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26 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Replacing Soybean Meal with Hemp Leaves in a Dairy Cow Diet: Plasma Antioxidative Capacity, Inflammatory Parameters and Milk Constituents

by Jessica Schwerdtfeger, Solvig Görs, Dirk Dannenberger and Björn Kuhla

Animals 2025, 15(10), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101414 - 14 May 2025

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Abstract

Hemp is rich in bioactive compounds known to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesised that feeding industrial hemp leaves would increase the antioxidative capacity, reduce pro-inflammatory markers, and modulate the milk amino and fatty acid profiles of dairy cows. Twelve Holstein dairy [...] Read more.

Hemp is rich in bioactive compounds known to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesised that feeding industrial hemp leaves would increase the antioxidative capacity, reduce pro-inflammatory markers, and modulate the milk amino and fatty acid profiles of dairy cows. Twelve Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 7.4% industrial hemp leaves (HEMP) of the Santhica 27 variety or a TMR-based diet containing 3.5% soybean meal (CON). Diets were fed in a cross-over design, each for 2 weeks divided by a 2-week washout period. HEMP cows revealed higher plasma and milk cannabinoid concentrations, plasma antioxidative capacity and anserine concentration, but lower plasma π-methylhistidine, α-aminoadipic acid and isoleucine concentrations. Lipid peroxidation and tumour necrosis factor-alpha concentrations were not different between groups. The leukocyte RELA mRNA expression was higher, whereas the TNFA mRNA abundance tended to be lower in the HEMP group. In milk, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations were higher, and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was lower in HEMP than in CON cows. The results provide evidence that the supplementation with Santhica 27 hemp leaves increases the antioxidative capacity of dairy cows and results in a transfer of cannabinoids into milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

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12 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dietary Schizochytrium sp. Meal Enhances the Fatty Acid Profile in Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) Fillets with No Effect on Growth Performance and Health Status

by André D. Nobre, Renata V. Mendonça, Ana Beatriz de S. Farias, Fernando Y. Yamamoto and Ligia U. Gonçalves

Animals 2025, 15(5), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050712 - 2 Mar 2025

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Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation with Schizochytrium sp. meal, a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, and fatty acid composition of juvenile pirarucu (Arapaima gigas). Two diets were used: a test diet [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation with Schizochytrium sp. meal, a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, and fatty acid composition of juvenile pirarucu (Arapaima gigas). Two diets were used: a test diet (5%SZ) and a control diet (0 SZ). Juvenile pirarucu (561.3 ± 13.4 g; 47.5 ± 7.1 cm) were kept in recirculating aquaculture tanks and fed three times daily for 12 weeks. No significant differences in growth performance or adverse effects on hemato-biochemical parameters were found, except for hemoglobin and total protein. The fatty acid profile of the fillets from the fish fed the 5 SZ diet mirrored that of the Schizochytrium sp. meal, with increased levels of palmitic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and decreased levels of linoleic and linolenic acids. The inclusion of Schizochytrium sp. meal reduced monounsaturated fatty acids from 39.6% to 32.0% and increased highly unsaturated fatty acids from 3.05% to 11.9% of total lipids. The DHA content was 9.45 times higher in the fillets of the fish fed 5 SZ, improving the n-3/n-6 ratio from 0.26 to 1.19. In conclusion, adding 5% Schizochytrium sp. meal enhances the nutritional quality of pirarucu fillets by increasing DHA and the n-3/n-6 ratio. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

14 pages, 4230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brown Algae Polysaccharides Alleviate Diquat-Induced Oxidative Stress in Piglets and IPEC-J2 Cells via Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

by Chunjie Hou, Zirou Yu, Chenyu Shi, Ya Huang and Hu Liu

Animals 2025, 15(4), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040559 - 14 Feb 2025

