Interactions between maternal parity and feed additives drive the composition of pig gut microbiomes in the post‑weaning period

Background Nursery pigs undergo stressors in the post-weaning period that result in production and welfare chal-lenges.These challenges disproportionately impact the offspring of primiparous sows compared to those of mul-tiparous counterparts.Little is known regarding potential interactions between parity and feed additives in the post-weaning period and their effects on nursery pig microbiomes.Therefore,the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal parity on sow and offspring microbiomes and the influence of sow parity on pig fecal microbi-ome and performance in response to a prebiotic post-weaning.At weaning,piglets were allotted into three treat-ment groups:a standard nursery diet including pharmacological doses of Zn and Cu(Con),a group fed a commercial prebiotic only(Preb)based on an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,and a group fed the same prebiotic plus Zn and Cu(Preb+ZnCu).Results Although there were no differences in vaginal microbiome composition between primiparous and mul-tiparous sows,fecal microbiome composition was different(R^(2)=0.02,P=0.03).The fecal microbiomes of primiparous offspring displayed significantly higher bacterial diversity compared to multiparous offspring at d 0 and d 21 post-weaning(P<0.01),with differences in community composition observed at d 21(R^(2)=0.03,P=0.04).When analyzing the effects of maternal parity within each treatment,only the Preb diet triggered significant microbiome distinc-tions between primiparous and multiparous offspring(d 21:R^(2)=0.13,P=0.01;d 42:R^(2)=0.19,P=0.001).Composi-tional differences in pig fecal microbiomes between treatments were observed only at d 21(R^(2)=0.12,P=0.001).Pigs in the Con group gained significantly more weight throughout the nursery period when compared to those in the Preb+ZnCu group.Conclusions Nursery pig gut microbiome composition was influenced by supplementation with an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,with varying effects on performance when combined with pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu or for offspring of different maternal parity groups.These results indicate that the development of nursery pig gut microbiomes is shaped by maternal parity and potential interactions with the effects of dietary feed additives.

Analysis Method and Application of Multiple Antiquities Sources in the Shahejie Formation of the Paleogene in the Southern Bohai Sea

B Oilfield is the most representative mid to deep oil field in the Bohai Sea, with the main oil bearing intervals being the upper and middle Shahejie-3 sections of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation. Through the development of ancient landforms, characterization of material source channels, analysis of missing heavy mineral sources, and seismic reflection characteristics of multiple material source missing, the material sources of the middle and upper Shahejie-3 sections are analyzed. During the sedimentation period of the II oil formation in the middle section of the Shasan Formation, the study area was mainly dominated by the Kendong Uplift source rocks;During the sedimentation period of the I oil formation in the middle section of the Shasan Formation, there were three material sources in the study area, namely the Kendong Uplift, the Laibei Low Uplift, and the Weibei Uplift. The Kendong Uplift was the main material source, followed by the Laibei Low Uplift;During the sedimentation period of the Upper Shasan Formation, the study area still had three sources of material supply simultaneously. At this time, the Laibei Low Uplift was the main source area, while the Kendong Uplift and Weibei Uplift had a relatively small supply capacity for the study area. In the analysis of archaeological sources, the distribution characteristics of the sedimentary system in the third section of the Shahejie Formation have been clarified, providing a research basis for the later development and adjustment of the oilfield.

Nutritional strategies for reducing nitrogen, phosphorus and trace mineral excretions of livestock and poultry

Animal agriculture contributes to environmental pollutions through the surplus nitrogen（N）, phosphorus（P）, and trace minerals that animals excrete. Animal nutritionists have sought alternatives to formulate more efficient diets and reduce production costs and environmental concerns. In general, element excretions may be reduced by avoiding the overfeeding of specific elements or using nutritional approaches to improve element utilizations by the animals. Several nutritional strategies are possible for minimizing N, P, and trace mineral excretions： 1） to accurately meet dietary N, P and trace mineral requirements of animals, which includes reducing the dietary crude protein contents with synthetic amino acids or feeding high rumenally undegraded protein, minimizing the adequate levels of dietary P and trace elements, adopting phase or group-feeding program, and considering the bioavailable trace mineral contents in the feed ingredients; 2） to improve the bioavailabilities of dietary N, P, and trace elements for animals by using some additives（enzymes, growth promoters, probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D isomers, and organic acids）; 3） to use highly available P sources or organic trace elements. In the future, nutrient strategies must be integrated into total production systems so that animal production systems are environmentally safe as well as economically viable.

