The aim of this study was to verify whether hexamine can be replaced by sodium benzoate in sodium nitrite-based silage additives in a difficult to ensile forage. Guinea grass cv Aries II (dry matter (DM) concentration = 185 g/kg fresh matter (FM) and fermentability coefficient = 218) was mowed at 60 d of regrowth, chopped, and divided into 24 piles (6 kg fresh matter (FM)/pile) to receive one of the six treatments: no additive (CON); sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + hexamine (0.6 g/kg FM) (NH); sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + sodium benzoate (0.6 g/kg FM) (NB6); sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + sodium benzoate (0.9 g/kg FM) (NB9); sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + sodium benzoate (1.2 g/kg FM) (NB12) and sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + sodium benzoate (1.5 g/ kg FM) (NB15). Each treatment was applied to 4 piles (replicates). Treated forage was ensiled in 7.2-L experimental silos, and stored for 66 d. Expectedly, the NH was able to inhibit Clostridium development, as it decreased ammonia, n-butyric, i-butyric, i-valeric and n-valeric acids, and DM loss during fermentation. Additionally, the NH and treatments providing greater doses of sodium benzoate (i.e., NH12 and NH15) enhanced the in vitro DM digestibility and the proportion of rumen undegradable protein compared to CON. However, in treatments where hexamine was replaced with sodium benzoate, silages showed typical characteristics of clostridial fermentation, such as low concentration of lactic acid and high concentrations of n-butyric acid and higher homologues. Silage aerobic stability was longer than 7 d for all treatments. In conclusion, sodium benzoate, even when added at high doses, could not replace hexamine to efficiently prevent undesirable fermentations in guinea grass silages with low DM content.
{"title":"Replacing sodium benzoate for hexamine in sodium nitrite-based additives on the conservation of guinea grass silage","authors":"J.M. Bragatto , M.G.M. Carvalho , S.C. Buttow , P.J. Roco , R.C.C. Pinto , H.U. Auerbach , J.L.P. Daniel","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to verify whether hexamine can be replaced by sodium benzoate in sodium nitrite-based silage additives in a difficult to ensile forage. Guinea grass cv Aries II (dry matter (DM) concentration = 185 g/kg fresh matter (FM) and fermentability coefficient = 218) was mowed at 60 d of regrowth, chopped, and divided into 24 piles (6 kg fresh matter (FM)/pile) to receive one of the six treatments: no additive (CON); sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + hexamine (0.6 g/kg FM) (NH); sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + sodium benzoate (0.6 g/kg FM) (NB6); sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + sodium benzoate (0.9 g/kg FM) (NB9); sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + sodium benzoate (1.2 g/kg FM) (NB12) and sodium nitrite (0.9 g/kg FM) + sodium benzoate (1.5 g/ kg FM) (NB15). Each treatment was applied to 4 piles (replicates). Treated forage was ensiled in 7.2-L experimental silos, and stored for 66 d. Expectedly, the NH was able to inhibit <em>Clostridium</em> development, as it decreased ammonia, n-butyric, i-butyric, i-valeric and n-valeric acids, and DM loss during fermentation. Additionally, the NH and treatments providing greater doses of sodium benzoate (i.e., NH12 and NH15) enhanced the <em>in vitro</em> DM digestibility and the proportion of rumen undegradable protein compared to CON. However, in treatments where hexamine was replaced with sodium benzoate, silages showed typical characteristics of clostridial fermentation, such as low concentration of lactic acid and high concentrations of n-butyric acid and higher homologues. Silage aerobic stability was longer than 7 d for all treatments. In conclusion, sodium benzoate, even when added at high doses, could not replace hexamine to efficiently prevent undesirable fermentations in guinea grass silages with low DM content.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116606"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788620","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 : 2026-01-15Epub Date: 2025-12-14DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116608
Diogo Amaral , Thaís Cavalheri , Gabriel Campos , Soukaina Hilali , Emilie Stierlin , Pablo Ramírez , Alex H.L. Wan , Helena Peres , Rodrigo O.A. Ozorio
The yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) has gained attention as a sustainable alternative in aquafeed formulation due to its favourable nutritional composition and reduced environmental footprint. Nevertheless, high production cost remains a key constraint. This study investigated the use of mushroom spent substrate (SMS), an agro-industrial byproduct, as a partial replacement for conventional mealworm larvae rearing substrates, with the goal to increase the sustainability and reduce the production cost of mealworm meal (MM), when used as fishmeal and vegetable oil replacer in aquafeeds for juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Five experimental diets were formulated for juvenile rainbow trout to be iso-proteic (45 %) and iso-lipidic (22 %). A control diet (CTRL) was designed to reflect a standard commercial formulation. Four additional diets, formulated based on the CTRL diet, included 12.5 or 25 % of mealworm meal (replacing 50 and 100 % of the fishmeal, respectively) produced from larvae reared either on a commercial substrate (CC-MM) or partially reared on SMS (SMS-MM) (CC12.5, CC25, SMS12.5, and SMS25). An eight-week growth trial and a digestibility trial were conducted to evaluate growth performance, apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs), nutrient retention, digestive enzyme activities and economic indicators. Mealworm meal partially produced on SMS (SMS-MM) exhibit a lower lipid content compared to the mealworm meal reared conventionally (CC-MM). No significant differences on growth performance were observed across diets; however, the 25 % inclusion of both mealworm meals resulted in reduced voluntary feed intake. Rainbow trout juveniles fed SMS-MM, especially at a 25 % dietary inclusion, exhibited higher apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter, protein, ash, phosphorus, and energy. Additionally, fish fed the SMS25 diet showed higher trypsin activity than those fed the CTRL diet, while fish fed the CC25 showed improved feed efficiency, reduced hepatosomatic index, and higher digestible energy retention relative to the CTRL diet. Despite these benefits, the SMS25 and CC25 diets showed higher economic conversion ratios. Overall, these findings show that MM derived from larvae partially reared on SMS is nutritionally comparable to conventional MM and fishmeal in rainbow trout diets, with no adverse effects on zootechnical performance. The use of SMS as a rearing substrate represents a valuable approach to valorise an agro-industrial by-product. Thereby contributing to the circular economy and supporting a more resource-efficient and sustainable aquafeed production.
