This study compared the production of P. vannamei juveniles reared in a low salinity biofloc system during winter in northeastern Brazil in three stocking densities (75, 150, and 301 shrimp m −2 ), focusing on water quality and growth performance parameters. Shrimp (0.038 ± 0.08 g) were reared for 75 days in 700-L tanks without artificial heating for water temperature control and fed three times daily. Results illustrated that the treatment with 301 shrimp m −2 had higher mean values of total ammonia nitrogen compared with 75 shrimp m −2 , while the treatment with 150 shrimp m −2 had values similar to both other treatments. Treatments with 150 and 301 shrimp m −2 produced higher settleable solids volumes compared with 75 shrimp m −2 . Other water quality parameters did not differ significantly among treatments. The treatment with 75 shrimp m −2 was more effective in producing P. vannamei juveniles, achieving a survival rate above 82 %, higher growth rate, higher final weight, and a lower feed conversion ratio compared to the treatments with 150 and 301 shrimp m −2 . However, overall performance across all treatments was limited by the combined effects of low salinity and low temperature. Thus, maintaining water temperature within the optimal range for P. vannamei is crucial to optimize production and minimize losses, especially in low salinity conditions.
Abstract Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors and plays a crucial role in meeting the demand for nutritious and affordable food for billions of people worldwide. Nile tilapia is an economically important fish species that is widely farmed in over 140 countries. However, diseases affecting Nile tilapia significantly hinder the expansion and development of sustainable aquaculture. Recently, the industry has faced serious bacterial infections that have resulted in substantial losses for Nile tilapia farmers. These bacterial infections –including Aeromonas hydrophila , Yersinia ruckeri , Escherichia coli , Streptococcus aureus , Flavobacterium columnare , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Streptococcus agalactiae , Streptococcus iniae , and Edwardsiella tarda affect various parts of the fish such as the skin, eyes, kidneys, gills, and liver. The absence of effective disease prevention and appropriate biosecurity measures makes these infections a major threat to global Nile tilapia farming. Moreover, factors such as high nutrient levels, elevated water temperatures, and high fish density can promote bacterial growth, including that of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Strategies employed to combat diseases in tilapia include the use of feed supplements, herbal extracts, and vaccines. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the disease risks affecting Nile tilapia production, emphasizing the challenges related to these diseases and their treatment approaches. Moreover, it seeks to enhance understanding of country-specific bacterial diseases and addresses a critical gap in knowledge regarding health and disease pathways for sustainable aquaculture and the control strategies implemented thus far.
The study aimed to characterize the genetic structure with the use of SNP microarrays of three mountain sheep breeds: the Podhale Zackel (PZ), the Polish Mountain Sheep (PMS) and the Polish Colored Mountain Sheep (CMS), including the assessment of the size, nature and biological significance of genetic differences between them and to assess the usefulness of the obtained data in the implementation of conservation programs for populations at risk. The analyses were based on the data from OvineSNP50 BeadChip microarray (Illumina). The level of heterozygosity was similar for all analyzed breeds, and the value of the inbreeding coefficient of the studied populations was low. Comparing the genetic distances based on FST between the studied breeds, the highest values were noted between the PMS and CMS, and the lowest between the PZ and the PMS. Detailed studies of the genetic differentiation across the genome revealed the presence of differential selection signals. In addition, a common genome region located on chromosome 4 under selective pressure was detected, in which two genes were found (ISPD - a gene associated with the development of the nervous system, and SOSTDC1 - a gene associated with the morphogenesis of hair follicles). The possibility of obtaining comprehensive information on the genetic diversity of the studied populations indicates the usefulness of SNP microarrays in determining the genetic variability of native sheep breeds.
