Effects of graded levels of dietary protein supplementation on milk yield, body weight gain, blood biochemical parameters, and gut microbiota in lactating ewes.

Diet-associated characteristics such as dietary protein levels can modulate the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota, leading to effects on the productive performance and overall health of animals. The objective of this study was to see how changes in dietary protein levels affect milk yield, body weight gain, blood biochemical parameters, and gut microbiota in lactating ewes. In a completely randomized design, eighteen ewes were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6 ewes/group), and each group was assigned to one of three dietary treatments with different protein contents. The ewes' groups were fed on 8.38% (S-I), 10.42% (S-m), and 13.93% (S-h) dietary protein levels on a dry basis. The body weight gain and milk yield were greater (p < 0.05) in ewes fed the S-h dietary treatment than in those fed the S-m and S-1 diets, respectively. However, milk protein contents were similar (p > 0.05) across the treatments. The blood glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, lactate, creatinine, and C-reactive protein contents of lactating ewes were not influenced (p > 0.05) by different dietary protein levels. The alanine transaminase, aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were also not changed (p > 0.05) across the groups. However, blood urea nitrogen and albumin contents of lactating ewes were changed (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of dietary protein, and these metabolite concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) for S-h than the rest of the treatments. In the different treatment groups, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found to be the most dominant phyla. However, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae species decreased as dietary protein levels increased. Within the Bacteroidetes phylum, Rikenellaceae were more abundant, followed by Prevotellaceae, in ewes fed the S-m diet compared to those fed the other diets. Based on the results, feeding at an optimal protein level improved milk yield and body weight gain through modifying the digestive tract's beneficial bacterial communities. The results of blood metabolites suggested that feeding higher-protein diets has no negative impact on health.

Assessment of the Clinical Condition and Way of Patients' Nutrition before and after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

One of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). It is highly effective in reducing body weight, but it carries the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies and their consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical condition of obese patients after LSG in terms of nutritional status, metabolic disorders, and way of nutrition. Thirty participants (15 women and 15 men) took part in the study. A statistically significant reduction in the total body fat mass (women by 37.5% p < 0.05, men by 37.06% p < 0.05) and total fat free mass (women by 10% p < 0,05, men by 12.5% p < 0.05) was demonstrated 6 months after LSG. Moreover, insufficient protein intake has been shown in over 73% of women and 40% of men. Before and 6 months after LSG, insufficient intake of calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin D, and iron was observed. Six months after the LSG, significant decreases of fasting glucose (p < 0.05), insulin (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.05), and AST (p < 0.05) concentrations, were observed in both groups. Optimization of nutrition in order to prevent nutritional deficiencies and their complications is a key element of the therapy of obese patients treated surgically.

The Effects of Aflatoxin B1 Intake in Assaf Dairy Ewes on Aflatoxin M1 Excretion, Milk Yield, Haematology and Biochemical Profile.

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo transfer of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to Assaf ewes' milk (aflatoxin M1, AFM1) and its effect on animal performance and health. Thirty Assaf ewes were allocated to three groups (C, L, H), and received a different individual daily dose of AFB1 (0, 40 and 80 µg) for 13 days. Milk (days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 16 and 18) and blood (days 1, 7, 14 and 18) samples were collected. Milk yield, composition (except protein) and somatic cell counts (SCC) were not affected by AFB1 intake (p > 0.05). Haemoglobin concentration increased (p < 0.05) and haematocrit and alanine aminotransferase levels tended to increase (p < 0.10) in group H on day 14. AFM1 excretion was highly variable and detected in L and H animals from days 1 to 16 (3 days increase, 10 days steady-state, 3 days clearance). Carry-over rate (0.23%) was significantly higher in L (0.22-0.34%) than in H (0.16-0.19%) animals (p < 0.05). AFB1 daily doses of 40 to 80 µg do not impair milk yield; however, it may start affecting animals' health. Milk AFM1 depends mainly on the AFB1 intake whereas carryover rate is positively influenced by the level of milk production.

