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18 pages, 1142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diet Influence on Sperm Quality, Fertility, and Reproductive Behavior in Karakul of Botoșani Rams

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Constantin Pascal

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Ionică Nechifor

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Marian Alexandru Florea

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Claudia Pânzaru

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Daniel Simeanu

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Daniel Mierliță

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112168 - 19 Nov 2023

Viewed by 446

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of an improved diet with vitamins and minerals (VM) on the live weight, body condition, quality of sperm, behavior, and fertility of rams. The biological material comprised two groups of rams (L1—control and L2—VM supplemented), each [...] Read more.

This study aims to analyze the influence of an improved diet with vitamins and minerals (VM) on the live weight, body condition, quality of sperm, behavior, and fertility of rams. The biological material comprised two groups of rams (L1—control and L2—VM supplemented), each consisting of 15 individuals. After a complete one-year cycle, they received different dietary treatments at the beginning of the preparation for the reproduction period. Although in the onset of the mounting period (SM), no significant differences were observed for live weight (p > 0.05), providing supplemental feeding of a VM complex allowed a better capitalization of body reserves, and, consequently, the rams’ groups differed significantly by the end of mating season (FM), for live weight (+4.1%; p < 0.001) and body condition score (+15.9%; p < 0.05). Adding vitamins and minerals to the L2 diet also improved sperm color (p < 0.001), sperm concentration (+11.8%; p < 0.01), live spermatozoa (+2.6%; p < 0.001), and decreased abnormal spermatozoa proportion (−7.0%; p < 0.01). The increase in the scrotum circumference in L2 (+4.57%) suggests that VM supplements improved testosterone secretion, spermatogenesis, and ejaculate volume (+10.20%; (p < 0.001), with a positive impact (p < 0.001) on mating behavior, on the gestation installation (+11.2%) and on the number of obtained lambs (+14.0%), as well as on the key economic indicators (+13.8% incomes per ram). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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14 pages, 701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Guar Meal from Pig Compound Feed on Productive Performance, Nitrogen Metabolism, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Carmen Georgeta Nicolae

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Dana Popa

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Monica Marin

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2156; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112156 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 474

Abstract

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an annual legume tolerant to drought. Guar meal (GM) is a protein- and carbohydrate-rich co-product generated after the mechanical separation of the endosperm from the germ and hull of guar seed. GM has received considerable interest in [...] Read more.

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an annual legume tolerant to drought. Guar meal (GM) is a protein- and carbohydrate-rich co-product generated after the mechanical separation of the endosperm from the germ and hull of guar seed. GM has received considerable interest in animal feed as an alternative to soybean meal (SM). In this study, we aimed to assess the nitrogen (N) balance indicators, performance, carcass traits, and main greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from enteric fermentation (E-CH₄) and manure (M-CH₄ and N₂O). Two tests were performed: (i) a biological trial on 45 pigs (15 animals/group) and (ii) a digestibility test in metabolism cages (N = 15, 5 replicates/group). Three different diets were given to the pigs: one diet was based on 0% GM (SM diet); in the second, GM-50%, GM replaced 50% of the SM; and the third was GM-100%, in which GM fully replaced the SM. The GM and SM diets were analyzed for their proximate composition. A model based on prediction equations was used to estimate the GHGs. GM up to 10% in the diets of finishing pigs did not significantly impact growth performance or carcass traits, although a slight increase in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was observed. GM up to 10% improved N digestibility (p < 0.0001), net protein utilization (p < 0.0001), the biological value of protein, coefficients of metabolizability, and the coefficient of the total tract’s apparent digestibility. Irrespective of its dietary proportion, GM decreased total nitrogen output (TNO, p = 0.11). A highly significant impact was noted for N₂O and E-CH₄ (for DM, p < 0.0001), as well as a significant impact for E-CH₄, expressed as g CO₂ Eq (p = 0.007), and g CO₂ Eq. LU (livestock unit, p = 0.005), also reported as ADG (p = 0.024). Manure, M-CH₄, was not significantly influenced. In conclusion, GM can replace up to 100% SM and is thus a valuable byproduct that does not alter animal performance and can positively impact N₂O and E-CH₄. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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18 pages, 680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Calcium Propionate Inclusion Level and Duration in High-Risk Newly Received Stocker Calves: Growth Performance, Body Fat Reserves, and Health

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Daniel Rodriguez-Cordero

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Octavio Carrillo-Muro

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Pedro Hernandez-Briano

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Alejandro Rivera-Villegas

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Alfredo Estrada-Angulo

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2062; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112062 - 27 Oct 2023

Viewed by 930

Abstract

This study utilized fifty bull calves of the Continental × British crossbreed, with an average body weight of 147.0 ± 1.67 kg (BW), in a completely randomized design. The objective was to examine the impact of varying levels and duration of calcium propionate [...] Read more.

