Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116543
K. Liu, Y. Wu, G. Li, W. Sun
<div><div>Methionine (<strong>Met</strong>) is the first limiting animo acid for fur animals, plays a critical role in raccoon dogs (<em>Nyctereutes procyonoides</em>). This species is characterized by dense fur, excellent thermal insulation properties, and efficient nutrient utilization from low-quality diets compared to other fur species. As common synthetic sources of D<span>L</span>-Met, DL-HMTBA [DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid] is widely use in animal diets. Low crude protein (<strong>CP</strong>) formulations with supplemental amino acids are used to enhance intestinal reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and maintain growth performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of supplementing Met to a low protein diet for raccoon dogs by analyzing the effects of Met and HMTBA added to different crude protein (<strong>CP</strong>) diets on the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical and antioxidant indexes of fur-growing phase. A total of 60 male racoon dogs, matched for age and body weight, were randomly allocated into four groups. After a 7-day adaptation period, the 30-day experimental phase was conducted. The experimental treatments were factorially designed, with 2 levels of dietary CP (High CP and Low CP), and 2 forms Met supplementation (D<span>L</span>-Met and DL-HMTBA). The results showed that the average daily feed intake in the high CP groups was highly lower than that in the low CP groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in the group adding DL-HMTBA were notably higher than these in the other groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The low CP groups exhibiting significantly higher digestibility than the high CP groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The digestibility of Gly, Ala, Pro, Phe, Trp, Ser, Tyr, Thr, Cys, Glu, Asp, His and total amino acid were higher in the low CP groups compared to the high CP groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The total protein concentration in the serum was obviously influenced by the interaction between dietary CP levels and forms of Met supplementation (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Serum albumin concentrations were significantly reduced in the DL-HMTBA supplemented groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05), whereas blood urea nitrogen levels were markedly elevated relative to other groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Conversely, serum level of glucose, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly with decreasing CP levels in the diets (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly elevated by DL-HMTBA supplementation and dietary CP levels (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity was significantly influenced by the forms of Met added to the diets, as well as, by the interaction between CP content and Met supplementation (<em>P</em> < 0.05). An interaction effect between dietary CP and Met supplementation on glutathione peroxidase
{"title":"Effects of different forms of methionine added to different protein diets on nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical, and antioxidant indexes of fur-growing raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides)","authors":"K. Liu, Y. Wu, G. Li, W. Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116543","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116543","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Methionine (<strong>Met</strong>) is the first limiting animo acid for fur animals, plays a critical role in raccoon dogs (<em>Nyctereutes procyonoides</em>). This species is characterized by dense fur, excellent thermal insulation properties, and efficient nutrient utilization from low-quality diets compared to other fur species. As common synthetic sources of D<span>L</span>-Met, DL-HMTBA [DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid] is widely use in animal diets. Low crude protein (<strong>CP</strong>) formulations with supplemental amino acids are used to enhance intestinal reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and maintain growth performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of supplementing Met to a low protein diet for raccoon dogs by analyzing the effects of Met and HMTBA added to different crude protein (<strong>CP</strong>) diets on the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical and antioxidant indexes of fur-growing phase. A total of 60 male racoon dogs, matched for age and body weight, were randomly allocated into four groups. After a 7-day adaptation period, the 30-day experimental phase was conducted. The experimental treatments were factorially designed, with 2 levels of dietary CP (High CP and Low CP), and 2 forms Met supplementation (D<span>L</span>-Met and DL-HMTBA). The results showed that the average daily feed intake in the high CP groups was highly lower than that in the low CP groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in the group adding DL-HMTBA were notably higher than these in the other groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The low CP groups exhibiting significantly higher digestibility than the high CP groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The digestibility of Gly, Ala, Pro, Phe, Trp, Ser, Tyr, Thr, Cys, Glu, Asp, His and total amino acid were higher in the low CP groups compared to the high CP groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The total protein concentration in the serum was obviously influenced by the interaction between dietary CP levels and forms of Met supplementation (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Serum albumin concentrations were significantly reduced in the DL-HMTBA supplemented groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05), whereas blood urea nitrogen levels were markedly elevated relative to other groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Conversely, serum level of glucose, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly with decreasing CP levels in the diets (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly elevated by DL-HMTBA supplementation and dietary CP levels (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity was significantly influenced by the forms of Met added to the diets, as well as, by the interaction between CP content and Met supplementation (<em>P</em> < 0.05). An interaction effect between dietary CP and Met supplementation on glutathione peroxidase ","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116543"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145517358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-03DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116561
