Search Results (269)

Improving nitrogen efficiency in dairy cattle requires a better understanding of the dietary and ruminal factors that regulate nitrogen partitioning. This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ruminal pH and dietary characteristics on microbial nitrogen (MN), non-microbial non-ammonia nitrogen (NANMN), and NAN flows to the small intestine in lactating cows. A dataset was assembled from 44 peer-reviewed in vivo studies (163 data points), with dietary intake and ruminal variables standardized across trials. Mixed linear models were developed for each N fraction, and the relative contribution of each predictor to the explained variance was assessed using semipartial coefficients of determination (pR²). Efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (EMPS), rumen undegraded protein intake (RUPI), and organic matter truly digested in the rumen (OMTDR) were the most relevant predictors of NANMN and NAN. Although the ruminal pH itself was not statistically significant in the models, the dietary components that influenced pH, starch concentration, physically effective fiber, and RUP supply were strongly associated with nitrogen flow profiles. Nitrogen utilization was not affected by ruminal pH, but rather by the combination of fermentable substrates and the supply of rumen-degradable and undegraded protein. Full article

In light of the exponential rise in feed costs within the livestock sector, the scientific research and valorization of novel agro-industrial by-products have essential strategies in animal nutrition. The overall objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the inclusion of a novel olive pulp included at 12% of the concentrate on a dry matter basis in the diet of Murciano–Granadina goats to assess its effects on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, energy and nitrogen metabolism, and milk yield and composition. Two experiments were conducted, taking into account two groups (control group, CTL, and an experimental group) with the inclusion of 12% olive pulp in the concentrate (OPD): one in vivo trial in metabolic cages (n = 10 nulliparous female goats (34.1 ± 0.70 kg) per treatment) was conducted to evaluate digestibility, nitrogen balance, and energetic utilization; and a second on-farm production trial (n = 24 adult dairy goats (53.6 ± 1.14 kg) per treatment). The results showed no significant differences in energy balance or microbial protein synthesis between CTL and OPD (p > 0.05). However, the OPD exhibited higher digestibility of dry matter (71.2 vs. 68.8%; p = 0.028), organic matter (70.8 vs. 68.4%; p = 0.026), and crude fat (85.9 vs. 83.4%; p = 0.024), but lower crude protein digestibility (70.7 vs. 73.4%; p = 0.012) and nitrogen excretion (1.24 vs. 1.44 g/kg^0.75; p < 0.001). Additionally, ruminal butyrate concentrations were higher in OPD goats (13.5 vs. 11.3 mol/100 mol of total short-chain fatty acids; p = 0.020). Although milk yield remained unaffected, the OPD exhibited higher milk protein (4.17 vs. 3.79%; p = 0.036) and conjugated linoleic acid (0.620 vs. 0.400%; p < 0.001) concentrations compared to CTL. These findings demonstrate that the inclusion of 12% of the novel olive pulp in goat concentrate is a viable feeding strategy that maintains productive performance while enhancing the nutritional quality of milk. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an escalating global health crisis, projected to cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Conventional antibiotics are increasingly ineffective due to microbial adaptation, overuse, and disruption of gut microbiota. Nanotechnology offers promising alternatives, but traditional nanoparticle synthesis often relies on toxic chemicals and energy-intensive processes. This review explores mushroom-derived nanoparticles (myco-NPs) as sustainable, eco-friendly antimicrobials. Edible and medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and proteins, that act as reducing and stabilizing agents in nanoparticle biosynthesis. Myco-NPs exhibit antimicrobial activity through membrane disruption, oxidative stress, immune modulation, and biofilm inhibition, while also demonstrating synergistic effects with antibiotics and potential roles in regulating the gut microbiota. Recent advances highlight their potential applications in medicine, food safety, and environmental protection. However, challenges remain regarding standardization, safety evaluation, and large-scale production. We emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration as essential to translating mushroom-based nanotechnology into effective clinical and industrial solutions. Full article

