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When underground flows in a karst region are derived not only from autogenic, but also from allogenic recharge, natural chemical tracers can be used for distinguishing between these two contributing inputs. And since allogenic recharge prevalently originates in weathering of silicate rocks, the most appropriate natural tracers are those which are more abundant in such formations than in carbonate ones. Moreover, the tracers must not interact with the limestone or dolomite rocks hosting the underground flow-paths. The karst setting addressed by the present study includes a sinking stream, a cave intercepting the sunken streamflow, and three karst springs, two perennial, and one temporary. The objective of the present study was to assess, for the concerned setting, the capability of four natural tracers, SiO2, Ba, Rb and U, of tracking the specific contributions of allogenic and autogenic inputs along underground karst flow-paths. Those chemical constituents were noticed to comply with the specified requirements for natural tracers, as their maximum concentrations were recorded in the swallet flow, and gradually declined toward the cave stream, then further to the temporary spring. The latter was thus proven to act as an overflow of a currently inaccessible underground course, which is supplied by the cave stream, but whose final outlet is not yet identified. Alternatively, the perennial springs resulted to be proxies of two chemically distinct autogenic inputs: one supplementing the groundwater flow between the swallet and the cave stream, and the other contributing to the flow between the cave stream and the temporary karst spring. It is worth mentioning that so far, the four indicated natural chemical tracers have been only sporadically utilized in karst aquifers with allogenic recharge.

AimRomania is currently facing a prolonged measles outbreak. The aim of the study was to analyse the circulating human measles virus (HMV) strains by combining whole genome sequencing (WGS) with phylogenetic analysis, with a focus on the haemagglutinin gene.MethodsWe conducted an observational study in the first five months of 2024, in which 168 patients diagnosed with measles were randomly included. We have evaluated the clinical and epidemiological differences between children and adults. Screening for samples to be sequenced was performed with a commercial kit (PrimerDesign). WGS was done on Illumina MiSeq platform and phylogenetic analysis was performed with ML FastTree.ResultsNo significant epidemiological and clinical differences between patients in the two age groups were identified. WGS was successfully performed for a number of 124 HMV strains. Genotype analysis indicated all the sequences as D8, except one that was B3. Phylogenetic analysis identified two well supported clusters, suggestive for at least two local transmission networks in Romania. One large transmission network (n = 108) consisted of sequences both from adults and children. Only one sequence from outside Romania (reported in Russia in 2023) clustered within this group. Another small transmission cluster was identified (14 sequences of which 11 from patients infected in the spring of 2024 and three in 2022). A few differences between the two co-circulating viral variants/clusters were observed. The median duration of hospitalisation was 2 days longer for patients in smaller cluster compared to those in the larger one (p = 0.019). Furthermore, these two clusters presented different mutation profiles in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (N) genes with implications for molecular surveillance.ConclusionThe current measles epidemic in Romania is driven mainly by two D8 genotype variants with different mutation profiles and slightly different severity of the disease, highlighting the usefulness of sustained molecular surveillance.

At the academic level, teaching and learning are mainly focused on formal curriculum, structured on courses, seminars and speciality practice, all of them finalizing with exams. Students have to treat very seriously this formal curriculum if they want to achieve good results and, at the end of the licence cycle, to occupy a good job for which they prepared.

Objectives. This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the intricate facets of loneliness to acquire a deeper comprehension of this emotional state. It also aims to identify psychological and therapeutic interventions that can significantly improve the overall well-being of elderly individuals. Given that loneliness has a significant detrimental effect on the physical and mental health, as well as the lifespan of seniors, it is a significant public health concern. Material and methods. This paper aims to comprehensively analyze loneliness by examining it from psychosocial and phenomenological perspectives. Through this exploration, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of this complex experience and its impact on individuals. Our findings may reveal new insights into addressing the challenges of loneliness and harnessing its potential for growth and transformation. Results. The experience of loneliness is multifaceted and intricate, lacking a universally accepted language to articulate it. Understanding the roots of loneliness is crucial to effectively preventing and intervening. Because people of different ages tend to experience loneliness in various ways, this study set out to identify the unique characteristics of each age group that put people at risk of or provide protection from experiencing loneliness. Conclusions. Loneliness is a growing concern among professionals, political authorities, and society due to its negative impact on individual and social health, the population's well-being, and its support networks. The issue of loneliness among older adults is complex and requires further investigation. We can better understand this issue and develop effective global interventions by exploring it. Given the widespread prevalence of loneliness among seniors, additional research is urgently needed to better comprehend how older adults interpret and experience this phenomenon.