Yue Zhang , Hongze Niu , Jun Li , Jianing Dong , Chunxiang Zhang , Youshe Ren , Lei Shi
This study investigated the effects of maternal selenium (Se) supplementation on placental development, antioxidant status and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) in sheep. A total of 80 Hu ewes (body weight: 57.45 ± 4.72 kg, age: 0.83 ± 0.15 yrs.) were randomly assigned to a control (basal diet) or Se group (0.5 mg Se/kg DM) for 150 d. Dietary Se supplementation increased the litter birth weight, average birth weight, Se concentrations in maternal blood (120 d) and placental tissues, placental weight, the number and weight of cotyledons, and the number of umbilical artery and vein branches. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining revealed that dietary Se could increase the number of placental trophoblast cells. Additionally, Se supplementation improved the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in cotyledons. Dietary Se supplementation increased the mRNA and protein expression associated with antioxidant pathway, selenoproteins, and VEGFs and its receptors in cotyledons. The results were further verified by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, maternal Se supplementation was associated with increased placental size and offspring birth weight by increasing trophoblast cell numbers, cotyledon growth, and umbilical vessel branching, while boosting antioxidant capacity and upregulating selenoproteins and VEGF pathways in cotyledons.
{"title":"Effects of dietary selenium on placental development, antioxidant status and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factors in sheep","authors":"Yue Zhang , Hongze Niu , Jun Li , Jianing Dong , Chunxiang Zhang , Youshe Ren , Lei Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of maternal selenium (Se) supplementation on placental development, antioxidant status and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) in sheep. A total of 80 Hu ewes (body weight: 57.45 ± 4.72 kg, age: 0.83 ± 0.15 yrs.) were randomly assigned to a control (basal diet) or Se group (0.5 mg Se/kg DM) for 150 d. Dietary Se supplementation increased the litter birth weight, average birth weight, Se concentrations in maternal blood (120 d) and placental tissues, placental weight, the number and weight of cotyledons, and the number of umbilical artery and vein branches. Hematoxylin and Eosin (<em>H&E</em>) staining revealed that dietary Se could increase the number of placental trophoblast cells. Additionally, Se supplementation improved the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in cotyledons. Dietary Se supplementation increased the mRNA and protein expression associated with antioxidant pathway, selenoproteins, and VEGFs and its receptors in cotyledons. The results were further verified by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, maternal Se supplementation was associated with increased placental size and offspring birth weight by increasing trophoblast cell numbers, cotyledon growth, and umbilical vessel branching, while boosting antioxidant capacity and upregulating selenoproteins and VEGF pathways in cotyledons.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116561"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145463223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116544
G. Gulyás , L. Czeglédi , M. Kokas , E. Török , L.D. Brassó , Á. Béni , A. Kiss
High-yield dairy farms have maximised their productivity, which is a challenge concerning animal physiology even beyond the transition period. While several studies have verified a wide range of beneficial effects of plant essential oils during the periparturient period in dairy cows, their effects in mid-lactation are less studied. However, this period is critical for maintaining milk production and metabolic stability in high-yielding cows. The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of supplementation with herbal plants on immunity and antioxidant status in mid-lactation dairy cows. Thirty-six Holstein-Friesian cows used in this experiment were randomly assigned to 6 groups (1 control and 5 treatments, n = 6/group). The treatments were conducted using oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, or yarrow, while the control was exempt from any supplementation. The feeding experiment lasted 14 days. Milk samples were collected on days 1 and 14 to assess milk quality. Milk and blood samples for molecular analysis were collected on day 15, following the 14-day feeding trial. The applied herbs were standardised to two grams of essential oil/cow/day. All parameters were analyzed by a linear mixed model and expressed relative to the control group. The basil essential oil resulted in a significant increase in the total immunoglobulin level in milk, and the serum IgM level was found to be significantly higher in the rosemary. Significantly higher serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values were detected in the oregano, thyme, rosemary, and yarrow groups. Significant increases were observed in milk TAC for groups given oregano and thyme. The activity of the superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) was found to be significantly higher in the oregano group, and significantly lower C-reactive protein levels, an indicator of inflammation and oxidative stress, were measured in the oregano and rosemary groups. Of the antioxidant-related genes, a significantly higher expression of the SOD gene was detected in the oregano group, while for the glutathione peroxidase gene, significantly higher mRNA expression was observed in the oregano and thyme groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that dietary supplementation with oregano and thyme improves antioxidant status in mid-lactation dairy cows. These findings may support the development of more precisely tailored feeding protocols to enhance well-being and promote the health and performance of dairy cows during mid-lactation.
