Special Issue "Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare"

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2022.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Youssef A. Attia
E-Mail Website
Chief Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Interests: poultry sciences; rabbits sciences; Nutrition; husbandry; Production; physiology
Dr. Woo Kyun Kim
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Poultry Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
Interests: feed additives on performance and nutrient utilization in poultry identification of antibiotics alternatives in poultry; mineral nutrition & amp; bone growth in poultry; nutrient absorption and transporters (amino acids & minerals) in intestine
Prof. Dr. Nesrein Hashem
E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Animal and Fish Production, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Interests: livestock, reproduction, assisted reproductive techniques; nanotechnology; ultrasound; endocrinology; phytochemicals; antioxidants; growth
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Maria de Olivera
E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rio Verde University, Rio Verde 75901-970, Brazil
Interests: poultry sciences; rabbits sciences; Veterinary Medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Redox homeostasis is a pivotal biological process that guarantees the balance between two molecules—antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Normally, a moderate production of ROS is required for the maintenance of many biological processes in the cell; however, the excessive accumulation of ROS, which results in oxidative stress, may evoke structural and functional impairments by attacking cells’ biomolecules (proteins, lipids, and genetic material) and cell membranes, leading to cell dysfunction or cell death based on the magnitude of these reactions. As a defense mechanism, different cells are provided with many ROS-scavenging enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules to eliminate ROS and maintain adequate redox homeostasis. The exposure of animals to environmental stresses (restraint, bad housing conditions, irradiation, pollution, diseases, and heat stress) and endogenous stresses (metabolic and physiological disorders) can seriously disrupt the redox homeostasis, leading to impairments in animals’ health and overall performance. Under these circumstances, the self-antioxidant defense system maybe not enough to neutralize ROS effects. In this context, the utilization of an exogenous source of antioxidants, mainly dietary sources, may present an effective and cost-effective solution. There are a plethora of substances, either naturally occurring or synthesized (organic acids, minerals, vitamins, hormones, and specific feed additives originating from plants such as essential oils and polyphenols), known for their antioxidant activity, that can be used to maintain adequate redox status in animals in order to preserve their well-being and/or productivity. This area of research still needs more investigations in order to clearly elucidate the effective antioxidant substances that could be used in practical applications, with an emphasis on their biological mechanisms during different physiological conditions and health statuses. We intend to bring together current research concerning the role of antioxidant substances either from natural sources or those synthesized for improving animal production, reproduction, health, and welfare.

Prof. Dr. Youssef A. Attia
Dr. Woo Kyun Kim
Prof. Dr. Nesrein Hashem
Prof. Dr. Maria de Olivera
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antioxidants
  • animal nutrition
  • production
  • reproduction
  • health
  • welfare

Published Papers (15 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

Article
Correlations between Antioxidant and Biochemical Parameters of Blood Serum of Duroc Breed Pigs
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2400; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082400 - 13 Aug 2021
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Correlations between the major biochemical (BC) and antioxidant (TAWSA) parameters of pigs’ blood are necessary to study in order to assess physiological–biochemical status (PhBS), animal health, production, etc. Blood samples were obtained from Duroc breed boars (n = 77), divided into groups [...] Read more.
Correlations between the major biochemical (BC) and antioxidant (TAWSA) parameters of pigs’ blood are necessary to study in order to assess physiological–biochemical status (PhBS), animal health, production, etc. Blood samples were obtained from Duroc breed boars (n = 77), divided into groups 1 (n = 25), 2 (n = 40) and 3 (n = 12), which were fattened for 65, 72 and 100 days, respectively. Significant positive and negative correlations were found between TAWSA and BC parameters of pigs’ blood for group 3: very high in the case of total protein (TP) (−0.75) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (−0.79); high in the case of cholesterol (−0.72), glucose (0.66), alkaline phosphatase (0.66), calcium ions (−0.60) and globulins (0.53); moderate in the case of albumins (−0.36), triglycerides (−0.35), magnesium (−0.32) and phosphorus (−0.27). The same was found for group 2: high in the case of TP (0.51); moderate in the case of globulins (0.48), cholesterol (0.33) and phosphates (0.25). The only moderate correlation was found for group 1: magnesium (−0.48), glucose (0.36) and calcium (−0.25). This tendency indicated the stabilization of pig PhBS during growth and fattening, which can be useful for understanding the PhBS and antioxidant features of pigs, the factors of their nutrition, maintenance, etc. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Article
Bayesian Analysis of the Effects of Olive Oil-Derived Antioxidants on Cryopreserved Buck Sperm Parameters
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072032 - 07 Jul 2021
Viewed by 989
Abstract
The present study evaluates the effect of olive oil-derived antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol (HT) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), on cryopreserved caprine sperm using Bayesian inference of ANOVA. For this proposal, sperm was collected, pooled and diluted in freezing media supplemented with different concentrations of HT, DHPG [...] Read more.
