Effect of dietary Vitamin E on the cloacal gland, foam and semen characteristics of male Japanese quail

This experiment was to investigate the effects of increasing the level of dietary Vitamin E (Vit. E) on cloacal gland size, foam production and semen characteristics of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). One hundred and eighty male Japanese quail chicks (day old) were randomly distributed to three dietary treatments for a period of 25 weeks. Each treatment comprised of three replicates each containing 20 chicks. The basal diet contained 15 IU Vit. E/kg and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 150 and 300 IU Vit. E/kg (diets T2 and T3, respectively). DL alpha-tocopherol acetate was used as the source of Vit. E. All chicks were provided feed and water ad libitum. Foam characteristics, in terms of frequency of foam discharge (24h), cloacal gland index and foam weight were significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 group. Body weight, testes weight (left and right) and plasma testosterone concentrations did not differ significantly. Semen characteristics (semen volume, sperm motility, % live sperm, % hatchability and sperm concentrations) did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Percentages of abnormal and dead spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) lower and fertility was higher (P<0.05) in the T2 group. From this study, it can be concluded that moderate supplementation of dietary Vit. E may be beneficial for foam production, cloacal gland and improve the semen characteristics in male Japanese quail.     

The influence of inclusions of vitamin E and corn oil on semen traits of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Reported was an investigation of the effect of vitamin E (Vit.E) and corn oil on semen traits of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). From 8 to 20 wk of age, birds were raised on corn-based diets supplemented with corn oil (0 and 3%) and Vit.E (National Research Council (NRC) recommended 25mg/kg/day/dry matter and 150 mg/kg/day/dry matter) in a 2×2 factorial manner. The diet was supplemented with corn oil and Vit.E (E2C2) which provided additional n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of 20:4n-6 and 22:4n-6 in spermatozoa phospholipid. The left testes weights were increased (P<0.01) in groups that received Vit.E in the diet (3.95 and 4.12 g, respectively) (P=0.03) and combined testes weight was the greatest in E2C2 group (7.57g) (P=0.02). Semen volume increased throughout the experiment in the E2C2 group. E2C1 and E2C2 birds had the greatest (90.05% and 92.1%, respectively) live sperm percent by comparison with other groups. The susceptibility of semen to lipid peroxidation in vitro was increased in quail fed E1C1 and E1C2, but was reduced when 150 mg Vit.E kg/day/dry matter feed was provided in the diet. The amount of Vit.E in the seminal plasma of E1C1 and E1C2 groups was (P<0.01) less than that in the other two groups (E2C1 and E2C2). From this study, it may be concluded that increasing diet n-6/n-3 ratio can be beneficial for semen traits, however, this application increased sperm peroxidation sensitivity but it can be controlled by inclusion of antioxidant such as Vit.E (150 mg/kg/day/dry matter) to diet.     

Vitamin E and selenium supplementation to alleviate cold-stress-associated deterioration in egg quality and egg Yolk mineral concentrations of Japanese quails

The effects of vitamin E (dl-α-tocopheryl acetate) and selenium (Se; Na₂-SeO₃) on egg production, egg quality, and mineral content of egg yolk in Japanese quails reared under a low ambient temperature (6°C) were evaluated. Birds (n=300; 7 wk old) were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups, 25 birds per group. The birds in a 3×2 factorial design received either three levels of vitamin E (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg diet) or two levels of selenium (0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg diet). After 2 wk on feed, six groups of the birds were maintained at 18°C (thermoneutral temperature [TN]), and the other half were acclimated over 3 d to a decreased environmental temperature of 6°C (cold stress [CS]). The performance, egg quality, and mineral content of egg yolk were not influenced by supplemental vitamin E and selenium in quails not exposed to cold stress (p≥0.09). Two hundred fifty and 500 mg vitamin E/kg diet compared with 125 mg/kg diet and higher dietary selenium inclusions (0.2 vs 0.1 mg/kg) resulted in a better body weight, egg production, and feed efficiency (p=0.01) in quails reared under CS. Similarly, egg weight, egg specific gravity, eggshell thickness, and Haugh unit were positively influenced with vitamin E (p=0.01) and selenium (p≤0.05) supplementation. Egg yolk concentrations of Zn, Fe, and Mn were higher with higher dietary vitamin E (p=0.01) and selenium (p=0.05). There was no interaction detected for parameters measured in the present study (p≥0.3). The results of the present study showed that a combination of 250 or 500 mg vitamin E and 0.2 mg selenium per kilogram of diet provides the greatest effects on performance and egg quality of Japanese quails reared under cold stress and suggest that such a supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in Japanese quail diets to reduce the detrimental effects of cold stress.     