Fish gills are commonly attacked by Dactylogyrus vastator, which can quickly infect entire fish stocks and result in biological and financial losses. Chemotherapy remains the preferred option of treating D. vastator infestation in fish farm but these chemotherapy medications can have serious adverse effects and are costly. There must be new and environmentally acceptable therapies for the treatment and control of such kind of parasitic infestations in fishes. In order to control this potential parasite infestation, our study investigated the utilization of herbal leaves mixture extract (HLME) as a functional feed supplement. Four different isonitrogenous diets (300 g/kg crude protein) containing 0 g (control), 2 g, 4 g, or 6 g of HLME/kg of diet were prepared. For eight weeks, juvenile Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) weighing 5.1 +/- 0.09 g were fed with assigned diet six times a day until they appeared satiated. Following that, fish of each treatment group were treated with the solution of D. vastator (40 individual/L of water) for 14 days, they were rigorously watched for any signs of fish mortality. While fish survival was unaffected (P=0.326), dietary HLME levels considerably increased fish feed intake (P=0.001), body weight gain (P=0.003), and specific growth rate (P=0.001). Likewise, notable elevations were recorded in the concentration of PVC (P=0.003), Hb (P=0.011), RBCs (P=0.001), WBCs (P=0.004), and PLT (P=0.001) in Nile tilapia fed with enriched diets. Antioxidant profiles of fish fed with diet having various levels of HMLE were significantly elevated (P<0.05), while MDA level showed significant (P=0.001) decrease due to supplementation of HMLE in the diet of Nile tilapia. The immune response of fish suggested maximum elevation in activities of respiratory burst (1.3 mg mL-1; P=0.001)) and lysozyme activities (13.1 unit mg-1 protein; (P=0.013)), when they were fed with diets enriched with 6 g HMLE kg-1 diet. However, fish fed with the control diet presented the lowest values of these parameters. Additionally, there was a high and directly proportional decrease in post-challenge mortality in fish fed HLME. Fish nourished with 6 g HLME/kg diet showed a significantly lower (P=0.001) mortality rate (3.0%) as compared to the control group (54.6%). Overall, it can be concluded that HLME has not shown any ill effects on the well-being of Nile tilapia and optimal value (4.0 g/kg of diet) ameliorated immune response, intestinal morphometry, and antioxidant performance as well as resistance to Dactylogyrus vastator.
Full-fat rapeseed (FFRS) has potential as a sustainable ingredient in monogastric animal nutrition requiring no extensive processing. This study evaluated the effects of grinding and pelleting on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health of pigs fed diets containing FFRS. Forty-eight castrated male weaned piglets were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments in a 2 & times; 3 factorial design, varying by feed form (mash or cold-pelleted) and rapeseed particle size (whole, coarse, or fine ground). The experiment lasted 28 days, with FFRS included at 5% during the first 14 days and increased to 10% thereafter. Pelleting significantly improved final body weight, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during both the first period (0-14 days) and the entire trial (0-28 days) (P<0.001), whereas grinding had no significant impact on performance outcomes. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) coefficients of dry matter, valine, and most non-essential amino acids were significantly enhanced by pelleting (P <= 0.05), excluding cysteine and glutamic acid. Pelleting also increased liver weight, ileal digesta pH, ammonia content, and reduced digesta viscosity (P <= 0.05). Grinding alone influenced only the liver weight to body weight gain ratio (P <= 0.033) and caused minor changes in ileal histomorphology. Pelleting significantly increased the concentration of acetic acid in the cecal and colon digesta. In conclusion, pelleting of FFRS-based diets improved growth parameters and nutrient utilization of feed mixtures by weaned piglets, with minimal influence from grinding level in terms of particle size. These findings support the strategic use of raw FFRS in pig diets and highlight the role of physical processing in enhancing its nutritional value.
The intensification of aquaculture necessitates sustainable alternatives to synthetic growth promoters and antibiotics. Silybum marianum (milk thistle) has emerged as a promising phytogenic additive rich in silymarin, a flavonolignan complex with potent hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review synthesizes recent findings on the use of milk thistle in fish and crustacean diets, highlighting improvements in growth performance, hepatic function, antioxidant enzyme activity, and immune responses. Evidence indicates that silymarin stabilizes hepatocyte membranes, enhances detoxification pathways, and strengthens stress resilience, thereby reducing disease incidence and antibiotic dependence. Advances in nanoencapsulation and synergistic combinations with probiotics and selenium have further enhanced its bioavailability and efficacy. Despite encouraging outcomes, research gaps persist regarding standardized dosing, species-specific responses, long-term safety, and cost-effectiveness under farm conditions. Future studies should integrate molecular and omics approaches to clarify mechanisms and optimize formulations for commercial application. Overall, S. marianum represents a multifunctional, eco-friendly additive that supports sustainable and health-oriented aquaculture production.
