Search Results (2,314)

(1) Background: The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether the supplementation with a multi-species probiotic in the diet of laying hens can change the microbiota and health status of the oviduct. (2) Methods: A total of 60 cages housing lightweight laying hens (36 weeks old) were randomly assigned to the following two different treatments: a control group fed a diet without probiotic, and a treatment group receiving diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial lasted for 26 weeks, after which five layers were slaughtered per treatment for oviduct (magnum) assessment, focusing on microbiome composition, oxidant and antioxidant status, and morphological analyses. Additionally, intestinal (jejunum) samples were collected to determine oxidant and antioxidant status. (3) Results: Probiotic supplementation resulted in lower counts of organisms from the RB41 order (p = 0.039) and Burkholderia genus (p = 0.017), and a total reduction in Bacillus and Corynebacterium (p = 0.050) compared to the control treatment. Genera Burkholderia (p = 0.017), Corynebacterium (p = 0.050), and Bacillus (p = 0.050) were also lower with the probiotic supplementation in relation to the control. Genera Epulopiscium (p = 0.089), Flavobacterium (p = 0.100), Ruminococcus (p = 0.089), and Staphylococcus (p = 0.100) tended to be lower in the probiotic group compared to the control. No significant differences were found between treatments for oviduct lesions. Probiotic treatment resulted in a higher protein thiol level in the intestine compared to the control (p < 0.001). However, the use of probiotics tended to reduce glutathione S-transferase levels in the oviduct compared to the control (p = 0.068). (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotics can modulate the oviduct microbiota and improve the antioxidant status of laying hens, without causing tissue damage. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of these changes on reproductive performance and egg quality. Full article

The use of eco-organic ingredients as a source of protein in aquaculture diets needs important attention due to the growing demand for organic seafood products. The present study evaluated the effects of fish meal substitution by different organic ingredients on the growth, body composition, retention efficiency, enzyme activity, and nutrient digestibility of white shrimp Penaeus vannamei. The four dietary formulations tested were formulated with organic ingredients and the fish meal was replaced by the following organic protein meals: Iberian pig viscera meal (PIG), trout by-product meal (TRO), insect meal (FLY), and organic vegetable meal (WHT), in addition to a control diet (CON) that included 15% fish meal. A growth trial was carried out for 83 days, raising 1 g shrimp to commercial size (20 g). Shrimp were stocked at 167 shrimp/m³ (15 individuals per 90 L tank). The results showed that the growth obtained by shrimp fed with TRO (19.27 g) and PIG (19.35 g) were similar in weight gain to the control diet (20.76 g), while FLY (16.04 g) and WHT (16.73 g) meals resulted in a significant lower final weight. The FLY diet showed significantly lower protein digestibility (68.89%) compared to the CON, PIG, TRO, and WHT diets, and significantly higher trypsin activity (0.17 mU/g) compared to shrimp fed with the PIG, TRO, and WHT diets. Shrimp fed with WHT have a significantly lower body weight percentage of protein (19.69%) than shrimp fed with the WHT and TRO diets, and some significant differences in dietary aminoacidic levels affecting amino acid body composition. These results indicate that Iberian pig viscera and trout by-product meal can successfully replace fish meal in Pacific white shrimp aquaculture. Full article

