Rumen microbial degradation of bromoform from red seaweed(Asparagopsis taxiformis)and the impact on rumen fermentation and methanogenic archaea

Background The red macroalgae Asparagopsis is an effective methanogenesis inhibitor due to the presence of halogenated methane(CH_(4))analogues,primarily bromoform(CHBr_(3)).This study aimed to investigate the degradation process of CHBr3 from A taxiformis in the rumen and whether this process is diet-dependent.An in vitro batch culture system was used according to a 2×2 factorial design,assessing two A taxiformis inclusion rates[0(CTL)and 2%DM diet(AT)]and two diets[high-concentrate(HC)and high-forage diet(HF)].Incubations lasted for 72 h and samples of headspace and fermentation liquid were taken at 0,0.5,1,3,6,8,12,16,24,48 and 72 h to assess the pattern of degradation of CHBr_(3) into dibromomethane(CH_(2)Br_(2))and fermentation parameters.Additionally,an in vitro experiment with pure cultures of seven methanogens strains(Methanobrevibacter smithii,Methanobrevibacter ruminantium,Methanosphaera stadtmanae,Methanosarcina barkeri,Methanobrevibacter millerae,Methanorhermobacter wolfei and Methanobacterium mobile)was conducted to test the effects of increasing concentrations of CHBr3(0.4,2,10and 50μmol/L).Results The addition of AT significantly decreased CH_(4) production(P=0.002)and the acetate:propionate ratio(P=0.003)during a 72-h incubation.The concentrations of CHBr_(3) showed a rapid decrease with nearly 90%degraded within the first 3 h of incubation.On the contrary,CH_(2)Br_(2) concentration quickly increased during the first 6 h and then gradually decreased towards the end of the incubation.Neither CHBr_(3) degradation nor CH_(2)Br_(2) synthesis were affected by the type of diet used as substrate,suggesting that the fermentation rate is not a driving factor involved in CHBr_(3)degradation.The in vitro culture of methanogens showed a dose-response effect of CHBr3 by inhibiting the growth of M.smithii,M.ruminantium,M.stadtmanae,M.barkeri,M.millerae,M.wolfei,and M.mobile.Conclusions The present work demonstrated that CHBr_(3) from A.taxiformis is quickly degraded to CH_(2)Br_(2)in the rumen and that the fermentation rate promoted by different diets is not a driving factor involved in CHBr_(3)degradation.

Mechanisms underlying the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the placental injury and fetal growth restriction in an ovine gestation model

Background Exposure to bisphenol A(BPA),an environmental pollutant known for its endocrine-disrupting properties,during gestation has been reported to increase the risk of fetal growth restriction(FGR)in an ovine model of pregnancy.We hypothesized that the FGR results from the BPA-induced insufficiency and barrier dysfunction of the placenta,oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS).However,precise mechanisms underlying the BPA-induced placental dysfunction,and subsequently,FGR,as well as the potential involvement of placental ERS in these complications,remain to be investigated.Methods In vivo experiment,16 twin-pregnant(from d 40 to 130 of gestation)Hu ewes were randomly distributed into two groups(8 ewes each).One group served as a control and received corn oil once a day,whereas the other group received BPA(5 mg/kg/d as a subcutaneous injection).In vitro study,ovine trophoblast cells(OTCs)were exposed to 4 treatments,6 replicates each.The OTCs were treated with 400μmol/L BPA,400μmol/L BPA+0.5μg/m L tunicamycin(Tm;ERS activator),400μmol/L BPA+1μmol/L 4-phenyl butyric acid(4-PBA;ERS antagonist)and DMEM/F12 complete medium(control),for 24 h.Results In vivo experiments,pregnant Hu ewes receiving the BPA from 40 to 130 days of pregnancy experienced a decrease in placental efficiency,progesterone(P4)level and fetal weight,and an increase in placental estrogen(E2)level,together with barrier dysfunctions,OS,inflammatory responses,autophagy and ERS in type A cotyledons.In vitro experiment,the OTCs exposed to BPA for 24 h showed an increase in the E2 level and related protein and gene expressions of autophagy,ERS,pro-apoptosis and inflammatory response,and a decrease in the P4 level and the related protein and gene expressions of antioxidant,anti-apoptosis and barrier function.Moreover,treating the OTCs with Tm aggravated BPA-induced dysfunction of barrier and endocrine(the increased E2 level and decreased P4 level),OS,inflammatory responses,autophagy,and ERS.However,treating the OTCs with 4-PBA reversed the counteracted effects of Tm mentioned above.Conclusions In general,the results reveal that BPA exposure can cause ERS in the ovine placenta and OTCs,and ERS induction might aggravate BPA-induced dysfunction of the placental barrier and endocrine,OS,inflammatory responses,and autophagy.These data offer novel mechanistic insights into whether ERS is involved in BPA-mediated placental dysfunction and fetal development.

