Survival, immune response and growth of Penaeid shrimp as affected by immunostimulants: A meta-analysis

Immunostimulants represent the most innovative approach for combating shrimp diseases. They are molecules that effectively enhance the host's nonspecific defenses against invading microorganisms. However, methodological differences exist among immunostimulants based on the same source. Therefore, conducting a meta-analysis is essential to derive valid conclusions. The effect size value utilized in this study was Hedges' d. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the DerSimonian and Laird tests (Q-statistic). Meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity in treatment effects. In this study, dose served as a covariate because it was the only continuous variable that significantly contributed to the observed heterogeneity. Funnel plots and the fail-safe number were employed to assess publication bias within the datasets. The article collection process followed the PRISMA methodology. Based on the results of the meta-analysis and meta-regression conducted with 83 articles, it can be concluded that immunostimulants have a significant effect, characterized by high category standard mean difference (SMD) values, on the survival, growth, and immune response of Penaeid family shrimp. Among potential immunostimulants options, algae ingredients exhibited the most favorable effects on the survival, growth, and immune response of Penaeid family shrimp. Subgroup analysis outcomes revealed that various extraction methods significantly impacted the efficacy of immunostimulants, with the ethanol solvent method proving to be the most effective. Among different administration methods, no significant effect was observed on immunostimulant efficacy across all parameters, with positive SMD values for all administration methods. Regarding challenged test pathogens, immunostimulants were observed to enhance immune response, survival, and weight gain against various pathogens. Meta-regression results indicated that algal treatments had a lower optimal dose point, leading to decreased efficacy as the dose increased. In contrast, fungi exhibited a higher optimum dose point, resulting in increased efficacy at higher doses.

Saponin Extracts Utilization as Dietary Additive in Ruminant Nutrition: A Meta-Analysis of In Vivo Studies

The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the underlying effects of different saponins extracted from different sources on the production performance, milk yield, digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and nitrogen utilization of ruminants. A total of 26 papers comprising 66 in vivo studies (148 data points of dietary treatments) were evaluated in the present study. The databases were statistically analyzed using the mixed model procedure of SAS, where experiments considered random effects and tannin-related factors were treated as fixed effects. Statistical procedures were then continued in comparing different sources of saponin extract through Mixed Model analysis, where experiments were also random factors and sources of saponin extract were fixed factors. The evidence revealed in the present meta-analysis that saponin supplementation of up to 40 g/kg DM appears to have no detrimental impact on feed intake across ruminant types, suggesting that it does not significantly affect diet palatability. However, the results indicated that there are species-specific responses to saponin supplementation, particularly in relation to palatability and nutrient absorption efficiency, with larger ruminants being better able to tolerate the bitterness induced by saponin extracts. Furthermore, the study found that saponin extracts can influence nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation dynamics, with different effects observed in large and small ruminants. While some saponin extracts can enhance average daily weight gain and milk yield, others can have adverse effects, highlighting the importance of considering both saponin sources and animal physiological condition when developing nutritional strategies. Additionally, optimization of ruminant production by utilizing saponin extracts is necessary to avoid negative health implications, such as increased blood creatinine levels. Different saponin extracts utilization in ruminant nutrition and environmental management, have a distinct understanding associated to their various bioactive properties. However, among the saponin sources, saponin extracted from Quilaja saponaria is more likely to improve large ruminant production performance while maintaining ruminant health and metabolism, but negatively affect small ruminants. Further research is needed to unravel the intricate effects of different saponin sources on ruminant health and productivity, emphasizing the importance of tailored dietary strategies that consider the unique physiological and metabolic characteristics of the target livestock.

Meta-analysis of the relationship between dietary starch intake and enteric methane emissions in cattle from in vivo experiments

Objective

Different sources and levels of starch in the total mixed ration might result in different rumen fermentation profiles, rumen microbial composition, and enteric methane production. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary starch intake on enteric methane production through a meta-analytical approach by integrating related published studies.

Materials and Methods

Papers that provided study results on enteric methane production from cattle fed different sources and levels of starch were selected. A total of 52 publications were filtered based on some specified criteria, comprised of 73 studies focused on enteric methane production in cattle fed a basal diet supplemented with starch. The collected data were subjected to statistical meta-analysis through a mixed methodology model. The p-value and root mean square error (RMSE) were applied as the statistical models.

Results

Results showed that increasing the level of dietary starch intake and its digestibility in the rumen as well as increasing propionate significantly decreased the acetate to propionate (A/P) ratio as well as enteric methane production (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

It is concluded that the addition of starch to diets mitigates enteric methane production from cattle, primarily through two ways, i.e., manipulation of the protozoa population and alteration to a lower A/P ratio.

The effects of herbal plant extract on the growth performance, blood parameters, nutrient digestibility and carcase quality of rabbits: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of herbal plant extracts on the growth performance, blood parameters, nutrient digestibility and carcase quality of farmed rabbits. A dataset was created from 33 in vivo studies comprising 121 experimental units. Statistical meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and linear-mixed model meta-regression using R software (v. 4.3.0). Our results showed that although supplemental herbs did not affect average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (BW), they reduced (P < 0.01) feed conversion ratio and mortality and increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM) (P = 0.014) and crude protein (CP) (P = 0.018). The herbal extracts also increased (P = 0.037) blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and decreased (P = 0.004) low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Immunoglobulin M (IgM) was elevated (P = 0.009) by herbal plant extract supplementation, although most blood components were unaffected. The inclusion of herbal plant extract up to 300 g/kg increased (P = 0.011) carcase percentage while the weight and percentage of other organs were unaffected. Subgroup meta-analysis further explained the different effect of the type of herbal plant extract. Moringa, olive oil, and pepper were more favourable to increase final BW compared to the other herbs. Interestingly, the majority of herbs showed efficacy in reducing mortality. A majority of the response variables in our meta-analysis showed no dose-response effect except for ADG, mortality, HDL, and LDL which were improved by herbs supplementation. The evidence from the perspective of both meta-analysis and meta-regression shows that the addition of herbs tends to positively affect the parameters for production performance and blood metabolites in farmed rabbits.

