An innovative approach for the assessment of Bulgarian soybean cultivars

The use of wheat grass juice as a promising functional feed additive for enhancing reproductive performance and larvae quality of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)

The optimization of broodstock nutrition remains a critical challenge in sturgeon aquaculture. This study investigated the effects of wheatgrass juice (WGJ) supplementation of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) broodstock on reproductive performance, larval quality, hematological profile and oxidative status. Female sterlets were randomly assigned to three groups: control diet (V1), WGJ-supplemented diet (V2, 4 % inclusion), both (V1 and V2) hormonally stimulated and saline solution (V3) without hormonal stimulation. WGJ's chemical composition revealed substantial levels of bioactive compounds, including chlorophyll (a: 0.936 ± 0.01, b: 0.329 ± 0.01 mg/mL fw), carotenoids (0.167 ± 0.01 mg/mL fw), proteins (1.205 ± 0.04 mg PSB/mL fw), flavonoids (7.381 ± 0.31 mg/mL fw), and polyphenols (2.963 ± 0.05 mg/mL fw). WGJ supplementation significantly enhanced reproductive parameters, with V2 showing higher egg production (0.23 ± 0.03 kg vs. 0.13 ± 0.01 kg) and gonadosomatic index (14.48 ± 1.73 vs. 8.05 ± 0.51) compared to V1. Larvae from WGJ-supplemented females exhibited significantly improved length (10.9 ± 0.3 cm vs. 9.8 ± 0.14 cm, p < 0.001) and weight parameters. Analysis of oxidative stress markers revealed tissue-specific modulation of antioxidant systems, with WGJ supplementation reducing malondialdehyde levels across tissues (muscle: 1.061 ± 0.075 vs. 1.888 ± 0.105 nM/mg protein, p < 0.0001) and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. Hematological parameters remained within physiological ranges, with reduced neutrophil counts in the WGJ group suggesting potential immunomodulatory effects. These findings establish WGJ as a promising functional feed additive for enhancing reproductive performance in sterlet aquaculture, while maintaining optimal physiological status through improved antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Transcriptional and Metabolic Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana Transgenic Plants Expressing Histone Acetyltransferase HAC1 upon the Application of Abiotic Stress-Salt and Low Temperature

Augmented knowledge of plant responses upon application of stress could help improve our understanding of plant tolerance under abiotic stress conditions. Histone acetylation plays an important role in gene expression regulation during plant growth and development and in the response of plants to abiotic stress. The current study examines the level of transcripts and free metabolite content in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing a gene encoding histone acetyltransferase from Medicago truncatula (MtHAC1) after its heterologous expression. Stable transgenic plants with HAC1 gain and loss of function were constructed, and their T5 generation was used. Transgenic lines with HAC1-modified expression showed a deviation in root growth dynamics and leaf area compared to the wild-type control. Transcriptional profiles were evaluated after the application of salinity stress caused by 150 mM NaCl at four different time points (0, 24, 48, and 72 h) in treated and non-treated transgenic and control plants. The content and quantity of free metabolites-amino acids, mono- and dicarbohydrates, organic acids, and fatty acids-were assessed at time points 0 h and 72 h in treated and non-treated transgenic and control plants. The obtained transcript profiles of HAC1 in transgenic plants with modified expression and control were assessed after application of cold stress (low temperature, 4 °C).

Wheat and Barley Grass Juice Addition to a Plant-Based Feed Improved Growth and Flesh Quality of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Simple Summary

Several plant extract additives are being increasingly used in aquaculture for their positive effects on fish growth and immunity. Plant extract additives are called phytogenics. The chemical composition of the additives influences their biological activity. The plant extracts used in this study were wheat grass juice and barley grass juice. Their inclusion in a plant-based diet for common carp improved growth performance and flesh quality. The positive effects of the plant extracts could be attributed to their contents of unsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, sugars and organic acids.

Abstract

Phytogenics are plant extract additives used for their bioactive properties. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of plant extracts, wheat grass juice (WGJ) and barley grass juices (BGJ) addition to fish diet on growth and meat quality of common carp. Fish (51 ± 33 g initial weight) were fed for four weeks with three plant-based diets: (1) control feed (Con), (2) control feed supplemented with 2% WGJ (Con+WGJ), and (3) control feed supplemented with 2% BGJ (Con+BGJ). The results showed that the inclusion of the two juices in the plant-based feed stimulated the growth and improved meat quality by lowering the fat and ash content. Feed conversion ratio and condition factor were not affected. There were no significant differences in Fe and Zn contents of meat; however, Cu decreased, while Mn was lower in the Con+WGJ group and higher in the Con+BGJ group compared to Con. A high content of unsaturated fatty acids (FA, oleic acid and linoleic acid) and desirable ratios of saturated/unsaturated FA (0.27–0.29) and Ω6/Ω3 (2.5–2.78) were found in all groups. The juices were characterized in terms of lipid profile and polar compounds by GC-MS technique. The observed positive effects can be attributed to the rich composition of juices that included unsaturated FA, amino acids, sugars and organic compounds.