{"title":"Incorporating mushroom production by-product in mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) rearing: Implications for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth performance and nutrient utilization","authors":"Diogo Amaral , Thaís Cavalheri , Gabriel Campos , Soukaina Hilali , Emilie Stierlin , Pablo Ramírez , Alex H.L. Wan , Helena Peres , Rodrigo O.A. Ozorio","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The yellow mealworm (<em>Tenebrio molitor</em>) has gained attention as a sustainable alternative in aquafeed formulation due to its favourable nutritional composition and reduced environmental footprint. Nevertheless, high production cost remains a key constraint. This study investigated the use of mushroom spent substrate (SMS), an agro-industrial byproduct, as a partial replacement for conventional mealworm larvae rearing substrates, with the goal to increase the sustainability and reduce the production cost of mealworm meal (MM), when used as fishmeal and vegetable oil replacer in aquafeeds for juvenile rainbow trout (<em>Oncorhynchus mykiss</em>). Five experimental diets were formulated for juvenile rainbow trout to be iso-proteic (45 %) and iso-lipidic (22 %). A control diet (CTRL) was designed to reflect a standard commercial formulation. Four additional diets, formulated based on the CTRL diet, included 12.5 or 25 % of mealworm meal (replacing 50 and 100 % of the fishmeal, respectively) produced from larvae reared either on a commercial substrate (CC-MM) or partially reared on SMS (SMS-MM) (CC12.5, CC25, SMS12.5, and SMS25). An eight-week growth trial and a digestibility trial were conducted to evaluate growth performance, apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs), nutrient retention, digestive enzyme activities and economic indicators. Mealworm meal partially produced on SMS (SMS-MM) exhibit a lower lipid content compared to the mealworm meal reared conventionally (CC-MM). No significant differences on growth performance were observed across diets; however, the 25 % inclusion of both mealworm meals resulted in reduced voluntary feed intake. Rainbow trout juveniles fed SMS-MM, especially at a 25 % dietary inclusion, exhibited higher apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter, protein, ash, phosphorus, and energy. Additionally, fish fed the SMS25 diet showed higher trypsin activity than those fed the CTRL diet, while fish fed the CC25 showed improved feed efficiency, reduced hepatosomatic index, and higher digestible energy retention relative to the CTRL diet. Despite these benefits, the SMS25 and CC25 diets showed higher economic conversion ratios. Overall, these findings show that MM derived from larvae partially reared on SMS is nutritionally comparable to conventional MM and fishmeal in rainbow trout diets, with no adverse effects on zootechnical performance. The use of SMS as a rearing substrate represents a valuable approach to valorise an agro-industrial by-product. Thereby contributing to the circular economy and supporting a more resource-efficient and sustainable aquafeed production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116608"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788622","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 : 2026-01-15Epub Date: 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116603
X. Liu , N. Romero , S.K. Cronin , E.B. da Silva , L. Kung Jr. , T.F. Gressley
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of an inoculant containing Lentilactobacillus hilgardii CNCM-I-4785, Lentilactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788, Pediococcus pentosaceus NCIMB 12455, β-glucanase, and xylanase on the fermentation profile, aerobic stability, and nutrient degradability of whole-plant corn silage. In Experiment 1, a brown midrib corn hybrid was harvested at 35.4 % dry matter (DM) and ensiled for 14 and 90 d. In Experiment 2, a conventional corn hybrid was harvested at either a low DM content (26.2 %) or a high DM content (39.7 %) and ensiled for 30, 60, 120, and 180 d. In Experiment 1, inoculation increased acetic acid concentrations at both 14 and 90 d and markedly improved aerobic stability at 90 d (+ 360 h). In Experiment 2, inoculation increased acetic acid concentrations at 60, 120, and 180 d in both DM levels and at 30 d only in low DM. Inoculation improved aerobic stability at 30 (+ 30 h), 120 (+111 h), and 180 d (+ 89 h) across both DM levels. At 60 d, the increase in stability by inoculation was greater in low DM (+ 58 h) than in high DM silage (+ 36 h). Inoculation enhanced starch degradability by 9.8 %age points at 90 d in Experiment 1, and by 4.7 and 2.7 %age points at 120 and 180 d, respectively, in Experiment 2. Overall, the inoculant effectively enhanced aerobic stability and starch degradability across two hybrids and three distinct DM levels.