To enhance the nutritional value of sheep fat, high-melting-point solid fat (HSO) and low-melting-point liquid oil (LSO) were prepared from Altay sheep rump fat via solvent fractionation. The effects of HSO and LSO on lipid metabolism and intestinal health were evaluated in a mouse model. Results showed that HSO, rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA), induced obesity, dyslipidemia, and colonic inflammation in mice. These adverse effects were associated with the upregulation of hepatic lipid synthesis genes such as Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and Fatty acid synthase (FAS), as well as increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the colon. In contrast, LSO, which was predominantly composed of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), did not cause significant metabolic disorders. Instead, it promoted the upregulation of fatty acid oxidation-related genes such as Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1), helped maintain intestinal microbial balance, and enhanced the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate and propionate. In conclusion, solvent fractionation effectively modulates the fatty acid composition of sheep fat, thereby influencing lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses through the regulation of key gene expression and modulation of the gut microenvironment. Full article

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly prevalent vaginal infection characterized by a dysbiotic shift in the vaginal microbiota, with Gardnerella vaginalis acting as a principal pathogen. Despite its association with adverse reproductive outcomes, BV remains underexplored from both mechanistic and therapeutic standpoints. Standard antibiotic regimens frequently fail due to high recurrence rates driven by multidrug-resistant (MDR) G. vaginalis strains and biofilm formation. In response, natural compounds and nutraceuticals, owing to their intrinsic antibacterial, antibiofilm, and immunomodulatory properties, have emerged as promising candidates for alternative BV therapies. In this paper, we first compile and critically evaluate preclinical and clinical evidence on the efficacy of plant extracts, essential oils (EOs), probiotics, vitamins, proteins, fatty acids, and enzymes against G. vaginalis, emphasizing their mechanistic insights in restoring vaginal microbial balance. Next, we focus on the integration of these bioactive agents into engineered nanosystems, such as lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric carriers, and inorganic nanostructures, to overcome limitations related to solubility, stability, and targeted delivery. Nonetheless, comparative studies, combination therapies, and recent patent developments are discussed to highlight how naturally derived molecules can enhance antimicrobial potency and reduce cytotoxicity. In conclusion, these platforms demonstrate superior in vitro and in vivo efficacy, offering a paradigm shift in the management of BV. Key challenges include scalable manufacturing, regulatory approval, and comprehensive safety assessment. Future research should prioritize standardized nanoparticle (NP) synthesis, detailed pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiling, and well-designed clinical trials to validate nature-inspired, nanoengineered therapies against G. vaginalis-induced BV. Full article

Urea is one of the most widely used sources of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) in ruminant diets due to its low cost and high availability. However, its rapid solubilization in the rumen can result in abrupt ammonia release, leading to toxicity risks and low nitrogen utilization efficiency. In this context, slow-release technologies, particularly microencapsulation, have been developed to synchronize NPN release with fermentable carbohydrate availability, thereby enhancing microbial protein synthesis, improving animal performance, and reducing environmental impacts. This review compiles recent advances in urea microencapsulation, emphasizing different wall materials such as waxes, lipids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, as well as drying techniques and formulation strategies. Slow-release urea (SRU) addition in small ruminants’ diet may increase nutrient intake and digestibility, improve N balance, and reduce urinary excretion losses. Regarding performance, positive responses are observed when nitrogen release is properly synchronized with energy availability, although the results may vary depending on the encapsulant type, forage-to-concentrate ratio, and ruminal passage rate. Additionally, effects on meat quality and environmental parameters indicate that this technology holds not only zootechnical but also socio-environmental potential. It is concluded that urea microencapsulation can represent a promising alternative to optimize NPN use efficiency in ruminant production systems, though greater methodological standardization, long-term evaluations, and comparative economic analyses are required to encourage its broader adoption. Full article