Enterobacter cloacae is infrequently reported in milk samples and bovine mastitis. Here we report for the first time, the detection and phylogenomic analysis of an Enterobacter cloacae strain isolated from a raw milk sample obtained from a clinical mastitis-infected cow in Bangladesh using whole genome sequence analyses. Enterobacter cloacae strain BRMHR107Ecl belonged to sequence type ST84, belonging to a rarely reported ST in the Enterobacter genus. Phylogenomic analyses revealed that the strain is closely related to a strain previously isolated in Bangladesh. The closest relative to BR-MHR107Ecl was a strain isolated in 2016 from a human rectal swab sample in Nigeria. The BR-MHR107Ecl strain co-harbored beta-lactamase genes including blaDHA-1 and blaCMH-3-like. Other antimicrobial resistance genes were detected and included aminoglycoside resistance genes (aph(3 '')-Ib-like, aph(6)-Id), fluoroquinolone resistance gene (qnrB4) and sulphonamide resistance gene (sul1). The genome harbored an additional disinfectant resistance gene (qacE-like). Several plasmid replicons, including Col(pHAD28), IncFIA(HI1), IncFIB(K), IncR, and repB(R1701) were detected. Virulence genes encoding for heat-stable enterotoxin EAST-1 (astA) and lipoprotein NlpI precursor (nlpI) were detected. The multidrug resistance and virulence genes repertoire of BR-MHR107Ecl and its isolation from bovine mastitis milk render it a potentially significant public health concern, highlighting its emerging threat to dairy herds and underscoring the importance of genomic surveillance in food animals and non-clinical environment to detect emerging pathogens. This study will contribute to understanding the transmission of E. cloacae from farm-to-fork which requires collaborative and comprehensive One health approaches. The findings will help monitor the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in livestock-associated Enterobacter cloacae in the One Health context.
A 60-day feeding trial evaluated the effects of defatted black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) raised in environment controlled or open systems as fish meal (FM) replacers on whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) juveniles in brackish water (9 ppt). Nine experimental diets (36% crude protein, 372.49 Kcal digestible energy/100 g feed) replaced the FM with graded levels of defatted meals of BSFL raised in an environment controlled system (ECBSFL) or an open system (OSBSFL) at 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%. 1,080 juveniles (average. weight 2.0 +/- 0.25 g) were distributed into nine groups (triplicates, 40 shrimp per hapa) and fed four times daily. Shrimps fed on the ECBSFL75% diet had the best final body weight (18.43 +/- 0.11 g), weight gain percentage (773.22 +/- 8.21), specific growth rate (3.61 +/- 0.017%/day) and feed conversion ratio (1.36 +/- 0.01) and no significant changes in whole-body composition and survival rate. Protease activity (units/min/mg protein) was higher in the ECBSFL50% (3.11 +/- 0.19) and ECBSFL75% (3.61 +/- 0.15) groups, while the control group had higher lipase activity (0.46 +/- 0.02 units/hour/mg protein). The ECBSFL75% group showed higher hepatopancreatic AST (5.11 +/- 0.24) and ALT (2.99 +/- 0.28) activities (units/min/mg protein) and serum total protein (5.65 +/- 0.70 g/dl), while the OSBSFL100% group had higher serum glucose (81.07 +/- 3.36 mg/dl) but lower cholesterol (87.23 +/- 2.26 mg/dl) and triglycerides (128.51 +/- 0.65 mg/dl). Based on these results, it can be concluded that up to 75% of fish meal can be replaced with meal of BSFL raised in an environment controlled system at the inclusion level of 18.75%, or up to 50% with meal of BSFL raised in an open system at the inclusion level of 12.50% without adverse effects on the growth, nutrient utilization, physio-metabolic status, and immune responses of Penaeus vannamei reared in brackish water.
