Dimar Sari Wahyuni, Komang Gede Wiryawan, Roni Ridwan
et al.
Background and Aim: Enteric methane emissions from ruminants contribute significantly to greenhouse gas production, prompting research into sustainable feed additives. Macroalgae, rich in bioactive compounds, show promise in modulating rumen fermentation, improving digestibility, and reducing methane output. Indonesia’s diverse native macroalgae remain largely unexplored for these purposes, necessitating comparative evaluation to identify promising species for ruminant nutrition. This study aimed to conduct the first comparative in vitro evaluation of rumen fermentation patterns, digestibility characteristics, gas production kinetics, and enteric methane emissions using 14 native Indonesian macroalgae species, including brown (Sargassum sp., Padina sp., Turbinaria ornata), green (Boergesenia forbesii, Caulerpa racemosa, Ulva lactuca), and red (Palmaria palmata, Gelidium sp., Halymenia durvillei, Gracilaria verrucosa, Eucheuma cottonii, Gracilaria gigas, Eucheuma spinosum, Gracilaria coronopifolia) algae, to identify candidates for sustainable ruminant feed additives.
Materials and Methods: Macroalgae samples were collected from various Indonesian locations, dried, and analyzed for chemical composition (dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract). In vitro fermentation was performed using a completely randomized design with five replicates per species. Samples (0.5 g) were incubated at 39°C for 72 h in buffered rumen fluid from fistulated Ongole crossbreed cattle. Parameters measured included total gas production, methane emissions (estimated via volatile fatty acid [VFA] profiles), ammonia, total and partial VFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, iso-butyrate, iso-valerate), acetate-to-propionate ratio, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), partitioning factor, microbial protein synthesis, and gas production kinetics. Data were analyzed using a one way analysis of variance with significance at p < 0.05 or p < 0.01, followed by post-hoc tests.
Results: Chemical composition varied widely; red algae like Palmaria palmata had high crude protein (22.39 % dry matter), while brown algae like Padina sp. were ash-rich (74.39 % dry matter). Total gas production was highest in B. forbesii (54.75 mL; p < 0.01) and lowest in T. ornata (10.94 mL). Methane emissions and methane per incubated dry matter were lowest in Sargassum sp. (1.87 mM and 3.75 mM/g dry matter; p < 0.01), with Sargassum sp. and C. racemosa reducing methane by 71.86 %. Ammonia levels were similar across species (p > 0.05). Total VFA and propionate were highest in H. durvillei and B. forbesii (p < 0.01), with reduced acetate-to-propionate ratios. IVDMD and IVOMD were highest in H. durvillei (81.72 % and 69.53 %; p < 0.01). Gas kinetics showed B. forbesii with the highest asymptote (201.97 mL; p < 0.01) but slowest rate (0.01 mL/h). Positive correlations existed between crude protein and VFA/ammonia, while crude fiber inversely correlated with gas production and digestibility.
Conclusion: H. durvillei emerged as optimal for enhancing rumen fermentation and digestibility, while Sargassum sp. excelled in methane mitigation. These species hold promise as natural additives for reducing environmental impacts in ruminant production, warranting in vivo validation for optimal inclusion rates and long-term effects.
R.O.F. Prado, A.C.O. Aguilar, R.J.A. Hernández
et al.
ABSTRACT Monitoring through hematochemical liver measurements in high-yielding cows allows assessing herd well-being and health. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the relationships between liver blood markers and milk parameters in cows during the 1st and 2nd third of lactation. A total of 124 samples from Holstein cows (62 cows/group) belonging to nine intensive dairy farms and the same diet were used. Glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, milk fat, solids-non-fat, milk protein and cryoscopic point showed differences between groups. Total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, urea, cholesterol, γ-glutamyl-transferase, milk density, somatic cell count, and pH do not show differences between the 1st and 2nd third of lactation. Positive relationships between total bilirubin with conjugated bilirubin and cholesterol, solids-non-fat and milk protein, milk fat and glucose, solids-non-fat and albumin, milk protein and albumin, pH and urea, and somatic cell count with alanine aminotransferase were found. Negative relationship between alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl-transferase, milk fat with solids-non-fat, milk protein, and somatic cell count, and milk fat with alanine aminotransferase were identified. The results may be useful for estimating adaptations in liver function, based on the behavior of liver blood markers when milk parameters are measured daily on intensive dairy farms.