Efficacy evaluation of novel organic iron complexes in laying hens: effects on laying performance, egg quality, egg iron content, and blood biochemical parameters.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the optimal dose of novel iron amino acid complexes (Fe-Lys-Glu) by measuring laying performance, egg quality, egg iron (Fe) concentrations, and blood biochemical parameters in laying hens. METHODS: A total of 1,260 18-week-old healthy Beijing White laying hens were randomly divided into 7 groups with 12 replicates of 15 birds each. After a 2-wk acclimation to the basal diet, hens were fed diets supplemented with 0 (negative control, the analyzed innate iron content was 75.06 mg/kg), 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 mg Fe/kg as Fe-Lys-Glu or 45 mg Fe/kg from FeSO4 (positive control) for 24 wk. RESULTS: Results showed that compared with the negative and positive control groups, dietary supplementation with 30 to 75 mg Fe/kg from Fe-Lys-Glu significantly (linear and quadratic, p<0.05) increased the laying rate (LR) and average daily egg weight (ADEW); hens administered 45 to 75 mg Fe/kg as Fe-Lys-Glu showed a remarkable (linear, p<0.05) decrease in feed conversion ratio. There were no significant differences among all groups in egg quality. The iron concentrations in egg yolk and serum were elevated by increasing Fe-Lys-Glu levels, and the highest iron content was found in 75 mg Fe/kg group. In addition, hens fed 45 mg Fe/kg from Fe-Lys-Glu had (linear and quadratic, p<0.05) higher yolk Fe contents than that with the same dosage of FeSO4 supplementation. The red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin content (linear and quadratic, p<0.05) increased obviously in the groups fed with 30 to 75 mg Fe/kg as Fe-Lys-Glu in comparison with the control group. Fe-Lys-Glu supplementation also (linear and quadratic, p<0.05) enhanced the activity of copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) in serum, as a result, the serum malonaldehyde content (linear and quadratic, p<0.05) decreased in hens received 60 to 75 mg Fe/kg as Fe-Lys-Glu. CONCLUSION: Supplementation Fe-Lys-Glu in laying hens could substitute for FeSO4 and the optimal additive levels of Fe-Lys-Glu are 45 mg Fe/kg in layers diets based on the quadratic regression analysis of LR, ADEW, RBC, and Cu/Zn-SOD.

Biochemical parameters as a tool to assess the nutritional status of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Background: The research aimed to analyze blood biochemical parameters in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to determine whether they can be used to assess their nutritional status. Methods: The study included 45 patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): 28 (62.2%) were men and 17 (37.8%) were women. The mean age of the study participants was 50.69 ± 7.24 years. The control group consisted of 30 practically healthy individuals. Results: Compared with practically healthy individuals, patients with ALS had significantly lower blood parameters, including total lymphocyte count (1.49 ± 0.11 vs. 2.86 ± 0.25, p < 0.05), total protein (60.55 ± 2.38 vs. 77.80 ± 4.41, p < 0.05), albumin (33.70 ± 2.03 vs. 46.49 ± 3.22, p < 0.05), urea (3.09 ± 0.36 vs. 5.37 ± 0.50, p < 0.05), creatinine (51.28 ± 4.42 vs. 70.91 ± 5.13, p < 0.05), and transferrin (1.84 ± 0.12 vs. 2.32 ± 0.10, p < 0.05). These parameters correspond to first-degree malnutrition. There were direct correlations between anthropometric and biochemical parameters in the ALS group. BMI correlated with the blood levels of total protein (r = 0.22, p < 0.05), albumin (r = 0.27, p < 0.05), urea (r = 0.33, p < 0.05), creatinine (r = 0.30, p < 0.05), transferrin (r = 0.18, p < 0.05), and total lymphocyte count (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). PNI correlated with the blood levels of total protein (r = 0.53, p < 0.05), albumin (r = 0.87, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = 0.34, p < 0.05), transferrin (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), total lymphocyte count (r = 0.79, p < 0.05), urea (r = 0, 37, p < 0.05), and creatinine (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study presents compelling evidence supporting the utilization of biochemical parameters, including total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, transferrin, and total lymphocyte count, for potentially evaluating the nutritional status of individuals diagnosed with ALS.

Late onset psychosis treatment with adjunctive medicines.