{"title":"Effects of herbal plant supplementation on immunity and antioxidant status in mid-lactation dairy cows","authors":"G. Gulyás , L. Czeglédi , M. Kokas , E. Török , L.D. Brassó , Á. Béni , A. Kiss","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High-yield dairy farms have maximised their productivity, which is a challenge concerning animal physiology even beyond the transition period. While several studies have verified a wide range of beneficial effects of plant essential oils during the periparturient period in dairy cows, their effects in mid-lactation are less studied. However, this period is critical for maintaining milk production and metabolic stability in high-yielding cows. The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of supplementation with herbal plants on immunity and antioxidant status in mid-lactation dairy cows. Thirty-six Holstein-Friesian cows used in this experiment were randomly assigned to 6 groups (1 control and 5 treatments, n = 6/group). The treatments were conducted using oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, or yarrow, while the control was exempt from any supplementation. The feeding experiment lasted 14 days. Milk samples were collected on days 1 and 14 to assess milk quality. Milk and blood samples for molecular analysis were collected on day 15, following the 14-day feeding trial. The applied herbs were standardised to two grams of essential oil/cow/day. All parameters were analyzed by a linear mixed model and expressed relative to the control group. The basil essential oil resulted in a significant increase in the total immunoglobulin level in milk, and the serum IgM level was found to be significantly higher in the rosemary. Significantly higher serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values were detected in the oregano, thyme, rosemary, and yarrow groups. Significant increases were observed in milk TAC for groups given oregano and thyme. The activity of the superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) was found to be significantly higher in the oregano group, and significantly lower C-reactive protein levels, an indicator of inflammation and oxidative stress, were measured in the oregano and rosemary groups. Of the antioxidant-related genes, a significantly higher expression of the SOD gene was detected in the oregano group, while for the glutathione peroxidase gene, significantly higher mRNA expression was observed in the oregano and thyme groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that dietary supplementation with oregano and thyme improves antioxidant status in mid-lactation dairy cows. These findings may support the development of more precisely tailored feeding protocols to enhance well-being and promote the health and performance of dairy cows during mid-lactation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116544"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145413905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116565
Trinidad de Evan , Emma Marie Vallentin Hvas , Mogens Larsen , Martin R. Weisbjerg
The dry matter (DM) content of silage that encompasses all organic matter content is underestimated when determined by conventional methods due to the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOC). In the case of beet silage, the high sugar content in beets can accentuate VOC evaporation; therefore, the objective of this experiment was to study the losses of acetic acid, DL-lactate acid, and ethanol from mixed beet silage samples during freeze-drying or oven-drying to assess their volatilization and the appropriateness of using a correction equation for beet silages. Seven different mixed beet silages were freeze-dried or oven-dried at 50 and 60 ºC (24 h), or at 70, 80, and 100 ºC (6 h). The DM was measured, and the VOC were determined in the wet and dried samples to calculate corrected DM in two different ways: using an equation based on silage concentration of VOC or by adding the VOC losses directly to the DM obtained. Interactions between the drying method and the type of silage were found (P < 0.01) for the pH, acetic acid, DL-lactic acid, and ethanol content, as well as for their losses during drying. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found for all the silages for all the drying methods between the DM determined and both corrected DM. Thus, it is necessary to consider the drying methodology and the chemical composition of silages to evaluate their true DM and organic matter content. Despite these differences, the evaluated equation for correcting DM in beet silages was acceptable and showed reasonable robustness across various oven-drying temperatures.
