Natural Products as an Alternative to Formaldehyde for Disinfection of Fertile Eggs in Commercial Hatcheries

Formaldehyde has been used in commercial hatcheries to cleanse eggs and prevent illness. However, formaldehyde’s health risks and customer demand for eco-friendly products have spurred interest in natural egg disinfection. Formaldehyde-free natural materials sterilize viable eggs in commercial hatcheries. Formaldehyde’s health and environmental dangers start the chapter. Modern hatcheries need safer and greener options. Natural egg disinfectants are next: plant-based extracts, oils, and acids. These natural chemicals’ mechanisms, bactericidal properties, potential commercial hatchery pros, and cons are evaluated. The chapter also examines commercial hatcheries’ natural disinfectant limits. Cost-effectiveness, efficacy against common diseases, application simplicity, and hatchery equipment compatibility are discussed. Regulations and uniform egg disinfection using natural agents are covered in the chapter. It emphasizes industry stakeholders, researchers, and regulators working together to promote natural alternatives. Finally, formaldehyde-free natural substances can disinfect viable eggs in industrial hatcheries. Studying natural product-based disinfection methods will increase their efficacy, safety, and feasibility. This book chapter concludes with natural alternatives to formaldehyde for cleaning viable eggs in industrial hatcheries

The roles of soybean lecithin in aquafeed: a crucial need and update

Soybean lecithin is extensively used as the dietary supplementation of phospholipids in animal production. Soybean lecithin plays significant roles in aquafeed as growth promoter, feed enhancer, immunity modulator and antioxidant activity stimulator for aquaculture species. Besides, soybean lecithin is also reported to help aquaculture species being resilient to physical and chemical stressors. In this review, common sources, chemical structure and mode of action of lecithin, with highlight on soybean lecithin application in aquaculture over four-decadal studies published between 1983 and 2023, were evaluated and summarized. By far, soybean lecithin is best-known for its beneficial effects, availability yet cost-effective for aquafeed formulation. Findings from this review also demonstrate that although nutritional profile of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk and marine sources are superior to those from plant sources such as soybean, it is rather costly for sustainable application in aquafeed formulation. Moreover, commercially available products that incorporate soybean lecithin with other feed additives are promising to boost aquaculture production. Overall, effects of soybean lecithin supplementation are well-recognized on larval and juvenile of aquaculture species which having limited ability to biosynthesis phospholipids de novo, and correspondingly attribute to phospholipid, a primary component of soybean lecithin, that is essential for rapid growth during early stages development. In addition, soybean lecithin supplementation plays a distinguish role in stimulating maturation of gonadal development in the adults, especially for crustaceans

Exploring the roles of phytobiotics in relieving the impacts of Edwardsiella tarda infection on fish: a mini-review

Edwardsiellosis caused by Edwardsiella tarda resulted in significant economic losses in aquaculture operations worldwide. This disease could infect a wide range of hosts, including freshwater, brackish water, and marine aquatic animals. Currently, antibiotics and vaccines are being used as prophylactic agents to overcome Edwardsiellosis in aquaculture. However, application of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria, and the antibiotic residues pose a threat to public health. Meanwhile, the use of vaccines to combat Edwardsiellosis requires intensive labor work and high costs. Thus, phytobiotics were attempted to be used as antimicrobial agents to minimize the impact of Edwardsiellosis in aquaculture. These phytobiotics may also provide farmers with new options to manage aquaculture species' health. The impact of Edwardsiellosis in aquaculture worldwide was elaborated on and highlighted in this review study, as well as the recent application of phytobiotics in aquaculture and the status of vaccines to combat Edwardsiellosis. This review also focuses on the potential of phytobiotics in improving aquatic animal growth performance, enhancing immune system function, and stimulating disease resistance

Use of Humic Substances from Vermicompost in Poultry

In recent years, there has been a surge in antibiotic resistance in both humans and animals, as well as increased public concern over medication residues in animal products. As a result, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in chicken has been banned in the European Union, and consumer pressure is likely to lead to their removal in other countries. More recently, the United States of America adopted the same restriction in 2017. Different alternatives to antibiotics have been proposed as a measure to eliminate pathogens or to improve growth and feed conversion in poultry, such as probiotics, enzymes, bacteriophages and antimicrobial peptides, herbal compounds and organic acids. These substances exert their effects on the gastrointestinal biota and digestion processes, directly or indirectly. Humic substances (HS) in animal applications have shown improved live-weight, growth rates and feed intakes by improving immune functions and gut health. In poultry nutrition as an alternative to growth-promoting has been proven with promising results on the growth and health of birds. Additional research suggests that HS can increase gut integrity and performance when combined with good nutrition, management, and biosecurity policies. Therefore, recent results of HS extracted from vermicompost in poultry will be described in this chapter