This study investigates the potential of using downgraded chestnuts, which are unsuitable for commercial sale, from five distinct Greek regions to produce chestnut flour and formulate gluten-free biscuits. Chestnuts were dried and milled into flour, which was then used as the sole flour ingredient in the biscuit formulation, in order to assess its nutritional and functional contribution. The moisture, lipid, protein, and ash contents were analyzed in chestnut flour samples, which showed significant regional differences. Chestnut flour biscuits (CFB) were compared to wheat flour biscuits (WFB). CFB exhibited significantly higher ash content (3.01% compared to 0.94% in WFB) and greater antioxidant capacity, with DPPH scavenging activity reaching 70.83%, as opposed to 61.67% in WFB, while maintaining similar moisture and lipid levels. Although CFB showed slightly lower protein content, the elevated mineral and phenolic compound levels contributed to its functional value. These findings indicate that downgraded chestnuts can be upcycled into gluten-free bakery products with improved functional characteristics. Given their antioxidant activity and mineral content, chestnut flour biscuits may serve as a valuable option for gluten-free diets, supporting circular economy principles and reducing food waste. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low folate intake before and during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes. Gene variants such as MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) may increase risks associated with suboptimal folate intake. Our objective was to use BALB/cJ Mthfr^677C>T mice to evaluate the effects of the TT genotype and low folate diets on embryonic development and MTHFR protein expression in pregnant mice. Methods: Female 677CC (mCC) and 677TT (mTT) mice were fed control (2 mg folic acid/kg (2D)), 1 mg folic acid/kg (1D) and 0.3 mg folic acid/kg (0.3D) diets before and during pregnancy. Embryos and maternal tissues were collected at embryonic day 10.5. Embryos were examined for developmental delays and defects. Methyltetrahydrofolate (methylTHF) and total homocysteine (tHcy) were measured in maternal plasma, and MTHFR protein expression was evaluated in maternal liver. Results: MethylTHF decreased due to the experimental diets and mTT genotype. tHcy increased due to 0.3D and mTT genotype; mTT 0.3D mice had significantly higher tHcy than the other groups. MTHFR expression was lower in mTT liver than mCC. MTHFR protein expression increased due to low folate diets in mCC mice, whereas in mTT mice, MTHFR expression increased only due to 1D. Developmental delays were increased in the litters of mTT mice fed 1D and 0.3D. Conclusions: The Mthfr^677C>T mouse models the effects of the MTHFR 677TT genotype in humans and provides a folate-responsive model for examination of the effects of folate intake and the MTHFR 677C>T variant during gestation. Full article

Enhanced colony nutrition can support brood development, resulting in better physiological conditions and increased resilience in adult honey bees, particularly under stress. This study investigated the effects of colony nutrition and adult dietary supplementation with green propolis on bee health under fungicide exposure. Colonies were managed under food restriction or nutritional supplementation for 22 weeks. Newly emerged bees from each colony were then caged and fed protein diets consisting of honey-pollen patties contaminated or not with fungicide, and sucrose sugar syrup with or without aqueous green propolis extract. Bees from supplemented colonies showed greater body weight, higher hemolymph protein levels, and higher consumption of protein food after seven days in cages. Fungicide exposure reduced hemolymph protein levels, altered the expression of detoxification and immune-related genes, and significantly decreased bee survival. Interestingly, propolis supplementation alone changed gene expression patterns and slightly reduced longevity compared to bees not exposed to propolis or fungicide. However, under fungicide stress, bees that ingested propolis survived longer, indicating a protective effect. While colony nutritional supplementation clearly promotes honey bee resilience against fungicide exposure, feeding propolis also showed promising effects, though further studies are needed to determine an optimal dietary concentration. Full article

Restaurants and open markets generate considerable quantities of organic waste. Converting these residues into poultry feed ingredients offers a sustainable disposal route. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and sensory viability of a novel feed complement formulated from Bonito fish meal (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis) and Única potato peel flour (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Única). This study was conducted in three phases: (i) production and nutritional characterization of the two by-product flours; (ii) formulation of a 48:52 (w/w) blend, incorporated into broiler diets at 15%, 30%, and 45% replacement levels over a 7-week trial divided into starter (3 weeks), grower (3 weeks), and finisher (1 week) phases; and (iii) assessment of growth performance (weight gain, final weight, and feed conversion ratio), followed by a sensory evaluation of the resulting meat using a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) analysis. The Bonito fish meal exhibited 50.78% protein, while the Única potato peel flour was rich in carbohydrates (74.08%). The final body weights of broiler chickens ranged from 1872.1 to 1886.4 g across treatments, and the average feed conversion ratio across all groups was 0.65. Replacing up to 45% of commercial feed with the formulated complement did not significantly affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Sensory analysis revealed that meat from chickens receiving 15% and 45% substitution levels was preferred in terms of aroma and taste, whereas the control group was rated higher in appearance. These findings suggest that the formulated feed complement may represent a viable poultry-feed alternative with potential sensory and economic benefits, supporting future circular-economy strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Job stress negatively affects physical and psychological health and can lead to behavioral changes such as unhealthy eating. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between job stress levels, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and the phytochemical index (PI). Methods: The study included 200 healthy individuals aged 18–50 working at the Tuzla Gum Factory. Data were collected through demographic and dietary questionnaires, two-day 24-h food records, PI values, and anthropometric measurements. Job stress was assessed using the Job Stress Scale, and Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Questionnaire. Results: Waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, and BMI were significantly higher in individuals with high levels of job stress (p < 0.01). Unskilled workers reported higher stress than professionals (p < 0.01). Significant differences were found in carbohydrate and fiber intake among males and in energy, protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin A intake among females with varying stress levels (p < 0.01). No significant difference in Mediterranean diet adherence was observed between medium and high stress groups. However, women had higher adherence and PI scores than men (p < 0.01). Diet adherence was better among managers than service-sales and technical staff (p < 0.01). PI scores were higher in medium stress than high stress individuals (p < 0.05) and in those with a higher BMI compared to a normal BMI (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Job stress influences both anthropometric parameters and dietary habits. Effective stress management may improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet and phytochemical intake. Workplace strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors are recommended. Full article