{"title":"Influence of an inoculant containing Lentilactobacillus hilgardii, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, and Pediococcus pentosaceus on the aerobic stability and nutrient degradability of whole-plant corn ensiled at different dry matter levels","authors":"X. Liu , N. Romero , S.K. Cronin , E.B. da Silva , L. Kung Jr. , T.F. Gressley","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of an inoculant containing <em>Lentilactobacillus hilgardii</em> CNCM-I-4785, <em>Lentilactobacillus buchneri</em> NCIMB 40788, <em>Pediococcus pentosaceus</em> NCIMB 12455, β-glucanase, and xylanase on the fermentation profile, aerobic stability, and nutrient degradability of whole-plant corn silage. In Experiment 1, a brown midrib corn hybrid was harvested at 35.4 % dry matter (DM) and ensiled for 14 and 90 d. In Experiment 2, a conventional corn hybrid was harvested at either a low DM content (26.2 %) or a high DM content (39.7 %) and ensiled for 30, 60, 120, and 180 d. In Experiment 1, inoculation increased acetic acid concentrations at both 14 and 90 d and markedly improved aerobic stability at 90 d (+ 360 h). In Experiment 2, inoculation increased acetic acid concentrations at 60, 120, and 180 d in both DM levels and at 30 d only in low DM. Inoculation improved aerobic stability at 30 (+ 30 h), 120 (+111 h), and 180 d (+ 89 h) across both DM levels. At 60 d, the increase in stability by inoculation was greater in low DM (+ 58 h) than in high DM silage (+ 36 h). Inoculation enhanced starch degradability by 9.8 %age points at 90 d in Experiment 1, and by 4.7 and 2.7 %age points at 120 and 180 d, respectively, in Experiment 2. Overall, the inoculant effectively enhanced aerobic stability and starch degradability across two hybrids and three distinct DM levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116603"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145735631","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 : 2026-01-15Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116623
Zhihong Liao , Mengdie Chen , Xinyu Gu , Xiaomin Li , Wenrui Zhang , Tao Ye , Wei Zhao , Maolong He , Dong Li , Jin Niu
Climate change-induced cold snaps threaten the Penaeus monodon industry. This study examined the impact of three dietary protein levels (42 %, 44 %, 47 %) at two temperature conditions (27–30°C or 19–21°C). Following an 8-week feeding trial, the findings revealed that low temperature (19–21°C) significantly reduced growth, feed utilization, and digestive enzyme activity, but enhanced antioxidant and immune functions, shown by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and higher total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM). Both 44 % and 47 % protein levels improved growth and survival regardless of temperature. Conversely, at a culture temperature of 27–30°C, an increase in protein levels resulted in elevated MDA content in Penaeus monodon. At low temperature (19–21°C), MDA contents remained unchanged (P > 0.05), while antioxidant capacity initially rose and then fell with higher protein levels. This indicated that Penaeus monodon's physiology and metabolism at low temperature (19–21°C) differ significantly from those at normal temperature (27–30°C). Transcriptomic analysis (47 % protein) revealed temperature-induced differentially expressed genes primarily involved in glucose/lipid metabolism, growth, antioxidant pathways, and immunity. This suggests protein supplementation is necessary under low temperature, but protein oversupply at normal temperature induces oxidative damage.
{"title":"Impact of dietary protein levels and temperature on growth and physiology of Penaeus monodon","authors":"Zhihong Liao , Mengdie Chen , Xinyu Gu , Xiaomin Li , Wenrui Zhang , Tao Ye , Wei Zhao , Maolong He , Dong Li , Jin Niu","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116623","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116623","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change-induced cold snaps threaten the <em>Penaeus monodon</em> industry. This study examined the impact of three dietary protein levels (42 %, 44 %, 47 %) at two temperature conditions (27–30°C or 19–21°C). Following an 8-week feeding trial, the findings revealed that low temperature (19–21°C) significantly reduced growth, feed utilization, and digestive enzyme activity, but enhanced antioxidant and immune functions, shown by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and higher total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM). Both 44 % and 47 % protein levels improved growth and survival regardless of temperature. Conversely, at a culture temperature of 27–30°C, an increase in protein levels resulted in elevated MDA content in <em>Penaeus monodon.</em> At low temperature (19–21°C), MDA contents remained unchanged (<em>P</em> > 0.05), while antioxidant capacity initially rose and then fell with higher protein levels. This indicated that <em>Penaeus monodon</em>'s physiology and metabolism at low temperature (19–21°C) differ significantly from those at normal temperature (27–30°C). Transcriptomic analysis (47 % protein) revealed temperature-induced differentially expressed genes primarily involved in glucose/lipid metabolism, growth, antioxidant pathways, and immunity. This suggests protein supplementation is necessary under low temperature, but protein oversupply at normal temperature induces oxidative damage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116623"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145837479","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 : 2026-01-15Epub Date: 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116615
Yeojin An , Yoon Soo Song , Jong Woong Kim , Beob Gyun Kim
The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of supplemental protease on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in corn-derived protein (CDP) and palm kernel expellers (PKE) fed to nursery pigs. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in CDP and PKE in nursery pigs. In experiment 1, eight barrows with an initial body weight of 12.9 kg (standard deviation = 1.3) were surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the end of ileum to determine the SID of AA. A replicated 4 × 5 incomplete Latin square design was used. Four experimental diets were prepared in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement for the 2 ingredients as the sole source of AA with or without supplemental protease. In experiment 2, six barrows with an initial body weight of 12.9 kg (standard deviation = 1.3) were used to determine the DE and ME in CDP and PKE. The pigs were assigned to 3 experimental diets in a replicated 3 × 4 incomplete Latin square design. A basal diet consisted of corn and soybean meal as the sole sources of energy. Two additional diets were formulated by replacing the basal diet with CDP at 200 g/kg or PKE at 300 g/kg. The animals were individually housed in metabolism crates for the collection of feces and urine. The SID of crude protein and all AA in CDP was greater (P < 0.05) than in PKE. The supplemental protease did not affect SID of AA except Met. The concentrations of DE and ME in CDP were greater (P < 0.001) than those in PKE. Overall, the SID of CP and AA in CDP was greater than in PKE. The supplemental protease had no effect on the SID of AA in CDP and PKE in nursery pigs. Corn-derived protein contained greater concentrations of DE and ME than PKE.
