An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of graded concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) in diet on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and immune response of CARI- Nirbheek chickens under tropical environments. CARI-Nirbheek is an improved indigenous dual-purpose chicken variety developed by the Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), India, for rural backyard poultry production under tropical conditions. A total of 288-day-old chicks were randomly allotted to nine dietary treatments containing three levels of ME (2,900, 2,700, and 2,500 kcal/kg) and three levels of CP (20, 18, and 16

Background Betulinic acid (BA) has shown potent anti-oxidant activity and ameliorated kidney injury in rodent models in our previous studies. Therefore, we were keen to address the prospects of BA in age-related renal changes which are still far from clear. Methods Male rats of different age viz. 2 months (young group) and 15 months (old group) received vehicle orally for 90 days. Additionally, 15 months rats in another group were treated with BA at 10 mg/kg body weight dose orally for 90 days (old+BA group). All rats were sacrificed on day 91. Results Old rats exhibited elevated nitrite, reactive oxygen species, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde in kidney and advanced oxidation protein products in serum. In addition, renal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression was negligible revealing age-related oxidative damage and suppressed anti-oxidant proteins in kidney which was uncommon in young rats. These, oxidative changes in old rats were countered by BA. Further, BA treatment was found to down-size the excretion of high molecular weight (HMW) proteins in urine probably through reconditioning of age-prone structural alterations in the kidney by impeding the developments such as expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (myofibroblast marker), basement membrane thickening, extracellular matrix deposition, swollen mitochondria and presence of apoptotic signs in nucleus, the denting findings which were frequently evident in untreated old rats. Conclusion Our results suggest that BA could be an agent for reducing oxidants and oxidant-linked renal damage in aged subjects.

The current study investigated the effects of a novel feed supplement (NFS) on nutrient intake, body weight, body condition score, energy balance, metabolic profile, and mineral status in dairy cows during early lactation. A total of 12 postpartum crossbred lactating cows were randomly divided into two groups (n=6): acontrol group (CON) and anovel feed supplement group (NFS), with experimental feeding conducted over a 90-day period. The CON group was fed a diet consisting of green fodder, wheat straw, and a concentrate mixture, whereas the NFS group received the same diet supplemented with a novel feed supplement @ 0.25% of body weight. Results showed that cows in the NFS group had a higher voluntary feed intake compared to the CON group. Body weights and body condition scores remained comparable between both groups. Cows fed with NFS had significantly higher serum glucose and lower serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels than those in the CON group. Additionally, haemoglobin, hematocrit, serum total protein, albumin, and urea levels were significantly elevated in the NFS group, while serum ALT levels were reduced compared to the CON group. Serum levels of key minerals (Ca, iP, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) were also enhanced in the NFS group. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of the novel feed supplement at 0.25% of body weight significantly improved nutrient intake, energy balance, metabolic profile, and mineral status in lactating crossbred cows during the early postpartum period.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic potential of two tropical seaweeds, Gracilaria salicornia (red seaweed) and Turbinaria conoides (brown seaweed), in comparison with the established prebiotic Chicory (Cichorium Intybus), and to assess their effects on nutrient utilization and gut health indices in adult Labrador dogs. The experiment followed a 4 × 4 Latin square design involving four adult Labrador Retrievers (∼7 years old; BW 16.48 ± 2.63 kg), four dietary treatments, and four experimental periods of 21 days each, with the final four days designated for sample collection. Dogs in the control group (CON) received a basal diet formulated to meet nutrient requirements (NRC, 2006), while those in groups CH, TC, and GS were supplemented with chicory (Chicory), Turbinaria conoides, and Gracilaria salicornia, respectively, at 3% of dietary dry matter. Supplementation with GS, TC, and CH had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on feed intake, palatability, or body weight. Fecal characteristics, including fecal score, pH, defecation frequency, daily fecal output, and fecal moisture and dry matter content, were also comparable among the groups (P > 0.05). The mean fecal Lactobacillus count showed an increasing trend in the GS group, while coliform counts remained unaffected. The GS group exhibited a higher (P < 0.05) fecal Bifidobacterium count and a lower (P < 0.05) Clostridium count compared with the other treatments. Fecal ammonia levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control group, whereas fecal lactate concentration was significantly increased (P < 0.01) in the GS group. Additionally, the volatile fatty acid profile was significantly improved (P < 0.05) with GS supplementation. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters remained within normal physiological ranges and were not significantly affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05); however, serum glucose concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in all supplemented groups compared with the control. Overall, dietary inclusion of Gracilaria salicornia (3% DM) showed the most pronounced benefits by favorably modulating gut health representative fecal bacterial populations and fermentation metabolites, indicating its potential as a prebiotic for adult Labrador dogs.