Antioxidant capacity and concentration of redox-active trace mineral in fully weaned intra-uterine growth retardation piglets

Background： The redox status of intra-uterine growth retardation（IUGR） piglets post-weaning has been poorly studied.Methods： Newborns from twenty-four sows were weighted, weaned at 21 d and fed a starter diet until sampling.Sampling was done at 14 d post-weaning. A piglet was defined as IUGR when its birth weight was 2 SD below the mean birth weight of the total population. At weaning, eighteen piglets with nearly equal body weight from each category（i.e. IUGR or normal birth weight（NBW） piglets） were selected and then allocated to two treatments,consisted of six replicates with each pen having three piglets.Results： Compared with NBW group, IUGR significantly decreased average daily gain（P 〈 0.001）, average daily feed intake（P = 0.003）, and feed efficiency（P 〈 0.001） of piglets during the first two weeks post-weaning. IUGR decreased the activities of total antioxidant capacity（P = 0.019）, total superoxide dismutase（T-SOD, P = 0.023）,and ceruloplasmin（P = 0.044） but increased the levels of malondialdehyde（P = 0.040） and protein carbonyl（P = 0.010） in plasma. Similarly, the decreased activities of T-SOD（P = 0.005）, copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase（Cu/Zn-SOD, P = 0.002）, and catalase（P = 0.049） was observed in the liver of IUGR piglets than these of NBW piglets. IUGR decreased hepatic Cu/Zn-SOD activity（P = 0.023） per unit of Cu/Zn-SOD protein in piglets when compared with NBW piglets. In addition, IUGR piglets exhibited the decreases in accumulation of copper in both plasma（P = 0.001） and liver（P = 0.014）, as well as the concentrations of iron（P = 0.002） and zinc（P = 0.048） in liver. Compared with NBW, IUGR down-regulated m RNA expression of Cu/Zn-SOD（P = 0.021） in the liver of piglets.Conclusions： The results indicated that IUGR impaired antioxidant capacity and resulted in oxidative damage in fully weaned piglets, which might be associated with the decreased levels of redox-active trace minerals. This study highlights the importance of redox status in IUGR offspring and provides a rationale for alleviating oxidative damage by dietary interventions aiming to supplement trace minerals and to restore redox balance in the future.

Hydroxychloride trace minerals have a positive effect on growth performance,carcass quality and impact ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens

Background:The objective was to study the effect of hydroxychloride trace minerals(HTM)on growth performance,carcass quality and gut microbiota of broiler chickens in comparison to sulphate trace minerals(STM).In total 1440 male Ross 308 day-old chicks were divided into 12 replicate pens with 30 birds each per treatment.Four different treatments were tested according to a 2×2 factorial study design,where the animals received a three phase diet containing either inorganic Zn from sulphates or Zn from HTM in high(80 mg/kg Zn)or low Zn dosage(20 mg/kg Zn).In all treatments 15 mg/kg Cu was added from the same mineral source as the Zn.Body weight and feed intake were measured on day 0,10,27 and 34,while carcass and breast meat yields were measured at the end of the study(day 34).In addition,high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed in digesta samples from ileum and cecum to study the gut microbiome(day 34).Results:The results showed an improved(P<0.05)body weight of broiler chickens fed HTM,regardless of Zn level,on day 27,while on day 34 this effect remained as a tendency(P=0.0542).In the overall study period,birds fed HTM had a higher(P<0.05)average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared to birds fed STM.The mineral source did not affect the carcass characteristics,however,feeding 80 mg/kg Zn resulted in a significantly higher(P=0.0171)breast meat yield,regardless of source.High-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbiota revealed a higher microbial diversity in the ileum and cecum of HTM fed birds compared to STM fed birds.Taxonomical differences were mainly found in the cecum,specifically between the group fed high and low Zn levels from HTM.This correlated with the mineral contents observed in the cecal digesta.Comparing both groups fed 80 mg/kg Zn,the HTM group had more Streptococcaceae,Streptococcus,Clostridia,Weissella and Leuconostocaceae compared to the STM group.Conclusions:HTM improved growth performance of broiler chickens;and the source and level of Zn modulated the gut microbiota communities in broilers differentially.