Some of the Chemical and Physical Characteristics of the Graff River in Kut City, Iraq

Some of the chemical and physical water qualities of the Graff River in the city of Kut were studied, and for two sites of the river, One was at the Crimea site, the other in the Jihad district, and for the period from October/2018 to March/2019, Seven variables of river water have been analyzed: temperature PH, electrical conductivity, TDS, turbidity, alkaline, and chloride. The results showed that most of the chemical and physical water properties of the river were in normal proportions and did not rise, except for the turbidity, which was at a very high level, and that the pH values were close to the basal side. The results of the statistical analysis revealed positive significant relationships between the pH and (chloride and TDS). On the other hand, between electrical conductivity and both previous variables as well. And a negative significant connection between temperature and alkaline.

Production and Biochemestry-Molecular Analysis of Microbial Community Fermenting Whey as a Potential Probiotic for Use Animals

The aims of this work were: To achieve a simple and low cost propagation of potential probiotic agents using plain whey as a culture medium, study the diversity of the members of the bacterial community (MC) in plain whey and to evaluate the probiotic capacity of this MC. After a systematic selection of agents according to their growing capacity in whey, the constituted MC was considered as a unit. Biochemical characterization of the lactic acid bacteria were performed using the API system. Molecular characterization of the lactic acid bacteria was realized using AFLPTM DNA-fingerprinting, partial 16S rDNA sequence analysis and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). The physiological characterization of yeast was determined with the automated microplate method Allev/Biolomics and using yeast characterization system based on standard taxonomic criteria. The identification molecular was realized by PCR-fingerprinting. The resistance of MC to pH and bile salts were evaluated. The MC was composed of agents from different separated Dominium like Bacteria (Lactobacillum) and Eukaria (yeast). They are multispecies and also multistrain assuring high biodiversity. The MC grew at low pH and different concentrations bile salts.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve biomass, photosynthesis, and water use efficiency of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller under different water levels

Opuntia ficus-indica(L.)Miller is a CAM(crassulacean acid metabolism)plant with an extraordinary capacity to adapt to drought stress by its ability to fix atmospheric CO_(2) at nighttime,store a significant amount of water in cladodes,and reduce root growth.Plants that grow in moisture-stress conditions with thick and less fine root hairs have a strong symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)to adapt to drought stress.Water stress can limit plant growth and biomass production,which can be rehabilitated by AMF association through improved physiological performance.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of AMF inoculations and variable soil water levels on the biomass,photosynthesis,and water use efficiency of the spiny and spineless O.ficus-indica.The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with a full factorial experiment using O.ficus-indica type(spiny or spineless),AMF(presence or absence),and four soil water available(SWA)treatments through seven replications.Water treatments applied were 0%–25%SWA(T1),25%–50%SWA(T2),50%–75%SWA(T3),and 75%–100%SWA(T4).Drought stress reduced biomass and cladode growth,while AMF colonization significantly increased the biomass production with significant changes in the physiological performance of O.ficus-indica.AMF presence significantly increased biomass of both O.ficus-indica plant types through improved growth,photosynthetic water use efficiency,and photosynthesis.The presence of spines on the surface of cladodes significantly reduced the rate of photosynthesis and photosynthetic water use efficiency.Net photosynthesis,photosynthetic water use efficiency,transpiration,and stomatal conductance rate significantly decreased with increased drought stress.Under drought stress,some planted mother cladodes with the absence of AMF have not established daughter cladodes,whereas AMF-inoculated mother cladodes fully established daughter cladodes.AMF root colonization significantly increased with the decrease of SWA.AMF caused an increase in biomass production,increased tolerance to drought stress,and improved photosynthesis and water use efficiency performance of O.ficus-indica.The potential of O.ficus-indica to adapt to drought stress is controlled by the morpho-physiological performance related to AMF association.