Soybean, as a globally important economic crop, is severely threatened by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causative agent of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), a major disease in soybean production worldwide, leading to significant yield losses and quality deterioration. Traditional chemical control methods face challenges such as environmental pollution, pesticide resistance, and limited efficacy. Bacillus velezensis YJ0-1, identified through plate confrontation assays, demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on S. sclerotiorum via acid-precipitated crude extracts from its fermentation broth. A key antimicrobial substance, fengycin (C₇₂H₁₁₀N₁₂O₂₀, molecular weight 1463.8 Da), was isolated and characterized through acid precipitation, protein purification system separation, and mass spectrometry (MS). Further optimization of the PDB medium using single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken design yielded an optimal formulation: peptone 66.62 g/L, sucrose 32.68 g/L, and pH 6.5. Validation experiments showed an actual yield of 2.03 g/L, with a relative error of only 0.49% compared to the predicted yield of 2.04 g/L, significantly enhancing the synthesis efficiency of fengycin. This study provides novel microbial resources and a theoretical basis for the biological control of SSR in soybeans, while also laying a technical foundation for the industrial production of fengycin, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. Full article

Saline–alkaline soils are becoming prevalent across the globe, decreasing the availability of forage for animals and threatening sustainable animal production. This study evaluated the effects of a NaCl-supplemented alfalfa-based total mixed ration, simulating saline–alkaline soil conditions, on intake, the utilization of nutrients, antioxidant levels, and rumen fermentation. A 60-day feeding trial with 24 AOHU lambs (Australian White × Hu) compared a control diet (0.43% NaCl) with the NaCl-supplemented group (1.71% NaCl). Digestibility trials were conducted in metabolic cages for the collection of total feces and urine. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, and 60 days for serum analysis, and slaughter samples (liver, kidney, rumen tissue, and rumen fluid) were taken for physiological, biochemical, and histological evaluation. The NaCl alfalfa-based TMR markedly increased liver and kidney weights. The rumen muscle layer thickened in the NaCl group. The ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), ruminal microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis, and glucogenic/branched-chain VFAs increased, indicating enhanced proteolysis, microbial protein synthesis, and energetically efficient fermentation. Serum total protein and albumin also rose over time in the NaCl group, reflecting increased nitrogen retention, while superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity rose considerably by day 60, reflecting increased antioxidant defense. Furthermore, nitrogen intake, digestibility, and retention were improved in the NaCl group along with augmented digestible and metabolizable energy (28.47 vs. 13.93 MJ/d and 24.68 vs. 11.58 MJ/d, respectively) and gross energy digestibility (78.13% vs. 67.10%). Although NaCl-based alfalfa TMR cannot fully emulate naturally salt-stressed forages, these results indicate that the NaCl alfalfa-based diets improved rumen fermentation, energy yields, and antioxidant enzyme activity without impairing electrolyte balance. These findings suggest that NaCl-supplemented alfalfa-based TMRs, with a salt content comparable to that of alfalfa hay grown under saline–alkaline conditions, could support environmentally sustainable meat production in salt-stressed regions. Full article

A systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of microgravity and space radiation on astronauts’ oral health. This review aimed to determine if these conditions increase the risk of dental and periodontal diseases, identify pre-mission dental care strategies, and specify relevant dental emergencies for astronauts to manage during missions. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023472765). Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and OVID Medline were searched. Of the 13 studies identified, 7 were eligible for qualitative synthesis. The included studies revealed that space conditions compromise oral health. Findings indicate changes in saliva composition, with a significant decline in salivary lysozyme levels during missions lasting 28 to 84 days. Salivary IgA levels also increased before and peaked after flights (microgravity alters fluid shear and protein folding). Viral reactivation was a key finding, with latent viruses such as Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) being reactivated during missions (immune suppression and gene expression shifts under spaceflight stress). Data from a study found that 50% of crew members shed viruses in their saliva or urine, and 38% tested positive for herpesviruses. The included studies also documented alterations in the oral microbiome, including increased gastrointestinal and decreased nasal microbial diversity. This suggests alterations in salivary biomarkers, viral shedding, and microbiome changes in astronauts during long-duration missions. These changes appear associated with immune dysregulation and stress, but causality remains uncertain due to observational designs, small heterogeneous samples, and confounding factors. Although current evidence is indicative rather than definitive, these findings highlight the need for preventive dental measures prior to missions and preparedness for managing oral emergencies in-flight. Future studies should address the mechanistic separation of microgravity and radiation effects, with implications for upcoming Moon and Mars missions. Full article