Estimate Erosion in Ladiz Dam in Sistan and Baluchistan with Use of Trace Minerals—South East Iran

A survey uses this new information: the statistical calculation and interpretation to determine the characteristics of sediments in the reservoir’s “Dodar Ladiz” dam. It is a useful and efficient way to use clay minerals as mineral tracer for identifying the sources and assessing erosion rate in the Dodar Ladiz dam watershed in a statistical method. The existence of four main clay minerals includes Kaolinite, Montmorillonite, Illite and Chlorite. The estimated watershed erosion rate is 2220.64 tons per square kilometer per year. Data ANOVA table in the inter/intra group communication of the clay minerals in the Dodar Ladiz dam watershed samples is shown by F-test statistics;there is a significant difference between the frequency of clay minerals in the samples with 95% confidence rate (P value < 0.05). Therefore, they can be divided into six groups. The average rates of the clay minerals are not equal in any of homogeneous hydrological reservoir units of the dam. Kruskal-Wallis test shows that the rate of frequency of Iolite mineral is identical among all samples of the hydrologic units and the dam reservoir;this mineral cannot be used as a tracer to identify the source. Reviewing the obtained data from statistical tests and studying clay minerals as a trace in determining the rate of degradation of upstream catchment “Dodar Ladiz” dam, it shows that the maximum annual erosion rate is 994.85 tons per sq/km, in the basin A within a 105.13 square kilometers area. Among the most important factors involving erosion and production of basin sediments, we can refer to lithology as the most critical factor and tectonic features, topography and climate as minor factors.

Complexed amino acid minerals vs.bis-glycinate chelated minerals:Impact on the performance of old laying hens

The present study was to evaluate the effect of trace minerals(Zn,Mn,and Cu)from complexed amino acid minerals(ZMCAA)and bis-glycinate chelated minerals(ZMCGly)in laying hen diets on performance,internal and external egg quality,yolk mineral deposition,intestinal morphometry,and bone characteristics.From 78 to 98 weeks of age,400 White LSL-Lite strain laying hens were distributed in a randomized design with 4 treatments with 10 replicates per treatment.Treatments were distributed in a 2×2 factorial arrangement using either Zn,Mn,and Cu of ZMCAA or ZMCGly source at 2 levels:low(20,20,and 3.5 mg/kg of Zn,Mn,and Cu,respectively)or high(40,40,and 7 mg/kg of Zn,Mn,and Cu,respectively).The analysis of variance was performed,and in cases where differences were observed,the means were compared using Tukey?s test(P<0.05).The source and level of trace mineral supplementation had a significant impact on the performance of laying hens.Hens fed ZMCAA had higher egg production(P=0.01),egg weight(P=0.02),egg mass(P=0.01),and lower feed conversion ratio(P=0.05)compared to those fed ZMCGly.The ZMCAA supplementation showed higher albumen height(P=0.01),albumen weight(P=0.01),and eggshell thickness(P<0.01).The deposition of Zn(P<0.01),Mn(P<0.01),and Cu(P<0.01)in the egg yolk was greater for hens received ZMCAA.Tibia weight(P=0.04)and bone densitometry(P<0.01)in the tibia were higher with ZMCAA supplementation.In the small intestine,ZMCAA resulted in longer villi(P=0.02)and shorter crypt depth(P=0.01)in the duodenum.Jejunum and ileum measurements were influenced by the level and source of trace minerals(P<0.05).Laying hens fed ZMCAA exhibited superior performance,egg quality,deposition of trace minerals in the egg yolk,and bone density compared to hens fed ZMCGly.In this study,older laying hens supplemented with ZMCAA at lower levels demonstrated adequate levels of supplementation.

