Effect of dietary fish meal replacement by red algae, Gracilaria arcuata, on growth performance and body composition of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

A 12-week long feeding experiment was initiated to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of red algae, Gracilaria arcuata, on the growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758). The fish were fed with an algae-free control diet (C) and three experimental diets which replaced conventional fish meal with varying levels of dried G. arcuata (20%, 40% and 60%, represented as G20, G40 and G60, respectively). The growth parameters of final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), percentage of weight gain (WG%), daily growth rate (DGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at all levels of algae incorporation compared to the control diet. Moreover, the negative impact of Gracilaria meal on the growth performance of Nile tilapia increased as the proportion of algae in the diet increased, with fish on diet G20 exhibiting a significantly higher growth performance than the fish on either of the G40 and G60 diets. On the other hand, the feed utilization parameters feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) did not show significant differences between the fish in the control group and those on diet G20, although poorer FCR and PER outcomes were achieved in the case of fish on diet G60. The content of moisture, protein and ash in muscle and carcass increased as the proportion of Gracilaria meal in the diets increased, but the reverse was true for lipid level. These results indicate that incorporation of less than 20% red algae, Gracilaria arcuata, could be feasible in the diet of Nile tilapia and further studies are recommended to optimize the level of algae to improve growth performance.     

The effect of granulated barley as single major ingredient in the growing or finishing diet on productive performance,carcass, meat and fat quality of heavy pigs

A total of 48 Duroc × (Large White × Landrace) gilts of 46.8 kg BW (86 ± 3 days of age) were used to investigate the effect of diet during the growing and finishing periods on growth performance and carcass, meat and fat quality. The control diet consisted of a commercial feedstuff and the granulated barley diet had that cereal as the single major ingredient. There were three treatments: (i) control diet provided from 45.6 to 127.8 kg BW (C group), (ii) control diet from 47.0 to 91.8 kg BW and granulated barley from 91.8 to 129.7 kg BW (C + GB group) and (iii) granulated barley from 47.9 to 93.1 kg BW and control diet from 93.1 to 135.1 kg BW (GB + C group). Each treatment was replicated eight times, with two pigs per replicate. The C group grew faster (P < 0.001) and had a better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001) than the GB + C group, with C + GB being intermediate. Carcasses from C + GB gilts had higher backfat depth than those from C gilts, with GB + C being intermediate (P < 0.05). Also, the main joints (ham + shoulder + loin) had a higher (P < 0.01) yield in carcass in the GB + C group than in the C group, with C + GB being intermediate. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content was higher (P < 0.001) in loin from C + GB and GB + C gilts than in C gilts. The IMF of loin from C + GB gilts had higher (P < 0.05) C18:1n-9 and total monounsaturated fatty acid (FA) proportions than that from C gilts, whereas the C18:2n-6 and total polyunsaturated FA percentages were lower (P < 0.05) in C + GB gilts than in the remaining gilts. The total saturated FA percentage was lower (P < 0.05) in loin from GB + C than in that from C gilts. Hams from C + GB and GB + C gilts had higher (P < 0.05) C18:1n-9 and total monounsaturated FA proportions and lower C18:2n-6 and total polyunsaturated FA contents than those from C gilts. We can conclude that granulated barley provided during the growing or the finishing period improved some carcass and meat characteristics of heavy gilts desirable for dry-cured ham production.     

Sex effect on meat quality and carcass traits of foals slaughtered at 15 months of age

The effect of sex on carcass measurement, physico-chemical properties, nutritional value and sensory characteristics of foal meat slaughtered at 15 months was investigated. Twelve foals (six females and six males) from an extensive production system in freedom regimen were used for this study. Sex had no statistical influence on carcass measurements, chemical composition, colour parameters, textural properties, amino acid content and sensory characteristics. In contrast, there was a clear effect on the fatty acid profile of longissimus dorsi. Slaughter weight was not significantly (P > 0.05) different between sexes, although higher values were observed in male group compared with female group (194 v. 184 kg). As a consequence, this trend affected carcass weight being slightly (P > 0.05) heavier in the male group than in the female group. On the other hand, cooking loss samples from males showed significantly higher values than those from females (21.50% v. 14.96%, P < 0.05). From a nutritional point of view, the n-6/n-3 ratio in both sexes was within the recommended range for the human diet and this ratio was ostensibly different between the sexes (1.83 v. 1.36, P < 0.05, for male and female, respectively) and it showed a strong correlation (r = −0.91, P < 0.01) with C18:3n-3 content.     