The present study evaluates the effect of olive oil-derived antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol (HT) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), on cryopreserved caprine sperm using Bayesian inference of ANOVA. For this proposal, sperm was collected, pooled and diluted in freezing media supplemented with different concentrations of HT, DHPG and the mixture (MIX) of both antioxidants. Sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial status, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm samples. The results provided evidence that HT at low concentrations improves sperm motility and viability, and reduces the LPO. Contrastingly, DHPG and MIX exert a positive effect by reducing LPO values as concentration increases. Additionally, mitochondrial potential was reduced when samples were supplemented with HT at low concentrations and mixture of both antioxidants. Conclusively, the addition of olive oil-derived antioxidants (HT at 10 µg/mL and DHPG at 30 µg/mL) implements a protective effect in cryopreserved buck sperm. Bayesian analysis alternatives offer new possibilities to determine the repercussion of antioxidants on sperm, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. and Its Biological Effects on Redox Status, Immunity, and Gut Microflora
Animals 2021, 11(7), 1929; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071929 - 28 Jun 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 377
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities of a Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. (Cd) shoot methanolic extracts considering the biological activity of its phytogenic compounds. For this purpose, the Cd phenolic compounds were detected, and an in vitro evaluation [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities of a Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. (Cd) shoot methanolic extracts considering the biological activity of its phytogenic compounds. For this purpose, the Cd phenolic compounds were detected, and an in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the Cd extract was performed. For a biological evaluation, 30 v-line rabbits were randomly distributed into three groups with treatments including: a basal diet without Cd shoots powder supplement (C group) or supplemented with 1.25- (Cdl group) or 2.5 (Cdh group)-mg Cd/kg dry matter (DM). The Cd extract showed a linear scavenging activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), with the maximal activity observed at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. A total of 16 phenolic compounds were identified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) in the Cd methanolic extract, among which benzoic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, naringenin, and o-coumaric acid were the major compounds. The methanolic extract of Cd showed inhibitory actions against microbial pathogen species. The in vivo study showed that the two concentrations of Cd significantly improved the redox status of the blood plasma and lysozyme activity. Treatment with Cdh significantly decreased the levels of interleukin-β1 in the blood plasma compared with the control. Moreover, the two concentrations of Cd significantly increased the counts of intestinal and cecal yeast and Lactobacillus species and decreased the Salmonella and Coliform species compared with the control. The aerial parts of the Cd shrub had strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities, which can improve the overall health status and seem to be related to its impressive range of biologically active phenolic compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Alleviating Effects of Vitamins C and E Supplementation on Oxidative Stress, Hematobiochemical, and Histopathological Alterations Caused by Copper Toxicity in Broiler Chickens
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061739 - 10 Jun 2021
Viewed by 1173
Abstract
The current investigation evaluated the alleviating effects of vitamin C and vitamin E on oxidative stress, hematobiochemical, and histopathological changes in the kidney induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4) toxicity in chickens. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allotted [...] Read more.
