Effects of Zinc Glycinate on Productive and Reproductive Performance,Zinc Concentration and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Breeders

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc glycinate (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) on productive and reproductive performance, zinc (Zn) concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders. Six hundred 39-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 groups consisting of 4 replicates with 25 birds each. Breeders were fed a basal diet (control group, 24 mg Zn/kg diet), basal diet supplemented with 80 mg Zn/kg diet from ZnSO₄ or basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg Zn/kg diet from Zn-Gly. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks after a 4-week pre-test with the basal diet, respectively. Results showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of sources, improved (P?<?0.05) the feed conversion ratio (kilogram of feed/kilogram of egg) and decreased broken egg rate, and elevated (P?<?0.05) the qualified chick rate. Compared with the ZnSO₄ group, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly increased (P?<?0.05) average egg weight, fertility, hatchability and qualified chick rate, whereas it decreased (P?<?0.05) broken egg rate. The Zn concentrations in liver and muscle were significantly higher (P?<?0.05) in 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group than that in ZnSO₄ group. Compared with ZnSO₄ group, 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly elevated (P?<?0.05) the mRNA abundances of metallothionein (MT) and copper-zinc superoxide (Cu-Zn SOD), as well as the Cu-Zn SOD activity and MT concentration in liver. Moreover, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group had higher (P?<?0.05) serum T-SOD and Cu-Zn SOD activities than that in the ZnSO₄ group. This study indicated that supplementation of Zn in basal diet improved productive and reproductive performance, Zn concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders, and the 80 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly was the optimum choice for broiler breeders compared with other levels of Zn from Zn-Gly and 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO₄.     

Changes in Small Intestinal Morphology and Digestive Enzyme Activity with Oral Administration of Copper-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles in Rats

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on the small intestinal morphology and activities of digestive enzyme and mucosal disaccharase in rats. Forty male Sprague–Dawley rats, with average body weight of 82 g, were randomly allotted to five groups (n = 8). All rats were received a basal diet (control) or the same basal diet added with 80 mg/kg BW CuSO₄, 80 mg/kg BW chitosan (CS-I), 80 mg/kg BW copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSN-I), 160 mg/kg BW copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSN-II), respectively. The experiment lasted 21 days. The results showed that the villus heights of the small intestinal mucosa in groups CSN-I and CSN-II were higher than those of the control, group CuSO₄ or CS-I. The crypt depth of duodenum and ileum mucosa in group CSN-I or CSN-II was depressed. Compared with the control, there were no significant effects of CuSO₄ or CS-I on the villus height and crypt depth of small intestinal mucosa. Supplementation with CSN improved the activities of trypsin, amylase and lipase in the small intestinal contents and maltase, sucrase and lactase of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum mucosa while there were no significant effects of CuSO₄ on the digestive enzyme activities of the small content compared with the control. The results indicated that intestinal morphology, activities of digestive enzyme in digesta and mucosal disaccharase were beneficially changed by treatment of copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles.     

Effects of Different Sources and Levels of Copper on Growth Performance,Nutrient Digestibility,and Elemental Balance in Young Female Mink (Mustela vison)

An experiment was conducted in a 3?×?3?+?1 factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of different sources of copper on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and elemental balance in young female mink on a corn–fishmeal-based diet. Animals in the control group were fed a basal diet (containing 8.05 mg Cu/kg DM; control), which mainly consisted of corn, fish meal, meat bone meal, and soybean oil, with no copper supplementation. Minks in other nine treatments were fed basal diets supplemented with Cu from reagent-grade copper sulfate, tribasic copper chloride (TBCC) and copper methionate. Cu concentrations of experiment diets were 10, 25, and 40 mg/kg copper. A metabolism trial of 4 days was conducted during the last week of experimental feeding. Final body weight and average daily gain increased (linear and quadratic, P?<?0.05) as Cu increased in the diet; maximal growth was seen in the Cu25 group. Cu supplementation slightly improved the feed conversion rate (P?=?0.095). Apparent fat digestibility was increased by copper level (P?=?0.020). Retention nitrogen was increased by copper level (linear, P?=?0.003). Copper source had a significant effect on copper retention with Cu-Met and copper sulfate treatments retention more than TBCC treatments (P?<?0.05). Our results indicate that mink can efficiently utilize added dietary fat and that Cu plays an important role in the digestion of dietary fat in mink, and mink can efficiently utilize Cu-Met and CuSO₄.     