Effect of intramuscular injections of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate on growth performance and extracellular matrix of growing lambs

The effect of intramuscular injections of vitamin E on growth, carcass traits, intramuscular collagen (IMC) characteristics and decorin of growing lambs was studied. A total of 24 15-day-old Ile de France suckling male lambs were divided into two groups and weekly intramuscular injections of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate (control group, 0 IU; Vitamin E treatment, 150 IU) were given until the lambs were 64 days old. Lambs were individually weighted at 15, 29, 43, 57 days of age and at slaughter (71 days old). Dry matter intake and average daily weight gain were recorded. Hot and cold carcass weights were recorded and dressing percentages were calculated after dressing and chilling (2°C to 4°C for 24 h). Carcass shrink losses were calculated as well. Longissimus muscle (LM) pH and area were measured. The pelvic limb was removed and its percentage was calculated based on cold carcass weight. IMC and decorin analyses were assessed on LM and semimembranosus muscle (SM). DL-α-tocopheryl acetate treatment reduced (P<0.05) collagen maturity and increased (P<0.05) decorin in both LM and SM muscles of growing lambs, while it did not affect IMC content. In addition, vitamin E did not influence growth, carcass weight, dressing percentage, carcass shrink losses and area of LM but decreased (P<0.05) the pelvic limb percentage. The LM pH values were higher (P<0.05) in vitamin group than in control group. Furthermore, different IMC characteristics between the muscles (P<0.01) were apparent. Multiple intramuscular injections of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate influence extracellular matrix in lambs, which could affect meat tenderness.     

Effect of substitution of groundnut with high glucosinolate mustard (Brassica juncea) meal on nutrient utilization,growth, vital organ weight and blood composition of lambs

Twenty-four 14-day-old weaner Avivastra (Russian Merino×Nali) male lambs were maintained for 180 days on ad libidum Cenchrus (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay and concentrate mixture (CM) contained groundnut meal (control) and mustard meal (MM group) as major protein source. The two CMs were isonitrogenous (21% CP) and isocaloric (2.78 Mcal ME kg⁻¹ DM), while, CM fed to MM group contained 24.6 mg glucosinolates g⁻¹ DM. Digestibility of nutrients was similar (P>0.05) in the two groups except for CP and hemicellulose, which was higher (P<0.05) in control. Urinary N loss was higher (P<0.01) in control than in MM group, whereas N retention (% of N intake and absorbed) was higher (P<0.01) in MM group compared to control. Dry matter (g kg⁻¹ BW) and glucosinolate intakes were higher in MM fed group, whereas DCP and ME intakes were similar (P>0.05) in the two groups. Average daily gain (ADG) was, however, 22% higher (P<0.01) in control than in MM group. Hemoglobin and albumin contents were lower (P<0.01) in MM group than in control. Serum thiocyanate content was 26.7 μg g⁻¹ in MM fed group, while it was not detected in control group. Thyroid weight was higher (P<0.01) while liver and kidney weights were lower (P<0.01) in MM group. Meat from dissected carcass of control group contained more protein and less fat, whereas the reverse was noticed in MM group. It is concluded that feeding mustard meal as protein supplement reduced growth rate and induced iodine deficiency. Carcass of lambs fed mustard meal had more fat and less protein.     