Signatures of positive selection for local adaptation of African native cattle populations:A review

Cattle are central to the lives and diverse cultures of African people.It has played a crucial role in providing valuable protein for billions of households and sources of income and employment for producers and other actors in the livestock value chains.The long-term natural selection of African cattle typically signals signatures in the genome,contributes to high genetic differentiations across breeds.This has enabled them to develop unique adaptive traits to cope with inadequate feed supply,high temperatures,high internal and external parasites,and diseases.However,these unique cattle genetic resources are threatened by indiscriminate cross-breeding,breed replacements with exotic cosmopolitan breeds,and climate change pressures.Although there are no functional genomics studies,recent advancements in genotyping and sequencing technologies have identified and annotated limited functional genes and causal variants associated with unique adaptive and economical traits of African cattle populations.These genome-wide variants serve as candidates for breed improvement and support conservation efforts for endangered cattle breeds against future climate changes.Therefore,this review plans to collate comprehensive information on the identified selection footprints to support genomic studies in African cattle to confirm the validity of the results and provide a framework for further genetic association and QTL fine mapping studies.

Biological and Economic Efficiency of Partial Dietary Substitution of Soybean (Glycine max) Meal with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Meal in Broiler Production

This manuscript explores the biological and economic efficiency of partial dietary substitution of soybean (Glycine max) meal with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) meal in broiler production. As a result of the shortage of soybean in Zimbabwe due to droughts, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, high input costs, and price controls, the authors identified an alternative to soybean meal in cowpea meal due to its availability and similar amino acid profile to soybean meal. The experiment was carried out at Cold Storage Company in Kadoma. A total of 150 unsexed day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were used. All the birds were brooded in one pen during the first two weeks of age and fed with standard broiler starter mash from National Foods PVT LTD for adaptation. The birds were randomly allocated into five equal groups, each with three replicates and 10 birds per replicate at three weeks of age. Five experimental diets: T1 (100% soybean meal + 0% cowpeas meal), T2 (75% soybean meal + 25% cowpeas meal), T3 (50% soybean meal + 50% cowpeas meal), T4 (25% soybean meal + 75% cowpeas meal) and T5 (0% soybean meal + 100% cowpeas meal) were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous to meet nutrient requirements of broilers according to NRC (2001). Ration formulation using maize, soybean and cowpea meal as ingredients for broiler starter (21% Crude Protein) and broiler finisher (19% Crude Protein) was done using the Pearson Square Method. Feed intake (g) and weight gain (g) were recorded weekly. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and bioeconomic efficiency were calculated weekly. The experiment lasted for five weeks. The results showed that total Dry Matter Intake for Treatment 1 was the highest (3285 g), and Dry Matter Intakes for Treatments 2, 3 and 4 (3284 g, 3284 g and 3284 g) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) and Dry Matter Intake for Treatment 5 was the lowest (3282 g). Weight gains for Treatments 1 and 2 (2089 g and 2089 g) were not different (P > 0.05), Treatments 3 and 4 (2098 g and 2103 g) were not different (P > 0.05) and Treatment 5 had the lowest gain of 1990 g. Feed Conversion Ratio for Treatments 1 and 2 (1.572 and 1.572) was not significantly different (P > 0.05), Treatments 3 and 4 (1.565 and 1.562) were not different (P > 0.05) and Treatment 5 had the highest FCR (1.64). The bioeconomic efficiency results were significantly different (P < 0.05) for Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (42.16, 41.93, 41.46, 41.13 and 42.66, respectively). Based on the analyses and results, the authors concluded that cowpea meal prepared from boiled cowpea grain can be used to replace soybean meal in broiler diets at 50% and 75% inclusion, respectively. This study is unique and interesting and suitable for acceptance in this journal because it seeks to provide an alternative to feeds for the ever-growing broiler industry in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.

