1
|
Gouda A, Tolba S, Mahrose K, Felemban SG, Khafaga AF, Khalifa NE, Jaremko M, Moustafa M, Alshaharni MO, Algopish U, Abd El-Hack ME. Heat shock proteins as a key defense mechanism in poultry production under heat stress conditions. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103537. [PMID: 38428202 PMCID: PMC10912679 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, the poultry industry has been assigned to greater production performance but has become highly sensitive to environmental changes. The average world temperature has recently risen and is predicted to continue rising. In open-sided houses, poultry species confront high outside temperatures, which cause heat stress (HS) problems. Cellular responses are vital in poultry, as they may lead to identifying confirmed HS biomarkers. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are highly preserved protein families that play a significant role in cell function and cytoprotection against various stressors, including HS. The optimal response in which the cell survives the HS elevates HSP levels that prevent cellular proteins from damage caused by HS. The HSP have chaperonic action to ensure that stress-denatured proteins are folded, unfolded, and refolded. The HSP70 and HSP90 are the primary HSP in poultry with a defensive function during HS. HSP70 was the optimal biological marker for assessing HS among the HSP studied. The current review attempts to ascertain the value of HSP as a heat stress defense mechanism in poultry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gouda
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural and Biological Research Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samar Tolba
- Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Khalid Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Shatha G Felemban
- Medical Laboratory Science Department, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah 21461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa F Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22758, Egypt
| | - Norhan E Khalifa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh 51511, Egypt
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Biological and Environmental Sciences & Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mahmoud Moustafa
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed O Alshaharni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Uthman Algopish
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed E Abd El-Hack
- Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hassan FA, Mohamed MS, Othman DO, El-Medany SA, Ismail R, Balalmuralikrishnan B, Alhotan RA, Attia YA, Bovera F, Mahrose K. Growth performance, plasma metabolites, meat quality, and meat and lipid health indices of New Zealand White rabbits as affected by dietary dried tomato pomace powder supplementation during the summer season. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2024. [PMID: 38528432 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
One hundred and twenty New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) (5-week-old; 735.27 ± 27.23 g) were kept in an open-sided house during the summer season. The experiment aims to evaluate the impacts of dried tomato pomace powder (DTPP) supplementation on rabbits' performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits, meat quality, and lipid and health indices of NZW rabbits during 5-13 weeks of age. The four treatments were a standard rabbit feed (control) and the control diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% DTPP, respectively. Rabbits fed a diet containing 1.5% DTPP showed the highest growth rate through weeks 9-13 of age despite having the lowest feed intake spanning 5-13 weeks. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in rabbits fed with 1.5% DTPP-supplemented diet for 5-13 weeks. Diets supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0% DTPP enhanced markedly dressing %, total edible flesh, saturated (SFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) contents, as well as the ∑n - 6/∑n - 3 ratio and the total n - 6 of meat. Dietary supplementation with DTPP decreased kidney, abdominal, and back fat. Diets supplemented with DTTP decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL) concentrations. The greatest levels of linoleic acid, arachidonic and water-holding capacity in meat were observed in rabbits fed 1.5% DTPP-supplemented diets. Diets containing 1 and 1.5% DTPP improved meats' atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, meat lipid quality desired fatty acids/undesired fatty acids ratio, and meat health index. Conclusively, DTPP up to 1.5% maintained the growth performance of rabbits, boosted meat quality through increasing vitamin E, reduced fat deposition, modified fatty acid composition, and improved atherogenic, thrombogenic, and hypocholesterolemic indices of rabbit meat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia A Hassan
- By-Products Utilization Research Department, Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, El-Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Manal S Mohamed
- Poultry Nutrition Research Department, Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, El-Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Doaa O Othman
- Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Shawky A El-Medany
- Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Center, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Rehab Ismail
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Rashed A Alhotan
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Youssef A Attia
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Fulvia Bovera
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, via F. Delpino,1, Napoli, 80137, Italy
