Search Results (50)

This study evaluated the effects of monolaurin intake per finishing feedlot cattle on growth performance, metabolic status, ruminal environment, and meat fatty acid profile. Twenty-four castrated Holstein males (379 ± 8.5 kg; 12 months old) were randomly assigned to two treatments: basal diet (control) or basal diet with α-monolaurin (treated: 0.762 g/kg dry matter intake; ≈6.63 g/animal/day) for 79 days. Feed intake, body weight, and feed efficiency were recorded, and blood and ruminal samples were collected during the trial. Ruminal fermentation parameters, protozoa counts, hematological and biochemical variables, oxidative status biomarkers, ruminal microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing), and Longissimus dorsi fatty acid profile were analyzed. Monolaurin feed did not affect dry matter intake or final body weight, but increased total weight gain, average daily gain, and feed efficiency (p ≤ 0.05), indicating improved nutrient utilization. Hematological and serum biochemical variables were largely unchanged, although total leukocyte counts were lower in treated cattle. Animals receiving monolaurin showed reduced reactive oxygen species and lower superoxide dismutase activity, suggesting improved oxidative balance without changes in lipid peroxidation. During the adaptation phase (day 14), treated cattle exhibited lower acetate, propionate, valerate, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations and higher protozoa counts, but these differences disappeared by day 79, indicating ruminal adaptation. Microbiota diversity was not altered overall, although specific genera differed in relative abundance between treatments. In meat, monolaurin increased lauric, linoleic, and arachidonic acids, reduced palmitic and heptadecanoic acids, decreased total saturated fatty acids, and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, dietary monolaurin improved feed efficiency, modulated oxidative status, induced transient ruminal microbial adjustments, and enhanced the nutritional quality of beef lipids without compromising metabolic health. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of increasing levels of soybean oil on milk yield, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile in dairy cows. The experiment was designed as a 4 × 4 double Latin square with 21-day periods and used eight Holstein cows (body weight of 550 ± 19.5 kg and 200 ± 5 days in milk). The treatments evaluated were a basal diet without soybean oil and a basal diet added with 10, 20, or 30 g/kg DM of soybean oil. None of the treatments evaluated affected (p > 0.05) milk yield, dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility, or the concentration of fat, non-fat solids, protein, and lactose in milk. Furthermore, increasing levels of soybean oil included in the diets did not affect (p > 0.05) the milk concentration of butyric, caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, pentadecanoic, palmitoleic, heptadecanoic, and linoleic fatty acids. However, dietary inclusion of soybean oil decreased (linear effect; p ≤ 0.05) the milk concentration of myristic, palmitic and oleic fatty acids. In contrast, higher concentrations (linear effect; p ≤ 0.05) of stearic fatty acids were observed in the milk of dairy cows fed soybean oil in their diet. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of increasing levels of soybean oil (30 g/kg DM) modifies the fatty acid profile of milk without affecting milk yield or the protein, fat, or lactose content. Full article

This study investigated the effects of feeding High-Moisture Corn (HMC) on meat production performance, mutton quality, muscle metabolism, and gut microbiota in Kazakh rams. Thirty-two 6-month-old Kazakh rams were divided into a control group (CT) and an experimental group (GS). Both groups received a basal diet consisting of 30% whole-plant corn silage, 30% cotton residue, and a concentrate mixture. In the CT group, the concentrate contained 24% ordinary crushed corn (on a dry matter basis). In the GS group, half of the ordinary crushed corn was replaced with HMC, resulting in a concentrate containing 12% ordinary crushed corn and 12% HMC. After a 120-day feeding period, backfat thickness was significantly higher in the GS group (p < 0.05); For meat quality, muscle shear force was significantly lower (p < 0.01) and intramuscular fat content was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the GS group; Amino acid analysis showed that aspartic acid content was significantly lower (p < 0.01), arginine and glutamine contents were significantly lower (p < 0.05), and glycine content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the GS group; Fatty acid analysis revealed that the contents of methyl undecanoate, methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, methyl heptadecanoate, methyl alpha-linolenate, and all-cis-4,7,10,13,16-docosapentaenoic acid were significantly higher in the GS group (p < 0.01), while the contents of ten other fatty acids, including methyl caprate, methyl laurate, and methyl tridecanoate, were significantly higher (p < 0.05); A total of 668 metabolites were detected by muscle metabolomics, and 20 of them were identified as significantly differential metabolites, with the GS group showing 15 upregulated and 5 downregulated, mainly enriched in four pathways: valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis; taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis; and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle); Gut microbiota analysis showed no significant difference in alpha diversity, but beta diversity was significantly separated between the two groups (p < 0.01); Correlation analysis revealed that Firmicutes_A was significantly negatively correlated with most fatty acids, while Proteobacteria was significantly positively correlated with multiple fatty acids (p < 0.05). In conclusion, The GS group had significantly increased backfat thickness, reduced muscle shear force, increased intramuscular fat content, and significantly enriched beneficial fatty acids in Kazakh rams, thereby improving meat quality. Full article

