Effects of Dietary Copper on Nutrient Digestibility,Tissular Copper Deposition and Fur Quality of Growing-Furring Mink (Mustela vison)

The present study investigated the effects of dietary copper (Cu) on growth performance and fur quality in growing-furring minks. One hundred and five standard dark female minks were randomly assigned to seven groups with the following dietary treatments: basal diet with no supplemental Cu (control) and basal diet supplemented with either 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 or 192 mg/kg Cu from copper sulphate, respectively. Our data showed that final body weight (P?=?0.033), daily gain (P?=?0.029) and fat digestibility (P?=?0.0006) responded to increasing levels of Cu. The activity of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in serum increased (linear and quadratic, P?<?0.05) as Cu increased in the diet. Increasing Cu improved total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) (quadratic, P?<?0.05). The level of ceruloplasmin (CER) responded in a linear (P?<?0.0001) and quadratic (P?<?0.0001) form with increasing level of Cu. Colour intensity of those minks pelted suggested that relatively high levels of supplemental Cu have a beneficial effect on intensifying hair colour of dark mink but did not affect leather thickness. Liver Cu and plasma Cu concentrations of the mink linearly (P?<?0.0001) responded to increasing levels of Cu. Our results indicate that growing-furring mink can efficiently utilize added dietary fat and that Cu plays an important role in the digestion of dietary fat in growing-furring mink, and supplemental dietary Cu in growing-furring mink promotes fat digestion and improve hair colour.     

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Copper Sulfate or Tribasic Copper Chloride on the Growth Performance, Liver Copper Concentrations of Broilers Fed in Floor Pens, and Stabilities of Vitamin E and Phytase in Feeds

An experiment was conducted using a total of 840, 1-day-old, Arbor Acres commercial male broilers to compare copper (Cu) sulfate and tribasic Cu chloride (TBCC, Cu₂(OH)₃Cl) as sources of supplemental Cu for broilers fed in floor pens. Chicks were randomly allotted to one of seven treatments for six replicate pens of 20 birds each, and were fed a basal corn–soybean meal diet (10.20 mg/kg Cu) supplemented with 0, 100, 150, or 200 mg/kg Cu from either Cu sulfate or TBCC for 21 days. Chicks fed 200 mg/kg Cu as TBCC had a higher (P?<?0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than those consuming other diets. Liver Cu contents of broilers fed diets supplemented with TBCC were numerically lower (P?>?0.05) than those of broilers fed diets supplemented with Cu sulfate. The vitamin E contents and the phytase activities in the feed fortified with TBCC were higher (P?<?0.01) and numerically higher (P?>?0.05) compared with those in the feeds fortified with Cu sulfate stored at room temperature, respectively. The vitamin E contents in liver and plasma of broilers fed diets supplemented with TBCC were higher (P?<?0.05) than those of birds fed diets supplemented with Cu sulfate. This result indicates that TBCC is more effective than Cu sulfate in improving the growth of broilers fed in floor pens, and it is chemically less active than Cu sulfate in promoting the undesirable oxidation of vitamin E in feeds.     

Effects of Iron Glycine Chelate on Growth, Tissue Mineral Concentrations, Fecal Mineral Excretion, and Liver Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Broilers

The study was conducted to determine the effects of iron glycine chelate (Fe-Gly) on growth, tissue mineral concentrations, fecal mineral excretion, and liver antioxidant enzyme activities in broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old commercial broilers (Ross?×?Ross) were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments with six replications of ten chicks per replicate. Broilers were fed a control diet with no Fe supplementation, while five other treatments consisted of 40, 80, 120, and 160?mg Fe/kg diets from Fe-Gly, and 160?mg Fe/kg from ferrous sulfate, respectively. After a 42-day feeding trial, the results showed that 120 and 160?mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly improved the average daily gain (P?<?0.05) and average daily feed intake (P?<?0.05) of broilers (4?C6?weeks). Addition with 120 and 160?mg Fe/kg from Fe-Gly and 160?mg Fe/kg from FeSO₄ increased Fe concentration in serum (P?<?0.05), liver (P?<?0.05), breast muscle (P?<?0.05), tibia (P?<?0.05), and feces (P?<?0.01) at 21 and 42?days. There were linear responses to the addition of Fe-Gly from 0 to 160?mg/kg Fe on Fe concentration in serum (21?days, P?=?0.005; 42?days, P?=?0.001), liver (P?=?0.001), breast muscle (P?=?0.001), tibia (P?=?0.001), and feces (21?days, P?=?0.011; 42?days, P?=?0.032). Liver Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activities of chicks were increased by the addition of 80, 120, and 160?mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly to diets at 42?days. There were no differences in liver catalase activities of chicks among the treatments (P?>?0.05). This study indicates that addition with Fe-Gly could improve growth performance and iron tissue storage and improves the antioxidant status of broiler chickens.     