Background: A number of studies have shown the feasibility of using adjunctive drugs in late onset psychosis (LOP). Aim: Testing hypothesis that among LOP people treated with antipsychotics and antidepressants, basing on certain clinical characteristics a subgroup of patients might be distinguished, for whom adjunctive therapy is advantageous. This subgroup might be identified by measurement of blood biochemical parameters. Methods: 59 in-patients with LOP, treated neuroleptics and antidepressants, were included, and followed in real clinical practice. Database containing demographic, clinical data (scores by PANSS, CDSS, CGI-S, HAMD-17), prescribed therapy, adverse effects of antipsychotic and antidepressant treatment, and blood biochemical parameters (enzymatic activities of glutamate- and glutathione metabolism enzymes in platelets and erythrocytes) at baseline and after the treatment course was created. Results: Three groups of patients (Gr1, Gr2, and Gr3), based on the adjunctive therapy usage were identified: Gr1 (n = 16) was without adjunctive therapy, two other groups (Gr2 and Gr3) were with adjunctive medicines, such as 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine succinate (EMHS; Gr2, n = 20), or other drugs, such as citicoline, cerebrolysin, cortexin, actovegin, gliatilin (choline alfoscerate; Gr3, n = 23). The enzymatic activities were assessed also in the matched control group (n = 38). In all three patient groups, as compared with controls, activity of erythrocyte glutathione reductase was decreased at baseline and after the treatment course. In Gr2, unlike Gr1 or Gr3, there was a significant decrease in baseline glutamate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase activities. Certain clinical criteria were also elucidated for prescription of EMHS as adjunctive therapy for patients of Gr2. Glutamate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase activities returned closer to control levels after the treatment course in Gr2, unlike Gr1, where they declined yet more after psychotropic treatment without adjunctive medicine. Different significant links between biochemical parameters and scores by clinical scales were observed in Gr1, Gr2, and Gr3, some having predictive value for evaluation of antipsychotic treatment efficacy. Conclusion: We demonstrate the validity of adjunctive neuroprotective medicines' usage in addition to antipsychotic and antidepressant therapy in distinct subgroups of patients suffering with LOP, especially those who have prominent side effects accompanying their psychotropic treatment. Returning of biochemical parameters to control range following the treatment course observed in patients of the subgroup treated with adjunctive EMHS is evidence for their metabolism normalization.

FACTORS AFFECTING MECHANISMS OF INCREASED BONE DENSITY FORMATION IN CHILDREN LIVING ON RADIOLOGICALLY CONTAMINATED TERRITORIES AFTER THE ChNPP ACCIDENT. / ChYNNYKY, IaKI VPLYVAIuT' NA MEKhANIZMY FORMUVANNIa PIDVYShchENOÏ ShchIL'NOSTI KISTKOVOÏ TKANYNY U DITEI, ZhYTELIV RADIOAKTYVNO ZABRUDNENYKh TERYTORII, PISLIa AVARIÏ NA ChAES.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the causes of increased bone mineral density (BMD) based on case history, clinical and laboratory data, including the assay of hormones involved in ossification processes in children, living on radiologically contaminated territories (RCT) after the accident at the ChNPP, compared to the normative BMD patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 289 children involved in the study. The 1st group included persons with a BMD above 100 IU, 2nd group - with normative BMD (100-85 IU). Family history of diseases was assessed featuring cancer and endocrine diseases, cholelithiasis, and urolithiasis. Weight of the child at birth, frequency of bone fractures, complaints about osalgia, jaw abnormalities, dental caries, presence or absence of obesity, peripheral blood count, blood biochemical parameters (total protein, creatinine, iron, alkaline phosphatase, calcium), serum pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone and cortisol were accounted. Children's radiation doses were calculated according to the materials of the «General dosimetric certification of settlements of Ukraine that were exposed to radioactive contamination after the Chornobyl accident¼. RESULTS: Higher than normative BMD values were found in children after puberty, while normative ones - in puberty (р < 0.001), regardless of gender. A direct correlation between the bone fractures frequency was established in children with increased BMD (р < 0.01). Jaw anomalies and dental caries occurred at that significantly less often than in normative BMD (р > 0.05). A direct correlation was established between the obesity and BMD (р < 0.001).Increased alkaline phosphatase activity was inversely correlated with BMD (rs = -0.21; р < 0.05). In children with elevated BMD a direct correlation was established between the level of iron and endocrine disorders in the family history (р > 0.001). Serum level of cortisol was directly correlated with dental caries (р < 0.05). In children, regardless of BMD value, a direct correlation was established between the radiation dose, age and obesity (р < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher than normative BMD is accompanied by an increased frequency of bone fractures, jaw abnormalities, metabolic changes in bone tissue and bone tissue hormonal regulation in children, which requires application of pathogenetic therapy for the osteogenesis.