Protective effects of feed additives on broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxins-contaminated feed: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aflatoxin contamination in feed is a common problem in broiler chickens. The present systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of aflatoxin-contaminated feed and the efficacy of various feed additives on the production performance of broiler chickens fed aflatoxin-contaminated feed (AF-feed). A total of 35 studies comprising 53 AF-feed experiments were selected following PRISMA guidelines. Feed additives included in the analyses were toxins binder (TB), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), organic acid (OA), probiotics (PRO), protein supplementation (PROT), phytobiotics (PHY), and additive mixture (MIX). Random effects model and a frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed to rank the efficacy of feed additives, reported as standardized means difference (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Overall, broiler chickens fed AF-feed had significantly lower final body weight (BW) (SMD = 198; 95% CI = 198 to 238) and higher feed conversion ratio (SMD = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.21) than control. Treatments with TB, MOS, and PHY improved the BW of birds fed AF-feed (P < 0.05) to be comparable with non-contaminated feed or control. Predictions on final BW from the broiler-fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet were 15% lower than the control diet. Including feed additives in the aflatoxins diet could ameliorate the depressive effect. Remarkably, our network meta-analysis highlighted that TB was the highest-performing additive (P-score = 0.797) to remedy aflatoxicosis. Altogether, several additives, especially TB, are promising to ameliorate aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens, although the efficacy was low regarding the severity of the aflatoxicosis.

Use of irradiated chitosan as a matrix for slow-release urea and in vitro fermentation characteristics of slow-release urea supplementation in ruminant rations

Background and Aim

Irradiated chitosan can be used as a matrix for slow-release urea (SRU) production. This study aimed to (1) determine the optimal formulation of irradiated chitosan matrix for controlling nitrogen release and (2) evaluate the characteristics of SRU in vitro fermentation based on irradiated chitosan as a feed supplement.

Materials and Methods

In the first phase of the investigation, four chitosan-based SRU formulations with varying amounts of acrylamide (3 and 5 g) and gamma irradiation (5 and 10 kGy) were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy, and ammonia release characteristics were used to observe morphological, functional group, and ammonia release characteristics. In the second phase of research, the most effective SRU formulation was utilized as a supplement to ruminant rations based on rice straw, sorghum straw, and alfalfa. Gas production, rumen fermentation characteristics, and methane gas production were observed in vitro.

Results

On the basis of surface image analysis, the four SRU formulas generate a similar appearance. Compared with untreated urea, the SRU3 formula reduced the percentage of ammonia emission by 12.85%-27.64% after 24 h of incubation (p = 0.05), as determined by the first phase study. SRU3 became the basis for the second testing phase. The addition of SRU3 did not affect the optimal gas production in vitro. SRU3 treatment produced less gas than Optigen® treatment (p = 0.05). With regard to rumen fermentation and digestibility, Optigen® yielded better results than SRU3 (p = 0.05). However, the treatment with SRU3 resulted in reduced methane production compared to that in the control (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Irradiated chitosan as an SRU matrix may control the release of ammonia in the rumen medium. The SRU3 formulation is the most effective. The addition of SRU to rice straw-based rations reduces methane production without affecting in vitro digestibility.

Effects of essential oils on egg production and feed efficiency as influenced by laying hen breed: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim

Successful rearing of laying hens to achieve optimal egg production is an endeavor that often faces various constraints and challenges, such as infectious diseases, environmental stressors, and fluctuations in feed quality. The incorporation of essential oils (EOs) into the diet of laying hens has attracted considerable attention in recent years. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EO inclusion in laying hen diets by considering the effects of production phase and breed on performance, egg quality, serum biochemistry, gut health, and antioxidant activity.

Materials and Methods

The articles were obtained from the Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed using the search terms "essential oils," "laying hens," and "phytobiotics." Data from 27 articles and 71 experiments were grouped according to laying hen production phase and breed in the database. The EO levels ranged from 0 to 1000 mg/kg, with thymol and carvacrol being the major EOs. A mixed model was used to analyze the data. Random effects were applied to the treatment, and fixed effects were applied to EO level, production phase, and breed.

Results

Egg production, feed intake, feed efficiency, eggshell quality, villus height, crypt depth, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels increased linearly (p = 0.05) and egg weight and mass increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with increasing EO concentrations. An interaction was observed between the EO level egg production and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.05). Serum glucose, cholesterol, and malondialdehyde levels decreased with increasing EO concentrations (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The inclusion of EOs effectively increased egg production, feed efficiency, egg weight, egg mass, eggshell quality, oxidative enzymes, and intestinal health. In addition, the proportion of dietary EOs in lightweight laying hens was higher than that in semi-heavy-weight laying hens in improving egg production and feeding efficiency.

Impacts of red clover and sainfoin silages on the performance, nutrient utilization and milk fatty acids profile of ruminants: A meta-analysis

Inclusion of plants rich in secondary metabolites into grass ensiling offers multiple benefits for ruminants, from improving productive performance to health-promoting effects as well as helping to reduce environment pollution. The present meta-analysis summarizes the dietary inclusion levels of red clover silage (RCS) and sainfoin silages (SS) as well as the types of silages fed to dairy cows and small ruminants. A total of 37 in vivo studies (26 articles in dairy cows and 11 articles in small ruminants) were aggregated after being strictly selected using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A mixed model methodology was used to examine our objectives. This method declares the subject 'study' as random effects and 'inclusion level' as fixed effects. Results indicated that RCS proportion was not associated with nutrient digestibility except for a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on neutral detergent fibre digestibility. Higher RCS inclusion linearly increased (p < 0.05) nitrogen (N) intake but had no effect on dairy cows' production. Increasing RCS proportion altered milk fatty acid profile where the concentration of conjugated linolenic acid (CLA), C18:3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) and C18:0 linearly increased (p < 0.01). In small ruminants, SS proportion had no relationship with nutrient digestibility, N metabolism and growth performance (p > 0.05). However, a combination of dietary RCS + SS resulted in significantly higher (p < 0.05) CLA and ALA concentration in cow milk and average daily gain (ADG) in small ruminants compared to diets composed from either grass silage or alfalfa silage. Altogether, this meta-analysis highlights the synergistic effects of a combination of SS + RCS inclusion in improving milk fatty acids (FA) profile of dairy cows and ADG of small ruminants.

Enhancing physicochemical, rheological properties, and in vitro rumen fermentation of starch with Melastoma candidum D. Don fruit extract

The utilization of polyphenol-modified starch in ruminants has not undergone extensive exploration. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the complex formed between starch and Melastoma candidum D. Don fruit extract on physicochemical properties, phenol release kinetics in various buffers simulating the gastrointestinal tract, methane production, and post-rumen digestibility. The interaction between starch and M. candidum D. Don fruit extract significantly (p < 0.001) increased resistant starch and particle size diameter. The maximum phenolic release from complex between starch and M. candidum D. Don fruit extract, due to gastrointestinal tract-simulated buffers, ranged from 22.96 to 34.60 mg/100 mg tannic acid equivalent. However, rumen and abomasum-simulated buffers released more phenolic content, whereas the intestine-simulated buffer showed higher antioxidant activity (ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power). Furthermore, complex between starch and M. candidum D. Don fruit extract significantly decreased dry matter rumen digestibility (p < 0.001) and maximum methane gas production (p < 0.001).