{"title":"Effect of drying method for dry matter determination on losses of fermentation compounds in mixed beet silages","authors":"Trinidad de Evan , Emma Marie Vallentin Hvas , Mogens Larsen , Martin R. Weisbjerg","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The dry matter (DM) content of silage that encompasses all organic matter content is underestimated when determined by conventional methods due to the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOC). In the case of beet silage, the high sugar content in beets can accentuate VOC evaporation; therefore, the objective of this experiment was to study the losses of acetic acid, DL-lactate acid, and ethanol from mixed beet silage samples during freeze-drying or oven-drying to assess their volatilization and the appropriateness of using a correction equation for beet silages. Seven different mixed beet silages were freeze-dried or oven-dried at 50 and 60 ºC (24 h), or at 70, 80, and 100 ºC (6 h). The DM was measured, and the VOC were determined in the wet and dried samples to calculate corrected DM in two different ways: using an equation based on silage concentration of VOC or by adding the VOC losses directly to the DM obtained. Interactions between the drying method and the type of silage were found (<em>P</em> < 0.01) for the pH, acetic acid, DL-lactic acid, and ethanol content, as well as for their losses during drying. Significant differences (<em>P</em> < 0.05) were found for all the silages for all the drying methods between the DM determined and both corrected DM. Thus, it is necessary to consider the drying methodology and the chemical composition of silages to evaluate their true DM and organic matter content. Despite these differences, the evaluated equation for correcting DM in beet silages was acceptable and showed reasonable robustness across various oven-drying temperatures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116565"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145517360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-15DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116534
Martino Musati , Marco Sebastiano Bella , Antonino Bertino , Fabrizio Mangano , Giuseppe Luciano , Alessandro Priolo , Luisa Biondi , Massimiliano Lanza , Paweł Solarczyk , Guido Mangione , Antonio Natalello
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary pistachio skin, a by-product of the confectionary industry, on the growth performance and meat quality of lambs. Twenty-four male lambs were assigned to 2 dietary treatments and fed for 60 days with a concentrate-based diet or the same diet with 120 g/kg DM of pistachio skin inclusion as a partial replacement of maize and soybean meal. We evaluated growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and lipid metabolism. The hydrophilic antioxidant capacity, and fat-soluble vitamins were assessed on fresh meat, while colour stability and lipid and protein oxidation were measured over 7-days of refrigerated storage. Dietary treatment did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, and ruminal fermentation (P > 0.05). Pistachio skin enriched meat with health promoting fatty acids, including vaccenic and rumenic acids (P = 0.037 and 0.031; respectively). Feeding lambs with a diet containing pistachio skin increased also meat tocopherols, including γ-tocopherol (P < 0.001), and reduced the lipid oxidation during 7-days of refrigerated storage measured as production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P = 0.004). Meat from lambs fed pistachio skin showed lesser values of a*, b*, and C* colour descriptors (P = 0.001, 0.009, and 0.003; respectively). The development of hydroperoxides, thiols, and carbonyls was not affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Feeding lambs pistachio skin as a replacement for conventional feedstuffs may be useful for reducing the environmental impact of the meat supply chain. The inclusion of pistachio skin can be a profitable strategy for improving the fatty acid profile and lipid oxidative stability of lamb, without adverse effects on growth performance and ruminal fermentation.
{"title":"Pistachio skin as a novel feedstuff for lambs: effects on growth performance and meat quality","authors":"Martino Musati , Marco Sebastiano Bella , Antonino Bertino , Fabrizio Mangano , Giuseppe Luciano , Alessandro Priolo , Luisa Biondi , Massimiliano Lanza , Paweł Solarczyk , Guido Mangione , Antonio Natalello","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary pistachio skin, a by-product of the confectionary industry, on the growth performance and meat quality of lambs. Twenty-four male lambs were assigned to 2 dietary treatments and fed for 60 days with a concentrate-based diet or the same diet with 120 g/kg DM of pistachio skin inclusion as a partial replacement of maize and soybean meal. We evaluated growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and lipid metabolism. The hydrophilic antioxidant capacity, and fat-soluble vitamins were assessed on fresh meat, while colour stability and lipid and protein oxidation were measured over 7-days of refrigerated storage. Dietary treatment did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, and ruminal fermentation (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Pistachio skin enriched meat with health promoting fatty acids, including vaccenic and rumenic acids (<em>P</em> = 0.037 and 0.031; respectively). Feeding lambs with a diet containing pistachio skin increased also meat tocopherols, including γ-tocopherol (P < 0.001), and reduced the lipid oxidation during 7-days of refrigerated storage measured as production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (<em>P</em> = 0.004). Meat from lambs fed pistachio skin showed lesser values of <em>a</em>*, <em>b</em>*, and <em>C</em>* colour descriptors (<em>P</em> = 0.001, 0.009, and 0.003; respectively). The development of hydroperoxides, thiols, and carbonyls was not affected by dietary treatment (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Feeding lambs pistachio skin as a replacement for conventional feedstuffs may be useful for reducing the environmental impact of the meat supply chain. The inclusion of pistachio skin can be a profitable strategy for improving the fatty acid profile and lipid oxidative stability of lamb, without adverse effects on growth performance and ruminal fermentation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116534"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145326800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116529