Geovane Rosa de Oliveira, Carla de Andrade, Celina Tie Nishimori Duque
et al.
The use of nanofibers in farm animal diets can enhance nutrient absorption, minimize environmental problems, and generate a sustainable source of income. In this study, we investigated the effects of the partial inclusion of nanofibers produced from the pupunha heart of the palm sheath (nanopupunha) in the diet of growing New Zealand White rabbits on zootechnical performance, organ morphometry, digestive content pH, intestinal histology, biochemical and immunological parameters, and cecum microbiota. Twenty-four male and female New Zealand White rabbits were distributed into the control group fed a basal diet with 14% crude fiber and treatment groups with the basal diet supplemented with 3.5% or 10.5% of nanopupunha, according to their initial weight. After euthanasia on day 42, we analyzed the pH of the stomach contents, jejunum, and cecum, and the relative weights of the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Duodenal and jejunal samples were collected for structural and ultrastructural analyses of the intestinal villi. Additionally, blood samples were collected to analyze blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and immunological analysis (IgG and IgM), and digesta samples from the cecum were collected to count enterobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. The inclusion of dietary nanopupunha did not affect the zootechnical performance of animals, but resulted in a linear decrease in the relative weight of the stomach and a linear increase in the relative weight of the spleen. No significant differences were observed in the pH of the digestive tract. Nanopupunha inclusion also resulted in a linear increase in the crypt depth of the duodenum, total mucosal thickness, and total cholesterol levels in growing rabbits. Including 10.5% of nanopupunha added to the diet showed the best results in terms of the intestinal health of the growing rabbits.
Controlling low ambient temperatures and ammonia levels is critical for effective environmental management in poultry houses during winter, as both represent persistent stressors affecting bird health and productivity. However, evidence regarding their combined long-term effects on the physiological responses of laying hens remains limited. In this study, 576 eighteen-week-old Hy-Line Brown hens were randomly assigned to six treatments (8 replicates with 12 birds per replicate each treatment) and housed in environmentally controlled chambers for 20 weeks: T1 (8 °C, ≤5 ppm ammonia), T2 (8 °C, 20 ppm ammonia), T3 (8 °C, 45 ppm ammonia), T4 (20 °C, ≤5 ppm ammonia; control), T5 (20 °C, 20 ppm ammonia), and T6 (20 °C, 45 ppm ammonia). Plasma samples were collected at 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38 weeks to evaluate physiological stress biomarkers (corticosterone, CORT; total antioxidant capacity, T-AOC), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA), and reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone, LH; follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH; estradiol, E2). At 38 weeks, hypothalamus, pituitary, and spleen tissues were collected to assess the relative mRNA expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), FSH, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Results showed that both cold and ammonia stress reduced antioxidant capacity, disrupted immune homeostasis, and altered reproductive hormone profiles. Cold exposure induced acute immunoendocrine alterations with partial physiological adaptation over time, whereas ammonia exerted progressive and cumulative damage, including elevated immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) and downregulation of GnRH and FSH expression. Combined exposure significantly upregulated TNF-α and IL-1β expression, suggesting a synergistic inflammatory response. These results highlight complex, parameter-specific interactions between cold and ammonia stressors, emphasizing the need for targeted environmental strategies. Stage-specific interventions—thermal regulation in early laying and ammonia control in later phases—are recommended to safeguard hen health and optimize productivity under winter conditions.