The livestock industry is undergoing significant transformation with the integration of intelligent technologies aimed at enhancing productivity, welfare, and sustainability. This review explores the latest advancements in intelligent systemization (IS), including real-time monitoring, machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT), and their impacts on livestock farming. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of how these technologies can address industry challenges by improving animal health, optimizing resource use, and promoting sustainable practices. The methods involve an extensive review of the current literature and case studies on intelligent monitoring, data analytics, automation in feeding and climate control, and renewable energy integration. The results indicate that IS enhances livestock well-being through real-time health monitoring and early disease detection, optimizes feeding efficiency, and reduces operational costs through automation. Furthermore, these technologies contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and reducing the ecological footprint of livestock farming. This study highlights the transformative potential of intelligent technologies in creating a more efficient, humane, and sustainable livestock industry.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rosehip leaves (RL) supplementation on the production performances and egg quality of laying hens during the first stage of laying. For that, 90 Lohmann Brown Classic hens, aged 26 wk, were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments as follows: a control diet (RL0), an experimental diet containing 0.5% rosehip leaves (RL0.5), and an experimental diet containing 1% rosehip leaves (RL1). The laying hens were accommodated in an experimental hall with identical pens (3.96 m2), and controlled microclimate conditions. The dietary treatments were administered for a 6-wk experimental period (26–32 d of age). During this time, production performance of hens was recorded. To assess the impact of RL on egg weight and its components evolution, egg yolk and albumen color, and primary chemical composition of egg constituents were determined every 2 wk. The effect on egg yolk fatty acids profile was determined only at the end of the trial. The results showed that RL0.5 and RL1 dietary treatments significantly improved laying rate, feed conversion ratio and egg mass compared with RL0 group. A significant effect on egg weight and its components was observed only over time, showing that RL has no effect on these parameters. Significant changes in egg yolk coloration were observed over time, with significant increases in L*, a* and b* chromomeric parameters in both RL0.5 and RL1 compared to RL0. Significant alterations were obtained from the sum of egg yolk fatty acids. The RL1 egg yolk presented significantly higher n-3, and significantly lower n-6 fatty acids, compared with both RL0 and RL0.5. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of rosehip leaf supplementation on laying hens performance and egg quality.

This research aimed to assess the impact of incorporating Castanea sativa powder (CSP) into laying hens diets, examining reduced crude protein (CP) levels and their effects on production performance, haematological parameters, nutrients and mineral digestibility and environmental pollution by nitrogen (N) absorption and excretion. For that, a 6-week trial was developed, with 90 Lohmann Brown laying hens aged 51 weeks, raised in digestibility cages, divided into three groups with 30 hens each. The diets were composed as follows: a control group fed with 17.50% crude protein (CON), an experimental group with a reduced CP level of 15.50% (RPL), and a similar reduced CP group supplemented with 0.5% CSP (RPC) as tannin additive. The limiting amino acids (lysine, methionine, and threonine) were supplemented to maintain constant equal amino acid concentrations in all experimental diets. Throughout the feeding trial, the laying rate was higher in the RPC group (94.12%), followed by RLP (93.65%) and CON (91.11%). However, CON hens produced heavier eggs compared to RPL and RPC groups. Average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio showed no significant differences (p>0.05) between the groups. Results from blood samples showed a significant increase (p