{"title":"Effects of supplemental protease on amino acid digestibility and energy concentrations in corn-derived protein and palm kernel expellers fed to nursery pigs","authors":"Yeojin An , Yoon Soo Song , Jong Woong Kim , Beob Gyun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of supplemental protease on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in corn-derived protein (CDP) and palm kernel expellers (PKE) fed to nursery pigs. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in CDP and PKE in nursery pigs. In experiment 1, eight barrows with an initial body weight of 12.9 kg (standard deviation = 1.3) were surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the end of ileum to determine the SID of AA. A replicated 4 × 5 incomplete Latin square design was used. Four experimental diets were prepared in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement for the 2 ingredients as the sole source of AA with or without supplemental protease. In experiment 2, six barrows with an initial body weight of 12.9 kg (standard deviation = 1.3) were used to determine the DE and ME in CDP and PKE. The pigs were assigned to 3 experimental diets in a replicated 3 × 4 incomplete Latin square design. A basal diet consisted of corn and soybean meal as the sole sources of energy. Two additional diets were formulated by replacing the basal diet with CDP at 200 g/kg or PKE at 300 g/kg. The animals were individually housed in metabolism crates for the collection of feces and urine. The SID of crude protein and all AA in CDP was greater (P < 0.05) than in PKE. The supplemental protease did not affect SID of AA except Met. The concentrations of DE and ME in CDP were greater (P < 0.001) than those in PKE. Overall, the SID of CP and AA in CDP was greater than in PKE. The supplemental protease had no effect on the SID of AA in CDP and PKE in nursery pigs. Corn-derived protein contained greater concentrations of DE and ME than PKE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116615"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145837675","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}
The present study evaluated the effects of graded levels of camelina seed pods (CSP) on rumen fermentation parameters, blood metabolites, microbial protein synthesis (MPS), feeding behavior, nutrient intake and growth performance in fattening lambs. Forty Afshari male lambs (22.6 ± 2.21 kg BW; 101 ± 10 d of age) were assigned to four isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 80, 160, or 240 g CSP/kg dry matter (DM). Ruminal fermentation was characterized by an elevation in propionate concentration (L, P = 0.04), which consequently led to a reduction in the acetate-to-propionate ratio (P = 0.04), while concentrations of other volatile fatty acids remained unaffected. Plasma glucose concentration exhibited a positive linear response (L, P = 0.04), whereas other blood metabolites were unchanged (P > 0.05). Absorbed purine derivatives and MPS increased linearly with CSP supplementation (L, P = 0.03). Feeding behavior analysis showed a linear decline in rumination and chewing time relative to dry matter intake with no effect on eating time (P > 0.05). Increasing dietary CSP inclusion resulted in a linear increase in non-fiber carbohydrate and rumen degradable protein intake (L, P = 0.01), accompanied by reductions in neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and rumen undegradable protein intake (L, P = 0.01). Growth performance improved, with average daily gain increasing linearly from 292 g/d in CSP0–310 g/d in CSP240 (L, P = 0.05), while feed conversion ratio remained unaffected (P > 0.05). Although our results demonstrated the possibility of including CSP in lamb diets up to 240 g/kg without negative effects on overall performance, the noticeable changes in feeding behavior and the rumen fermentation process require further research to understand their long-term effects on digestive health. CSP inclusion enhances nutrient utilization, improves ruminal fermentation efficiency, and increases microbial protein yield, thereby representing a sustainable alternative feed resource in small ruminant production systems.