Blood biochemical parameters for assessment of COVID-19 in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects: a cross-sectional study.

This study aims to identify blood biomarkers for rapidly predicting progression and severity assessment of COVID-19 in type 2 diabetic (DM) and non-DM (NDM) patients. Among 211 hospitalized patients suspected of COVID-19, 98 were confirmed COVID-19 by rRT-PCR. The COVID-19 positive group contained 58 DM and 40 NDM patients with total death 9 of which 7 were males and 6 were DM, indicating males and DM individuals as more susceptible to COVID-19. Blood biomarkers notably serum ferritin, CRP, D-dimer, ALT, troponin I, and Hb1Ac were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in COVID-19 patients. Ferritin and HbA1c levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DM than NDM COVID-19 patients. The present study suggests that ferritin and HbA1c levels for DM patients, and ferritin, D-dimer, ALT for NDM patients could be routinely used as biomarkers for progression and severity assessment of COVID-19. CRP and Troponin-I could be the predictor only for poor prognosis of COVID-19.

Effect of microplastics on Yersinia ruckeri infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Exposure to microorganisms such as Yersinia ruckeri can significantly affect bacterial infections in fish. Microplastics (MPs) may predispose fish to infection and act as carriers in pathogen transmission. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate MPs' effect on damage caused by exposure to Y. ruckeri in rainbow trout. In this study, blood biochemical parameters and hepatic oxidative biomarkers as clinical signs were measured in the fish co-exposed to Y. ruckeri (5 and 10% the median lethal dose (LD50)) and MPs (500 and 1000 mg Kg-1) for 30 days. There were no significant changes in the creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol levels, and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity in the blood of fish infected with Y. ruckeri. In contrast, exposure to MPs had a significant effect on most clinical parameters. The total protein, albumin, globulin, total immunoglobulins, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol levels, and γ-glutamyltransferase activity decreased, whereas glucose, triglyceride, and creatinine levels, and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities increased in the plasma of fish after co-exposure to MPs and Y. ruckeri. Dietary MPs combined with a Y. ruckeri challenge decreased catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and total antioxidant levels. However, superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde contents increased in the hepatocyte of fish co-exposed to MPs and Y. ruckeri. This study suggests that fish exposure to MPs and simultaneous challenge with Y. ruckeri could synergistically affect clinical parameters.

Effects of Bacillus megatherium 1259 on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Holstein Bull Calves.

Bacillus megaterium is an ideal microecologics in the feed industry. BM1259 was already isolated from chicken manure and the whole-genome sequencing was also analyzed in our previous study. However, few studies concentrated on dietary supplementation with BM1259 in young ruminants and especially its effect on Holstein bull calves have not been reported. Hence, this experiment was conducted with the aim to evaluate the effects of BM1259 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and blood biochemical parameters in Holstein bull calves. Twenty-four healthy Holstein bull calves with the initial age of 90 days old and a similar body weight (115 ± 6.5 kg) were selected and randomly allocated into two groups with one Holstein bull calf in each pen (2.5 m × 2.2 m). Holstein bull calves in the control group (COG) were fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR), while experimental treatments (BMG) were fed with the TMR diet supplemented with 12 g/head/day of BM1259 powder (1 × 1010 cfu/g) separately. Results showed that (1) the average daily gain and dry matter intake of the BMG were significantly higher than those of the COG (p < 0.01), increased by 12.5% and 8.79%, respectively, during the 4-8 weeks after the addition of 12 g/head/day of BM1259; from 0 to 8 weeks, ADG (p < 0.05) and DMI (p < 0.05) in the BMG were significantly higher than those in the COG, increased by 14.9% and 6.04%, respectively. (2) At the end of the fourth week, the apparent digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber in the BMG was significantly higher than that in the COG (p < 0.05), increased by 5.97% and 6.70%, respectively; at the end of the eighth week, the apparent digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber was significantly higher than that of the COG (p < 0.01), increased by 5.88% and 10.26%, respectively. (3) At the end of the eighth week, the rumen fluid pH (p < 0.05), MCP (p < 0.05), and acetate (p < 0.05) in the BMG were significantly higher than those in the COG, increased by 9.03%, 19.68%, and 12.74%, respectively; at the end of the fourth and eighth week, NH3-N concentration in the BMG was significantly lower than that in the COG, with a decrease of 21.81% and 16.40%, respectively. (4) At the end of the fourth (p < 0.05) and eighth week (p < 0.05), the glutamate content of the rumen fluid of the Holstein bull calves in the BMG was significantly higher than that in the COG, increased by 13.21% and 14.32%, respectively; at the end of the fourth week, the contents of glutamate in the serum (p < 0.05), urine (p < 0.05), and feces (p < 0.05) of the Holstein bull calves in the BMG were significantly lower than those in the COG, decreased by 25.76%, 33.87%, and 9.23%, respectively; at the end of the eighth week, the contents of glutamate in the serum, urine, and feces of the Holstein bull calves in the BMG were significantly lower than those in the COG (p < 0.01), decreased by 26.69%, 27.94%, and 11.11%, respectively. (5) After adding 12 g/head/day of BM1259, the urine ammonia-nitrogen content of the BMG was extremely significantly lower than that of the COG at the end of the fourth and eighth week (p < 0.01), decreased by 54.60% and 40.31%, respectively. (6) After adding 12 g/head/day of BM1259, there was no significant effect on the level of blood biochemical parameters of the Holstein bull calves. This study demonstrates that BM1259 can be applied as a potential microecologics to improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen utilization in Holstein bull calves.

