Search Results (140)

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by various fungi that contaminate livestock feed, posing serious threats to animal health, productivity, and food safety. Although historical research has often examined individual mycotoxins in isolation, real-world conditions typically involve the simultaneous presence of multiple mycotoxins, resulting in additive or synergistic toxic effects that are often more severe than those observed with single toxin exposures. This review comprehensively synthesizes recent findings on multi-mycotoxin contamination in livestock feed, highlighting their physiological effects, mechanisms of action, and implications for regulatory frameworks. Multi-mycotoxin interactions exacerbate oxidative stress, immune suppression, impaired reproduction, and organ damage across species, leading to reduced growth performance, decreased milk and egg production, compromised carcass and wool quality, and increased mortality rates. A major concern is that current international regulatory standards mainly address individual mycotoxins, overlooking the compounded risks of co-occurrence. Global surveillance studies consistently reveal high prevalence rates of mycotoxin mixtures in feedstuffs, especially combinations involving DON, ZEN, AFB₁, FB₁, and OTA. Understanding these interactions and their underlying cellular mechanisms is critical for improving risk assessment models, formulating integrated mitigation strategies, and safeguarding both livestock productivity and human food security. Full article

Digestibility, together with intake, is the main factor affecting animal productivity. It can be assessed in vivo by measuring total feed intake and faecal output (time-consuming and labour-intensive) or with the aid of substances known as markers. Internal markers such as acid insoluble ash (AIA) or undigestible neutral detergent fibre (uNDF) have been alleged to be preferable for digestibility estimations. The use of AIA and uNDF for digestibility estimation in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets has been rarely documented; hence, the objectives of the present paper were to compare digestibility values obtained by total faecal collection vs. AIA or uNDF (Experiment 1), to compare digestibility values obtained using Cr₂O₃ as an external marker vs. AIA or uNDF (Experiment 2), and to compare digestibility values obtained using AIA vs. uNDF in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets (Experiment 3). Faecal recoveries of AIA and uNDF (Experiment 1) were very variable and likely influenced by contamination of faeces and/or feedstuffs with soil and/or dust. Then, the regressions between digestibility values obtained in metabolism cages or using Cr₂O₃ as an external marker and AIA or uNDF were not significant. The use of these two latter markers for estimation of digestibility in beef cattle fed high-concentrate and barley straw diets is not recommended. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of solid-state fermentation inoculated with Aspergillus spp. on the nutritional profile of selected agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs: cowpea shell, groundnut shell, soybean hull, and maize shaft). These AIBPs were assessed as potential feedstuffs in weaner rabbit diets, which often exhibit digestive disorders when introduced to highly lignified feed ingredients. The AIBPs were milled to a particle size of 2 mm, sterilized, and subjected to fermentation with Aspergillus spp. under microaerophilic conditions at 28 ± 2 °C for 10 days. Samples (four replicates per treatment) were analyzed for chemical constituents (mineral and proximate composition, anti-nutritional factors, and fibre fractions) before and after fermentation. Digestible energy and digestibility coefficient of gross energy were calculated. Data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was an increase (p < 0.05) in mineral profile, proximate composition, digestible energy, digestibility coefficient of gross energy, and dry matter, with a reduction (p < 0.05) in crude fibre, fibre fractions, and anti-nutritional factors. It was concluded that fermentation with Aspergillus spp. improved the nutritional value of the selected agro-industrial by-products. Therefore, fermented materials possess a better nutritional profile to be used in feeding programs for weaner rabbits. This will ensure sustainable animal production and add value to agricultural waste, which would otherwise constitute an environmental nuisance. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin primarily generated by the Fusarium species, constitutes a prevalent contaminant in both human and animal feedstuffs. Chronic exposure to this mycotoxin induces hepatic inflammatory responses in livestock species including rabbits, ultimately leading to organ damage. Selenomethionine (SeMet), an organic selenium source recognized for its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory bioactivity, demonstrates protective benefits in animals through its detoxification mechanism and growth promotion. The present study investigated the protective effect of SeMet against ZEA-induced hepatic inflammation and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. Fifty healthy 90-day-old rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: control, ZEA-exposed and three SeMet-supplemented groups receiving 0.2, 0.35 or 0.5 mg/kg via dietary inclusion. After two weeks of SeMet pretreatment, ZEA administration (1.2 mg/kg B.W.) was imitated via oral gavage daily for one week in both the ZEA group and three SeMet-treated groups. As a result, ZEA exposure induced the significant structural disruption of the hepatic lobules, accompanied by increased collagen deposition, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and reduced anti-inflammatory mediator levels (IL-10, TGF-β). SeMet supplementation alleviated ZEA-induced histological alterations, including inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen accumulation. Biochemical analysis indicated the restoration of inflammatory markers to near-normal levels when treated with SeMet. Notably, immunohistochemical results showed that SeMet significantly reduced the protein levels of IL-6 and its downstream target STAT3 under ZEA exposure. These findings indicated that SeMet attenuated ZEA-induced hepatic inflammation by modulating the IL-6/STAT3 signaling axis, with dietary supplementation of 0.35 mg/kg SeMet exhibiting the most significant effect on alleviating ZEA-induced hepatic inflammatory injury. Full article