Betulinic acid (BA) has been shown to exhibit various pharmacological activities and it has shown the protective effect on acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic renal failure (CRF); however, no reports are available on its effect on ARF-CRF transition. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of BA on ARF-CRF transition. A single dose of 250 mg/kg body weight (BW) intraperitoneal injection of folic acid was given in mice for inducing ARF-CRF transition (injury group; I) on day 1. Further, excess of these mice received BA at 30 mg/kg BW dose for 3 days (on days 1, 2, 3) in one group (IT3) and for 7 days (on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28) in another group (IT7). All mice were sacrificed on day 28. Mice in injury group (I) showed elevated serum creatinine along with oxidative stress markers like urine nitrite, tissue lipid peroxidation, nitrotyrosine and fibrotic markers such as tissue α-smooth muscle actin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity. They had attenuated levels of urine creatinine and tissue reparative cytokines viz. interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. Excess of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix in the interstitia and periglomerular area in microscopy further support these findings. Seven days of BA treatment regimen (IT7) significantly improved serum and urine parameters accompanied by reduced oxidative stress, improved reparative cytokines and lesser maladaptive matrix deposition. The above findings reveal that weekly BA treatment regimen has potential to prevent development of CRF after ARF.

The poultry sector in India plays a vital role in rural income and nutritional security, with increasing focus on improved indigenous breeds like CARI-Shyama which is cross of Kadaknath and CARI Red, noted for their adaptability, black meat and disease resistance. Despite their growing importance, there is limited information on the optimal dietary energy and protein requirements for this breed, particularly concerning growth performance, serum biochemistry, and immune parameters. This research aimed to fill this gap by systematically evaluating the effects of varying dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) levels on these parameters in growing CARI-Shyama chickens. A 14-week feeding trial was conducted using 360-day old CARI Shyama chicks assigned to nine dietary treatments in a 3×3 factorial design. The treatments combined three levels of energy (2500, 2700, and 2900 kcal/kg ME) with three levels of protein (16%, 18%, and 20% CP). Growth performance metrics, serum biochemical profiles, and immune responses were assessed using standard analytical and immunological assays. Results revealed that birds fed a diet containing energy (2500 kcal/kg ME) and crude protein (16% CP) exhibited optimum cumulative body weight gain, despite increased feed intake and a slightly higher feed conversion ratio (FCR), compared to higher energy and protein diets. Serum biochemical parameters indicated enhanced protein utilization at higher protein levels, while immune function, assessed via cell-mediated and humoral responses, remained unaffected across dietary treatments. In conclusion, a dietary regimen comprising 2500 kcal/kg ME and 16% CP adequately support growth, metabolic health, and immune competence in CARI Shyama chickens. These findings provide valuable insights for developing cost-effective, nutritionally balanced feeding strategies suitable for this slow-growing indigenous genotype, promoting sustainable backyard poultry production in India.