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.     

Source of Copper May Have Regressive Effects on Serum Cholesterol and Urea Nitrogen Among Male Fattening Lambs

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary copper (Cu) on mineral profile, hematological parameters, and lipid metabolism in lambs. Eighteen Zandi male lambs (approximately 3 months of age; 17.53?±?1.6 kg of body weight) were housed in individual pens and were assigned randomly to one of three treatments. Treatments consisted of (1) control (no supplemental Cu), (2) 10 mg Cu/kg dry matter (DM) from copper sulfate (CuS), and (3) 10 mg Cu/kg DM from Cu proteinate (CuP). The Cu concentration was 8.2 mg/kg DM in the basal diet. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein at the beginning of the study (enrollment, before feeding Cu supplement) and at days 25, 50, and 70 of experiment. The amounts of total serum glucose, urea nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, and lipids and hematological parameters were measured. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were improved (P?<?0.05) with Cu supplementation and were better for the lambs fed diet supplemented with CuP. The concentrations of serum Ca, P, and Zn were not affected by source of Cu in the diet. However, Fe concentration was lower (P?<?0.01) in the Cu-supplemented groups. Experimental treatment had no significant effects on the hematological parameters. The serum glucose concentration was not affected by treatments. However, the urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly affected (P?<?0.05) by added Cu and was lower for CuP group as compared to the lambs in the CuS and control groups. Addition of Cu had no influence (P?>?0.05) on the serum triglyceride concentration, but lambs fed with CuP supplement had lower (P?<?0.05) serum cholesterol than the CuS and control animals. These results indicated that CuP supplemented at 10 mg/kg DM improved gain and enhanced the efficiency of nitrogen in male lambs.     

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.     

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.     

The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Glycemic Control,Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk,and Oxidative Stress in Infertile Polycystic ovary Syndrome Women Candidate for In vitro Fertilization: a Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of chromium intake on glycemic control, markers of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among 40 subjects with infertile PCOS candidate for IVF, aged 18–40 years old. Individuals were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 200 μg/day of chromium (n?=?20) or placebo (n?=?20) for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at end-of-trial. Compared with the placebo, taking chromium supplements led to significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (??2.3?±?5.7 vs. +?0.9?±?3.1 mg/dL, P?=?0.03), insulin levels (??1.4?±?2.1 vs. +?0.4?±?1.7 μIU/mL, P?=?0.004), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (??0.3?±?0.5 vs. +?0.1?±?0.4, P?=?0.005), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+?0.004?±?0.008 vs. ??0.001?±?0.008, P?=?0.03). In addition, chromium supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides (??19.2?±?33.8 vs. +?8.3?±?21.7 mg/dL, P?=?0.004), VLDL- (??3.8?±?6.8 vs. +?1.7?±?4.3 mg/dL, P?=?0.004) and total cholesterol concentrations (??15.3?±?26.2 vs. ??0.6?±?15.9 mg/dL, P?=?0.03) compared with the placebo. Additionally, taking chromium supplements was associated with a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (+?153.9?±?46.1 vs. ??7.8?±?43.9 mmol/L, P?<?0.001) and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde values (?0.3?±?0.3 vs. +?0.1?±?0.2 μmol/L, P?=?0.001) compared with the placebo. Overall, our study supported that chromium administration for 8 weeks to infertile PCOS women candidate for IVF had beneficial impacts on glycemic control, few variables of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress.     