N-acetylcysteine reduces inflammation in the small intestine by regulating redox, EGF and TLR4 signaling

This study determined whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could affect intestinal redox status, proinflammatory cytokines, epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and aquaporin-8 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglet model. Eighteen piglets (35-day-old) were randomly allocated into one of the three treatments (control, LPS and NAC). The control and LPS groups were fed a basal diet, and the NAC group received the basal diet +500 mg/kg NAC. On days 10, 13, and 20 of the trial, the LPS- and NAC-treated piglets received intraperitoneal administration of LPS (100 μg/kg BW), whereas the control group received the same volume of saline. On days 10 and 20, venous blood samples were obtained at 3 h post LPS or saline injection. On day 21 of the trial, piglets were killed to obtain the intestinal mucosa for analysis. Compared with the control group, LPS challenge reduced (P < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in jejunal mucosae, while increasing (P < 0.05) the concentrations of malondialdehyde, H₂O₂, O₂ ^·? and the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione in jejunal mucosae, and concentrations of TNF-α, cortisol, interleukin-6, and prostaglandin E₂ in both plasma and intestinal mucosae. These adverse effects of LPS were attenuated (P < 0.05) by NAC supplementation. Moreover, NAC prevented LPS-induced increases in abundances of intestinal HSP70 and NF-κB p65 proteins and TLR4 mRNA. NAC supplementation enhanced plasma EGF concentration and intestinal EGFR mRNA levels. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary NAC supplementation alleviates LPS-induced intestinal inflammation via regulating redox, EGF, and TLR4 signaling.     

Effects of Copper-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Intestinal Microflora and Morphology in Weaned Piglets

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with copper-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNP-Cu) on growth performance, intestinal microflora, and morphology in weaned piglets. A number of 90 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), weaned at 21?days with body weight of 7.2?±?0.81?kg, were randomly divided into three groups by weight and sex, each treatment including three replicates of ten pigs. The piglets were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0 (the control group), 100?mg/kg CNP-Cu, and 100?mg/kg chlortetracycline (the positive group). The results showed that 100?mg/kg CNP-Cu significantly increased average daily gain and feed intake and decreased feed/gain ratio and diarrhea rate (P?<?0.05). Compared with the control group, the amount of Escherichia coli in duodenum, jejunal, and caecum were significantly decreased by 100?mg/kg CNP-Cu; the number of lactobacillus in jejunal and caecum were increased (P?<?0.05), and the amount of bifidobacterium in duodenum and caecum were also increased (P?<?0.05). Moreover, the villous height of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum mucosa was significantly increased (P?<?0.05), and the crypt depth was significantly decreased (P?<?0.05). The results indicated that CNP-Cu is beneficial to growth and intestinal microflora and morphology and could be a potential substitution of chlortetracycline in diets of weaned piglets.     

Fluoride Exposure Aggravates the Testicular Damage and Sperm Quality in Diabetic Mice: Protective Role of Ginseng and Banaba

The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) on the antioxidant capacity, small intestine development, and jejunal gene expression in weaned piglets. Ninety-six 21-day-old piglets were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments. Each treatment had eight replicates with four piglets per replicate. The piglets were fed either control diet (control) or control diet supplemented with in-feed antibiotics (300 mg/kg chlortetracycline and 60 mg/kg colistin sulfate) or pharmacological doses of ZnO (3000 mg/kg). The experiment lasted 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected at days 14 and 28, while intestinal samples were harvested at day 28 of the experiment. Dietary high doses of ZnO supplementation significantly increased the body weight (BW) at day 14 and average daily gain (ADG) of days 1 to 14 in weaned piglets, when compared to control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea of piglets fed ZnO-supplemented diets, at either days 1 to 14, days 14 to 28, or the overall experimental period, was significantly decreased in comparison with those in other groups (P < 0.05). Supplementation with ZnO increased the villus height of the duodenum and ileum in weaned piglets and decreased the crypt depth of the duodenum, when compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Dietary ZnO supplementation decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration at either day 14 or day 28, but increased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) at day 14, when compared to that in the control (P < 0.05). ZnO supplementation upregulated the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the jejunum mucosa of weaned piglets, compared to those in the control (P < 0.05). The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-lβ (IL-1β) mRNA expression in the jejunum mucosa was downregulated in the ZnO-supplemented group, compared with the control (P < 0.05). Both in-feed antibiotics and ZnO supplementation decreased the mRNA expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), but increased the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), in the jejunum mucosa of piglets, when compared to those in the control (P < 0.05). In summary, supplemental ZnO was effective on the prevention of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in weaned piglets and showed comparative growth-promoting effect on in-feed antibiotics, probably by the mechanism of improvement of the antioxidant capacity, restoration of intestinal barrier function and development, and modulation of immune functions.     