Biological and Economic Efficiency of Partial Dietary Substitution of Soybean (Glycine max) Meal with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Meal in Broiler Production

This manuscript explores the biological and economic efficiency of partial dietary substitution of soybean (Glycine max) meal with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) meal in broiler production. As a result of the shortage of soybean in Zimbabwe due to droughts, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, high input costs, and price controls, the authors identified an alternative to soybean meal in cowpea meal due to its availability and similar amino acid profile to soybean meal. The experiment was carried out at Cold Storage Company in Kadoma. A total of 150 unsexed day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were used. All the birds were brooded in one pen during the first two weeks of age and fed with standard broiler starter mash from National Foods PVT LTD for adaptation. The birds were randomly allocated into five equal groups, each with three replicates and 10 birds per replicate at three weeks of age. Five experimental diets: T1 (100% soybean meal + 0% cowpeas meal), T2 (75% soybean meal + 25% cowpeas meal), T3 (50% soybean meal + 50% cowpeas meal), T4 (25% soybean meal + 75% cowpeas meal) and T5 (0% soybean meal + 100% cowpeas meal) were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous to meet nutrient requirements of broilers according to NRC (2001). Ration formulation using maize, soybean and cowpea meal as ingredients for broiler starter (21% Crude Protein) and broiler finisher (19% Crude Protein) was done using the Pearson Square Method. Feed intake (g) and weight gain (g) were recorded weekly. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and bioeconomic efficiency were calculated weekly. The experiment lasted for five weeks. The results showed that total Dry Matter Intake for Treatment 1 was the highest (3285 g), and Dry Matter Intakes for Treatments 2, 3 and 4 (3284 g, 3284 g and 3284 g) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) and Dry Matter Intake for Treatment 5 was the lowest (3282 g). Weight gains for Treatments 1 and 2 (2089 g and 2089 g) were not different (P > 0.05), Treatments 3 and 4 (2098 g and 2103 g) were not different (P > 0.05) and Treatment 5 had the lowest gain of 1990 g. Feed Conversion Ratio for Treatments 1 and 2 (1.572 and 1.572) was not significantly different (P > 0.05), Treatments 3 and 4 (1.565 and 1.562) were not different (P > 0.05) and Treatment 5 had the highest FCR (1.64). The bioeconomic efficiency results were significantly different (P < 0.05) for Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (42.16, 41.93, 41.46, 41.13 and 42.66, respectively). Based on the analyses and results, the authors concluded that cowpea meal prepared from boiled cowpea grain can be used to replace soybean meal in broiler diets at 50% and 75% inclusion, respectively. This study is unique and interesting and suitable for acceptance in this journal because it seeks to provide an alternative to feeds for the ever-growing broiler industry in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.