Analysis of Biomechanical Parameters of Muscle Soleus Contraction and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Rat with Chronic Glyphosate Intoxication and Therapeutic Use of C60 Fullerene.

The widespread use of glyphosate as a herbicide in agriculture can lead to the presence of its residues and metabolites in food for human consumption and thus pose a threat to human health. It has been found that glyphosate reduces energy metabolism in the brain, its amount increases in white muscle fibers. At the same time, the effect of chronic use of glyphosate on the dynamic properties of skeletal muscles remains practically unexplored. The selected biomechanical parameters (the integrated power of muscle contraction, the time of reaching the muscle contraction force its maximum value and the reduction of the force response by 50% and 25% of the initial values during stimulation) of muscle soleus contraction in rats, as well as blood biochemical parameters (the levels of creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, reduced glutathione and catalase) were analyzed after chronic glyphosate intoxication (oral administration at a dose of 10 µg/kg of animal weight) for 30 days. Water-soluble C60 fullerene, as a poweful antioxidant, was used as a therapeutic nanoagent throughout the entire period of intoxication with the above herbicide (oral administration at doses of 0.5 or 1 mg/kg). The data obtained show that the introduction of C60 fullerene at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg reduces the degree of pathological changes by 40-45%. Increasing the dose of C60 fullerene to 1 mg/kg increases the therapeutic effect by 55-65%, normalizing the studied biomechanical and biochemical parameters. Thus, C60 fullerenes can be effective nanotherapeutics in the treatment of glyphosate-based herbicide poisoning.

The effect of dietary supplementation with silkworm pupae meal on gastrointestinal function, nitrogen retention and blood biochemical parameters in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of silkworm pupae meal (SPM) on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, gastrointestinal physiology and blood biochemical parameters in rabbits. Thirty Termond White rabbits were divided into three groups: SBM - fed a diet containing 10% soybean meal (SBM), SPM5 - fed a diet containing 5% SBM and 5% SPM, and SPM10 - fed a diet containing 10% SPM. RESULTS: Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention decreased with increasing SPM inclusion levels in rabbit diets. The dietary inclusion of SPM caused a significant increase in the stomach pH. Group SPM10 rabbits were characterized by the highest cecal tissue and digesta weights. The lowest cecal pH was noted in group SPM5. The relative weights of colonic tissue and digesta tended to increase with increasing levels of SPM. The total and intracellular activity of bacterial α-galactosidase decreased significantly in both SPM groups. The replacement of SBM with SPM led to a decrease in the activity of bacterial ß-glucuronidase in the cecal digesta. The intracellular activity of bacterial α-arabinofuranosidase increased, and its release rate decreased in the cecum of rabbits in SPM groups. The extracellular activity of bacterial ß-xylosidase in the cecal digesta tended to decrease in group SPM10. The highest extracellular and intracellular activity of bacterial ß-cellobiosidase in the cecal digesta was noted in the SPM5 treatment. The lowest and the highest activity of bacterial N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) was observed in groups SBM and SPM10. The SPM10 treatment contributed to a decrease in the cecal concentrations of butyric, iso-valeric and valeric acids. The lowest total concentration of putrefactive short-chain fatty acids (PSCFAs) was observed in group SPM10. The cecal concentration of propionic acid tended to increase in group SPM5, whereas the cecal concentration of iso-butyric acid tended to decrease in group SPM10. The colonic concentration of iso-valeric acid was lowest in group SPM5. SPM treatments resulted in a significant increase in plasma albumin concentration. Plasma urea concentration was significantly higher in group SPM10 than in SBM and SPM5. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that rabbit diets can be supplemented with SPM at up to 5%.