Zinc seed coating improves the growth,grain yield and grain biofortification of bread wheat

This study, comprising three independent experiments, was conducted to optimize the zinc (Zn) application through seed coating for improving the productivity and grain biofortification of wheat. Experiment 1 was conducted in petri plates, while experiment 2 was conducted in sand-filled pots to optimize the Zn seed coating using two sources (ZnSO₄, ZnCl₂) of Zn. In the first two experiments, seeds of two wheat cultivars Lasani-2008 and Faisalabad-2008 were coated with 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75 and 2.00 g Zn kg^?1 seed using ZnSO₄ and ZnCl₂ as Zn sources. The results of experiment I revealed that seed coating with 1.25 and 1.50 g Zn kg^?1 seed using both sources of Zn improved the seedling emergence. However, seed coated with 1.25 and 1.50 g Zn kg^?1 seed using ZnSO₄ was better regarding improvement in seedling growth and seedling dry weight. The results of the second experiment indicated that seed coated with 1.25 and 1.50 g Zn kg^?1 seed using ZnSO₄ improved the seedling emergence and seedling growth of tested wheat cultivars. However, seed coating beyond 1.5 g Zn kg^?1 seed using either Zn source suppressed the seedling emergence. Third experiment was carried out in glass house in soil-filled earthen pots. Seeds of both wheat cultivars were coated with pre-optimized treatments (1.25, 1.50 g Zn kg^?1 seed) using both Zn sources. Seed coating with all treatments of ZnSO₄ and seed coating with 1.25 g Zn kg^?1 seed using ZnCl₂ improved the seedling emergence and yield-related traits of wheat cultivars. Seed coating with 1.25 g Zn kg^?1 seed also improved the chlorophyll a and b contents. Maximum straw Zn contents, before and after anthesis, were recorded from seed coated with 1.5 g Zn kg^?1 seed using either Zn source. Increase in grain yield from seed coating followed the sequence 1.25 g Zn kg^?1 seed (ZnSO₄) >1.25 g Zn kg^?1 seed (ZnCl₂) >1.5 g Zn kg^?1 seed (ZnSO₄). However, increase in grain Zn contents from seed coated was 1.5 g Zn kg^?1 seed (ZnCl₂) >1.25 and 1.5 g Zn kg^?1 seed (ZnCl₂, ZnSO₄) >1.25 g Zn kg^?1 seed (ZnSO₄). Seed coating with Zn increased the grain Zn contents from 21 to 35 %, while 33–55 % improvement in grain yield was recorded. In conclusion, wheat seeds may be coated with 1.25 g Zn kg^?1 seed using either source of Zn for improving the grain yield and grain Zn biofortification.     

Effects of Maternal Zinc Glycine on Mortality,Zinc Concentration,and Antioxidant Status in a Developing Embryo and 1-Day-Old Chick

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal zinc glycine (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on mortality, zinc (Zn) concentration, and antioxidant status in a developing embryo and 1-day-old chick. Six hundred 39-week-old broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 treatments, each treatment including 5 replicates with 20 birds each. Six treatments received a basal diet (control, 24 mg Zn/kg diet) or a basal diet supplemented with ZnSO₄ (80 mg Zn/kg) or Zn-Gly (20, 40, 60, or 80 mg Zn/kg), respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks after a 4-week pre-experiment with a basal diet. At the last week, 100 eggs per replicate were randomly collected for incubation. Compared with the control treatment, Zn supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) embryo mortalities of the late stage and the whole period, increased (P < 0.05) liver Zn concentration in the embryo of d9, d19, and 1-day-old chick, and improved (P < 0.05) antioxidant status in the embryo of d19 and 1-day-old chick. Compared with the ZnSO₄ treatment, 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the late stage embryo mortality and increased (P < 0.05) liver Zn concentration in the embryo of d9, d19, and 1-day-old chick. The 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity in d19 embryo and 1-day-old chick, total superoxide dismutase activity in 1-day-old chick, and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of d9 embryo and 1-day-old chick than that in ZnSO₄ treatment. The liver metallothionein concentration of the developing embryo and 1-day-old chick and its mRNA abundance of d19 embryo were also significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly treatment in comparison with ZnSO₄ treatment. In conclusion, maternal Zn supplementation decreased embryo mortalities of the late stage and the whole period by increasing liver Zn concentration and antioxidant status in d19 embryo and 1-day-old chick, and 80 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly treatment was the optimum choice.     