This study utilized fifty bull calves of the Continental × British crossbreed, with an average body weight of 147.0 ± 1.67 kg (BW), in a completely randomized design. The objective was to examine the impact of varying levels and duration of calcium propionate (CaPr) supplementation on the growth performance, body fat reserves, serum metabolites, and hemogram of high-risk newly received stocker calves. These calves were individually housed and fed a received diet for 56 d. The calves received the following treatments: (1) no CaPr (CTL), (2) 20 g CaPr/calf/d, (3) 40 g CaPr/calf/d, (4) 60 g CaPr/calf/d, and (5) 80 g CaPr/calf/d at 14, 28, 42, and 56 d after their arrival. Supplementing with 20 g CaPr from 28 to 56 d after arrival increased average daily gain (ADG) and BW (p < 0.05), and DMI was not affected (p > 0.05). This was reflected at 28 d with increases (p < 0.05) in the ADG/DMI ratio and longissimus muscle area (LMA), and at 56 d in back fat thickness (BFT) and fat thickness at the rump (FTR). Also, with 20 g, blood urea nitrogen decreased (p < 0.05), and increases were observed in the activity of gamma glutamyltransferase, monocytes (quadratic trend, p < 0.07), and granulocytes % (quadratic effect, p < 0.03). However, as the level of CaPr increased during the first 14 d after arrival, daily water intake, creatinine, total cholesterol, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (linear effect, p < 0.05), globulin, calcium, and mean corpuscular volume (linear trend, p = 0.08) increased, while alkaline phosphatase (linear trend, p = 0.07) and lymphocytes (linear effect, p = 0.05) decreased. Finally, the different levels of CaPr supplementation did not produce any significant effects or differences (p > 0.05) in the remaining serum metabolites and hemogram (p > 0.05). Ultimately, the inclusion of 20 g CaPr/calf/d in the diet for 28 d in newly received stocker calves increased ADG, ADG/DMI ratio, and LMA. If extended to 42 or 56 d, the increases in ADG persisted, but there was also a rise in body fat reserves (BFT and FTR) at the expense of a reduction in the ADG/DMI ratio. Furthermore, the different supplementation levels did not impact the reference range for most serum metabolites or the health of stocker calves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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13 pages, 3716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Using Ensilaged Corn Wet Distillers’ Grains Plus Solubles (WDGS) as a Partial Replacement for Concentrated Feed for Wet Lot Fed Fatteners during Fattening on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Pork Quality

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Marlena Zielińska-Górska

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 2017; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13102017 - 18 Oct 2023

Viewed by 530

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional suitability of WDGS in pigs’ feeding and production. Pigs were liquid fed and divided into 3 groups. Pigs in the control group were fed diets based on cereal grains, while the experimental groups [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional suitability of WDGS in pigs’ feeding and production. Pigs were liquid fed and divided into 3 groups. Pigs in the control group were fed diets based on cereal grains, while the experimental groups were also given 10% or 15% WDGS, which partially replaced their cereal grains. During this study, the average daily gains (ADG), feed intake, chemical composition of meat, fatty acid profile of meat, and quality parameters of the carcass and meat were examined. The highest statistical weight gains were detected for the group WDGS 10% during the first stage of the fattening period. No statistical differences were detected for the final body weight, carcass traits, chemical composition of the meat or the composition of fatty acids such as SFAs, PUFAs, and MUFAs, with the exception of eicosenoic acid (C20:1n9). Pigs fed on 10% WDGS exhibited lower peroxidation of lipids (TBARS) than the control group or WDGS 15%. Similarly, water holding capacity (WHC) was the lowest for the group WDGS 10%. Of the meat coloration, redness (a*), yellowness (b*), and chroma (C*) were affected by the WDGS’ inclusion, where the highest values were observed for the group WDGS 10%. In conclusion, WDGS can be utilized in the liquid feeding of pigs for up to 15% of their DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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12 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Dietary Replacement of Soybean Oil with Rubber Seed Oil on the Growth Performance, Carcass Trait, and Status of Lipid Metabolism in Pekin Ducks