Damian Konkol , Marta Kuźmińska-Bajor , Jan P. Madej , Ewa Popiela , Magdalena Lis , Maciej Kuczkowski , Marianna Szczypka , Kamil Sierżant , Muhammad Umair Ashgar , Katarzyna Leicht , Małgorzata Korzeniowska , Cassandra Ceccopieri , Mariusz Korczyński
This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with levan a microbial fructan-type exopolysaccharide, as a feed additive on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal microflora composition, intestinal histomorphometry, lymphoid organ, and the formation of blood immune cell populations in broiler chickens. A total of 1400 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into five experimental groups, each comprising eight replicates of 35 birds. The control group (C) received the basal diet without levan whereas the experimental groups received a basal diets supplemented with 0.1 % (L0.1), 0.25 % (L0.25), 0.5 % (L0.5) or 1 % (L1) levan throughout the rearing period. Dietary levan supplementation significantly improved growth performance parameters compared with the C group. However, higher inclusion levels (0.5 and 1 %), resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) deterioration of certain sensory meat quality traits. Cecal microbiological analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Lactobacillus spp. counts in levan supplemented groups. Histomorphometric evaluation of the ileum (IL) showed that levan significantly (P < 0.05) increased the villus surface area and the villus height to the crypt depth ratio (V/C). The lymphoid organs morphometry and the proportions of blood lymphocytes and monocytes were not significantly affected, suggesting that there was no measurable immunomodulatory activity under the conditions of this study. In summary, dietary levan has the potential to improve the growth performance, beneficial intestinal microbiota, and intestinal morphology of broilers. However, meat sensory characteristics may be adversely affected by excessive concentrations. Further research is required to completely understand the mechanisms that underlie these effects and optimize inclusion levels.
{"title":"Dietary levan as a feed additive: Effects on growth performance, meat quality, immune response, and gut health in broiler chickens","authors":"Damian Konkol , Marta Kuźmińska-Bajor , Jan P. Madej , Ewa Popiela , Magdalena Lis , Maciej Kuczkowski , Marianna Szczypka , Kamil Sierżant , Muhammad Umair Ashgar , Katarzyna Leicht , Małgorzata Korzeniowska , Cassandra Ceccopieri , Mariusz Korczyński","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with levan a microbial fructan-type exopolysaccharide, as a feed additive on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal microflora composition, intestinal histomorphometry, lymphoid organ, and the formation of blood immune cell populations in broiler chickens. A total of 1400 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into five experimental groups, each comprising eight replicates of 35 birds. The control group (C) received the basal diet without levan whereas the experimental groups received a basal diets supplemented with 0.1 % (L0.1), 0.25 % (L0.25), 0.5 % (L0.5) or 1 % (L1) levan throughout the rearing period. Dietary levan supplementation significantly improved growth performance parameters compared with the C group. However, higher inclusion levels (0.5 and 1 %), resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) deterioration of certain sensory meat quality traits. Cecal microbiological analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in <em>Lactobacillus</em> spp. counts in levan supplemented groups. Histomorphometric evaluation of the ileum (IL) showed that levan significantly (P < 0.05) increased the villus surface area and the villus height to the crypt depth ratio (V/C). The lymphoid organs morphometry and the proportions of blood lymphocytes and monocytes were not significantly affected, suggesting that there was no measurable immunomodulatory activity under the conditions of this study. In summary, dietary levan has the potential to improve the growth performance, beneficial intestinal microbiota, and intestinal morphology of broilers. However, meat sensory characteristics may be adversely affected by excessive concentrations. Further research is required to completely understand the mechanisms that underlie these effects and optimize inclusion levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145326802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116521
Di Sun , Xiaoping Huang , Dongjie Wang , Wenzhou Xiang , Hualian Wu , Jixing Zou
The demand for fishmeal brought about by the vigorous development of the aquaculture industry has brought unprecedented stress to the ecological environment. In this experiment, Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) was used to replace 0 % (F0), 5 % (F1), 10 % (F2), 15 % (F3), and 20 % (F4) of fishmeal in the diet of Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus, MA), respectively. The metabolic mechanisms of the MA on SPP-containing diets were analyzed by histomorphology, liver biochemical indices, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. The final results of the study showed that, after replacing a portion of the fishmeal, SPP significantly improved the degradation of lipids and decreased the accumulation of fat in the liver of MA. The SOD of F3 was significantly lower than that of F0 and the other experimental groups (P < 0.05), and the T-AOC of F4 was significantly lower than that of the control group and all the other groups (P < 0.05). The transcriptome results indicated that the increase in SPP addition ratio significantly up-regulated relevant pathways of protein metabolism and lipid metabolism. These pathways included the cAMP signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, pancreatic secretion, protein digestion and absorption, fat digestion and absorption, steroid biosynthesis, and glycerolipid metabolism. Metabolomic results confirmed that SPP addition significantly affected the α-linolenic acid metabolism pathway and resulted in a decrease of this metabolite. This information lays the theoretical foundation for the application of SPP and extends our understanding of the potential mechanisms of liver metabolism as it replaces fishmeal.