本研究旨在评价分级添加亚麻荠籽荚（CSP）对育肥羔羊瘤胃发酵参数、血液代谢产物、微生物蛋白合成（MPS）、摄食行为、营养摄入和生长性能的影响。选取体重22.6 ± 2.21 kg体重，101 ± 10日龄的40只阿夫沙里公羔羊，分别饲喂4种等能等氮饲粮，分别为0、80、160和240 g CSP/kg干物质（DM）。瘤胃发酵的特点是丙酸浓度升高（L, P = 0.04），从而导致乙酸与丙酸的比例降低（P = 0.04），而其他挥发性脂肪酸的浓度未受影响。血浆葡萄糖浓度呈线性正响应（L, P = 0.04），而其他血液代谢物没有变化（P >； 0.05）。吸收嘌呤衍生物和MPS随添加CSP呈线性增加（L, P = 0.03）。摄食行为分析显示，相对于干物质采食量，反刍和咀嚼时间呈线性下降，对进食时间无影响（P >； 0.05）。增加饲粮CSP添加量导致非纤维碳水化合物和瘤胃可降解蛋白质摄入量呈线性增加（L, P = 0.01），同时中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤木质素和瘤胃不可降解蛋白质摄入量降低（L, P = 0.01）。生长性能得到改善，平均日增重从csp0 ~ CSP240的292 g/d上升至310 g/d (L, P = 0.05)，呈线性增长（P >； 0.05），饲料系数未受影响（P >； 0.05）。虽然我们的研究结果表明，在羔羊日粮中添加高达240 g/kg的CSP可能不会对整体生产性能产生负面影响，但其对饲养行为和瘤胃发酵过程的显著变化需要进一步研究，以了解其对消化系统健康的长期影响。CSP包埋提高了养分利用率，提高了瘤胃发酵效率，提高了微生物蛋白产量，因此在小反刍动物生产系统中代表了一种可持续的替代饲料资源。
{"title":"Dietary substitution of conventional forage resources with camelina seed pods as a novel feed ingredient on rumen parameters, blood metabolites, microbial protein synthesis, nutrient intake, growth performance and behavioral responses in fattening lambs","authors":"Ayoub Azizi , Alireza Jolazadeh , Afrooz Sharifi , Mohammad Javad Khalifeh","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study evaluated the effects of graded levels of camelina seed pods (CSP) on rumen fermentation parameters, blood metabolites, microbial protein synthesis (MPS), feeding behavior, nutrient intake and growth performance in fattening lambs. Forty Afshari male lambs (22.6 ± 2.21 kg BW; 101 ± 10 d of age) were assigned to four isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 80, 160, or 240 g CSP/kg dry matter (DM). Ruminal fermentation was characterized by an elevation in propionate concentration (L, <em>P</em> = 0.04), which consequently led to a reduction in the acetate-to-propionate ratio (<em>P</em> = 0.04), while concentrations of other volatile fatty acids remained unaffected. Plasma glucose concentration exhibited a positive linear response (L, <em>P</em> = 0.04), whereas other blood metabolites were unchanged (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Absorbed purine derivatives and MPS increased linearly with CSP supplementation (L, <em>P</em> = 0.03). Feeding behavior analysis showed a linear decline in rumination and chewing time relative to dry matter intake with no effect on eating time (P > 0.05). Increasing dietary CSP inclusion resulted in a linear increase in non-fiber carbohydrate and rumen degradable protein intake (L, <em>P</em> = 0.01), accompanied by reductions in neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and rumen undegradable protein intake (L, <em>P</em> = 0.01). Growth performance improved, with average daily gain increasing linearly from 292 g/d in CSP0–310 g/d in CSP240 (L, <em>P</em> = 0.05), while feed conversion ratio remained unaffected (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Although our results demonstrated the possibility of including CSP in lamb diets up to 240 g/kg without negative effects on overall performance, the noticeable changes in feeding behavior and the rumen fermentation process require further research to understand their long-term effects on digestive health. CSP inclusion enhances nutrient utilization, improves ruminal fermentation efficiency, and increases microbial protein yield, thereby representing a sustainable alternative feed resource in small ruminant production systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116617"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145837714","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}
<div><div>Present study compared the effect of novel multistrain probiotics on <em>in vitro</em> microbial populations, hydrolytic enzymes, digestibility, fermentation parameters, and antioxidant capacity of the Shal breed sheep. The probiotics were multistrain Bacilli (<em>B. licheniformis</em>, <em>B. subtilis</em> and <em>B. coagulans</em>; 5 × 10<sup>9</sup>, 5 × 10<sup>9</sup>, and 2 × 10<sup>11</sup> CFU/g, respectively), Lactobacilli (<em>Enterococcus faecium</em>, <em>L. rhamnosus</em> and <em>L. plantarum</em>; 2 × 10<sup>10</sup>, 2 × 10<sup>10</sup>, and 2 × 10<sup>9</sup> CFU/g, respectively), yeast (<em>Saccharomyces boulardii</em>; 2 × 10<sup>10</sup> CFU/g), and mixed bacteria-yeast (3:1 ratio) formulations. The treatments included diet without probiotic (control) and diets containing Bacilli (BAC), Lactobacilli (LAC), yeast (YE), mixed Bacilli-yeast (BAC-YE), or mixed Lactobacilli-yeast (LAC-YE), added at 0.1 % of diet DM. Diets were evaluated using 24 and 72-h <em>in vitro</em> gas production techniques. In both incubation times, cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria counts, microcrystalline cellulase (avicelase), filter paper-degrading (FPD) activity, and protease in BAC, YE, BAC-YE, and LAC-YE groups were higher than the control (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between LAC and the control. At 24 h incubation, LAC exhibited higher (P < 0.05) amylase activity than the free-antibiotic diet. Compared to the control, adding different probiotics to the diet decreased (P < 0.05) protozoa numbers at 24 h. <em>In vitro</em> gas production, organic matter disappearance, metabolizable energy, and truly-degraded substrate were higher in treatments containing different probiotics in comparison to the control (P < 0.05). The use of various probiotic additives reduced the production of methane (P < 0.05), but did not affect antioxidant capacity. At 24-h incubation, ammonia-N concentrations increased significantly in BAC, YE, and BAC-YE compared to the control (P < 0.05), while LAC and LAC-YE showed a non-significant increasing trend. After 72-h incubation, ammonia-N concentrations did not differ significantly among treatments. Different probiotic sources increased total volatile fatty acid production while reducing butyrate proportion during both incubation periods (P < 0.05). Moreover, BAC, YE, BAC-YE, and LAC-YE caused an increase in the molar proportion of acetate, while LAC decreased acetate and increased propionate proportion (P < 0.05). In general, dietary inclusion of the novel multistrain Bacilli and Lactobacilli at 0.1 % of diet DM improved <em>in vitro</em> ruminal microbial populations and hydrolytic enzymes while reducing methane production, thereby enhancing diet efficiency and environmental benefits. The effectiveness of <em>S. boulardii</em> was enhanced when combined with Bacilli or Lactobacilli probiotics, recommending their concurrent use over yeast supplementation alone.</div></