Evaluation of rations containing bioconverted cacao pod as fiber source for small ruminant

This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of bioconverted cacao pod (BCP) as a substitute for forage in the total mixed ration (TMR) for a small ruminant. In the in vitro experiment, the control TMR (30% forage and 70% concentrate) was substituted with two different levels of BCP (15% and 30%) and two different types of BCP ( BCP-pc and BCP-tv). Based on the in vitro evaluation, the best ration was then chosen for the in vivo experiment, in which male goats were fed a control TMR, the TMR containing 15% BCP-pc (RC), and TMR containing 15% bioconverted palm kernel meal (RP). The results showed that TMRs with 15% BCP-pc and BCP-tv substitution had significantly lower gas production and digestibility than the control ration. However, the TMR with 15% or 30% BCP substitution showed no significant difference in rumen fermentation characteristics, methane production, and total protozoa. In the in vivo experiment, the RC showed no significant difference in all nutrient intakes, the average daily gain of animals, feed conversion ratio value, and crude fiber digestibility but reduced dry and organic matter digestibility. In comparison, the RP resulted in reduced parameters. Therefore, the study concluded that BCP-pc at a level of 15% could be used as a substitute for forage in TMR for male goats without compromising the fermentability of rumen, nutrient intakes, and their average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. Overall, this study suggests the potential of BCP-pc as an alternative feed ingredient.

Relationships between dietary rumen-protected lysine and methionine with the lactational performance of dairy cows - A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to examine the relationships of supplemental rumen-protected lysine (RPL) or lysine + methionine (RPLM) on lactational performance, plasma amino acids (AA) concentration, and nitrogen use efficiency of lactating dairy cows by using a meta-analysis approach.

METHODS

A total of 56 articles comprising 77 experiments with either RPL or RPLM supplementation were selected and analyzed using a mixed model methodology by considering the treatments and other potential covariates as fixed effects and different experiments as random effects.

RESULTS

In early lactating cows, milk yield was linearly increased by RPL (β1 = 0.013; p<0.001) and RPLM (β1 = 0.014; p<0.028) but 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) and energy-corrected milk (ECM) (kg/d) was increased by only RPL. RPL and RPLM did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) but positively increased (p<0.05) dairy efficiency (Milk yield/DMI and ECM/DMI). As a percentage, milk fat, protein, and lactose were unchanged by RPL or RPLM but the yield of all components was increased (p<0.05) by feeding RPL while only milk protein was increased by feeding RPLM. Plasma Lys concentration was linearly increased (p<0.05) with increasing supplemental RPL while plasma Met increased (p<0.05) by RPLM supplementation. The increase in plasma Lys had a strong linear relationship (R2 = 0.693 in the RPL dataset and R2 = 0.769 in the RPLM dataset) on milk protein synthesis (g/d) during early lactation. Nitrogen metabolism parameters were not affected by feeding RPL or RPLM, either top-dress or when supplemented to deficient diets. Lactation performance did not differ between AA-deficient or AA-adequate diets in response to RPL or RPLM supplementation.

CONCLUSION

RPL or RPLM showed a positive linear relationship on the lactational performance of dairy cows whereas greater improvement effects were observed during early lactation. Supplementing RPL or RPLM is recommended on deficient-AA diet but not on adequate-AA diet.

Effects of dietary extrusion on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, performance and milk composition of dairy cattle: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of extruded and unextruded feeding on the performance, milk composition, digestibility and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows through a meta-analysis.

METHODS

The database was compiled from 53 studies in Scopus and PubMed. The data were analyzed using a random effects model in OpenMEE software. Extruded feed was grouped as the experiment group while and the others as control group. The bias of publication in the main parameter of dairy performance was evaluated by a funnel plot.

RESULTS

The result showed that extruded feed enhanced the milk yield, dry matter and crude protein digestibility, butyrate and valerate acid production (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the extruded feed significantly decreased the milk fat and protein concentration (p<0.05). Also, the iso-butyrate and iso-valerate in unextruded feeding was significantly higher than the extruded feed (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

It was concluded from the meta-analysis that extruded feed effectively improved the milk production and milk lactose concentration, dry matter and protein digestibility, but not the milk fat and protein concentration.

Efficacy of Bacillus subtilis to replace in-feed antibiotics of broiler chickens under necrotic enteritis-challenged experiments: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Necrotic enteritis (NE) and coccidiosis are among the most prevalent infectious diseases in broiler chickens, contributing to large profitability losses. Bacillus subtilis is a promising direct-fed probiotic to counter various pathogens infection in broiler chickens. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of B. subtilis on broiler chickens performance. A total of 28 studies were selected according to a PRISMA checklist. Random-effect model and mixed-effect model of meta-analysis were fitted to estimate the overall effects of B. subtilis (BS) treatment compared to either the control group (CON) or NE-infected group (NEinf) as a baseline. Hedges' g effect size and its variance were used as estimators of standardized mean difference (SMD) calculation where the results were presented at a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the SMD. Overall, NEinf broiler chickens depressed (P < 0.01) body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and feed intake, and elevated (P < 0.01) feed conversion ratio (FCR). Treatment with BS improved ADG and final BW of NEinf with no difference (P = 0.15) between BS and antibiotics (AB), indicating that they had comparable efficacy to treat NE in broiler chickens. BS supplemented to uninfected CON (BSS) improved (P < 0.01) final BW, ADG, and FCR. Compared to CON, BS, and AB failed to recover the FCR but these treatments decreased (P < 0.01) FCR when compared to the NEinf group with similar efficacy (P = 0.97). As expected, NEinf birds had a higher mortality rate (P < 0.01) and higher lesion score (P < 0.01) compared to CON, and treatment using AB and BS successfully decreased (P < 0.01) the mortality rate and lesion score. Compared to BS, AB was more effective to lower (P = 0.01) mortality rate, but comparable (P = 0.65) to minimize lesion score. To conclude, B. subtilis could be an effective natural additive to replace in-feed antibiotics in broiler chickens challenged with C. perfringens. However, the efficacy to reduce mortality rate was better with antibiotics treatment.

Effectiveness of herbal plants on rumen fermentation, methane gas emissions, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and population of protozoa

Background and Aim

Herbal plants have the potential to reduce the population of metagonic bacteria and protozoa due to the bioactive compound contained in herbal plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of herbal plant supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics, methane (CH4) gas emissions, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and protozoan populations.

