Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition最新文献

Recently, the potential of using chitosan (CHI) as a feed additive to enhance ruminal fermentation and improve animal performance has gained increasing attention in ruminant nutrition. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with increasing doses of CHI on rumen fermentation attributes and microbial composition, digestibility and milk performance in Dhofari goats. Twenty-four lactating goats (27 ± 1.8 kg of initial live body weight) were fed a control diet comprising of Rhodes grass hay plus a concentrate feed mixture. Goats were assigned to one of three experimental treatments (n = 8 per treatment) as: (1) control diet with no supplement (CTRL), (2) control diet with 0.300 g/day CHI (CHI0.3) and (3) control diet supplemented with 0.600 g/day CHI (CHI0.6) for a 45-day experimental period. Dietary supplementation with increasing doses of CHI decreased (p < 0.05) linearly ruminal pH (p = 0.023), total short chain fatty acids concentrations (p = 0.011), acetate (p = 0.013) and butyrate (p = 0.042) proportions, acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.001), estimated methane (CH₄) production (p < 0.001), ammonia nitrogen concentrations (p = 0.003) and protozoa abundance (p = 0.003). However, the ruminal propionate proportion augmented (p = 0.002) linearly with increasing doses of CHI in the diet. Increasing doses of CHI linearly increased the abundance of the ruminal propionate-producing bacteria, while diminished acetate and CH₄-producing bacteria (p < 0.05). Serum total protein (p = 0.037) and glucose (p = 0.042) levels linearly increased as CHI doses increased in the diet. However, serum UREA levels decreased linearly (p = 0.002) by 21% with increasing CHI amounts in the diet. The digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre increased linearly with the increasing CHI doses (p < 0.05). Neither linear nor quadratic responses (p > 0.05) were observed in daily milk yield and feed efficiency by supplementing the diet with CHI. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with CHI at a dose of 0.600 g/day as a feed additive for dairy goats reduced estimated CH₄ generation and improved fibre and protein digestion, with no influence on feed intake, milk yield or composition.

Diseases are major constraints to developing large-scale aquaculture practices in many countries. For decades, synthetic chemotherapeutic agents have been widely applied both as prophylactics and therapeutics to inhibit and control aquatic disease outbreaks. However, their use has become more restricted due to the negative impacts they have on the environment, the host and humans, as well as their limitations in preventing the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the use of medicinal plants and seaweeds as potential alternatives to antibiotics and other synthetic chemotherapeutics. Medicinal plants and seaweeds can enhance the immune systems of animals, thereby providing protection against numerous diseases while minimizing the adverse effects associated with synthetic chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, the advantages of medicinal plants and seaweeds, such as their effectiveness, easy availability and ability to be applied on a large scale, make them appealing for use in the aquaculture industry. The main goal of this study was to review the existing knowledge of the effects of medicinal plants and seaweeds, as well as their extracts, on shrimp growth, immune response and disease resistance against bacterial and viral agents. Moreover, this paper discusses the application of seaweeds in shrimp culture. We also conducted a literature review to identify gaps in the research and provide recommendations for further advancement in this field of study. Further studies should focus on evaluating other physiological aspects, such as feed and mineral utilization, enzyme activities and histological examination.

The present study was carried out to isolate, identify, and characterize bacterial probiotic strain from the gut of Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass carp) and then to study its effect on growth, digestive enzymes and immunity of Labeo rohita fingerlings. A total of 6 gram-positive bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus spp. (3), Bacillus spp. (2) and Staphylococcus spp. (1), were identified biochemically. Based on the biochemical results, the isolate GCLP4 was selected for molecular confirmation and BLAST analysis showed maximum homology with Lactobacillus plantarum (100% ident). Fish were fed for 60 days with diet containing 0 (T0), 10⁵ (T1), 10⁷ (T2), 10⁹ (T3) cfu/g diet of L. plantarum GCLP4 and 10⁵ (T4) of commercial probiotics. Results shows that supplementation of GCLP4 had significantly (p < 0.05) improve weight gain (%), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of L. rohita with better values in T3 group. The immunological parameters (white blood cell, red blood cell, haemoglobin, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly higher (p < 0.05) with 10⁷ and 10⁹ Lactobacillus GCLP4 cfu/g diet. The digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase and lipase) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher, particularly, with 10⁹ Lactobacillus GCLP4 cfu/g of diet. All the groups supplemented with GCLP4 including the commercial probiotics have lower (p < 0.05) activities of serum transaminase enzymes along with lower (p < 0.005) level of glucose as compared to the control group. The results of the study collectively suggest that dietary L. plantarum GCLP4 at 10⁹ cfu/g is an effective probiotic obtained from grass carp having potency to promote growth, digestive enzymes and immune-biochemical indices of L. rohita fingerlings in present culture condition.