The current investigation evaluated the alleviating effects of vitamin C and vitamin E on oxidative stress, hematobiochemical, and histopathological changes in the kidney induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4) toxicity in chickens. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into five experimental groups (five replicates/group, ten chicks/replicate): 1st group—basal diet with no additives (control group), 2nd group—basal diet complemented with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg diet), 3rd group—basal diet with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg diet) + vitamin C (250 mg/kg diet), 4th group—basal diet with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg diet) + vitamin E (250 mg/kg diet), and 5th group—basal diet with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg diet) + vitamin C (250 mg/kg diet) + vitamin E (250 mg/kg diet) for a 42 day feeding period. The results showed a significant reduction in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and hematocrit values as well as total leukocyte counts (WBCs), lymphocyte, heterophil, and monocyte counts in the CuSO4-intoxicated birds (2.42 × 106/µL, 9.54 g/dL, 26.02%, 15.80 × 103/µL, 7.86 × 103/µL, 5.26 × 103/µL, and 1.18 × 103/µL, respectively, at the 6th week) compared to (2.79 × 106/µL, 10.98 g/dL, 28.46%, 21.07 × 103/µL, 10.84 × 103/µL, 7.12 × 103/µL, and 1.60 × 103/µL, respectively) in the control group. Moreover, CuSO4-intoxicated birds showed hypoglycemia with a rise in serum uric acid and creatinine levels (122.68, 5.18, and 0.78 mg/dL at the 6th week) compared to (159.46, 4.41, and 0.61 mg/dL) in the control group. The CuSO4 toxicity in birds induced oxidative stress, indicated by a high serum malondialdehyde level (MDA) and diminished activity of the antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) (2.01 nmol/mL, 37.66 U/mL, and 2.91 U/mL, respectively, at the 6th week) compared to (1.34 nmol/mL, 57.00 U/mL, 4.99 U/mL, respectively) in the control group. High doses of Cu exposure caused severe microscopic alterations in kidney architecture. The addition of vitamins C and E, singularly or in combination, displayed a beneficial effect in alleviating these harmful effects of Cu toxicity. These findings showed the possible mitigating impacts of dietary antioxidants on the hematobiochemical alterations, oxidative stress, and kidney damage induced by CuSO4 toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Effects of Activated Charcoal on Growth, Immunity, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Physiological Responses of Nile Tilapia Exposed to Sub-Lethal Imidacloprid Toxicity
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051357 - 11 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 643
Abstract
The existing study was designed to assess the influences of dietary activated charcoal (AC) on the growth performance, immune responses, antioxidative status, and its mitigating roles against the physiological responses of Nile tilapia exposed a sub-lethal dose of a neonicotinoid agriculture pesticide, namely, [...] Read more.
The existing study was designed to assess the influences of dietary activated charcoal (AC) on the growth performance, immune responses, antioxidative status, and its mitigating roles against the physiological responses of Nile tilapia exposed a sub-lethal dose of a neonicotinoid agriculture pesticide, namely, as imidacloprid (IMID). Nile tilapia juveniles were fed on diets supplemented with graded AC levels as 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg diet for eight weeks. Growth, hemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant and immune responses of fish in all groups were evaluated at the end of the feeding experiment. Afterward, fish in all experimental groups were subjected to a sub-lethal dose of IMID (0.0109 μg/L) for two weeks. Then, fish mortalities, stress indicators, and IMID residual levels in liver and flesh were examined. Results of the feeding experiment showed that total feed intake, weight gain, final body weights, and feed efficiency ratio were significantly increased in all AC groups compared with the control group. The survival rate was 100% in all experimental groups. No statistical differences were observed in the hematological picture of all experimental groups except the lymphocyte count, which was significantly increased in all AC groups compared to the control group. Total protein, albumin, globulin, nitric oxide levels, lysozyme, and respiratory burst activities were significantly increased in all AC groups. Serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased in all AC groups compared with the AC0 group. After exposure to a sub-lethal dose of IMID, survival rates were significantly elevated, and IMID residual levels in liver and flesh were significantly decreased in all AC groups than in the control group. Moreover, second-order polynomial regression showed that dietary supplementation with 14.30 g AC/kg diet resulted in the lowest blood glucose and serum MDA levels. Conclusively, we suggest dietary supplementation with 14.30 g AC/kg diet to modulate physiological responses of Nile tilapia to sub-lethal IMID toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Ameliorative Effects of Boswellic Acid on Fipronil-Induced Toxicity: Antioxidant State, Apoptotic Markers, and Testicular Steroidogenic Expression in Male Rats
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051302 - 30 Apr 2021
Viewed by 642
Abstract
The study investigated the ability of boswellic acid (BA) to alleviate the testicular and oxidative injury FPN insecticide intoxication in the male rat model. Rats were randomly assigned to six equivalent groups (six rats each) as the following: control rats orally administered with [...] Read more.