The widespread use of chemical fertilizers has raised concerns because of their environmental impacts, including soil degradation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss. The integration of organic amendments into agricultural systems provides a sustainable alternative. This study investigates the molecular and physiological traits underlying rapeseed responses to organic amendments based on poultry and plant material mixed with the soil. Plant growth, CO₂ assimilation, metabolic, proteomic, and soil microbial analyses were performed. Results show a significant stimulation of plant growth (100%) and leaf biomass (200%) following amendment application. This response is attributed to enhanced efficiency in light energy use for CO₂ fixation, increased carbohydrate and amino acid production, and improved biomass and yield. Increased upregulation of proteins and antioxidant metabolites such as abscisic acid (ABA) indicates an enhanced capacity to cope with oxidative stress. The amendments activated metabolic mechanisms that improved redox balance and homeostasis, including more efficient light energy use and enhanced antioxidant synthesis. Furthermore, the organic amendments promoted Actinobacteria in the soil, contributing to improved soil quality. These metabolic responses may enhance plant resilience against oxidative stress and environmental fluctuations. These findings highlight promising strategies to enhance crop productivity and resilience, advancing sustainable agriculture and strengthening future food security. Full article

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has become one of the most promising alternative protein sources in the feed and food industry. The aim of this work was to utilize microbial fermentation to enhance the nutritional properties of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as a food ingredient for human consumption by optimizing the amino acid profile and small peptide content. Free amino acids (FAA) have a critical role in human nutrition and bioavailability. Unlike whole proteins that require enzymatic breakdown in the digestive tract, FAA are directly absorbable by the small intestine, allowing for rapid utilization in protein synthesis and metabolic functions. BSFL pastes were fermented using Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (PCB 030) or a mixed starter culture preparation, and results were compared to pea protein and BSFL pastes that were enzymatically hydrolyzed. The resultant hydrolyzed BSFL pastes were analyzed for free amino acids and small peptides. The L. paracasei PCB 030 fermented BSFL pastes yielded significantly higher amounts of free amino acids than the control or pastes fermented using a commercial starter culture (named F-LC). The increased FAA availability in fermented BSFL makes it a more efficient protein source for human consumption. The L. paracasei PCB 030 fermented pastes showed an increase in small peptides after three days fermentation; nearly 80% of normalized abundances of small peptides increased by over 100 times compared to day zero (before the fermentation started). Over 90% of these small peptides consisted of more than 50% hydrophobic amino acids, which may contribute to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This study provides a promising and industrially practical process for hydrolyzing BSFL protein to yield a functional protein hydrolysate with an enhanced nutritional profile. Full article

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is globally recognized for its high nutritional value and potential as a sustainable food source. However, the influence of targeted nutrient supplementation on its biochemical composition and microbial safety under tropical open-pond conditions remains underexplored, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the effects of three nutrient supplementation regimes (compositions A, B, and C) and a control on Spirulina cultivated over 30 days in raceway ponds at the Nomayos Spirulina Production Farm in Cameroon. All treatments maintained physicochemical parameters within ranges favorable for Spirulina growth. Composition A significantly enhanced protein content (60.38 ± 0.68%), while composition C promoted carbohydrate accumulation (28.02 ± 0.41%). Microbial assessments revealed variable contamination levels, with composition B exhibiting the highest Escherichia coli (1.05 ± 0.075 × 10⁵ CFU/g) and Salmonella/Shigella (4.09 ± 1.81 × 10⁵ CFU/g) counts, potentially due to nutrient-induced changes or post-harvest handling factors. Correlation analyses revealed a moderate positive relationship between nitrogen input and protein synthesis (r = 0.309), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.329). Additionally, higher pH was significantly correlated with total mesophilic counts (r = 0.661, p = 0.019) and E. coli (r = 0.655, p = 0.020). These findings highlight the importance of nutrient formulation and environmental management in improving nutritional quality while minimizing microbial risks during Spirulina cultivation in tropical, low-tech settings. Full article

