats treated with NtSt01 remained in the normal ranges. Similarly, the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels also remained within the standard ranges. It is obvious from our overall results that the phytosteroids (specifically NtSt01) had an efficient therapeutic effect on the blood glucose level, protection of vital organs, and blood biochemistry.

Phytogenic compounds can improve feed efficiency, meat quality, and the health status of chickens under hot climatic conditions. The current study investigated the impact of the bioactive lipid compounds of oregano and peppermint and their combination on the sustainability of meat production and the health of broiler chicks in hot climatic conditions. Two hundred and fifty-six one-day-old broiler chicks were distributed into four treatment groups. The birds were fed a control diet, bioactive lipid compounds of oregano (BLCO, 150 mg/kg), bioactive lipid compounds of peppermint (BLCP, 150 mg/kg), or a combination of BLCO and BLCP at 150 mg/kg each for 35 days. Each treatment included 8 replicates, each with 8 birds. The results showed that adding BLCO and BLCP separately or in combination to broiler diets improved body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. BLCO, BLCP, or their combination increased the percentages of the dressing and gizzard and lowered the percentage of abdominal fat as compared to the control. Supplementation of BLCO, BLCP, or their combination decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, creatinine, and urea compared to control. BLCO, BLCP, or their combination reduced cook and drip loss in the meat of broilers. In conclusion, birds fed diets containing BLCO and BLCP, either independently or in combination, showed improvements in performance, blood biochemistry, and meat quality in hot climatic conditions.

Pithecellobium dulce produces a fruit used in alternative medicine that could be utilized to feed rabbits. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of the P. dulce fruit on productive performance, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product quality as well as shelf-life. Seventy-two California × English pot crossbreed rabbits (35 d age) were randomly distributed into two treatments: a control group without P. dulce and another group fed with 5% of P. dulce, and fattening for 28 d. Productive performance parameters, blood biochemistry and hematology, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product shelf-life were measured. The results indicate inclusion of 5% P. dulce improves (p < 0.05) dry and organic matter digestibility and feed conversion rate, but some serum blood enzymes were increased (p < 0.05). The a* value, hardness, and pH decreased (p < 0.05) in the group fed with P. dulce. Antioxidant properties in the meatballs were different (p < 0.05), improving shelf-life and acceptance in sensory analysis. In conclusion, the use of 0.5% of P. dulce fruits to feed fattening rabbits can be used to improve the shelf-life of rabbit meat.

Abstract Biomarkers of inflammation are valuable tools for health status evaluation in numerous species. However, in poultry, methods for measuring acute phase proteins (APP) are sparse and rely on manual laboratory labour reserving these parameters mainly for research studies with APP as a focus point. To extend the use of APP beyond tightly focused research studies, blood from experimentally infected and control hens was analysed using equipment available in many veterinary clinics in order to identify easily accessible biomarkers of infection. Blood samples from broiler breeders (n = 30) inoculated intratracheally with either Escherichia coli or sterile vehicle were randomly selected at 2, 4 and 7 days post-infection (dpi) and subjected to biochemical analysis. Samples for bacteriological testing were collected, and all animals were subjected to a full necropsy for disease confirmation. Significantly higher levels of serum amyloid A were evident in the infected birds at 2 and 4 dpi (p

ABSTRACT: The current study aimed to investigate the dietary supplementation effect of corn silk (CS) on performance and blood chemistry of brown and white-feathered quails during the grower and layer periods. Japanese quails of brown and white-feathered color (180 birds/variety at 2 wks old) were randomly allotted into three groups with 3 replicates each (n = 20 birds/replicate). Corn silk powder (CS) was supplemented to the basal diet at 0, 1, and 2% of the diet for each quail variety for 1-month growing period, then continued for another 6-wk laying period to assess the egg production and egg quality characteristics. CS supplementation at 1% and 2% for brown and white-feathered quails respectively improved their growth performance (body weight and weight gain), carcass yield, and intestinal villi length with increasing feed consumption but without changes in feed conversion ratio. In both quail varieties, CS addition had a hypolipidemic effect, confirmed by lowering serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) while increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations (P < 0.05) with a clear response observed in white quails than the brown ones. Besides, CS supplementation increased (P = 0.002) hen day egg production in brown feathered quails, while reducing it in the white-feathered quails compared with the CS-free diet. The increased egg production was not significantly (P > 0.05) correlated with lower content of TG and CHO, while significantly increased the antioxidant content in both quail varieties (P < 0.05). Moreover, CS dietary supplementation significantly enhanced (P = 0.003) the yolk color, especially in brown-feathered quail. In conclusion, CS can be safely supplemented to the Japanese quail diet (1% and 2% for brown-feathered and white-feathered quails respectively) to improve growth performance, and egg quality characteristics.