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Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091717 - 30 Aug 2023

Viewed by 590

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of the dietary replacement of soybean oil (SO) with rubber seed oil (RSO) on the growth performance, carcass trait, and lipid metabolism in Pekin ducks. A total of 160 1-day-old Pekin ducks were [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of the dietary replacement of soybean oil (SO) with rubber seed oil (RSO) on the growth performance, carcass trait, and lipid metabolism in Pekin ducks. A total of 160 1-day-old Pekin ducks were randomly allocated to four experimental treatments and fed diets with different ratios of SO to RSO as follows: 3:0 (control), 2:1, 1:2, and 0:3. Dietary RSO supplementation had no effect on their growth performance; however, it significantly decreased the yield of abdominal fat (p < 0.05). As the dietary RSO increased, the plasma TG, CHO, LDL-C, and HDL-C contents of ducks decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the contents of total fat, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the liver and breast reduced in the ducks fed RSO diets (p < 0.05). Liver n-3 PUFA levels linearly increased (p < 0.05), while the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios reduced with increasing RSO levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary RSO supplementation resulted in decreased gene expressions of FABP1, ME1, SREBP1c, FASN, DGAT2, and HMGCR (p < 0.05), while there was an increased expression of the ABCA1 gene (p < 0.05) in the liver of the ducks. In conclusion, dietary RSO supplementation reduced fat deposition and enhanced n-3 PUFA levels without affecting the growth performance of Pekin ducks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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17 pages, 552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Information Acquisition via the Internet in Standardizing the Use of Antimicrobials by Hog Farmers: Insights from China

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Ruishi Si

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Yumeng Yao

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Mingyue Liu

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1586; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081586 - 09 Aug 2023

Viewed by 618

Abstract

Antimicrobial residues and resistance caused by farmers’ overuse of veterinary antimicrobials have seriously threatened food safety, the ecological environment, and public health. With the popularization of the Internet in rural areas, especially in developing countries, the constraints of obtaining agricultural technical information provided [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial residues and resistance caused by farmers’ overuse of veterinary antimicrobials have seriously threatened food safety, the ecological environment, and public health. With the popularization of the Internet in rural areas, especially in developing countries, the constraints of obtaining agricultural technical information provided by governments or organizations are greatly eased, farmers’ knowledge and skills are significantly improved, and the agricultural standardized production system is effectively constructed. However, there is still a research gap on whether information acquisition via the Internet (IAI) can induce farmers to standardize the use of antimicrobials. Using the data of 675 hog farmers in the Hebei, Shandong, Henan, and Hubei provinces, China, the IV-Heckman and mediating effect models were used to analyze the phenomenon empirically. The main findings revealed that the IAI had exerted a significant influence on the standardized use of veterinary antimicrobials by hog farmers, i.e., the IAI not only helped farmers to decide to standardize the use of antimicrobials but also reduced the amount of investment in the standardized use of antibiotics. Moreover, information-sharing and feedback mechanisms partially mediated the relationship between the IAI and farmers’ standardized use of antimicrobials. Finally, considering the heterogeneity of individual endowments, the study further revealed that the IAI significantly impacted the standardized use of antimicrobials for farmers below the age of 36 years. However, the IAI was found to positively and significantly promote farmers’ standardized-use decisions only if they had less than five years of breeding time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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14 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Calcium Propionate Inclusion Period on the Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Feedlot Ram Lambs

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Octavio Carrillo-Muro

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Alejandro Rivera-Villegas

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Pedro Hernandez-Briano

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Marco Antonio Lopez-Carlos

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Beatriz Isabel Castro-Perez

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081577 - 08 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 764

Abstract

The objective was to determine the effect of calcium propionate (CaPr) inclusion in the diet, at different periods on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of finishing lambs. Thirty-six Dorper × Katahdin crossbred male lambs (39.1 ± 0.44 kg BW) were [...] Read more.