Materials and Methods

This study consisted of two stages. Stage I involved determining the potential of herbal plants to increase total gas production (Orskov and McDonald methods) and reduce the protozoan population (Hristov method). Three potential herbs were selected at this stage and used in Stage II as supplements in the palm kernel cake (PKC)-based diet (30% herbal plants + 70% PKC). Proximate and Van Soest analyses were used to determine the chemical composition. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), organic matter (IVOMD), and rumen fermentation characteristics were determined using Theodorous method. Conway microdiffusion was used to determine ammonia concentration (NH3). Gas chromatography was used to determine the total and partial volatile fatty acid production.

Results

The results of the first stage showed that seven herbal plants (Moringa oleifera, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Clerodendron serratum, Curcuma longa Linn., Urena lobata, Uncaria, and Parkia timoriana) significantly differed in terms of total gas production (p < 0.05). Herbal plants can increase gas production and reduce protozoan populations. The highest total gas production was observed using P. timoriana, M. oleifera, and C. longa Linn. Moringa oleifera plants were the most effective in lowering protozoa population. In Stage 2, the supplementation of herbal plants in PKC-based-diet significantly increased IVDMD, that was ranged from 56.72% to 65.77%, IVOMD that was ranged from 52.10% to 59.54%, and NH3, that was ranged from 13.20 mM to 17.91 mM. Volatile fatty acid partial and total gas production potential and CH4 gas emissions were also significantly different from those of the control (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Supplementation of M. oleifera, C. longa Linn., and P. timoriana in ruminant diet effectively increased total gas production, IVDMD percentage, and IVOMD, and reduced CH4 gas emissions and protozoa populations during rumen fermentation.

Performance, Egg Quality, and Immunity of Laying Hens due to Natural Carotenoid Supplementation: A Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of carotenoid supplementation on the performance, egg quality, and immunity of laying hens using a meta-analysis approach. The database was searched using Google Scholar and Scopus, from 2012 to 2022. The literature was published in English. 47 Articles were selected for meta-analysis. Analyses were performed using the Open Meta-analyst for Ecology and Evolution (OpenMEE) software. The heterogeneity and data validation against publication bias were analyzed using JASP 0.16.2 software. Overall, the results showed that carotenoid supplementation improved feed intake by 0.32 g/day/hen [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.02 to 0.61], final body weight by 0.33 g/hen (95% CI=0.05 to 0.60), egg production by 0.38% (95% CI=0.14 to 0.63), egg weight by 0.29 g (95% CI=0.09 to 0.5), yolk colour by 2.11 (95% CI=1.71 to 2.51), Haugh unit (HU) by 0.26 (95% CI=0.11 to 0.42), yolk carotenoids by 1.17 μg/kg (95% CI=0.59 to 1.75), immunoglobulin A (IgA) by 0.74 mg/L (95% CI=0.18 to 1.29), and lower yolk cholesterol by -0.38 mg/g (95% CI=-0.59 to -0.16). Feed conversion ratio (FCR), eggshell thickness, and white blood cells were unaffected by the application of carotenoids. The heterogeneity analysis showed variability in all studies (<0.05). In conclusion, carotenoid supplementation can elevate productivity, enhance egg quality, and improve immunity. However, based on Kendall's test, there was a publication bias in several parameters, namely FCR, egg weight, HU, yolk carotenoids, and IgA.

A meta-analysis of the effects of clay mineral supplementation on alkaline phosphatase, broiler health, and performance

The crucial constraint in the broiler production sector is feed efficiency; many feed additives have been widely employed to increase broiler growth. Nonetheless, some of these substances exacerbate health and animal-based food product safety concerns. This meta-analysis examines the effect of clay minerals on alkaline phosphatase (ALP), broiler health, and performance. Metadata was constructed from 369 data items that were harvested from 86 studies. The addition of clay minerals was set as a fixed effect and the difference between experiments was established as a random effect. The metadata were fitted using a linear mixed model. Due to the presence of clay minerals, growth performance as assessed by body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and performance efficiency index (PEI) increased significantly (P < 0.01). In the total period, the increases of BW, ADG, and PEI were 4.12 g, 0.0714 g/d, and 0.648, respectively, per unit of clay minerals added. Clay minerals did not affect blood serum parameters (e.g., ALP and calcium). The IgA and IgM concentrations in the jejunum and ileum were significantly greater (P < 0.01) in the starter phase. Among clay minerals, broilers fed diets with aluminosilicate, halloysite, kaolin, and zeolite consistently exhibited higher (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, PEI, and lower feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) in the finisher phase. Aluminosilicate was the only clay that increased (P < 0.05) secretory IgA concentration in both jejunum and ileum. In conclusion, clay minerals could be used as a growth promoter, especially during the finisher phase, without adversely affecting feed intake, liver function, and mineral metabolism in broiler chickens. Aluminosilicate was superior in improving the mucosal immunity status of broiler chickens.

Evaluation of Megasphaera elsdenii supplementation on rumen fermentation, production performance, carcass traits and health of ruminants: A meta-analysis

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of Megasphaera elsdenii as a probiotic on rumen fermentation, production performance, carcass traits and health of ruminants by integrating data from various related studies using meta-analysis.

Methods

A total of 32 studies (consisted of 136 data points) were obtained and integrated into a database. The parameters integrated were fermentation products, rumen microbes, production performance, carcass quality, animal health, blood and urine metabolites. Statistical analysis of the compiled database used a mixed model methodology. Different studies were considered random effects, while M. elsdenii supplementation doses were considered fixed effects. P-values and the Akaike information criterion were employed as model statistics. The model was deemed significant at p < 0.05 or had a tendency to be significant when p-value between 0.05 < p < 0.10.

Results

Supplementation with M. elsdenii increased (p<0.05) some proportion of fermented rumen products such as propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and valerate, and significantly reduced (p<0.05) lactic acid concentration, acetate proportion, total bacterial population and methane emission. Furthermore, the probiotic supplementation enhanced (p<0.05) livestock production performance, especially in the average daily gain and body condition score. Regarding the carcass quality, hot carcass weight and carcass gain were elevated (p<0.05) due to the M. elsdenii supplementation. Animal health also showed improvement as indicated by the lower (p<0.05) diarrhoea and bloat incidences as well as the liver abscess. However, M. elsdenii supplementation had negligible effects on blood and urine metabolites of ruminants.

Conclusion

Supplementation of M. elsdenii is capable of decreasing ruminal lactic acid concentration, enhancing rumen health, elevating some favourable rumen fermentation products, and in turn, increasing production performance of ruminants.

