The aim of the current study was to analyze the expression of selenoprotein W (SELW) and selenium-binding protein 1 (SBP1) in the skeletal muscle of pigs during growth and development and their effects on the gene expression of muscle fibre type. We first assessed the expression of SELW, SBP1 and myosin heavy chains (MYHC I, IIA, IIX and IIB) at days 7, 35, 45, 85 and 180. We subsequently established SELW/SBP1 overexpression and interference models and conducted in vivo trials with basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.3, 1, 3 or 5 mg/kg yeast selenium. The expression level of SELW increased with age (p < 0.05), and SBP1 expression was higher during the suckling compared to the growth and fattening periods (p < 0.05); both Spearman correlation analysis and in vitro experiments demonstrated a positive correlation between the expression levels of SELW and MyHC IIB. Increasing dietary selenium induced a quadratic trend in SELW and SBP1 mRNA and protein expression, which was optimal at 1 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Overall, this study not only elucidates the distinct roles of SELW and SBP1 in muscle fibre type but also provides a theoretical basis for enhancing pork quality via dietary selenium intervention.
This study evaluated the effects of simultaneous modulation of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) levels on Cobb 500 broilers in commercial production. A total of 900 1-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were randomly divided into low-, medium- and high-level groups (L, M, H), with 10 replicates of 30 broilers each. The M group received the diet aligned with standard Cobb 500 nutritional specifications, whereas the L and H groups were synchronised, adjusting ME by ±0.20 MJ/kg and CP by ±0.50 percentage points, respectively. Growth performance, cumulative ME and CP intake, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and carcass traits were evaluated and analyzed via one-way ANOVA using SPSS 22.0. The broilers in the H, M and L groups reached the target 3.0 kg market weight at 40 d, 42 d and 44 d, respectively. However, no significant differences were observed among the treatments in cumulative ME and CP intake, ATTD or carcass traits (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that simultaneous increases in dietary ME and CP can shorten the market age by up to 2 d in Cobb 500 broilers without adversely affecting nutrient utilization or carcass characteristics.
This study aimed to evaluate resistance to Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and Clinical Mastitis (CM) in Holstein dairy cattle. In this research, data representing 45,316 primiparous cows from 1026 herds, calved between 2002 and 2018, were analyzed. The goals of this study were to evaluate factors affecting somatic cell scores and to compare parameters of the lactation curve fitted by the incomplete gamma function in healthy cows and those with clinical mastitis. The results showed that the highest least square means (LSM) of Somatic Cell Score (SCS) were observed in spring and winter (April through June and January through March) (2.95 vs. 2.94) (p < 0.001). The lowest and highest LSM of SCS were related to the maximum and minimum classes of milk production (>50 kg/day, 2.60 and <10 kg/day, 3.63). The SCS in consecutive calving years decreased annually by 13,000 cells/year, and the age at first calving around 23 and 24 months was related to the lowest LSM for the SCS in Holstein first parity cows (p < 0.001). The highest milk reduction was observed in the third part of lactation, resulting in a 305-day milk yield reduction exceeding 500 kg in cows affected by CM compared to healthy cows.
This study delineated acute thermal thresholds in common carp Cyprinus carpio (39.9 ± 5.27 g; 13.54 ± 0.67 cm) by integrating physiological (cortisol, hematology, serum biochemistry, opercular movement) and molecular (HSC70-2) responses to rapid temperature shifts. Fish were acutely ramped from 25 °C to 13–37 °C at 3 °C h−1 (n = 10 per treatment). Cortisol increased at 25 °C and rose significantly at 37 °C (p < 0.05), indicating heat-induced stress, whereas cold-shock responses were variable. Complete blood count parameters shifted immediately with any deviation from 25 °C, evidencing acute physiological disturbance. Serum biochemical indices changed markedly below 17 °C and above 27 °C, suggesting metabolic disruption at these extremes. Opercular movement decreased with cooling and increased with warming, with pronounced changes below 23 °C and above 29 °C, consistent with respiratory compensation. Hepatic HSC70-2 expression exceeded other tissues and shifted significantly at 17 and 27 °C (p < 0.05), identifying molecular inflection points. Given the acute ramping rate, these findings represent short-term tolerance limits rather than chronic optima for growth or welfare. Future long-term studies incorporating performance and welfare metrics are needed to refine temperature recommendations for aquaculture.