Abstract Background Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a common metabolic disorder of high yielding dairy cows, and it is associated with dysbiosis of the rumen and gut microbiome and host inflammation. This study evaluated the impact of two postbiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) on rumen liquid associated microbiota of lactating dairy cows subjected to repeated grain-based SARA challenges. A total of 32 rumen cannulated cows were randomly assigned to 4 treatments from 4 weeks before until 12 weeks after parturition. Treatment groups included a Control diet or diets supplemented with postbiotics (SCFPa, 14 g/d Original XPC; SCFPb-1X, 19 g/d NutriTek; SCFPb-2X, 38 g/d NutriTek, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA). Grain-based SARA challenges were conducted during week 5 (SARA1) and week 8 (SARA2) after parturition by replacing 20% DM of the base total mixed ration (TMR) with pellets containing 50% ground barley and 50% ground wheat. Total DNA from rumen liquid samples was subjected to V3–V4 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Characteristics of rumen microbiota were compared among treatments and SARA stages. Results Both SARA challenges reduced the diversity and richness of rumen liquid microbiota, altered the overall composition (β-diversity), and its predicted functionality including carbohydrates and amino acids metabolic pathways. The SARA challenges also reduced the number of significant associations among different taxa, number of hub taxa and their composition in the microbial co-occurrence networks. Supplementation with SCFP postbiotics, in particular SCFPb-2X, enhanced the robustness of the rumen microbiota. The SCFP supplemented cows had less fluctuation in relative abundances of community members when exposed to SARA challenges. The SCFP supplementation promoted the populations of lactate utilizing and fibrolytic bacteria, including members of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, and also increased the numbers of hub taxa during non-SARA and SARA stages. Supplementation with SCFPb-2X prevented the fluctuations in the abundances of hub taxa that were positively correlated with the acetate concentration, and α- and β-diversity metrics in rumen liquid digesta. Conclusions Induction of SARA challenges reduced microbiota richness and diversity and caused fluctuations in major bacterial phyla in rumen liquid microbiota in lactating dairy cows. Supplementation of SCFP postbiotics could attenuate adverse effects of SARA on rumen liquid microbiota.
Abstract Background Granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis, ferroptosis, and other programmed cell death processes are markers of follicular aging. Quercetin has been shown to reduce ferroptosis, however, its effects on ferroptosis in poultry remains unexplored. Our preliminary study identified ferroptosis in aging ovaries. Therefore, in the present study, 540-day-old Mountain Plum-blossom chickens were fed with quercetin supplementation at varying doses (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/kg), and examined its molecular effects on GC ferroptosis using an in vitro Erastin-induced model. Results The results showed that quercetin supplementation significantly increased egg production, which confirmed its potential to alleviate ferroptosis in chicken ovarian tissue. The in vitro experiment revealed that quercetin and Fer-1 (positive control) mitigated Erastin-induced ferroptosis in GCs. Further, transcriptome analysis revealed that quercetin modulated key genes such as acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and transferrin receptor (TFRC), involved in ferroptosis regulation. The results further showed that quercetin also reduced Erastin-induced apoptosis and inflammation by modulating the expression of genes and proteins related to apoptosis and inflammatory factors (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10). Conclusion Taken together, the results showed that quercetin improves egg production performance in chickens and mitigates ovarian ferroptosis in aging hens, and inhibits Erastin-induced ferroptosis, inflammation, and apoptosis in GCs. These findings revealed the protective role of quercetin in poultry ovarian tissue and its cellular mechanisms against detrimental factors in poultry production. Graphical Abstract
Maria Butylina, Ursula Föger-Samwald, Katharina Gelles
et al.
Hypoparathyroidism is a relatively rare human and veterinary disease characterized by deficient or absent production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is known as a classical regulator of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Nevertheless, the hormone also appears to modulate immune functions. For example, increased CD4:CD8 T-cell ratios and elevated interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A levels were observed in patients with hyperparathyroidism, whereas gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was decreased in patients with chronic postsurgical hypoparathyroidism. Various immune cell populations are affected differently. So, there is a need for validated animal models for the further characterization of this disease for identifying targeted immune-modulatory therapies. In addition to genetically modified mouse models of hypoparathyroidism, there are surgical rodent models. Parathyroidectomy (PTX) can be well performed in rats—for pharmacological and associated osteoimmunological research and bone mechanical studies, a large animal model could be preferable, however. A major drawback for successfully performing total PTX in large animal species (pigs and sheep) is the presence of accessory glands, thus demanding to develop new approaches for real-time detection of all parathyroid tissues.
Annisa Alifia, Sri Mulyati, Wurlina Wurlina
et al.