Peripheral leukocyte and endometrium molecular biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress are altered in peripartal dairy cows supplemented with Zn,Mn,and Cu from amino acid complexes and Co from Co glucoheptonate

Background: Immune dysfunction and a higher risk of uterine infections are characteristics of the transition into lactation in dairy cows. The supply of complexed trace minerals, which are more bioavailable, could help overcome the greater needs of these nutrients in tissues around parturition and early lactation.Results: Twenty Holstein cows received an oral bolus with a mix of inorganic trace minerals(INO) or complexed trace minerals(AAC) to achieve 75, 65, 11, and 1 ppm supplemental Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co, respectively, in the total diet dry matter from -30 d through +30 d relative to parturition. Blood for polymorphonuclear leukocyte(PMNL) isolation was collected at-30,-15, +10, and + 30 d relative to parturition, whereas endometrium biopsies were performed at +14 and +30 d. Feeding AAC led to greater PMNL expression of genes related with inflammation response(DDX58), oxidative stress response(MPO), eicosanoid metabolism(PLA2G4A and ALOX5AP), transcription regulation(PPARG), and cellular adhesion(TLN1). The upregulation by AAC in endometrium of genes related with inflammation response( TLR2, TLR4, NFKB1, TNF, IL6, IL1 B, IL10, IL8), prostaglandin synthesis(PTGS2, PTGES), and antioxidant responses(NFE2 L2, SOD1) indicated a faster remodeling of uterine tissue and potentially greater capacity to control a local bacterial invasion.Conclusions: Data indicate that trace mineral supplementation from amino acid complexes improves PMNL activity and allows the prompt recovery of uterine tissue during early lactation. As such, the benefits of complexed trace minerals extend beyond an improvement of liver function and productive performance.

Assessment of fodder quality of leaves of multipurpose trees in subtropical humid climate of India

The leaves of 12 species （Acacia auriculiformis, Albizzia procera, Dalbergia sissoo, Gliricidia maculata, Leucaena leuco- cephala, Samanea saman, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus hybrida, Gmelina arborea, Michelia champaca, Morus alba, and Tectona grandis） of Multipurpose trees and shrubs （MPTs） grown in the agroforestry arboretum were evaluated for their nutritional characteristics in terms of proximate composition, cell wall constituents, total tannins, major （Ca and P） and trace minerals （Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Co）, in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility （IVDMD and IVOMD） and metabolisable energy （ME） values. There were significant （P〈0.01） variations among MPTs for all parameters studied. The average values of （92.02±0.30）%, （16.00±0.74）%, （3.05±0.13）%, （18.97±1.07）%, （54.00±1.12）% and （7.98 ± 0.30）% （DM basis） were observed for OM （organic matter）, CP （crude protein）, EE （ether extract）, CF （crude fibre）, NFE （nitrogen-free extract） and total ash, respectively. Leguminous trees had high CP compared to nonleguminous ones （18.30% vs 13.70%）. The mean values for cell wall constituents viz., NDF （neutral detergent fibre）, ADF （acid detergent fibre）, hemi cellulose, cellulose and ADL （acid detergent lignin） were found to be （52.48±1.05）%, （31.72±0.97）%, （20.76±0.88）%, （16.97±0.70）% and （9.57±0.62）%, respectively. The total tannin contents averaged （4.22±0.32）%. The ratio of Ca to P was quite wider. The levels of Fe and Mn were adequate to rich in all the MPTs while many of the tree species possessed P, Cu, Zn and Co level below the critical limits for the animals. The average IVDMD and IVOMD values were found to be （48.96±1.30）% and （50.69±1.36）%, respectively. The ME value averaged （6.95i-0.11） MJ·kg-1 DM. The CP content had significant positive correlation with IVDMD, IVOMD and ME val- ues while NDF, ADF, ADL and total tannins showed negative correlations with these three parameters. Based on the results, Leucaena Leucocephala could be considered as good quality fodder as it had the highest level of IVDMD/IVOMD （65.20%/67.66%） and ME （7.95 MJ·kg-1 DM） while G. maculata, M. alba, A. indica, D. sissoo and S. saman were of medium type and rest of poor quality.