Fruit waste poses a significant global challenge, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reporting that about 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, contributing to environmental and economic challenges. The major fruit-producing countries (United States, China, India, and Brazil) are responsible for a large portion of this waste. Fruit waste contains different bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids, which are, in large part, underutilized regardless of their antioxidant properties. These compounds can play an important function in poultry nutrition, offering natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Reintegrating fruit waste into poultry diets might have potent benefits on the nutritional quality and shelf life of eggs. Some studies reported that bioactive compounds from fruit waste improve the oxidative stability of eggs and the nutritional content, potentially extending shelf life during storage. Additionally, antioxidant compounds from fruit waste have been shown to improve yolk coloration and some egg quality parameters while reducing reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid oxidation. Their inclusion in poultry diets can lower feed costs, promote animal welfare, and reduce the environmental impact of fruit waste. This review highlights some key fruit wastes, such as citrus, apple, grape, rosehip, sea buckthorn, and banana, among others, which are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds beneficial for poultry nutrition. This strategy aligns with FAO sustainability goals, addressing both food waste and animal nutrition challenges. Future studies should focus on optimizing the inclusion rates of these natural antioxidants in poultry diets to maximize their benefits.

The tuning sensitivity towards CO2 detection under in-field-like conditions was investigated using SnO2-sensitive material deposited onto Al2O3 substrates provided with platinum electrodes with interdigital gaps of 100 µm and 30 µm. X-ray diffraction, low-magnification and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and electrical and contact potential difference investigations were employed to understand the sensing mechanism involved in CO2 detection. The morpho-structural analysis revealed that the SnO2 nanoparticles exhibit well-defined facets along the (110) and (101) crystallographic planes. Complex phenomenological investigations showed that moisture significantly affects the gas sensing performance. The experimental results corroborated the literature evidence, highlighting the importance of Pt within the interdigital electrodes subsequently reflected in the increase in the CO2 sensing performance with the decrease in the interdigital gap. The catalytic efficiency is explained by the distribution of platinum at the gas-Pt-SnO2 three-phase boundary, which is critical for enhancing the sensor performance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary oxidized oil and allicin (two different dietary sources) as natural antioxidants on the growth performance and meat quality of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four dietary groups (50 birds/group). The experimental groups (OO—oxidized oil; OOA—oxidized oil and allicin; OOG—oxidized oil and garlic leaves) differed from the control one by the presence of oxidized oil in their dietary structure (peroxide value 9.07 (OO, OOA and OOG groups) vs. 1.70 (C group) meq active oxygen/kg). The diets given to the experimental groups differed from each other by the presence of allicin (100 mg/kg inclusion rate as extract (OOA) and 0.5% as garlic leaf powder (OOG)). At the end of the experiment, six animals/group were slaughtered, meat samples (breast and thigh) were collected, and nutritional value was established. The results showed that the allicin included in the experimental diet did not influence the proximate composition of breast meat (crude protein, fat, ash, and dry matter). The fatty acid profile was determined for each group of samples; a significant decrease in omega 3 FAs was noticed between the C group and the E groups (3.27% vs. 1.46%, 1.60%, and 1.56%) in breast meat samples, and a corresponding increase was noticed in saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentrations. Health indices with implications for atheroma and thrombus formation and cholesterol level were negatively affected by the presence of oxidized oil in the experimental diets, but the allicin extract supplement appeared to mitigate its influence. A positive influence of the dietary supplement was noticed on antioxidant capacity and polyphenol concentrations determined in breast and thigh samples under allicin supplement influence. The results of the current study revealed that the use of low oxidized oil in broilers diets did not affect productive performance. The nutritional quality of meat (breast and thigh) was negatively influenced by the presence of oxidized oil, but allicin supplements (extract or garlic leaves) improved lipid quality indices and antioxidant potential.