This study assessed the impact of varying inclusion levels and combinations of palm kernel cake (PKC) and decanter cake (DC) on broiler chicken performance. A total of 1,260 one-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to 18 groups, including a control, 5% PKC, 5% DC, and PKC–DC combinations at different ratios (30:70, 50:50, 70:30) and inclusion levels (2–10%). Data were analysed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure in Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software. Treatment differences were determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used for post hoc mean comparisons at p < 0.05. Inclusion of PKC and DC combinations at 6–10% levels reduced (p < 0.05) body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG), and increased (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR). Carcass weight and breast relative weight were reduced (p < 0.05) at 8% and 10% inclusion levels. However, hepatic growth-related and intestinal nutrient transporter gene expression were unaffected (p > 0.05). Breast meat composition was unaffected except for ether extract (EE), which increased (p < 0.05) at higher inclusion levels. Overall, PKC and DC combinations can be included up to 4% without adverse effects, while levels ≥ 6% may reduce growth performance.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of TRIS egg yolk and TRICO egg yolk extenders in maintaining post-thaw sperm quality and controlling bacterial load in beef cattle (Bos taurus). Semen was collected from six bulls, three Simmental and three Limousin, with ages of 3–8 years and weights of 664–910 kg. Each ejaculate was divided into two aliquots and diluted with either TRIS egg yolk or TRICO egg yolk extenders. The observed parameters were motility, viability, abnormality, concentration, membrane plasma integrity (MPI), intact acrosome cap (IAC), capacitation status, chromatin damage and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), as well as presumptive bacterial isolation of E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Different extenders significantly affected sperm concentration, chromatin damage and SDF (P < 0.05). TRICO egg yolk had the highest sperm concentration in Limousin semen and the lowest Staphylococcus spp. counts, while maintaining motility, viability, abnormality, MPI, IAC and non-capacitated sperm percentages at levels comparable to TRIS egg yolk. However, TRICO egg yolk was also associated with increased chromatin damage and SDF, suggesting a potential trade-off between antibacterial control and sperm DNA integrity. Therefore, the TRICO egg yolk formulation requires further optimization to minimize DNA damage and establish its reliability for frozen semen production.
The escalating cost of soybean meal in poultry diets and the ecological and economic burden of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which cost African nations over US$100 million annually in control and fisheries losses have driven interest in water hyacinth meal as a sustainable alternative feed ingredient. This study scientifically evaluated the effects of dietary fermented water hyacinth meal (FWHM) on blood haematology, serum biochemical indices and the gut microbiome composition in Hy-Line Brown laying hens over a 63-day feeding trial. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected in blood haematological and serum biochemical parameters across treatment groups, indicating that FWHM inclusion up to 5% did not impair bird health and nutrition status. FWHM significantly modulated the gut microbiota, resulting in reduced populations of Escherichia coli (1.83 ± 0.04 × 106 CFU/mL in control vs. 1.35 ± 0.05 × 106 CFU/mL in 5% FWHM, p < 0.001) and Staphylococcus aureus (2.68 ± 0.5 × 104 CFU/mL in control vs. 1.40 ± 1.7 × 104 CFU/mL in 2.5% FWHM), accompanied by an increase in yeast populations (0.00 CFU/mL in control vs. 2.5 ± 5.0 × 104 CFU/mL in 2.5% FWHM and 2.7 ± 1.7 × 104 CFU/mL in 5% FWHM-treated groups). These findings position FWHM as a potential feed ingredient in poultry, influencing gut microbiota while maintaining physiological homeostasis.