The effects of different dietary probiotics, Bacillus subtilis as live and killed (paraprobiotic) and their combination, were assessed in the current research on the growth, immunity, antioxidant system, and some serum biochemical parameters in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The fish were fed for 60 days across four treatment groups, each in three replicates. The diets included: 1) control diet: basal commercial diet, 2) probiotic (PRO): diet containing 1.5 & times; 10(6) CFU/g live Bacillus subtilis, 3) PAR: diet containing 1.5 & times; 10(6) CFU/g pressure-killed Bacillus subtilis (paraprobiotic or PAR) and 4) a combination of PRO + PAR. The growth and biochemical parameters were analyzed on days 30 and 60 of the study. Based on the findings, use of PRO and PAR in combination significantly improved growth performance (P<0.01). The combination of PRO + PAR significantly increased lysozyme and alternative complement (ACH(50)) activities, as well as immunoglobulin (IgM) level, compared to the control group (P<0.01). The PRO + PAR group demonstrated the highest immune responses at both day 30 and day 60, indicating a synergistic effect on immune enhancement. The expression of immune-related genes (CD4, IL-beta, MHC-I) was up-regulated in kidney of the treated fish, with the highest expression in PRO + PAR group (P<0.01). PAR and PRO, either separately or in combination, enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, gluthatione peroxidase) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (P<0.01). The group receiving both PRO and PAR exhibited the highest enzyme activities and TAC levels (P<0.01). Diets supplemented with PAR, PRO, and PRO + PAR induced an increase in serum albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) levels (P<0.01). In contrast, a notable reduction was seen in triglyceride (TG), glucose (GLU), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and creatinine (CR), with the highest decrease in PRO + PAR treatment (P<0.01). The intestinal Bacillus spp. count (BAC) exhibited an increase following PRO and PAR supplementation in the diet (P<0.01). Almost all growth, immune, and biochemical parameters were significantly higher at day 60 compared to day 30 (P<0.01). The results of this study highlight the positive effects of both live and killed Bacillus subtilis on growth, immune function, and overall health of rainbow trout. The data also indicate that the most favorable outcomes were achieved when both supplements were administered together, demonstrating their combined benefits.
This study investigated the effect of vitamin D-3 on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characteristics, as well as on periovarian adipose tissue (POAT) morphology and function, through the expression of key molecules involved in steroidogenesis in a letrozole-induced rat model of PCOS. Over a 21-day experimental period, 32 female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=8 per each group): control (C), vitamin D-3-supplemented (VD), letrozole-treated to induce PCOS (L), and letrozole plus vitamin D-3-treated (VD+L). PCOS induction was confirmed in the L group by increased body weight, acyclicity, ovarian cyst formation, and hyperandrogenism. Following vitamin D-3 treatment, single antral follicles in the ovary and a few nucleated epithelial cells in vaginal smears were observed in the VD+L group. The induction of PCOS increased the average size of periovarian adipocytes, whereas vitamin D-3 reversed this effect. Regarding the effect of vitamin D-3 on steroidogenesis in POAT, mRNA transcript and protein abundances of StAR protein and CYP17A1 were unchanged among groups. A decrease in CYP11A1 protein abundance was noted in the L and VD+L groups, alongside reduced 3 beta hsd transcript level. However, vitamin D-3 exerted the most pronounced effect on CYP19A1 expression, with significantly greater mRNA and protein abundances in the VD+L group than in the L group, suggesting enhanced 17 beta-estradiol synthesis. Overall, these findings highlight the crucial role of vitamin D-3 in modulating POAT steroidogenesis, which may in turn impact ovarian function and improve reproductive parameters in PCOS.
The majority of spleen tumours (STs) in dogs are malignant neoplasms with a poor prognosis. To understand the molecular basis of the disease, a number of papers on nuclear DNA (nDNA) have been published in recent years. However, the presented results still do not explain the commonness and aggressive course of STs. In the case of canine spleen neoplasms, the impact of the alterations on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is completely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify mtDNA variants based on whole mitochondrial genome sequences obtained from dogs diagnosed with spleen tumours with special regard to haemangiosarcomas (HSA). Samples of blood, tumour, and healthy tissue were collected from animals, and mtDNAs (ultimately 57 samples) were subsequently sequenced. Based on obtained molecular variants, protein analyses were performed for non-synonymous changes. The total number of observed alterations included 1011 SNPs, 20 mutations, 45 indels, 10 indel mutations, and 37 heteroplasmic sites. The highest number of mtDNA variants in protein-coding genes was observed in the COX1, COX3, ND4, ND5, ND1, and ATP6 genes. Most of the identified mtDNA defects were synonymous changes at the amino acid level. In the non-coding region, the highest number of polymorphisms was observed in the hypervariable region I (HVI), and heteroplasmic sites were commonly identified in the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) region, especially in its fragment spanning 16,148-16,418 bp. The analyses indicate nine SNPs that occurred in all the samples. The total number of mtDNA changes varied from 26 to 123 between the animals. However, if the variants occurred first in 12s rRNA and 16s rRNA, an increased number of mtDNA alterations were observed in the canine mtDNA genome (from 55 to 123).