Effect of Feeding Inorganic Chromium on Growth Performance, Endocrine Variables, and Energy Metabolites in Winter-Exposed Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis)

We investigated the effect of chromium (Cr) supplementation on the growth performance, energy metabolites, and hormonal variation in winter-exposed buffalo calves. Twenty-four female buffalo calves were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (n?=?6) for a period of 120 days. Feeding regimen was the same in all the groups, except the animals in the four respective groups were additionally supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of Cr/kg DM in the form of CrCl₃.6H₂O. Calves were monitored daily for physiological variables and dry matter intake (DMI). Blood samples were collected at fortnightly intervals from each buffalo calves to measure concentrations of hormones (insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone), energy metabolites (glucose and non-esterified fatty acids), and plasma mineral levels. After 120 days of feeding trial, buffalo calves fed with Cr had lower (P?<?0.05) circulating plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and cortisol hormones, whereas plasma thyroid hormone and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were found similar (P?>?0.05) among all the treatments. The results suggested that dietary Cr supplementation influenced plasma Cr levels without affecting the plasma concentrations of other trace minerals. However, physiological variables, nutrient intake, and growth performance of buffalo calves did not differ among all treatments (P?>?005). In summary, the current study showed that supplementation of Cr at the level of 1.0 and 1.5 mg of Cr/kg DMI was more effective in improving glucose utilization by increasing potency of insulin hormone and reducing concentration of cortisol hormone. Results also suggested that supplemental Cr also improves blood plasma Cr levels.     

Effects of Supplementary Selenium Source on the Blood Parameters in Beef Cows and Their Nursing Calves

Over 2 years, 32 beef cows nursing calves in southwest Arkansas were randomly selected from a herd of 120 that were managed in six groups and were assigned to six 5.1-ha bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) pastures. Treatments were assigned to pastures (two pastures/treatment) and cows had ad libitum access to one of three free-choice minerals: (1) no supplemental selenium (Se), (2) 26 mg of supplemental Se from sodium selenite per kilogram, and (3) 26 mg of supplemental Se from seleno-yeast per kilogram (designed mineral intake?=?113 g/cow daily). Data were analyzed using a mixed model; year and pasture were the random effects and treatment was the fixed effect. At the beginning of the calving and breeding seasons, cows supplemented with Se had greater (P?<?0.01) whole blood Se concentration (WBSe) and glutathione peroxidase activities (GSH-Px) than cows receiving no supplemental Se; cows fed seleno-yeast had greater (P?≤?0.05) WBSe than cows fed sodium selenite, but GSH-Px did not differ (P?≥?0.25) between the two sources. At birth and near peak lactation (late May), calves from cows supplemented with Se had greater (P?<?0.01) WBSe than calves from cows fed no Se and calves from cows fed seleno-yeast had greater (P?≤?0.01) WBSe and GSH-Px than calves from cows fed sodium selenite. Thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), and the T₄:T₃ ratio in calves did not differ among treatments (P?≥?0.35). At birth, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was greater (P?=?0.02) in calves nursing cows with no supplemental Se than in ones with supplemental Se; in calves nursing cows with supplemental sodium selenite, IGF-1 did not differ (P?=?0.96) from ones offered supplemental seleno-yeast. Selenium supplementation of gestating beef cows benefited cows and calves by increasing WBSe and GSH-Px. The use of seleno-yeast as a Se supplement compared to sodium selenite increased the WBSe of both cows and their calves without affecting the T₄ to T₃ conversion or IGF-1 concentrations.     

Analysis on DNA sequence of KiSS-1 gene and its association with litter size in goats

Three pairs of primers were designed to clone the goat KiSS-1 and scan polymorphisms and four pairs to detect polymorphisms in sexual precocious and sexual late-maturing goat breeds. A 4118 bp DNA fragment was obtained, which contains an ORF of 408 bp and encodes 135 amino acids, having a high homology with other mammals. The protein was predicted containing a signal peptide of 17 amino acids. There are two mutations (G3433A [A86T] and C3688A) in exon 3, three mutations (G296C, G454T and T505A) in intron 1 and a 18 bp deletion (?)/insertion (+) (1960–1977) in intron 2 and no mutations in exon 2. The genotype distribution didn’t show obvious difference between sexual precocious and sexual late-maturing goat breeds and no consistency within the sexual late-maturing breeds. For the 296 locus, the Jining Grey goats with genotype CC had 0.80 (P < 0.01) or 0.77 (P < 0.01) kids more than those with genotype GG or GC, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in litter size between GG and GC. For the 1960–1977 locus, the Jining Grey goat does with genotype ?/? had 0.77 (P < 0.01) or 0.73 (P < 0.01) kids more than those with +/+ or +/?, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in litter size between +/+ and +/? genotypes. For the other four loci, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in litter size between different genotypes in Jining Grey goats. The present study preliminarily indicated an association between allele C of the 296 locus and allele (?) of the 1960–1977 locus in KiSS-1 and high litter size in Jining Grey goats.     