Influenza viruses continue to be an important public health threat. Vaccination is the most effective measure to control the influenza virus circulation. However, these viruses are continuously evolving through antigenic drift/shift, and thus the vaccine efficiency is affected. The aim of this study was to characterize the viral strains circulating in Romania, in a population with declining vaccination coverage, during the last three cold seasons by evaluating the hemagglutinin antigenic relatedness to the vaccine strains. All the available sequences collected between August 2021 and June 2024 were analyzed by using phylogenetic analysis and the Pepitope model to predict vaccine efficacy. The results showed that the 2021/2022 influenza season was dominated by the circulation of highly diverse clades of A(H3N2) viruses with high mutational divergence as compared to the vaccine strain, which might contribute to the reduction in vaccine efficacy. During the 2022/2023 influenza season, both influenza A and B viruses were reported, with few antigenic site mutations. The 2023/2024 influenza season was dominated by the circulation of influenza A viruses: A/H1N1pdm09 clade 6B.1A.5a.2a and A/H3N2 clade 2a.3a.1. The clade 2a.3a.1 also showed high variability when compared to the vaccine strain, presumably leading to reduced vaccine efficacy. This study illustrates the high diversity of influenza viruses circulating in a population with low vaccination coverage during the previous cold seasons. The viral diversity impacted vaccine efficacy, hence the need for public health programs to increase vaccine uptake and improve vaccine formulation in order to limit viral transmission.

Feeding strategies play an important role in animal production systems by directly influencing animal health, productivity, and the quality of animal-derived products (meat, eggs, and milk) [...]

As global demand increases for poultry products, innovative feeding strategies that reduce resource efficiency and improve food safety are urgently needed. This paper explores the potential of alternative sustainable poultry feeding strategies aimed at achieving SDG2 (Zero Hunger) while increasing production performance and food quality, focusing on the potential recycling of by-products, plants, and food waste derived from fruits, vegetables, and seeds, which account for up to 35% annually. The paper provides a review analysis of the nutritional (protein, fat, fiber, and ash) and minerals (i.e., calcium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper, and iron) content as well as the bioactive compounds (polyphenols, antioxidants, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins) of alternative feed ingredients, which can contribute to resource efficiency, reduce dependency on conventional feeds, and lower production costs by 25%. The nutritional benefits of these alternative feed ingredients, including their effects on poultry production and health, and their potential for improving poultry product quality, are presented. Carrot, paprika, rosehip, and some berry waste represent a great source of carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins, while the seed meals (flax, rapeseed, and sea buckthorn) have been reported to enhance the essential fatty acid composition in eggs and meat. Numerous plants (basil, sage, rosemary, and lettuce) are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds with benefits for both animal and food products. Some challenges in implementing these alternative sustainable feeding strategies, including inconsistencies in quality and availability, the presence of anti-nutrients, and regulatory barriers, are also explored. In conclusion, future research directions in sustainable poultry feeding with alternative feed ingredients should be considered to achieve SDG2.

This study aimed to investigate the bioaccessibility and biostability of carotenoids, vitamin E isomers, and individual polyphenolic compounds after the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of two types of berries (raspberry and blackberry fruits). The results of the polyphenols analysis showed that raspberry fruits contained higher concentrations of hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols, and flavonols compared to blackberry fruits, but exhibited the lowest bioaccessibility values for all the studied polyphenol classes. Ellagic acid represented 13.63% and 2.65% of the hydroxybenzoic acids in raspberry and blackberry fruits. The hydroxybenzoic acids exhibited the highest bioaccessibility index in the intestinal phase of both types of berries, and gallic acid emerged as one of the most bioaccessible phenolic compounds. The bioaccessibility of carotenoids ranged between 15.7 and 17.30% for lutein, 5.52 and 7.56% for astaxanthin, and 7.85 and 9.93% for canthaxanthin, with elevated values being observed in raspberry fruits. Although vitamin E and carotenoids follow a similar path for absorption, the bioaccessibility of vitamin E isomers was higher than that of carotenoids, with γ-tocopherol being the most bioaccessible isomer in both raspberries and blackberries. Knowing the bioaccessibility of food constituents during digestion is crucial, as the potential effectiveness of bioactives for human health largely depends on the bioavailability of these molecules.