Socio-Economic and Technical Characteristics of Beef Cattle Breeding in Ndé Division, West Region of Cameroon

Insight is here provided into the socio-economic and technical characteristics of cattle production in the Ndé Division (West Cameroon region). Using a semi-structured questionnaire, information on the activity was assessed following onsite visits and interviewing breeders. Through a random sampling scheme, 110 breeders in the four subdivisions of the Ndé Division were shadowed. The majority (98.18%) of breeders were men aged 20 to 40 and married (91.82%). They belong to the Mbororo ethnic group, having cumulated more than 10 years in the activity. Most respondents (50.91%) did not attend school and earn their living mainly from livestock (78.18%). Cattle were raised for sale and to feed the breeder’s family (77.27%). The main mode of acquisition of animals was through inheritance (81.82%). The cattle breeds were mostly made up of white Fulani (70%), living in private farms using a combination of stake and barbed wires (67.27%) as fences. The combination of natural fodder and cooking salt was used by most breeders (59.09%) as a daily ration. Reproduction was by natural mating (97.07%). Parasites (internal and external) and foot-and-mouth disease were the main diseases reported by the majority of farmers. Self-treatment (50%) was the main prophylactic measure taken by farmers in case of disease symptoms. Cattle herders faced several challenges, such as insufficient pasture (67.27%), agro-pastoral conflicts (76.36%) and diseases (90.91%). Cattle breeding was rather a widespread activity with no particular restriction.

Epidemiology of Male Sexual Dysfunction (MSD) in Patients Consulting in Some Health Services in the City of Douala, Cameroon

Sexual dysfunction is a group of diseases, disorders or difficulties experienced by men or women during any stage of normal sexual activity. In Africa in general and Cameroon in particular, statistical data concerning the prevelance and the main causes of male sexual dysfunction are rare due to socio-cultural and religious burdens and sometimes self-medication. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalences, comorbidities and the risk factors of the main sexual dysfunction in some hospitals in city of Douala. Through a descriptive retrospective study carried out from Novembre 2019 to June 2021, sociodemographic parameter, reasons of consultation, risk factors and type of male sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction or erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculation disorders (EjD), libido disorders (LD) and disorders of sexual activity with pain or painful sexual intercourse (PSI)) were collected in the medical files of patients who have made urological consultation between 2016 and 2020 at the Deido District hospital, Laquintinie Douala Hospital and Douala General hospital respectively. At the end of our data collection, out of a total of 24995 consultations, 2743 (10.98%) patients were suffering from at least one male sexual dysfunction. Moreover, sexual disorders were the 2nd reason of urological consultation (13.69%) after urinary disorders (33.85%). Among sexual disorders, erectile (76%) and ejaculatory (20%) disorders were the predominant pathologies recorded with the prevalences of 9.79 et 2.62% respectively, and were mostly represented in patients from [41 - 50] for erectile dysfunction, and [18 - 30] years old for ejaculative dysfunction. In addition, the number of patients with ejaculatory and erectile dysfunctions was more important in patients from [18 - 30] and [31 - 40] years old respectively. Among patients presenting sexual disorders, several risk factors or pathologies were associated with the dysfunction: benign prostatic hyperplasia and metabolic syndrome (in patients over 50 years old);psychosocial problems, infections, and alcohol (in patients under 50 years old). These findings could be useful in the elaboration of therapeutic strategies for the management of the Cameroonian population suffering from sexual dysfunctions.

Seropositivity and Other Determinants Associated with Toxoplasmosis in Local Buffalo in Iraq

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the Seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in water buffalo in three Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Maysan) and to estimate the risk aspects related to infestation throughout the period from January to December 2019. A total of 430 serum samples were inspected with a commercial ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Indirect multi-species kit. The overall Seropositivity of T. gondii in the examined local buffalo was 7.4%, and the highest rate (9.3%) was in Baghdad Governorate. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that adult buffalo (OR = 7.10;95% CI: 0.87-57.68;P = 0.067) and young herds (OR = 8.42;95% CI: 1.07-66.02;P = 0.043) were more subject to infestation from young buffalo and large herds. Furthermore, the hazard of toxoplasmosis was increased in winter especially among animals in contact with cats. It is therefore requisite to determine risk aspects to evaluate which mitigation, control, prevention and procedures should be carried out to diminish, control and prevent infestation with T. gondii and its propagation.