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).     

Inorganic carbon and pH effect on growth and lipid productivity of Tetraselmis suecica and Chlorella sp (Chlorophyta) grown outdoors in bag photobioreactors

There has been considerable interest in cultivation of green microalgae (Chlorophyta) as a source of lipid that can alternatively be converted to biodiesel. However, almost all mass cultures of algae are carbon-limited. Therefore, to reach a high biomass and oil productivities, the ideal selected microalgae will most likely need a source of inorganic carbon. Here, growth and lipid productivities of Tetraselmis suecica CS-187 and Chlorella sp were tested under various ranges of pH and different sources of inorganic carbon (untreated flue gas from coal-fired power plant, pure industrial CO₂, pH-adjusted using HCl and sodium bicarbonate). Biomass and lipid productivities were highest at pH 7.5 (320?±?29.9 mg biomass L^?1 day^?1and 92?±?13.1 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) and pH 7 (407?±?5.5 mg biomass L^?1 day^?1 and 99?±?17.2 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) for T. suecica CS-187 and Chlorella sp, respectively. In general, biomass and lipid productivities were pH 7.5?>?pH 7?>?pH 8?>?pH 6.5 and pH 7?>?pH 7.5?=?pH 8?>?pH 6.5?>?pH 6?>?pH 5.5 for T. suecica CS-187 and Chlorella sp, respectively. The effect of various inorganic carbon on growth and productivities of T. suecica (regulated at pH?=?7.5) and Chlorella sp (regulated at pH?=?7) grown in bag photobioreactors was also examined outdoor at the International Power Hazelwood, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. The highest biomass and lipid productivities of T. suecica (51.45?±?2.67 mg biomass L^?1 day^?1 and 14.8?±?2.46 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) and Chlorella sp (60.00?±?2.4 mg biomass L^?1 day^?1 and 13.70?±?1.35 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) were achieved when grown using CO₂ as inorganic carbon source. No significant differences were found between CO₂ and flue gas biomass and lipid productivities. While grown using CO₂ and flue gas, biomass productivities were 10, 13 and 18 %, and 7, 14 and 19 % higher than NaHCO₃, HCl and unregulated pH for T. suecica and Chlorella sp, respectively. Addition of inorganic carbon increased specific growth rate and lipid content but reduced biomass yield and cell weight of T. suecica. Addition of inorganic carbon increased yield but did not change specific growth rate, cell weight or content of the cell weight of Chlorella sp. Both strains showed significantly higher maximum quantum yield (F_v/F_m) when grown under optimum pH.     

Performance,Egg Quality Traits,and Serum Metabolite Concentrations of Laying Hens Affected by Dietary Supplemental Chromium Picolinate and Vitamin C Under a Heat-Stress Condition

A 3?×?2 factorial experiment consisting three levels (0, 200, and 400 μg/kg) of chromium (chromium picolinate) and two levels (0 and 250 mg/kg) of vitamin C was employed to evaluate the effects of these dietary supplements on performance, egg quality traits, and serum biochemical parameters of heat-stressed laying hens (Lohmann LSL-Lite) from 66 to 74 weeks of age. Feed intake increased when birds were given either 400 μg/kg chromium or 250 mg/kg vitamin C (P?<?0.05), but the birds that received both chromium and vitamin C consumed feed similar to those that received only chromium. Dietary treatments had no effect on egg production, egg mass, egg volume, feed conversion ratio, and body mass (P?>?0.05). The birds that fed on diet with chromium or vitamin C produced eggs with higher shell mass and thickness compared to the control. Both eggshell mass and thickness decreased when vitamin C and chromium were supplemented simultaneously, and birds given the diet supplemented with 400 μg/kg chromium and 250 mg/kg vitamin C had eggshell mass and thickness similar to those of the control group. The serum concentration of chromium increased due to increasing level of dietary chromium (P?<?0.05). The birds that received diet with chromium and vitamin C had higher serum concentrations of chromium compared to those that received only chromium (P?<?0.05). Similarly, the hens that received chromium and vitamin C had higher serum concentrations of calcium and phosphorus compared to the hens fed with other treatments (P?<?0.05). The birds given with supplemental chromium exhibited lower serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations but higher serum albumin and total protein concentrations compared to the other groups (P?<?0.05).     