{"title":"Effect of new multistrain Bacilli, Lactobacilli, yeast, or their mixtures on in vitro ruminal microbial populations, hydrolytic enzymes, and fermentation variables of sheep","authors":"Alireza Ashkvari , Javad Rezaei , Hassan Fazaeli , Seyed Asghar Dehghan","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116612","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116612","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Present study compared the effect of novel multistrain probiotics on <em>in vitro</em> microbial populations, hydrolytic enzymes, digestibility, fermentation parameters, and antioxidant capacity of the Shal breed sheep. The probiotics were multistrain Bacilli (<em>B. licheniformis</em>, <em>B. subtilis</em> and <em>B. coagulans</em>; 5 × 10<sup>9</sup>, 5 × 10<sup>9</sup>, and 2 × 10<sup>11</sup> CFU/g, respectively), Lactobacilli (<em>Enterococcus faecium</em>, <em>L. rhamnosus</em> and <em>L. plantarum</em>; 2 × 10<sup>10</sup>, 2 × 10<sup>10</sup>, and 2 × 10<sup>9</sup> CFU/g, respectively), yeast (<em>Saccharomyces boulardii</em>; 2 × 10<sup>10</sup> CFU/g), and mixed bacteria-yeast (3:1 ratio) formulations. The treatments included diet without probiotic (control) and diets containing Bacilli (BAC), Lactobacilli (LAC), yeast (YE), mixed Bacilli-yeast (BAC-YE), or mixed Lactobacilli-yeast (LAC-YE), added at 0.1 % of diet DM. Diets were evaluated using 24 and 72-h <em>in vitro</em> gas production techniques. In both incubation times, cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria counts, microcrystalline cellulase (avicelase), filter paper-degrading (FPD) activity, and protease in BAC, YE, BAC-YE, and LAC-YE groups were higher than the control (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between LAC and the control. At 24 h incubation, LAC exhibited higher (P < 0.05) amylase activity than the free-antibiotic diet. Compared to the control, adding different probiotics to the diet decreased (P < 0.05) protozoa numbers at 24 h. <em>In vitro</em> gas production, organic matter disappearance, metabolizable energy, and truly-degraded substrate were higher in treatments containing different probiotics in comparison to the control (P < 0.05). The use of various probiotic additives reduced the production of methane (P < 0.05), but did not affect antioxidant capacity. At 24-h incubation, ammonia-N concentrations increased significantly in BAC, YE, and BAC-YE compared to the control (P < 0.05), while LAC and LAC-YE showed a non-significant increasing trend. After 72-h incubation, ammonia-N concentrations did not differ significantly among treatments. Different probiotic sources increased total volatile fatty acid production while reducing butyrate proportion during both incubation periods (P < 0.05). Moreover, BAC, YE, BAC-YE, and LAC-YE caused an increase in the molar proportion of acetate, while LAC decreased acetate and increased propionate proportion (P < 0.05). In general, dietary inclusion of the novel multistrain Bacilli and Lactobacilli at 0.1 % of diet DM improved <em>in vitro</em> ruminal microbial populations and hydrolytic enzymes while reducing methane production, thereby enhancing diet efficiency and environmental benefits. The effectiveness of <em>S. boulardii</em> was enhanced when combined with Bacilli or Lactobacilli probiotics, recommending their concurrent use over yeast supplementation alone.</div></","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116612"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145837712","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 : 2026-01-15Epub Date: 2025-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116602
Noa Park, Junghyun Oh, Beob Gyun Kim
The objective of the present study was to determine the coefficient of standardized ileal digestibility (CSID) of crude protein (CP) and Val in Val biomass (VB; 737 g/kg Val) fed to pigs with the hypothesis that the CSID of Val in VB is comparable to that in crystalline L-Val. Eight barrows (initial body weight = 58.4 ± 3.3 kg) fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were fed 4 diets for 4 periods in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design to obtain 8 replications for each experimental diet. A basal diet consisted of 759 g/kg corn and 110 g/kg soybean meal as the sole source of amino acids (AA). Two experimental diets were prepared by adding L-Val at 75 g/kg and VB at 100 g/kg to the basal diet at the expense of corn and soybean meal. Additionally, a nitrogen-free diet was also prepared to determine the basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. Chromic oxide was included at 5 g/kg as an indigestible index in all diets. Each period consisted of a 4-day adaptation period and a 2-day ileal digesta collection period. The coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) and CSID of CP and Val in the L-Val and VB were calculated using the difference procedure. The CAID of Lys in the crystalline L-Val diet was less than that in the VB diet (P < 0.05). The values for CSID of most AA except for Lys (P = 0.049) and Val (P < 0.001) did not differ among the three experimental diets. Based on the difference procedure, the values for CSID of Val were not different between crystalline L-Val and VB (0.996 and 0.998, respectively). In conclusion, the Val biomass used in the present work contains 737 g/kg of Val and the Val in the Val biomass is highly digestible, which is comparable to crystalline L-Val.