The objective was to determine the effect of calcium propionate (CaPr) inclusion in the diet, at different periods on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of finishing lambs. Thirty-six Dorper × Katahdin crossbred male lambs (39.1 ± 0.44 kg BW) were housed in individual pens during a 42 d feeding period and assigned to four treatments (n = 9) consisting of CaPr administered at a dose of 10 g/lamb/d for 0 (control), 14, 28, or 42 d before slaughter. Final BW (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and ADG:DMI ratio increased quadratically (p < 0.05) by CaPr supplementation, being optimal at an estimated inclusion period of 25 d for FBW and ADG, 15 d for DMI, and 28 d for ADG:DMI ratio. Hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), and dressing were quadratically improved (p < 0.05) at an estimated inclusion period of 24 d for HCW and CCW, and 20 d for dressing. The increased inclusion period (42 d) augmented fat thickness (linear effect, p < 0.05). At 28 d of CaPr supplementation, maximal response (quadratic effect, p < 0.05) was estimated in the empty body weight at 28 d, forequarter at 26 d, and neck at 24 d, but a longer inclusion period (42 d) increases the weight of leg and rack and reduced the proportion of loin as a percentage of CCW (linear effect, p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary CaPr can be included for a period of 24 to 28 d to improve growth performance and carcass weight, without affecting organ mass or meat quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

16 pages, 1137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Productive, Qualitative, and In Vitro Fermentation Traits of Amaranthus Grains as Potential Ingredients for Pig Diet

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Monica Isabella Cutrignelli

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Fabio Gresta

Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071445 - 22 Jul 2023

Viewed by 609

Abstract

The present work compared the agronomic traits, chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and in vitro fermentation characteristics of twelve accessions of Amaranthus spp., belonging to A. cruentus, A. hybridus, A. hypochondriacus, and A. tricolor, grown in a semiarid Mediterranean [...] Read more.

The present work compared the agronomic traits, chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and in vitro fermentation characteristics of twelve accessions of Amaranthus spp., belonging to A. cruentus, A. hybridus, A. hypochondriacus, and A. tricolor, grown in a semiarid Mediterranean area. Among accessions, Benin and Arizona (A. cruentus) and Pennsylvania (A. hypochondriacus) showed the highest seed yield (on average, 322.1 g m⁻²), while Taiwan (A. tricolor) and India and Iowa (A. hypochondriacus) the highest thousand seed weight (on average, 0.81 g). Among the species, A. hypochondriacus showed the highest crude protein (16 g 100g⁻¹), starch (51.5 g 100g⁻¹), and soluble detergent fiber (2.03 g 100g⁻¹) contents and the most favorable in vitro fermentation characteristics with the highest short-chain fatty acid (SCFA 52.6 mmol g⁻¹) and butyric acid (20.7% SCFA) production together with the lowest crude fiber (4.93 g 100g⁻¹) and insoluble dietary fiber (12.5 g 100g⁻¹) content. Arizona (A. cruentus) showed the highest level of monounsaturated fatty acids (32.67 g 100g⁻¹), Ohio (A. hybridus) had the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (44.62 g 100g⁻¹) and n6-PUFA (44.21 g 100g⁻¹), and India (A. hypochondriacus) had the highest level of n3-PUFA (0.63 g 100g⁻¹). A. hypochondriacus exhibited not only desirable nutritive characteristics, agronomic traits, and suitability to Mediterranean growing conditions, but also a potential beneficial effect. Nonetheless, it is recommended to run longer-term field trials to confirm these findings and to assess the genotype by environment interaction either with current accessions or others from the wide Amaranth germplasm available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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14 pages, 1063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Trace Elements and Levels on Nutrients and Energy Utilization, Antioxidant Capacity, and Mineral Deposition of Broiler Chickens

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Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071369 - 10 Jul 2023

Viewed by 848

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of inorganic trace elements (IEs) and sucrose chelated trace elements (SEs) on the growth performance, nutrients and energy utilization, antioxidant capacity, and mineral deposition in broiler chickens, and the efficiency of IEs replaced by SEs at different levels [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of inorganic trace elements (IEs) and sucrose chelated trace elements (SEs) on the growth performance, nutrients and energy utilization, antioxidant capacity, and mineral deposition in broiler chickens, and the efficiency of IEs replaced by SEs at different levels was also evaluated. A total of 448,21-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens with similar body weights were randomly assigned into 6 dietary treatments (8 cages/treatments) in a complete randomized design. Treatments were a basal diet including 2.0 g/kg of IE (IE-2.0) premix, and SE-2.0, SE-1.5, SE-1.0, SE-0.5, and SE-0 were basal diets in which IEs were replaced by SE premix at 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0 g/kg, respectively. In general, there was a linear and quadratic decrease in growth performance including average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG), apparent and true availability of nutrients (DM, OM, and CP), GE, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, I, and Se), essential AA (Lys, Met, Arg, His, Phe, Thr, and Val), non-essential AA (Asp, Ser, Glu, Gly, and Cys), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and trace elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in the liver, and an increase in feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) and liver malondialdehyde (MDA), with decreasing SE levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, using half of the sucrose chelated trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) instead of inorganic trace elements did not affect the growth performance, nutrients and energy utilization, antioxidant capacity, and liver trace element deposition in broiler chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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16 pages, 1017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Different Environments on Productive Performance, Welfare, and the Health of Muscovy Ducks during the Summer Season