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Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Brown algae polysaccharides (BAPs) on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets and IPEC-J2 cells through Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. In the in vivo model, 24 male piglets of the Duroc × Landrace × Large White breed were selected and [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effect of Brown algae polysaccharides (BAPs) on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets and IPEC-J2 cells through Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. In the in vivo model, 24 male piglets of the Duroc × Landrace × Large White breed were selected and divided into 4 groups (n = 6), including the CON group (basal diet), DIQ group (10 mg/kg Diquat), BAP group (1000 mg/kg BAP), and BAP+DIQ group (1000 mg/kg BAP + 10 mg/kg Diquat). Compared with the DIQ group, BAP improved growth performance and the BAP+DIQ group reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and DAO in plasma, increased VH and VCR, improved jejunal tissue morphology, decreased MDA levels, and increased T-AOC (p < 0.05). Additionally, the BAP+DIQ group elevated mRNA levels of ZO-1, and enhanced the protein levels of Occludin, Claudin1, CAT, SOD1, and HO-1 (p < 0.05). In the in vitro model, the BAP+DIQ group decreased MDA levels, increased T-AOC, elevated mRNA levels of ZO-1, CAT and SOD2, as well as protein levels of Claudin1, SOD1, HO-1, and total Nrf2 compared with the DIQ group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, BAP increased nuclear Nrf2 protein levels, and promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus compared with the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, BAPs are crucial for enhancing piglets’ antioxidant capacity via Nrf2 pathway activation. These findings highlight BAP’s potential as a natural feed additive to mitigate oxidative stress and improve overall health in piglets. Further research is warranted to explore BAPs as a dietary supplement to support gut health and reduce oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

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14 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Potential Effects of Soybean By-Product (Hulls) and Enzyme (Beta-Mannanase) on Laying Hens During Peak Production

by Muhammad Shuaib, Abdul Hafeez, Deependra Paneru, Woo Kyun Kim, Muhammad Tahir, Anthony Pokoo-Aikins, Obaid Ullah and Abubakar Sufyan

Animals 2025, 15(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010098 - 4 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1074

Abstract

This study determined the interaction between soybean hulls (SHs) and enzymes (β-mannanase) to improve the sustainability and efficacy of feeding programs for laying hens during peak production while ensuring the best health and efficiency. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 200 golden-brown hens [...] Read more.

This study determined the interaction between soybean hulls (SHs) and enzymes (β-mannanase) to improve the sustainability and efficacy of feeding programs for laying hens during peak production while ensuring the best health and efficiency. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 200 golden-brown hens were fed for four weeks (33 to 36 weeks) and randomly distributed into four groups, each containing four replicates of ten birds, with one group receiving a control diet (P0) and the others receiving diets that contained four combinations of SHs and enzymes (ENZs). e.g., 3% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P1), 3% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P2), 9% SHs and 0.02 g/kg ENZs (P3), and 9% SHs and 0.03 g/kg ENZs (P4). Although most egg quality measures remained similar, the P2 group showed enhanced (p = 0.630) egg weight, albumen weight, and height. Moreover, the P2 group improved gut (p < 0.05) shape by increasing villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area throughout intestinal sections, while the P4 group markedly improved total cholesterol and LDL (p = 0.022) levels. The P1, P2, and P4 groups exhibited a significant enhancement in dry matter (p = 0.022) and crude fiber (p = 0.046) digestibility, while the P2 group demonstrated superior crude protein digestibility (p = 0.032), and the P1 and P2 groups showed increased crude fat digestibility compared to the other groups. In conclusion, adding 3% of SHs and 30 mg/kg of ENZs (β-mannanase) to the feed may help laying hens, enhance gut health and some egg quality indices, and decrease blood cholesterol and LDL levels without compromising nutrient digestibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

12 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Schizochytrium Algae as ω-3 PUFA Source on the Egg-Laying Quail Performance, Serum Indexes, and Egg Yolk Fatty Acids Contents

by Yifan Chang, Yue Xuan, Ruinan Zhang, Xuemei Ding, Qiufeng Zeng, Jianping Wang, Shiping Bai, Shanshan Li, Yan Liu, Yuchuan Chen and Keying Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010021 - 25 Dec 2024

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Abstract

The objective of this experiment is to investigate the effects of SAP or SAO as ω-3 PUFA raw materials on production performance, egg quality, serum immunity, serum lipids, and fatty acid deposition patterns in the eggs of laying quails. Chinese yellow-feathered quails served [...] Read more.