Selenium and Vitamin E Deficiency in Pigs

The effect of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit. E) on reproductive performance, growth and health was studied in pigs. Two levels of Se were used, 0.03 and 0.06 nag per kg feed. The major component of the experimental diets was barley originating from soil which had formerly produced crops with a very low content of Se. Prior to seeding, the area was divided into 2 plots, 1 of which was treated with Se in the form of sodium selenite, 100 g Se per ha. The use of Se enriched fertilizer was an effective way of increasing the Se concentration of the grain. Thus the concentration of Se in the barley produced on the treated area was 5 times higher than in barley from the untreated one. Vit. E was added at a level of 30 i.u. per kg feed, and the concentrations were approx. 15 and 45 i.u. in the basal and experimental diets, respectively. The higher level of Se or Vit. E was not significantly associated with milk yield of the sow, litter size, birth weight or haemoglobin levels. However, there was a tendency to an increase in milk yield of the sows following additions of Se plus Vit. E, and litter size was slightly higher from sows which had received an addition of Vit. E. The concentration of Se and Vit. E was much higher in colostrum than in sow milk, and additions of dietary Se and Vit. E were associated with marked increases in the concentrations of these compounds in both colostrum and sow milk. There was a moderately improving effect of a high Se concentration in feed on growth rate and feed utilization. Low dietary levels of Se and Vit. E were followed by increased mortality rate in piglets; iron toxicity in connection with iron treatment was observed in piglets on low dietary Vit. E. Symptoms characteristic of PSE were not observed in the Se and Vit. E deficient pigs.     

In vivo antioxidant properties of vitamin e and chromium in cold-stressed Japanese quails

An experiment was conducted to determine if vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate) and chromium (chromium picolinate, Cr Pic) supplementation attenuate the negative effects of cold stress on egg production, egg quality, serum metabolites, and antioxidant status in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). One hundred and fifty laying Japanese quails (50-day-old) were divided into five groups, 30 birds per group. The laying quails kept at 6°C for 12 h/d (08.00 p.m. to 08.00 a.m.) were fed either a basal diet (low temperature-basal diet, CS group) or the basal diet supplemented with either 400 μg of Cr/kg of diet (Cr group), 250 mg of α-tocopherol-acetate per kg of diet (Vit. E group) or 400 μg of Cr plus 250 mg of α-tocopherol-acetate per kg of diet (Vit. E + Cr group) while quails kept at 18°C were fed a basal diet (thermo-neutral-basal diet, TN group). Performance and egg quality were significantly reduced in CS group compared with TN group. Supplemental chromium and vitamin E significantly increased live weight change, egg production, and improved feed efficiency in cold-stressed laying hens compared with the group fed the basal diet at 6°C. Egg production and egg weight were also greater (P < 0.05) in each supplemental group compared with the CS group. However, a combination of vitamin E and chromium, rather than each separately, provided the greatest performance. Supplemental vitamin E and chromium also increased serum vitamin C and E but, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (P < 0.05); the combination of vitamin E and chromium resulted in the highest levels of serum vitamin C and E within the cold-stressed quails. Results of the present study indicate that combined antioxidant supplements increased performance, egg quality and serum antioxidant levels while lowering MDA in cold-stressed quails.     