Modification of dietary rumen degradable starch content by chemical processing of feed ingredients: A meta-analysis

The efficiency of starch utilization in ruminant feed can be enhanced by reducing the degradation of starch in the rumen. Chemical processing of feed ingredients may modify such ruminal starch degradation. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical processing of ruminant feed ingredients on rumen degradable starch (RDS) and starch degradation kinetics in the rumen. A database was constructed from a total of 34 articles, consisted of 100 observations. The articles were searched and identified from the Scopus platform. Data were analyzed by using the fixed effect model. The types of chemical processing in this study included sodium hydroxide, ammonia, potassium aluminum, urea, formaldehyde, and organic acid. Results indicated that chemical processing significantly reduced the RDS content (p < 0.001) and the immediately soluble fraction (p < 0.001) and increased the value of slowly degradable fraction (p < 0.001) and starch absorption in the small intestine (p < 0.01). Formaldehyde was particularly effective to decrease the RDS (p < 0.05). The RDS contents in corn and wheat were reduced by the chemical processing (p < 0.05), but not with that of barley. It can be concluded that chemical processing is effective in reducing starch degradation of ruminant feeds and may enhance its utilization by ruminants.

A meta-analysis to observe silage microbiome differentiated by the use of inoculant and type of raw material

Silage fermentation is naturally carried out by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to mainly produce lactic acid (LA) and other organic acids as preservatives. Along with fermentation time, the growth of LAB will replace and suppress undesirable microorganisms. This meta-analysis study aimed to explore silage microbiome differentiated by LAB inoculants and type of raw materials. A total of 37 articles with 185 studies and 475 datasets were used for building up the meta-database. Data were subjected to the mixed model methodology. The parameters observed were silage quality and silage microbiome post-ensiling process. Results revealed that four bacterial genera along with Weissella dominated the post-ensiling process. The addition of lactic acid inoculants in the silage has increased the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and decreased the Shannon index significantly. Moreover, the abundance of both L. plantarum and L. buchneri increased, and subsequently, Weissella, Pseudomonas, Proteobacteria, pH value, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N), coliforms, and the yeasts were decreased significantly due to the addition of LAB inoculants in silage (p < 0.05). Environmental factors such as temperature affected the existence of Pseudomonas, Exiguobacterium, and Acinetobacter. However, the dry matter, LA, acetic acid (AA), the ratio of LA to AA, and the LAB population were enhanced significantly (p < 0.05). Among the LAB types, the lowest abundance of Pseudomonas was due to the LAB group, while the lowest abundance of Weissella and Proteobacteria was due to the addition of the combined LAB group. In conclusion, the addition of LAB is effectively enhancing the silage microbiome and silage quality by altering bacterial diversity and the metabolic products of the silage materials for safe preservation.

Evaluation of Some Forage as Feed for Ruminant Animal: Chemical Composition, In Vitro Rumen Fermentation, and Methane Emissions

This experiment aimed to evaluate chemical composition, in vitro rumen fermentation, digestibility, and methane emissions of forages including bede grass, gamal (Gliricidia sepium), Indigofera, lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala), elephant grass, mini elephant grass and Thai elephant grass. Forage samples were dried at 60oC for 24 hours, then ground to 1 mm sieve. The ground samples were used subsequently to determine the chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation test. Incubation was carried out in a water bath at 39oC for 48 h without replication. The results showed that all forages contained various crude protein at a range of 9-20% DM. The proportion of neutral detergent insoluble CP (NDICP) and acid detergent insoluble CP (ADICP) in forage was generally low, but the highest was found in bede grass. The highest NH3 concentration was found in Indigofera incubation, and lowest was in bede grass. All forage samples, except for mini elephant grass and Indigofera, had IVDMD and IVOMD below 70%. We identified low methane emissions from forage at 48 hours of incubation. It was concluded that legumes had a higher crude protein than in grass species and had low methane emissions. However, the relatively low digestibility of legume may limit its utilization.

Effect of supplementing L-cysteine and its group analogs on frozen semen quality of bulls: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim

The quality of frozen bull sperm after thawing is influenced by the primary diluent and antioxidant. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing L-cysteine and its group analogs on the quality of frozen bull sperm.

Materials and Methods

A total of 22 articles obtained from Google Scholar and Scopus were integrated into metadata. The effects of adding L-cysteine and its analogs (e.g., cysteine HCl and N-acetyl-L-cysteine), both of which are known as L-cysteine, were evaluated in this meta-analysis. The following parameters were examined: Abnormality, acrosome damage, acrosomal integrity, DNA damage, DNA integrity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, plasma membrane integrity, pregnancy rate, progressive motility, sperm viability, and total motility. Data were analyzed using the mixed model methodology, with L-cysteine dosage as a fixed effect and different studies as random effects.

Results

L-cysteine supplementation significantly increased the total motility (p < 0.05) and MDA content of semen, following a linear pattern. Progressive motility, acrosomal integrity, and plasma membrane integrity were significantly increased, showing a quadratic pattern (p < 0.05). Abnormality and acrosome damage were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), following a quadratic and linear pattern, respectively. Other parameters remained unaffected by L-cysteine supplementation. L-cysteine and cysteine HCl significantly inhibited (p = 0.001) acrosome damage in thawed frozen sperm compared with control sperm.

Conclusion

Supplementing L-cysteine and its analog groups are recommended for freezing bull semen as it generally improves sperm quality.

Growth performance and nutrient composition of black soldier fly larvae reared on solid-state fermentation substrates with various white rot fungi

Abstract. Fitriana EL, Jayanegara A, Astuti DA, Laconi EB. 2022. Growth performance and nutrient composition of black soldier fly larvae reared on solid-state fermentation substrates with various white rot fungi. Biodiversitas 23: 4894-4905. This study examines agricultural byproducts fermented with various rot fungi as a substrate of black soldier fly larvae. The experiment used a three-way randomized design with four replications. The first factor was substrate (cacao pod husk and oil palm frond), the second factor was fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor, and Pleurotus sajor-caju), and the third factor was environment condition (light and without light). Approximately 1200 of 7-day-old larvae were added to 600 g substrate treatment. The results showed that the solid-state fermentation substrates had the highest waste reduction parameters and level of consumption. Larvae in the experiment had a crude protein level of 38.84-58.88% of dry matter. Glutamic acid is the most abundant non-essential amino acid in larvae, while leucine is the most abundant essential amino acid. Solid-state fermentation substrate could improve the fatty acid profile quality of larvae in relation to high linoleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and unsaturated fatty acid percentages, especially CPH-pc substrate. The use of solid-state fermentation in larvae rearing decreased lignin in the cacao pod husk substrate. In conclusion, cacao pod husk substrate solid-state fermented with white rot fungi is not supported the optimum growth performance of BSFL but increases fatty acid profile quality.