The objective of this experiment is to investigate the effects of SAP or SAO as ω-3 PUFA raw materials on production performance, egg quality, serum immunity, serum lipids, and fatty acid deposition patterns in the eggs of laying quails. Chinese yellow-feathered quails served as the experimental subjects. A single-factor design was employed to randomly assign 1288 quails into four treatment groups, with seven replicates per treatment and 46 birds in each replicate. The groups included a control group (basal diet with no SAP), 1.6% SAP, 3.2% SAP, and 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to the control group, the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group exhibited a reduction in daily egg-laying rate and egg mass, alongside an increased FCR; (2) the 3.2% SAP group enhanced egg yolk color, while the 1.6% SAP group reduced eggshell thickness, and the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group increased eggshell thickness; (3) compared to the control group, the 3.2% SAP group decreased total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in serum; the addition of either the 3.2% SAP or the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group significantly elevated quail serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels (p < 0.05); (4) in comparison to the control group, the addition of SAP or with SAP increased the contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and ω-3 PUFA in 56-day-old egg yolks while reducing the ω-6/ω-3 ratio (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that SAP as a source of ω-3 PUFA raw materials could improve quail health by improving lipid metabolism and immunity. 3.2% SAP was recommended as the optimal level to produce the enriched ω-3 PUFA quail eggs with the ω-3 PUFA ≥ 300 mg/100 g. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

14 pages, 10481 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Multi-Omics Reveal the Improvements of Nutrient Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism and Intestinal Function via GABA Supplementation in Weanling Piglets

by Yan Zeng, Hong Hu, Yiwen He, Zhiying Deng, Yiting Guo and Xihong Zhou

Animals 2024, 14(22), 3177; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223177 - 6 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1174

Abstract

The nonprotein amino acid γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can enhance intestinal function in piglets; however, the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. To explore the effects of GABA and its underlying mechanisms, weanling piglets were randomly assigned to three groups, receiving either a [...] Read more.

The nonprotein amino acid γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can enhance intestinal function in piglets; however, the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. To explore the effects of GABA and its underlying mechanisms, weanling piglets were randomly assigned to three groups, receiving either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with GABA (80 mg/kg or 120 mg/kg). The results demonstrated that dietary GABA improved growth performance and reduced diarrhea incidence (p < 0.05). Additionally, GABA supplementation decreased the serum and intestinal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05), and improved intestinal morphology. Multi-omics analyses were employed to explore the alterations caused by GABA supplementation and elucidate the related mechanisms. Microbiota profiling revealed improved beta-diversity and changes in the composition of ileal bacteria and fungi. Amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and digestive processes were primarily enriched in the GABA group according to metabolomics analysis. A transcriptome analysis showed significant enrichment in ion transmembrane transport and nutrition absorption and digestion pathways in the ileum. Furthermore, increased lipase and trypsin activity, along with the elevated expression of tight junction proteins confirmed the beneficial effects of GABA on intestinal nutrient metabolism and barrier function. In conclusion, dietary 80 mg/kg GABA supplementation improved nutrient digestion and absorption and intestinal function in weanling piglets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

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11 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Optimal Dietary Sodium or Chloride Level of Broilers Fed a Corn–Soybean Meal Diet from 22 to 42 Days of Age

by Xiaoyan Cui, Feiyu Gao, Weiyun Zhang, Wei Wu, Liyang Zhang, Yun Hu, Shengchen Wang, Tingting Li and Xugang Luo

Animals 2024, 14(22), 3173; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223173 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 910