{"title":"Standardized ileal digestibility of valine in granulated valine biomass is not different from that in crystalline L-valine in growing pigs","authors":"Noa Park, Junghyun Oh, Beob Gyun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of the present study was to determine the coefficient of standardized ileal digestibility (CSID) of crude protein (CP) and Val in Val biomass (VB; 737 g/kg Val) fed to pigs with the hypothesis that the CSID of Val in VB is comparable to that in crystalline <span>L</span>-Val. Eight barrows (initial body weight = 58.4 ± 3.3 kg) fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were fed 4 diets for 4 periods in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design to obtain 8 replications for each experimental diet. A basal diet consisted of 759 g/kg corn and 110 g/kg soybean meal as the sole source of amino acids (AA). Two experimental diets were prepared by adding <span>L</span>-Val at 75 g/kg and VB at 100 g/kg to the basal diet at the expense of corn and soybean meal. Additionally, a nitrogen-free diet was also prepared to determine the basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. Chromic oxide was included at 5 g/kg as an indigestible index in all diets. Each period consisted of a 4-day adaptation period and a 2-day ileal digesta collection period. The coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) and CSID of CP and Val in the <span>L</span>-Val and VB were calculated using the difference procedure. The CAID of Lys in the crystalline <span>L</span>-Val diet was less than that in the VB diet (P < 0.05). The values for CSID of most AA except for Lys (P = 0.049) and Val (P < 0.001) did not differ among the three experimental diets. Based on the difference procedure, the values for CSID of Val were not different between crystalline <span>L</span>-Val and VB (0.996 and 0.998, respectively). In conclusion, the Val biomass used in the present work contains 737 g/kg of Val and the Val in the Val biomass is highly digestible, which is comparable to crystalline <span>L</span>-Val.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116602"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145705754","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 : 2026-01-15Epub Date: 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116597
Xinjian Lou , Muhammad Irfan Malik , Yingkui Yang , Yayu Huang , Xinsheng Zhao , Qunying Zhang , Zhenhua Xu , Jilong Wang , Shengping Zhang , Guojun Zhao , Lei Wang , Xueyan Du , Yanfen Cheng , Binqiang Bai , Lizhuang Hao
The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of unfermented and fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum indices, rumen fermentation and rumen flora structure of Tibetan lambs. Twenty healthy male Tibetan lambs randomly divided into 2 treatment groups with 10 lambs/treatment. The TMR group was fed a non-fermented total mixed ration and the FTMR group was fed a fermented total mixed ration. The average daily gain was not statistically significant (P = 0.487). The total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly higher (P = 0.005) in FTMR as compared TMR. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) (P= 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P= 0.002), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P= 0.019), creatinine (CR) (P= 0.047) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P= 0.041) were significantly lower in FTMR group as compared to TMR. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in Ace index, Chao1 index, Simpson index and Shannon index of Tibetan sheep in FTMR group compared to TMR group. The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Euryarchaeota was significantly higher in FTMR group than in the TMR group (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Prevotella was significantly higher, Methanobrevibacter was significantly lower in the FTMR group. In conclusion the FTMR can be fed to lambs without any adverse effects on serum chemistry, additionally FTMR improves average daily gain by 12 %, increase in Prevotella abundance and decrease in Methanobrevibacter.