The study was carried out to ascertain the effect of feeding herbal formulation (A. marmelos and M. koenigii) on metabolic profile and reproductive performance of crossbred cows. Crossbred cows (24) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. Cows in CON (control) group were fed a diet comprised of green fodder, concentrate and wheat straw, while, the cows in HP (herbal powder), HPL (herbal pellets) and HEX (herbal extract) groups were offered CON diet having herbal powder (200gd−1), herbal pellets (200gd−1) and methanolic herbal extract (equivalent to 200 g herbal powder d−1), respectively. The cows were fed on treatment diets for 7 d and continued with CON diet up to one month. Hb levels were analogous among the treatments; however, haematocrit values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the HEX group relative to CON. Total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, serum glucose, total cholesterol, AST and ALT were comparable across the dietary treatments. Serum NEFA, urea and creatinine were lower (P < 0.01) in treatment groups relative to CON. Serum minerals viz. i-P, Cu, Zn, Mn and iron were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in all the treatments than CON. The conception at first insemination was considerably higher in HPL, HEX and HP groups relative to CON. Spinnbarkeit and pH values of cervical mucus were noticeably higher in HP, HPL and HEX groups. The typical fern pattern of cervical mucus exhibited higher conception rate in treatment groups. It may be concluded that the herbal formulation positively influenced metabolic parameters and reproductive performance in post-partum crossbred cows.

Climate change poses significant challenges to livestock production worldwide. Wherein, it affects communities in developing nations primarily dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry. Its direct and indirect deleterious effects on agriculture and animal husbandry includes aberrant changes in weather patterns resulting in disturbed homeorhetic mechanism of livestock vis a vis indirectly affecting nutrient composition of feed and fodder. The nutritional stress (i.e. non-availability of nutrients in the required quantity and quality for particular livestock) is the critical factor affecting livestock performance, productivity, and reproductive efficiency. Nutritional stress may arise from both macro- and micro- nutrient imbalances; however, micronutrients are of paramount importance in climate change context due to their role in various vital functions of body namely, body metabolism, production, reproduction, and health. The micronutrients, minerals and vitamins, when supplied in adequate quantity and proportion aid in mitigating the stress induced by climate change on animals. Here, we tried to discuss the impact of climate change induced stresses on milk production, reproduction, and metabolic acclimation of heat-stressed animals. Furthermore, emphasis is given on the importance of dietary micronutrients management strategies to support livestock health and resilience during changing climatic conditions. By addressing the nutritional needs of livestock, farmers can achieve sustainability and well-being in livestock production under changing climatic condition. Climate change induced stresses: effects and micronutrient-based strategies to address lowered livestock production and reproduction

This study explored the potential prebiotic properties of pulverized Jerusalem artichoke tuber (JAP) in pre- and post-weaned calves. Accordingly, 24 fifteen-day-old calves were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6). The groups received JAP supplementation at levels of 0 (CON), 1 (JAP1), 2 (JAP2), and 3 (JAP3) percent of dry matter intake (DMI) during the first 60 days of the 120-day experiment. Two 6-days digestion trials were conducted: one during the 4th week of the experiment (pre-wean), and the second during the tenth week (post-wean). Additionally, serum concentrations of cortisol and epinephrine were measured in both the pre- and post-weaning phases to assess the stress levels. Immunocompetence of the calves during both the stages was evaluated through lymphocyte proliferation response. In the pre-weaning phase, the calves supplemented with JAP had better (P<0.05) protein intake and digestion compared to the control group. In the post-weaning phase, the JAP supplemented groups exhibited significantly (P<0.05) improved digestibility coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and neutral detergent fiber. Although cortisol levels didn't show significant differences (P>0.05) between the groups during both pre-weaning and post-weaning stages, the post-weaning stage did reveal a significant reduction (P<0.05) in epinephrine levels in JAP1 compared to the other groups. Additionally, JAP supplementation enhanced (P<0.05) the calves' response to lymphocyte proliferation during the post-weaning phase. Considering the improved nutrient digestibility, enhanced systemic immunity, and reduced epinephrine levels observed in the JAP supplemented groups, RESULTS suggest that JAP may have promising potential as a prebiotic for calves.