As rabbits' production is one of the most profitable sectors involved in contributing high-quality animal products, finding promising strategies to enhance this production is crucial, particularly under stressful circumstances. Antibiotics were widely employed as growth stimulants in animal production, however their use has been banned since 2006 within the European Union. Therefore, searching for ecologically friendly alternatives to enhance animal's health and ensure safe and superior quality of animal products is urgent. This review article spotlighted on the use of some nutraceutical feed additives, emphasizing probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, phytobiotics, acidifiers, enzymes, and algae, and their effects on the general health status of rabbits in various productive categories. These natural substitutes show growth promoting, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and hypocholesterolemic impacts. Nutraceuticals also have the ability to stimulate the natural gut microbial eubiosis and homeostasis, and consequently improve digestibility, productive efficiency, and carcass quality of rabbits. Besides, they showed antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-stimulant effects. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these natural nutraceutical alternatives depends on the used strain and the chemical structure of the product, and the produced secondary metabolites, as well as health status, age, and productive category of the fed rabbits. Limited number of such studies have been done on rabbits, therefore, further research work is needed to explain the pathogenesis and get recommended doses of these nutraceuticals at the different production cycles of rabbits.
Liquid storage of semen is of practical interest in the management of native chickens kept under biodiversity conservation programs. The objective of this study was to examine semen quality from native Polish Crested (PCr) in comparison to Hy-Line Brown (HLB) roosters, and to assess the effect of short-term storage on semen quality. The evaluation of semen collected from 12 roosters (5 times) was performed at 0, 24 and 48 h of storage using CASA and a flow cytometer. Fresh PCr semen was characterized by good quality, with the proportions of total motility (MOT) and viable sperm greater than 93.0%, while the proportion of sperm with apoptotic and chromatin changes (DFI) was below 5.0%. The proportion of PCr apoptotic sperm, with chromatin and membrane damage was lower after storage than that of HLB. Thus, the gradual increase in DFI (%) after 24 and 48 h compared to 0 h was about half as large in PCr as in HLB. However, semen storage resulted in a similar gradual reduction in MOT and similar moderate changes in sperm kinetic motility parameters in both genetic groups. The PCA analysis of sperm parameters revealed three principal components, explaining more than 80.0% of the cumulative variance. On the basis of the relationship between sperm parameters, it is possible to reduce the semen dataset, thereby possibly improving the assessment of future fertility. In summary, MOT, motility parameters and DNA integrity were more affected than other sperm functions during storage of PCr semen. The results can be used to create guidelines to support breeding programs for native poultry breeds worldwide.
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal is a sustainable aquafeed protein source for crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. The BSFL meal is high in protein (35-60%), lipids (17-49%), antimicrobial peptides, bioactive substances and biopolymer chitin. The use of BSFL meal in crustacean aquaculture has several benefits, including replacing fishmeal (FM), reducing feed cost, and having no adverse environmental impacts. A variety of factors, including rearing technology, optimization of substrate, and processing methods, were found to influence the nutrient profile and digestibility of crustaceans. In addition, growth performance, feed conversion, immunity, and disease resistance of crustacean species were reported, when fishmeal was partially or completely replaced in their diets. The feed safety regulations, microbial contamination, heavy metal load, variations in proximate composition, and varying levels of amino acids across larval stages were considered as major obstacles. Further, the economic feasibility of insect-derived feeds also depends upon consumer acceptability and the production of insect-based feeds on a large scale. However, future research investigations should focus on replacing insufficient nutrients, improving processing, and conducting long-term feeding experiments. Incorporating BSFL feed into crustacean aquaculture could substantially promote circular bioeconomy goals while improving industrial resilience.