After breeding, Black-necked Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) perform a moult-migration to autumn hypersaline staging sites, where they moult the flight feathers and forage on superabundant brine shrimp (Artemia spp.) before leaving for wintering areas. During the stay in moulting sites, the grebes experience changes in organs and muscle size (atrophy, hypertrophy), and almost double their body mass, which has been suggested to act as an insurance against a collapse in prey availability in late autumn. During two years we collected blood samples from hundreds of individuals at one of the most important European moulting sites (the Odiel marshes, SW Spain), which is a highly polluted area due to mining drainage and chemical industry. We assessed the potential effect of moulting stage, day of the year and body condition on 16 blood biochemical parameters. Because of the changes in prey availability and body composition of grebes, we expected some physiological adjustments during moult. Elevated levels of cholesterol suggested that birds in active moult increased foraging effort to face the costs of moulting. There was increased amount of lactate dehydrogenase, corresponding to periods of breast muscle atrophy. Birds in active moult augmented protein ingestion, likely to account for the requirements of feather growth. We also show that the probability of fasting due to low prey availability increased late in the moulting season, as demonstrated by an increase in plasma β-hydroxy-butyrate.

Dietary pattern (DP) results in nutrition adequacy and may influence cognitive decline and cortical atrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study explored DP in 248 patients with AD. Two neurobehavioral assessments (intervals 13.4 months) and two cortical thickness measurements derived from magnetic resonance images (intervals 26.5 months) were collected as outcome measures. Reduced rank regression was used to assess the groups of DPs and a linear mixed-effect model to explore the cortical neurodegenerative patterns. At screening, underweight body mass index (BMI) was related to significant higher lipid profile, impaired cognitive function, smaller cortical thickness, lower protein DP factor loading scores and the non-spouse caregiver status. Higher mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores were related to the DP of coffee/tea, compared to the lipid/sugar or protein DP group. The underweighted-BMI group had faster cortical thickness atrophy in the pregenual and lateral temporal cortex, while the correlations between cortical thickness degeneration and high HbA1C or low B12 and folate levels were localized in the medial and lateral prefrontal cortex. The predictive model suggested that factors related to MMSE score were related to the caregiver status. In conclusion, normal or overweight BMI, coffee/tea DP group and living with a spouse were considered as protective factors for better cognitive outcomes in patients with AD. The influence of glucose, B12 and folate on the cortical degeneration was spatially distinct from the pattern of AD degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This esearch was performed aimed to study the biochemical parameters of the pond frog (Pelophylax lessonae) blood, from the populations inhabiting three biotopes of the Kazan city. Individuals of the pond frog Pelophylax lessonae were caught in July 2018 in three biotopes: a secondary reservoir near the Victory Park in Kazan, the Maloye Glubokoe karst lake and the Krugloye lake, which is a conditionally control area (a reserve). Determination of blood biochemical parameters included the analysis of glucose, lactate, total protein and hemoglobin. Two indicators were studied among the hematological signs: the content of erythrocytes and leukocytes. A lower content of glucose, total protein and an increased level of lactate were found in pond frogs from the population of the city center (Victory Park) in comparison with the conditionally control area and the "green zone" of the city. There was low hemoglobin content among the frogs from urban areas. The individuals from the P. lessonae population living in the Victory Park reservoir (urban population) showed a state of hypoglycemia, an increased blood lactate content, total protein, and hemoglobin decrease, and the increase of specific number of erythrocytes, which may indicate the conditions of hypoxia caused by high level of pollution of urban habitats and eutrophication of water bodies. Probably, various adaptive reactions are observed in anthropogenically disturbed amphibian habitats, consisting in erythrocyte number increase in response to the hemoglobin level decrease and also the change in the metabolic process intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with bee pollen (BP) and propolis (PRO) on productive performance, Eimeria oocyst counts in feces, blood metabolites, and the meat quality of growing rabbits. A total of 160 hybrid rabbits (California × New Zealand) of 30 days of age and 643 ± 8.0 g body weight (BW) were assigned to four treatments with 10 replicates each (four rabbits/replicate). The treatments were as follows: (1) CON: rabbits fed basal diet and not supplemented with BP or PRO; (2) BP500: CON + BP (500 mg/kg BW); (3) PRO50: CON + PRO (50 µL/kg BW); and (4) BP + PRO: CON + BP (500 mg/kg BW) + PRO (50 µL/kg BW). Higher daily weight gain (p = 0.04) and lower feed conversion rate (p = 0.03) were observed in rabbits supplemented with PRO50. In addition, supplementation with PRO50 and BP + PRO reduced the amount of Eimeria oocysts per gram of feces (p < 0.05). Most hematological and serum biochemical parameters were similar in rabbits of all treatments. Protein content, collagen, and meat color were similar between treatments. In conclusion, propolis supplementation (50 µL/kg BW) can prevent coccidiosis and act as a natural growth promoter in rabbits without affecting animal health and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of the traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) Huoxiangzhengqi decoction (HXZQD), Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD) and Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) on the biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity and heat shock protein expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under heat stress. The results showed that before stress, the serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), catalase (CAT), hepatic heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock protein 90β (HSP90β) mRNA expression levels in the trout were increased in the TCM groups, but the serum glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) levels were decreased. Under heat stress at 20°C, the fishfed TCMs showed significantly decreased serum TG, CHO, creatinine (CRE) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (p < 0.05) and significantly increased serum CAT levels and hepatic HSP70 and HSP90β mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The AST level in the HXZQD group was significantly lower than that in the other groups (p < 0.05). Under heat stress at 25°C, the serum GLU, TG, CHO, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ALT concentrations were significantly lower in all the TCM groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). The CRE levels in the XCHD and HXZQD groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and the CAT activity in the HXZQD group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The serum GSH‐Px activity and liver HSP70 and HSP90β mRNA expression in the fishfed TCMs were significantly higher than those in the control fish (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with these TCMs could improve the physiological response, antioxidant capacity and the expression of two HSPs. The HXZQD group showed the best resistance to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five hundred and sixty broilers were placed into seven groups. The first negative control (A) was fed the baseline diet (BD); the second positive control (B) was fed BD and exposed to clostridium infection; and the third and fourth groups (C, D) were the same as the positive control with 500 and 1000 g/ton of feed, respectively. The fifth group (E) served as a positive control for the addition of lincomycin, whereas the sixth and seventh groups (F, G) received the same designed diet as the E group but supplemented with HA at 500 and 1000 g/ton of feed, respectively. Birds infected with Clostridium perfringens had considerably decreased body weight. However, a dietary combination of HA and lincomycin resulted in a greater improvement in growth. Body weight increased after 35 days, but feed intake dropped, therefore HA and lincomycin supplementation enhanced feed conversion ratio. Supplementing with HA and lincomycin increased crude protein retention. Furthermore, these additions mitigated the detrimental effects of clostridial infection on the gut by reducing degenerative changes in intestinal villi and increasing villi length, particularly at higher HA/lincomycin doses. In conclusion, nutritional supplementation with humic acid and lincomycin improved blood biochemistry, and gut morphology in broilers infected with Clostridium difficile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles on broilers' performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass criteria, and blood biochemistry. A total of 120 1-day-old unsexed broiler chickens (Ross 308) were fed zinc oxide nanoparticles at different levels (0, 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg) in their diets. Each treatment included 6 replicate pens with 5 birds each. The experiment lasted 42 days. The brooding temperatures were 37.8 °C, 35.8 °C, and 29.9 °C during 1–10 days, 11–21 days, and 22–42 days of age, respectively. The results revealed that dietary supplementation of nanoparticles of zinc oxide at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg diet significantly improved body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio showing linear effects (P < 0.05) compared to the birds fed the control diet under hot climatic conditions. Dietary addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg linearly increased (P < 0.05) the nutrient digestibility of crude protein, crude fiber, and ether extract compared to the control group. Birds fed the supplemented diets had improved liver and kidney function without any negative effects on zinc, inorganic phosphorus, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels in serum compared to the control. Diets supplemented with zinc oxide nanoparticles linearly (P < 0.05) improved the dressing percent and reduced abdominal fat percent compared to the control group. In view of the above findings, it can be concluded that dietary supplementations of zinc oxide nanoparticles at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg resulted in improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass criteria, and liver and kidney functions of broiler chickens under hot environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and is commonly known as an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). BPA is widely used in production of numerous products including polycarbonate plastics, cans, drinking water bottles and dental sealants. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate deleterious effects of BPA on blood, serum biochemistry, antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes in different visceral organs of exposed rabbits. For this reason a total of 16 male rabbits were randomly divided and kept in four different groups (A-D). Rabbits in control group A received no treatment and were kept on normal feed while the rabbits in groups B, C and D were administered BPA @ 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day respectively by oral gavage for 28 days. The results showed significant decrease in hemoglobin level, total proteins, lymphocytes, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC) and monocytes in treated rabbits compared to control group. The total white blood cell count and neutrophil (%) significantly increased in treated rabbits. The serum biochemistry analysis showed that the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treated rabbits. Results revealed that the levels of various antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in rabbits exposed to BPA. The quantity of oxidative stress biomarker such as malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased in all treated animals compared to control group. Microscopic observation of different visceral tissues like liver, kidneys, lungs and heart exhibited necrotic and degenerative lesions in treated rabbits. In conclusion, the results of our experimental study suggested that BPA induces