Verification of autoclaving-cooling treatment to increase the resistant starch contents in food starches based on meta-analysis result

Autoclaving-cooling is a common starch modification method to increase the resistant starch (RS) content. The effect of this method varies depending on the type of crop and treatment condition used. The objectives of this study were to verify the autoclaving-cooling treatment based on a meta-analysis result and to evaluate the physicochemical properties of modified starches. The meta-analysis study used 10 articles from a total of 1,293 that were retrieved using the PRISMA approach. Meta-analysis showed that the optimal treatments of autoclaving-cooling process that increase the RS content significantly, was in starch samples from the cereal group (corn, oats, rice) (SMD: 19.60; 95% CI: 9.56–29.64; p < 0.001), with water ratio 1:4 (SMD: 13.69; 95% CI: 5.50–21.87; p < 0.001), using two cycles of autoclaving-cooling (SMD: 16.33; 95% CI: 6.98–25.67; p < 0.001) and 30 min of autoclaving heating (SMD: 12.97; 95% CI: 1.97–23.97; p < 0.001) at 121°C (SMD: 12.18; 95% CI: 1.88–22.47; p < 0.001). Verification using corn flour and corn starch showed a significant increase in RS contents from 15.84 to 27.78% and from 15.27 to 32.53%, respectively, and a significant decrease in starch digestibility from 67.02 to 35.74% and from 76.15 to 28.09%, respectively. Treated sample also showed the pasting profile that was stable under heating and stirring.

Modulatory effects of dietary tannins on polyunsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation in the rumen: A meta-analysis

Background

Tannins are a group of phenolic compounds that can modify the rumen biohydrogenation (BH) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), but to date results obtained have been inconsistent. This study therefore aims to conduct a meta-analysis of the scientific literature related to the effects of tannins on rumen BH and fermentation.

Methods

A total of 28 articles were collected from various scientific databases, such as Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar, and the data were analysed using a random effects model and meta-regression for rumen BH. The publication bias on the main variables of rumen fermentation was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test.

Results

An increase in tannin levels significantly reduced methane production (p < 0.001) and the population of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens (p < 0.05). Dietary tannins also decreased the SFA proportion (p < 0.001) and increased (p < 0.001) the rumen monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportions. In additions, there were negative relationships between dietary tannin levels and BH rates of C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dietary tannins modulate the rumen fermentation profile, mitigate methane emissions, and inhibit rumen BH of PUFA.

Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis Extract and Their Application as a Natural Preservative in Livestock Products: A Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of propolis extract as a natural preservative for livestock products in term of chemical and microbiological characteristics by meta-analysis. The stages carried out in this study were identification, selection, checking suitability, and the resulting selected articles were used in the meta-analysis. The selection results obtained a total of 22 selected journal articles consisting of 9 articles for analysis of the antimicrobial activity of propolis extract and 13 articles for analysis of the chemical and mirobiological characteristics of livestock products. The articles were obtained from electronic databases, namely Science Direct and Google Scholar. The model used in this study is the random-effect model involving two groups, control and experimental. Heterogeneity and effect size values were carried out in this study using Hedge's obtained through openMEE software. Forest plot tests and data validation on publication bias was obtained using Kendall's test throught JASP 0.14.1 software. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between propolis extract with the results of the antimicrobial activity (p<0.05). In addition, the results of the application of propolis extract on the livestock products for the test microbes and the value of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) showed significant results (p<0.05). Conclusion based on the random-effect model on the effectiveness of antimicrobial activity of propolis extract and their apllication as a natural preservative of the chemical and microbiological characteristics of livestock products is valid by Kendall's test (p>0.05). Propolis in this case effectively used as natural preservatives in livestock products.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on chicken sperm quality: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim:

Among several factors, the sperm quality of poultry is affected by the rooster’s body size and the availability of antioxidants like vitamin E. This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on rooster sperm quality through a meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods:

After verification and evaluation, a total of 19 articles were included in this study. Data, including dietary vitamin E, semen volume, concentration, total sperm cells, pH, motility, viability, percentage of dead and abnormal sperm, vitamin E sperm content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and testosterone levels, were tabulated in a database; these were subsequently analyzed using mixed modeling with vitamin E dose as a fixed effect and study identity as a random effect.

Results:

Dietary supplementation level of vitamin E significantly (p<0.001) affected sperm concentration, significantly affected motility (p<0.001), significantly affected sperm vitamin E (p<0.001), significantly affected viability (p<0.001), and significantly affected chicken sperm fertility (p=0.001). Vitamin E administration also significantly reduced the number of sperm cell deaths (p<0.001); however, increased dietary levels of vitamin E did not affect semen volume (p=0.853), pH (p=0.951), MDA (p=0.542), the percentage of abnormal sperm cells (p=0.343), nor testosterone levels (p=0.063).

Conclusion:

Dietary vitamin E supplementation is recommended for male chickens since it generally enhances the quality of their sperm.

Effects of urea supplementation on ruminal fermentation characteristics, nutrient intake, digestibility, and performance in sheep: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim:

As a non-protein nitrogen source, urea is a popular, low cost, and easily obtained protein supplement. The objective of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of the effects of urea supplementation on rumen fermentation and sheep performance.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 32 experiments from 21 articles were compiled into a dataset. The levels of dietary urea varied from 0 to 31 g/kg of dry matter (DM). Parameters observed were rumen fermentation product, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and sheep performance. This dataset was analyzed using a mixed model methodology, with urea supplementation levels as fixed effects and the different experiments as random effects.

Results:

Increasing levels of urea were associated with increases (p=0.008) in rumen pH, butyrate (C₄) production, and ammonia (NH₃–N) concentration. Urea supplementation had minor effects on total volatile fatty acids (p=0.242), total protozoa (p=0.429), and the microbial N supply (p=0.619), but tended to increase methane production (CH₄; p<0.001). Supplementation of urea increased the intake of dry matter (DM; p=0.004) and crude protein (CP; p=0.001). Digestibility parameters, such as DM digestibility (DMD) and CP digestibility (CPD), also increased (p<0.01) as a result of urea supplementation. Retained N (p=0.042) and N intake (p<0.001) were higher with increasing levels of urea supplementation. In terms of animal performance, supplementation of urea increased average daily gain (ADG; p=0.024), but decreased the hot carcass weight percentage (p=0.017).