Background: Myocardial fibrosis (MF) results from excessive collagen deposition in the cardiac interstitium, causing structural and functional cardiac impairments that underlie multiple cardiovascular diseases. Grape seed oil (GSO), rich in various bioactive fatty acids, demonstrates established cardiovascular benefits, yet its potential mechanisms against MF remain incompletely elucidated. This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effects of bioactive components from GSO on TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: GSO was obtained using supercritical CO₂ extraction technology. Initially, the anti-fibrotic activity of GSO was evaluated in vitro: a fibrosis model was established by inducing cardiac fibroblasts with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL for 48 h), followed by treatment with 20% (v/v) GSO. Subsequently, the bioactive constituents of GSO were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Network pharmacology approaches were employed to predict its potential therapeutic targets and associated signaling pathways. Molecular docking simulations were then performed to validate the binding interactions between the key bioactive components and the core targets obtained from enrichment analysis. Finally, the predicted core pathway was experimentally verified by Western blot analysis. Results: In vitro experiments demonstrated that 20% GSO treatment significantly downregulated TGF-β1-induced fibrotic markers at both transcriptional (MMP9, MMP2, Col1a1) and protein (TGF, Col I/III, α-SMA) levels (p < 0.01). GC-MS analysis identified nine fatty acids in GSO, including palmitic acid and linolenic acid. Network pharmacology revealed interactions between these compounds and 357 myocardial fibrosis-related targets. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities (below −5.0 kcal/mol) of key components (heptadecanoic acid, palmitic acid) to core targets (MMP-9, PTGS2, MAPK3). Western blot analysis further verified that GSO significantly inhibited the expression of PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The fatty acids in GSO (linolenic acid, palmitic acid) attenuate myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and downregulating key fibrotic markers. These findings establish a novel theoretical foundation for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis and highlight the potential value of grape industry byproducts in cardiovascular therapeutics. Full article

The sensory quality and flavor of lamb meat, critical to market competitiveness, are influenced by rumen microbial fermentation and dietary management strategies. Coated betaine (CBet), a rumen-protected methyl donor, exerts systemic nutritional regulation in ruminants. This study explored the effects of CBet supplementation on lamb meat quality using 18 Dorset ♂ × Hu sheep ♀ F1 crossbred lambs, randomly assigned to either a control group (basal diet) or a 0.20% CBet-supplemented diet for 60 days (n = 9 per group). The results demonstrated that CBet significantly increased ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs), acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid (p < 0.05). Additionally, CBet supplementation enhanced muscle redness (a*), crude fat, crude ash, heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), and tricosanoic acid (C23:0) (p < 0.05) while decreasing shear force and the concentration of cis-13,16-docosadienoic acid (C22:2) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CBet elevated characteristic flavor compounds (e.g., nonanal) and their relative odor activity values (ROAVs), and decreased undesirable odors (e.g., dodecanal) (p < 0.05). As illustrated in the graphical abstract, these improvements were mediated through regulatory effects of CBet on rumen microbiota composition, muscle fatty acids, amino acids, and volatile flavor compounds. Specifically, CBet significantly increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium in the rumen (p < 0.05) and altered the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.20% CBet effectively enhances lamb meat quality and flavor, effects closely associated with changes in the abundance of key ruminal microbial taxa. Full article

Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke both as a long-term causal factor and through the inflammatory cascade in acute stroke. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a potent pro-inflammatory molecule, while interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) acts as its antagonist. Free fatty acids (FFAs) play a role in atherosclerosis formation and serve as substrates for inflammatory molecules. This study aimed to determine the potential interplay between FFAs, IL-1β, and IL-1Ra in stroke patients. A prospective analysis was conducted on 73 ischaemic stroke patients. All participants had their FFA, IL-1β, and IL-1Ra levels assessed. Significant correlations between IL-1β and certain FFAs were detected: C15:0 pentadecanoic acid (rho = 0.488), C15:1 cis-10 pentadecanoic acid (rho = 0.473), C17:1 cis-10 heptadecanoic acid (rho = 0.411), C18:0 stearic acid (rho = 0.302), C24:0 lignoceric acid (rho = −0.280), C24:1 nervonic acid (rho = −0.276), C18:2n6t linoleic acid (rho = −0.272), C17:0 heptadecanoic acid (rho = 0.241), and C13:0 tridecanoic acid (rho = 0.238). After multivariate analysis C15:0 pentadecanoic acid remained statistically significant. The strongest correlation was found between IL-1Ra and fatty acids: C15:1 cis-10-pentadecanoid acid (rho = −0.357), C18:2n6t linoleic acid (rho 0.341) and C24:1 nervonic acid (rho 0.302), but after multivariate analysis significantly correlated remained: C22:1n9 13 erucic acid (rho = 0.299), C18:3n6 gamma-linoleic acid (rho = 0.277), with close to significant correlation with C22:4n6 docosatetraenoate (rho = −0.241, p = 0.055). Certain FFAs may play a role in enhancing both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in the early subacute phase of stroke, where inflammatory and resolving processes are ongoing. Fatty acids such as C15:0 pentadecanoic acid, C15:1 cis-10 pentadecanoic acid and C22:4n6 docosatetraenoate might be involved in pro-inflammatory responses, while C22:1n9 13 erucic acid and C18:3n6 gamma-linoleic acid in the anti-inflammatory pathways with the overlay of IL-1β and IL-1Ra. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fatty acids, the building blocks of lipids, contribute to numerous crucial life processes and are implicated in numerous disease pathologies. Circulating fatty acids can be extracted/trans-esterified to their respective methyl ester forms and quantified from a variety of biological samples. This study aims to identify quantifiable fatty acids (through alkali trans-esterification) in human circulation, assess the correlation of the detectable fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) compounds between whole blood, serum and plasma matrices and propose the most ideal matrix for quantification of FAMEs. Methods: This anonymised study was carried out in a tertiary hospital after obtaining ethical approval and involved analysis of residual fasting whole blood, serum and plasma samples obtained from 20 apparently healthy subjects attending the routine health check services at the study centre. Fatty acids were converted to its methyl ester form by methanolic KOH trans-esterification and subjected to GCMS analysis. Paired t test, Pearsons’s correlation, linear regression and Bland Altman test were employed to assess the agreeability between matrices. Results: 9 out of 37 FAME compounds were detected in all three matrices. Strong correlations and statistically significant regression equations were obtained for the 9 compounds between plasma and serum matrices. Undecanoate, pentadecanoate, linolenate, and palmitate levels were lowest in plasma, while stearate, heptadecanoate levels were highest in whole blood. Myristate was highest in serum, dodecanoate was highest in plasma while docosahexanoate was found to be comparable in all three matrices. Methyl ester forms of dodeconate, myristate, pentadecanoate, palmitate, heptadecanoate, stearate, and linolenate were observed in higher concentrations in plasma when compared to serum. Conclusions: The current study shows similar & correlating FAME concentrations between serum and plasma matrix; however, whole blood FAME concentrations appear significantly different. Plasma serves as the most ideal matrix for detection and quantification of circulating fatty acids. Full article