| | - Khalid Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hassan FA, Shalaby AG, Elkassas NEM, El-Medany SA, Hamdi Rabie A, Mahrose K, Abd El-Aziz A, Bassiony S. Efficacy of ascorbic acid and different sources of orange peel on growth performance, gene expression, anti-oxidant status and microbial activity of growing rabbits under hot conditions. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2480-2491. [PMID: 35875862 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2101114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Orange peel and its extract are good sources of phenols and vitamin C that can be used as powerful antioxidants and antibacterial. The effects of dietary ascorbic acid (AA), orange peel powder (OPP) and orange peel extract (OPE) supplementations on growth performance, blood biochemicals, gene expression and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under hot conditions were investigated. A total of 80 weaned Giant Flander male rabbits, five weeks old (606.25 ± 10.08 g), were randomly assigned to four groups. The first group received untreated diet (control group). The other groups received diets supplemented with 0.5 g AA/kg diet, 2% OPP and 500 mg OPE/kg diet. The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded by rabbits consumed diet supplemented with AA. Supplementations of OPP and OPE reduced blood plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and very-low density lipoprotein concentrations. The tested diets reduced triglycerides, total lipids, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde levels, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of the rabbits cecum. Supplementation of OPE improved activities of superoxide dismutase gene (6.1475) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (9.2108). Conclusively, dietary supplementation of OPE improved rabbit performance through improving antioxidant enzyme activities as well as upregulation of insulin-like growth gene. Additionally, OPP and OPE (2% and 500 mg/kg diet, respectively) had antibacterial effects for growing rabbits under hot conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia A Hassan
- Agricultural Research Center, Animal Production Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Azhar G Shalaby
- Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Shawky A El-Medany
- Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamdi Rabie
- Agricultural Research Center, Animal Production Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Khalid Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ayman Abd El-Aziz
- Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Egypt
| | - Samar Bassiony
- Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hassan F, Abd-ElMola L, Mobarez S, Othman D, Zedan A, Mekawy A, Mansour AM, Mahrose K. Influence of tomato processing by-product extract as dietary supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under high ambient temperature. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2030-2039. [PMID: 35452359 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2065283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of tomato processing by-product extract (TPBE) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under high ambient temperature. A total of eighty weaned New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits (6-weeks-old; initial body weight, 730.28 ± 36.05 g) were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The first group was the control without supplementation; while the other groups were fed diets supplemented with 100, 200 and 250 mg TPBE/kg. The results showed that TPBE contained 211.85 mg/100g as total phenols and total flavones of 303.36 mg/100g. Rabbits fed a 250 mg TPBE-supplemented diet showed the heaviest body weight, the lowest feed intake and the best feed conversion ratio. TPBE diets reduced mortality percentage. Dietary supplementation of 250 mg TPBE had the highest dressing percentage. Plasma total protein, globulin, catalase and glutathione peroxidase of rabbits fed diets supplemented with 200 and 250 mg TPBE were high. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde concentrations were decreased with dietary levels of TPBE. Rabbits fed 250 mg TPBE had higher T-AOC than the other groups. TPBE supplemented diets improved net revenue and economic efficiency. Conclusively, TPBE is containing appreciable content of polyphenols and flavonoids and the dietary supplementation of TPBE (250 mg/kg diet) had a positive impact on growth performance, reducing mortality and enhancing the antioxidant status of rabbits reared under high ambient temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia Hassan
- Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa Abd-ElMola
- Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Samia Mobarez
- Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Doaa Othman
- Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Afaf Zedan
- Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Aml Mekawy
- Poultry Production Department, Agriculture College, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Amira M Mansour
- Poultry Production Department, Agriculture College, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Khalid Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Farghly M, Mahrose K, Ahmad E, Abougabal M, Taboosha M, Mekawy A, Abd-Elwahab AE, Abd El-Razik N, Galal A. Wet feed and chilled water as stratigies to ameliorate heat stress impacts in growing turkeys during summer conditions. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2367-2375. [PMID: 35767288 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2091585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The researchers investigated wet feed and chilled water effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and physiologic responses of native turkeys during the summer season. We hypothesized that the present treatments during the hot season would show different performances. A total of 180 four-week-old unsexed pullets were divided into six groups in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Pullets were allocated regarding feed conditions to 3 groups (ad libitum dry feed, ad libitum wet feed, and diurnal wet feed). Each group was divided into 2 subgroups according to water temperature (ordinary or chilled water; 15-16 °C). Pullets fed diurnal wet feed and drank chilled water had the highest daily feed intake and the lowest feed conversion ratio during 4-16 weeks of age. Abdominal fat, IgG level and body temperature were low, whereas total antioxidant capacity and the meat quality scores for color, juiciness, and susceptibility were high in turkeys that drank chilled water. The interaction between wet feed and water temperature showed significant changes in glucose, cholesterol levels, and alanine transaminase activity. Pullets fed diurnal wet feed and drank chilled water had the lowest body temperatures. Wet feeding and chilled water may be the appropriate feeding method for native turkeys raised in hot weather.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Farghly
- Poultry Production Department, Agriculture College, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Khalid Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Enas Ahmad
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Agriculture College, Beni-Sueif University, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Abougabal
- Animal Production Department, Agriculture College, Al-Azher University, Egypt
| | - Mossad Taboosha
- Animal Production Department, Agriculture College, Al-Azher University, Egypt
| | - Aml Mekawy
- Poultry Production Department, Agriculture College, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | | | - Nahla Abd El-Razik
- Animal Production Research Institute, Minstry of Agriculture, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ali Galal
- Poultry Production Department, Agriculture College, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Farghly M, Alhotan R, Mahrose K, Attia Y, Abdelfattah M, Abougabal M, Taboosha M, Ghonime M, Shaaban M, Losacco C, Tufarelli V. Intermittent light program impacts on reproductive performance, health and welfare of breeding hens. Arch Anim Breed 2023; 66:315-324. [PMID: 38111385 PMCID: PMC10726021 DOI: 10.5194/aab-66-315-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The lighting regime significantly impacts poultry production, reproductive performance, health and welfare. This study aimed to test the effect of the intermittent light (IL) regime on reproductive organs and hormones, semen quality, and behavioral performance. Thus, 270 Rhode Island Red hens aged 20 weeks were distributed among three groups of six replicates and 15 birds each, housed in floor pens. The first group was used as a control (C) and was exposed to constant light for 16 h d- 1 , while birds in other groups were exposed to IL for 20 min h- 1 (T20) and 40 min h- 1 (T40) during the 16 h light period. The outcomes were that follicle number was higher for T20 compared to T40 but not the controls, while T40 is different from T20 but not the controls. The same is true for testosterone. The sperm concentration is lower for T40 compared to the controls, with no difference between T20 and the controls. Body temperature was not different among groups. Conversely, differences were not noticed for leg alterations; plumage conditions; and relative ovary, oviduct, and/or testes weight and hatchability. Thus, the IL T20 program should be further investigated as a lighting regimen for managing Rhode Island Red laying hens for stimulating follicle number and testosterone without negatively impacting the physiological response and health traits. From a practical point of view, the IL schedule of 20 min h- 1 during 20-36 weeks of age can be economically viable due to saving 66 % of the light cost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F. A. Farghly
- Poultry Production Department, Agriculture College, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Rashed A. Alhotan
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M. Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Youssef A. Attia
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22516, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Abdelfattah
- Poultry Production Department, Agriculture College, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Abougabal
- Animal Production Department, Agriculture College, Al-Azher University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mossad Taboosha
- Animal Production Department, Agriculture College, Al-Azher University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Ghonime
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Agriculture and Natural Resources College, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Shaaban
- Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, New Valley University, New Valley, Egypt
| | - Caterina Losacco
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area, Section of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tufarelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area, Section of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ebeid TA, Aljabeili HS, Al-Homidan IH, Volek Z, Barakat H. Ramifications of Heat Stress on Rabbit Production and Role of Nutraceuticals in Alleviating Its Negative Impacts: An Updated Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1407. [PMID: 37507946 PMCID: PMC10376432 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress has become a widespread concern worldwide, which is a major environmental stress that causes substantial economic loss in the rabbit industry. Compared to other agricultural animals, rabbits are more sensitive to heat stress as they have fewer sweat glands and a thicker coat of fur, increasing the heat dissipation complexity. Thus, heat stress hurts rabbits' productivity, meat quality, reproductive performance, antioxidative properties, immune responsiveness, intestinal histomorphology, and microbiome. Nutraceuticals include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, organic acids, fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, enzymes, and medicinal plants due to the possible impacts on maintaining common biological situations, strengthening immune response, and preventing illness, which ultimately led to an increase in productivity. Nutraceuticals have recently attracted a lot of attention to alleviate the adverse impacts of heat stress in rabbit farms. The objective of the current review is to provide acquaintance with the recent findings about the impact of heat stress on rabbit productivity and the advantages of dietary supplementation of nutraceuticals in mitigating it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarek A Ebeid