Bedding may be one of the most important elements of the microenvironment because it is continuously in direct contact with laboratory mice. Determining the most suitable bedding for each experiment will improve animal welfare. Ammonia levels, absorption, particle size, thermal diffusivity, microbial growth, and stools dropping to the cage floor were determined using four different commercial bedding materials (cellulose, corncob, and two different poplar). The ammonia levels over 21 days were lower for the cellulose and corncob than for poplar bedding. Both poplar beddings showed more variability in particle size than the other two types of bedding. The cellulose bedding showed the highest absorption ability and maintained more stable temperatures during unexpected heating and cooling conditions. It was also the only one that allowed stools to drop through to the cage floor. All bedding materials maintained a steady number of microorganisms for the first 14 days, although the corncob showed less microbial growth. While certain materials may be more suitable for typical experimental settings, overall, our findings highlight that bedding choice should be considered an important experimental variable when designing research studies, depending on the aim, procedures, established parameters, and specific characteristics of each research project.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) improves feed conversion in broilers in a dose-dependent manner, but its key effects on metabolism are not known. In this study, we characterized in broilers the effects of ALA on the expression and activity of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) and on mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal and cardiac muscle. ALA increased SIRT4 expression in cardiomyocytes in culture, and SIRT1 activity increased significantly in heart and breast muscle, indicating the activation of mitochondrial biogenesis, particularly in cardiac tissue. ALA also improved myofibril integrity in the breast and heart muscles, increased mitochondrial number, and enhanced mitochondrial integrity in the heart. A positive effect was also observed in the antioxidant capacity in serum. These findings reveal that ALA enhances mitochondrial function and reduces the adverse effects of rapid growth and high-energy diets, thus rendering it a promising supplement for industrial broiler production.
Recent studies highlighted the hazard of emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacteria in domesticated animals, with multidrug resistance (MRD) patterns in poultry recorded with alarming intensity as a major reservoir. This resistance has been associated with the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial agents in poultry farms. This current study aimed to determine the multidrug resistance (MDR) patterns of Escherichia coli isolated from broiler chickens. A total of 32 human samples were taken from worker handlers (positive: 4 samples, 12.5%), and 40 samples were collected from poultry chickens (positive: 13 samples, 32.5%). The findings revealed marked resistance against six of the ten agents in the isolates (MDR being 100% in all samples and MDRI was 0.6), with AMR observed across various antimicrobial classes, including Trimethoprim 5 & micro;g, Tetracycline 30 & micro;g, Cefazolin 30 & micro;g, Amoxi-clav 30 & micro;g, and Streptomycin 10 & micro;g, as well as moderate resistance to Ciprofloxacin 5 & micro;g. These results suggest a dangerous risk of transmission of AMR E. coli from poultry to humans, exhibiting a serious zoonotic risk, highlighting the urgency of antimicrobial stewardship and integrated precaution strategies with organized protocols to ensure the One Health basis and safeguard both veterinary and human medicine.
This study evaluated the effect of yeast supplementation on rumen microbial diversity and fermentation potential in cattle. Four rumen-fistulated cattle were assigned to four treatments: T0(control), T1(150 mL LEBAS (R)/kg feed), T2(300 mL LEBAS (R)/kg feed) and T3(12 g lyophilized yeast/day) across four 15-day periods in a 4 & times; 4 Latin square design. Due to the removal of one animal for health reasons, the final dataset was analyzed as an unbalanced design. The DNA from ruminal fluid was analyzed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing to assess bacterial, archaeal, fungal, protozoal and viral communities, as well as functional and CAZyme annotations. A total of 429,682 high-quality sequences were used for taxonomic and functional analyses. Across all treatments, archaea were dominated by Methanobrevibacter and Methanosarcina, bacteria by Butyrivibrio and Prevotella, fungi by Aspergillus and Penicillium, protozoa by Plasmodium and Symbiodinium and viruses by Myoviridae and Podoviridae; no significant differences were observed among all microbial communities (P > 0.05). Functional annotations were mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism, with no significant differences (P > 0.05). Enzymatic analysis identified families involved in cellulose, hemicellulose and starch degradation. Alpha diversity indices did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). In summary, LEBAS (R) supplementation did not significantly alter the rumen microbial composition, diversity or functional potential under the experimental conditions.