Type 2 diabetes is usually accompanied by premature grey hair. In this study, we analysed differences in the lipid composition of black and white hair follicles between women with type 2 diabetes and healthy populations, using lipidomic methods. We examined the correlation between the lipid composition of female grey hair follicles and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and we screened for potential grey-hair-delaying ingredients using network pharmacology. Forty-one female volunteers with type 2 diabetes (diabetes, D) and thirty-five healthy volunteers (healthy, H) aged 55–65 years were recruited. Hair roots, including the follicular portion, were collected from grey hair (D-W for diabetic volunteers and H-W for healthy volunteers) and black hair (D-B for diabetic volunteers and H-B for healthy volunteer). Lipids were extracted separately and analysed using UPLC-QTOF-MS (Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry), combined with an OPLS-DA (Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) model to identify different lipids among different groups under VIP conditions (VIP > 1, p < 0.05, and fold change ≥ 2). Further screening was performed using the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve method, selecting lipids with an AUC (area under the curve) value greater than 0.8 and specificity plus sensitivity greater than 1.6. Finally, bioinformatics and reverse network pharmacology were used to screen relevant targets, ingredients, and herbs to find suitable raw materials with anti-grey-hair effects. We found the following: (1) Ten significant differential lipids were identified under VIP conditions in the D-W and D-B groups, and five potential differential lipids (1-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-1,2-eicosandiol, emmotin A, odyssic acid, PI-Cer(t18:0/26:0(2OH)), and NAPE(18:1(9Z)/16:1(9Z)/18:0)) were further screened using ROC analysis. The levels of all five lipids were significantly higher in D-W than in D-B, and these elevated levels may have been related to the production of grey hair in diabetic patients. (2) Thirteen significantly different lipids were screened under VIP conditions in the H-W and H-B groups, and five potential differential lipids were screened via ROC analysis (PS(O-16:0/13:0), PA(12:0/16:1(9Z)), PS(13:0/20:3(8Z,11Z,14Z)), GlcCer(d18:1/24:1(15Z)), and PS(O-20:0/17:2(9Z,12Z))). The levels of all five lipids were significantly higher in H-B than in H-W, and we hypothesised that their reduced levels were associated with the production of grey hair in the healthy population. (3) Twelve significantly different lipids were screened under VIP conditions in the D-W and H-W groups, and two potential differential lipids were screened via ROC analysis (fucoxanthinol 3-heptadecanoate 3′-myristate and 2-(3-hydroxyphytanyl)-3-phytanyl-sn-glycerol). The contents of both lipids were significantly higher in H-W than in D-W, and there were differences in the lipid composition of grey hair in the D and H populations. (4) Important ingredients with possible therapeutic effects were obtained through lipid-matched target screening: resveratrol, calycosin, epigallocatechin 3-gallate, and herbs such as the fruit of the glossy privet, etc. In summary, the production of grey hair in the D and H populations may be affected by different lipids. The lipid components emmotin A and fucoxanthinol 3-heptadecanoate 3′-myristate were significantly higher in the D and H populations than in the same groups (D-B, H-B), and these are pregnenolone lipids (PRs). We hypothesised that PRs can influence the production of grey hair in both populations. The screening of important differential lipids may serve to provide diagnostic loci or therapeutic targets, while matching ingredients and herbs may provide a basis and direction for the subsequent development of anti-grey-hair ingredients. Full article