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis reports the positive effects of urea supplementation on rumen fermentation products (i.e., pH, C₄, and NH₃–N), intake (DM, CP, and N), digestibility (DMD and CPD), and ADG in sheep.

Nutrient digestibility, fecal output of fractionated proteins, and ruminal fermentation parameters of goats fed a diet supplemented with spent green tea and black tea leaf silage

Spent green and black tea leaf silage (GTS and BTS, respectively) was offered as a protein supplement to goats to examine in vivo digestibility, nitrogen balance, urinary excretion of purine derivatives, and ruminal fermentation. Four castrated goats were fed a basal diet supplemented with alfalfa hay cube (AHC), GTS, or BTS in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Digestibilities of various nutrients except for nitrogen (N) fraction were unaffected by the type of supplement. Digestibility of acid detergent insoluble N (ADIN) in BTS treatment was a negative value and significantly lower than those in other treatments. Urinary N output and retained N were not significantly affected by the diets. The fecal output of neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) and ADIN in the BTS treatment was significantly higher than those in other treatments. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives was not affected by the treatments. Ruminal NH₃ -N concentration in AHC and GTS treatments were not significantly different, but that in the BTS treatment was significantly lower than others. These results indicated that GTS is substitutable for AHC as a protein supplement, whereas BTS was able to bind proteins tightly in the digestive tract, which lowered ruminal N degradability and increase fecal N output.

Biochemical Properties of Black and Green Teas and Their Insoluble Residues as Natural Dietary Additives to Optimize In Vitro Rumen Degradability and Fermentation but Reduce Methane in Sheep

Black (BTL) or green (GTL) tea and their spent tea (STL) leaves can be used as natural dietary additives for ruminants. Experiment 1 used a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four replicates (n = 4) to test the effects of three different inclusions of tea leaves at 0 (control), 50, and 100 g/kg DM of two different tea types (BTL and GTL) in two different total mixed diets containing either ryegrass hay (RH) or rice straw (RS) on in vitro rumen organic matter degradability (IVOMD), volatile fatty acids (VFA), pH, ammonia (NH3), and methane (CH4) outputs over a 24 h incubation time. Experiment 2 followed a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with eight replicates (n = 8) to study the impacts of three different STL inclusions at 0, 100, and 200 g/kg DM of two different STL types (black and green) into two different total mixed diets containing either RH or RS on the same in vitro measurements. Both types of tea leaves decreased NH3 (p < 0.001) and CH4 (p < 0.01) without affecting (p > 0.05) rumen degradability, but the effect of their STL was less remarkable. Tea leaves and their STL inclusions improved (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) the acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio. Compared with BTL, GTL containing diets had higher IVOMD (p < 0.05) and A:P ratio (p < 0.05) but lower NH3 (p < 0.001). Reduced rumen NH3 and CH4 outputs can be useful for protein and energy use efficiency while an increased A:P ratio might lead to increased milk fat synthesis and reduced low-fat milk syndrome. The surplus or wasted tea leaf products could be used as sustainable sources of nutrients to optimize rumen function and minimize environmental impacts of feeding ruminant animals.

Meta-analysis of dietary chitosan effects on performance, nutrient utilization, and product characteristics of ruminants

Chitosan (CHI) has been used as a feed additive in ruminant diets, but the effects obtained to date have been varied. This study aimed to evaluate the dietary addition of CHI on performance, nutrient utilization, and product characteristics of ruminants by using a meta-analysis approach. A total of 15 articles that composed of 21 studies and 57 data points were included in the database. Number of articles reported the effects of dietary CHI addition were six on beef cattle, seven on dairy cows, and two papers on sheep. Data analysis was based on the mixed model methodology, in which CHI addition levels were considered as fixed effects whereas different studies were treated as random effects. Results revealed that, across various studies, CHI decreased ruminal acetate proportion (p < 0.05) and increased propionate proportion (p < 0.01). Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were elevated due to CHI addition (p < 0.05). CHI decreased blood cholesterol level (p < 0.05) and increased monounsaturated fatty acid proportion in the milk (p < 0.05). However, CHI addition had no effect on dry matter intake, milk production, and milk efficiency of ruminants. In conclusion, CHI is able to modify rumen fermentation towards a favorable direction, but it limitedly affects performance of ruminants.

Divergence effects between dietary Acacia and Quebracho tannin extracts on nutrient utilization, performance, and methane emission of ruminants: A meta-analysis

Extracts of Acacia and Quebracho have been used as a feed additive in ruminant diets; the effects, however, have been varied. This study used a meta-analysis approach to evaluate the use of those extracts on nutrient utilization, performance, and methane production of ruminants. A database was developed from 37 published papers comprising 152 dietary treatments. The result showed that a higher concentration of tannins was associated with a decrease (p < 0.05) in nutrient intake and digestibility. An increasing tannin concentration was negatively correlated with ammonia, acetic acid, and the ratio of acetic to propionic acid. Methane production decreased (p < 0.01) with the increasing tannin concentration. Nitrogen (N) balance parameters were not affected by the tannin concentrations, but fecal N excretion increased (p < 0.01) as the tannin concentration increased. The relationships between the Acacia and Quebracho and the changes in organic matter intake, milk fat concentration, butyric acid, valeric acid, and methane production were significantly different. In conclusion, it is possible to use both condensed tannins (CT) extracts as a methane emission mitigation without impairing the ruminant performance. Furthermore, the Quebracho showed more pronounced to decrease ruminal protein degradation and lower methane emission than the Acacia.

Effects of Bypass Fat on Buffalo Carcass Characteristics, Meat Nutrient Contents and Profitability