hemato-biochemical, histopathological and oxidative stress in male rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 16‐week experiment was conducted to assess whether dietary supplementation with Digestarom® as a phytogenic feed additive could reverse the negative influences of high stocking density in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). For this purpose, 240 fish (2.4 ± 0.1 g) were divided into six groups. Two groups (D1 and D2) were fed a basal diet and reared under different stocking densities of 125 and 250 fish per m3. The other fish groups (D3, D4, D5 and D6) were raised under a high stocking density of 250 fish per m3 and fed supplemented diets with Digestarom® P.E.P. MGE at levels 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg per kg diet respectively. Growth retardation and impaired feed efficiency resulting from rearing fish at high stocking density were improved in groups fed diets fortified with 200 and 300 mg Digestarom® per kg diet. Moreover, rearing fish at a density of 250 fish per m3 significantly reduced Hb, RBCs, MCV and total protein but increased WBC, MCHC creatinine, urea‐N, ALT and AST. On the contrary, enriched tilapia diets with 200 or 300 mg Digestarom® per kg diet significantly corrected the earlier altered haematological indices and serum biochemical indicators. Furthermore, the addition of 300 mg Digestarom® to the diets of tilapia reared at high stocking density significantly modulated lipid deposition and ash level in their flesh. Conclusively, supplementing the Nile tilapia diet with 300 mg Digestarom® per kg feed could be a promising supplement for combating the negative impacts of high stocking density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine if device that simulate methane capture equipment (DSMC) located in the frontal part of the head of dairy cows affect animal welfare using productive, behavioral, biochemical and physiological indicators. Twenty Holstein dairy cows were assigned to one of the two following treatments: cows with DSMC (CDSMC, n=10) and cows without methane capture devices (CC, n=10). Treatment did not affect neither milk production nor biochemical blood. The group CDSMC tended to ruminate less (P=0.06) and tended to eat more (P=0.08) frequently than the group CC. In conclusion, considering the data set, the welfare of the cows was not significantly affected by the use of DSMC located in their heads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Vet Indones. The Indonesian Veterinary Journal / Jurnal Acta Veterinaria Indonesiana is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study examined the effect of the ratio of dietary metabolizable energy (MJ) to nitrogen (g) content (ME:N) on average daily gain (ADG), blood biochemical indices, rumen fermentation parameters, and rumen bacterial community in yaks. Thirty-six male yaks, aged 2-3 years, were divided into three groups and received a ME:N ratio of 0.42 (HY), 0.36 (MY,) or 0.32 (LY) MJ/g. Dry matter intake ranged between 3.16 and 3.63 kg/d and was lesser (p < 0.001) in the LY group than the other two groups. ME intake increased (p < 0.001) with an increase in the ME:N ratio, while N intake did not differ among groups. The ADG was 660 g/day for the MY group, which was higher (p < 0.005) than the 430 g/day in the LY group, while the HY group gained 560 g/day and did not differ from the other two groups. Feed intake to ADG ratio ranged between 5.95 and 7.95, and numerically was highest in the LY group and lowest in the MY group. In general, the concentration of ruminal total volatile fatty acids (p < 0.03) and molar proportions of propionate (p < 0.04), increased, while the molar proportion of acetate (p < 0.005) and the acetate:propionate ratio decreased (p < 0.001) with a decrease in the ME:N ratio. The molar proportion of butyrate did not differ among groups (p = 0.112). Group MY had higher ruminal NH3-N content than group HY and had a higher serum glucose content but lower urea content, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase content than group LY. In ruminal bacteria at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes (F) was greater and of Bacteroidetes (B) was lesser, while the F:B ratio was greater in group MY than in groups HY an LY. We concluded that the yaks consuming the diet containing a ME:N ratio of 0.36 MJ/g had the best performance of the three groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of L-carnitine, choline chloride, and lecithin in the diet of laying hens fed with medium and high energy level diets on egg quality, blood biochemical parameters, and immune responses. The first factor was two levels of energy (medium = 2900 and high = 3000 kcal/kg) and the second factor was the use of three lipoprotein supplements (L-carnitine 100 mg/kg, choline chloride 1000 mg/kg, and 2% alternative lecithin dietary fat). Results showed that experimental diets led to significant differences (P < 0.05) in production, concentrated white height, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, yolk content, and weight index to the shell. The results also showed that the use of high energy levels vs medium energy levels improved the egg quality as well as other aforementioned factors. In conclusion, the use of high energy levels (3000kcal/kg) as well as L-carnitine (100mg/kg) as a dietary supplement had the greatest effects on the studied factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Embryonic development is a crucial issue in the breeding and production of geese. Since geese are kept for four seasons of reproduction, the age of females may affect the development of geese. During incubation, many processes take place inside the egg. With development, organs begin to form, and thyroid hormones and glucose begin to play an essential role in the regulation of these processes. These processes are related to the incubatory conditions and the temperature on the surface of the eggshell. Thus, the eggshell's physical characteristics can influence a goose's embryonic development. It was shown that geese's age (1- to 4-year-old) and laying period (the beginning, the peak, and the end) affect the embryonic development of geese. The concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine and the eggshell's characteristics, including thickness, density, and temperature, were also affected by those factors. This knowledge can support the production of goslings and hatching