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Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071319 - 28 Jun 2023

Viewed by 855

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the housing system (deep litter [DL] vs. deep litter with swimming pond [DLSP]) on productive performance, carcass traits, body temperature, blood profile, and the element composition of the femur and tibia in [...] Read more.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the housing system (deep litter [DL] vs. deep litter with swimming pond [DLSP]) on productive performance, carcass traits, body temperature, blood profile, and the element composition of the femur and tibia in Muscovy ducks. At 5 weeks of age, sexed ducklings (264) were divided into 4 equal groups according to housing system and gender (drakes vs. ducks). The groups were as follows: 66 drakes/DL, 66 drakes/DLSP, 66 ducks/DL, and 66 ducks/DLSP. Each of the four groups was divided into three identical replicated subgroups of 22 animals. Regarding external body temperature, the DL birds had higher temperatures compared with the DLSP birds. In addition, drakes had lower temperature values than ducks. Regarding the blood analysis, the birds did not manifest any deviations in the biochemical traits of the blood. The DLSP birds had greater live weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, but a lower proportion of breast meat than the DL birds. The housing conditions did not affect the fracture toughness of the tibia and femur of the birds; however, Muscovy ducks from the DLSP group had more Ca and Mg in the tibia and more Mg in the femur compared with the DL birds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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20 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dairy Cows Management Systems on the Physicochemical and Nutritional Quality of Milk and Yogurt, in a North-Eastern Romanian Farm

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Roxana Nicoleta Rațu

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Petru Marian Cârlescu

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Marius Giorgi Usturoi

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Florin Daniel Lipșa

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Ionuț Dumitru Veleșcu

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Vlad Nicolae Arsenoaia

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Andreea Mihaela Florea

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Marius Mihai Ciobanu

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Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu

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Alina Narcisa Postolache

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Daniel Simeanu

Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071295 - 25 Jun 2023

Viewed by 720

Abstract

The study’s objective was to investigate changes in the fatty acid composition of cow milk in general and in 80 Romanian Spotted cows’ husbandry and feeding systems in particular (grazing–GC group vs. stabulation–SC group). The ultimate objective was to determine if the changes [...] Read more.

The study’s objective was to investigate changes in the fatty acid composition of cow milk in general and in 80 Romanian Spotted cows’ husbandry and feeding systems in particular (grazing–GC group vs. stabulation–SC group). The ultimate objective was to determine if the changes that happened in the milk also transferred to the finished product. Also, the influence of the quality of raw milk produced by both systems was evaluated when yogurt was made from it. The milk was gathered in May, July and September and used for both the yogurt-making process and the study, which lasted from May to October. In comparison to milk from SC, milk from grazed caws had larger percentages of fat and dry matter throughout the summer (GC) season. Moreover, pasture-based rations (MGC) contained more PUFA than MCS did. Data research revealed that not only do factors such as milk origin and initial quality have a substantial impact on yogurt quality parameters, but also technologies such as milk fermentation have a considerable impact on the fatty acid profile of yogurt. In comparison to cows kept permanently in stables, grazed cows (MGC) had fat with a lower concentration of saturated fatty acids and a higher proportion of rumenic, vaccenic and oleic acids (MSC). When fresh milk is processed into yogurt and other dairy products, the fatty acid profiles alter, with saturated fatty acids predominating over unsaturated ones. The findings show that pasture-fed cows have a positive impact on milk quality, particularly in terms of fatty acid profile, as well as on yogurt’s ultimate nutritional and dietary quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

15 pages, 1591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oils as a Dietary Additive for Laying Hens: Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Status, and Intestinal Morphology: A Meta-Analysis

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José Felipe Orzuna-Orzuna

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Alejandro Lara-Bueno

Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071294 - 25 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1086