Dietary supplementation with vitamin E and C attenuates dexamethasone-induced glucose intolerance in rats

Glucocorticoid excess induces marked insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. A recent study has shown that antioxidants prevent dexamethasone (DEX)-induced insulin resistance in cultured adipocytes. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of dietary vitamin E and C (Vit E/C) supplementation on DEX-induced glucose intolerance in rats. We hypothesized that feeding rats a diet supplemented with Vit E/C would improve glucose tolerance and restore insulin signaling in skeletal muscle, adipose, and liver and prevent alterations in AMPK signaling in these tissues. Male Wistar rats received either a control or Vit E/C-supplemented diet (0.5 g/kg diet each of L-ascorbate and DL-all rac-alpha-tocopherol) for 9 days prior to, and during, 5 days of daily DEX treatment (subcutaneous injections 0.8 mg/g body wt). DEX treatment resulted in increases in the glucose and insulin area under the curve (AUC) during an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. The glucose, but not insulin, AUC was lowered with Vit E/C supplementation. Improvements in glucose tolerance occurred independent of a restoration of PKB phosphorylation in tissues of rats stimulated with an intraperitoneal injection of insulin but were associated with increases in AMPK signaling in muscle and reductions in AMPK signaling and the expression of fatty acid oxidation enzymes in liver. There were no differences in mitochondrial enzymes in triceps muscles between groups. This study is the first to report that dietary Vit E/C supplementation can partially prevent DEX-induced glucose intolerance in rats.     

Performance of rabbits and oxidative stability of muscle tissues as affected by dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil

The effect of dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil on the performance of rabbits, and the susceptibility of the produced raw and thermally treated muscle tissue to lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage, were investigated. A total of 96 weaned rabbits were separated into four equal groups with three subgroups each. One group was given the basal diet and served as control, two groups were administered diets supplemented with oregano essential oil at levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg diet, whereas the remaining group was given a diet supplemented with alpha-tocopheryl acetate at 200 mg/kg. During the 42-day experimental period, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. Feeding the experimental diets to rabbits, performance parameters were not affected. Therefore, dietary oregano essential oil exerted no growth-promoting effect on rabbits. With increased supplementation of oregano essential oil, malondialdehyde values decreased in both raw and thermally treated muscles during refrigerated storage. This finding suggests that dietary oregano essential oil exerted a significant antioxidant effect. Dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil at the level of 200 mg/kg was more effective in delaying lipid oxidation compared with the level of 100 mg/kg, but inferior to dietary supplementation of 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate per kg. This study indirectly provides evidence that antioxidant compounds occurring in oregano essential oil were absorbed by the rabbit and increased the antioxidative capacity of tissues.     

Performance of rabbits and oxidative stability of muscle tissues as affected by dietary supplementation with Oregano essential oil

The effect of dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil on the performance of rabbits, and the susceptibility of the produced raw and thermally treated muscle tissue to lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage, were investigated. A total of 96 weaned rabbits were separated into four equal groups with three subgroups each. One group was given the basal diet and served as control, two groups were administered diets supplemented with oregano essential oil at levels of 100 and 200?mg/kg diet, whereas the remaining group was given a diet supplemented with α-tocopheryl acetate at 200?mg/kg. During the 42-day experimental period, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. Feeding the experimental diets to rabbits, performance parameters were not affected. Therefore, dietary oregano essential oil exerted no growth-promoting effect on rabbits. With increased supplementation of oregano essential oil, malondialdehyde values decreased in both raw and thermally treated muscles during refrigerated storage. This finding suggests that dietary oregano essential oil exerted a significant antioxidant effect. Dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil at the level of 200?mg/kg was more effective in delaying lipid oxidation compared with the level of 100?mg/kg, but inferior to dietary supplementation of 200?mg α-tocopheryl acetate per kg. This study indirectly provides evidence that antioxidant compounds occurring in oregano essential oil were absorbed by the rabbit and increased the antioxidative capacity of tissues.     