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), as a type of warm-water reptile, could be induced to massive death by sharp temperature decline. Hence, the mechanism of spleen tissue responding to cold stress in the P. sinensis was investigated. The present results showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity declined from 4 to 16 days post-cold-stress (dps), while the catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities increased, from 4 to 8 dps in the 14 °C (T14) and 7 °C (T7) stress groups. The spleen transcriptome in the T7 group and the control group (CG) at 4 dps obtained 2625 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1462 upregulated and 1663 downregulated genes. The DEGs were enriched mainly in the pathways “intestinal immune network for IgA production” (Pigr, Il15ra, Tnfrsf17, Aicda, and Cd28), “toll-like receptor signaling pathway” (Mapk10, Tlr2, Tlr5, Tlr7, and Tlr8), and “cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction” (Cx3cl1, Cx3cr1, Cxcl14, Cxcr3, and Cxcr4). The metabolomic data showed that esculentic acid, tyrosol, diosgenin, heptadecanoic acid, and 7-ketodeoxycholic acid were obviously increased, while baccatin III, taurohyocholate, parthenolide, enterolactone, and tricin were decreased, in the CG vs. T7 comparison. Integrated analysis of the two omics revealed that “glycine, serine and threonine metabolism”, “FoxO signaling pathway”, and “neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction” were the main pathways responding to the cold stress. Overall, this work found that low temperature remarkably influenced the antioxidant enzyme activities, gene expression pattern, and metabolite profile in the spleen, indicating that immunity might be weakened by cold stress in P. sinensis. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in young adults and results in progressive neurological defects. The relapsing-remitting phenotype (RRMS) is the most common disease course in MS, which ultimately progresses to secondary progressive MS (SPMS), while primary progressive MS (PPMS) is a type of MS that worsens gradually over time without remissions. There is a gap in knowledge regarding whether the relapsing form can be distinguished from the progressive course, or healthy subjects (HS) based on an altered serum metabolite profile. In this study, we performed global untargeted metabolomics with the 2D GC-GC-MS platform to identify altered metabolites between RRMS, PPMS, and HS. We profiled 235 metabolites in the serum of patients with RRMS (n = 41), PPMS (n = 31), and HS (n = 91). A comparison of RRMS and HS patients revealed 22 significantly altered metabolites at p < 0.05 (false-discovery rate [FDR] = 0.3). The PPMS and HS comparisons revealed 28 altered metabolites at p < 0.05 (FDR = 0.2). Pathway analysis using MetaboAnalyst revealed enrichment of four metabolic pathways in both RRMS and PPMS (hypergeometric test p < 0.05): (1) galactose metabolism; (2) amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism; (3) phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; and (4) aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. The Qiagen IPA enrichment test identified the sulfatase 2 (SULF2) (p = 0.0033) and integrin subunit beta 1 binding protein 1 (ITGB1BP1) (p = 0.0067) genes as upstream regulators of altered metabolites in the RRMS vs. HS groups. However, in the PPMS vs. HS comparison, valine was enriched in the neurodegeneration of brain cells (p = 0.05), and heptadecanoic acid, alpha-ketoisocaproic acid, and glycerol participated in inflammation in the CNS (p = 0.03). Overall, our study suggests that RRMS and PPMS may contribute metabolic fingerprints in the form of unique altered metabolites for discriminating MS disease from HS, with the potential for constructing a metabolite panel for progressive autoimmune diseases such as MS. Full article

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a natural spice plant with an aromatic flavor and antioxidant properties that can help enhance the flavor and texture of food, as well as be used as an antioxidant source in pet feed. This study explored the effect of rosemary on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. In total, 144 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups: The control group was fed a basic diet, while the positive control group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg kitasamycin, and the treatment groups were fed a basic diet supplemental with 0.5% rosemary, or 2% rosemary. The average daily feed intake of broilers fed with 0.5% and 2% rosemary in 1–42 days was higher than that in the basal diet group (p < 0.05). The pH was lower in the rosemary groups than in the 30 mg/kg kitasamycin group as measured in the thigh muscle tissue (p < 0.05), and the monounsaturated fatty acid C17:1 heptadecanoic acid content of the 2% rosemary group was higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). With 0.5% rosemary supplementation, the activities of the serum and liver antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased (p < 0.05); malondialdehyde content decreased (p < 0.05). The serum activities of CAT, total superoxide dismutase, and T-AOC increased with 2% rosemary supplementation (p < 0.05). The relative expression of liver antioxidant genes, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, glutathione catalase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1 increased (p < 0.05) with 0.5% rosemary supplementation. The addition of rosemary resulted in higher intestinal lactobacilli counts and lower E. coli counts. In summary, adding 0.5% or 2% rosemary to the diet improved the growth performance of Arbor Acres broilers and increased the number of intestinal probiotics, and supplementing with 0.5% rosemary yielded better results than adding 2% rosemary. This study provides valuable insights into the broader application of plant-derived antioxidants in promoting sustainable and health-focused animal farming practices. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the microalgae (MIAs) Schizochytrium sp. as a dietary supplement for dairy cows with respect to the yield, composition, and fatty acid profile of milk using a meta-analytical method. The data used in the statistical analyses were obtained from 11 peer-reviewed scientific publications. The effect size was assessed using the weighted mean differences (WMDs) between MIA-supplemented and control treatments. Dry matter intake, milk fat yield, and milk fat content decreased (p < 0.001) in response to the dietary inclusion of Schizochytrium sp. MIAs. However, Schizochytrium sp. MIAs supplementation increased (p = 0.029) milk yield. The dietary inclusion of Schizochytrium sp. MIAs decreased (p < 0.05) the content of the fatty acids (FAs) butyric, caproic, caprylic, capric, undecanoic, lauric, pentadecanoic, palmitic, heptadecanoic, stearic, arachidic, and total saturated FAs, and it resulted in a ω-6/ω-3 ratio in milk. In contrast, Schizochytrium sp. MIAs supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the content of linoleic, conjugated linoleic, eicosapentaenoic, behenic, docosahexaenoic, total monounsaturated FAs, total polyunsaturated FAs, and total omega-3 FAs in milk. The results showed that Schizochytrium sp. MIAs could be used as a dietary supplement to improve the milk yield and fatty acid profile of milk obtained from dairy cows. Full article