Dietary supplementation of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) improves the innate immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities and growth performance of Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus) fry

The present study investigated the effects of prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the innate immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities, growth factors and survival of Caspian Roach (Rutilus rutilus) fry. After acclimation, fish (0.67 ± 0.03 g) were allocated into 12 tanks (50 fish per tank) and triplicate groups were fed a control diet or diets containing 1%, 2% or 3% FOS. At the end of the trial (7 weeks), humoral innate immune parameters (serum Ig levels, lysozyme activity and alternative complement activity (ACH50)), resistance to salinity stress (150 g L⁻¹), digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase and protease) and growth factors (final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), and condition factor) were assessed. At the end of the study the innate immune responses (Ig levels, lysozyme activity and ACH50) were significantly higher in 2% and 3% FOS fed fish (P < 0.05), whereas, 1% dietary FOS only elevated serum lysozyme activity. All dietary FOS levels significantly increased resistance to a salinity stress challenge (P < 0.05) and highest survival was observed in the 3% FOS group. Similarly, digestive enzyme activities were significantly elevated with increasing levels of dietary FOS (P < 0.05). Subsequently, elevated growth performance (final weight, SGR and FCR) was observed in roach fed 2% and 3% FOS compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that FOS can be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement for improving the immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities and growth performance of Caspian roach fry.     

Successful low dose insemination of flow cytometrically sorted Sika (Cervus nippon) sperm in Wapiti (Cervus elaphus)

The purpose of this study was to determine a practical method in Wapiti (Cervus elaphus) of using predetermined sexed Sika (Cervus nippon) semen. Semen was collected by electro-ejaculation from one stag of proven fertility and transported to the laboratory where it was retained as unsorted (control) or was separated into X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm using a modified high-speed cell sorter. Wapiti hinds (n = 81) were inseminated into the uterus by rectum manipulation with 1 × 10⁶ (X1 and Y1 group, respectively) or 2 × 10⁶ (X2 and Y2 group, respectively) of sorted frozen-thawed and 1 × 10⁷ non-sorted frozen-thawed (a commercial dose control) Sika motile sperm 60–66 h after removal of intra-vaginal progesterone-impregnated CIDR devices and administration of 700 IU of PMSG at the time of CIDR removal. The percentage of hinds calving after insemination was similar for X1 (38.5%), X2 (41.7%), Y1 (44.4%), Y2 (38.9%) groups (P > 0.05), but higher for control (75%) treatment (P < 0.05). Ultimately 15 out of the 16 Sika and Wapiti-hybrid calves produced by Wapiti hinds inseminated with Y-sorted sperm were male (93.7%) and 10/10 (100%) Sika and Wapiti-hybrid calves from hinds inseminated with X-sorted sperm were female. The sex ratio of the Sika and Wapiti-hybrid calves born to hinds inseminated with sex-sorted sperm deviated significantly (P < 0.05) from 50% and 50.0% in the control group. All Sika and Wapiti-hybrid calves were born between 237 and 250 d of gestation. Male and female calves in the control group had similar birth weights and weaning weights as calves from hinds inseminated with X- or Y-sorted sperm. In conclusion it can be said that normal Sika and Wapiti-hybrid calves of predicted sex can be produced after artificial insemination of Wapiti does with low numbers of sex-sorted cryopreserved Sika sperm.     

Effects of quorum sensing on cell viability in Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) uses a quorum sensing (QS) signaling system, which is dependent on competence stimulating peptide (CSP), to regulate diverse physiological activities including bacteriocin production, genetic transformation, and biofilm formation. However, the mechanism of the QS system-induced biofilm formation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the late-stage biofilm formation was increased by the addition of exogenous CSP in S. mutans. The numbers of dead cells in biofilms formed in presence of CSP was 64.5% higher than that without CSP after 12 h (p < 0.05) and 76.3% higher after 24 h (p < 0.05), the numbers of live cells in biofilms formed in presence of CSP were 89.3% higher than that without CSP after 24 h (p < 0.01). The expression of QS-associated genes was increased 3.4-5.3-fold by CSP in biofilms. Our results revealed that cell viability of S. mutans grown in biofilms is affected by the CSP-dependent QS system.     