technology. This study aimed to evaluate embryonic development; analyze the glucose, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) concentrations in the blood of embryos and goslings; and assess the structure and temperature (EST) of the eggshell. The eggs that were analyzed were from four laying seasons of White Kołuda® geese at three periods (90 eggs × 4 groups × 3 periods). The different embryo proportions, fetal membranes in the egg, and sizes of internal organs indicate a different growth rate and degree of embryo development depending on the laying age and laying period. The goose age influenced the hormone concentrations in the embryos' blood on the 28th day of incubation, which supports a relationship between the females' age and development. The eggshell thickness and density change depending on the laying age and the laying period. A decrease in eggshell thickness in the eggs up to the third season was found after the 16th day of incubation (simultaneously, the density showed an increasing trend). A lower EST distinguished the eggs from the oldest geese in the first half of the hatch. The formation of the chorioallantois membrane was associated with an increase in EST in the oldest geese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Detergent & Cosmetics is the property of Detergent & Cosmetics Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Every-other-day fasting (EODF) is one type of caloric restriction that is proposed to have significant health benefits, including slowing aging-related processes. The present study evaluated multiple parameters of blood homeostasis comparing mice of different ages and mice on different diet regimes: ad libitum (AL) versus EODF. Hematological and classical biochemical parameters of blood were measured in young (6-month), middle-aged (12-month) and old (18-month) C57BL/6J mice of both sexes subjected either to EODF, or AL feeding. Middle-aged AL males showed a decrease in erythrocyte and total leucocyte counts and an increase in plasma alkaline phosphatase activity, whereas old animals showed a decrease in relative levels of lymphocytes and an increase in relative levels of neutrophils, a decrease in plasma lactate and an increase in total cholesterol levels, compared to young mice. AL-fed females demonstrated higher stability of blood parameters during aging than males did. The EODF regimen did not significantly affect hematological parameters in females but prevented a decline in total leukocyte count with age in males. In both sexes, EODF partially prevented age-associated changes in levels of plasma lactate and cholesterol and activity of alkaline phosphatase. Thus, during normal aging, mice showed a sex-dependent maintenance of blood homeostasis which was not significantly affected by EODF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) broadly influence fish intestinal flora and physiological metabolism, but limited information is available on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). This study investigated the effects of different types of NSPs on the growth, nutrient metabolism status, gut microbiota, and serum metabolome of grass carp. Fish were fed with diets containing 4.4% insoluble NSPs (INSP), 9.24% soluble NSPs (SNSP), 13.64% NSPs (4.4% INSP + 9.24% SNSP, NSP) and non NSPs (FM), respectively, for 9 weeks. Results showed that dietary SNSP decreased protein efficiency ratio and serum protein content, but increased feed coefficient ratio, feed intake, plasma blood urea nitrogen content, and plasma aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST); conversely, dietary INSP decreased plasma AST activity. Dietary INSP and SNSP increased serum free cholesterol content. Dietary NSPs altered the abundance of dominant bacteria and serum metabolite profiles. The differential metabolites between groups were significantly enriched in amino acid synthesis and metabolic pathways. In conclusion, dietary INSP exhibited a growth-promoting effect compared to SNSP. Dietary INSP is beneficial for improving nutrient metabolism and intestinal health. Moreover, dietary NSPs may regulate the physiological metabolism and feeding behavior of grass carp by altering amino acid synthesis and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a comprehensive examination of a group (n = 179) of high-yielding cows of the second half of lactation (more than 200 days) with diagnosed pregnancy (80–225 days of pregnancy) during 30 days of visual observation, among which 6 individuals (3.35 %) were found. symptoms of altaphagia (distortion of taste). Analysis of the biochemical profile of blood serum showed the presence of a number of subclinical abnormalities in a number of indicators, namely (in parentheses are the reference values): Ca/P – 0.92 units (1.1–1.6); total protein – 50.52 g/l (70–85); albumin/globulin – 3.63 units (0.6–1.3); ALT – 35.32 g/l (10–30); AST – 97.32 g/l (10–50); creatinine – 186.10 μmol/l (80–130); alkaline phosphatase – 323.38 units (100–200); urea – 5.08 mmol/l (3.5–6.0). Due to the fact that the active livestock of the dairy complex was provided with fodder base, timely addition of optimized according to modern standards complete mixed diet with 4 % mineral premix, the main causes of biochemical metabolic disorders can be considered dysfunction of intestinal microbiota, digestive and protective functions. of the mucous membrane due to chronic latent inflammatory processes, which was confirmed by the results of the assessment of feed transit (40.09 % of the remains of the daily diet of cows remained after washing of manure samples, which differed in a significant amount of undigested feed components and the inclusion of exfoliated necrotic particles of the mucous membrane). The latent course and accumulation of alimentary pathologies of the digestive tract contributed to the formation of a negative background for the symptoms of endogenous hunger in cows, manifested by signs of altrophagia, which were only clinical and ethological signals of chronic metabolic disorders in many high-yielding lactation groups. Given the importance of maintaining a high physiological status of dairy cows for profitable dairy production, the need to continue research to study the ethological signals of animals remains relevant to find effective means of preventing foodborne illness, including normoflorization of digestive mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The market for