Effects of alginates on the growth, haematological, immunity, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses of rabbits under high temperature

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most severe hurdles impacting rabbit growth, immunity, homeostasis, and productivity. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have considerable beneficial effects due to their plausible antioxidant and immune-stimulatory properties. This work was planned to explore the preventive function of AOS as a new bio-feed additive against the harmful effects caused by environmental HS on growing rabbits. Rabbits were allotted in four experimental groups (25 animals in each group) and fed on a basal diet supplemented with 0.0 (AOS0), 50 (AOS50), 100 (AOS100), and 150 (AOS150) mg AOS/kg diet reared under summer conditions. Dietary AOS supplementation improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001) feed conversion rate, while both AOS100 and AOS150 significantly (P ≤ 0.001) enhanced the final body weight and body weight gain. All AOS addition significantly increased nitric oxide and lysosome activity and significantly reduced interferon-gamma (IFNγ) compared with those in the control group. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase and protein carbonyl levels were significantly reduced in rabbits fed diets containing AOS (100 and 150 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group under heat stress conditions. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) improved with increasing AOS dietary levels compared with the control group. Still, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), eosinophils, and lymphocytes did not change. Erythrocyte's indices improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001), while neutrophils and white blood cell counts were decreased by dietary AOS inclusion. Immunological (IgM and IgG) were markedly reduced in AOS-treated groups compared with the control group. The current investigation exemplified that AOS as a novel bio-feed additive that could be an effective strategy to extenuate prejudicial effects in heat-stressed rabbits via enhancing immunity, and antioxidant defence system, further regulating the inflammation cytokines.Universidad King Saud, Riad, Arabia Saudita | Ref. RSP2023R439Universidade de Vigo/CISU

The efficacy of high-protein tropical forages as alternative protein sourcesfor chickens: A review

Smallholders of poultry production systems in developing countries are commonly found in rural, resource-poor areas, and often face food insecurity. The main constraints for smallholders in poultry production in rural, resource-poor areas are the shortage of available commercial dietary protein and the high cost of commercial diets. The beneficial effects of legume and forage cultivation are economic, through providing protein for animals, and ecological, such as soil amendment, nitrogen fixation, and stripping control which participate to increase cropping efficiency. The potential nutritive value of a wide range of forages and grain legumes is presented and discussed. The impacts of dietary protein, fiber, and secondary metabolites in plant content, as as well as their consequences on feed efficiency, animal performance, and digestion processes are enclosed in this review. Lastly, approaches to reduce the anti-nutritional factors of the secondary metabolites of plants are explained

Supplementation of Alpha-lipoic acid-loaded nanoliposomes in semen extender improves freezability of buffalo spermatozoa

Abstract This research was designed to explore the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid–loaded nanoliposomes (ALAN) during cryopreservation of buffalo sperm. Buffalo semen was cryopreserved in a tris-citrate egg yolk extender without any supplement (ALAN0, control group) or with ALAN at levels of 25, 50, 75 or 150 µg (ALAN25, ALAN50, ALAN75 and ALAN150, respectively). The ALAN had a size of 171.80 nm and a negative zeta potential (− 43.40 mV). The progressive motility, vitality and membrane integrity significantly improved in all ALAN groups (except ALAN25 for membrane integrity). ALAN150 group exhibited the best values of progressive sperm motility, vitality and membrane integrity after thawing at 37 °C for 30 s or incubated for 2 h at 37 °C and 5% CO2 compared with those in other groups. Both ALAN75 and ALAN150 groups significantly improved the TAC, GR and catalase, while lipid peroxidation and early apoptotic spermatozoa significantly decreased in ALAN150 group followed by ALAN75 group. Collectively, the adding ALAN to buffalo semen freezing extender plays a substantial shielding function against cryodamage by preserving the sperm functional parameters

Supplementation of Thymoquinone Nanoparticles to Semen Extender Boosts Cryotolerance and Fertilizing Ability of Buffalo Bull Spermatozoa

Thymoquinone nanoparticles (TQNPs) are broadly utilized in numerous pharmaceutical applications. In the present study, we tested the effects of TQNP supplementation on sperm quality and kinematics, acrosome exocytosis, oxidative biomarkers, apoptosis-like and morphological changes of frozen–thawed buffalo sperm, as well as the fertilizing capacity. Semen was collected from buffalo bulls, diluted (1:10; semen/extender), and divided into five aliquots comprising various concentrations of TQNP 0 (CON), 12.5 (TQNP12.5), 25 (TQNP25), 37.5 (TQNP37.5), and 50 (TQNP50) µg/mL, and then cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C). The results revealed that TQNPs (25 to 50 µg/mL) provided the most optimal results in terms of membrane integrity (p 0.001) and progressive motility (p  0.01). In contrast, TQNP50 resulted in a greater post-thawed sperm viability (p = 0.02) compared with other groups. The addition of TQNPs to the extender had no discernible effects on sperm morphology measures. Sperm kinematic motion was significantly improved in the TQNP50 group compared to the control group (p 2O2 and MDA levels and improved the total antioxidant capacity of post-thawed extended semen (p  0.01). The addition of TQNP significantly increased the number of intact acrosomes (p  0.0001) and decreased the number of exocytosed acrosomes (p  0.0001). A significant reduction in apoptosis-like changes was observed in TQNP groups. The non-return rates of buffalo cows inseminated with TQNP50-treated spermatozoa were higher than those in the control group (p  0.05; 88% vs. 72%). These findings suggested that the freezing extender supplemented with TQNPs could effectively enhance the cryotolerance and fertility of buffalo sperm