Oxygen consumption,ventilation frequency and cytochrome c oxidase activity in blue cod (Parapercis colias) exposed to hydrogen sulphide or isoeugenol

The effects of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and isoeugenol exposure on activity, oxygen consumption (VO₂), ventilation frequency (Vf) and cytochrome c oxidase activity in a teleost fish are reported. In H₂S (200 µM Na₂S) exposed animals VO₂ and Vf decreased significantly (both to 40% of resting) after 30 min, concurrent with a loss of equilibrium and narcosis. Post-flushing, VO₂ increased to resting values, but Vf remained depressed (P < 0.05) until 30 min of recovery. Subsequently, equilibrium and mobility were regained accompanied by increases in VO₂ (66%) and Vf (15%) between 60–70 min of recovery. Isoeugenol (0.011 g L^− 1) exposed fish reached stage 4–5 of anaesthesia accompanied by decreases (P < 0.05) in VO₂ (64%) and Vf (38%) by 35 min. Post-flushing, VO₂ and Vf recovered to resting values, followed by a rise (P < 0.05) in VO₂ (45%) and Vf (25%). Overall, VO₂ in relation to the resting rate was reduced in isoeugenol treated animals. Conversely, VO₂ was increased (P < 0.05) relative to the resting rate in H₂S exposed fish. 20 and 200 µM Na₂S reduced cytochrome c oxidase activity (P < 0.05) in skeletal muscle and gill lamellae by between 69 and 97%, while isoeugenol had no effect in any tissue.     

A comparative study of four rumen buffering agents on productive performance,rumen fermentation and meat quality in growing lambs fed a total mixed ration

Controlling rumen fermentation using buffering agents could contribute to enhancing ruminant productivity and performance. This study was realized to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of AcidBuf, sodium bicarbonate, calseapowder and WMC seaweed (Utva Lactuca extra) on the animal performance, volatile fatty acids, rumen pH, rumen histology and carcass characteristics of growing male Awassi lambs. A total of 60 lambs was divided into five groups. One group served as a control and fed only on a concentrate diet without any buffering, whereas the other four groups were fed the concentrate diet supplemented with 0.4% AcidBuf (Buf1), 0.4% AcidBuf plus sodium bicarbonate, 50 : 50 (Buf2), 0.4% calseapowder (Buf3) or 0.4% WMC Seaweed (Buf4) for 98 days. The feed conversion ratio was (P<0.05) improved in Buf2 compared to the control and other treatment groups. The propionic acid decreased, whereas butyric acid was increased in the treatment groups (P<0.05) compared to the control. The pH of the rumen fluid and the length of submucosa were (P<0.05) higher in Buf4 and Buf1, respectively, compared to the control. Hot and cold carcass weights were (P<0.05) higher in Buf4 compared to Buf1. Lean meat percentage and rib eye area were (P<0.05) higher in Buf4; while the fat percentage was (P<0.05) lower in Buf2 and Buf4 groups compared to the control. The lightness and yellowness of meat were (P<0.05) higher in Buf1 and Buf4 compared to the control. The meat pH was (P<0.05) higher in Buf3 and Buf4 compared to Buf2 (at 1 h) and control (at 24 h). The visceral depot fat (%) was reduced with Buf3 and Buf4 compared to the control. The results indicated that dietary supplementation of different buffering agents improved feed efficiency, rumen pH, carcass characteristics and decreased the body fat in growing Awassi lambs.     

Baicalin prevents Candida albicans infections via increasing its apoptosis rate

Background

These experiments were employed to explore the mechanisms underlying baicalin action on Candida albicans.

Methodology and principal findings

We detected the baicalin inhibition effects on three isotope-labeled precursors of ³H-UdR, ³H-TdR and ³H-leucine incorporation into C. albicans using the isotope incorporation technology. The activities of Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome oxidase (CCO) and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺ ATPase, cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, the cell cycle and apoptosis, as well as the ultrastructure of C.albicans were also tested. We found that baicalin inhibited ³H-UdR, ³H-TdR and ³H-leucine incorporation into C.albicans (P < 0.005). The activities of the SDH and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺ ATPase of C.albicans in baicalin groups were lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). Ca²⁺ concentrations of C. albicans in baicalin groups were much higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). The ratio of C.albicans at the G0/G1 stage increased in baicalin groups in dose dependent manner (P < 0.01). There were a significant differences in the apoptosis rate of C.albicans between baicalin and control groups (P < 0.01). After 12–48 h incubation with baicalin (1 mg/ml), C. albicans shown to be markedly damaged under transmission electron micrographs.