The screening of the safety profile of polymeric based amoxicillin nanoparticles in various test systems.

Nanotechnology-based drugs show superiority over conventional medicines because of increased bioavailability, lower accumulation in non-target tissues, and improved therapeutic index with increased accumulation at target sites. However, it is important to be aware of possible problems related to the toxicity of these products, which have therapeutically superior properties. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate the safety profile of amoxicillin nanoparticles (AmxNPs) that we developed to increase the oral bioavailability of amoxicillin (Amx) in poultry. In the first part of the study, the genotoxicity potential of AmxNPs was evaluated using the Ames test and the in vitro comet assay. The results of Ames test showed that none of the tested concentrations of Amx and AmxNPs cause a significant increase in the revertant number of Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, and TA100, either with or without metabolic activation. Similarly, the comet assay revealed that AmxNPs did not induce DNA damage at any of the concentrations used, whereas high-dose (200 µg/mL) of Amx caused a significant increase in the percentage of DNA in the tail. In the second part of the study, the toxicity potential of AmxNPs on broilers was investigated by measuring biochemical parameters. In vivo results demonstrated that AmxNps did not cause a significant change in biochemical parameters, whereas Amx increased ALT, glucose, and cholesterol levels at certain sampling times. The obtained findings suggest that AmxNPs could be a safe promising potential drug in drug delivery systems.

The Effect of Replacing Genetically Modified Soybean Meal with 00-Rapeseed Meal, Faba Bean and Yellow Lupine in Grower-Finisher Diets on Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Retention, Selected Blood Biochemical Parameters and Fattening Performance of Pigs.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of partial and total replacement of protein from genetically modified soybean meal (GM-SBM) with protein from 00-rapeseed meal (00-RSM), alone or in combination with protein from low-tannin faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seeds (FB) or low-alkaloid yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus L.) seeds (YL) in grower-finisher diets on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention and utilization, selected blood biochemical parameters, fattening performance of pigs and carcass quality traits. Two digestibility-balance trials and one feeding trial were performed during two-phase fattening on male hybrid Danbred growing-finishing pigs were divided into four groups. The pigs were fed grower diets where 50% of GM-SBM protein (diet S-c) was replaced with 00-RSM protein (diet R), 00-RSM and FB protein (diet R + FB) or 00-RSM and YL protein (diet R + YL), and finisher diets where 100% of GM-SBM protein (diet S-c) was totally replaced with 00-RSM protein (diet R), and with 00-RSM and FB protein (diet R + FB) or YL protein (diet R + YL) in 50%. It was found that partial (50% in grower diets) and total (100% in finisher diets) replacement of GM-SBM protein with 00-RSM protein combined with FB or YL protein had no adverse effect on nutrient and energy digestibility, N balance, serum of blood carbohydrate and protein metabolism or the biochemical parameters of liver and kidney function. Protein from 00-RSM (6%) and FB seeds (10%/12%) contributed to high daily gains and high feed conversion efficiency. Protein from 00-RSM (6%) and YL seeds (6%/7%) in grower-finisher diets led to a further improvement in fattening performance. The analyzed vegetable protein sources had no negative influence on carcass quality. The results of the present study indicate that 00-RSM protein combined with protein from low-tannin FB or low-alkaloid YL seeds can be valuable high-protein feed ingredients alternative to GM-SBM in pig nutrition.