The study investigated the ability of boswellic acid (BA) to alleviate the testicular and oxidative injury FPN insecticide intoxication in the male rat model. Rats were randomly assigned to six equivalent groups (six rats each) as the following: control rats orally administered with 2 mL physiological saline/kg of body weight (bwt); boswellic acid (BA1) rats orally administered 250 mg BA/kg bwt; boswellic acid (BA2) rats orally administered 500 mg BA/kg bwt; fipronil (FPN) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt; (FPN + BA1) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 250 mg BA/kg bwt, and (FPN + BA2) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 500 mg BA/kg bwt. After 60 days, semen viability percentage and live spermatozoa percentage were decreased, and a considerably increased abnormality of the sperm cells in FPN-administered rats improved substantially with the co-administration of BA. BA had refinement of the histological architecture of testes and sexual glands. Quantitative analysis recorded a noticeable decline in the nuclear cell-proliferating antigen (PCNA) percentage area. FPN triggered cell damage, which was suggested by elevated malondialdehyde and interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factors alpha, and decreased glutathione level. Proapoptotic factor overexpression is mediated by FPN administration, while it decreased the antiapoptotic protein expression. Similarly, BA has shown significant upregulation in steroidogenic and fertility-related gene expression concerning the FPN group. Pathophysiological damages induced by FPN could be alleviated by BA’s antioxidant ability and antiapoptotic factor alongside the upregulation of steroidogenic and fertility-related genes and regimented the detrimental effects of FPN on antioxidant and pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Blue-Green Algae (Spirulina platensis) Alleviates the Negative Impact of Heat Stress on Broiler Production Performance and Redox Status
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051243 - 26 Apr 2021
Viewed by 650
Abstract
The modern broiler industry faces huge challenges to keep high production quality and quantity, especially under environmental heat stress conditions. The negative effect of heat stress on broiler productivity is mediated by oxidative stress induction. The blue-green alga (Spirulina platensis) has [...] Read more.
The modern broiler industry faces huge challenges to keep high production quality and quantity, especially under environmental heat stress conditions. The negative effect of heat stress on broiler productivity is mediated by oxidative stress induction. The blue-green alga (Spirulina platensis) has many applications in poultry nutrition with the high levels of bioactive antioxidant compounds, which can alleviate the oxidative stress damage induced by high ambient temperature. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary Spirulina inclusion at different levels on growth performance, redox status, carcass traits, meat quality, blood hematology, and metabolites profile of broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress. A total of 300 one-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were recruited. Starting from day 21 to 42 of age, birds were randomly divided into five treatment groups with 6 replicates × 10 birds per group, where the first one was provided with the basal diet and reared under normal thermal conditions (23 ± 1 °C) to serve as a negative control. Meanwhile, the other four groups were exposed to cyclic heat stress (34 ± 1 °C for 8 h per day) and were fed a basal diet supplemented with Spirulina at a concentration of 0, 0.5, 1 or 1.5%. Spirulina supplementation to heat-stressed broilers was able to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on the final average daily gain, body weight and feed conversion ratio, with the best impact observed among the chickens fed 1% Spirulina. Hematological results indicate increasing hemoglobin and hematocrit levels with Spirulina supplementation compared to the non-supplemented stressed group. Further, Spirulina supplementation significantly influenced blood lipid metabolites marked by reduced serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. The lipid peroxidation level was reduced (p < 0.05), while the antioxidant enzyme activity was increased with Spirulina supplementation to the heat-stressed group. Spirulina supplementation at 0.5 or 1% improved carcass dressing, breast and leg percentages. It can be concluded that dietary Spirulina supplementation at 0.5 or 1% to broiler reared under heat stress conditions can effectively improve broiler production performance and balance the redox status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Article
Potential Application of Cornelian Cherry Extract on Broiler Chickens: Growth, Expression of Antioxidant Biomarker and Glucose Transport Genes, and Oxidative Stability of Frozen Meat
Animals 2021, 11(4), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041038 - 07 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 507
Abstract
The use of natural plant extracts in poultry feed could improve their productivity as well as the oxidative stability of stored derived meat. The roles of cornelian cherry extract (CCE) in growth, cecal microbes, and meat antioxidative markers of broiler chickens were evaluated. [...] Read more.