Loneliness is a complex issue that is increasingly concerning people worldwide due to its potential risks to health and societal impacts. It is also an important social phenomenon that requires regular reflection. Understanding loneliness and its effects on modern society is essential to predicting its impact on future generations. Research indicates that perceived loneliness is a significant risk factor for both physical and mental health issues. This article explores the current state of research on loneliness and health in older adults, outlining key concepts and definitions of loneliness, discussing its prevalence, and assessing its impact on the elderly. However, to addressing elderly loneliness suggests the presence of intricate nuances within this phenomenon.

This study aimed to evaluate alfalfa meal's chemical and nutritional composition and effectiveness on broiler chicken thigh meat quality. Alfalfa contains significant content of crude protein and fibre, minerals (iron and zinc), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and antioxidant compounds, especially total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total polyphenols content (TPC). To test its effectiveness on chicken tight meat quality, we developed a trial on 60 Cobb 500 broilers, divided into two groups of 30 animals each and fed during growing-finishing phases (11-42 days) a control diet (C) and an experimental diet (A), in which 5% alfalfa meal was added. At the end of the trial, six animals from each group were selected for slaughter and sampling. The analyses on meat samples revealed that alfalfa significantly affected bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential, such as zinc, vitamin E and TPC, compared with the C samples. The utilisation of 5% alfalfa was also very effective on the fatty acids composition of thigh meat samples in the A group by increasing the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid and significantly decreasing the n-6/n-3 ratio as well as cholesterol content with 10.41% in experimental samples. Therefore, alfalfa can be a potential alternative to synthetic feed additives in producing healthier chicken meat, with increased content of bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids for human health.

The food industry is intensifying its effort to enrich food composition in various nutrients through animal feeding, but these challenges can be limited by the costly feed resources, water scarcity, and pesticide pollution, making it crucial to explore alternative feedstuffs with fewer requirements. Blackthorns and hawthorns are characterized by their rich phytochemical and antioxidant profiles, suggesting their potential to enhance the performance of ruminants though the supply of bioactive substances. Our study revealed their rich composition of micronutrients; hawthorns showed a remarkable amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (57.23 g FAME/100 g total FAME), particularly omega-3 and omega-6, while blackthorn presented higher concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid (56.99 g FAME/100 g total FAME). In terms of lipo-soluble antioxidants, blackthorn exhibited higher levels of xanthophyll and vitamin E (123.83 mg/kg DM), including its isomers (alpha, gamma, and delta). Concerning the water-soluble antioxidants, hawthorns showed elevated composition of the total content of flavonoids and polyphenols, comparing with blackthorn. Moreover, hawthorns showed a high antioxidant capacity, as assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and TAC analyses. In terms of the scavenging capacity of blackthorn and hawthorn against superoxide radicals, blackthorn had higher radical scavenging potential against superoxide radicals, compared to hawthorn.

This study investigates the influence of synthesis methods and electrode geometry on the physico-chemical properties of 5%Gd-doped SnO2. Two distinct synthesis routes, co-precipitation and hydrothermal growth, were employed, resulting in powders denoted as SnO2: Gd 5%-CP and SnO2: Gd 5%-HT. Morpho-structural and textural analyses reveal a uniform morphology consisting of quasi-spherical nanoparticles with dimensions of ~6 nm and mesoporosity for CP and a non-uniform morphology with larger nanoparticles of ~42 nm, with irregular shapes and macroporosity for the HT sample, respectively. The powders were deposited onto alumina substrates equipped with platinum interdigital electrodes with alternative gaps of 200 μm and 100 μm. The back-side heater allows for variation in the temperature of the layer. Sensing properties assessed under in-field-like atmospheres simulated by a computer-controlled Gas Mixing System reveal higher sensitivity to methane compared to carbon dioxide. Although the sensor signals did not differ quantitatively, they exhibited distinct saturation tendencies with an increasing methane concentration, attributed to the morpho-structure and porosity induced by the synthesis method. Differentiation was achieved by varying the interdigital gap of the electrodes, highlighting different sensor signals and conduction mechanisms, determined by the specific size of the crystallites.