Innovation and significance

Baicalin can increase the apoptosis rate of C. albicans. These effects of Baicalin may involved in its inhibiting the activities of the SDH and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺ ATPase, increasing cytosolic Ca²⁺ content and damaging the ultrastructure of C. albicans.     

Lack of Effect of Dietary Chromium Supplementation on Growth Performance and Serum Insulin, Glucose, and Lipoprotein Levels in Broilers Reared Under Heat Stress Condition

This study evaluated the effects of supplemental dietary chromium (Cr) on the performance, carcass traits, and some serum parameters of broilers under a heat stress (23.9 to 37 °C cycling) condition. A total of 150 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) according to a completely randomized design were assigned into five treatment groups. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and each replicate contained ten chicks. Treatments were supplemented with 0 (control), 600, and 1,200 μg kg^?1 Cr in the form of Cr chloride (CrCl₃) and Cr L-methionine from 1 to 49 days of age. Blood samples were collected from two birds in each replicate to determine serum parameters at 35 and 49 days of age. The body mass, feed intake, and conversion ratio were not influenced by dietary Cr (P?>?0.05). Dietary supplementation of Cr from either CrCl₃ or Cr L-methionine caused increased serum concentrations of Cr (P?<?0.05), but had no effect on serum insulin and glucose concentrations at both sampling times (P?>?0.05). Serum triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also not significantly affected (P?>?0.05) by dietary treatments, whereas total cholesterol concentration decreased in chicks fed Cr L-methionine compared to the control (P?<?0.05).     

Effects of long term feeding of Quillaja saponins on sex ratio,muscle and serum cholesterol and LH levels in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus (L))

Seventeen-day-old Nile tilapia fry were fed a standard diet (C) or diets containing 50-700 mg kg(-1) Quillaja saponin (QS) extract (groups S50, S150, S300, S500 and S700). After the first 8 weeks, 30 randomly selected tilapia from each of the treatments were placed in separate aquaria and fed the standard diet without saponins from then on (these were designated S50/C, S150/C, S300/C, S500/C and S700/C). The fish grew from an initial average weight of approximately 30 mg to a final average weight of 79 g during the 6-month feeding period. The difference between the average weight of C-fed tilapia and the treatment with the highest average weight after 6 months was 53.5%. The sex ratio of tilapia in the saponin-fed groups deviated from the normal 50:50 male:female ratio, with the S700 group showing a significantly higher number of males. Quillaja saponin stimulated LH release from dispersed tilapia pituitary cells in vitro. This effect was abolished in the presence of dilute calf serum. Serum LH values did not show any diet-dependent trend in either male or female tilapia in vivo. In both continuously saponin-fed and only-initially saponin-fed groups, the average serum (but not muscle) cholesterol levels in males showed an increasing trend (R(2) values of 0.62 and 0.69) with increasing dietary saponin level. It was concluded that dietary QS has the potential to change the sex-ratio in favour of males. More investigations are required to determine the mechanism of action and the optimum dietary level of QS for maximum effects.     

The Effect of Enriched Milk with Selenium and Vitamin E on Growth Rate, Hematology, Some Blood Biochemical Factors, and Immunoglobulins of Newborn Goat Kids