The rise of antibiotic resistance and increasing environmental concerns have accelerated the demand for effective, sustainable alternatives to conventional therapeutics in aquaculture. Medicinal plants have emerged as promising candidates due to their diverse bioactive compounds, which exhibit strong immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. However, the biological efficacy of plant-based interventions varies greatly depending on the specific plant part utilized. This meta-analysis systematically evaluated the differential effects of ethanol-extracted plant parts-roots, leaves, fruits, flowers, stems, and whole plants-on key immune and antioxidant markers in fish. Thirty peer-reviewed studies were included, with a combined sample size exceeding 8,000 fish. Immune-related outcomes such as white blood cell (WBC) count and lysozyme activity, as well as oxidative stress biomarkers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were analysed. The results demonstrated that leaf and root extracts were the most effective in enhancing immune responses and antioxidant enzyme activities, significantly upregulating SOD and CAT while reducing MDA levels. Notably, leaf extracts showed superior efficacy in increasing lysozyme activity and WBC counts. Conversely, fruit extracts were associated with increased MDA, indicating potential pro-oxidant effects. Subgroup analyses confirmed significant heterogeneity based on plant part, highlighting the need for selective use. This review confirms that the choice of plant part critically determines the health-promoting effects of medicinal plants in fish. The main conclusion from this review is that leaf and root extracts represent the most reliable plant parts for enhancing immune function and oxidative stability in aquaculture species.
A2 milk, produced by cows which are homozygous for the A2 beta-casein genotype (A2A2 beta-CN), has recently attracted increasing attention for its potential health benefits, especially for individuals with certain conditions. However, from an industrial perspective, it is essential to consider the technological challenges and implications associated with the processing of A2 milk. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of the beta-CN genetic variant in milk of Simmental cows on the physicochemical, sensory and microbiological quality of selected types of fermented milks. Probiotic yoghurt (ABT-yoghurt), kefir and cultured milk were produced from A2 beta-CN milk and compared with those produced from A1 beta-CN milk in terms of chemical composition, acidity, antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power and scavenging activity against DPPH radicals), sensory and microbiological quality, instrumental texture and colour profiles, as well as rheological characteristics. The study found no significant differences in basic chemical composition, acidity, antioxidant properties and microbial quality between A1 and A2 fermented milks. Textural and rheological differences related to the beta-CN variant were more pronounced in probiotic yoghurts made from A2 milk, which exhibited higher hardness and viscosity, as well as lower structural resistance to deformation. Colour stability remained high across all variants and storage times, with no visually perceptible differences. The sensory quality of cultured milk was rated higher in the A2 variant compared to the A1 variant, due to its better consistency and appearance. In conclusion, A2 milk is well-suited for the production of various types of fermented milk, maintaining microbiological and sensory quality, providing good consistency and texture, though it may need gentler post-production handling.
Zearalenone (ZEA) contamination in aquafeeds poses a significant risk to the health and productivity of aquatic organisms, necessitating strategies to mitigate its toxic effects. The present study investigated the toxicological effects of dietary ZEA and evaluated the ameliorative potential of sodium metasilicate supplementation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus; weight =19.98 +/- 0.19 g) during a 75-day feeding trial. Four experimental diets were formulated: a control diet without additives (D1), a diet supplemented with ZEA at 1 mg/kg (D2), a diet containing sodium metasilicate at 0.5 g/kg (D3), and a combined diet with both ZEA and sodium metasilicate (D4). The results indicated that exposure to ZEA (D2) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced growth performance and feed utilization efficiency, increased hepatic enzyme activities (ALT and AST), reduced total protein and globulin levels, and disrupted lipid metabolism. ZEA markedly (P < 0.05) suppressed serum immunoglobulin M (IgM), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), while increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. ZEA significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated hepatic expression of genes associated with growth (GHR, IGF), antioxidant defense (GPx, CAT), and immune function (LYZ, C3). In contrast, silicate supplementation (D3) improved growth indices, enhanced antioxidant and immune responses, and upregulated the aforementioned genes. The combined treatment group (D4) exhibited partial mitigation of ZEA-induced effects. These findings suggest that sodium metasilicate supplementation effectively counteracts ZEA-induced physiological, biochemical, and molecular impairments in Nile tilapia, thereby enhancing fish health and performance. This study highlights the potential of sodium metasilicate as a dietary detoxifying agent to safeguard aquaculture species against the adverse effects of feed-borne mycotoxins such as ZEA. Future studies should optimize silicate dosage, test its efficacy across mycotoxins and species, verify mechanisms through transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, and specifically address ZEA's reproductive effects to determine whether sodium metasilicate supplementation can also protect endocrine function.