This study examined the impact of fermented mixed feed (FMF) on the reproductive performance, egg quality and nutrient utilization of ageing breeding layers. The feasibility of commercial application was assessed by evaluating plumage conditions and economic benefits. A total of 1200 Hy-line brown hens (62-week old) were randomly assigned to five groups, including a basal diet (control group) and a basal diet supplemented with 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% FMF. Each group contained eight replicates of ten cages having three birds per cage. The FMF was produced by fermenting a blend of 5% soybean meal, 40% wheat bran, 10% rice husk, 40% maize husk and 5% molasses. Results demonstrated that including 1%-2% FMF in the diet significantly improved egg production, fertility, hatchability and eggshell quality (p < 0.05). Additionally, FMF-supplemented diets enhanced nutrient utilization, improving feed efficiency as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The positive effects of FMF were also evident in improved feather coverage and reduced feed costs. In conclusion, dietary addition of 1% to 2% FMF could improve laying rate, fertility, hatchability and eggshell quality by improving follicular development and nutrient utilization in ageing breeding layers, thereby being recommended for the poultry feed industry.
This research aimed to evaluate the morphological variations of Maefur and Begait goats for use in the local goat selection program. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used. One hundred forty-one households (70 in Kafta Humera and 71 in Erob district) were selected to address the required animal sample size. Data were collected from randomly selected 614 goats (341 Begait, and 273 Maefur). The sampled goats were grouped into four age and two sex groups. chi(2) test and GLM were used. The results indicated that Maefur goats were characterized by lateral ear (95.1%); concave face (54.9%); straight (74.6%) and spiral horn (16.2%), and medium body shape (71.8%), while Begait goats were characterized by dropping ear (98.6%), convex face (70%) and leggy body shape (98.6%). The Begait goats were superior (p < 0.05) at body weight (32.2 kg), height at the withers (71.3 cm), height at the rumps (72.8 cm), body length (65.6 cm), head length (23.7 cm), ear length (20.7 cm), and neck length (27.0 cm) than Maefur goats. The Maefur goats were also superior (p < 0.05) at chest width (28.5 cm), horn length (15.8 cm), and neck circumference (35 cm) than Begait goats. In conclusion, Begait and Maefur goats were morphologically distinguishable from each other.
Sonok type Madura cattle are a culturally important livestock resource from Madura Island, Indonesia, selectively managed for aesthetic traits and performance in traditional cattle contests. This study aimed to phenotypically characterize Sonok cattle using multivariate analyses of morphometric traits and derived body indices, and to identify key traits relevant for selection and conservation. A total of 136 adult female Sonok cattle were sampled from Pamekasan Regency, East Java. Six morphometric traits and ten body indices were recorded using standardized anatomical landmarks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA). Descriptive analysis indicated low-to-moderate variation, with mean withers height, body length and chest girth of 123.46 cm, 124.13 cm and 149.68 cm, respectively. PCA of morphometric traits extracted two components explaining 90.5% of total variance. The first component (77.8%) represented overall body size, defined by withers height, rump height, body length and chest girth, while the second component (12.7%) represented head proportions based on head length and width. PCA of body indices yielded three components explaining 87% of total variance, representing frame development, body proportionality and body balance with growth patterns. These components provide objective criteria for phenotypic selection and conservation of Sonok cattle.