Protective role of supplemental vitamin E and selenium on lipid peroxidation, vitamin E, vitamin A, and some mineral concentrations of Japanese quails reared under heat stress

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin E and selenium (Se) on lipid peroxidation (MDA), serum and liver concentration of antioxidant vitamins, and some minerals of Japanese quails reared under heat stress (34°C). One hundred twenty 10-d-old Japanese qualis (60 males, 60 females) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups, 3 replicates of 10 birds each. The experiment was designed in a 2×2 factorial arrangement using two levels of vitamin E (125 and 250 mg/kg of diet) and two levels of selenium (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg of diet). Greater dietary vitamin E and selenium inclusions resulted in a greater (p=0.001) serum vitamin E and vitamin A, but lower (p=0.001) MDA concentrations. Liver vitamin E and vitamin A concentrations increased (p=0.001) and MDA concentrations decreased (p=0.001) when both dietary vitamin E and selenium increased. No interactions between vitamin E and selenium were detected (p≥0.11) for any parameters. Increasing both dietary vitamin E and selenium caused an increase in serum concentrations of Fe and Zn (p=0.001), but a decrease in serum concentration of Cu (p=0.001). Results of the present study showed that dietary vitamin E and selenium have synergistic effects and that supplementing a combination of dietary vitamin E (250 mg/kg of diet) and selenium (0.2 mg/kg of diet) offers a good management practice to reduce heat stress-related depression in performance of Japanese quails.     

Protective effect of modified glucomannans against aurofusarin-induced changes in quail egg and embryo

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of modified glucomannans (Mycosorb) on egg yolk and liver of the day-old quail after aurofusarin inclusion in the maternal diet. Fifty-four 45-day-old Japanese quail were divided into three groups and were fed ad libitum a corn-soya diet balanced in all nutrients. The diet of the experimental quail was supplemented with aurofusarin at the level of 26.4 mg/kg feed in the form of Fusarium graminearum culture enriched with aurofusarin or with aurofusarin plus Mycosorb at 1 g/kg feed. Eggs obtained after 8 weeks of feeding were analysed and incubated in standard conditions of 37.5 degrees C/55% RH. Samples of quail liver were collected from day-old hatchlings. Main polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the egg yolk were analysed by gas chromatography, and tocopherols and tocotrienols were analysed by HPLC-based methods. Inclusion of aurofusarin in the maternal diet was associated with decreased proportions of docosahexaenoic acid and increased proportions of linoleic acid in major lipid fractions of the egg yolk as well as with decreased concentrations of alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, alpha- and gamma-tocotrienols in egg yolk and liver of a day-old quail. Inclusion of modified glucomannans (Mycosorb) into the quail diet simultaneously with aurofusarin showed a significant protective effect against changes in PUFA and antioxidant composition in the egg yolk and liver of quail. It is suggested that a combination of mycotoxin adsorbents and natural antioxidants could be the next step in counteracting mycotoxins in animal feed.     

Effects of supplementation with vitamin E on the performance and the tissue peroxidation of broiler chicks and the stability of thigh meat against oxidative deterioration

Two experiments were conducted: Expt 1 determined the optimal allowance of vitamin E in the diet for broiler chicks aged 0–3 weeks; Expt 2 investigated the effects of different dietary levels of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) on the performance and the oxidative stability of thigh meat of broiler chicks during storage. In Expt 1, 1-day-old 900 broiler chicks were allocated to five treatments, each with six replicates (cages) of 22 as-hatched chicks for performance evaluation, and another cage of 45 male chicks for determining plasma and hepatic α-tocopherol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in blood and liver. The basal dietary α-tocopherol concentration was 13 mg/kg, and the five α-tocopherol acetate supplementation levels were 0, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg. For 0–3-week-old broiler chicks fed with maize–soya bean meal–soya oil type diet, supplementation of vitamin E did not influence the feed intake, but tended to improve growth and feed utilization, however there was no significant correlation between performance and vitamin E supplementation level. Significant positive correlations existed between dietary supplemental vitamin E level and plasma or hepatic α-tocopherol concentrations (P<0.05), and a negative correlation with hepatic TBARS levels no matter at what age (11, 16 and 21 days). In Expt 2, 2200 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five treatments with four replicates (pens) in each. Chicks were fed ad libitum five pellet diets supplemented with vitamin E at 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg/kg of diet, respectively. The basal dietary α-tocopherol level of grower and finisher diets were 7 and 6 mg/kg, respectively. Supplementation of vitamin E tended to improve growth and feed utilization of birds during 0–3 weeks of age, but the performance from 0 to 6 weeks of age were not influenced. The hepatic α-tocopherol concentrations of 6-week-old chicks linearly increased with the dietary vitamin E levels (R²=0.98, P<0.001). The content of TBARS in the thigh meat over 4 days of storage under 4°C was significantly decreased by increasing dietary vitamin E level (P<0.05). There was a significant inverse relationship between TBARS value in the thigh meat and the dietary vitamin E level (R²=0.93, P<0.01). Supplementation of vitamin E significantly improved the meat quality stability substantially against oxidative deterioration. Comparing the hepatic α-tocopherol levels of chicks in Expts 1 and 2, total allowance of dietary α-tocopherol of 20–30 mg/kg could sustain relatively constant hepatic α-tocopherol level at round about 2–2.5 μg/kg.     