Intestinal IgA+ Cell Numbers as well as IgA, IgG, and IgM Contents Correlate with Mucosal Humoral Immunity of Broilers During Supplementation with High Fluorine in the Diets

Fluoride (F), a well-recognized harmful substance, is easily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa. The intestinal mucosal immune system is equipped with unique innate and adaptive defense mechanisms that provide a first line of protection against infectious agents. Meanwhile, immunoglobulins are the major secretory products of the adaptive immune system and their levels can be a strong indicator of a disease or condition. In this study, therefore, we investigated the effects of high dietary fluorine on the numbers of immunoglobulin A-positive (IgA⁺) cells in the lamina propria of intestines (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) by immunohistochemistry as well as on the contents of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the mucosa of intestines (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 280 1-day-old healthy avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed on a corn–soybean basal diet as control diet (fluorine 22.6 mg/kg) or the same basal diet supplemented with 400, 800, and 1,200 mg/kg fluorine (high fluorine groups I, II, and III) in the form of sodium fluoride (NaF) for 42 days. The experimental data showed that the numbers of IgA⁺ cells as well as the IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were significantly decreased (P?<?0.01 or P?<?0.05) in the high fluorine groups II and III when compared with those of the control group. It was concluded that dietary fluorine in the range of 800–1,200 mg/kg significantly reduced the numbers of the IgA⁺ cells and the contents of aforementioned immunoglobulins in the intestines (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) of broilers, which could finally impact the mucosal humoral immune function in the intestines by a way that reduces the lymphocyte population and/or lymphocyte activation.     

Effect of copper nanoparticles on the mineral content of tissues and droppings,and growth of chickens

We hypothesised that copper nanoparticles (NanoCu), because of their high physicochemical reactivity and bioavailability, could be used in much smaller quantities than bulk Cu, consequently reducing excretion of Cu into the environment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of various levels of NanoCu on the development and growth of broiler chickens, in order to establish an optimum level of NanoCu dietary supplementation. Broiler chickens were randomly divided into five groups of 10 birds each. The control group received 7.5 mg Cu/kg feed (standard level) as CuSO₄, while groups fed with complexes of NanoCu and starch received 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the standard level of Cu used in the control group. Chicken growth and excretion of Cu, Fe and Zn were measured during the growth period from d 7 to 42. At d 42, the slaughter characteristics, the content of Cu, Fe and Zn in the breast muscle and liver, and the oxidative status were analysed. The results indicate that using NanoCu can reduce the standard level of Cu from CuSO₄ supplementation by 75% without jeopardising animal growth, and at the same time significantly decreasing Cu excretion into the environment.     

l-Methionine supplementation maintains the integrity and barrier function of the small-intestinal mucosa in post-weaning piglets

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that different dietary Met levels affect small-intestinal mucosal integrity in post-weaning piglets. Two groups of piglets (n = 6/group) were weaned at 28 days of age and randomly allotted to a basal diet (without extra Met supplementation) or a Met-supplemented diet (with 0.12 % l-Met) for 14 days. The standardized ileal digestible (SID) Met levels were 0.24 and 0.35 %, respectively. At days 7 and 14 of the trial, venous blood samples were obtained from piglets, followed by their euthanasia for tissue collection. Piglets fed the diet supplemented with l-Met had a higher average daily gain during days 7–14 and improved feed efficiency during the entire period. Concentrations of sulfur amino acids (SAA), glutamate acid (Glu), glutamine (Gln), and taurine in the plasma and tissues were higher for the piglets in the Met-supplemented group. Met supplementation increased cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations in the plasma and tissues, leading to reductions in plasma Cys/CySS redox potential and tissue GSH/GSSH redox potential. The small-intestinal mucosa of Met-supplemented piglets exhibited improved villus architecture, compared with control piglets. Met supplementation increased transepithelial electrical resistance of the jejunal mucosa. Transport of Met, Gln and Cys across the jejunal mucosa did not differ between control and Met-supplemented piglets. The abundance occludin was higher, whereas the abundance of active caspase-3 was lower, in the jejunum of the Met-supplemented piglets. Collectively, adequate dietary Met is required for optimal protein synthesis and mucosal integrity in the small intestine of post-weaning piglets.     