Birds’Diversity in Kalfou Forest Reserve and Its Peripheral Zone, Far North, Cameroon

The Far North Region of Cameroon is home to a great diversity of bird species, which unfortunately remains very little explored. This work was initiated to establish an inventory of birds and the factors affecting their diversity and distribution for sustainable management in the Kalfou Forest Reserve (KFR) and its periphery. Two methods were used for sampling, linear strip transects from which direct counts and indirect observations were made and the mist netting to complement the first. In total, 2525 birds were observed, including 149 species, belonging to 20 orders and 55 families. Accipitridae had the greatest number of species (11). The species richness was greater in the KFR (117 species) compared to the periphery (95 species). The specific richness was higher in wooded savannah compared to other habitats. Shannon index was significantly higher in the KFR (3.99) compared to that obtained in the periphery (3.80). The value of the Simpson index was higher on the outskirts of the KFR than on the periphery. The indices of species diversity were greater in the wooded savannah compared to other vegetation types. The seasons had no influence on bird diversity. Among the human activities encountered, the pressure indices were more important for grazing (7.3 contacts/km). Human activities have resulted in a significant decrease in specific richness. Six endangered species were encountered, four belonging to the Accipitridae family. The greater bird diversity in the reserve compared to the periphery shows that protected areas are a long-term solution for biodiversity conservation.

Nutritional value of a partially defatted and a highly defatted black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) meal for broiler chickens: apparent nutrient digestibility,apparent metabolizable energy and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility

Background: The study aimed to determine the apparent total tract digestibility coefficients(ATTDC) of nutrients, the apparent metabolizable energy(AME and AMEn) and the amino acid(AA) apparent ileal digestibility coefficients(AIDC)of a partially defatted(BSFp) and a highly defatted(BSFh) black soldier fly larvae meal. The experimental diets were: a basal diet and two diets prepared by substituting 250 g/kg(w/w) of the basal diet with BSFp or BSFh, respectively.Results: Significant differences were found between BSFp and BSFh meals for ATTDC of the nutrients: BSFp resulted more digestible than BSFh, except for ATTDC of CP which did not differed between meals, while a statistical trend was observed for ATTDC of DM and EE. The AME and AMEn values were significantly(P < 0.05) different between the two BSF meals, with higher levels for BSFp(16.25 and 14.87 MJ/kg DM, respectively). The AIDC of the AA in BSFp ranged from 0.44 to 0.92, while in BSFh they ranged from 0.45 to 0.99. No significant differences were observed for the AA digestibility(0.77 and 0.80 for BSFp and BSFh, respectively), except for glutamic acid, proline and serine that were more digestible in the BSFh meal(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Defatted BSF meals can be considered as an excellent source of AME and digestible AA for broilers with a better efficient nutrient digestion. These considerations suggested the effective utilization of defatted BSF larvae meal in poultry feed formulation.

Partially defatted black soldier fly larva meal inclusion in piglet diets: effects on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility,blood profile, gut morphology and histological features