Lipid productivity and fatty acid composition in Chlorella and Scenepdesmus strains grown in nitrogen-stressed conditions

Thirty Chlorella and 30 Scenedesmus strains grown in nitrogen-stressed conditions (70 mg L^?1 N) were analyzed for biomass accumulation, lipid productivity, protein, and fatty acid (FA) composition. Scenedesmus strains produced more biomass (4.02?±?0.73 g L^?1) after 14 days in culture compared to Chlorella strains (2.57?±?0.12 g L^?1). Protein content decreased and lipid content increased from days 8 to 14 with an increase in triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in most strains. By day 14, Scenedesmus strains generally had higher lipid productivity (53.5?±?3.7 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) than Chlorella strains (35.1?±?2.8 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) with the lipids consisting mainly of C16–18 TAGs. Scenedesmus strains generally had a more suitable FA profile with higher amounts of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and a smaller polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) component. Chlorella strains had a larger PUFA component and smaller MUFA component. The general trend in the FA composition of Chlorella strains was oleic > palmitic > α-linolenic = linoleic > eicosenoic > heptadecenoic > stearic acid. For Scenedesmus strains, the general trend was oleic > palmitic > linoleic > α-linolenic > stearic > eicosenoic > palmitoleic > heptadecenoic acid. The most promising strains with the highest lipid productivity and most suitable FA profiles were Scenedesmus sp. MACC 401, Scenedesmus soli MACC 721, and Scenedesmus ecornis MACC 714. Although Chlorella sp. MACC 519 had lower lipid productivity, the FA profile was good with a lower PUFA component compared to the other Chlorella strains analyzed and a low linolenic acid concentration.     

Effects of Dietary Zinc and l-Arginine Supplementation on Total Antioxidants Capacity, Lipid Peroxidation, Nitric Oxide, Egg Weight, and Blood Biochemical Values in Japanase Quails

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of dietary zinc and l-arginine supplementation on blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), some blood chemistry parameters, and egg weights of laying quails. Three groups of Japanese quails were fed with a diet containing l-arginine (5 mg/kg), zinc (60 mg/kg), and normal basal diet (control) for 30 days. TAC, lipid peroxidation, and biochemical analysis were performed in the blood of animals. l-Arginine and zinc supplementation improved TAC and reduced MDA concentrations compared to the control (P?<?0.05). In comparison to the control, blood NO concentrations were increased by l-arginine (P?<?0.01) and zinc treatment (P?<?0.05). Both zinc (P?<?0.001) and l-arginine (P?<?0.01) supplementation significantly increased egg weight in laying quails. Some of the blood chemistry parameters were also altered by the treatment of l-arginine and zinc supplementation. No difference was found in blood albumin and creatinine levels among the groups. Blood glucose (P?=?0.833) and total protein (P?=?0.264) levels in control and l-arginine-treated groups were found to be similar. Glucose and total protein levels were decreased in zinc-supplemented animals compared to the control and l-arginine groups (P?<?0.05). No difference was found in triglyceride levels between control and zinc-applied groups (P?=?0.197). However, l-arginine treatment reduced the blood triglyceride levels compared to the control (P?<?0.05). In conclusion, l-arginine and zinc supplementation could be beneficial and effective for decreasing oxidative stress, boosting antioxidant capacity, and improving egg weight in the blood of the animals.     