Magenta Cherry or Eugenia (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn) is an underutilized berry species with an interesting source of functional components. This study aimed to evaluate these berries’ morphometric, nutritional, and phytochemical characteristics at two ripening stages, CM: consumer maturity (CM) and OM: over-maturity. Morphometric analysis revealed size and weight parameters comparable to commercial berries such as blueberries. Fresh fruits were processed into pulverized material, and in this, a proximate analysis was evaluated, showing high moisture content (88.9%), dietary fiber (3.56%), and protein (0.63%), with negligible fat, indicating suitability for low-calorie diets. Phytochemical screening by HPLC identified gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin, and condensed tannins. Ethanol extracts showed stronger bioactive profiles than aqueous extracts, with significant antioxidant capacity (up to 803.40 µmol _Trolox/g via Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP assay). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic analyses established structural transformations of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups associated with ripening. These changes were supported by observed variations in anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, both higher at the CM stage. A notable pigment loss in OM fruits could be attributed to pH changes, oxidative degradation, enzymatic activity loss, and biotic stressors. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed higher radical scavenging activity in CM-stage berries. Elemental analysis identified minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, although in moderate concentrations. In summary, Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn fruit demonstrates considerable potential as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These findings advocate for greater exploration and sustainable use of this native berry species in functional food systems. Full article

Background: Studies on ketogenic diets with a higher percentage of fat composition have revealed conflicting results regarding the modulation of lipid metabolism and tissue inflammation. Furthermore, studies on soy protein consumption in ketogenic diets remain limited. In this study, the effects of ketogenic diets on hepatic and adipose tissue inflammation and of soy protein replacement in ketogenic diets were investigated. Methods: Mice were randomly assigned to a control diet (C), ketogenic diet (KD), or ketogenic with soy protein (KS) groups for an 18-week experiment. Both ketogenic diet groups were fed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet during the first 12 weeks and a ketogenic diet during the last 6 weeks of the experiment. The KS group was fed the same diet as the KD group, but soy protein was substituted for casein during the last 6 weeks. Results: The KD and KS groups exhibited higher plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels; a higher incidence of hyperlipidemia; and lower blood glucose, mesenteric fat mass, adipose tissue TNF-α, IL-1β levels, and NLRP3 protein expression compared with the C group. In the gut microbiota analysis, the KD group had a higher F-B ratio than the C group. Greater A. muciniphila abundance and a lower F-B ratio were noted in the KS group compared with the KD group. Conclusions: Although ketogenic diets decreased mesenteric fat mass and adipose tissue inflammation and modulated NLRP3 expression, they were associated with hepatic inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Soy protein consumption in a ketogenic diet did not differ from casein consumption regarding diet-induced tissue inflammation, but it may have altered the gut microbiota. Full article