Global warming causes heat stress (HS) in animals, impacting nutrient absorption and metabolism. Antioxidant nutrients are crucial for combating HS. This study assessed the impact of increased dietary Zn on nutrient utilization, mineral absorption, and expression of Zn homeostasis regulators, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), and heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) genes in rats under HS. Seventy-two four-week-old Wistar rats were assigned to six groups in a 3×2 factorial design, with three dietary Zn levels (14.6, 32.7, and 48.9 ppm) and two environments, thermo-neutral (TN) and HS, for 42 days, including 14 days of HS exposure. Results showed that HS reduced nutrient intake across Zn levels, though ether extract digestibility increased at 32.7 and 48.9 ppm Zn. Intake, excretion, and apparent daily absorption of Ca, P, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe were lower in HS than in TN groups. Hepatic metallothionein-1 (MT1) mRNA expression was downregulated in rats fed 14.6 and 32.7 ppm Zn compared to 48.9 ppm Zn under both environmental conditions. Duodenal Zinc transporter-1 (ZnT1) and Zrt- and Irt-like protein-1 (ZIP1) mRNA expression increased with dietary Zn under TN and HS conditions, respectively. Hepatic SOD1 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in HS groups, while hepatic HSP70 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated at 48.9 ppm Zn under HS. Present study suggests that, under HS conditions in rats, a higher dietary Zn level of 48.9 ppm may be optimal for improving Zn absorption, enhancing ZIP1, MT1, and HSP70 gene expression, and alleviating the negative effects of HS.

The present experiment aimed to establish the efficacy of a novel feed supplement (NFS) on nutrient intake, energy status, metabolic profile, milk yield, reproductive performance and its socio economic impact on problematic post-partum buffaloes under field condition. Twenty four post-partum buffaloes were randomly and equally assigned to CON and NFS groups for 120 days of experimental feeding period. The animals in CON group were fed on basal roughages and concentrate mixture @ 20% of DMI as per the farmers’ practices, whereas, buffaloes in NFS group were fed according to CON with additional novel feed supplement @ 0.25% of BW. The voluntary feed intake and average daily gain in body weight were increased in NFS than CON group. The buffaloes fed NFS diet exhibited higher Hb, haematocrit, serum glucose and lower NEFA. Serum minerals (Ca, iP, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn), metabolic hormones (T3, T4, GH, IGF-1) and total anti-oxidant capacity were enhanced in NFS group. The milk yield and conception rate were also improved significantly following strategic supplementation of NFS. Analyses of cost benefit of milk yield revelled that the benefit-cost ratio was improved in NFS fed buffaloes. Thus, it can be concluded that strategic supplementation the novel feed supplement @ 0.25% of BW significantly improved the nutrient intake, energy balance, metabolic profile, milk yield and reproduction performance of problematic buffaloes under field condition during early post-partum period.

The present investigation was carried out with the aim to establish the comparative efficacy of a canine-sourced probiotic meant for canine feeding and a conventional dairy-sourced probiotic. For this purpose, canine-origin Lactobacillus johnsonii CPN23 and dairy-origin Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 were evaluated for potential probiotics health benefits in the rat model. Forty-eight weaned Wistar rats enrolled in this experiment of 8 weeks were fed a basal diet and divided into three dietary treatments. Rats of group I enrolled as control (CON) were given MRS placebo at 1 mL/head/day, while rats of group II (LAJ) and III (LAC) were administered with overnight MRS broth grown-culture of L. johnsonii CPN23 and L. acidophilus NCDC15, respectively, at 1 mL/head/day (108 cfu/mL). The average daily gain and net gain in body weight were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in LAJ and LAC than in CON. Fecal and digesta biochemical attributes altered (p < 0.05) positively in response to both probiotics. Total fecal and pooled digesta SCFAs were higher (p < 0.05) in both LAJ and LAC than in CON. The microbial population in cecal and colonic digesta responded (p < 0.05) positively to both probiotics. The diameter of intestinal segments was higher (p < 005) in LAJ as compared to CON. The number and height of villi in jejunum tended to be higher in LAJ as compared to CON. The humoral immune response to sheep erythrocytes as well as chicken egg-white lysozyme was higher in LAJ as compared to CON. Overall, the results of the study have demonstrated the effectiveness of the canine-sourced L. johnsonii CPN23 as a potential probiotic, with a comparatively better response than the dairy-sourced L. acidophilus NCDC15. It could thus be recommended for use in feeding dogs to help augment their health.