The conservation and promotion of local pig breeds through targeted breeding initiatives, support for niche markets, and appropriate policy measures are crucial for halting the loss of genetic diversity and ensuring a resilient, adaptable pig production industry. This fact prompted a review of the literature on native pig breeds in Europe, which are valued for their adaptability to extensive systems, their contribution to biodiversity, and the high-quality meat characteristics they produce. This review aims to examine the contribution of non-improved pig breeds to meat quality and identify the sources of the underlying differences. This paper synthesizes performance and meat quality data from major Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern European breeds, highlighting substantial diversity in growth rates, carcass yields, and physicochemical meat parameters. Despite slower growth and variable yields, many native breeds produce meat with favourable water-holding capacity, rich colour profiles, and distinct textural properties, characteristics linked to traditional feeding regimes and longer fattening cycles. The results underscore the potential of native pig breeds, not only in preserving regional heritage, but also in delivering premium-quality pork for niche markets. Understanding their growth dynamics, carcass composition, and meat characteristics is essential for developing sustainable, high-value pork chains across Europe.
The research aimed to determine whether the yolk sac resorption rate, the maternal antibody levels, as well as the efficiency of the immune system of growing turkeys may be affected by early administration of antibiotics and feeding a diet containing a coccidiostat. The experiment was conducted in a 3 & times; 2 factorial design, which included 3 groups of birds (CON, ENR, DOX), each of which was fed with or without monensin (+, -). The CON groups did not receive antibiotic supplementation (control groups), while those in the ENR groups received enrofloxacin at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) for the first 5 days of life, and those in the DOX groups received doxycycline at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW for the first 5 days of life. The CON-, ENR-, DOX- groups did not receive monensin in their diet, while those in the CON+, ENR+, DOX+ groups received monensin at a dose of 90 mg/kg of feed. Adding monensin to the diet significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.01) and body weight in 3-day-old and 7-day-old turkey hens (P < 0.05). Early enrofloxacin administration increased anti-ORT antibody titers in 1-day-old turkeys (P < 0.05), while monensin supplementation decreased several antibody titers such as anti-MPV, anti-NDV, and anti-ORT (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulin levels (IgY and IgM) and T cell percentages (CD4(+), CD8(+)) were also significantly reduced in young turkeys fed monensin (P < 0.01 to P < 0.05). Monensin disturbs passive and specific immunity, especially in young turkeys. Early enrofloxacin or doxycycline administration to young turkeys may lead to undesirable changes in the developing immune system, including impaired humoral immunity in later life. Enrofloxacin administration to turkeys in the first five days of life and feeding them a diet containing the coccidiostat monensin strongly stimulated the immune system, which in consequence caused changes in the immune system, indicating immunosuppression in the period distant from the enrofloxacin administration. The early administration of the antibiotics enrofloxacin or doxycycline with a diet without coccidiostat or containing the coccidiostat monensin did not affect the turkeys' growth performance.
This review paper elucidates the most prevalent mycotoxins or mycotoxin combinations in feeds or foods and the possible hazard of mycotoxins occurrence for appearance of certain foodborne ailments in animals or humans. Studies on the occurrence of different mycotoxin combinations in various food commodities in different countries are briefly evaluated. The underestimated hazard of masked/modified mycotoxins and multiple mycotoxin exposure of humans or animals is also evaluated in relation to the current mycotoxin regulations. The risk assessment and risk management of such contamination of food commodities is briefly elucidated. Some natural detoxification methods as a safe approach to prevent adverse effects of target mycotoxins or mycotoxins combination are briefly reviewed. Some tips are given for the safe utilization of mycotoxin-contaminated feed/food by using target biological or/and natural supplements and/or mycotoxin binders. Safety and quality control measures throughout the entire food supply chain are proposed to prevent some target foodborne ailments. The real toxic effects of some target combinations of mycotoxins, as occurred in the real practice, are also assessed and some lower limit values are proposed in such cases.