This study aimed to assess the impact of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in broilers’ diet, alone or in combination with vitamin E, on meat quality parameters, nutritional value, and oxidative stability during storage time. An experiment was conducted on 180 COBB 500 broiler chickens (14 days old), assigned into six treatments, following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. A corn–soybean meal diet was supplemented with three levels of C. vulgaris (0% in group C1, 1% in E1, 2% in E2), two levels of vitamin E (0% in C1, 250 ppm in C2), and a combination of them (1% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E3), 2% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E4)). Dietary incorporation of C. vulgaris, including those supplemented with vitamin E, resulted in a significant increase in meat protein content. DPA and DHA levels increased by 2.01-fold and 1.60-fold in the 2% C. vulgaris + vitamin E group. The PUFA/SFA ratio was increased across all dietary treatments (p < 0.0001). HPI and h/H registered the highest values as a result of 2% C. vulgaris supplementation, being linked with a positive effect in lowering cholesterol levels. Supplementation with 2% C. vulgaris and vitamin E exhibited a 1.45-fold increase in vitamin E concentration in thigh meat compared to the control group, being the highest level registered in thigh meat in this experiment. Metmyoglobin concentrations registered lower values in the thigh meat of the experimental groups, while deoxymyoglobin increased in the same groups when compared to the control group. The inclusion of C. vulgaris (1% and 2%) in combination with vitamin E (250 mg/kg) in broiler diets exhibited the best prevention of lipid oxidation after 7 days of refrigerated storage, defined by the highest efficiency factors assessed in terms of secondary oxidation products.

The paper aims to study if there is a link between adverse childhood experiences and perfectionism and burnout in adulthood; thus, the theoretical part presents definitions, history and the types of adverse experiences, burnout and perfectionism; through the questionnaire-based investigation, we aim to study the impact of adverse childhood experiences on the level of burnout and perfectionism in adulthood; specifically, the questionnaire was submitted to people working in corporations. The comparative research is aimed to investigate if there are significant differences between corporate subjects from Western Europe and the Middle East on the one hand and from Romania, on the other. The originality of the theme resides in the comparative approach between the two groups of subjects, and the novelty of the theme is reflected in the absence of relevant studies and research in Romania regarding the effect of adverse childhood experiences on the professional and personal evolution of people in the adult stage of life.

A literature survey was conducted attempting to report usage of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in processing and interpretation of medical images (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, DEXA, etc.) for the purpose of diagnosing orthopedic disorders. ML algorithms and technologies developed exponentially over the last decades triggered by advances in processing capacity, open-source ML platforms, frameworks and libraries (Anaconda, Scikit, TensorFlow, OpenNN, Torch and so on).

A fascinating, multi-layered narrative, Empire of Wild was Indigo’s Best Book of 2019. Love story intersects with the reclamation of Indigenous sovereignty as a Métis woman in search of her lost husband gets in the way of neocolonialist interests. The article looks at how the novel uses the rogarou, a canine-human monster found in French-Canadian and Métis oral traditions, its meanings constructed in different discourses, to restore and ‘re-story’ the Métis in their homeland through the agency of Indigenous womanhood. In discussing the conflict between the main character, Joan, and the man who holds her husband in his power, I endeavor to demonstrate how the novel turns the colonialist discourse of Indigenous savagery on its head, exposes the dynamics of “settler memory” (Kevin Bruyneel), and engages in “re-solution” (Layli Long Soldier) as an act of meaning making from a Métis subject position. Joan’s dual otherness as a Métis (and a) woman reclaims Métis sovereignty through performing it, her (becoming) story—a process of Métis resistance and reemergence.