This study aims to determine the effect of the administration of white guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit juice on spermatozoa plasma membrane integrity (PMI), morphological abnormality, viability, and motility of lead acetate induced rats (Rattus norvegicus). Twenty-five male rats were divided into five groups: NC (negative control) group, rats were administered with distilled water twice daily at four-hour intervals; T0 (positive control) group, rats were administered daily with lead acetate 50 mg/kg bw and distilled water four hours later; T1, T2, and T3 groups, rats were administered daily with lead acetate 50 mg/kg bw and 0.5 mL of 25, 50, and 100% white guava fruit juice four hours later. The treatment of the rats was conducted for 14 days, and on day 15, all rats were sacrificed to assess the spermatozoa quality. Data was analyzed using ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test at a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that exposure to lead acetate (T0) caused lower spermatozoa PMI, viability, and motility as well as higher spermatozoa morphological abnormalities (p <0.05) compared to those of the T0 group. Administration of white guava fruit juice starting at a dose of 25% (T1) resulted in higher spermatozoa motility, viability, and PMI as well as lower spermatozoa morphological abnormalities (p <0.05) compared to rats in the T0 group. It could be concluded that white guava fruit juice maintained the spermatozoa quality of lead acetate induced rats.
ABSTRACT: Enriching eggs with omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is a well-accepted practice that benefits the egg industry and consumers. However, issues around cost, sustainability, and product acceptance have necessitated the search for alternatives to feeding hens fish oil for DHA enrichment. The effects of feeding 2 algal oils on egg production and DHA enrichment in eggs and selected tissues were investigated. The algal oils were: 1) OmegaPro (OPAO) standardized algal oil for DHA content and 2) Crude algal oil (CAO). A total of 400, 46-wk-old Lohmann LSL lite hens were housed in enriched cages (10 birds/cage) and allocated 5 diets (n = 8) for a 12-wk trial. The iso-caloric and -nitrogenous diets were a standard corn and soybean meal diet, standard plus 0.25 or 0.76% OPAO and standard plus 0.23 or 0.69% CAO; algal oils diets supplied similar DHA at each level. Egg production indices (hen day egg production, feed intake, FCR, egg weight, egg mass, and eggshell quality) were monitored for 10 wk. Diet samples were analyzed for fatty acids (FA) on wk 1, 6, and 12 and eggs on wk 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12. At the end of the trial, one hen/cage was weighed and dissected for liver, breast and thigh for FA and long bones for ash content analyses. Concentration of omega-6 to omega-3 FA ratio was 12.9, 6.64, 3.48, 6.96, and 3.59 for standard, 0.23 and 0.76% OPAO, 0.25 and 0.69% CAO, respectively. Algal oils increased (P ≤ 0.046) eggshell thickness linearly. The concentration of DHA in the eggs from the birds fed the standard, 0.23 and 0.76% OPAO, 0.25 and 0.69% CAO was 84, 195, 286, 183, and 297 mg/100g egg, respectively, and algal oils enriched eggs with DHA linearly and quadratically (P ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, algal oils increased the concentration of DHA in eggs and had no adverse effects on egg production and eggshell quality.
Drawing on and accentuating classical motifs, the surfaces of Renaissance armour are inhabited by an impressive variety of animal exuviae: leonine protomes and paws, ram’s horns, shells, tails, beaks, and wings. This essay examines the role of zoomorphic armour around the period of the Italian wars (1494-1559) and brings into focus early modern ideas about the behavioural and morphological proximity of living beings, illustrating the period’s fluid perception of the human-animal divide. It argues for the centrality of ornament in military material culture and concludes by establishing armour as the period’s main figurative stage for experimenting with the permeability of bodily boundaries, and the mixing of human and animal forms.
Advanced maternal age (AMA) has become prevalent globally. With aging, weakened antioxidant defense causes loss of normal function in the ovary and uterus due to oxidative stress. Here, we aimed to improve embryo development in AMA mice by intravenous injection (IV) of human adipose stem cell conditioned medium (ASC-CM) at various frequencies and intervals as an antioxidant intervention. Four- and six-month-old female ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were randomly divided into groups IV treated with human ASC-CM under different conditions, and in vitro and in vivo embryo development were evaluated. Consequently, compared to the control group, blastocyst formation rate of parthenotes was significantly promoted in 4-month-old mice and the mean number of implanted fetuses after natural mating was significantly increased by approximately two-fold in 6-month-old mice. Through gene analysis, the anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative effects of human ASC-CMs were confirmed in the ovaries and uterus of pregnant mice at both ages. In particular, ovarian expression of <i>gpx1</i> and catalase drastically increased in 6-month-old mice. Furthermore, the levels of <i>gpx1</i> and catalase were further increased, with a high frequency of injection regardless of age. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time the anti-oxidative effect of human ASC-CM administration against ovarian aging and the optimal injection condition.