Effects of Supplemental Copper on the Serum Lipid Profile,Meat Quality,and Carcass Composition of Goat Kids

To evaluate the effects of copper (Cu) supplementation on the serum lipid profile, meat quality, and carcass composition of goat kids, thirty-five 3–4-month-old Jian Yang big-eared goat kids (BW 20.3?±?0.6 kg) were randomly assigned to one of seven dietary Cu treatments (n?=?5/treatment). The dietary Cu concentrations were: (1) control (no supplemental Cu), (2) 20 mg, (3) 40 mg, (4) 80 mg, (5) 160 mg, (6) 320 mg, and (7) 640 mg of supplemental Cu/kg dry matter (DM). Copper was supplemented as CuSO₄.5H₂O (25.2 % Cu). The goats were fed a high-concentrate basal diet with the different concentrations of supplemental Cu/kg DM for 96 days. The serum lipid profile was determined on day 51 and day 96. Meat quality and carcass composition of longissimus dorsi muscle were measured after the goats were slaughtered at 96 days. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were not affected by treatment (P?>?0.18). No differences were observed in drip loss, cooking loss, a* (redness/greenness) and b* (yellowness/blueness) values (P?>?0.17); however, the 24-h pH value (linear; P?=?0.0009) and L* (brightness) value (linear; P?=?0.0128) decreased, and shear force increased (linear; P?=?0.0005) as Cu supplementation increased. The intramuscular fat (%) increased (linear; P?=?0.001) as supplemental Cu increased. No differences (P?>?0.21) in the moisture, crude protein, and ash (%) were observed. Results of this study indicate that supplemental Cu does not modify the serum lipid profile; however, it can impact intramuscular fat content and the meat quality of goat kids.     

The Effect of Iron–Vitamin C Co-supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Iron-Deficient Female Youth

There is no study that assessed the effect of co-supplementation of iron and vitamin C on biomarkers of oxidative stress in non-anemic iron-deficient females. We investigated the effects of iron vs. iron?+?vitamin C co-supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in iron-deficient girls. In a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, performed among 60 non-anemic iron-deficient girls, participants were randomly assigned to receive either 50 mg/day elemental iron supplements or 50 mg/day elemental iron?+?500 mg/day ascorbic acid for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline, weeks 6 and 12 for assessment of biomarkers of oxidative stress. Compared with the baseline levels, both iron and iron?+?vitamin C supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P _time?<?0.001) and remarkable elevation in serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC; P _time?<?0.001) and vitamin C levels (P _time?=?0.001); however, comparing the two groups we failed to find an additional effect of iron?+?vitamin C supplementation to that of iron alone on serum TAC and MDA levels (P _group was not statistically significant). Iron?+?vitamin C supplementation influenced serum vitamin C levels much more than that by iron alone (P _group?<?0.01). We also found a significant interaction term between time and group about serum vitamin C levels while this interaction was not significant about serum TAC and MDA levels. In conclusion, we found that iron supplementation with/without vitamin C improve biomarkers of oxidative stress among non-anemic iron-deficient females and may strengthen the antioxidant defense system by decreasing reactive oxygen species. Co-supplementation of iron?+?vitamin C has no further effect on oxidative stress compared with iron alone.     

The Effects of Zinc Treatment on the Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability and Brain Element Levels During Convulsions