This study aimed to assess the nutritional quality of cowpea seeds (cv. Doljana – CSD) and the impact of partially replacing soybean meal with CSD, along with the supplementation of microencapsulated Lactobacillus salivarius (LS), on the growth performance, selected carcass traits, biochemical plasma profile, tibia bone quality, and microbial populations in the ceca and excreta of broiler chickens aged 1 to 35 days. A total of 432 mixed-sex Ross 308 broiler chickens, aged one day, were randomly allocated to four groups, with 108 birds in each group, further divided into 6 pens containing 18 birds each. The experimental design featured a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two cowpea seed levels (CSD0 and CSD15%) and the presence or absence (Yes/No) of microencapsulated LS probiotic (0 and 1 g/kg feed). The experimental diets did not significantly influenced (p > 0.05) production performances. However, the production efficiency factor was notably higher in the CSD0 (336.8%) and CSD15 (332.2%) groups with LS compared to CSD0 (322.4%) and CSD15 (320.6%) groups without LS supplementation. Regarding carcass traits, the CSD15 group with LS supplementation exhibited higher dressing (70.69%) and liver (2.47%) percentages compared to the other groups. Plasma profile analysis revealed significant reductions (p

The study aims to compare the nutrient composition, antioxidant potential, and polyphenol bioaccessibility of the fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry. Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the individual phenolic compounds of fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry were assessed. Results showed that leaves had a higher content of polyphenols (61.06 mg GAE/g dw), flavonoids (8.47 mg QE/g), and tocopherols (1172.20 mg/kg) than fruit (27.99 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 5.23 mg QE/g flavonoids, 38.48 mg/kg tocopherols) and pomace (22.94 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 1.89 mg QE/g flavonoids and 157.19 mg/kg tocopherols), with superior in vitro antioxidant activity. Chlorogenic acids were the dominant phenolic compounds in black chokeberry undigested samples (2.713 mg/g in fruit, 17.954 mg/g in leaves, and 1.415 mg/g in pomace) but are poorly absorbed (bioaccessibility index in intestinal phase of 28.84% for fruit, 8.81% for leaves, and 31.90% for pomace). Hydroxybenzoic acids were highly stable in leaves and fruit during simulated digestion and had high bioaccessibility. In conclusion, residues from black chokeberry processing are also valuable sources of bioactive compounds, but the pomace had higher polyphenol bioaccessibility than leaves and might be a promising supplement for the food industry.

Our study evaluated the impact of incorporating flax seeds or a flax and mustard seeds’ mixture into goats’ diets to enhance milk polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The incorporation of mustard seeds also aimed to slow the lipid oxidation process. A three-week feeding trial was conducted on 18 lactating goats, randomly distributed in three groups: control (C), FS (replacing 12% of the oil source with flax seeds), and FMS (replacing a quarter of flax seeds with mustard seeds). Flax seed inclusion improved the quality of milk fat by reducing saturated fatty acid concentration (p = 0.004) and increasing PUFA levels (p = 0.001). Both experimental groups significantly lowered the omega 6/omega 3 fatty acid ratio (p < 0.001). The FMS group showed a significantly higher total vitamin E concentration (p = 0.007). The fat oxidation parameters revealed that after 24 h of storage at room temperature, the p-anisidine value increased for the FS group compared to the C group, while the FSM group showed no significant difference, suggesting that the combined inclusion of flax and mustard seeds may prolong milk storage time by mitigating secondary oxidation products. This highlights the potential benefits of incorporating the studied seeds into goats’ diets for improving milk quality and extending its shelf life.

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is a berry bush widely cultivated in Europe for producing juices, jams, jellies, and syrups. In addition to berries, blackcurrant leaves and pomace, as byproducts, have also been shown to have health-promoting effects. Static digestion, simulating oral, gastric, and small intestinal digestion, was applied, and blackcurrant leaves, fruits, and pomace and the polyphenol bioaccessibility were evaluated in terms of recovery index. The results were related to sample type, and the recovery index presented higher values in the case of fruits, indicating this morphological part of blackcurrant as the most bioaccessible. The antioxidant potential of blackcurrant was evaluated using four different methods, with the leaves proving to be a significant and powerful antioxidant compared to fruits and pomace. The counteracting potential of inhibiting the oxidation process was evaluated using in vitro-induced lipid peroxidation and the inhibition potential of superoxide and hydroxyl anions. The antioxidant evaluation and the inhibition of biological and non-biological radicals indicate the leaf extract is the most powerful antioxidant studied. Also, the results proved that not only fruits but also the blackcurrant byproducts (pomace and leaves) are promising sources of bioaccessible antioxidants with potential benefits in animal nutrition.