nanoparticles has grown significantly over the past few decades due to a number of unique qualities, including antibacterial capabilities. It is still unclear how nanoparticle toxicity works. In order to ascertain the toxicity of synthetic cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (CIONPs) in rabbits, this study was carried out. Sixteen rabbits in total were purchased from the neighborhood market and divided into two groups (A and B), each of which contained eight rabbits. The CIONPs were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. Crystallinity and phase identification were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average size of the nanoparticles (13.2 nm) was calculated by Scherrer formula (Dhkl = 0.9 λ/β cos θ) and confirmed by TEM images. The saturation magnetization, 50.1 emug−1, was measured by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). CIONPs were investigated as contrast agents (CA) for magnetic resonance images (MRI). The relaxivity (r = 1/T) of the MRI was also investigated at a field strength of 0.35 T (Tesla), and the ratio r2/r1 for the CIONPs contrast agent was 6.63. The CIONPs were administrated intravenously into the rabbits through the ear vein. Blood was collected at days 5 and 10 post-exposure for hematological and serum biochemistry analyses. The intensities of the signal experienced by CA with CIONPs were 1427 for the liver and 1702 for the spleen. The treated group showed significantly lower hematological parameters, but significantly higher total white blood cell counts and neutrophils. The results of the serum biochemistry analyses showed significantly higher and lower quantities of different serum biochemical parameters in the treated rabbits at day 10 of the trial. At the microscopic level, different histological ailments were observed in the visceral organs of treated rabbits, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and brain. In conclusion, the results revealed that cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles induced toxicity via alterations in multiple tissues of rabbits.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of various concentrations of orange (Citrus sinensis) peel meal (OPM), with or without the supplementation of multi-enzymes, on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant properties, and blood metabolic profile of broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted on 240 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks, assigned to eight dietary treatments with 30 broilers per treatment group. Four dietary orange peel meal (OPM) concentrations were supplemented, namely, the control (without OPM), and with 80, 160, and 240 g/kg of the diet. To each of these diets was added two concentrations of multi-enzyme inclusion (0 or 0.6 g as a combination of 0.5 g of Nutrikem and 0.1 g Optiphos per kg diet) in a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. The experiment lasted until 42 days of age. Body weight gain (BWG) was influenced during the grower period (22–42 days) and the overall period (0–42 days), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved by supplementations of OPM compared with the control for 22–42 days and overall (0–42 days) periods. Moreover, BWG, FCR during the grower and overall periods, and crude fiber digestibility were improved (p < 0.01) by multi-enzyme supplementation compared to the non-supplemented groups. Broilers with diets supplemented with OPM had considerably lower abdominal fat (p < 0.01) than the control. In addition, when compared to the non-supplemented enzyme group, serum T3 and T3/T4 ratios were significantly improved in response to enzyme addition. When compared to the control group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in the OPM groups, showing the largest improvement in antioxidant response. Interaction effects were observed only for serum SOD levels. Based on our findings, it is recommended that OPM be used as a feed supplement for raising broilers, and adding 0.6 m g/kg of multi-enzymes could provide additional benefits to the performance of broilers.

Grape pomace (GP) is an industrial by-product of grape juice making and is commonly discarded as a waste product, even with its large quantity of phytochemicals. Thus, the objectives of this trial were to examine the effects of graded dietary GP on laying rate, egg quality, yolk lipid profile, oxidative stability, shell quality and ultrastructure, and serum biochemistry. Two hundred 35-week-old laying hens were allocated to four dietary treatments with ten replicates each. Four diets were formulated by mixing a standard basal diet with GP at 0 g/kg (control), 30 g/kg (GP3%), 60 g/kg (GP6%), and 90 g/kg (GP9%). Egg production percent, egg weight, and egg mass were linearly improved (p < 0.01) due to adding GP to the diets of laying hens. Eggs obtained from laying hens fed with GP diets had (p < 0.01; linear, p < 0.01) greater Haugh units, yolk color, albumen index, and yolk index than those of the control. The GP9% group had the greatest values (p < 0.05) for shell weight, thickness, and breaking strength. Electron microscopy scanning of eggshells indicated that the incremental dietary level of GP linearly augmented the thickness of the palisade layer but reduced both the mammillary layer and mammillary knob width (p < 0.01). Improved tibia-breaking strength and ash content were shown (p < 0.05) in the GP-fed laying hens. The dietary addition of GP by up to 90 g/kg linearly (p < 0.01) mitigated lipid oxidation and improved the antioxidant capacity in both the serum and stored eggs. A reduction in the percentages of saturated fatty acids was observed, while the contents of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n-3 fatty acids were augmented because of increasing dietary GP levels (p < 0.001). Additionally, the eggs obtained from laying hens fed on the GP6% and GP9% had lower yolk cholesterol content (p < 0.001); this effect was confirmed by linear and quadratic responses (p < 0.001). Laying hens on GP diets had lower (p < 0.01) serum hepatic enzymes, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein but greater high-density lipoprotein compared to the control. To sum up, the addition of GP in the layers’ diets by up to 90 g/kg increased laying performance, enriched the yolk with beneficial fatty acids, enhanced antioxidant potential in yolk lipids, and improved shell quality and ultrastructure.