Effect of Bacterial or Fungal Phytase Supplementation on the Performance, Egg Quality, Plasma Biochemical Parameters, and Reproductive Morphology of Laying Hens.

Catalytic and physicochemical properties of microbial phytase sources may differ, affecting phosphorus (P) release and subsequently the productive and reproductive performance of layers. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of bacterial and fungal phytase sources on layer productivity, egg production, biochemical blood indices, and reproductive morphology. For this purpose, 360 Bovans brown hens at 42 weeks of age were randomly allocated into 4 experimental groups, each with 15 replicates of 6 hens. The first group (control) was fed a basal diet with 4.6 g/kg available P. In contrast, the second, third, and fourth groups were fed diets treated with 3.2 g/kg available P, supplemented with either 5000 FTU/kg of bacterial E. coli (QuantumTM Blue 5G), fungal Aspergillus niger (VemoZyme® F 5000 Naturally Thermostable Phytase (NTP)), or fungal Trichodermareesei (Yemzim® FZ100). Dietary supplementation of bacterial and fungal phytases did not affect the productive performance or egg quality criteria, except for increased shell weight and thickness (p < 0.05). Serum hepatic function biomarkers and lipid profiles were not altered in treated hens, while calcium and P levels were increased (p < 0.05) related to the controls. Ovary index and length, and relative weight of oviduct and its segments were not influenced. The contents of cholesterol and malondialdehyde in the yolks from treated birds were lower compared to control hens, while calcium and P content increased (p < 0.05). Conclusively, bacterial and fungal phytase sources can compensate for the reduction of available P in layers' diets and enhance shell and yolk quality without affecting productive performance, and no differences among them were noticed.

Influence of lycopene and astaxanthin in feed on metabolic parameters of laying hens, yolk color of eggs and their content of carotenoids and vitamin A when stored under refrigerated conditions.

Orientating investigations were carried out in order to test the influence of oil extracts of lycopene (20, 40 and 60 mg/kg feed) and astaxanthin (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg feed) as feed additives on the metabolic parameters (glucose, creatinine, cholesterol) and enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate transaminase, AST) of laying hens. Eggs from these hens were stored at refrigerator temperatures of 4°C and 12°C for up to 30 days and analyzed for vitamin A, carotenoid and yolk color. 45 laying hens (Hy-Line W36 cross, 23 weeks of age) were divided in three groups of 15 birds each (control, lycopene fed group, astaxanthin fed group). Blood samples were taken from the hens and laid eggs were collected on days 31, 61, and 91 of the study. The eggs were stored for 30 days in refrigerators. Both lycopene and astaxanthin increased the content of glucose in serum (Р⟨0.05). The content of creatinine and cholesterol, and the activity of ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase varied dose-dependently. With the exception of cholesterol, metabolite concentrations in the serum of laying hens fed different lycopene and astaxanthin doses did not exceed clinically accepted physiological levels. The carotenoid content and color of the egg yolks from laying hens fed astaxanthin was significantly higher (Р⟨0.05) compared to lycopene fed birds. Refrigerator storage of the eggs did not affect carotenoid content and egg yolk color compared to freshly laid eggs. Both feed additives showed a favorable effect on the metabolism of laying hens and the enrichment of egg yolks with carotenoids, astaxanthin significantly more (Р⟨0.05) than lycopene.

Association Analysis of Polymorphisms in the 5' Flanking Region of the HSP70 Gene with Blood Biochemical Parameters of Lactating Holstein Cows under Heat and Cold Stress.

Thermal stress (heat and cold) has large economic and welfare implications for the worldwide dairy industry. Therefore, it is paramount to understand the genetic background of coping mechanism related to thermal stress for the implementation of effective genetic selection schemes in dairy cattle. We performed an association study between 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms having minor allelic frequency (MAF > 0.05) in the HSP70 gene with blood biochemical parameters. The concentrations of growth hormone (GH), lactate (LA), prolactin (PRL), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), c-reactive protein (CRP), potassium (K+), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid peroxide (LPO), and norepinephrine (NE) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in heat-stressed animals as compared to the control group. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in the concentrations of cortisol (COR), corticosterone (CORT), and potassium (K+) was observed (p < 0.05), while the concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), dopamine (DA), GH, LDH, NE, PRL, and SOD were significantly lower in cold-stressed animals as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SNP A-12G and C181T were significantly associated with LA (p < 0.05), while A72G was linked with LPO (p < 0.05) in heat-stressed animals. Moreover, the SNPs A-12G and SNP C131G were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with DA and SOD under cold stress condition, respectively. These SNPs markers significantly associated with fluctuations in blood biochemical parameters under thermal stress provide a better insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying climatic resilience in Holstein cattle.