Evaluation of anti-hyperuricemic effects of Alocasia longiloba Miq. (Keladi Candik) extracts in potassium oxonate induced rat model

Hyperuricemia has become a significant public-health concern in recent years, and the available treatments have been reported to have an adverse side effect on patients. Alocasia longiloba has been used traditionally in Malaysia for treating gout, inflammation, and wounds. However, the plant has not been investigated for its effects on hyperuricemia. This study investigated the anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects of A. longiloba extracts in hyperuricemic rats induced by potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg body weight). Rats were given A. longiloba extracts or a standard drug for two-week, and blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis. Results show that A. longiloba extracts significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic rats and inhibited xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in the liver and kidney, which could be the mechanism underlying the urate-lowering effects. The extracts also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-18 and IL-1β) in serum samples and had hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects in hyperuricemic rats. The study supports the use of A. longiloba as a complementary therapy for treating hyperuricemia

Coccidiosis en pollos de engorda comerciales en Brazil entre 2012 y 2019: especies principales y grados de daño

The purpose of the present study was to determine the occurrence of coccidiosis in broilers, detect the most commonly occurring species of Eimeriaspp, and parasitic burdens in industrial poultry in Brazil from 2012 to 2019. We studied 13,648 birds between 9–49 days of age at 82 companies in 13 Brazilian states. Birds were randomly selected (3–6 birds/aviary) and euthanized. Macroscopic lesions were analyzed, and the intestinal mucosa was scraped to count E. maxima oocysts. The classification of species was based on the size of the oocysts. We also quantified the infectious burden using a scoring system. Subclinical coccidiosis (E. maxima micro) was detected in an average of 34.8%,E. acervulina(16.1%), E. maxima(7.9%), and E. tenella(4.1%) were also identified with annual fluctuations. The count of oocysts was within score 1 (1–10 oocysts/bird) in 47.5–84.4% of the cases; followedby score 2 (11–20), 3 (21–40) and 4 (over 41 oocysts/bird). Subclinical coccidiosis is a cause for concern, with 3.5 out of every ten birds being infected. This is a factor responsible for the lower productive performance of broilersEl propósito del presente estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de la coccidiosis en pollos de engorde, detectar las especies más comunes de Eimeriaspp y cargas parasitarias en aves comerciales en Brasil de 2012 a 2019. Estudiamos 13,648 aves entre 9 y 49 días de edad en 82 empresas en 13 estados brasileños. Las aves se seleccionaron al azar (3 a 6 aves / aviario) y se sacrificaron por eutanasia. Se analizaron las lesiones macroscópicas y se raspó la mucosa intestinal para el conteo de ooquistes de E. maxima. La clasificación de especies se basó en el tamaño de los ooquistes. También cuantificamos la carga infecciosa mediante un sistema de puntuación. Se detectó coccidiosis subclínica (E. maximamicro) en un promedio de 34.8%. E. acervulina(16.1%), E. maxima(7.9%) y E. tenella(4.1%) también se identificaron con fluctuaciones anuales. El conteo de ooquistes estuvo dentro de la puntuación 1 (1 a 10 ooquistes / ave) en el 47.5 al 84.4% de los casos; seguido de una puntuación 2 (11 a 20), 3 (21 a 40) y 4 (más de 41 ooquistes / ave). La coccidiosis subclínica es motivo de preocupación, ya que 3.5 de cada diez aves estaban infectadas. Este es un factor responsable del menor rendimiento productivo de los pollos de engord

Giant Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Meal in Chicken Diets to Enrich Meat with n-3 Fatty Acids

The main marketed parts of squid are the mantle, the head with tentacles, and fins. However, when the whole squid does not meet quality standards for human consumption it can be used for broiler feed. The objective of the study was to include giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) meal (GSM) in broiler rations to increase the content of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) in chicken meat. Two hundred Ross 380 chickens, half male, half female, and one day old, were randomly distributed in a 4x2x2 factorial arrangement. The factors were the treatment (0%, 1.67%, 3.34%, and 5.01% of GSM in the diet), sex, and content of n-3 in the legs with thighs and the breasts. Each treatment had five repetitions with 10 birds each. There were no differences (p &gt; 0.05) in the production parameters for both sexes. The contents of EPA, DPA, and DHA increased in the females and in the legs with thighs (p &lt; 0.05) with GSM. Acceptance for the flavor and texture of meat was higher in the treatment with 1.67% GSM than in the other treatments. It is concluded that GSM is an alternative for increasing the amount of n-3 in chicken meat

Computational Studies of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1): A Review