Insects are emerging as a promising alternative source in animal nutrition, offering high protein content and a low environmental impression compared to traditional feed sources. This abstract explores the potential role of insects in reducing the environmental impact of livestock production. Insects such as black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets are rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, amino acids, fatty acids and so on. They can be efficiently farmed on organic waste streams, contributing to resource efficiency and waste lessening. Additionally, insect farming needs a small quantity of water, less land, and emits fewer greenhouse gases than conventional animal feed production. Despite these benefits, several challenges must be addressed to realize their potential, including regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, production scalability, and ensuring consistent nutritional quality. By overcoming these challenges through research, innovation, and policy support, insects can be integrated into mainstream animal feed systems, significantly reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural future.

Royal jelly renowned for its robust nutritional, functional, and biological properties, is a pivotal product derived from honeybees. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the theory that in ovo injection of freeze-dried royal jelly (FDRJ) solutions at varying concentrations can influence the hatchability, blood properties and hatching characteristics of day-old chicks. A total of 480 eggs (54.81 ± 0.187 g) were allocated into four experimental groups: negative control (NC), without injection, positive control (PC), administered with regular saline, a low FDRJ dose group (9 mg/egg), and a high FDRJ dose group (18 mg/egg). The in ovo injections were administered on Day 18 of incubation, and the experiment was subsequently continued until the incubation period concluded at 21 days. Results revealed that the lower FDRJ dose (9 mg/egg) significantly improved hatchability percentages compared to other treatments. Conversely, the higher FDRJ dose (18 mg/egg) and control groups (NC and PC) resulted in significantly higher chick yield percentages than the lower FDRJ and PC groups. The NC group showed the supreme yolk sac (YS) percentage, whereas the yolk-free body mass (YFBM) percentages displayed an inverse trend. Furthermore, the in ovo FDRJ injection did not affect haematological values or the relative organ weight of day-old chicks. In conclusion, in ovo FDRJ injection demonstrated beneficial effects on hatchability and chick weight, as evidenced by the studied parameters.

The impact of plant-based diets on crocodilians is unclear. Serum profiles and histomorphometry provide valuable insights into their nutritional and physiological status. This study aims to elucidate the impact of three levels of soybean meal substitution combined chicken by-product minced on the growth and health of broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). The research assesses the effects of diets supplemented with soybean meal on the blood biochemical profile, intestinal histomorphometry, and hepatic parameters of C. latirostris, providing essential information for understanding on the implications of dietary changes in this species. Forty-eight 6-month-old broad-snouted caimans were assigned to three dietary groups (0%, 25%, 40% soybean meal). Over a period of 90 days, data on growth, food consumption, serum biochemical analysis, intestinal and hepatic morphometry were recorded. The results showed that diets containing higher levels of soybean meal did not significantly affect growth, feed intake or serum profiles of total protein, albumin and cholesterol. However, changes in intestinal morphology were observed, with longer and wider villi in the animals feed with diets with soybean meal, indicating a gradual adaptation to new feeding diets. The presence of soybean meal reduced serum glucose and triglyceride profiles and hepatic lipid accumulation without affecting macronutrient digestion and absorption, considered beneficial for the caiman's health. This study provides valuable insights into the inclusion of soybean meal in the diet of Caiman latirostris and its effects on the intestines, liver, and physiology. It also highlights the importance of considering nutritional management as a key tool in improving the well-being and health of crocodilians in captivity.