The role of organic selenium in cadmium toxicity: effects on broiler performance and health status

This work was part of a project designed to assess whether organic selenium (Se) can protect against the toxic effects of cadmium (Cd). A total of 300 1-day-old, as hatched, broilers were randomly distributed in four dietary treatments with five replicate pens per treatment. In T1 treatment, broilers were fed a diet with 0.3 mg/kg added Se, as Se-yeast, without added Cd; in T2, broilers were fed a diet with 0.3 mg/kg Se and 10 mg/kg Cd; in T3, broilers were fed a diet with 0.3 mg/kg Se and 100 mg/kg of Cd; and in T4 treatment broilers were fed a diet with 3 mg/kg Se and 100 mg/kg Cd. The Cd was added to diets T2, T3 and T4 as CdCl₂. On the 4th and 6th week, two broilers per replicate pen were killed in order to obtain whole blood, liver, kidney and breast samples. Body mass, feed conversion ratio and mortality were assessed and haematological analyses were performed. Se and Cd levels in tissues were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Broilers supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg Se can tolerate low levels of Cd added to the diets, as there were no significant negative effects on the examined performance parameters, whereas addition of excess Cd led to an impairment of broilers’ performance. Mortality of broilers did not differ between the four dietary treatments at any interval point or the whole period. The examined haematological parameters such as haematocrit, total blood protein concentration, and leukocytes types ranged within physiological values, revealing no negative health effects after simultaneous Cd and Se addition. The present study indicated that Se can help against the negative effects of Cd, but cannot counteract all of its negative effects.     

Effect of high dietary copper on weight gain and neuropeptide Y level in the hypothalamus of pigs

An experiment was performed to examine the effect of dietary copper supplementation on weight gain, neuropeptide Y (NPY) concentration and NPY mRNA expression level in the hypothalamus of pigs. Forty-five crossbred pigs were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 pigs, each comprising five replicates of 3 animals. Pigs were allocated to diets that contained 10 mg/kg (as a control), 125 and 250 mg/kg copper as CuSO₄. Live weight gain and feed conversion efficiency was determined at the end of the experiment and five pigs, selected at random from each group, were slaughtered and the hypothalami collected for determination of NPY concentration and NPY mRNA expression level. The results showed that average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were higher and feed:gain (F:G) ratio was lower in pigs fed the diets with 125 and 250 mg/kg copper (P<0.05), respectively, than in pigs fed a diet with 10 mg/kg copper, but that there was no statistically significant difference in growth performance between animals of the 125 mg/kg and the 250 mg/kg copper groups. Furthermore, pigs fed diets with 125 and 250 mg/kg copper had higher NPY concentrations and NPY mRNA expression levels in their hypothalamus than control animals. The data indicated that 125 and 250 mg/kg copper gave similar responses in terms of weight gain, whilst high dietary copper could enhance NPY concentration and NPY mRNA expression level in the hypothalamus of pigs. High dietary copper appears to increase feed intake and promote weight gain by enhancing NPY concentration and NPY mRNA expression level in the hypothalamus of pigs.     