Background: Rapid loss of residual kidney function (RKF) is associated with unfavorable outcomes. We conducted an RCT to compare the effects on RKF preservation of incremental HD between once-weekly HD (1-WHD) and twice-weekly HD (2-WHD). Methods: ESKD patients with an eGFR of 5–10 mL/min/1.73 m² and urine output of ≥800 mL/day were randomly assigned to receive either once-weekly HD (1-WHD) or twice-weekly HD (2-WHD) for 12 months. Patients in the 1-WHD group were prescribed once-weekly HD combined with low-protein diet (0.6 g/kg/day) supplemented with keto-analogues (KAs) 0.12 g/kg/day. In the 2-WHD group, patients received twice-weekly HD with a regular-protein diet. Primary outcomes were changes in RKF by renal clearance and urine volume. Nutritional status, muscle parameters, and quality of life (QoL) were also assessed. Results: A total of 30 incident HD patients were randomized. Baseline RKF, urine volume, and demographic were not different between groups. After 3 months, urine volume was significantly higher in the 1-WHD group than in the 2-WHD group (1921 ± 767 mL/day vs. 1305 ± 599 mL/day, p = 0.02), and these significant findings persisted throughout the entire study period. For RKF, 1-WHD also had a lesser decline in urinary urea (CUrea) and creatinine clearance (CCr) than 2-WHD, with statistically significant differences observed from months 6–12. By month 6, the 1-WHD group exhibited significantly higher CUrea and CCr compared to the 2-WHD group, with CUrea at 3.2 ± 2.3 vs. 1.7 ± 1.0 mL/min (p = 0.03) and CCr at 5.9 ± 3.6 vs. 3.8 ± 1.4 mL/min (p = 0.04), respectively. Serum albumin levels, skeletal muscle mass, anemia status, metabolic parameters, protein-bound uremic toxins, and QoL scores were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions: Incremental HD, starting with once-weekly HD combined with protein restriction supplemented with KAs, appears to better preserve RKF among incident HD patients compared to twice-weekly HD with a regular-protein diet. This HD regimen was also associated with safety in metabolic and nutritional profiles. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genotype and diet on geese from crossbreeding meat lines Tapphorn (T) and Eskildsen (E). This study was conducted on 240 crossbred geese assigned to two dietary groups: an SBM diet group fed a standard soybean-based diet and an LPS diet group fed a yellow lupin-based diet. Birds were reared under identical management conditions and slaughtered at 17 weeks of age. The following traits were recorded: meat colour (CIELab), pH₂₄, cooking loss, breast and thigh muscle texture (shear force and energy), and sensory traits. The results showed a significant effect of both genotype and diet on meat quality. The LPS diet lowered shear force and energy (by ~11%, p < 0.001), reduced cooking loss in breast muscles (by ~5%, p < 0.001), and improved the juiciness and flavour of thigh muscles. The ET genotype positively influenced the meat colour intensity (lower L*, higher a*), while the lupin-based diet improved technological parameters, especially the water-holding capacity. The results confirm that replacing soybean meal with yellow lupin protein is an effective nutritional strategy that can improve goose meat quality and sustainability without compromising the sensory quality. These outcomes support developing soy-free feeding strategies in goose production to meet consumer expectations and reduce reliance on imported feed. Full article

Edible insects are emerging as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative protein source, addressing global challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the willingness and acceptance of edible insects as sustainable alternative protein sources among Saudi participants, focusing on sociodemographic and attitudinal factors. A cross-sectional survey involving 2208 participants revealed that males and younger individuals (18–34 years) exhibited greater willingness to consume EIs, driven by environmental concerns, health benefits, and positive beliefs. Women and older participants showed higher levels of food neophobia, disgust, and uncertainty. Sociocultural barriers such as fear, a lack of familiarity, and perceptions of edible insects as unclean or forbidden were significant obstacles to acceptance and willingness. Interestingly, the education level did not significantly influence willingness, suggesting that cultural and religious norms may overshadow its impact. These findings underscore the need for targeted campaigns emphasizing the health, environmental, and sustainability benefits of edible insects, alongside culturally sensitive approaches to overcome psychological and social barriers. This research provides valuable insights to guide strategies for integrating EIs into Saudi diets as a step toward enhanced food security and environmental sustainability. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of early-life creep feeding with a high-protein, high-energy diet on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and gut microbiota in Hanwoo calves (n = 10). Calves were assigned to control or treatment groups from birth to 6 months of age. No significant differences were observed in body weight, average daily gain (ADG), or feed conversion ratio (FCR), but ADG and dry matter intake (DMI) tended to be higher in the treatment group. Ruminal pH, NH₃-N, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations showed no significant differences. Fecal VFA profiles exhibited numerical trends suggesting higher propionate at 3 months and lower acetate, butyrate, and total VFA at 6 months in the treatment group, potentially reflecting altered substrate availability or absorption capacity, though these mechanisms were not directly measured. Microbiota analysis indicated stable ruminal alpha diversity, with numerical increases in fecal Bacteroidetes and genera such as Fournierella and Flavonifractor in the treatment group. These results suggest that early creep feeding with high-nutrition diets can support intake and promote potential shifts in hindgut microbiota composition without compromising overall microbial stability. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these trends and assess long-term impacts on calf health and productivity. Full article