This trial evaluated the effect of sex on the blood, growth, carcass, meat quality, and boar taint compounds in male Alentejano (AL) pigs (n = 30). From ~40 to 130 kg LW, castrated (C) and intact pigs (I and IExp groups) were fed commercial diets ad libitum. Between ~130 and 160 kg (slaughter), C and I pigs continued on commercial diets, while IExp were fed an experimental diet containing locally produced pulses and by-products aimed at reducing boar taint. At ~160 kg, blood urea levels were higher in IExp than C pigs, triacylglycerols were lower in both intact groups, and cortisol was lower in IExp. IExp pigs exhibited faster growth, improved feed conversion ratio, carcass higher commercial yield and leaner meat than C pigs. The loin intramuscular fat in intact pigs was lower, less saturated and more polyunsaturated, while total collagen was higher. Fat androstenone content was higher in intact pigs and skatole content was similar across treatments, although they were below threshold values for consumer detection. Finally, although boar taint compounds were low in intact AL pigs raised outdoors, adding pulses and by-products to the experimental diet did not result in a reduction in fat skatole content compared to pigs fed the commercial diet.

Background: Conservation of species diversity is the need of the hour for preserving life forms on Earth. Extinction of any part of the ecosystem has negative impacts on many processes and systems. The objective of this work was to analyze some biochemical and molecular indicators and their correlations to biogenic elements and heavy metals in Testudo hermanni (n = 16). Methods: Biochemical parameters were analyzed using the commercial kit DiaSys and biochemical analyzer Randox RX Monza. Sodium, potassium, and chlorides were measured using the EasyLite analyzer. Oxidative stress was evaluated using colorimetric and luminometric methods. Quantification of chemical elements in the blood was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPS). Results: Biochemical values of analyzed samples from Hermann’s tortoises were almost the same as referential values described by multiple authors, with minor aberrations in the total protein parameter. Values of arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) showed correlation with biochemical parameters and the parameters of oxidative stress. Cadmium (Cd) exhibited correlation with aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Conclusions: This study reports correlations among four heavy metals, and their levels were again correlated with biochemical and molecular parameters in Hermann’s tortoises.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary addition of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia L.) (LEO) on the growth performance, tissue histoarchitecture, and fatty acid profile in breast muscles, as well as blood biochemistry and immune expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines of broiler chickens. A total of 200 three-day-old broiler chickens (average body weight 101.3 ± 0.24 g) were assigned to a completely randomized design consisting of four dietary treatments (n = 50 per treatment, each replicate consisting of 10 birds) that included lavender essential oil at concentrations of 0 (control group), 200, 400, and 600 mg Kg−1 diet. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The results revealed that supplementation of lavender essential oil at 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg in broiler diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on the growth performance throughout the experimental periods (3–10, 11–23, and 24–35 days of age). According to the broken line regression model, the optimal level for dietary LEO addition was the 460 mg kg−1 diet based on the total body weight gain and feed conversion ratio results. The diets supplemented with lavender essential oil had no effect (p > 0.05) on the percentages of carcass yield or internal organs. Dietary addition of LEO significantly increased the percentages of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids PUFA (n-3), omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6), and the n-3/n-6 ratio (p < 0.05) in the breast muscles of chickens in a level-dependent manner. The blood concentration of alanine aminotransferase was significantly increased in lavender essential oil at 600 mg kg−1 compared with other treatments. The dietary addition of LEO at 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1 significantly reduced the malondialdehyde level. Still, they significantly increased the serum enzyme activities of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukine-1 beta and interferon γ) compared with the unsupplemented group. The LEO-supplemented groups showed normal liver histomorphology as in the control group. However, the immunoexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor β was significantly increased by increasing the level of LEO. It can be concluded that lavender essential oil can be included in broiler chicken diets up to 460 mg kg −1 with no positive effect on the bird's growth. It can improve the antioxidant capacity and enrich the breast muscles with PUFA. An increased level of supplementation (600 mg kg−1) increased the inflammatory responses in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain the optimal requirement of dietary folic acid (FA) in feed of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, five experimental diets were prepared with 0, 0.5, 1.5, 4.5, and 13.5 mg/kg of supplemental FA in the basal practical diet (measured FA value <0.18 mg/kg in the basal diet) and fed to juvenile largemouth bass with an initial body weight of (14.49 ± 0.06) g for 7 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of the experimental fish in each FA supplementation group were higher than those in the control group to varying degrees and reached maximum values at 1.5 mg/kg in the experimental group, which were significantly higher than those in