{"title":"Multi-omics analysis of the effects of dietary Spirulina replacing different ratios of fishmeal on the liver metabolic function of Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus)","authors":"Di Sun , Xiaoping Huang , Dongjie Wang , Wenzhou Xiang , Hualian Wu , Jixing Zou","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The demand for fishmeal brought about by the vigorous development of the aquaculture industry has brought unprecedented stress to the ecological environment. In this experiment, <em>Spirulina platensis</em> powder (SPP) was used to replace 0 % (F0), 5 % (F1), 10 % (F2), 15 % (F3), and 20 % (F4) of fishmeal in the diet of Zig-zag eel (<em>Mastacembelus armatus</em>, MA), respectively. The metabolic mechanisms of the MA on SPP-containing diets were analyzed by histomorphology, liver biochemical indices, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. The final results of the study showed that, after replacing a portion of the fishmeal, SPP significantly improved the degradation of lipids and decreased the accumulation of fat in the liver of MA. The SOD of F3 was significantly lower than that of F0 and the other experimental groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05), and the T-AOC of F4 was significantly lower than that of the control group and all the other groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The transcriptome results indicated that the increase in SPP addition ratio significantly up-regulated relevant pathways of protein metabolism and lipid metabolism. These pathways included the cAMP signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, pancreatic secretion, protein digestion and absorption, fat digestion and absorption, steroid biosynthesis, and glycerolipid metabolism. Metabolomic results confirmed that SPP addition significantly affected the α-linolenic acid metabolism pathway and resulted in a decrease of this metabolite. This information lays the theoretical foundation for the application of SPP and extends our understanding of the potential mechanisms of liver metabolism as it replaces fishmeal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116521"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145463226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116559
C. Adam , I. Dando , M.J. Berkhout , A.S. ó Neachtain , C.K.M. Ho , J.L. Jacobs , K. Giri , S.R.O. Williams , L.C. Marett
Plant secondary compounds are sometimes reported to reduce methane (CH4) emissions in ruminants. We assessed the impacts of feeding essential oil-rich Agolin and polyphenol-rich Polygain to dairy cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows in late-lactation were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: CON, basal diet alone; AGN, basal diet plus 1 g/cow per day of Agolin; PGN, basal diet plus 0.25 % DMI of Polygain; or AGN+PGN, basal diet plus 1 g/cow per day of Agolin and 0.25 % DMI of Polygain. Treatments were offered twice daily during milking. The basal diet was ad libitum vetch hay (Vicia sativa L.) and 7 kg DM of a grain mix. Cows were adapted to the treatments for 28 days, then CH4 emissions were measured using the modified SF6 tracer technique for five days. Compared to CON, there was no difference in total DMI (kg DM/d), CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) or milk yield (kg/d) for any treatment. Cows offered the AGN+PGN diet had a numerically greater CH4 production than the CON cows. Economic analysis considered the benefit from milk production and the value of reduced CH4 production based on numerical differences between treatments. From this, the AGN diet resulted in the greatest total net benefit of A$0.91/cow per day above the CON diet. Our results are contrary to some previous research, but our feeding frequency and method of assessing CH4 emissions were also different. For comparison with previous work, future research should consider the feeding frequency, duration of feeding, and method of CH4 measurement.