维生素E对中华鳖幼鳖生长、肝脏维生素E以及血清皮质醇含量的影响

为探讨维生素E(VE)对中华鳖(Pelodiscus sinensis)幼鳖的生长、肝脏VE和血清皮质醇的影响，通过特定生长率、高压液相色谱法和放免法，我们测定了中华鳖幼鳖的生长、肝脏VE和血清皮质醇含量。发现VE添加量为1000和5000mg／kg的两组，能明显降低中华鳖幼鳖的生长。维生素E添加量为500、1000和5000mg／kg的三组，肝脏维生素E含量明显高于对照组，VE添加量在0—1000mg／kg的范围时，肝脏VE的含量随着饲料中VE含量的增加呈指数式增加，并且在VE添加量为5000kg／kg的一组基本达到饱和。维生素E添加量为0和50mg／kg的2组，其血清皮质醇的平均值明显高于维生素E添加量为250、500、1000和5000mg／kg的4组的平均值。上述结果表明：高剂量的VE降低了中华鳖幼鳖的生长和血清皮质醇的含量；在一定剂量范围内，肝脏VE随着饲料中VE含量的增加而升高。     

Influence of vitamin E supplementation and basal diet on the vitamin E status, performance and tissue fatty acid concentration in lambs

In order to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E level and basal diet on vitamin E status, performance and tissue fatty acid content, five groups of eight Suffolk × Charollais wether lambs with an initial live weight of 28.4 (s.d. 1.6) kg were allocated to one of five concentrate-based diets supplemented with all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate to contain 30 mg (C-30), 60 mg (C-60), 120 mg (C-120), 250 mg (C-250) or 500 mg (C-500) α-tocopheryl acetate/kg dry matter (DM), for 63 days. Two additional groups of eight lambs entered the study at 31.2 (s.d. 3.3) kg and were fed grass silage and 400 g/day concentrate for 56 days, with the whole diet providing the equivalent of 60 mg (S-60) or 500 mg (S-500) α-tocopheryl acetate/kg DM. Lambs were weighed and blood samples obtained by venipuncture weekly. Dietary vitamin E level did not affect performance (P > 0.05), but lambs fed grass silage grew more slowly (P < 0.001) and had a higher (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg gain) than those fed concentrates. At day 0 plasma α-tocopherol concentrations were 0.8 μg/ml and did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Plasma α-tocopherol concentrations then decreased in all lambs except for those fed S-500, which increased, and at slaughter were (μg/ml) 0.07, 0.23, 0.39, 0.76 and 1.57 in C-30, C-60, C-120, C-250 and C-500 and 1.18 and 1.93 in S-60 and S-500, respectively. At slaughter, muscle and liver α-tocopherol concentrations were in the deficiency range for lambs fed C-30, C-60 or C-120, whereas plasma creatine kinase and tissue polyunsaturated fatty acids were unaffected by dietary vitamin E level, but creatine kinase levels were higher (P < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidise levels lower (P < 0.001) in lambs fed grass silage than concentrates alone. Muscle and liver α-tocopherol concentrations were 1.8- and 4.1-fold higher in lambs fed S-60 than C-60, but there was less of a difference between lambs fed S-500 or C-500 with muscle and liver differences of 0.4- and 0.7-fold, respectively. Tissue n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) and n-6 fatty acids lower in lambs receiving the grass silage compared to concentrate-based diets, but were not affected by dietary vitamin E level. It is concluded that lower plasma and tissue levels of α-tocopherol are present in lambs supplemented with all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate on a concentrate compared to a mixed diet of silage and concentrates, and that normal growth can be achieved at tissue levels previously considered to represent deficiency.     

Immune responses,intestinal microbiota,performance and blood characteristics of Japanese quail fed on diets containing camphor

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplemental camphor on the performance and immune functions of Japanese quail by feeding graded levels (0 (control), 250, 500, 750, 1000, 5000 or 10 000 ppm) of camphor during a 42-day feeding trial. In all, 280 1-day-old quail chicks were randomly assigned into 28 cages of 10 chicks each with separate feeders. The results clearly demonstrated that camphor did not have a significant effect on BW, BW gain, total experimental average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, internal organ relative weights and biochemical parameters such as uric acid, albumin, total protein and triglyceride; however, plasma cholesterol concentration was significantly different in a linear manner, in which 500 ppm of camphor resulted in a lower level of cholesterol. Alternatively, greater concentrations of glucose and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were also found in 5000 and 1000 ppm of camphor groups, respectively. Cellular responses to the phytohaemagglutinin-P and 2,4-dinitro 1-chlorobenzene skin test were not influenced by dietary camphor. Humoral responses to secondary sheep red blood cells, avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) immunisations were positively influenced by camphor supplementation, in which greater secondary response to sheep erythrocytes belonged to 750 and 1000 ppm of camphor groups; whereas, diet supplementation with camphor had no significant effect on lymphoid organ weights and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The greatest AIV antibody titers were seen in groups, which received 1000 and 5000 ppm of camphor (P<0.05) and the values of NDV antibody titers increased with an increase in the camphor consumption. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of 500 ppm of camphor positively decreased coliform populations in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In addition, an increase in lactic acid bacteria was also observed in quails, which were fed on the diets containing 750 ppm camphor. Collectively, these data suggest that as a phytogenic feed additive, camphor may effectively act as a modulator of health status (by increasing glucose and HDL), GIT microbiota and immunological responses of the Japanese quail.     