We evaluated the effect of zinc treatment on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability and the levels of zinc (Zn), natrium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) in the brain tissue during epileptic seizures. The Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups, each as follows: (1) control group, (2) pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) group: rats treated with PTZ to induce seizures, (3) Zn group: rats treated with ZnCl₂ added to drinking water for 2 months, and (4) Zn?+?PTZ group. The brains were divided into left, right hemispheres, and cerebellum?+?brain stem regions. Evans blue was used as BBB tracer. Element concentrations were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The BBB permeability has been found to be increased in all experimental groups (p?<?0.05). Zn concentrations in all brain regions in Zn-supplemented groups (p?<?0.05) showed an increase. BBB permeability and Zn level in cerebellum?+?brain stem region were significantly high compared to cerebral hemispheres (p?<?0.05). In all experimental groups, Cu concentration decreased, whereas Na concentrations showed an increase (p?<?0.05). Mg content in all the brain regions decreased in the Zn group and Zn?+?PTZ groups compared to other groups (p?<?0.001). We also found that all elements’ levels showed hemispheric differences in all groups. During convulsions, Zn treatment did not show any protective effect on BBB permeability. Chronic Zn treatment decreased Mg and Cu concentration and increased Na levels in the brain tissue. Our results indicated that Zn treatment showed proconvulsant activity and increased BBB permeability, possibly changing prooxidant/antioxidant balance and neuronal excitability during seizures.     

The potential role of spherocrystals in the detoxification of essential trace metals following exposure to Cu and Zn in the fighting conch <Emphasis Type="Italic">Strombus</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lobatus</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">pugilis</Emphasis>

Crypt cells—one of the three cell types composing Strombidae digestive tubules—are characterized by the presence of numerous metal-containing phosphate granules termed spherocrystals. We explored the bioaccumulation and detoxification of metals in Strombidae by exposing wild fighting conch Strombus pugilis for 9 days to waterborne CuSO₄ and ZnSO₄. The total amount of Cu and Zn was determined in the digestive gland and in the rest of the body by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analyses. The digestive gland spherocrystal metal content was investigated based on the semi-quantitative energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental analysis. ICP analyses of unexposed individuals revealed that 87.0?±?5.9% of the Zn is contained in the digestive gland, where its concentration is 36 times higher than in the rest of the body. Regarding Cu, 25.8?±?16.4% of the metal was located in the digestive gland of the control individuals, increasing to 61.5?±?16.4% in exposed individuals. Both Cu and Zn concentrations in the digestive gland increased after exposures, pointing to a potential role of this organ in the detoxification of these metals. EDX analysis of spherocrystals revealed the presence of Ca, Cl, Fe, K, Mg, P, and Zn in unexposed individuals. No difference was found in the relative proportion of Zn in spherocrystals of exposed versus control individuals. Contrastingly, copper was never detected in the spherocrystals from controls and Zn-exposed individuals, but the relative proportion of Cu in spherocrystals of Cu-exposed individuals varied from 0.3 to 5.7%. Our results show the direct role of spherocrystals in Cu detoxification.     

Effects of dietary l-lysine intake on the intestinal mucosa and expression of CAT genes in weaned piglets

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of dietary l-lysine on the intestinal mucosa and expression of cationic amino acid transporters (CAT) in weaned piglets. Twenty-eight piglets weaned at 21 days of age (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 6.51 ± 0.65 kg body weight) were assigned randomly into one of the four groups: Zein + LYS (zein-based diet + 1.35 % supplemental lysine), Zein ? LYS (zein-based diet), NF (nitrogen-free diet), and CON (basal diet). The experiment lasted for 3 weeks, during which food intake and body weight were recorded. At the end of the trial, blood was collected from the jugular vein of all pigs, followed by their euthanasia. Dietary supplementation with lysine enhanced villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Jejunal mRNA levels for the b^0,+-AT, y⁺LAT1 and CAT1 genes were greater (P < 0.05) in the Zein + LYS group than in the control, and the opposite was observed for CAT1. Dietary content of lysine differentially affected intestinal CAT expression to modulate absorption of lysine and other basic amino acids. Thus, transport of these nutrients is a key regulatory step in utilization of dietary protein by growing pigs and lysine in the diet influences the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine.     

Lactobacillus reuteri KT260178 Supplementation Reduced Morbidity of Piglets Through Its Targeted Colonization,Improvement of Cecal Microbiota Profile,and Immune Functions