- Department of Animal Production and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Hamad S Aljabeili
- Department of Animal Production and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim H Al-Homidan
- Department of Animal Production and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zdeněk Volek
- Department of Physiology of Nutrition and Product Quality, Institute of Animal Science, Přátelství 815, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hassan Barakat
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor 13736, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abdelsalam M, Fathi M. Improving productivity in rabbits by using some natural feed additives under hot environmental conditions - A review. Anim Biosci 2023; 36:540-554. [PMID: 36634656 PMCID: PMC9996268 DOI: 10.5713/ab.22.0354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress is a major challenge to animal production in tropical and subtropical climates. Rabbits suffer from heat stress more than farm animals because they have few sweat glands, and their bodies are covered with thick fur. Intensive farming relies on antibiotics as antimicrobials or growth promoters to increase animals' productivity and health. However, the European Union and many countries have banned or restricted the use of antibiotics in animal feed for human health concerns. Several studies have found that replacing antibiotics in rabbit feed with natural plants or feed additives increases productivity and improves immune capacity, especially under heat stress conditions. Growth performance, immune response, gut microflora, and carcass yield may be increased in rabbits fed a diet supplemented with some natural plants and/or propolis. In this review article, we discuss and summarize the effects of some herbs and plant extracts as alternative feed additives on rabbit productivity, especially for those raised under hot ambient temperatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdy Abdelsalam
- Department of Animal Production and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Al-Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, El-Shatby, Alexandria 21545, Egypt
| | - Moataz Fathi
- Department of Animal Production and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Al-Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Hadayek Shoubra 11241, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang D, Cai J, Zhang C, Jin R, Bai S, Yao F, Ding H, Zhao B, Chen Y, Wu X, Zhao H. Semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites in male rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) under heat stress. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15112. [PMID: 37065702 PMCID: PMC10103697 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress causes infertility in male rabbits in summer. This study was conducted to determine the effects of heat stress on semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites of male rabbits. To achieve these objectives, the temperature and humidity index (THI) was used to determine the stress state of male rabbits during different months, thereby the rabbits were divided into heat stress and no heat stress groups. The quality of the semen and the biochemical indices of seminal plasma were then analyzed. Next the plasma metabolites of rabbits in both groups were evaluated using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS)/MS technique. Our results showed that the THI value of the rabbit housing in May was 20.94 (no heat stress). The THI value of the housing in August was 29.10 (heat stress group, n = 10). Compared with the non-heat stress group, the sperm motility, density, and pH in the heat stress group (n = 10) were significantly decreased (P < 0.01); the semen volume decreased significantly (P < 0.05); and the sperm malformation rate increased significantly (P < 0.01). The number of grade A sperm significantly decreased, while the numbers of B and C grade sperm significantly increased (P < 0.01). The total sperm output (TSO), total motile sperm (TMS), and total functional sperm fraction (TFSF) decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Heat stress protein 70 (HSP70) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the seminal plasma of rabbits in the heat stress group (n = 20) were significantly increased (P < 0.01). Seminal plasma testosterone (T), α-glucosidase (α-Glu), and fructose decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The concentrations of Mg2+ (P < 0.05), Na+ (P < 0.01), and K+ (P < 0.01) in metal ions were significantly decreased. These findings indicated that heat stress severely affected the quality of the male rabbit semen. Furthermore, UPLC-MS/MS technology was used to analyze the seminal plasma samples of rabbits in the heat stress group and non-heat stress group (n = 9 for each group). In total, 346 metabolites were identified, with variable importance in project (VIP) > 1.0, fold change (FC) > 1.5 or < 0.667, and P < 0.05 as the threshold. A total of 71 differential metabolites were matched, including stearic acid, betaine, arachidonic acid, L-malic acid, and indole. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of differential metabolites revealed 51 metabolic pathways, including synthesis and degradation of ketones, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and the citric acid cycle. Our study has shown that the sperm motility, sperm pH value, and sperm density of male rabbits decreased significantly under heat stress, and the sperm malformation rate increased significantly. Furthermore, the quality of semen was shown to deteriorate and the energy metabolism pathway was disturbed. These findings provide a theoretical reference for alleviating the adaptive heat stress in male rabbits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiawei Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Rongshuai Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shaocheng Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fan Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haisheng Ding