The use of agro-industrial by-products in animal feed represents a useful alternative to enhance the sustainability of the agri-food chain. Grape pomace represents an environmental problem mainly for wine-producing countries. Because of the high water content and the seasonality of this feedstuff, ensiling might be a technology to preserve its nutritional quality for a long time, and this must be considered and studied on a commercial scale. This study aimed to characterise the ensiling process of white grape pomace, evaluate its suitability for inclusion in the ruminant diet and compare its shelf life to untreated storage conditions. White grape pomace silos were made with baled silage (300 kg approx.). Samples were analysed at days 0, 7, 14, 35, 60 and 180 of conservation to determine microbial populations, fermentation metabolites, nutritional components and bioactive properties. The collected data were analysed using a general linear model, considering the effect of the treatment, sampling days and their interaction (Proc. GLM, SAS v9.4). White grape pomace showed good suitability for ensiling, and stabilisation was achieved on day 35. The microbial populations and fermentative components observed in silage treatments adhered to the expected standards for high-quality ensiling processes. There were no significant losses of dry matter, and no significant differences were observed in the nutritional composition for ruminant feeding. A small reduction in antioxidant potential was observed and considered irrelevant in terms of the bioactive properties of the silages. Additionally, the cost analysis demonstrated that white grape pomace silage could serve as a more economical feedstuff compared to conventional forages, considering its nutritional value. So, the ensiling of white grape pomace in baled silage is a suitable and cost-effective technique that allows its preservation over a long period. Full article

The frequent detection of trichothecenes in grains highlights critical health risks to humans and animals. Based on the hybrid sorbent strategies, this study developed an innovative multifunctional column (ASAG563) integrating extraction, purification, and filtration to address limitations of existing methods, including cumbersome process, protracted duration, harmful to the environment, and significant matrix interference. Coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), the ASAG563 column demonstrated superior recoveries (80.8–117.8%) and quantification limits (2.02~48.41 µg/kg) across cereals and feeds, with low relative standard deviations (<6.8%). Compared to commercial MFCs, the ASAG563 column simplified the process, reduced material consumption, saved 50% of analysis time, and effectively eliminated matrix effects. Analysis of 512 maize for feedstuff samples from Northeast China revealed significant contaminations with deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivatives, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced regulatory measures. This novel integrated multifunctional pretreatment column presents a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for accurate TCT detection, significantly advancing analytical capabilities. Full article

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin derived from Fusarium species. It is commonly found in crops and has a high detection rate in animal feedstuffs. We previously confirmed that apoptosis could be induced by DON through the FOXO3a (Forkhead box 3a) signaling pathway. In this study, to identify a natural compound to mitigate DON-induced apoptosis via FOXO3a, we performed high-throughput screening. We found that ivangustin (IVAN) alleviated DON-induced cytotoxicity. It also decreased DON-mediated apoptosis and the expression levels of apoptosis-associated genes at the mRNA level. Furthermore, treatment with IVAN inhibited FOXO3a from translocating into the nucleus. The results demonstrated the mitigating effects of the natural compound IVAN on DON-induced apoptosis through the FOXO3a signaling pathway. This study focused on elucidating the mechanism underlying damage caused by DON. According to the results of this study, novel alternatives to mitigate DON cytotoxicity may be developed. This study could provide fundamental data for the formulation of mycotoxin alleviation strategies to improve pig productivity. Full article