{"title":"Twice daily feeding of two phytogenic dietary additives; their individual and combined effects on methane production, dry matter intake, milk production and composition in dairy cows","authors":"C. Adam , I. Dando , M.J. Berkhout , A.S. ó Neachtain , C.K.M. Ho , J.L. Jacobs , K. Giri , S.R.O. Williams , L.C. Marett","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116559","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116559","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant secondary compounds are sometimes reported to reduce methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) emissions in ruminants. We assessed the impacts of feeding essential oil-rich Agolin and polyphenol-rich Polygain to dairy cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows in late-lactation were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: CON, basal diet alone; AGN, basal diet plus 1 g/cow per day of Agolin; PGN, basal diet plus 0.25 % DMI of Polygain; or AGN+PGN, basal diet plus 1 g/cow per day of Agolin and 0.25 % DMI of Polygain. Treatments were offered twice daily during milking. The basal diet was <em>ad libitum</em> vetch hay (<em>Vicia sativa</em> L.) and 7 kg DM of a grain mix. Cows were adapted to the treatments for 28 days, then CH<sub>4</sub> emissions were measured using the modified SF<sub>6</sub> tracer technique for five days. Compared to CON, there was no difference in total DMI (kg DM/d), CH<sub>4</sub> yield (g/kg DMI) or milk yield (kg/d) for any treatment. Cows offered the AGN+PGN diet had a numerically greater CH<sub>4</sub> production than the CON cows. Economic analysis considered the benefit from milk production and the value of reduced CH<sub>4</sub> production based on numerical differences between treatments. From this, the AGN diet resulted in the greatest total net benefit of A$0.91/cow per day above the CON diet. Our results are contrary to some previous research, but our feeding frequency and method of assessing CH<sub>4</sub> emissions were also different. For comparison with previous work, future research should consider the feeding frequency, duration of feeding, and method of CH<sub>4</sub> measurement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116559"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145463225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study evaluated the synergistic effects of taurine, lysine, and methionine supplementation in low fish meal (LFM) diets on the growth performance, health status, and liver histopathology of juvenile meagre (Argyrosomus regius). Experimental diets were prepared compared to a high-fish-meal control diet (HFM) and a low-fish-meal basal diet (LFM), which was supplemented with combinations of taurine, lysine, and methionine. Supplementing LFM diets with taurine, lysine, and methionine significantly improved growth performance (P < 0.05). Specifically, the LFM+TLM (taurine + lysine + methionine) diet achieved growth performance statistically comparable to the high fish meal (HFM) control diet (P > 0.05). Hematological analyses revealed that supplementation with taurine, methionine, and lysine significantly increased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). Histological examination of liver tissue showed that amino acid supplementation (particularly taurine) reduced liver lipid accumulation and improved liver health (P < 0.05). Moreover, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) excretion was significantly lower in the amino acid-supplemented groups compared to the LFM diet alone (P < 0.05), indicating optimized nitrogen metabolism and enhanced environmental sustainability. Economic analyses demonstrated that supplementation with taurine, lysine, and methionine in LFM diets improved feed conversion efficiency and increased economic profitability. In conclusion, this study indicates that supplementing low-fish meal diets with taurine, lysine, and methionine can significantly enhance growth performance, health status, and feed efficiency. The findings highlight the potential of amino acid supplementation to optimize nitrogen metabolism, improve liver health, and reduce environmental impact, offering a cost-effective and sustainable feeding strategy for meagre aquaculture.
{"title":"Synergistic impacts of dietary supplementation of taurine, lysine and methionine in low fish meal diets on the growth performance, health status and liver histopathology of meagre (Argyrosomus regius)","authors":"Derya Güroy , Onur Karadal , Betül Güroy , Yılmaz Emre , Nesrin Emre , Durali Eraslan , Fatma Banu Yalım , Serhan Mantoğlu , Abdullah Demir","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the synergistic effects of taurine, lysine, and methionine supplementation in low fish meal (LFM) diets on the growth performance, health status, and liver histopathology of juvenile meagre (<em>Argyrosomus regius</em>). Experimental diets were prepared compared to a high-fish-meal control diet (HFM) and a low-fish-meal basal diet (LFM), which was supplemented with combinations of taurine, lysine, and methionine. Supplementing LFM diets with taurine, lysine, and methionine significantly improved growth performance (P < 0.05). Specifically, the LFM+TLM (taurine + lysine + methionine) diet achieved growth performance statistically comparable to the high fish meal (HFM) control diet (P > 0.05). Hematological analyses revealed that supplementation with taurine, methionine, and lysine significantly increased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). Histological examination of liver tissue showed that amino acid supplementation (particularly