Assessment of Dietary Selenium and Vitamin E on Laying Performance and Quality Parameters of Fresh and Stored Eggs in Japanese Quails.

The effect of dietary supplementation with VE and Se on the laying productive performance, immunity, and the quality parameters of fresh and stored eggs was assessed. For this study, five treatments, namely control (basal diet), control plus 30 mg of VE and 0.4 mg kg-1 sodium selenite (VE30SS), control plus 30 mg of VE and 0.4 mg kg-1 of Sel-Plex® (VE30SP), control plus 120 mg VE and 0.4 mg kg-1 Sodium selenite (VE120SS), and control plus 120 mg VE and 0.4 mg kg-1 Sel-Plex (VE120SP), were examined. There was no huge impact of VE and Se on feed consumption, FCR and egg yield rate. Quality parameters of fresh egg including egg surface area, eggshell thickness, yolk selenium concentration, albumen height, and Haugh unit were significantly increased following VE and Se supplementation (p < 0.05). For stored eggs, VE and Se significantly increased egg yolk color intensity (p < 0.05). Regardless of storage temperature, eggs from birds fed with VE and Se had less weight loss during 30 days of storage. Albumen height was significantly higher in VE and Se fed birds in eggs stored at 5 °C for 15 and 30 days. The combination of Sel-Plex with either levels of VE had significantly higher blood total antioxidant capacity. Dietary VE and Selenium, notably Sel-Plex, improved the antioxidant potential of blood and egg quality of laying quails.

Influence of feeding methods on blood biochemical parameters of Japanese Black breeding herd.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different feeding methods on blood biochemical parameters by using a total of 32 Japanese Black breeding cows. The diet (silage) was distributed at a rough estimate for 18 days (FN period), and stanchions were not used in this period. After the FN period, the cows were separated in stanchions for feeding and were fed specified amount of silage by using scales on a feeder wagon, which was determined according to the diet formulation and average body weight of cows, for 30 days (FW period). On the last day of the two experiment periods, the body weight of all cows was recorded and blood samples were collected from 10 randomly selected cows. ß-hydroxybutyric acid and albumin (Alb) levels were significantly higher after the FW period than after FN period. The variation of glucose, Alb, calcium and lactic acid was significantly smaller after the FW period. Several blood parameters of the FW period were approximately the appropriate range of a Japanese Black breeding herd in the dry period. Our results suggest that the feeding method by use of a stanchion and proper diet formulation affects blood biochemical parameters and improves nutritional conditions for breeding cows.

Detoxification Impacts of Ascorbic Acid and Clay on Laying Japanese Quail Fed Diets Polluted by Various Levels of Cadmium.

A total number of 360 laying Japanese quail (8 weeks of age) were randomly divided into 12 groups. Birds in all groups had nearly the same average initial body weight. A factorial arrangement (4 × 3) was performed including four levels of dietary cadmium (Cd) as cadmium chloride (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg diet) and three levels of feed additives (without, 300 mg/kg ascorbic acid and 1.50% natural clay). Results revealed that Cd contaminated feed caused significant (p < 0.01) retardation in body weight, lower egg number and egg mass and worse feed conversion. On the other hand, the addition of ascorbic acid or natural clay to quail diets caused a significant (p < 0.01) improvement in all studied traits. With respect to the interaction among Cd and the experimental additives, results showed that within each Cd level, ascorbic acid or clay supplementation recorded the highest body weight, egg number, egg weight and mass in addition to improved feed conversion. Cadmium levels decreased (p < 0.05) blood total protein, albumen and A/G ratio. Both 300 mg ascorbic acid and 1.50% clay increased (p < 0.05) blood total protein and albumen compared to non-supplemented groups. It could be concluded that the consumption of polluted diets Cd causes deleterious effects on the productive performance of laying Japanese quail. The addition of ascorbic acid or natural clay to the diets causes beneficial effects on productive performance traits, improves egg quality criteria and diminishes the toxic effects of Cd.