Large dog breeds commonly produce unformed faeces. The present study hypothesised that foods for large dog breeds require higher starch gelatinisation (SG) to reduce organic matter flow to colon. Fifteen Rottweilers (Ro; 49.4 ± 6.12 kg), 18 Beagles (Be; 12.13 ± 1.75 kg) and 20 Shih-Tzus (ST; 4.62 ± 1.15 kg) were fed one of three diets, all based on the same sorghum formulation, processed to obtain three levels of SG: SG90 (91.8% SG), SG50 (50.7% SG) and SG30 (27.4% SG). Foods were provided for 23 days, and the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, faecal production and fermentation products, Na, K and Cl apparent absorption and gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) were evaluated. Results were submitted to analysis of variance considering SG, breed and their interactions, and means compared by the Tukey test (p < 0.05). All dogs promptly ate the foods. Faeces scores were lower for Ro than for Be and ST, and lower for SG30 than SG90 (p < 0.05). Faeces pH was higher, and total short-chain fatty acids were lower for SG90 than for SG50 and SG30 (p < 0.01), regardless of breed. No diet effect was observed for GTT (p > 0.05), but it was lower for Ro (41.7 ± 6.2 h) than for ST (48.7 ± 8.6 h). The CTTAD of nutrients was lower for SG30, intermediary for SG50 and higher for SG90 (p < 0.05), and among breeds CTTAD was higher for Be than ST and Ro (p < 0.05), which did not differ from each other, except for crude protein CTTAD which was lower for Ro (p < 0.05). The apparent absorption of Na and K was higher for the SG90 treatment, and for Be in comparison with Ro and ST (p < 0.05). Food SG had a remarkable influence on Ro faeces formation and on the CTTAD in all breeds. Greater fermentation in the colon and lower protein CTTAD may be involved in Ro unformed faeces formation.

The use of rapeseed as a source of protein in broiler chicken diets has been highlighted. However, there are inconsistent findings on the performance data of broiler chickens fed rapeseed meal (RSM). Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to resolve the inconsistent findings on the effect of RSM on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens, identify knowledge gaps and create new insights using published data. Fourteen studies on the topic were identified via a systematic search performed on bibliographic databases, and the data generated was analysed using OpenMEE software. A random-effects model was used, and effect sizes were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using broiler strains, inclusion levels, processing methods, rearing phases and sex as moderators. In comparison with the controls, the results showed that RSM decreased feed intake (SMD = -0.29; 95% Cl: -0.41, -0.18; p < 0.001), average daily gain (SMD = -0.48; 95% Cl: -0.63, -0.32; p < 0.001), and liver weight (SMD = 1.24; 95% Cl: 0.78, 1.71; p < 0.001), but had no effect on feed conversion ratio (SMD = 0.10; 95% Cl: -0.05, 0.23; p = 0.19). Likewise, broiler chickens fed RSM had significantly reduced carcass yield, weights of thigh, abdominal fat and heart when compared with the control. Results indicate that duodenum villus height (DVH) and jejunum villus height (JVH)/crypt depth (CD) ratios were improved in broiler chickens fed RSM. Meta-regression revealed that the analysed moderators are significant predictors of feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens. In conclusion, dietary RSM negatively influenced growth performance, liver weight and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens, but improved aspects of intestinal histomorphology traits. Therefore, innovative research on processing methods that will improve the feeding value of rapeseed meal in broiler chickens is recommended.

The present study aimed to confirm the previously reported 'recovery' effect to a challenging diet (CD) of a Lactobacilli-based probiotic (Pro) and its derived postbiotic (Post) in broilers. Identical diet compositions were used, and observations were extended to a second CD diet. A completely randomised block design of 2 × 3 treatment groups with two CDs and three additive conditions (Control, Pro, Post) was used. One additional group received a standard diet (SD). The study involved 1600 one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers. All diets, fed from d1 to 35, were formulated to contain identical nutrients levels, with CDs formulated to be greater than SD in nonstarch polysaccharides using rye and barley (Rye CD) or dry distiller grains with soluble, sunflower and rapeseed meal (DDGS CD). Growth performance parameters, footpad lesions (FPL) score and plasma Ca, P and uric acid concentrations were measured. Compared to SD, birds fed Rye CD and DDGS CD had a higher 1-35 days feed conversion ratio (+3.4 and +4.1%, respectively), due to a higher feed intake for Rye CD (+2.9%) and a lower body weight for DDGS CD (-4.1%). An effect of additive was restricted to Rye CD where Post depressed BW at d28 and d35 (-3.7 and -2.4%, respectively). Compared to Rye CD, DDGS CD lowered plasma Ca/P at d21 (-9.0%) and d35 (-8.1%) and uric acid at d21 (-26%). Pro increased plasma Ca in Rye CD at d21 (+12%) and Post decreased plasma uric acid in DDGS CD at d35 (-25%). All other plasma parameters were not affected. The previously observed recovery effect of a commercial probiotic and postbiotic were not reproducible under highly similar growth conditions, which suggests that both may have specific physiological effects which are only expressed under specific circumstances.