taurine) reduced liver lipid accumulation and improved liver health (P < 0.05). Moreover, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) excretion was significantly lower in the amino acid-supplemented groups compared to the LFM diet alone (P < 0.05), indicating optimized nitrogen metabolism and enhanced environmental sustainability. Economic analyses demonstrated that supplementation with taurine, lysine, and methionine in LFM diets improved feed conversion efficiency and increased economic profitability. In conclusion, this study indicates that supplementing low-fish meal diets with taurine, lysine, and methionine can significantly enhance growth performance, health status, and feed efficiency. The findings highlight the potential of amino acid supplementation to optimize nitrogen metabolism, improve liver health, and reduce environmental impact, offering a cost-effective and sustainable feeding strategy for meagre aquaculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116527"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145327094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116536
C.T. Minogue , T.M. Boland , S. Vigors , N.A. Walsh , M. Markiewicz-Keszycka , A. Mirzapour-Kouhdasht , M. García-Vaquero , M. Dineen , Z.C. McKay
Pressure is increasing on Irish dairy farmers to reduce nitrogen (N) losses to the environment. Research has shown that plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.; PL) can reduce urine N excretion and concentration in cows. Hence, this study investigated the effect of PL inclusion in a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.; PRG)-white clover (Trifolium repens L.; WC) forage for dairy cows on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, and urine N concentration. Eight mid-lactation multiparous dairy cows were utilised in a complete 2 × 2 crossover design (n = 8). Cows were offered one of two cut forages ad libitum: PRG-WC (GrC) or PRG-WC-PL (GCP) plus 2.75 kg DM concentrate feed/cow per day. Each period consisted of 16 days of dietary acclimatisation followed by five days of measurements with cows in individual tie stalls. Individual DMI and milk production were measured daily, and urine samples were collected from cows at 00:00, 04:00, 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00 h daily. Total DMI was greater for cows offered the GCP treatment (22.9 vs. 21.4 kg/day). Cows consuming the GCP treatment had a lower free water intake but greater feed water intake. Cows offered the GCP treatment tended to produce greater milk and milk protein yields but a lower milk fat concentration. For cows offered the GCP treatment, daily urine N concentration was 20 % lower. This reduction was consistent throughout the day for cows offered the GCP treatment, with urine N concentration significantly lower at 00:00, 08:00, 12:00, and 16:00 h. This study demonstrates the potential of including PL in a GrC forage to increase DMI, reduce urine N concentration, and maintain milk production of cows in Irish dairy systems.
{"title":"The effect of including plantain in a perennial ryegrass-white clover forage on dry matter intake, milk production, and urine nitrogen concentration of dairy cows","authors":"C.T. Minogue , T.M. Boland , S. Vigors , N.A. Walsh , M. Markiewicz-Keszycka , A. Mirzapour-Kouhdasht , M. García-Vaquero , M. Dineen , Z.C. McKay","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116536","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116536","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pressure is increasing on Irish dairy farmers to reduce nitrogen (<strong>N</strong>) losses to the environment. Research has shown that plantain (<em>Plantago lanceolata</em> L.; <strong>PL</strong>) can reduce urine N excretion and concentration in cows. Hence, this study investigated the effect of PL inclusion in a perennial ryegrass (<em>Lolium perenne</em> L.; <strong>PRG</strong>)-white clover (<em>Trifolium repens</em> L.; <strong>WC</strong>) forage for dairy cows on dry matter intake (<strong>DMI</strong>), milk production, and urine N concentration. Eight mid-lactation multiparous dairy cows were utilised in a complete 2 × 2 crossover design (n = 8). Cows were offered one of two cut forages <em>ad libitum</em>: PRG-WC (<strong>GrC</strong>) or PRG-WC-PL (<strong>GCP</strong>) plus 2.75 kg DM concentrate feed/cow per day. Each period consisted of 16 days of dietary acclimatisation followed by five days of measurements with cows in individual tie stalls. Individual DMI and milk production were measured daily, and urine samples were collected from cows at 00:00, 04:00, 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00 h daily. Total DMI was greater for cows offered the GCP treatment (22.9 vs. 21.4 kg/day). Cows consuming the GCP treatment had a lower free water intake but greater feed water intake. Cows offered the GCP treatment tended to produce greater milk and milk protein yields but a lower milk fat concentration. For cows offered the GCP treatment, daily urine N concentration was 20 % lower. This reduction was consistent throughout the day for cows offered the GCP treatment, with urine N concentration significantly lower at 00:00, 08:00, 12:00, and 16:00 h. This study demonstrates the potential of including PL in a GrC forage to increase DMI, reduce urine N concentration, and maintain milk production of cows in Irish dairy systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 116536"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145360201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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