Background:The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of different inclusion levels of a partially defatted black soldier fly (BSF,Hermetia illucens L.) larva meal on the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profile,gut morphology and histological features of piglets.A total of 48 newly weaned piglets were individually weighed (initial body weight (IBW):6.1 ± 0.16 kg) and randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments (4 boxes as replicates/treatment and 4 animals/box).BSF larva meal was included at increasing levels (0% [BSF0],5% [BSFS] and 10% [BSF10]) in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets formulated for two feeding phases:Ⅰ (from d 1 to d 23) and Ⅱ (from d 24 to d 61).The weight gain (WG),average daily gain (ADG),average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for each feeding phase and for the whole trial.The haematochemical parameters and nutrient digestibility of the piglets were also evaluated.A total of 3 piglets per box were slaughtered on d 61 and the slaughtered piglets were submitted to morphometric investigations and histopathological examinations.Results:No overall significant differences were observed for growth performance (P > 0.05),except for the ADFI of phase Ⅱ,which showed a linear response to increasing BSF meal levels (P < 0.05,maximum for the BSF10 group).Dietary BSF meal inclusion did not significantly influence the blood profile,except as far as monocytes and neutrophils are concerned,and these showed a linear and quadratic response,respectively,to increasing BSF meal levels (P < 0.05,maximum for the BSF10 and BSF5 groups,respectively).On the other hand,the nutrient digestibility,gut morphology and histological features were not affected by dietary BSF meal inclusion (P > 0.05).Conclusions:The obtained results show that a partially defatted BSF larva meal can be used as a feed ingredient in diets for weaned piglets without negatively affecting their growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profile,gut morphology or histological features.

Nutritional effects of the dietary inclusion of partially defatted Hermetia illucens larva meal in Muscovy duck

Background: The present work is aimed at evaluating the effect of different inclusion levels of a partially defatted black soldier fly(Hermetia illucens,L.;HI) larva meal for ducks.A total of 192 female 3-day-old Muscovy ducklings(Cairina moschata domestica,Canedins R71 L White,Grimaud Freres Selection,France) were divided into 4 groups,assigned 4 different dietary treatments(6 replicates/treatment and 8 birds/replicate) and reared from 3 to 50 days of age.HI larva meal was included at increasing levels(0,3%,6% and 9%,HI0,HI3,HI6 and HI9,respectively) in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets formulated for 3 feeding phases: starter(3–17 days of age),grower(18–38 days of age) and finisher(39–50 days of age).The growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility were evaluated during the trial using titanium dioxide as an inert marker(0.3% of inclusion).At 51 days of age,two birds per pen were slaughtered and histomorphological investigations were performed.Results: The live weight and average daily gain showed a quadratic response to increasing HI meal in the grower period(minimum corresponding to the HI6 group).No effects of dietary inclusion levels were observed for the daily feed intake or feed conversion ratio.The apparent dry matter and organic matter digestibility were not affected by the dietary treatment.A linear decrease was observed for the crude protein apparent digestibility in the starter period(minimum for the HI9 groups).The ether extract apparent digestibility increased linearly during the grower and finisher periods(minimum for the HI0 group).The morphometric indices were not influenced by the dietary treatments.Conclusions: The inclusion of up to 9% of HI partially defatted larva meal in the diet of ducks did not cause any effect on growth performance,as well as the apparent digestibility.Moreover,dietary HI inclusion preserved the physiological intestinal development.

Effects of formic acid and corn flour supplementation of banana pseudostem silages on nutritional quality of silage,growth,digestion,rumen fermentation and cellulolytic bacterial community of Nubian black goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding formic acid and corn flour supplementation to banana pseudostem silages on the nutritional quality of these silages,growth,digestion,rumen fermentation and cellulolytic bacterial community of Nubian black goats fed these silages.Banana pseudostem silage was prepared either conventionally without any additives(CON)or mixed with 0.6% formic acid(F),10% corn flour(C),or both(F+C).Four experimental diets containing 40% of the corresponding silages were designed with roughage to concentrate ratio of 50:50(dry matter(DM)basis).A total of 48 Nubian black castrated goats(body weight(BW),(22.64±1.82)kg;4-mon-old)were randomized into one of the four treatment groups with 12 replicates of one castrated goat per replicate for each treatment in a completely randomized design.Each group was fed on one of the four experimental diets for 40 days.A factorial arrangement of treatments of 2(formic acid levels:0 and 0.6%)×2(corn flour:0 and 10%)was adopted.Formic acid supplementation increased(P<0.05)average daily gain,as well as lactic acid,propionate and butyric acid and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations,but decreased(P<0.05)the feed conversion rate,pH value,acetate/propionate ratio,and butyric acid concentration relative to the CON group.Corn flour supplementation increased(P<0.05)the apparent digestibility of crude protein,neutral detergent fiber,and non-fibrous carbohydrate and Fibrobacter succinogenes,Ruminococcus albus,and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens populations,but decreased(P<0.05)the Ruminococcus flavefaciens population relative to the CON group.There were no F×C treatment interactions(P>0.05)for any of the other indices except for the apparent digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrate(NFC)(P<0.05).The results demonstrated that adding 0.6% formic acid and 10% corn flour supplementation to banana pseudostem silages improved the nutritional quality of these silages and enhanced the growth performance of Nubian black castrated goats by improving apparent nutrient digestibility,and regulating ruminal fermentation and bacteria populations.