Nutrients and Trace Elements in a Pig Farm in Beijing： Chinese and German Recommendations

Emergence of Chinese economy together with the current Livestock Revolution in Asia have led to an increase of meat demands, specially pork that is reflected in the growth of commercial pig farms in peri-urban areas of Beijing, capital of People＇s Republic of China. In the framework of the International Research Training Group and of the Sino-Project Recycling of Organic Residues from Agricultural and Municipal Origin in China, the status quo of a large pig farm is researched. The first phase of the project was focused on a detailed description of the nutrients and trace elements contained in the main inputs （water, feed） and outputs （manure, wastewater） of the pig farm. The compliance with the Chinese national standards or often referred to as GB standards （in Chinese ＂GuoBiao＂） and, current German recommendations were included. The analysis of nutrients and trace minerals followed the natural structure of the pig life cycle, i.e., gestation, farrowing, weaning and fattening. The main results showed that the pig drinking water met the recommendations for livestock drinking water, ground water and human drinking water. Concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn and As in the pig feeds samples displayed higher values compared to the Chinese and German recommendations. Average values of trace elements in the pig manure did not surpass the Chinese and German recommendations of biowastes, however, some manure samples showed excessive concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn. Likewise, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn concentrations in the wastewater surpassed the recommendations for irrigation water.

Toxicological effects of nanoselenium in animals

The productivity and sustainability of livestock production systems are heavily influenced by animal nutrition.To maintain homeostatic balance in the body of the animal at different phases of life,the percentage of organically active minerals in livestock feed must be optimized.Selenium(Se)is a crucial trace mineral that is required for the maintenance of many functions of the body.Se nanoparticles(SeNPs)attracted considerable interest from researchers for a variety of applications a decade ago,owing to their extraordinary properties.SeNPs offer significant advantages over larger-sized materials,by having a comparatively wider surface area,increased surface energy,and high volume.Despite its benefits,SeNP also has toxic effects,therefore safety concerns must be taken for a successful application.The toxicological effects of SeNPs in animals are characterized by weight loss,and increased mortality rate.A safe-by-strategy to certify animal,human and environmental safety will contribute to an early diagnosis of all risks associated with SeNPs.This review is aimed at describing the beneficial uses and potential toxicity of SeNPs in various animals.It will also serve as a summary of different levels of SeNPs which should be added in the feed of animals for better performance.

The Role of Zinc, Manganse and Copper in Rumen Metabolism and Immune Function: A Review Article

Trace minerals are dietary elements required by the body in minute amounts, ranging from 0.10 to 50.0 mg/kg dry matter in beef cattle diets [1]. These trace minerals are all necessary for the biochemical processes of the body that support proper growth and maintenance. For example, Cu is necessary for the function of superoxide dismutase and its removal of toxic byproducts from metabolic pathways [2]. The removal of these toxic byproducts allows for metabolism to proceed efficiently, uninhibited by damaging oxygen free radicals. Zinc, an important trace mineral for enzyme function, aides in the regulation of nucleic acid production, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein synthesis, thus providing a stable framework for development [3]. The immune system is part of the host’s defense against destructive forces from outside the body, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, or from within, such as malignant cells or those that produce autoantibodies [4]. This system is composed of two branches: the innate or non-specific immune system, and the adaptive or specific immune system [5]. In this review paper, an attempt has been made to review effects of mineral supplements in Rumen Metabolism, effects on Immune Function in different species of animals.