Distribution of Metals (Cu,Zn, Pb,and Cd) in Sediments of the Anzali Lagoon,North Iran

Concentrations of four metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) in the sediments of the Anzali Lagoon in the northern part of Iran were determined to evaluate the level of contamination and spatial distribution. The sediments were collected from 21 locations in the lagoon. At each lagoon site a core, 60 cm long, was taken. The ranges of the measured concentrations in the sediments are as follows: 17–140 mg kg^?1 for Cu, 20–113 mg kg^?1 for Zn, 1–37 mg kg^?1 for Pb and 0.1–3.5 mg kg^?1 for Cd in surficial (0-20 cm) and 16–87 mg kg^?1 for Cu, 28.5–118 mg kg^?1 for Zn, 3–20 mg kg^?1 for Pb and 0.1–3.5 mg kg^?1 for Cd in deep (40–60 cm) sediments. The results of the geoaccumulation index (I_geo) show that Cd causes moderate to heavy pollution in most of the study area. Environmental risk evaluation showed that the pollution in the Anzali Lagoon is moderate to considerable and the ranking of the contaminants followed the order: Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn. Some locations present severe pollution by metals depending on the sources, of which sewage outlets and phosphate fertilizers are the main sources of contaminants to the area.     

Assessment of Chromium Content of Feedstuffs, Their Estimated Requirement, and Effects of Dietary Chromium Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization, Growth Performance, and Mineral Balance in Summer-Exposed Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis)

This study was conducted to determine the chromium content of different feedstuffs, their estimated requirement, and effect of dietary Cr supplementation on nutrient intake, nutrient utilization, growth performance, and mineral balance in buffalo calves during summer season. Levels of Cr was higher in cultivated fodder, moderate in cakes and cereal grains, while straw, grasses, and non-conventional feeds were poor in Cr content. To test the effect of Cr supplementation in buffalo calves, 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ppm of inorganic Cr were fed to 24 buffalo calves. Buffalo calves were randomly assigned to four treatments (n?=?6) and raised for 120 days. A metabolic trial for a period of 7 days was conducted after 3 months of dietary treatments. Blood samples were collected at fortnight interval for plasma mineral estimation. The results suggested that dietary Cr supplementation in summer did not have any affects (P?>?0.05) on feed consumption, growth performance, nitrogen balance, and physiological variables. However, dietary Cr supplementation had significant effect (P?<?0.05) on balance and plasma Cr (ppb) levels without affecting (P?>?0.05) balance and plasma levels of other trace minerals. The estimated Cr requirement of buffalo calves during summer season was calculated to be 0.044 mg/kg body mass and 10.37 ppm per day. In conclusion, dietary Cr supplementation has regardless effect on feed consumption, mass gain, and nutrient utilization in buffalo calves reared under heat stress conditions. However, supplementation of Cr had positive effect on its balance and plasma concentration without interacting with other trace minerals.     

Dietary Iodine and Selenium Affected the mRNA Expression Levels of Skin Monodeiodinase (II, III) in Liaoning Cashmere Goats

Livestock are frequently provided nutrient-depleted diets, which can negatively impact animal health and productivity. In our previous trial, we found that iodine (I) supplementation (not selenium (Se)) could increase cashmere production. In order to explore the role of I and Se in cashmere growth, we investigated the effects of dietary I and Se supplementation in Liaoning cashmere goats. Serum thyroid hormone status and the mRNA expression levels of skin monodeiodinase (MDII, MDIII) were measured during the cashmere fiber growth period. Forty-eight 2.5-year-old Liaoning cashmere goats (38.6?±?2.65 kg BW) were divided into six equal groups, and their diets were supplemented with I (0, 2, or 4 mg/kg DM) and Se (0 or 1 mg/kg DM) in a 2?×?3 factorial treatment design. The six treatment groups were: I₀Se₀, I₂Se₀, I₄Se₀, I₀Se₁, I₂Se₁, and I₄Se₁. Concentrations of I and Se in the basal diet (group I₀Se₀) were 0.67 and 0.09 mg/kg DM, respectively. The trial started in September of 2009 and lasted 70 days. For every measured parameter, supplemental Se had no significant effect on thyroid hormones, but improved the mRNA expression levels of skin MDIII (P?<?0.01). However, supplemental I increased levels of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) and improved the mRNA expression levels of skin MDII (P?<?0.05). These results show that the addition of I to cashmere goat feedstock may be an effective means of increasing cashmere production through thyroid hormones regulating the mRNA expression of skin MDII.