Abstract

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils (EOs) on egg production and quality, antioxidant status in blood serum, and the intestinal morphology of laying hens. The data used were obtained from 38 peer-reviewed publications. The effect size [...] Read more.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils (EOs) on egg production and quality, antioxidant status in blood serum, and the intestinal morphology of laying hens. The data used were obtained from 38 peer-reviewed publications. The effect size was evaluated by weighted mean differences (WMD) between the experimental treatments (diets added with EOs) and the control treatments (diets without EOs). EO supplementation increased (p < 0.001) egg production (WMD = 2.171%), egg weight (WMD = 0.636 g), egg mass (WMD = 1.679 g/d), and decreased the feed conversion ratio (WMD = −0.074 g/g; p < 0.001). In addition, greater (p < 0.05) eggshell thickness (WMD = 14.262 mm), eggshell strength (0.080 kg/cm²), albumen height (WMD = 0.201 mm), Haugh unit (WMD = 1.102), and yolk color (WMD = 0.071) were observed in response to EO supplementation. In blood serum, the dietary inclusion of EOs increased (p < 0.05) the levels of superoxide dismutase (WMD = 1.147 U/mL), glutathione peroxidase (WMD = 879.553 U/mL), and total antioxidant capacity (WMD = 1.163 U/mL). In the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, a higher (p < 0.05) villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), villus width, and VH/CD ratio was observed in response to EO supplementation. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of essential oils can be used as a nutritional strategy to improve egg production and quality, the antioxidant status of blood serum, and intestinal morphology in laying hens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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12 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Nigella sativa Inclusion during Gestation and Lactation on Ovarian Follicle Development, as Well as the Blood and Metabolic Profiles of Ardi Goats in Subtropics

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Abd El-Nasser Mohammed

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Shaker Al-Suwaiegh

Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030674 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 980

Abstract

The present study aimed to alleviate the negative effects of the peripartum and postpartum periods on the timing of ovarian follicle development, milk composition, as well as blood and metabolic profiles due to Nigella sativa (N. sativa) supplementation. Twenty-seven pregnant Ardi [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to alleviate the negative effects of the peripartum and postpartum periods on the timing of ovarian follicle development, milk composition, as well as blood and metabolic profiles due to Nigella sativa (N. sativa) supplementation. Twenty-seven pregnant Ardi goats were classified using a randomized complete design into three groups: a control group and two N. sativa groups (10.0 and 20.0 g N. sativa seeds per kg diet). Productive and reproductive performances, in addition to blood and metabolic profiles, were investigated and compared using Duncan’s multiple test. N. sativa supplementation increased dry matter intake and body weight. Ruminal pH and total bacterial counts were increased versus a decreased total protozoal count due to N. sativa inclusion. Additionally, N. sativa supplementation increased the concentration of protein, lactose, solids not fat, fat, and ash in milk. Pulse rates were the lowest (p < 0.05) in the N. sativa group and the partial pressure of oxygen was the lowest in the control group. Red and white blood cells and their related parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophils, and lymphocytes) showed significant increases due to N. sativa inclusion. Total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium) values were higher (p < 0.05) in the N. sativa group. Lower concentrations of blood urea nitrogen were found in N. sativa groups compared to control one. In conclusion, N. sativa inclusion from 4 weeks prepartum to 4 weeks postpartum of Ardi goats modified productive and reproductive performances without any adverse effects on blood and metabolic profiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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19 pages, 647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Use of White Lupine in the Laying Quail Feeding by Enzymes Addition: Effects on Productive Performances, Digestion, Blood Biochemical Indices and Eggs Quality

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Dănuț Ioan Struți

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Daniel Mierlita

and

Andrea Bunea

Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030575 - 27 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1278

Abstract

Lupine seeds are a valuable nutritive source for animal feeding, but for poultry nutrition, the content in crude fiber and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) have an antinutritional factor. The aim of this research was to highlight the effect of partial soybean meal replacement with [...] Read more.