Plant-based materials are increasingly being used as ingredients of aquaculture feed. These materials are prone to mycotoxin contamination, as mycotoxigenic fungi infest crop plants in the field and agricultural products during storage. As mycotoxins can cause toxic effects in aquatic animals, their occurrence in feedstuffs should be monitored. To this end, we performed an extensive global survey of mycotoxin contamination in aquaculture feed and plant-based feed raw materials. We collected samples of compound feed for fish (n = 226) and shrimps (n = 61), maize (n = 3448), maize DDGS (n = 149), wheat (n = 1578), soybean (n = 428), and rice (n = 65). We analyzed concentrations of 51 mycotoxins, emerging mycotoxins, masked mycotoxins, and mycotoxin metabolites. Mycotoxins were almost ubiquitously present in compound feed, as >90% of samples were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin. Feed raw materials exhibited distinct mycotoxin occurrence patterns consistent with known susceptibility to fungal pathogens and with their production process. Unsafe concentrations of aflatoxin B₁ exceeding the EU maximum level were detected in 7.2% of fish feed samples. While most feedstuffs complied with EU guidance values for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and fumonisins, a comparison of detected concentrations with dietary concentrations reported to cause adverse effects in fish and shrimps in published studies indicated that significant fractions of samples contained potentially harmful levels of these mycotoxins. In addition to regulated mycotoxins, several emerging mycotoxins (e.g., enniatins, beauvericin, alternariol, moniliformin) were prevalent. Feed was frequently co-contaminated with multiple mycotoxins indicating a risk of combined effects. In conclusion, mycotoxin contamination was common in aquaculture feed and fractions of samples were contaminated with mycotoxin levels known to exert adverse effects in aquaculture species. Results of this survey highlight the necessity for targeted studies on the effects of frequently detected mycotoxin mixtures and emerging mycotoxins in fish and shrimp. Full article

This study aimed to explore the impacts of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Y), tannase-producing bacteria (D), cellulase (M), and their combined treatment (L + Y + D + M) on the sensory quality, chemical composition, silage quality, and microbial community of Caragana korshinskii. In light of the scarcity of research on the use of tannase-producing bacteria, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and cellulase as composite silage additives in the utilization of desert shrubs as feed resources, this study centers on this area and endeavors to offer a novel theoretical foundation for relevant fields. Different microorganisms and enzymes were individually added to 500 g of Caragana korshinskii, and anaerobic fermentation was carried out in an incubator at 40 °C for 14 days. The results show that compared to the control group (CK) without any additives, the sensory evaluation of all treatments improved, with the L + Y + D + M treatment being the best (p < 0.05). All treatments reduced the contents of acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and tannin (p < 0.05), while increasing the content of crude protein and relative feeding value (p < 0.05), with the L + Y + D + M treatment showing the most significant effect (p < 0.05). Lactic acid levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) and the pH significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in all treatments, with the L + Y + D + M treatment outperforming the other treatments (p < 0.05). The L + Y + D + M treatment increased the abundance of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Weissella (p < 0.05), significantly reduced harmful microbial abundance and diversity (p < 0.05), and improved the microbial community structure in silage. In summary, the addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Y), tannase-producing bacteria (D), cellulase (M), and their combined treatment (L + Y + D + M) can promote the silage-related characteristics of Caragana korshinskii, with the L + Y + D + M treatment performing better compared to the other treatments. The research shows that the compound bacterial and enzymatic preparation is more effective than the single-component. The components exert synergistic effects and can effectively enhance the quality aspects of silaged Caragana korshinskii. This research provides theoretical underpinnings for the utilization of Caragana korshinskii as feedstuff. This application has the potential to alleviate feed scarcity, reduce reliance on traditional feed, enhance the stability and diversity of the feed supply system, and thereby drive the development of the animal husbandry industry. Full article