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the ideal dietary Na or Cl level for chickens from 22 to 42 d of age, utilizing a corn–soybean meal diet that maintains a 1:1 ratio of Na to Cl. At 22 d of age, [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to assess the ideal dietary Na or Cl level for chickens from 22 to 42 d of age, utilizing a corn–soybean meal diet that maintains a 1:1 ratio of Na to Cl. At 22 d of age, a total of 288 male broilers of Arbor Acres were selected and randomly divided into one of six treatments. Each treatment contained eight replicates, with six chicks in each replicate. The control chicks were given a basic diet including 0.02% Na and 0.07% Cl without added Na or Cl, while the birds in other treatments were given diets containing different Na or Cl levels (0.13%, 0.19%, 0.25%, 0.31%, and 0.37%). With increasing dietary Na or Cl levels, linear (p < 0.0001) and quadratic (p < 0.0001) increases occurred in ADG, ADFI, and average daily water consumption, while F/G exhibited a linear (p < 0.0001) and quadratic (p < 0.0001) decrease from 22 to 42 d of age in broilers. Linear (p < 0.02) and quadratic increases (p < 0.03) were found in the heart indicator, serum Cl⁻ concentrations, and blood Na⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations, whereas the kidney indicator, blood K⁺ concentrations, and serum K⁺, UA, and glucose (GLU) concentrations showed a linear (p < 0.04) and quadratic (p < 0.004) decrease with an increase in dietary Na or Cl levels. The excreta water content, liver indicator, and jejunal crypt depth also showed a linear increase (p < 0.02). The ideal levels of dietary Na or Cl were estimated to be 0.07% to 0.12%, based on the most suitable broken-line and asymptotic models (p ≤ 0.0002) using those sensitive indicators mentioned above. It was suggested that the suitable dietary Na or Cl level of 0.12% would adequately fulfill the Na or Cl metabolic demands of chickens from 22 to 42 d of age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

17 pages, 20655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Isatidis Root Residue Improves Diarrhea and Intestinal Function in Weaned Piglets

by Zhong Chen, Zenghao Yan, Siting Xia, Kaijun Wang, Qi Han, Miao Zhou, Deqin Wang, Jie Yin and Yulong Yin

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2776; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192776 - 26 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1009

Abstract

Weaning stress can trigger diarrhea, cause intestinal damage, and disrupt the intestinal flora of piglets, ultimately resulting in retarded growth or even the death of the animals. Traditional Chinese medicine residues encompass numerous bioactive compounds and essential nutrients; however, their efficient utilization remains [...] Read more.

Weaning stress can trigger diarrhea, cause intestinal damage, and disrupt the intestinal flora of piglets, ultimately resulting in retarded growth or even the death of the animals. Traditional Chinese medicine residues encompass numerous bioactive compounds and essential nutrients; however, their efficient utilization remains a challenge. Consequently, our study sought to explore the impact of traditional Chinese medicine residues, specifically Isatidis Root residue (IRR), on the growth performance, intestinal function, and occurrence of weaning diarrhea in newly weaned piglets. Forty healthy, castrated Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire males, weaned at 21 days old and exhibiting similar body conditions, were randomly allocated into five groups, with eight piglets in each group. The results indicated that the dietary inclusion of IRR at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 4.0% notably decreased the incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Serum LDL-C and globulin (GLB) contents were reduced in response to dietary IRR concentrations (0.5% to 4.0%), while serum albumin (ALB) and albumin/globulin (A/G) contents were enhanced (p < 0.05). Dietary 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% IRR resulted in significant increases in villus height (VH) and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) ratios in the jejunum, V/C ratios in the ileum, and the number of villi goblet cells both in the jejunum and ileum. IRR also led to a significant decrease in the crypt depth (CD) of the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of IL-6 in the jejunum was significantly increased in IRR-fed piglets (0.5% to 4.0%) (p < 0.05). IRR demonstrated inhibitory effects on harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal microbiome, including Campylobacter, Actinobacillus minor, and Ralstonia pickettii, indicating its broad-spectrum bacteriostatic properties. In conclusion, dietary IRR alleviated diarrhea in weaned piglets and improved gut function and microbial compositions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

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