The use of natural plant extracts in poultry feed could improve their productivity as well as the oxidative stability of stored derived meat. The roles of cornelian cherry extract (CCE) in growth, cecal microbes, and meat antioxidative markers of broiler chickens were evaluated. A total of 500 Ross 308 broiler chicks were fed diets supplemented with CCE (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of diet) for 38 days. The highest levels of weight gain and feed utilization were observed in a group fed 200 mg/kg of CCE. Maximum upregulation of glucose transporters—1 and 2 and sodium-dependent glucose transporter genes—were found in the group fed 200 mg/kg of CCE. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium colonization increased as the CCE levels increased. The greatest upregulation of antioxidant genes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) in breast meat was observed in groups fed CCE (200 and 400 mg/kg). Dietary CCE significantly delayed the lipid oxidation of breast meat compared with that of the control group. The total phenolic content, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrihydrzyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power in meat improved with higher levels of CCE. Dietary CCE improved the growth, performance of broilers, and meat antioxidant stability after 90 days of storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
A Multi-Biomarker Approach in European Sea Bass Exposed to Dynamic Temperature Changes under Dietary Supplementation with Origanum vulgare Essential Oil
Animals 2021, 11(4), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040982 - 01 Apr 2021
Viewed by 420
Abstract
A feeding trial for 150 days was carried out to evaluate the cross-effects between oregano essential oil (EO) dietary supplementation and dynamic temperature change in sea bass. Under exposure to rising temperature (13–25 °C), fish were fed with a control diet (CD) and [...] Read more.
A feeding trial for 150 days was carried out to evaluate the cross-effects between oregano essential oil (EO) dietary supplementation and dynamic temperature change in sea bass. Under exposure to rising temperature (13–25 °C), fish were fed with a control diet (CD) and two experimental diets supplemented with 100 (D100) and 200 ppm (D200) of EO. Feed inclusion of EO promoted the activity of antioxidant enzymes in sea bass exposed to increasing temperature. Consistently with the temperature rise, TBARS concentrations increased in CD and D200 groups, whereas were almost stable in D100. Trend of blood glucose in fish fed on CD was likely affected by glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Similarly, the depletion of triglycerides and cholesterol in fish fed on CD likely supported the energy cost of gluconeogenesis. On the other hand, the reduction of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in D100 and D200 was mainly attributable to the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of EO. The higher levels of serum protein observed in D100 and D200 groups were also associated to a reduced thermal stress compared to CD. EO dietary supplementation may be a promising strategy to alleviate the negative effects of temperature shift on sea bass physiological and oxidative state. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Date Palm Pollen Extract Avert Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy Fibrosis and Associated Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress, Inflammatory Cascade, and Apoptosis-Targeting Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 Signaling Pathways
Animals 2021, 11(3), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030886 - 20 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 698
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) has a potent antineoplastic efficacy and is considered a cornerstone of chemotherapy. However, it causes several dose-dependent cardiotoxic results, which has substantially restricted its clinical application. This study was intended to explore the potential ameliorative effect of date palm pollen ethanolic [...] Read more.
Doxorubicin (DOX) has a potent antineoplastic efficacy and is considered a cornerstone of chemotherapy. However, it causes several dose-dependent cardiotoxic results, which has substantially restricted its clinical application. This study was intended to explore the potential ameliorative effect of date palm pollen ethanolic extract (DPPE) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the mechanisms underlying it. Forty male Wistar albino rats were equally allocated into Control (CTR), DPPE (500 mg/kg bw for 4 weeks), DOX (2.5 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally six times over 2 weeks), and DPPE + DOX-treated groups. Pre-coadministration of DPPE with DOX partially ameliorated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity as DPPE improved DOX-induced body and heart weight changes and mitigated the elevated cardiac injury markers activities of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-cardiac type isoenzyme. Additionally, the concentration of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), troponin T (cTnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), and cytosolic calcium (Ca+2) were amplified. DPPE also alleviated nitrosative status (nitric oxide) in DOX-treated animals, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant molecules as glutathione content, and glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and inflammatory markers levels; NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. As well, it ameliorated the severity of histopathological lesions, histomorphometric alteration and improved the immune-staining of the pro-fibrotic (TGF-β1), pro-apoptotic (caspase-3 and Bax), and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins in cardiac tissues. Collectively, pre-coadministration of DPPE partially mitigated DOX-induced cardiac injuries via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Effects of Exercise Combined with Undenatured Type II Collagen on Endurance Capacity, Antioxidant Status, Muscle Lipogenic Genes and E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Rats
Animals 2021, 11(3), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030851 - 17 Mar 2021
Viewed by 640
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise combined with undenatured type II collagen (UCII) administration on endurance capacity, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status in rats. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups as follows: (1) Sedentary [...] Read more.