14-(R,S)-[¹⁸F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid ([¹⁸F]FTHA) is a radiocompound for imaging the fatty acid circulation by positron emission tomography. A revived interest in imaging of lipid metabolism led us to a constant tracer production over three years, initially using a conventional vessel-based synthesizer and later transitioning to the cassette-based Elixys synthesizer. On the Elixys module, the radiochemical yield of [¹⁸F]FTHA could be increased by more than two times, reaching 13.01 ± 5.63% at the end of the synthesis, while maintaining necessary quality control results. Full article

Egg consumers worldwide have increased their concerns about laying hens’ welfare and its impact on final egg product quality. This study compared the egg quality parameters under the conventional cage (CC) and cage-free (CF) egg production systems in the tropics. The study was conducted on a commercial farm in Colombia using Hy-Line Brown pullets, reared under the same conditions for the first 15 wks. At 16 wks, the hens were distributed into two housing systems, CC and CF, on the same farm. The hens were fed the same diet for each phase in both systems and feed intake varied slightly. Egg samples were collected every six wks, from 22 to 82 wks of age. A total of 3960 eggs were analyzed at 11 sampling times. Parameters such as albumen height, egg weight, yolk color, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength, and Haugh units were determined using a DET-6000 machine. At 22 and 82 wks, screening for Salmonella spp. status was conducted using environmental and egg samples. Additionally, at 34, 64, and 82 wks, yolk samples were obtained for fatty acid profiles and crude protein (CP) analysis. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized block design with repeated measures (11 times): mean separation by Student’s t-test yolk pigmentation, Haugh Units, and albumen height (p < 0.001) were higher in the CF compared with the CC between 38 and 69 wks of age, and eggs at 63 and 82 wks (p < 0.05) were heavier in the CF compared to the CC. Likewise, eggs from the CC had better eggshell strength from 57 to 82 wks. In the egg yolk fatty acid profile at the 34th wk, the pentadecanoic, palmitic, and heptadecanoic acids had higher concentrations in the CF systems than the CC. At the 64th wk, the egg yolk fatty acids—lauric, myristic, and heptadecanoic—had higher concentrations in the CF; likewise, at the 82nd wk, egg yolks from the CC had higher concentrations of lauric, heptadecanoic, and nervonic fatty acids than the CF. The eggs and environmental samples were negative for Salmonella spp. throughout the whole production phase. These results indicated that the production system might impact internal and external egg quality measures, potentially due to various stressors, including environmental factors or behavior restrictions. Full article

Oligonychus coffeae (Acari: Tetranychidae), popularly known as red spider mite (RSM) is one of the major pests of commercial tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) plantation world over. Many attempts have been made in the past to control this devastating pest using a variety of microbial bioagents, however, area-wise field success is very limited. We carried out an in vitro study to explore the potential of rhizospheric Bacillus spp. (B. amyloliquefaciens BAC1, B. subtilis LB22, and B. velezensis AB22) against O. coffeae through adulticidal and ovicidal activity. The 100% adult and egg mortality was observed with bacterial suspension (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL) by B. velezensis AB22, showing the lowest LC₅₀ values for both adults and eggs of O. coffeae, i.e., 0.28 × 10⁵ and 0.29 × 10⁵, respectively. The study also throws some insights into the underlying mechanism through electron microscopy study and identification of some putative pesticidal metabolites from all the species. The three Bacillus species were observed to have four commonly secreted putative bioactive secondary metabolites, brevianamide A, heptadecanoic acid, thiolutin, and versimide responsible for their bio-efficacy against O. coffeae. The outcome of our study provides a strong possibility of introducing Bacillus spp. as a biological miticide and developing synthetic metabolites mimicking the mechanistic pathway involved in microbial bioefficacy. Full article