Creole goats have adapted to the harsh Andean environment, yet the physiological impacts of high-altitude production systems remain underexplored. This study assessed seasonal and dietary influences on the hematological and biochemical profiles of 45 Creole goats in the Peruvian Andes. The animals were assigned to three diets: D1 (grazing), D2 (grazing + 2000 g hay), and D3 (grazing + 400 g concentrate), across rainy and dry seasons. Biweekly blood sampling measured urea, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, ALP, ALT, WBCL, NeuP, LymP, HGB, and MCV. Season exerted the strongest influence (p < 0.001), with modest dietary effects and a consistent effect of sampling time. Urea, total protein, and albumin increased during the rainy season, though only urea responded significantly to diet. Leukocytosis rose in the dry season and with higher-protein diets, suggesting heightened immune activation under environmental stress. Hemoglobin peaked in the rainy season and early sampling, indicating better oxygenation. MCV and body weight were higher in the dry season, with weight unaffected by diet. These results underscore the complex interplay of environmental and nutritional factors in shaping goat physiology at high altitudes, emphasizing the importance of dynamic modeling in sustainable Andean livestock systems. Full article

In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with thermally modified attapulgite on the daily weight gain, serum biochemical indices, and serum metabolites of Simmental fattening cattle. A total of 30 healthy Simmental fattening beef calves of similar age (8 to 9 months old) and body weight (370 ± 10 kg) were randomly divided into two groups, each containing 15 animals. A control group was fed the basal diet, and a treatment group was fed the same basal diet with the addition of 4 g/kg of thermally modified attapulgite. After 75 days of formal experiment, the calves in the two groups were weighed, and blood samples were collected by tail vein blood sampling for determinations of the serum biochemical indices and serum metabolites using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The results indicated that the addition of thermally modified attapulgite to the diet had no significant effects on the daily weight gain of fattening beef cattle. After feeding with modified attapulgite, the glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in the serum of the experimental group were 55.02% (257.26 U·mL⁻¹ to 165.95 U·mL⁻¹, p < 0.05) and 13.11% (18.98 U·mL⁻¹ to 16.78 U·mL⁻¹, p < 0.05) higher than that in the control group. Compared with the control group, the tumor necrosis factor-alpha content was reduced by 14.50% (31.27 pg·mL⁻¹ to 36.57 pg·mL⁻¹, p < 0.01), and the concentration of interleukin-6 and lipopolysaccharide decreased by 17.00% (34.33 pg·mL⁻¹ to 41.36 pg·mL⁻¹, p < 0.001) and 23.05% (51.34 EU·L⁻¹ to 66.72 EU·L⁻¹, p < 0.001) in the serum of the experimental group. Contrastingly, the thermally modified attapulgite had no significant effects on the levels of serum total protein, albumin, or globulin in Simmental fattening cattle (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the results of serum metabolomic analyses revealed that there were a total of 98 differential metabolites, which were mainly enriched with respect to glycerophospholipid metabolism, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, autophagy-other, retrograde endogenous cannabinoid signaling, and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, thermally modified attapulgite was found to effectively increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduce serum inflammatory mediators, may suppress oxidative damage, enhance immunity, and have a positive influence on the health of Simmental fattening beef calves. Full article