Olive cake was incorporated at a low inclusion rate (3.7%) into the rations of dairy cows through partial substitution of maize, and its effects on milk production, general health, and fertility traits were investigated. Multiparous purebred Holstein dairy cows (n = 148) were divided into two groups: a treated group (n = 86) and a control group (n = 62). The control ration (group C) was modified by replacing 1 kg of maize with an equal quantity of olive cake (group T). The experiment lasted from 60 days prepartum to 150 days postpartum. Electronic aids were utilized to quantify daily milk yield and detect estrus expression, while clinical and uterine examinations were performed weekly. Blood samples, uterine epithelial cells, and endometrial tissue samples were collected from a subgroup of healthy animals in both groups at specific time points. Blood samples were examined to determine the β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), acute phase proteins (haptoglobin [Hpt] and serum amyloid A [SAA]), progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins concentrations. Uterine epithelial cells were assessed for polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) counts, and the expression of nine genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and immune system activation was analyzed in uterine biopsy tissue. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between groups in milk yield, general morbidity, clinical endometritis, or conception rates. However, animals in group T came to estrus approximately 6 days earlier (p = 0.013) than those in group C; progesterone concentrations on day 7 of the subsequent cycle tended (p = 0.07) to be higher in group T. On day 21, BHBA concentrations were higher in group C than in group T (p < 0.05). Throughout the experiment, Hpt levels in group T were consistently lower (p < 0.001), while SAA was lower on day 7 compared to group C. From days 21 to 42 postpartum, there was a significant reduction in PMN numbers (group C p = 0.02; group T p < 0.0001), with a tendency for a greater reduction rate in group T (p = 0.08). Among the genes studied, a significant difference was revealed in the expression of the ILA1 gene, with strong correlations of gene expression in group C and weak to moderate correlations in group T. In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, the inclusion of olive cake into dairy cows’ rations did not affect milk production but improved certain health and fertility parameters, making olive cake a suitable alternative feedstuff for high-producing animals. Full article

The objective of this work was to ascertain the nutritive value of six concentrate feedstuffs commonly used in guinea pig feed manufacturing through the substitution method. Six test diets were obtained by replacing the corresponding basal mixture with 40% corn, 50% barley, 45% wheat bran, 35% soybean meal, 30% pigeon pea, or 30% Leucaena leaf meal. Sixty-three guinea pigs were randomly assigned to one of the nine experimental diets (three basal diets and six test diets, with seven animals per diet). The animals were housed in individual cages and provided with feed and water ad libitum. Following a ten-day adaptation period, the feed intake and faeces excretion were monitored for a further five days. The digestible energy content, expressed as kcal/kg dry matter (±standard error), was 3857 ± 83 for corn, 3454 ± 68 for barley, 2911 ± 110 for wheat bran, 3855 ± 81 for soybean meal, 3105 ± 79 for pigeon pea, and 2972 ± 72 for Leucaena leaf meal. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein, expressed as % (±standard error) was 73.8 ± 4.9 for corn, 69.5 ± 4.6 for barley, 76.4 ± 3.6 for wheat bran, 88.4 ± 1.0 for soybean meal, 62.1 ± 1.9 for pigeon pea, and 68.0 ± 1.8 for Leucaena leaf meal. Further research is required to increase knowledge about these and other feedstuffs for guinea pigs. Full article

Citric acid by-products in animal feed pose a sustainability challenge. Bacillus species are commonly used for fermenting and improving the nutritional quality of feedstuffs or by-products. An experiment was conducted to enhance the nutritional value of citric acid by-products through fermentation with Bacillus subtilis I9 for animal feed. The experiment was carried out in 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks with 50 g of substrate and 200 mL of sterile water. Groups were either uninoculated or inoculated with B. subtilis I9 at 10⁷ CFU/mL. Incubation occurred at 37 °C with automatic shaking at 150 rpm under aerobic conditions for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Inoculation with B. subtilis I9 significantly increased Bacillus density to 9.3 log CFU/mL at 24 h (p < 0.05). CMCase activity gradually increased, reaching a maximum of 9.77 U/mL at 72 h. After 96 h of fermentation with inoculated B. subtilis I9, the citric acid by-product exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in crude fiber by 10.86%, hemicellulose by 20.23%, and cellulose by 5.98%, but an increase in crude protein by 21.89%. Gross energy decreased by 4% after inoculation with B. subtilis in comparison to the uninoculated control (p < 0.05). Additionally, the non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degradation due to inoculation with B. subtilis I9 significantly reduced (p < 0.05) NSP by 24.37%, while galactose, glucose, and uronic acid decreased by 22.53%, 32.21%, and 18.11%, respectively. Amino acid profile content increased significantly by more than 12% (p < 0.05), including indispensable amino acids such as histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine and dispensable amino acids like alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, and tyrosine. Furthermore, citric acid by-products inoculated with B. subtilis I9 exhibited changes in the cell wall structure under scanning electron microscopy, including fragmentation and cracking. These results suggest that fermenting citric acid by-products with B. subtilis I9 effectively reduces dietary fiber content and improves the nutritional characteristics of citric acid by-products for use in animal feed. Full article