Multifaceted role of one-carbon metabolism on immunometabolic control and growth during pregnancy, lactation and the neonatal period in dairy cattle

Dairy cattle undergo dramatic metabolic, endocrine, physiologic and immune changes during the peripartal period largely due to combined increases in energy requirements for fetal growth and development, milk production, and decreased dry matter intake. The negative nutrient balance that develops results in body fat mobilization,subsequently leading to triacylglycerol(TAG) accumulation in the liver along with reductions in liver function,immune dysfunction and a state of inflammation and oxidative stress. Mobilization of muscle and gluconeogenesis are also enhanced, while intake of vitamins and minerals is decreased, contributing to metabolic and immune dysfunction and oxidative stress. Enhancing post-ruminal supply of methyl donors is one approach that may improve immunometabolism and production synergistically in peripartal cows. At the cellular level, methyl donors(e.g. methionine, choline, betaine and folic acid) interact through one-carbon metabolism to modulate metabolism,immune responses and epigenetic events. By modulating those pathways, methyl donors may help increase the export of very low-density lipoproteins to reduce liver TAG and contribute to antioxidant synthesis to alleviate oxidative stress. Thus, altering one-carbon metabolism through methyl donor supplementation is a viable option to modulate immunometabolism during the peripartal period. This review explores available data on the regulation of one-carbon metabolism pathways in dairy cows in the context of enzyme regulation, cellular sensors and signaling mechanisms that might respond to increased dietary supply of specific methyl donors. Effects of methyl donors beyond the one-carbon metabolism pathways, including production performance, immune cell function,mechanistic target or rapamycin signaling, and fatty acid oxidation will also be highlighted. Furthermore, the effects of body condition and feeding system(total mixed ration vs. pasture) on one-carbon metabolism pathways are explored. Potential effects of methyl donor supply during the pepartum period on dairy calf growth and development also are discussed. Lastly, practical nutritional recommendations related to methyl donor metabolism during the peripartal period are presented. Nutritional management during the peripartal period is a fertile area of research, hence, underscoring the importance for developing a systems understanding of the potential immunometabolic role that dietary methyl donors play during this period to promote health and performance.

Nutritional requirements of meat-type and egg-type ducks: what do we know?

The demand for duck meat, duck eggs, and associated products is increasing each year. Classic and modern selection programs have been applied to enhance the economic traits of ducks to satisfy the requirements of consumers and enhance the incomes of producers. The nutritional requirements of unselected ducks may not be adequate, however, to fulfill the potential productivity performance of modern birds, including both meat-type and egg-type ducks. In particular, an imbalanced diet is associated with low productive performance and signs of nutritional deficiency(if insufficient nutrients are supplied), as well as with high feed costs and manure problems that reflect flock health and welfare(if excessive nutrients are supplied). Thus, the main aim of this review is to summarize the results of previous studies that estimated the nutrient requirements of meat-type and egg-type ducks in order to evaluate current knowledge and to identify further issues that need to be addressed. In addition,the results obtained in previous studies are compared in order to understand how to lower commercial feed costs,fulfill the genetic potential of selected ducks, protect the environment from pollution, and satisfy the welfare and health needs of ducks.