Thirty male and female (n?=?15 for each one) Markhoz newborn goat kids (aged 7?±?3 days) were distributed in a randomized block design in a 2?×?2?+?1 factorial arrangement: two levels of sodium selenite as a source of selenium (0.2 or 0.3 ppm Se), two levels of α-tocopherol acetate as a source of vitamin E (150 or 200 IU Vit E), and one control treatment with six repetitions per treatment (each replicate included three male and three female kids). Animals were fed daily by Se-Vit E-enriched milk (Se-Vit E treatments) or non-enriched milk (control treatment). Growth rate, hematology, and serum biological parameters were measured. The levels of serum albumin (P?<?0.01), serum globulin (P?<?0.05), total serum protein levels (P?<?0.01), erythrocyte counts (RBC) (P?<?0.001), hemoglobin (P?<?0.001), hematocrit (P?<?0.001), leukocyte counts (WBC) (P?<?0.001), IgA (P?<?0.05), IgG (P?<?0.01), and IgM (P?<?0.01) significantly differed among treatments, while no significant differences were observed for calcium, lymphocyte, neutrophil average daily gain and body weight among treatments. Kids feeding by enriched milk with 0.3 ppm Se and 200 IU Vit E had significantly higher serum total protein, globulin, RBC, IgA, IgG, and IgM compared to control and those fed by enriched milk to 0.2 ppm Se and 200 IU Vit E had significantly higher WBC counts.     

Biochemical and organoleptic characteristics of muscle from early and late maturing bulls in different production systems

In grass-based beef production systems (PS), early maturing (EM) breed types may be preferable to late maturing (LM) breed types in achieving adequate carcass fat cover. Biochemical and organoleptic characteristics of muscle from suckler bulls were investigated in EM and LM (n=28/breed) assigned to one of two PS (ad libitum concentrates and grass silage to slaughter (C) or ad libitum silage plus 2 kg concentrate daily during winter followed by 99 days at pasture and then an indoor finishing period on C (GSPC)) in a 2 breed type×2 PS factorial arrangement of treatments. Bulls were managed to have a common target carcass weight of 380 kg. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content was higher (P<0.05) for EM than LM, and for C than GSPC bulls. Collagen solubility was higher (P<0.05) for C than GSPC bulls. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and phosphofructokinase activities were higher (P<0.05) for LM than EM. Isocitrate dehydrogenase activity and the Type I myosin heavy chain (MyHC) proportion were higher (P<0.05) for EM than LM. The LDH activity and the Type IIX MyHC proportion were higher (P<0.05) for C than GSPC bulls. Sensory ratings for tenderness and juiciness were higher (P<0.01) for beef from EM than LM while sensory ratings for tenderness, flavour liking and overall liking were higher (P<0.001) for C than for GSPC bulls. Differences in sensory quality were largely eliminated when adjusted for IMF. Overall, carcass fat scores, IMF and sensory scores were higher in EM than LM and in C than GSPC bulls but most differences in sensory quality could be attributed to differences in IMF.     

Dietary supplementation of plant bioactive-enriched aniseed straw and eucalyptus leaves modulates tissue fatty acid profile and nuggets quality of lambs

Utilization of low-input feed resources rich in plant bioactive compounds is a promising strategy for modulating the fatty acid profile in ruminant products. They manipulate microbes involved in rumen biohydrogenation and increase the accumulation of desirable fatty acids at the tissue level. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of aniseed straw and eucalyptus leaves on growth performance, carcass traits and fatty acid profile of finisher lambs. Thirty-six Malpura hogget were divided into three treatment groups of 12 each, reared individually in pen (1.6 m × 1.1 m) and fed ad libitum complete feed blocks made up of 55 parts concentrate, 5 parts molasses and 40 parts roughage. Roughage in control (Con) was 20 parts each of ardu (Ailanthus excelsa) leaves and oat (Avena sativa) straw. In test diets, that is, Con-as and Con-el, 10% aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) straw and Eucalyptus rudis leaves, respectively, were added by replacing 5% each of oat straw and eucalyptus leaves. The lambs were weighed weekly; and at the end of 3 months of feeding trial, the lambs were slaughtered to study the carcass traits, composition and product evaluation. Average daily gain (ADG) and DM intake (DMI) was higher (P < 0.05) in Con-as compared to Con and Con-el, while ADG and feed conversion ratio decreased (P < 0.05) by 29.4% and 36.4%, respectively, in Con-el compared to Con. Carcass traits showed lower (P < 0.05) loin eye area and chilling loss in the Con-el group compared to the Con-as and Con, and the total carcass fat compared to Con-as. However, the keeping quality of meat improved in both Con-as and Con-el which was reflected by lower (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances values. Nuggets prepared from Con and Con-as meat had superior (P < 0.05) sensory attributes with an overall palatability. Fatty acid profile of longissimus thoracis muscle showed lower (P < 0.05) atherogenic and thrombogenic indices in Con-as and higher (P < 0.05) in Con-el group. Moreover, in Con-as group, the proportion of C16:0 was lower (P < 0.05) and C18:3n-3 was higher (P < 0.05), but no effect was observed on the amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; C18:2 c9t11). In case of adipose tissue, the content of CLA was higher (P < 0.05), and the ratio of n-6:n-3 was more nearer to desirable levels in Con-as group. Therefore, it can be concluded that aniseed straw is a promising feed supplement compared to eucalyptus leaves for improving meat quality and fatty acid profile in lambs.     

Potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum VSG3 improves the growth,immunity, and disease resistance of tropical freshwater fish,Labeo rohita

The study evaluated the effects of dietary doses of Lactobacillus plantarum VSG3 on the growth performance, immunity, and disease resistance of Labeo rohita juveniles against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Fish (mean body weight 60 g) were fed with diet containing 0 (control), 10⁶, 10⁸, 10¹⁰ cfu g^?1 L. plantarum VSG3 for 60 days. Various growth and immune parameters were examined at 30 and 60 days of post-feeding. Fish were challenged with A. hydrophila 60 days post-feeding and mortalities were recorded over 10 days post-infection. Results showed that administration of VSG3 for 60 days had significant effects (P < 0.05) on the specific growth rate (SGR) and feed utilization efficiency of L. rohita. Dietary administration of L. plantarum VSG3 significantly increased the serum lysozyme and alternative complement pathway (ACP) activities, phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity in L. rohita throughout the experimental period. The highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P < 0.05) was observed in the fish group fed diet containing VSG3 at 10⁸ cfu g^?1. The serum IgM levels were significantly higher in the experimental groups compared to the control group after 30 days of feeding; but, the result was opposite after 60 days of feeding. Further, fish fed the diet containing 10⁸ cfu g^?1 L. plantarum VSG3 had significantly higher (P < 0.05) post-challenge survival rate (77.7%). These results collectively suggest that dietary supplementation of L. plantarum VSG3 at 10⁸ cfu g^?1 to L. rohita is optimal for enhancing the growth, immunity, and disease resistance against A. hydrophila infection.     

Effects of water restriction on growth performance,feed nutrient digestibility,carcass and meat traits of rabbits

The study investigates the effects of a post-weaning water restriction on performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of 84-day-old rabbits. A total of 1388 weaned rabbits (35 days) were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of BW and sex. The two groups were fed the same diets ad libitum both in the post-weaning (35 to 60 days) and fattening (61 to 84 days) periods. In the post-weaning period, one group (AL) also received drinking water ad libitum, whereas the other (WR) had a water restriction from 35 to 41 days 2 h/day; from 42 to 48 days 2.5 h/day; from 49 to 55 days 3 h/day; and from 56 to 60 days 4 h/day. During the fattening period, both groups had water-free access. Individual live weights and feed intake per cage were recorded weekly for 32 cages randomly chosen per group (64 rabbits) to calculate the BW gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The apparent digestibility values of nutrients were measured using acid-insoluble ash. Carcass data were collected from 16 rabbits (8 males and 8 females) per group selected for similar final BW in both groups. Mortality from 35 to 60 days was higher in the AL group (10.1% v. 5.2%, for AL and WR, respectively, P < 0.0001). BW gain was higher for the AL group during both the post-weaning (+22.4%, P < 0.01) and the entire period (+7.5%, P < 0.05). Water restriction reduced feed intake both in the post-weaning (−17.4%, P < 0.0001) and in the entire period (−9.9%, P < 0.05). During the fattening period, FCR was lower for the WR group (5.15 v. 5.75 g/g, for WR and AL, respectively, P < 0.05). The apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, NDF, ADF and cellulose were greater in the restricted rabbits (+4.7%, +4.5%, +10.2%, +18.8% and +12.8%, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). Perirenal and scapular fat percentages were higher in the AL rabbits (+30.7% and +116.6%, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Water restriction increased saturated fatty acids (C16:0, +12.9%, P < 0.05), lauroleic acid (C12:1, +75.0%, P < 0.01), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (C20:5, +50.0%, P < 0.01 and C22:5, +16.6%, P < 0.05) and the n-3/n-6 ratio (+28.6%, P < 0.05). The applied water restriction between 35 and 60 days executed during the winter months improved the digestive health of rabbits, with no negative effects on carcass traits, or physical and chemical meat characteristics. However, from the animal welfare point of view, a water restriction can be criticized as a method to restrict feed intake.     