This study was conducted to potentially optimize the sustainable culture of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) in a periphyton-based aquaculture system with supplemental feeding to aqua dams using stochastic simulation models. This was achieved by firstly determining tilapia growth and biomass using nonlinear (von Bertalanffy, Logistic, and Gompertz) growth function models per substrate (net, plastic and stone). The parameters were extracted from the Logistic growth model since it had a better fit and were subsequently used in the Monte Carlo simulation for both tilapia growth and biomass models per substrate. The mean absolute error and root mean square error values for both the tilapia growth and biomass models showed that the models were a good fit. The simulated tilapia growth model showed that tilapia weight can exceed 800 g in 12 months in tanks with a net and plastic substrate. The model also showed that 70 kg/m2 can be achieved in 6 months in tanks with a plastic substrate. The first-order stochastic dominance confirmed that the plastic substrate enhanced tilapia growth and biomass. Sensitivity analysis showed that tilapia growth and biomass were most affected by temperature, total phosphate, total nitrogen and periphyton abundance. The model showed that periphyton-based aquaculture has great potential.
This study investigated the interactive effects of lysine restriction, crude protein (CP) reduction and vitamin fortification +/- insoluble fibre (Arbocel (R)) - on skeletal integrity, locomotion and behaviour of broilers. A 2 & times; 2 & times; 2 + 1 factorial design tested nine diets in 756 male Ross308 broilers from d10 to 40. The factors included lysine (6.2% and 5.7% of dLys/CP), two vitamin levels (standard and high), and fibre (0 or 5 g/kg) + Ross-based control. A 12% CP reduction numerically increased the tibial fracture force (approximate to 13.1 N) (P > 0.05). Insoluble fibres increased the bone ash weight (P < 0.05), while lysine and vitamin showed no main effects. The control had the lowest level of bone phosphorus (P < 0.05). The apparent bone density was influenced by interactions, declining with decreasing lysine and vitamin contents but improving in high-vitamin diets without fibre. Significant Lysine & times; Fibre and Vitamin & times; Fibre interactions affected bone density and DBL/SHK.L, while lysine influenced DBL/SHK.L. Locomotor outcomes: gait improved with high vitamin/fibre intake, and lysine restriction reduced severe lameness (Gait score of 5) and influenced weight-adjusted gait (P = 0.007). Foot pad condition excellent (>= 98.8% FPLS0). The bone phosphorus content was strongly negatively predicted by dietary CP and lysine intake (R & sup2; = 0.507, p < 0.001). Findings guide the formulation of low-protein diets that maintain broiler welfare.
This study evaluated the effects of two herbal extract mixtures as alternatives to salinomycin on growth performance and physiological responses in broilers subjected to experimental coccidial challenge. A total of 840 Ross 308 broilers were assigned to four dietary treatments: a basal diet (CON), CON supplemented with 0.1% salinomycin (Group 1), CON supplemented with 0.015% herbal extract mixture (Group 2), and CON supplemented with 0.02% herbal extract mixture (Group 3). All birds were orally challenged with a 30-fold dose of a live coccidiosis vaccine at 14 days of age. During the post-challenge period, broilers in Group 1 and Group 3 showed significantly higher body weight gain (BWG) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with the control group (p < 0.05), whereas feed intake was not affected. Dietary treatments induced selective changes in blood biochemical and hematological parameters, including increased serum calcium and sodium concentrations and altered leukocyte profiles (p < 0.05). However, relative organ weights, fecal oocyst shedding, intestinal morphology, and circulating cytokine levels were not significantly affected by dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Notably, ZO-1 gene expression was upregulated in selected treatment groups (p < 0.05), while other barrier- and proliferation-related genes remained unchanged. Overall, these findings suggest that herbal extract supplementation improves growth performance in broilers under coccidial challenge primarily through modulation of host physiological responses rather than direct inhibition of parasite replication.