In today's food industry, fortifying food products with several nutrients is a priority, and animal nutrition represents a key strategy for achieving this goal. Nevertheless, the scarcity and high costs of conventional feedstuffs lead to investigation of industrial by-products as alternative solutions in livestock nutrition. White grape pomace, a by-product of the winery industry, is well-known for its rich resveratrol content. Nevertheless, in addition to this, it can present significant quantities of other nutrients and antioxidant compounds, which exert beneficial effects when incorporated into ruminants’ nutrition. Our study revealed a remarkable concentration of the white grape pomace nutrients, with important minerals, particularly manganese (106.35 mg/kg). The fatty acids profile showed a high composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (65.05 g/100 g FAME), with a great amount of omega 3 fatty acids (62.66 g/100 g FAME). Concerning the antioxidant compounds, white grape pomace exhibited a concentration of 12.49 mg/g GAE for total polyphenols and 3.27 mg/kg for total flavonoids. Also, our study highlighted its high antioxidant potential, especially assessed through the DPPH radical scavenging assay (74.26 mM eq. Trolox), ABTS radical scavenging assay (75.07 mM eq. Trolox), and total antioxidant capacity (286.26 mM eq. ascorbic acid).

Cranberries, like other plants from the berry family, are very popular due to their composition rich in bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant activity. The leaves belonging to that species can be considered a cost-effective alternative in the context of reducing antibiotics strategy in animal nutrition. Studies on their potential effects as feed additive are limited in poultry nutrition. The aim of the current study is to assess the effects of inclusion of cranberry leaves in an omega 3 enriched diet of broilers on productive parameters and evaluate the markers of antioxidant defence system. An experiment was conducted on 120 Cobb 500 broiler chickens, housed in an experimental hall with permanent wood shave litter, in boxes of 3 m2. The dietary treatments were based on corn and soybean meal, and the experimental group fed diets supplemented with 1% cranberry leaves (E1) and other with combination of cranberry leaves (1%) and walnut meal (6%) (E2). The results showed that the presence of cranberry leaves in an omega 3 enriched diet affected the final body weight of broilers (C–3140 g; E1–2649 g and E2–2538 g); the average daily gain (C–92.91 g; E1–88.32 g and E2–84.63 g) compared to other two groups. No significant differences were recorded for average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The antioxidant compounds from cranberry leaves structure positively affected the MDA concentrations determined in serum and liver samples (C–0.153 ppm; E1–0.133 ppm for serum samples and C–0.359 ppm; E1–0.319 ppm for liver samples). By inclusion in an omega enriched diet, no significant differences were detected compared to C for serum (E2–0.155 ppm) and almost 10% decreasing values were recorded for MDA values determined in liver samples (0.324 ppm).

Turmeric has been used as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asian countries and can serve as a spice, food preservative, and coloring agent. Turmeric owes its unique properties and color to curcuminoids, biologically active substances that encompass curcumin, de-methoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin. The purpose of the study was to investigate the nutritional properties of turmeric and curcumin extract, as potential dietary supplements for poultry nutrition. Turmeric was characterized by a content of 7.89 % crude protein, 4.61 % crude fiber, 1.76 % crude fat, and 7.47 % ash. The proximate composition of curcumin extract showed lower values when compared to turmeric. The chromatographic analysis of vitamin E isomers revealed α-tocopherol of 1.97 mg/kg in turmeric vs 8.09 mg/kg in curcumin, γ-tocopherol of 3.01 mg/kg in turmeric vs 10.4 mg/kg in curcumin, and δ-tocopherol of 13.84 mg/kg, while in curcumin was not detected. The antioxidant yellow pigments lutein and zeaxanthin were in higher amounts in curcumin extract, which was also characterized by an increased concentration of total polyphenols (76.50 mg/g GAE). Turmeric had higher levels of flavonoids (47.42 mg/g vs 24.71 mg/g). The outcomes of this study can serve as a foundation for developing innovative food products by using poultry nutrition and harnessing the potential benefits of this ancient spice.