The deposition and distribution of buffalo body fats play a vital role in the quality of the buffalo carcass and are of great commercial value, since the carcass quality influences the profitability and consumer acceptability of ruminant meat. The current study examined the effect a mixture of 4% bypass fat and 26% concentrate supplementations in buffalo basal diet had on both the carcass characteristics and the proximate and fatty acid composition in longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), supraspinatus (SS) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles of Murrah cross and swamp buffaloes. In addition, profit and loss analyses were performed to determine the profitability. This study employed a completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two diets, two breeds and four replicates per treatment. A total of sixteen buffaloes (eight buffaloes per breed, bodyweight 98.64 ± 1.93 kg) were randomly assigned into two dietary groups. The first group was given Diet A, which consisted of 70% Brachiaria decumbens + 30% concentrate, whereas the second group was given Diet B, which consisted of 70% Brachiaria decumbens + 26% concentrate + 4% bypass fat. The buffaloes were fed for 730 days before slaughter. The results showed that supplemented bypass fat significantly (p < 0.05) increased the pre-slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights, meat:fat ratio, pH at 24 h, moisture and crude protein of LTL, ST and SS, the ether extract of LTL and ST and the meat fatty acid of C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, PUFA n-6/n-3 and total MUFA. The carcass yield and carcass fat percentages, the ash content in ST, the EE in the SS muscle and the meat fatty acid of C18:3, total PUFA n-3, UFA/SFA and PUFA/SFA were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Furthermore, Murrah cross showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher pre-slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights, carcass bone percentage and total fatty acid, but a lower (p < 0.05) meat:bone ratio, ash of LTL and CP of LTL and ST when compared to swamp buffaloes. No significant changes were found in the proximate composition of different types of muscle, but the ST muscle revealed significantly high C14:0, C16:0 and C18:1, and the SS muscle had high C18:2 and total fatty acid (p < 0.05). Supplementing using bypass fat increased the cost of buffalo feeding but resulted in a higher revenue and net profit. In conclusion, the concentrate and bypass fat supplementations in the buffalo diet could alter the nutrient compositions of buffalo meat without a detrimental effect on carcass characteristics, leading to a higher profit.

Propolis supplementation affects performance, intestinal morphology, and bacterial population of broiler chickens

A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effect of supplementing the diet of broiler chickens with propolis on growth, bacterial population of the intestine, antiviral serum concentration, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activities in broiler chickens. Forty peer-reviewed articles that had been published between 2003 and 2019 were identified using the PRISMA protocol and included in the study. Data were analysed with mixed model methodology, in which the studies were considered random effects, whereas the level of supplemental propolis was considered a fixed effect. Responses to propolis supplementation in bodyweight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were quadratic, but average daily feed intake (ADFI) was not affected. Propolis supplementation improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly as a linear function of the level of supplement. The optimum level of supplementation was between 256 and 262 mg/kg feed and produced maximum ADG and final BW. There was a tendency for mortality to decrease because of propolis supplementation. Propolis had no detectable effect on serum antiviral concentration, intestinal bacterial population or intestinal morphology. Among digestive enzymes, only sucrase increased linearly as propolis was increased. Thus, supplementation with propolis increased the growth performance of broiler chickens positively and the effect was dose dependent. This may have been partly because of an improvement in sucrase activity and other factors related to the nutritional content of propolis. Future study to evaluate specific bioactive compounds of propolis is therefore warranted.

Effects of Concentrate and Bypass Fat Supplementations on Growth Performance, Blood Profile, and Rearing Cost of Feedlot Buffaloes

Simple Summary

Studies have shown that providing concentrate and bypass fat as feed supplements resulted in better performance of large ruminants. However, there is limited information about the effects of these supplements on the performance of buffaloes. This study evaluates the effects of concentrate and bypass fat supplementations on the growth performance, blood metabolites, and feeding cost of Murrah cross and Swamp buffaloes. Following diet supplementation, the feed intake, body weight, and body condition score were significantly improved without any side effects on the blood metabolites of both buffalo breeds. Although the mixture of concentrate and bypass fat supplement (26:4) used in this study was found to increase the cost of feed, overall, it resulted in a greater return.

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of supplementation of the basal diet with concentrate and rumen bypass fat on the dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, blood metabolites and hormonal changes, and the feeding cost of feedlot water buffaloes. Thirty-six healthy, three- to four-month-old male Murrah crossbred (n = 18) and Swamp (n = 18) buffaloes with a similar average initial body weight of 98.64 ± 1.93 kg were each randomly allocated into three dietary experimental groups. Buffaloes were fed with Diet A, which consisted of 100% Brachiaria decumbens, Diet B, consisting of 70% Brachiaria decumbens and 30% concentrate, and Diet C, consisting of 70% Brachiaria decumbens, 26% concentrate, and 4% rumen bypass fat for a period of 730 days. Feed intake was measured daily, while blood samples were collected for every eight months. Furthermore, body scores were noted prior to and at the end of the experimental period. The results showed that the average daily gain for buffaloes fed with Diet C was the highest. The DMI, BCS, FI, and FCR for the three groups showed significant (p < 0.05) differences, in the following order: Diet C > Diet B > Diet A. At the end of the two-year feeding trial, buffaloes fed with Diet B had significantly (p < 0.05) higher cholesterol levels than Diet A and Diet C. In addition, buffaloes fed with Diet C had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of serum total protein, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-I hormone compared to Diet A and Diet B. On the other hand, buffaloes fed with Diet B and Diet C showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in glucose levels. Supplemented diet improved the buffalos’ weight gain to achieve the market weight in a shorter period of time, thus, giving farmers a greater return. In conclusion, concentrate and bypass fat supplementations in the diet of water buffaloes improved the growth performance without adverse effect on the blood metabolites, which enabled better farmer profitability.

A Meta-analysis of Antimicrobial Peptide Effects on Intestinal Bacteria, Immune Response, and Antioxidant Activity of Broilers

This study used a meta-analysis to systematically assess the effect of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) addition on the number of bacteria, immune responses, and antioxidant activity of broilers. The database was compiled from 29 post evaluation articles that were found in search engines consisted of 36 experiments and 111 data. The mixed model method was used to assess the effect of AMP, with AMP addition level as a fixed effect and experiment as a random effect. The fixed effect was tested for linear and quadratic models. The quadratic model was retained when significant at p<0.05 but turned into its corresponding linear model when insignificant. In the starter phase, AMP addition decreased the number of bacteria in the ileum (coliform and total aerobic bacteria (TAB); (p<0.05), the caecum (Clostridium spp., Escherichia coli, coliform, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB); p<0.05), and excreta (Clostridium spp.; p<0.1). Similarly, the number of bacteria also declined in the ileum (Escherichia coli, p<0.05; TAB, p<0.1), the caecum (LAB; p<0.1), and excreta (Clostridium spp.; p<0.05) of broilers in the finisher phase. There were significant improvements in immune response and antioxidant activity in starter broiler, as indicated by the titer of Newcastle disease (ND) antibody, bursal index, spleen index, and thymus index (p<0.05) due to AMP addition. Variables of immunoglobulin M (IgM), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), ND antibody titer, bursal index, spleen index, and thymus index were also significantly increased (p<0.05) while superoxide dismutase activity (SOD activity) tended to increase (p<0.1) in finisher broiler following the AMP addition. In short, AMP addition is able to suppress the number of pathogenic bacteria and increase the immune response and antioxidant activity of broilers.