Growth performance,carcass trait,meat quality and oxidative stability of beef cattle offered alternative silages in a finishing ration

As lack of forage resource, alternative roughage sources have been developed for ruminant production and their inclusion would exert a great effect on the dietary nutrition, consequently affecting animal performance. Four silages (corn silage (CS), corn stalk silage (SS), inoculated CS and inoculated SS) were separately offered to 60 Bohai Black cattle (15 cattle/group) during a 24-week finishing period, in which the growth performance, carcass trait, beef quality and oxidative stability of steers were determined. Neither silage material nor silage inoculant exerted a significant effect on the growth performance, carcass trait and oxidative stability of beef cattle (P>0.05). As to beef quality, cattle offered CS had higher (P<0.05) contents of intramuscular fat than those offered SS along with a lower moisture content (P<0.05). The contents (mg/g muscle) of C10 : 0, C12 : 0, C14 : 1, C16 : 0, C16 : 1, C18 : 1n9c, C18 : 2n6c, C18 : 3n3, C20 : 1n9, C20 : 2, C20 : 3n6, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-6 fatty acids were higher (P<0.05) in the beef muscle of animals offered CS than those offered SS, whereas inoculated treatment made no difference (P>0.05) on the proximate components and fatty acids profile of beef muscle. There was neither an interaction (P>0.05) between inoculated treatment and silage material. There were no differences (P>0.05) in cholesterol content and meat quality traits in animals fed alternative silages. The collective findings suggest that it is not economical to substitute high-quality forage for relative low-quality forage in a high-concentrate finishing ration of beef cattle and silage inoculant inclusion would not exert a direct effect on animal performance.     

The effect of hyperthermia on cell viability,oxidative damage,and heat shock protein expression in hepatic cells of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of mild hyperthermia on cell viability, release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and the relative mRNA levels of heat shock protein (HSP60, 70, and 90) in hepatic cells of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) before and after temperature stress. Cultured cells were exposed to thermal stress (32 °C) for 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h. The results showed that hyperthermia stress significantly reduced cell viability (P<0.01) and increased LDH release at 0.5 and 1 h (P<0.05). Additionally, hyperthermia stress led to oxidative stress as evidenced by significantly decreased T-AOC after treating cells for 0.5 and 8 h (P<0.05). SOD activity also significantly decreased after 1 h of stress (P<0.05), but MDA formation increased after 8 h of stress (P<0.05). This may be partly responsible for the lower cell viability and higher LDH release we observed. The differences between SOD activity, MDA formation, and T-AOC between the 2 h treatment group and the control were smaller than that of other groups. This indicated that cellular antioxidant enzyme systems play an important role in the defense against oxidative stress. Further tests showed that the expression of HSP60 at 1, 2, and 4 h (P<0.05), HSP70 at 0.5 and 1 h (P<0.01), and HSP90 at all time points after stress were higher (P<0.01) than pre-stress levels. This suggested that HSPs possess the ability to modulate cellular anti-stress responses and play key roles in protecting organisms from heat stress. In conclusion, hyperthermia inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell oxidative stress, and enhances HSP expression in hepatic cells of grass carp.