The effect of vitamin E and plant extract mixture composed of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin on oxidative stress induced by high PUFA load in young pigs

The objective of our study was to determine the antioxidative potential of a plant extract (PE) mixture composed of carvacrol, capsicum oleoresin and cinnamaldehyde against high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-induced oxidative stress in young pigs. Thirty-two weaned castrated male crossbred pigs (BW 10.9 kg; n = 32) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (n = 8). The negative control diet (Cont) contained 17.2% energy from fat. Oxidative stress was induced in three of the four experimental groups with the inclusion of n-3 PUFA rich linseed oil. Linseed oil substituted wheat starch in the diet to elevate the amount of energy from fat to 34.1%. One of these diets served as a positive control (Oil), one was additionally supplemented with 271.2 mg/kg of PE mixture and one with 90.4 mg/kg α-tocopheryl acetate (Vit E). After 14 days of treatment, blood and urine were collected for the determination of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Lipid peroxidation was studied by plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, 24 h urinary MDA and F2-isoprostane (iPF2α-VI) excretion, total antioxidant status of plasma and glutathione peroxidase assays. Lymphocyte DNA fragmentation and 24 h urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine excretion were measured to determine DNA damage. Consumption of n-3 PUFA rich linseed oil increased the amount of MDA in plasma and urine, and induced DNA damage in lymphocytes, but did not elevate the amount of iPF2α-VI excreted in the urine. The supplementation with PE and with Vit E did not reduce MDA levels in plasma and urine, but it decreased the percentage of DNA damage in lymphocytes (P < 0.001). The PE reduced the urinary iPF2α-VI excretion in comparison to the Cont diet. The results show that PE and Vit E supplemented to pigs in concentrations of 271.2 mg/kg and 90.4 mg/kg, respectively, can effectively protect pig's blood lymphocytes against oxidative DNA damage, thus suggesting their potentially beneficial effects on the immune system under dietary-induced oxidative stress.     

Effect of increasing inclusion rates of tofu by-product in diets of growing pigs on nitrogen balance and ammonia emission from manure

To reduce competition with human-edible feed resources, it is of interest to incorporate by-products from the food industry in animal feeds. The current research investigated the effect of including increasing amounts of tofu by-product (TF) in practical pig diets on animal performance, nitrogen balance and ammonia emissions from manure. Two experiments were conducted including a control diet without TF, containing 160 g/kg dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and three diets including 122, 246 and 360 g TF/kg DM (TF122, TF246 and TF360, respectively) to reach 220, 280 and 360 g/kg NSP. All diets had the same level of CP and protein digestible in the small intestine which particularly was realized by replacing rice bran with TF. Animal performance was assessed in a first experiment with 40 growing barrows with initial BW of 26.6 ± 1.80 kg (M ± SD) being allocated to the 4 treatments, during 2 growth phases (i.e. until 50 kg BW and from 50 to 80 kg BW). In the growth phase until 50 kg, feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) were linearly reduced by dietary TF inclusion, while this negative impact disappeared during the second growth phase (50 to 80 kg BW). Tofu by-product inclusion even positively affected the feed conversion ratio during this second growth phase (3.4 to 2.7 kg feed/kg ADG for 0 to 360 g/kg dietary TF). Over the entire growth period, performance and feed intake were negatively affected at the highest dietary TF level. Experiment 2 was conducted to assess digestibility, nitrogen balance and ammonia emission from manure. For this purpose, 16 pigs with BW of 62.8 ± 3.6 kg (M ± SD) were assigned to either 1 of the 4 treatments. There was no difference in total tract apparent digestibility of dietary organic matter or CP, while NDF digestibility increased with increasing TF level, suggesting increasing importance of the hindgut fermentation when digesting diets with increasing TF levels. Nevertheless, this was not reflected in increasing levels of faecal volatile fatty acids or purines, nor in reduced manure pH. As a result, ammonia emission from slurry was not reduced through dietary TF inclusion, despite the linear decrease in urinary nitrogen. In conclusion, TF can be included in pigs’ diets up to an inclusion rate of 25% without risk of impaired animal performance; however, this dietary strategy fails to mitigate ammonia emission from slurry.     