The food industry is intensifying its effort to enrich food composition in various nutrients through animal feeding, but these challenges can be limited by the costly feed resources, water scarcity, and pesticide pollution, making it crucial to explore alternative feedstuffs with fewer requirements. Blackthorns and hawthorns are characterized by their rich phytochemical and antioxidant profiles, suggesting their potential to enhance the performance of ruminants though the supply of bioactive substances. Our study revealed their rich composition of micronutrients; hawthorns showed a remarkable amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (57.23 g FAME/100 g total FAME), particularly omega-3 and omega-6, while blackthorn presented higher concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid (56.99 g FAME/100 g total FAME). In terms of lipo-soluble antioxidants, blackthorn exhibited higher levels of xanthophyll and vitamin E (123.83 mg/kg DM), including its isomers (alpha, gamma, and delta). Concerning the water-soluble antioxidants, hawthorns showed elevated composition of the total content of flavonoids and polyphenols, comparing with blackthorn. Moreover, hawthorns showed a high antioxidant capacity, as assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and TAC analyses. In terms of the scavenging capacity of blackthorn and hawthorn against superoxide radicals, blackthorn had higher radical scavenging potential against superoxide radicals, compared to hawthorn. Full article

Pesticides play a critical role in modern agriculture by protecting crops and ensuring higher yields, but their widespread use raises concerns about human health and environmental impact. Regulatory agencies impose Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) to ensure safety, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses pesticide risks. This study monitored pesticide residues in 169 feed samples from Piedmont (Italy) collected between 2019 and 2023. Using GC-MS/MS, residues were found in 92% of animal-based and 70% of cereal-based feedstuffs. The most common pesticides in cereal-based feeds were pyrimiphos-methyl, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, azoxystrobin, and tetramethrin, and the pesticide synergist piperonyl-butoxide demonstrated a significant increase in contaminated samples in 2023. The lower concentrations in 2021 were likely due to COVID-19 impacts on pesticide availability. In animal-based feeds, common pesticides included deltamethrin, cypermethrin, and the pesticide synergist piperonyl-butoxide. The results highlight the pervasive presence of low-dose pesticide mixtures in feed and food chains, which could impact health, although do not pose acute risks. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing pesticide monitoring and awareness of the long-term effects of chronic pesticide exposure on animal, human, and environmental health. Full article

Recent attention has been given to animal feeding and its impact on human nutrition. Animal feeding is essential for meeting human dietary needs, making it a subject of significant interest and investigation. This review seeks to outline the current understanding of this disciplinary area, with a focus on key research areas and their potential implications. The initial part of the paper discusses the importance of animal feed resources and recognizes their crucial role in guaranteeing sufficient nutrition for both humans and animals. Furthermore, we analyzed the categorization of animal feeds based on the guidelines established by the National Research Council. This approach offers a valuable structure for comprehending and classifying diverse types of animal feed. Through an examination of this classification, we gain an understanding of the composition and nutritional content of various feedstuffs. We discuss the major categories of metabolites found in animal feed and their impact on animal nutrition, as well as their potential health advantages for humans. Flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, terpenoids, vitamins, antioxidants, alkaloids, and essential oils are the primary focus of the examination. Moreover, we analyzed their possible transference into animal products, and later we observed their occurrence in foods from animal sources. Finally, we discuss their potential to promote human health. This review offers an understanding of the connections among the major metabolites found in feedstuffs, their occurrence in animal products, and their possible impact on the health of both animals and humans. Full article