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bohao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinsheng Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Huiling Zhao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abdel-Wareth AAA, Amer SA, Mobashar M, El-Sayed HGM. Use of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the growing rabbit diets to mitigate hot environmental conditions for sustainable production and improved meat quality. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:354. [PMID: 36131280 PMCID: PMC9490948 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03451-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study evaluated the modulatory effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) supplementations on the productive performance, blood biochemistry, carcass criteria, and meat quality of White New Zealand rabbits reared under hot conditions. A total of 125 White New Zealand male rabbits (body weight, “650 ± 11”, 30 days old) were assigned to five treatment diets: basal diets supplemented with ZnO-NPs at 0, 20, 40, 60, or 80 mg/kg for 60 days. Each treatment was replicated 25 times with one rabbit each. Results The body weight (BW), BW gain, and feed intake linearly increased with zinc oxide nanoparticle supplements. Supplementation of ZnO-NPs at 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg significantly improved (linear, P < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Moreover, supplementation of ZnO-NPs at these inclusions 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the serum cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea compared to control group. The lipid oxidation was lower, and the water holding capacity of rabbit meat was improved (P < 0.001) in rabbits fed on 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg ZnO-NPs supplemented diets compared to control. Conclusion The results suggested that dietary supplementation of ZnO-NPs (20–80 mg/kg) can mitigate the negative impacts of heat stress on rabbit performance and health. Its supplementation improved growth performance and meat physicochemical properties, and blood biochemistry parameters of White New Zealand rabbits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A A Abdel-Wareth
- Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt.
| | - Shimaa A Amer
- Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt.
| | - Muhammad Mobashar
- Department of Animal Nutrition, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Hazem G M El-Sayed
- Regional Centre for Food and Feed (RCFF), Agricultural Research Centre, Cairo, 12619, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fouda SF, El-raghi AA, Abdel-khalek AE, Hassan MA, El-ratel IT. Impact of lighting regimes on reproductive performance and sperm ultrastructure in rabbit bucks under very severe heat stress conditions. Livest Sci 2022; 255:104780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
12
|
Oladimeji AM, Johnson TG, Metwally K, Farghly M, Mahrose KM. Environmental heat stress in rabbits: implications and ameliorations. Int J Biometeorol 2022; 66:1-11. [PMID: 34518931 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Profitable production of rabbit meat requires comfortable environment for expression of good quality traits embedded in the genetic components of rabbits. One of the major problems facing rabbit production is heat stress, especially in hot regions of the world. This is further aggravated by global warming being experienced as a result of climate change. Rabbits have no or few sweat glands, complicating the problem of heat dissipation, thereby predisposing the animals to heat stress (HS). Heat stress adversely affect welfare and adaptation, feed consumption and utilization, immunity and health status, growth, reproduction, and milk production in rabbits. Rabbits are homoeothermic animals. They should be capable of body temperature regulation within a narrow range. Thermoregulation is extremely poor in rabbits because of lack of sweat glands. Rabbits are highly sensitive to high ambient temperature. The presence of thick insulator fur on the skin further impedes heat loss in rabbits. This review summarizes data available literatures in the last two decades (2000-2020). Short compilation on management techniques adopted in rearing rabbits under hot conditions is included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abioja Monsuru Oladimeji
- Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture PMB, Abeokuta, 2240, Nigeria
| | | | - Khaled Metwally
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farghly
- Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Khalid Mohamed Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhu WQ, Yang DC, Jiang Y, Cai NN, Yang R, Zhang XM. Effective isolation of Sertoli cells from New Zealand rabbit testis. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8:218-223. [PMID: 34395591 PMCID: PMC8280993 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2021.h505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Sertoli cells (SCs) are important sustentacular cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Isolation and identification of SCs are the premise for studying their functions. Since New Zealand rabbit is a stable strain which is widely used for biomedical research and animal farming, this study aimed to develop a simple and effective protocol for SC isolation in New Zealand rabbits. Materials and Methods: The SCs of three 30-day-old New Zealand rabbits were isolated by incubation with enzymatic digestion I (Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium supplemented with 1 mg/ml collagenase IV and 50 μg/ml DNase I) and digestion II (digestion I + 1 mg/ml hyaluronidase + 1 mg/ml trypsin), as well as differential plating. The cells were enriched and identified by using immunocytochemical staining and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: Homogeneous cells were obtained. They presented the typical large cell body and an irregular pyramidal shape after differential plating and passaging. These cells expressed mRNA of the SC marker sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) instead of the Leydig cell marker StAR. Immunocytochemically, they are positive of SOX9, GATA binding protein 4, and androgen-binding protein. Conclusion: The SCs were enriched from the testicular tissues of prepubertal New Zealand rabbits by a simple and effective protocol, which provides a basis for further theoretical researches and practical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qian Zhu
- Animal Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - De-Cai Yang
- Animal Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Animal Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ning-Ning Cai
- Animal Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Animal Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue-Ming Zhang
- Animal Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Al-Sagan AA, Al-Yemni AH, Abudabos AM, Al-Abdullatif AA, Hussein EO. Effect of Different Dietary Betaine Fortifications on Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, Blood Biochemistry, and Hematology of Broilers Exposed to Various Temperature Patterns. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061555. [PMID: 34073592 PMCID: PMC8227937 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving broilers' production in the hot region is essential to overcome heat-stress challenges. The current experiment examined the effects of betaine's fortification (0.0, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.15%) to broiler chickens during days 1-40 of age. The growth period was divided into the starter (1-18 d) and growing-finishing (19-40 d). During the starter period, there was no heat challenge, and all birds were kept under the same conditions. At 18 days of age, half of the birds were kept under thermos-neutral temperature (TN, 22-24 °C), while the other half were kept under high temperature (HT, 35 °C). However, the production efficiency factor (PEF) was the best (p < 0.05) for birds that received 0.10% betaine. Betaine fortification improved (p < 0.05 and 0.01) body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and production efficiency factor (PEF) in the cumulative finisher heat-stress challenge period (19-40 d). The best performance was achieved at 0.1% betaine fortification with 84 g gain, 4.6 points improvement in FCR, and 24 points improvements in PEF as compared to no betaine fortification. The heat-stressed group consumed less feed (239 g), gained less weight (179 g), converted feed less efficiently (2.6 points), and, as a result, had lower FEF (29 points) as compared to the TN group. Conclusively, heat challenge had a powerful effect on growth performance, meat characteristics, and blood parameters, especially during the grower-finisher period. Betaine fortification (0.1%) during heat stress reduced the negative impact on performance and improved production efficiency, suggesting that betaine is a useful nutritional tool under stress conditions that deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A. Al-Sagan
- King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology, P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Alaeldein M. Abudabos
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.); (A.A.A.-A.); (E.O.H.)
| | - Abdulaziz A. Al-Abdullatif
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.); (A.A.A.-A.); (E.O.H.)
| | - Elsayed O. Hussein
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.); (A.A.A.-A.); (E.O.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Farghly MFA, Mahrose KM, Peris SI, Abou-Kassem DE, Metwally KA, Abougabal MS, Abd El-Aziz A. Effects of lighting source as an environmental strategy for heat stress amelioration in growing Californian rabbits during summer season. Anim Biotechnol 2021; 33:159-166. [PMID: 33719905 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The current work investigated the influences of different light sources on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood biochemicals, physiological status and health aspects. One hundred and twenty growing California rabbits were assigned into four empirical collections in an experiment of completely randomized design. Rabbits of the first collection were reared under incandescent light bulbs (control), while the second, third and fourth collections were reared under fluorescent, saving light and LED light bulbs, respectively. The results indicated that rabbits reared under incandescent and LED had the heaviest body weight at 16-weeks-old. Rabbits reared under LED recorded the greatest gain during 14-16 weeks of age and 6-16 weeks of age. The lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in rabbits reared under LED lighting, during 14-16 weeks of age, and during the whole period without significant variations. Fat percentage (%) was low in rabbits exposed to fluorescent and LED. Rabbits grown under LED showed the lowest albumin/globulin and the highest glucose concentration. Rabbits kept under LED showed the lowest rectal temperature, mortality and health risks %. Conclusively, LED lighting source might be appropriate for alteration of incandescent and fluorescent light sources in rabbit farms to improve growth performance without compromising rabbit's carcass and welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F A Farghly
- Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Khalid M Mahrose
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Soliman I Peris
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Diaa E Abou-Kassem
- Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Khaled A Metwally
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Sh Abougabal
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azher University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Abd El-Aziz
- Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development Department, Veterinary Medicine College, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hassan F, Mobarez S, Mohamed M, Attia Y, Mekawy A, Mahrose K. Zinc and/or Selenium Enriched Spirulina as Antioxidants in Growing Rabbit Diets to Alleviate the Deleterious Impacts of Heat Stress during Summer Season. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:756. [PMID: 33801803 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Heat stress in summer season impairs growth and causes heat-induced physiological stress in rabbits. Zinc acts as an antioxidant stress agent by inhibition of oxidation of macromolecules such as DNA as well as inhibition of inflammatory response, eventually resulting in the down-regulation of reactive oxygen species production. Selenium is a powerful biological anti-oxidant mineral. Spirulina is comparatively confined extreme protein (55–65%) and comprised all important amino acids, has wellbeing assistances, immuno-stimulatory influences and antiviral activity and ensured the capability to diminish heat stress impacts. In the current work, effects of dietary supplemental zinc and/ or selenium enriched spirulina (100 mg Zn-Sp/kg diet, 0.5 mg Se-Sp/kg diet or 100 mg Zn-Sp+ 0.5 mg Se-Sp, respectively) as antioxidants on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemicals and antioxidant status of New Zealand White growing rabbits under summer conditions were evaluated. The findings showed that the supplemented diets enhanced growth performance of rabbits at marketing, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity and reduced thio-barbituric acid reactive substances. Finally, dietary supplementation of 100 mg Zn-Sp, 0.5 mg Se-Sp or their combination could improve growth performance, nutrients digestibility and antioxidant status of heat stressed growing rabbits. Abstract Effects of dietary supplemental zinc and/ or selenium enriched spirulina (Zn-Sp, Se-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp, respectively) as antioxidants on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemicals and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under summer conditions were evaluated. A total of 160 New Zealand White male rabbits at six-weeks-old were randomly assigned to four groups. The first group received untreated diet (control). The other groups received diet supplemented with 100 mg Zn-Sp/kg diet, 0.5 mg Se-Sp/kg diet or 100 mg Zn-Sp+ 0.5 mg Se-Sp, respectively. The findings showed that the supplemented diets enhanced growth performance of rabbits at marketing. Rabbits fed Zn-Sp exhibited high dry and organic matter digestibilities while those fed Zn-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp diet supplemented achieved high crude protein digestibility. Rabbits fed diet supplemented with Zn-Se-Sp gave the highest hot carcass weight when competed with their counterparts. Zn-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp supplemented diets tended to promote dressing percentage. Low concentrations of plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were recorded by Se-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp groups. Rabbits fed Se-Sp, Zn-Se-Sp had the greatest HDL, plasma TAC and catalase and the lowest TBARs. Conclusively, dietary supplementation of 100 mg Zn-Sp, 0.5 mg Se-Sp or their combination could improve growth performance, nutrients digestibility and antioxidant status of heat stressed growing rabbits.
Collapse
|
17
|
Fitchett JM. Perspectives on biometeorological research on the African continent. Int J Biometeorol 2021; 65:133-147. [PMID: 32997273 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-02020-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Since the first issue of the International Journal of Biometeorology in 1957, a total of 135 papers have reported on research in or of African countries. The majority of these have been on topics of animal biometeorology (36%), and the greatest proportion (24%) are situated in Nigeria. There has been a considerable increase in papers on African biometeorology since 2011, with those from this past decade accounting for 58% of all African papers in the journal. This occurs concurrent to an increase in the total number of papers published in the journal, driven by a move to the Editorial Manager system. While 66% of the papers on African biometeorology in the journal are authored by at least one person with an affiliation in the African continent, only 15 African countries are represented in the total authorship. As much of the African continent is projected to experience climatic changes exceeding the global mean, as much of the region is involved in animal and plant farming, and as seasonally-fluctuating and climatically affected diseases are common place, this low representation of work in Africa is surprising. This points to the need for greater awareness among African researchers of the discipline of biometeorology, greater involvement of African biometeorologists in International Society of Biometeorology and Commission meetings, and the inclusion of a greater number of African academics in the review process. This would be beneficial to the Society in increasing diversity and encouraging a more cosmopolitan engagement, and to the recognition of scientific development in African countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Fitchett
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|