Lupine seeds are a valuable nutritive source for animal feeding, but for poultry nutrition, the content in crude fiber and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) have an antinutritional factor. The aim of this research was to highlight the effect of partial soybean meal replacement with L. albus seeds and enzyme addition in the laying quail diets on productive performance, digestion, blood biochemical indices and egg quality. A total of 210 homogenous female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) at 24 week of age were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments, with the standard diet based on soybean meal unsupplemented (−) and supplemented with enzyme (+) (S−/S+) and the experimental diets on which the soybean meal was based partially substituted by including lupine in the amount of 200 g/kg and 250 g/kg, unsupplemented and supplemented with enzymes (L₂₀−/L₂₀+; L₂₅−/L₂₅+).The use of enzymes in the lupine-based diets allowed increasing the proportion of lupine in the diet of laying quails by up to 25% (% of feed) without changing egg production, egg weight, feed conversion rate and physical–chemical quality parameters of the eggs. In addition, the use of lupine (−/+) improved (p < 0.001) the carotenoid content of the egg yolk, as well as the quality of the yolk fats by decreasing the cholesterol content and the level of fatty acids (FA) with an atherogenic effect, in favor of omega-3 FA. Enzyme supplementation of the lupine-based diets had a negative effect on the health lipid indices of the fats in the yolk (ratio of the hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic FA—h/H, atherogenic index—AI, thrombogenic index—TI and health promotion index—HPI). The use of exogenous enzymes increased the nutrients’ efficiency of the quails’ feed, which is supported by the improvement of the blood metabolic indices and a decrease of intestinal digesta viscosity and feces moisture. In conclusion, white lupine can be used up to 25% in the laying quail feed in association with specific enzymes without affecting the productive performance and egg quality; moreover, lupine use has improved the quality of the eggs, increasing humans’ health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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16 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Different Levels of Crude Protein on Production Performance and Meat Quality in Broiler Selected for Slow Growth

by

Marius Giorgi Usturoi

,

Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu

,

Alexandru Usturoi

,

Cristina Simeanu

,

Marius Gheorghe Doliș

,

Roxana Nicoleta Rațu

and

Daniel Simeanu

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020427 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1482

Abstract

The production performance and meat quality of the slow-growing hybrid Hubbard JA757 were monitored under conditions of diets differentiated by crude protein content. A total of 1200 as-hatched day-old chickens were equally and randomly allotted into two treatments (T-1 and T-2), with six [...] Read more.

The production performance and meat quality of the slow-growing hybrid Hubbard JA757 were monitored under conditions of diets differentiated by crude protein content. A total of 1200 as-hatched day-old chickens were equally and randomly allotted into two treatments (T-1 and T-2), with six replicates provided for each treatment (100 chickens/replicate). T-1 chickens received standard diets (according to Hubbard Company recommendations), and those in T-2 were fed diets supplemented with crude protein (+0.5% CP in the growing phase and +1.0% CP in the finishing phase). At the end of the investigations (age 56 days), the T-2 chickens performed better than the T-1 chickens for growth traits (+2.72% body weight; +2.77% daily growth gain; −0.34% mortality; and −4.15% feed conversion ratio); for slaughtering (+0.66% dressed yield; +1.10% breast weight; and +1.25% thigh weight); and for quality meat (+0.55% dry matter in thigh muscles and +1.52% dry matter in breast muscles) (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) occurred between treatments for body weight, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio due to the 0.5% CP feed supplementation during the 15–28 day age period, justifying the usefulness of the CP increasing throughout the grower diet only and not during the finishing period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

12 pages, 1023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Supplementation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ as a Vitamin D₃ Substitute on Performance, Bone Traits, and Egg Quality of Laying Hens from 1 Day to 72 Weeks of Age

by

,

,

,

,

,

,

and

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020383 - 06 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1253

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to explore the effect of long-term supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OHD) as a vitamin D₃ (VD₃) substitute on performance, bone traits, and egg quality of laying hens from 1 day to 72 weeks of age. [...] Read more.

This experiment was conducted to explore the effect of long-term supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OHD) as a vitamin D₃ (VD₃) substitute on performance, bone traits, and egg quality of laying hens from 1 day to 72 weeks of age. In total, 900 one-day-old Lohman pullets were randomly allotted into three dietary groups (three treatments × 15 replicates × 20 birds per replicate): VD₃ 2800 IU/kg; 25-OHD 69 μg/kg; 25-OHD 125 μg/kg. At the end of the 20th w, five replicates from each group were selected to feed on the same vitamin D diets, as used during the rearing stage (1–20 w) until 72 w. The result showed that the 25-OHD 125 μg/kg treatment had the lowest average daily feed intake (ADFI) at 1–8 or 1–19 w, body weight at 8 w, body weight gain between 1 and 8 w and shank length at 4 w (p < 0.05). The 25-OHD 125 μg/kg treatment had a lower shank length at 7 w, compared with the 25-OHD 69 μg/kg treatment. The shank length of the birds in each treatment reached the maximum (about 103 mm) at about 18 w of age. For the bone traits, the 25-OHD 125 μg/kg treatment had the lowest femur bone diameter at 20 w (p < 0.001) and femur bone plumpness at 20 w (p = 0.002). The 25-OHD 125 μg/kg treatment had a lower tibia strength at 10 w (p = 0.023) and keel length at 10 w (p = 0.046), compared with the 25-OHD 69 μg/kg treatment. However, both 25-OHD 69 and 125 μg/kg treatments had a greater femur strength at 72 w (p = 0.006), compared with the VD₃ 2800 IU/kg treatment. No difference in laying performance was observed among all treatments. The overall (21–72 w) ADFI in the 25-OHD 125 μg/kg treatment was significantly lower than that in the 25-OHD 69 μg/kg treatment (p = 0.030). At 60 w, the 25-OHD 125 μg/kg treatment had a lower eggshell thickness (p = 0.012) and proportion of eggshell (p = 0.022), compared with the 25-OHD 69 μg/kg treatment. No significant differences in egg quality parameters were observed at 50 and 70 w among treatments. In general, supplementary 2800 IU/kg doses of VD₃ at the early stage were sufficient to maintain the bone quality and growth and development of pullets. Feeding birds at a higher 25-OHD level (125 μg/kg) resulted in the reduced ADFI and growth at the rearing period, but the long-term supplementation of 25-OHD as a VD₃ substitute improved the bone quality in the late laying period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 930 KiB