The current study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise combined with undenatured type II collagen (UCII) administration on endurance capacity, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status in rats. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups as follows: (1) Sedentary control, (2) Exercise (E), (3) Exercise + UCII (4 mg/kg BW/day; E + UCII). The findings showed that the exhaustive running time in the UCII group was significantly prolonged compared to that of the non-supplemented group (p < 0.001). When compared to the control group, total serum cholesterol (TC, p < 0.05) and triglyceride (TG, p < 0.05) levels decreased, while creatinine kinase (CK) levels increased in the E group (p < 0.001). Serum creatinine kinase levels were reduced in the E + UCII group compared to the E group (p < 0.01). Serum lactate, myoglobin (p < 0.01), and osteocalcin levels (p < 0.01) increased significantly in exercised rats compared to sedentary control rats, while serum lactate (p < 0.01) and myoglobin (p < 0.0001) levels decreased in the E + UCII group compared to control. Additionally, UCII supplementation caused significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities [SOD (p < 0.01) and GSH-Px (p < 0.05)] and decreases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels (p < 0.001). Muscle lipogenic protein (SREBP-1c, ACLY, LXR, and FAS) levels were lower in the E + UCII group than in other groups. In addition, UCII supplementation decreased muscle MAFbx, MuRF-1, myostatin and increased MyoD levels in exercised rats. Moreover, the E + UCII group had lower muscle inflammatory markers [TNF-α (p < 0.0001) and IL-1β (p < 0.01)] than the control group. These results suggest exercise combined with UCII (4 mg/kg BW/day) modulates lipid, muscle, and antioxidant status in rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Effect of a Phytogenic Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestion, and Immune Response in Broiler-Fed Diets with Two Different Levels of Crude Protein
Animals 2021, 11(3), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030775 - 11 Mar 2021
Viewed by 518
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers fed corn and soybean meal-based diets containing two different levels of crude protein. A 2 × 2 completely randomized [...] Read more.
The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers fed corn and soybean meal-based diets containing two different levels of crude protein. A 2 × 2 completely randomized factorial arrangement (eight replicates/treatment, 30 birds/replicate) was conducted with a positive control (PC) and negative control (NC) containing crude protein at standard or reduced by 1.5% (equivalent to a reduction of 15 g/kg), respectively, and supplementation of PFA at 0 or 125 ppm of diet. There were no significant interactions found between PFA and CP levels in the current study. Main effect analysis showed that during 0–42 d of age NC diets decreased body weight gain (p < 0.05), but increased feed intake (p < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < 0.01), whereas supplementation of PFA resulted in a lower FCR (p < 0.01). The ileal nutrient digestibility was reduced (p < 0.05) in the broilers fed a reduced protein diet at 21 d compared to the standard protein level group, but there were no effects for PFA levels. Similarly, supplementing PFAs showed no effects on digestive enzyme (Alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and lipase) activity in jejunal digesta and jejunal brush border enzyme (maltase, sucrase, and aminopeptidase) activity. Supplementation of PFA downregulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA expressions of cytochrome P450 1A and interleukin 6 in the ileum but had no effects on nutrient transporter genes in the jejunum. In conclusion, supplementation of PFA reduced broiler FCR during the whole grow-out period and positively regulated the immune responses in the ileum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Article
Zinc and/or Selenium Enriched Spirulina as Antioxidants in Growing Rabbit Diets to Alleviate the Deleterious Impacts of Heat Stress during Summer Season
Animals 2021, 11(3), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030756 - 10 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 629
Abstract
Effects of dietary supplemental zinc and/ or selenium enriched spirulina (Zn-Sp, Se-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp, respectively) as antioxidants on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemicals and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under summer conditions were evaluated. A total of 160 New Zealand White male [...] Read more.