{"title":"Effects of fermented total mixed diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum indicators, rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota in Tibetan sheep","authors":"Xinjian Lou , Muhammad Irfan Malik , Yingkui Yang , Yayu Huang , Xinsheng Zhao , Qunying Zhang , Zhenhua Xu , Jilong Wang , Shengping Zhang , Guojun Zhao , Lei Wang , Xueyan Du , Yanfen Cheng , Binqiang Bai , Lizhuang Hao","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116597","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116597","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of unfermented and fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum indices, rumen fermentation and rumen flora structure of Tibetan lambs. Twenty healthy male Tibetan lambs randomly divided into 2 treatment groups with 10 lambs/treatment. The TMR group was fed a non-fermented total mixed ration and the FTMR group was fed a fermented total mixed ration. The average daily gain was not statistically significant (P = 0.487). The total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly higher (<em>P</em> = 0.005) in FTMR as compared TMR. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) (<em>P=</em> 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (<em>P=</em> 0.002), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (<em>P=</em> 0.019), creatinine (CR) (<em>P=</em> 0.047) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (<em>P=</em> 0.041) were significantly lower in FTMR group as compared to TMR. There were no significant differences (<em>P</em> > 0.05) in Ace index, Chao1 index, Simpson index and Shannon index of Tibetan sheep in FTMR group compared to TMR group. The relative abundance of <em>Firmicutes and Euryarchaeota</em> was significantly higher in FTMR group than in the TMR group (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The relative abundance of <em>Prevotella</em> was significantly higher, <em>Methanobrevibacter</em> was significantly lower in the FTMR group. In conclusion the FTMR can be fed to lambs without any adverse effects on serum chemistry, additionally FTMR improves average daily gain by 12 %, increase in <em>Prevotella</em> abundance and decrease in <em>Methanobrevibacter</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"332 ","pages":"Article 116597"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145705753","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 : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116600
Yahia A. Amin , Fares A. Eldeeb , Enas A. Noseer , Amna H.M. Nour , Abdellah Hassan Mahmoud , Basma Gamal , Safaa El‑Nahas , Alaa H. Said
To promote the growth of the fetus and the subsequent initiation of lactation, the dam experiences a significant demand for minerals during late gestation. This study investigated the effects of supplementing pregnant goats in late gestation with Nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA), either alone or in combination with iron, on various aspects of parturition, uterine involution, postpartum disorders, placental retention, milk and offspring production, as well as serum and milk mineral concentrations. Pregnant goats were allocated into three dietary treatment groups (25 goats per group): The first group served as the control (non-supplemented) and received a basal ration, while the second and third groups were supplemented with Nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) for the second group, and Nano-hydroxyapatite plus iron (NHAI) for the third group. Goats were fed their respective supplements from day 90 of pregnancy until the onset of parturition. Blood samples were collected at four time points: five weeks prior to the expected kidding date, within 12 h post-kidding, two weeks post-kidding, and four weeks post-kidding, for serum liver enzymes evaluations. Milk samples were collected from the mothers at + 12 h, two weeks, and four weeks post-kidding. Productive variables from both the dams and offspring were evaluated and uterine involution and postpartum complications were tracked using sonographic measurements. Additionally, histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence staining were performed on the placenta following its shedding. The results reveal that offspring in the NHA and NHAI groups showed improvements in birth weight, postnatal growth patterns, and lower mortality rates compared to the control group. Sonographic measurements indicated delayed uterine involution in the control group when compared to the supplemented groups. Postpartum disorders such as placental retention, metritis, and mastitis were absent in the supplemented groups, while they were observed in the control group. Serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe) concentrations in the dams significantly increased at all-time points after kidding in the supplemented groups, compared to the control group. Meanwhile, liver enzyme levels significantly decreased in the supplemented groups. The milk mineral profile and some milk compositions improved in the supplemented groups. Histopathological examination of the placenta revealed reduced collagen fiber thickness, along with increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and occludin in both the NHA and NHAI groups, compared to the control group. It can be concluded that mineral supplementation with Nano-hydroxyapatite, either alone or combined with iron, during pregnancy can enhance productivity.
{"title":"Effect of dietary supplementation with nano-hydroxyapatite in pregnant goats on obstetrical outcomes: Parturition, placental shedding, postpartum disorders, uterine involution, and milk and offspring production","authors":"Yahia A. Amin , Fares A. Eldeeb , Enas A. Noseer , Amna H.M. Nour , Abdellah Hassan Mahmoud , Basma Gamal , Safaa El‑Nahas , Alaa H. Said","doi":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2025.116600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To promote the growth of the fetus and the subsequent initiation of lactation, the dam experiences a significant demand for minerals during late gestation. This study investigated the effects of supplementing pregnant goats in late gestation with Nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA), either alone or in combination with iron, on various aspects of parturition, uterine involution, postpartum disorders, placental retention, milk and offspring production, as well as serum and milk mineral concentrations. Pregnant goats were allocated into three dietary treatment groups (25 goats per group): The first group served as the control (non-supplemented) and received a basal ration, while the second and third groups were supplemented with Nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) for the second group, and Nano-hydroxyapatite plus iron (NHAI) for the third group. Goats were fed their respective supplements from day 90 of pregnancy until the onset of parturition. Blood samples were collected at four time points: five weeks prior to the expected kidding date, within 12 h post-kidding, two weeks post-kidding, and four weeks post-kidding, for serum liver enzymes evaluations. Milk samples were collected from the mothers at + 12 h, two weeks, and four weeks post-kidding. Productive variables from both the dams and offspring were evaluated and uterine involution and postpartum complications were tracked using sonographic measurements. Additionally, histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence staining were performed on the placenta following its shedding. The results reveal that offspring in the NHA and NHAI groups showed improvements in birth weight, postnatal growth patterns, and lower mortality rates compared to the control group. Sonographic measurements indicated delayed uterine involution in the control group when compared to the supplemented groups. Postpartum disorders such as placental retention, metritis, and mastitis were absent in the supplemented groups, while they were observed in the control group. Serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe) concentrations in the dams significantly increased at all-time points after kidding in the supplemented groups, compared to the control group. Meanwhile, liver enzyme levels significantly decreased in the supplemented groups. The milk mineral profile and some milk compositions improved in the supplemented groups. Histopathological examination of the placenta revealed reduced collagen fiber thickness, along with increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and occludin in both the NHA and NHAI groups, compared to the control group. It can be concluded that mineral supplementation with Nano-hydroxyapatite, either alone or combined with iron, during pregnancy can enhance productivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7861,"journal":{"name":"Animal Feed Science and Technology","volume":"331 ","pages":"Article 116600"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733295","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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