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exhibits the most potent mutagenic and carcinogenic activity among aflatoxins. For this reason, AFB1 is recognized as a human group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency of Research on Cancer. Consequently, it is essential to determine its properties and behavior in different chemical systems. The chemical properties of AFB1 can be explored using computational chemistry, which has been employed complementarily to experimental investigations. The present review includes in silico studies (semiempirical, Hartree&ndash;Fock, DFT, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics) conducted from the first computational study in 1974 to the present (2022). This work was performed, considering the following groups: (a) molecular properties of AFB1 (structural, energy, solvent effects, ground and the excited state, atomic charges, among others); (b) theoretical investigations of AFB1 (degradation, quantification, reactivity, among others); (c) molecular interactions with inorganic compounds (Ag+, Zn2+, and Mg2+); (d) molecular interactions with environmentally compounds (clays); and (e) molecular interactions with biological compounds (DNA, enzymes, cyclodextrins, glucans, among others). Accordingly, in this work, we provide to the stakeholder the knowledge of toxicity of types of AFB1-derivatives, the structure&ndash;activity relationships manifested by the bonds between AFB1 and DNA or proteins, and the types of strategies that have been employed to quantify, detect, and eliminate the AFB1 molecule

Evaluación del desprendimiento de oocistos de Eimeria maxima y Eimeria acervulina en pollos de engorde

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the day and the time of sample collection of an experimental challenge with Eimeria maxima (EM) and Eimeria acervulina (EA) in broiler chickens. Oneday old male Cobb-Vantress broiler chickens were randomly allocated to one of three groups with ten replicates (n=8 chickens/replicate). Chickens were placed in battery cages with a controlled ageappropriate environment: Group 1) Negative control (no challenge or treatment); 2) Challenge control (Eimeria challenge only); 3) Challenge + Salinomycin. Challenged chickens were orally gavaged with the mixed culture of EM/EA (10,000 sporulated EM containing 4% wild-type EA) at 14 days of age. Performance parameters were recorded at days 7, 14, 20, and 23. Lesions scores were recorded post-mortem on days 20 and 23. Oocyst per gram (OPG) was performed on days six, seven, and eight post-challenge, and samples were collected at 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM on each day, respectively. Oocyst counts were significantly different (P < 0.05) between morning and afternoon on day six post coccidia challenge. The results of this study show that the day and the time at which samples are collected can have a significant effect on the reliability and validity of dataEl propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar el día y la hora de recolección de la muestra de un desafío experimental con Eimeria maxima (EM) y Eimeria acervulina (EA) en pollos de engorde. Los pollos de engorde macho Cobb-Vantress de un día de edad se asignaron aleatoriamente a uno de tres grupos con diez réplicas (n = 8 pollos / réplica). Los pollos se colocaron en jaulas de batería con un entorno controlado apropiado para la edad: Grupo 1) Control negativo (sin desafío o tratamiento); 2) Control de desafío (solo desafío Eimeria); 3) Desafío + salinomicina. A los 14 días de edad, los pollos fueron desafiados por vía oral con el cultivo mixto de EM / EA (10,000 EM esporulados que contenían 4% de EA de tipo salvaje). Los parámetros de rendimiento se registraron en los días 7, 14, 20 y 23. Los puntajes de las lesiones se registraron post mortem en los días 20 y 23. El oocisto por gramo (OPG) se realizó en los días seis, siete y ocho después del desafío, y muestras se recolectaron a las 9:00 a.m. y a las 6:00 p.m. de cada día, respectivamente. Los recuentos de oocistos fueron significativamente diferentes (P < 0.05) entre la mañana y la tarde en el día seis después del desafío con coccidios. Los resultados de este estudio muestran que el día y la hora en que se recolectan las muestras pueden tener un efecto significativo en la confiabilidad y validez de los dato

Potential of Kale and Lettuce Residues as Natural Adsorbents of the Carcinogen Aflatoxin B₁ in a Dynamic Gastrointestinal Tract-Simulated Model

Adsorption of the carcinogen aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) onto agro-waste-based materials is a promising alternative over conventional inorganic binders. In the current study, two unmodified adsorbents were eco-friendly prepared from kale and lettuce agro-wastes. A dynamic gastrointestinal tract-simulated model was utilized to evaluate the removal efficiency of the sorptive materials (0.5%, w/w) when added to an AFB1-contaminated diet (100 µg AFB1/kg). Different characterization methodologies were employed to understand the interaction mechanisms between the AFB1 molecule and the biosorbents. Based on adsorption results, the biosorbent prepared from kale was the best; its maximum adsorption capacity was 93.6%, which was significantly higher than that of the lettuce biosorbent (83.7%). Characterization results indicate that different mechanisms may act simultaneously during adsorption. Non-electrostatic (hydrophobic interactions, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding) and electrostatic interactions (ionic attractions) together with the formation of AFB1-chlorophyll complexes appear to be the major influencing factors driving AFB1 biosorption