Supplementation with Proline Improves Haemato-Biochemical and Reproductive Indicators in Male Rabbits Affected by Environmental Heat-Stress

Departamento de Reproducción Animal​ (INIA)Twenty-four adult rabbit bucks (n = 6 per treatment) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 100, and 150 mg proline/kg dry matter (DM) diet for 12 weeks to determine possible usefulness for alleviating the negative impact of environmental heat stress on redox status, haemato-biochaemical attributes and semen quality. There were significant dose-response effects, with increments in levels of dietary proline (LDP) quadratically improving red blood cell counts (p = 0.017), rectal temperature (p = 0.009), and respiratory rate (p < 0.001). Increasing LDP cubically affected superoxide dismutase activity in blood plasma (p = 0.012) and total antioxidant capacity in both blood and seminal plasma (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). The optimal response was observed at 30 and 80 mg proline/kg DM for blood and seminal plasma, respectively. With regards to homeostasis indexes, increments in LDP cubically modified blood plasma concentrations of total protein (p = 0.002) and albumin (p < 0.001), with an optimal response found at 70 mg proline/kg DM. A linear relationship (p = 0.005) was also observed between LDP and blood plasma glucose concentrations, with the optimal response being found at 100 mg proline/kg DM. Increasing LDP also showed positive effects on reproductive traits, with quadratic increases in blood plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations (p < 0.001; optimal responses at 50 and 60 mg proline/kg DM, respectively), a positive linear relationship with in libido, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count (p < 0.001 for all; optimal responses observed at 100 mg proline/kg DM) and a quadratic increase in total functional sperm fraction (p < 0.001; optimal response at 70 mg proline mg/kg DM). Hence, the optimal positive effects of dietary proline supplementation on redox status, blood metabolites, and reproductive traits of rabbit bucks may be achieved at 50-100 mg/kg DM.The experimental work received no external funding.Peer reviewed15 Pàg

Effects of dietary thyme essential oil on blood haematobiochemical, redox status, immunological and reproductive variables of rabbit does exposed to high environmental temperature

Dietary manipulations play an important role in improving the rabbit behaviour and performance and mitigating the negative effects of heat stress (HS) in rabbits. Thus, this study was designed to determine the modulatory role of thyme essential oil (TEO) in improving the blood metabolites, antioxidant status, immunological response, ovarian activity, reproductive traits and fecundity of rabbit does kept under high environmental stress. A total of 100 nulliparous does were used and randomly assigned into five treatments of 20 does each. The basal diet fed to the experimental groups contained TEO at levels of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg diet for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th groups, respectively. The period of TEO treatment was one month during an experimental period of three months during the summer season. Results showed that TEO at a level of 100 mg/kg diet decreased (p ≤ .001) MDA, while increased (≤.001) total proteins (TPs), albumin (AL), globulin (GL), blood haemoglobin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), haematocrit (Ht) and glutathione (GSH). Conversely, the TEO treatment did not affect GSH peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Immunological variables (IgG and IgM), milk production, ovulation rate (OR) and normal embryos percentage were significantly improved by 100 mg TEO/kg diet supplementation. The reproductive variable of stressed rabbit does fed TEO were significantly higher than those in the control diet. Collectively, dietary TEO supplementation can alleviate the negative influences of heat stressed-female rabbits, via enhancing the antioxidant capacity and immunological parameters.Highlights Dietary manipulations play an important role in improving the rabbit behaviour and performance. Addition of TEO to rabbit diets improved rabbit performance and health as well as reduced the negative effects of heat stress (HS). Immunological indices and milk production, ovulation rates (ORs) and normal embryos were significantly improved by TEO. Thyme essential oil (TEO) decreased MDA and increased protein and its fraction, blood haemoglobin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)

Growth, Carcass Traits, Blood Hematology, Serum Metabolites, Immunity, and Oxidative Indices of Growing Rabbits Fed Diets Supplemented with Red or Black Pepper Oils