Present experiment examined the supplementary effect of a tailor-made supplement to farmers’-based diet in crossbred calves. Male crossbred calves (15) were randomly allocated in 3 dietary treatments consisting of 5 calves in each. The dietary treatments were: Control- cereal straw-based diet with concentrate mixture as per the farmers’ practices; CS (customised supplement)- control diet with additional customised supplement @ 0.25% of BW; SD-standard diet. Serum glucose was higher in SD than control, however, CS had an intermediate response. The serum macro (Ca and i-P) and trace (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) minerals were higher in SD and CS than control. The serum T3 and T4 hormones were significantly higher in SD and CS than control group. The serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were significantly higher in SD than control groups, however, SD had an intermediate position. The total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) was significantly higher in SD and CS than control group. The relative mRNA expression of cytokines, viz. IL-2 and IL-4 was significantly higher in SD and CS than control group. The relative mRNA expression of leptin (LEP) was significantly higher and ghrelin (GHRL) was significantly lower in SD than control group, however, CS had a transitional position. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of the customised supplement (@ 0.25% BW) to farmers’-based diet significantly improved the serum glucose concentration, metabolic hormone profile, antioxidant capacity and relative mRNA expression of cytokines and genes involved in energy metabolism in crossbred calves.

The present experiment aimed to establish the efficacy of dietary inclusion of a novel feed supplement on plane of nutrition, milk yield, and its characteristics, reproductive events and circulating concentrations of reproductive hormones in dairy cows during early lactation. Twelve post-partum crossbred lactating cows were equally and randomly assigned to two dietary treatments for 90 days. The cows in CON (control) group were fed on green fodder and wheat straw-based diet with concentrate mixture, whereas, cows in NFS (Novel Feed Supplement) group were fed according to CON group with additional novel feed supplement @0.25% of BW. A comparative study of plane of nutrition revealed that both DCP and TDN were deficient in CON by 12.0 and 18.99%, respectively, however, it was sufficient in NFS group. The daily and total milk yield (kg), 4% FCM, ECM, fat and protein yields (g/d) were improved in NFS than CON group. The average composition of milk showed no significant difference throughout the study. The supplement fed cows had an evident early return of heat (26.20 d in NFS v/s 42.60 d in CON) with enhanced conception rate (66.7% in NFS v/s 50% in CON). The estradiol concentration (pg/ml) was reduced and progesterone concentration (ng/ml) was enhanced in NFS fed cows. In conclusion, incorporation of the novel feed supplement @0.25% of BW significantly improved the plane of nutrition, milk production and reproduction in lactating crossbred cows during the early post-partum period.

Background: The in-vitro nutrient digestibility and fermentation mimicking gastrointestinal process of pigs is a convenient method for rapid and cheaper measurement of degradation of feed ingredients. In the present study silage based diets containing varying levels of crude fibre were subjected to in vitro digestibility evaluation using pig faecal inoculum to determine the best crude fibre level for feeding pigs. Methods: Eight diets were prepared namely, B1, B2, V1, V2, V3, M1, M2 and M3 having 6.28, 8.43, 8.03, 10.0, 11.96, 8.17, 10.31 and 12.06 per cent crude fibre (on dry matter basis) respectively, where diets B1 and B2 were basal diets, V1, V2 and V3 contained vegetable waste silage; M1, M2 and M3 contained maize silage -as additional fibre source. An in-vitro study was carried out to investigate the nutrient digestibility of diets involving enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation using pig faecal inoculum. Result: The in-vitro total tract digestibility (IVTTD) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM) was significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in B1 diet than the other diets. The digestibility of DM, CP and OM of B2 diet was also significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than the M2, M3, V2 and V3 diets but comparable to M1 and V1 diets. The IVTTD of crude fibre (CF) was higher in V3 diet (25.85%) and lowest (P less than 0.001) in M1 diet (11.65%) and both showed a highly significant (P less than 0.001) difference (to other diets. The DM, CP and OM digestibility were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in the diets containing normal fibre sources than silage containing diets. Cumulative gas production (ml/0.5g feed) at 24 h of in-vitro fermentation were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in B2 (34.95) and B1 (31.00) diets than other diets. As the CF level in diets increased from 6 to 12%, the digestibility of nutrients linearly decreased except CF digestibility. It was revealed from the study that the level and sources of crude fibre in diets influenced the digestibility of nutrients.