Valorization of ricotta cheese exhausted whey (RCEW), a dairy by-product generated in large quantities worldwide, is essential to mitigate its environmental impact and unlock its economic potential. This study explores the use of RCEW as a substrate for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production by Azohydromonas lata DSM 1123. The substrate was characterized by low protein and fat contents and a relevant lactose concentration (3.81%, w/v). Due to A. lata’s inability to directly metabolize lactose, β-galactosidase supplementation was necessary. Mineral supplementation of pasteurized RCEW significantly improved both microbial biomass and PHA synthesis, achieving up to 25.94% intracellular PHA content, whereas pre-adaptation trials failed to enhance strain performance. Moderate nitrogen limitation in the substrate (C/N ratio 44) favored PHA synthesis (0.55 g/L) and 32.74% intracellular accumulation. Thermal treatments decreased initial microbial contamination, hence a balanced mixture of pasteurized–sterilized (75:25) substrate was used to modulate RCEW protein content without the inclusion of additional technological or chemical processing steps and without lactose loss or dilution. Bioreactor trials using optimized RCEW pre-treatment conditions led to a further increase in biomass (2.36 g/L) and PHA production (0.88 g/L), especially under fed-batch conditions. The extracted polymer was confirmed to be polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), with high thermal stability and a molecular weight of 5.9 KDa. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of rumen-protected chromium-nicotinic acid (RPCNA) supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant in lactating water buffaloes under conditions of a critical thermal comfort index (TCI). Healthy lactating water buffaloes (milk yield = 5.96 ± 0.21 kg; parity = 2.96 ± 0.15, mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to four groups, which were the control (without RPCNA), and three treatment groups designated as RPCNA2, RPCNA4, and RPCNA6, with 0, 2, 4, and 6 mg/(d·head) of RPCNA, respectively. During a 56-day experimental period, the average temperature was 29 °C with an average TCI of 40.60, indicating a critical state of environmental stress. The results showed that the addition of RPCNA to the diet had no significant effect on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, lactation performance, and dry matter intake in lactating water buffaloes. However, RPCNA supplementation positively influenced rumen fermentation, reducing ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) concentrations and promoting microbial protein synthesis. Supplementation with RPCNA4 and RPCNA6 decreased rumen NH₃-N levels by 48.3% and 36.4%, respectively, while RPCNA4 increased isobutyrate concentrations. This demonstrates that the coating technology does not provide 100% rumen protection. Serum analysis revealed that RPCNA significantly increases total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Additionally, the supplementation of 4 mg/(d·head) of RPCNA, improved serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These findings suggest that moderate doses of RPCNA supplementation can improve antioxidant status and rumen nitrogen metabolism in lactating water buffaloes under critical state, without significantly altering milk production or composition. Full article

To develop sustainable strategies for mitigating ruminal methanogenesis and improving nitrogen efficiency in dairy systems, this study investigated how low-dose tannic acid (T), tea polyphenols (TP), and their combination (T+TP; 50:50) modulate rumen microbiota and function. A sample of Holstein cows were given four dietary treatments: (1) control (basal diet); (2) T (basal diet + 0.4% DM tannic acid); (3) TP (basal diet + 0.4% DM tea polyphenols); and (4) T+TP (basal diet + 0.2% DM tannic acid + 0.2% DM tea polyphenols). We comprehensively analyzed rumen fermentation, methane production, nutrient digestibility, milk parameters, and microbiota dynamics. Compared with the control group, all diets supplemented with additives significantly reduced enteric methane production (13.68% for T, 11.40% for TP, and 10.89% for T+TP) and significantly increased milk protein yield. The crude protein digestibility significantly increased in the T group versus control. The results did not impair rumen health or fiber digestion. Critically, microbiota analysis revealed treatment-specific modulation: the T group showed decreased Ruminococcus flavefaciens abundance, while all tannin treatments reduced abundances of Ruminococcus albus and total methanogens. These microbial shifts corresponded with functional outcomes—most notably, the T+TP synergy drove the largest reductions in rumen ammonia-N (34.5%) and milk urea nitrogen (21.1%). Supplementation at 0.4% DM, particularly the T+TP combination, effectively enhances nitrogen efficiency and milk protein synthesis while reducing methane emissions through targeted modulation of key rumen microbiota populations, suggesting potential sustainability benefits linked to altered rumen fermentation. Full article