Apportioning protein requirements for maintenance v. growth for blue-breasted quail (Excalfactoria chinensis) from 7 to 21 days of age

The aim of this study was to investigate protein requirements for the maintenance and growth of blue-breasted quail (Excalfactoria chinensis) from 7 to 21 days of age. A total of 180 quails, 7 days old, were randomly assigned to 36 cages and for 2 weeks were fed diets with a metabolisable energy concentration of 12.13 MJ/kg and a dietary CP concentration of 125, 150, 175, 200, 225 or 250 g/kg. The average BW per cage and the feed intake per cage were recorded daily. The results showed that quails fed 125 g/kg CP could not maintain their BW and had negative feed efficiency. There were linear and quadratic relationships between CP level and response criteria, including BW, weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, final body nitrogen mass and body nitrogen accretion (P<0.05). The dietary CP requirements, as calculated using a one-slope quadratic broken-line model, were 211 and 202 g/kg according to weight gain and feed efficiency, respectively. The regression equations, on the basis of metabolic BW, of daily weight gain on daily protein intake according to the model were Y=0.137-2.128(0.113-X) if X<0.113 and Y=0.137 if X>or=0.113 (R2=0.96, P<0.001), which meant that the protein requirement for maintenance was 0.049 times the metabolic BW and that to gain 1 g weight quails needed to ingest an extra 0.47 g protein after the maintenance requirement was satisfied. The regression equations, on the basis of metabolic BW, of daily body nitrogen accretion on daily protein intake according to the model were Y=5.667-76.700(0.119-X) if X<0.119 and Y=5.667 if X>or=0.119 (R2=0.95, P<0.001), which meant that quails had to receive an amount of protein equal to their metabolic BW multiplied by 0.045 to satisfy the requirement for maintenance and then ingest an extra 13 g protein to accrete 1 g body nitrogen. In conclusion, growth or protein accretion rates should be regulated according to dietary CP for specific experimental purposes via apportioning protein requirements for maintenance v. growth.     

Resorption,Exkretion und Verteilung von 99Molybdän nach oraler Gabe an laktierende Wiederkäuer

ABSTRACT

A growth trial was performed to optimise the inclusion of potassium (K) in feeds of Heteropneustes fossilis (body weight [BW] 6.92 ± 0.1 g). Eight isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with varying dietary K levels were prepared by supplementing 0, 1.91, 3.82, 5.73, 7.64, 9.55, 11.46 and 13.37 g KCl/kg basal diet. Analysed dietary K levels were 0.16, 1.12, 2.08, 3.19, 4.18, 5.16, 6.11, 7.14 and 8.16 g/kg dry matter. BW gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein gain (PG) and gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity were best in fish fed 4.18 g K/kg diet. The K concentrations in the whole body and vertebrae increased linearly with the increase up to 5.16 g K/kg diet and reached then a plateau. The K-retention [%] was highest in fish fed the basal diet and decreased with the further inclusion of dietary K up to 2.08 g/kg followed by no change up to diet containing 4.18 g K/kg and then declined further in fish fed higher levels of dietary K. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was found to increase up to 4.18 g K/kg diet. Regression of BW gain, PG, gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and vertebrae K concentration against varying levels of dietary K using broken-line model indicated that an inclusion of 5.44 g K/kg diet is the optimum for maximising growth and mineralisation of H. fossilis.