Supplementing suckling piglets with Lactobacillus reuteri isolated from a homologous source improves L. reuteri colonization number in the gastrointestinal tract, which can have health benefits. This study investigated dietary L. reuteri supplementation on the growth and health—including immune status—of piglets, as well as its colonization. A total of 60 sows with similar parity and body weight were allocated into one of three groups after secretion (n = 20 each, with 10 neonatal piglets of each): untreated control, L. reuteri supplementation, and antibiotic treatment. The experimental duration was 28 days, from birth of piglets to their group transferred. For the first 7 days after birth, all neonatal piglets were fed by sows. Piglets in the L. reuteri supplementation group were administered with 1.0 ml L. reuteri fermentation broth containing 5.0 × 10⁷ CFU. From 7 to 28 days, piglets were given basal feed (control), basal feed supplemented with L. reuteri (1.0 × 10⁷ CFU/g), or aureomycin (150 mg/kg). L. reuteri colonization in the distal jejunum and ileum was increased in piglets in the L. reuteri-supplemented as compared to the control group after 28 days, as determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time PCR analysis. Total Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in the cecum were higher whereas total aerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus) counts were lower in the L. reuteri as compared to the control group. L. reuteri supplementation also improved body antioxidant status and immune function relative to control animals. Strain-specific L. reuteri administered to piglets colonizes the intestinal mucosa and improves cecal microbiota profile and whole-body antioxidant and immune status, leading to better growth and lower morbidity and mortality rates.

     

Involvement of Zn Depletion in Cd-Induced Toxicity on Prenatal Bone Formation in Rat

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium methionine with/without zinc sulfate or zinc amino acid complex on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, serum parameters, endocrine parameters, and antioxidant status of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 180 (32.0 ± 1.7 kg body weight, BW) crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were used in a completely randomized design with three dietary treatments and 10 replicates per treatment (five pens of barrows and five pens of gilts with six pigs per replicate). Three treatments were corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 100 mg Zn/kg from zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄), 100 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO₄ + 0.2 mg Cr/kg from chromium methionine complex (CrMet), or 50 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO₄ + 50 mg Zn/kg from zinc amino acid complex (ZnAA) + 0.2 mg Cr/kg from CrMet, respectively. The experiment lasted 105 days, of which was divided into three stages including phase 1 (30 to 50 kg BW), phase 2 (50 to 80 kg BW), and phase 3 (80 to 110 kg BW). Results showed that supplementation with CrMet and ZnAA improved (P < 0.05) the feed conversion of the pigs in phase 2, phase 3, and the overall experiment. Hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and a longissimus dorsi muscle area were increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed with diets supplemented with both CrMet and ZnAA compared with pigs fed with diets containing only ZnSO₄ (P < 0.05). There was also an increase (P < 0.01) pH_24 h in the longissimus dorsi muscle in pigs fed with diets supplemented with CrMet and ZnAA. The concentration of serum glucose in pigs fed with diets containing CrMet and ZnAA was decreased (P < 0.05) compared with that in pigs fed with the diet containing ZnSO₄. Supplementation with CrMet and ZnAA increased (P < 0.05) the circulating levels of insulin and decreased (P < 0.05) cortisol. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in total serum antioxidant capacity and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity as well as a decrease (P < 0.05) in serum malondialdehyde concentrations in pigs fed with diets supplemented with CrMet and ZnAA compared with pigs fed with the diet supplemented only with ZnSO₄. In conclusion, supplementation of CrMet only or CrMet together with ZnAA improved feed conversion, carcass traits, and meat quality in the growing-finishing pigs.     

Effects of Copper and Zinc Supplementation on Weight Gain and Hematological Parameters in Pre-weaning Calves

Cow-calf operations may be affected by trace mineral deficiencies, particularly copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) deficiency, which may decrease the calf daily weight gain and alter hematological parameters. We evaluated the effect of Cu and Zn supplementation on pre-weaning calves (n?=?40; 92?±?6 kg initial body weight) from the Salado River basin, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Calves were divided into four groups (n?=?10 each) and subcutaneously administered 0.3 mg/kg Cu (Cu group), 1 mg/kg Zn (Zn group), Cu and Zn together (Cu + Zn group), and sterile saline solution (control group) every 40 days for 120 days. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations, hematological parameters, and weight were recorded every 40 days. A completely randomized 2?×?2 factorial treatment design was used and data were analyzed with a mixed model for repeated measures over time. Cu and Zn were detected in plasma after the second sampling. Cu × Zn interaction was significant (p?=?0.09), being Cu concentration higher in the Cu + Zn than in the Cu group. Differences in weight gain (Zn × time interaction; p?<?0.01) were observed in the Zn but not in the Cu group (p?>?0.1). On the other hand, none of the treatments altered any of the hematological parameters assessed (p?>?0.1). Our results show the risk of lower weight gain due to Zn deficiency in pre-weaning calves raised in the Salado River basin.