Effects of dietary supplemental zinc and/ or selenium enriched spirulina (Zn-Sp, Se-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp, respectively) as antioxidants on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemicals and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under summer conditions were evaluated. A total of 160 New Zealand White male rabbits at six-weeks-old were randomly assigned to four groups. The first group received untreated diet (control). The other groups received diet supplemented with 100 mg Zn-Sp/kg diet, 0.5 mg Se-Sp/kg diet or 100 mg Zn-Sp+ 0.5 mg Se-Sp, respectively. The findings showed that the supplemented diets enhanced growth performance of rabbits at marketing. Rabbits fed Zn-Sp exhibited high dry and organic matter digestibilities while those fed Zn-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp diet supplemented achieved high crude protein digestibility. Rabbits fed diet supplemented with Zn-Se-Sp gave the highest hot carcass weight when competed with their counterparts. Zn-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp supplemented diets tended to promote dressing percentage. Low concentrations of plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were recorded by Se-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp groups. Rabbits fed Se-Sp, Zn-Se-Sp had the greatest HDL, plasma TAC and catalase and the lowest TBARs. Conclusively, dietary supplementation of 100 mg Zn-Sp, 0.5 mg Se-Sp or their combination could improve growth performance, nutrients digestibility and antioxidant status of heat stressed growing rabbits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)

Review

Jump to: Research

Review
Roles of Nitrocompounds in Inhibition of Foodborne Bacteria, Parasites, and Methane Production in Economic Animals
Animals 2021, 11(4), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040923 - 24 Mar 2021
Viewed by 531
Abstract
Nitrocompounds are derivatives of hydrocarbons, alcohols, fatty acids, and esters, consisting one or more nitro functional groups. Either natural sources of nitrocompounds or synthetic chemicals have been applied in animal diets to investigate their effects on economic animals, since conjugates of 3-nitropropanol and [...] Read more.
Nitrocompounds are derivatives of hydrocarbons, alcohols, fatty acids, and esters, consisting one or more nitro functional groups. Either natural sources of nitrocompounds or synthetic chemicals have been applied in animal diets to investigate their effects on economic animals, since conjugates of 3-nitropropanol and 3-nitropropionic acid were isolated from Astragalus oblongifolius. In this review, emphasis will be placed on nitrocompounds’ antimicrobial activity, toxicity, metabolisms and mechanisms of actions. Nitrocompounds can be metabolized by ruminal microbials, such as Denitrobacterium detoxificans, or alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver. Moreover, it has been found that nitrocompounds are capable of inhibiting pathogens, parasites, methane and ammonia production; however, overdose of nitrocompounds could cause methemoglobinemia or interfere with energy production in mitochondria by inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review
Effects of Dietary Fiber on Nutrients Utilization and Gut Health of Poultry: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities
Animals 2021, 11(1), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010181 - 14 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1212
Abstract
Many fibrous ingredients incorporated in poultry feed to reduce production costs have low digestibility and cause poor growth in poultry. However, all plant-based fibers are not equal, and thus exert variable physiological effects on the birds, including but not limited to, digestibility, growth [...] Read more.
Many fibrous ingredients incorporated in poultry feed to reduce production costs have low digestibility and cause poor growth in poultry. However, all plant-based fibers are not equal, and thus exert variable physiological effects on the birds, including but not limited to, digestibility, growth performance, and microbial fermentation. Several types of fibers, especially oligosaccharides, when supplemented in poultry diets in isolated form, exhibit prebiotic effects by enhancing beneficial gut microbiota, modulating gut immunity, boosting intestinal mucosal health, and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the gut. Recently, poultry producers are also facing the challenge of limiting the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in poultry feed. In addition to other alternatives in use, exogenous non-starch polysaccharides digesting enzymes (NSPase) and prebiotics are being used to provide substrates to support the gut microbiome. We also conducted a meta-analysis of different studies conducted in similar experimental conditions to evaluate the variability and conclusiveness in effects of NSPase on growth performance of broilers fed fibrous ingredients. This review presents a holistic approach in discussing the existing challenges of incorporating high-fiber ingredients in poultry feed, as well as strategies to fully utilize the potential of such ingredients in improving feed efficiency and gut health of poultry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Animal Production, Reproduction, Health and Welfare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Impact of different methionine sources on the performance and oxidation status of broiler chickens
Authors: ahmed A. AL Sagan; ahmed alsagan
Affiliation: King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology ,Saudi Arabia
Abstract: A feeding trial was conducted to examine the impact of different methionine sources on broilers performance and oxidation status. A total of 510 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to six equal groups, replicated five times. The experimental diets consisted of corn and soybean as basal diets, formulated in accordance to breed producers recommendations for the starter, grower, and finisher stages. The experimental groups (G1 to G6) were fed in accordance to the different experimental treatments. Growth performance parameters and mortality rates were recorded. Serum samples were collected to determine the total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine. Samples from homogenated hepatic tissue (liver) were used for oxidation stress biomarkers determination. Mitochondrial activity indicators were also detected. Dressing%, breast muscle yield (BMY), thigh yield, drumstick, wing, neck, and abdominal fat yield percentages as well as liver, heart, gizzard, and proventriculus indices, were calculated. The gut micromorphological profile was also examined. The results showed significant (P < 0.05) positive effects of DL-Met, MHA-Ca or in combination with BHT on most of growth performance parameters, although broilers responded lesser to MHA-FA than to DL-Met. Only the serum ALT levels in groups G3 and G4 were positively affected. The significantly high levels of GSH, CAT, GP, and GR and the lowest MDA level were reported in broilers of G2 and G1). The results indicated the ability of both DL-Met and MHA-Ca to improve the broilers oxidation condition as well as the growth performance traits. Groups that received DL-Met or MHA-Ca with or without BHT exhibited an increase in villus height and villus-to-crypt ratios. Therefore, the use of both D-Met and MHA-Ca with or without BHT had positive impact on the studied traits.