This study was conducted to describe indigenous Tswana sheep subpopulations based on morphometric traits and structural indices. Data on qualitative and quantitative traits were made on 1330 sheep of both sexes aged 1-3 years in southern and central AEZ. Fourteen structural indices were calculated from individual animal morphometric trait measurements. The data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System. Tswana sheep subpopulations significantly (p<0.05) varied in coat colour type, head and back profiles while other traits did not differ. Most sheep have a plain coat colour pattern (64.4%), multicoloured (48.5%), with the dominant traits being white skin coats, short fat tails with a thin tip, straight heads and back, semi-pendulous ears and polled. There was sexual dimorphism across subpopulations with rams exhibiting higher morphometric values than ewes, except Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources flock. The National Agricultural Research and Development Institute flock had significantly (p<0.05) higher biometric traits than their counterparts. Structural indices indicated that Tswana sheep are well balanced (body ratio: 1.00), with good thoracic development (>2.1) and rectangular (proportionality: 100). This indicates fitness, good respiratory adaptation and inclination of Tswana sheep towards meat-type aptitude. This study provides information key information for designing genetic improvement and conservation programmes for the sustainable utilization of indigenous sheep.
This study investigated the effects of replacing in-feed AGPs with either Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM), a three-strain Bacillus probiotic, or a coated butyric acid on the growth performance, digestive organ size and intestinal morphology of broiler chicks during the starter phase (0-14 days). Day-old, mixed-sex Cobb 500 broiler chicks (n = 300) were randomly allocated to experimental pelleted basal starter diets containing (1) 300 g/ton zinc bacitracin and 500 g/ton salinomycin (positive control; PC), (2) 1000 g/ton MOLM, (3) 500 g/ton three-strain Bacillus probiotic (PROB), (4) 1000 g/ton coated butyric acid (ORGA) and (5) no additives (negative control; NC). At d7 and d14, PC birds had higher bodyweights and FCR, followed by ORGA and PROB fed birds. MOLM fed birds had the heaviest small intestines (p < 0.05), while the NC group had the lightest; with heaviest (p < 0.05; 9.67) caecum in both the MOLM and NC birds compared to those in the PC (9.33), ORGA (7.00) and PROB (7.00). Jejunal villi length was significantly longer (p < 0.05) in the NC birds (511.37) then MOLM (505) and PC had the shortest (348.75). The three AGP alternatives tested showed optimum response in production parameters and beneficial effects on intestinal development, highlighting their potential as a functional feed additive in early broiler growth. Additionally, with high hygienic-biosecurity standards, NC treatment can be just as effective.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with cinnamon and silver nanoparticles (Cin/Ag-NPs) on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, inflammatory biomarkers, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. A total of 600 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to six treatments with five replicate pens per treatment (20 birds per pen, n = 5 pens/treatment). The experimental diets were: NC group, broilers fed a basal diet without cinnamon or silver nanoparticles; PC, Broiler chickens fed a basal diet and supplied with drinking water containing 7 ppm silver nanoparticles; Cin 1, Cin 2 groups: Broiler chickens fed a basal diet supplemented with 150 and 300 ppm cinnamon respectively; Cin/Ag-NPs -1, 2 groups: Broiler chickens fed a basal diet with 150 or 300 ppm dietary cinnamon in conjunction with 7 ppm silver nanoparticles. Dietary supplementation with cinnamon and silver nanoparticles positively affected growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, inflammatory biomarkers, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. Average daily gain increased and feed conversion ratio improved progressively from NC to PC, Cin-1, Cin-2, and Cin/Ag-NPs groups. Antioxidant indices with the greatest effects observed in Cin/Ag-NPs-supplemented birds. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced, whereas anti-inflammatory and serum immunoglobulins increased in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, cecal Lactobacilli SPP populations were elevated and E. coli counts decreased progressively from NC to Cin/Ag-NPs groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Cin/Ag-NPs, particularly at 300 ppm cinnamon with 7 ppm Ag-NPs, effectively enhanced growth performance, antioxidant defense, immunity, and gut health in broiler chickens, suggesting its potential as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.