the FA‐free group; the increase in the addition of FA to the diet significantly reduced the visceral to body ratio (visceral somatic index), liver to body ratio, and relative intestine weight. The addition of ≥0.5 mg/kg FA to the feed significantly increased the whole fish protein content. The hemoglobin content and hematocrit of whole blood cells were significantly increased in the fish group supplemented with 0.5–1.5 mg/kg FA, and the addition of 0.5 mg/kg FA significantly increased the number of red blood cells. Plasma total protein and albumin levels increased and then decreased with the addition of FA, reaching a maximum at 1.5 mg/kg, and differed significantly from the FA‐free group. The addition of 0.5 mg/kg and more of FA significantly decreased plasma alanine transaminase (GPT) activity and improved liver GPT activity, the addition of 0.5 mg/kg and more of FA significantly decreased serum malonaldehyde activity, 0.5 mg/kg of FA significantly increased total hepatic antioxidant capacity, 1.5 mg/kg of FA significantly increased hepatic catalase and head kidney lysozyme activity. The addition of 0.5 mg/kg and above of FA significantly reduced liver glycogen content. In conclusion, the addition of FA to the diet significantly improved the growth performance, hematopoiesis, metabolism of protein and carbohydrate, antioxidant capacity of the liver, and protected liver health of juvenile largemouth bass. Regression analysis based on growth performance showed that the optimal amount of FA in the feed of juvenile largemouth bass was 1.42–1.46 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many wildlife species are live captured, sampled, and released; for polar bears (Ursus maritimus) capture often requires chemical immobilization via helicopter darting. Polar bears reduce their activity for approximately 4 days after capture, likely reflecting stress recovery. To better understand this stress, we quantified polar bear activity (via collar‐mounted accelerometers) and body temperature (via loggers in the body core [Tabd] and periphery [Tper]) during 2–6 months of natural behavior, and during helicopter recapture and immobilization. Recapture induced bouts of peak activity higher than those that occurred during natural behavior for 2 of 5 bears, greater peak Tper for 3 of 6 bears, and greater peak Tabd for 1 of 6 bears. High body temperature (>39.0°C) occurred in Tper for 3 of 6 individuals during recapture and 6 of 6 individuals during natural behavior, and in Tabd for 2 of 6 individuals during recapture and 3 of 6 individuals during natural behavior. Measurements of Tabd and Tper correlated with rectal temperatures measured after immobilization, supporting the use of rectal temperatures for monitoring bear response to capture. Using a larger dataset (n = 66 captures), modeling of blood biochemistry revealed that maximum ambient temperature during recapture was associated with a stress leukogram (7–26% decline in percent lymphocytes, 12–21% increase in percent neutrophils) and maximum duration of helicopter operations had a similar but smaller effect. We conclude that polar bear activity and body temperature during helicopter capture are similar to that which occurs during the most intense events of natural behavior; high body temperature, especially in warm capture conditions, is a key concern; additional study of stress leukograms in polar bears is needed; and additional data collection regarding capture operations would be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to test the effect of taurine on growth performance, muscle composition, digestive enzyme activities, amino acid profiles and blood biochemistry of beluga (209.1 ± 23 g) in both fresh water (FW) and brackish water (BW: 15 ppt). Twelve experimental treatments with six taurine levels, for FW (Tau2.1, Tau4.3, Tau7.1, Tau12.3, Tau16.7 and Tau21.8) and BW (BwTau2.1, BwTau4.3, BwTau7.1, BwTau12.3, BwTau16.7 and BwTau21.8) were designed to feed and farm fish for 8 weeks. Generally, fish farmed in BW had better performance regarding growth. Regarding amino acid profile, fish‐fed moderate dosages of taurine (7.1 and 12.3 g/kg) had higher and lower taurine and serine in muscle, respectively. Beluga‐fed diets with 12.3‐ and 16.7‐g/kg taurine in FW and BW had the highest growth rate in line with the highest amylase and protease activities, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase; and lowest lactate dehydrogenase, triglyceride and cholesterol. The lipid‐lowering effect of taurine was observed. In conclusion, supplementation of beluga diets with 12.3‐ to 16.7‐g/kg taurine for farming in both FW and BW is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the safe "off label" use of selected antiparasitic drugs in fish, we assessed the effects of a therapeutic bath with levamisole (50 mg/l), fenbendazole (25 mg/l), and ivermectin (0.031 mg/l) on the haematological and biochemical blood indices, oxidative and antioxidant variables, and gill histology of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Levamisole did not affect the haematological profile, but significantly increased (P < 0.01) the plasma glucose, lactate, and ammonia concentrations, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase activities, TBARS (muscle, liver), total superoxide dismutase activity (muscle), and catalase activity (liver) and significantly decreased (P < 0.01) plasma aspartate aminotransferase and glutathione reductase activity (gill, liver, muscle). Ivermectin led to a significantly (P < 0.01) greater muscle total superoxide dismutase activity compared to the controls, whereas the haematological and biochemical indices remained unchanged. On the other hand, fenbendazole did not affect the haematological or biochemical indices, and the oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant indices did not differ from the controls. The bath in FBZ can be recommended for safe antiparasitic treatment in carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]