Title: Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Cleome Droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. and Its Biological Effects on Redox Status, Immunity, and Gut Microflora
Authors: Nesrein. M. Hashem1, M.G. Shehata2
Affiliation: 1Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, 21545Alexandria, Egypt. 2Department of Food Technology, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Application (STR-City), New Borg El Arab, 21545Alexandria, Egypt.
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities of Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. (Cd) methanolic extract, considering the biological activity of owing phytogenic compounds. For this purpose, the Cd phenolic compounds were detected and in vitro evaluation for the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the Cd extract were performed. For biological evaluation, thirty v-line rabbits were randomly distributed into three groups with treatments including: basal diet without Cd supplement (C) or supplemented with 1.25 (Cdl group), or 2.5 (Cdh group) mg Cd/kg DM diet. The Cd extract showed a linear scavenging activity for DPPH and ABTS with a maximal activity at concentration of 1000 μg/ml. A total of 16 phenolic compounds were identified by RP-HPLC in the Cd methanolic extract of which benzoic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, naringenin, and o-coumaric acid were the major compounds. The methanolic extract of Cd showed inhibitory actions against microbial pathogen species. The in vivo study showed that both levels of Cd significantly improved redox status of blood plasma and lysosome activity. Treatment with Cdh significantly decreased levels of blood plasma interleukin-β1 compared with control. Both levels of Cd significantly increased counts of intestinal and cecal yeast and Lactobacillus species, and decreased Salmonella and Coliform species compared with control. The aerial parts of Cd shrub have strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities, which can improve the overall health status and seem to be related to the impressive range of biologically active phenolic compounds, mainly benzoic and rutin

Title: Correlations Between Antioxidant and Biochemical Parameters of Blood Serum of Duroc Breed Pigs
Authors: Sergei Yu. Zaǐtsev; Anna A. Belous; Oksana A. Voronina; Roman A. Rykov; Nadezhda V. Bogolyubova
Affiliation: Federal Scientific Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academician L.K. Ernst
Abstract: Correlations between the major biochemical (BC) and antioxidant (TAWSA) parameters of pigs’ blood is necessary to study in order to assess the physiological-biochemical status (PhBS), animal health, production, etc. The blood samples were obtained from Duroc breed boars (n=77), divided onto groups 1 (n=25), 2 (n=40) and 3 (n=12) that fattened for 65, 72 and 100 days, respectively. Significant positive and negative correlations found between TAWSA and BC parameters of pig blood for group 3: very high - in the case of total protein (TP) (-0.75), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (-0.79); high - in the case of cholesterol (-0.72), glucose (0.66), alkaline phosphatase (0.66), calcium ions (-0.60), globulins (0.53), as well as moderate - in the case of albumins (-0.36), triglycerides (-0.35), magnesium (-0.32) and phosphorus (-0.27). The same found for group 2: high - in the case of TP (0.51); moderate - in the case of globulins (0.48), cholesterol (0.33), phosphates (0.25). The only moderate found for group 1: magnesium (-0.48), glucose (0.36), calcium (-0.25). This tendency indicated the stabilization of pig PhBS during their growth and fattening that can be useful for understanding the PhBS and antioxidant features of pigs, the factors of their nutrition, maintenance, etc.

Back to TopTop