The present study aimed to examine the impacts of the supplementation of red or black pepper oils to rabbit diet as growth promoters on New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. One hundred and forty weaned NZW rabbits were divided randomly into seven groups in a completely randomized experiment using different quantities of red pepper oil (RPO; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 g/kg diet) or black pepper oil (BPO; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 g/kg diet), in addition to the control group. Compared to the control, values of live body weight (LBW) for rabbits fed either RPO or BPO enriched diets were greater. The concentrations of serum triglycerides and cholesterol were lower (p &lt; 0.01) in the RPO- and BPO-treated groups than in the control. Immunity parameters and antioxidant indices were improved in treated groups in comparison to the control. Dietary RPO or BPO can affect some growth traits, improve immunity parameters and the antioxidant activity, and decrease the lipid profile and lipid peroxidation. The use of 0.5 g RPO/kg diet as a dietary supplement had a larger effect on growth parameters than the other treatment groups

Dandelion Herb: Chemical Composition and Use in Poultry Nutrition

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion herb, is a popular medicinal and therapeutic herb used for many years and is mostly raised in Europe, Asia, North and South America. It contains several nutrients and bioactive substances, especially the leaves and roots of this herb, which are a rich source of fiber, lecithin, choline, and micronutrients such as minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, etc., iron) and vitamins (A, C, K, and B-complex). The root has been commonly used for digestive and liver problems due to its stimulatory effects on the production of bile and detoxification functions. The leaves of dandelion have stimulatory functions on the digestive system and possess diuretic effects. Furthermore, several studies have shown that dandelion leaves can enhance the growth and productivity of poultry. Various functions on the intestinal mucosa have been reported, including the effects on the architecture of villi, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and cellular infiltration. This herb also has various beneficial functions, such as immunomodulatory effects, stimulation of the digestive system and insulin activation, enhancing the metabolism of androgens, and acting as a probiotic, antiangiogenic, antineoplastic and demulcent. Moreover, the dandelion herb can treat indigestions and hepatitis B infection. Due to the lack of studies on the effects of dandelion, further research has to be conducted to exploit the medicinal properties of this herb for its beneficial health impact on humans, pet and livestock animals (e.g., poultry) nutrition

Chemical Composition and Quality Characteristics of Meat in Three One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Breeds as Affected by Muscle Type and Post-Mortem Storage Period

The influence of muscle type and postmortem storage period on meat chemical composition and quality attributes of three breeds of camels (Baladi Saudi, Pakistani, and Somali) were investigated in this study. Crude fat and ash content were significantly higher in the Pakistani than in the Baladi Saudi and Somali breeds, except for higher moisture content observed in the Somali breed. The longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles had a greater crude protein than the biceps femoris (BF) muscle. Storage period exhibited a significant reduction in pH values and improvement in color components of meat. The Somali breed produced higher cooking loss % and shear force, with a lower water holding capacity than the Baladi Saudi and Pakistani breeds. The LL muscle had better cooking loss %, water holding capacity, and shear force, whereas storage period (7 days) exhibited a significant reduction in the myofibrillar fragmentation index. Baladi Saudi and Pakistani breeds and LL muscle samples presented better meat sensory attributes, while storage period had no significant influence on the overall sensory characters of meat. In conclusion, there were significant differences between the chemical and structural characteristics of the LL, BF, and SM muscle samples among the three breeds of camel. Baladi Saudi and Pakistani had better meat quality traits than the Somali breed. In addition, LL muscles had better nutritional values and meat quality parameters than BF and SM muscles. Improvement in meat quality attributes were achieved with the storage process of 7 days. It is observed that, the Saudi Baladi camels have a merit of low fat content over both Somali and Pakistani camel breeds. It is also concluded that no significant effects were observed between the treatments as a result of storage when sensory attributes were considered. Moreover, breed, muscle and storage period were interacted significantly only with regard to lightness color space and shear force. This is useful knowledge for the meat industry for optimizing processing and storage procedures for various camel muscles

Exploring the potential roles of apelin, visfatin, and irisin in energy regulation in farm animals: an overview

Adipose tissue, both intricate and fundamental to physiological functions, comprises cell types, including adipocytes, pivotal in secreting bioactive peptides known as ‘adipokines.’ Apelin (APLN), Visfatin (VSFTN), and Irisin (IRSN) are novel adipokines involved in regulating energy, carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. APLN acts as an endogenous ligand for G-protein-coupled receptors, VSFTN is essential in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis, and IRSN is released from skeletal muscle and adipose tissues. Their influence spans various physiological domains, including insulin resistance and sensitivity, cardiovascular functions, angiogenesis, and reproductive systems. This review focuses on the potential roles of APLN, VSFTN, and IRSN in energy regulation mechanisms related to farm animal production. Despite accumulating evidence of their significance, comprehensive understanding is still emerging, with most studies based on model organisms. Thus, there’s a pressing need for targeted research on farm animals. Addressing these knowledge gaps could pave the way for improved health strategies, reproductive efficiency, and productivity in farm animals. Future research should focus on understanding the multifaceted interactions of these adipokines and their implications for promoting sustainable and effective animal production