Valeriy G. Narushin, Georgi Yu. Laptev, Elena A. Yildirim
et al.
Practice of layer poultry farming and commercial egg production relies on the optimal use and improvement of the welfare and genetically determined functional abilities of laying hens, their efficient intake of feed and its components, adaptation to housing conditions and resistance to infectious diseases including salmonellosis. Previous studies were focussed on relationships of chicken performance and resistance with the expression profiles of individual genes involved in metabolic processes and immune system, or with genetic markers that can be closely associated with these processes in chickens. In this study, mathematical models of coherent changes in laying hens were developed for the expression of eight genes involved in immunity and metabolism, on the one hand, and biochemical and immunological blood parameters, on the other hand, in response to Salmonella infection and administration of a phytobiotic Intebio. The proposed modelling approach can be a further basis for an in-depth research of the relationship between the gene expression, functional state and welfare of poultry, impact of pathogenic microorganisms and use of immunomodulatory drugs.HIGHLIGHTS Improved egg production and resistance rely on hens’ potential in gene expression and metabolism. We developed mathematical models for coherent responses of hens’ gene expression and blood indices to Salmonella infection and phytobiotic intake. This approach can be used for further studying relationship between gene expression, functional state, impact of pathogens and antimicrobial drugs.
Turgay YILDIZ, Necmettin CEYLAN, Zafer ATİK
et al.
A 14-week experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Corn Distillers Dried Grains with soluble (DDGS) with or without xylanase
on layers" performance and egg quality traits as well as intestinal viscosity. Four hundred and eighty Atak-S Brown laying hens (32-weekold)
were randomly distributed among the eight dietary treatments with six replicates of ten birds each. There was no significant (P>0.05)
interaction between DDGS levels and enzyme supplementation for any of the studied parameters (P>0.05). The addition of either 0.0, 10.0,
20.0 or 30.0% DDGS to the diet had no significant (P>0.05) effect on egg production, egg weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body
weight gain, livability, eggshell braking strength, eggshell thickness, eggshell ratio, egg albumen height and haugh unit. The addition of
any level of DDGS positively affected egg yolk color. On the other hand, 30% of DDGS in the diet caused a significant (P<0.05) decrease in
egg mass. The supplementation of enzyme to diets significantly (P<0.05) increased the percentage of egg production. In addition, enzyme
supplementation resulted an overall reduction in intestinal viscosity. So, it can be concluded that up to 20% DDGS can be used in laying hen
nutrition without adversely affecting any of performance and egg quality parameters, besides xylanase based enzyme supplementation
could improve egg production and decrease intestinal viscosity regardless of the inclusion rate of DDGS.
A previously reported form of microbial persistence whereby large populations of tubercle bacilli can be made to "vanish" uniformly from the tissues of mice has been shown to occur generally throughout each group of animals subjected to the experimental procedure; it does not reflect the eradication of the bacilli in the majority of animals with their persistence and ultimate revival in only a minority. The one demonstrable alteration of the tubercle bacilli while "vanished" is that they are sterile. Thus, they are undetectable by cell-free culture, tissue culture, and blind animal passage, i.e. by any method based on microbial multiplication. Whether they have also undergone alteration in morphology and persist in some unconventional form cannot be stated. Acid-fast forms similar to tubercle bacilli can be detected in small numbers by intensified microscopic search of tissue homogenates but the relationship of these forms to the sterile bacilli that ultimately revive is unclear. Thus, the persisting tubercle bacilli are more correctly designated as being in a "sterile state" than one of true latency. The uniform induction of the sterile state is a specific phenomenon requiring the participation of both the nicotinamide derivative, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid. Once assumed, this sterile state is relatively stable and the time required for revival of the tubercle bacilli in the spleens in one-half the animals is seven months. This process can be speeded up by the administration of large doses of cortisone in the third or fourth month after sterilization but revival is not significantly affected by the administration of cortisone earlier.