Open AccessReview

Use of Spirulina platensis and Curcuma longa as Nutraceuticals in Poultry

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and

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1553; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081553 - 03 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1059

Abstract

Since the banning of antibiotics in animal feeds (2006), there has been an increase in the number of studies looking for alternatives to stimulate the gut immune system. The main objective of our review article is to underline the nutraceutical properties of Curcuma [...] Read more.

Since the banning of antibiotics in animal feeds (2006), there has been an increase in the number of studies looking for alternatives to stimulate the gut immune system. The main objective of our review article is to underline the nutraceutical properties of Curcuma longa and Spirulina platensis in the broiler chicken industry, and the experimental data were obtained by analyzing literature sources. Spirulina platensis is widely recognized as a valuable protein source, containing approximately 55–70% protein, 25% carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and 18% fatty acids. It is also rich in various vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, gamma-linolenic acid, phycocyanins, tocopherols, chlorophyll, beta-carotenes, carotenoids, exhibiting positive effects on growth performance, gut integrity, and immunity. The anti-inflammatory effect of spirulina supplementation at different levels showed a decrease in caspase-3 and the TNF-α immunolabeling index; a reduction in IL-1β, IL-2 and IFN-γ; and an increase in the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. Spirulina inhibits the synthesis of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-gamma in addition to the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzymes. Turmeric also positively influences the growth, egg production, and overall health of chickens. Curcumin, the most potent component of turmeric, possesses additional pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, and anticancer effects. Its immunomodulatory properties greatly enhance the immune system response, acting as a natural antibiotic against pathogens and decreasing levels of proinflammatory interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-18, and TNF-α. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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17 pages, 1811 KiB

Open AccessReview

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): A Review Focused on Occurrence and Incidence in Animal Feed and Cow Milk

by

Mădălina Matei

,

Roxana Zaharia

,

Silvia-Ioana Petrescu

,

Cristina Gabriela Radu-Rusu

,

Daniel Simeanu

,

Daniel Mierliță

and

Ioan Mircea Pop

Agriculture 2023, 13(4), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13040873 - 15 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1922

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants have particular ecotoxicological importance and they are amongst the most harmful groups of persistent pollutants. The complexity of persistent organic pollutants highlights the different sources of pollution from which they came and, depending on which, their profile could be characterized. [...] Read more.

Persistent organic pollutants have particular ecotoxicological importance and they are amongst the most harmful groups of persistent pollutants. The complexity of persistent organic pollutants highlights the different sources of pollution from which they came and, depending on which, their profile could be characterized. In the first part of this review, the main characteristics of persistent organic pollutants were described, focusing on their complexity and toxic potential in relation to environmental elements. The second part of the review includes data related to the occurrence and incidence of persistent organic pollutants in different types of feed and cow’s milk, focusing on the characteristic profile of pollutants as an indicator of the sources of pollution. Moreover, a description regarding the timing and duration of the contamination of feed and milk was carried out, evaluating the distribution of pollutants within the analyzed samples and highlighting those whose presence is predominant or whose residues persist in the environment for long periods. The review concludes that the identification of pollution sources associated with different proportions of organic pollutants found in different samples could represent a suitable solution for biomonitoring the potential contamination in a geographical area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)

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