Veterinary and Animal Science最新文献

{"title":"Nutritional and managerial interventions on growth performance, nutrient transport-related genes and behavioral responses in heats stressed broiler chickens","authors":"Abolfazl Ghaleghafi,&nbsp;Kaveh Jafari Khorshidi,&nbsp;Mohammad Ali Jafari","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nutritional additives and management on performance, behavioral responses, energy metabolism and expression of stress, antioxidant, growth, and nutrient transport-related genes in broiler chickens under heat stress (HS). Experimental treatments including: 1) control group, 2) heat-stressed group (HS), 3) HS + vitamin E and organic selenium, 4) HS + vitamin C and coenzyme Q10, 5) HS + eubiotic, 6) HS + 10 % increase in methionine, 7) HS + 20 % increase in methionine, and 8) HS + ice and non-alcoholic beer. HS was applied from day 28 to 42 of age at 32 ± 1 °C, daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The results showed that HS treatment significantly reduced feed intake and body weight gain compared with the control group, whereas supplementation with vitamin <em>E</em> + selenium and vitamin <em>C</em> + coenzyme Q10 fully alleviated these negative effects, restoring performance to levels comparable to the control. HS increased scores for pecking, panting, resting, and wing spreading, while the ice and beer treatment completely mitigated these behavioral stress responses. HS suppressed hepatic expression of HSP70, antioxidant genes, IGF1 and SLC3A1. Overall, these findings highlight that targeted nutritional supplementation combined with management strategies can effectively mitigate HS–induced impairments in broiler chickens, improving performance, behavioral responses, energy metabolism, and gene expression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100561"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential impact of sodium butyrate forms on intestinal morphology, gene expression, and growth performance in broiler chickens under cold stress at high altitude","authors":"Sajad Pat ,&nbsp;Behnam Ahmadipour ,&nbsp;Fariborz Khajali ,&nbsp;Hossein Hassanpour","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Broiler chickens reared at high altitudes face multiple stressors, including cold and hypoxia, which impair growth and gut health. Sodium butyrate (NaB) has emerged as a promising feed additive to mitigate these effects. This study evaluated the impact of non-encapsulated NaB and encapsulated (E-NaB) sodium butyrate on intestinal morphology, gene expression, and performance metrics in broilers under cold stress at high altitude. A total of 675 one-day-old Cobb broilers were assigned to nine dietary treatments: control, NaB (0.05% or 0.1%), E-NaB (0.05% or 0.1%), and their combinations. Birds were reared at 2100 m and subjected to cold stress. Growth performance, intestinal morphology, gene expression (<em>MUC2, FABP2, GLUT2, TLR2, GPX, SOD1</em>), and pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) index (RV:TV ratio) were assessed. NaB supplementation improved the feed conversion ratio during the starter phase and overall rearing period (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Combined NaB+<em>E</em>-NaB treatments enhanced villus height, width, and surface area in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of <em>MUC2, FABP2, GLUT2, TLR2, GPX,</em> and <em>SOD1</em> in supplemented groups, particularly in combined treatments (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The RV:TV ratio, indicating PHS risk, was reduced in NaB0.1% and combined groups (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). It is concluded that Sodium butyrate, especially in combined or encapsulated forms, improved gut health, modulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes (<em>GPX</em> and <em>SOD1</em>), and enhanced performance in broilers under cold stress and high-altitude conditions. These findings highlight NaB’s potential as a strategic feed additive to enhance resilience in challenging environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100565"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of rumen-protected methionine and guanidinoacetic acid on growth performance, hematological indices, and immune-related gene expression in suckling Holstein Calves","authors":"Seyed Mohammad Javidhosseini ,&nbsp;Alireza Noshary ,&nbsp;Nima Eila ,&nbsp;Ali Assadi-Alamouti ,&nbsp;Abdolreza Daneshvar Amoli","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100581","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100581","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effect of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) and guanidinoacetic acid on performance, growth, hematological indices, and immune-related gene expression in suckling Holstein calves. Forty-eight Holstein calves (with an average weight of 39 ± 1 kg) were randomly divided into four experimental groups (<em>n</em> = 12). Each group randomly received one of four diets: (1) control, (2) a basic diet with 0.73% RPM, (3) a basic diet with 1000 mg of GAA acid, and 4) a basic diet with 0.73% PRM and 100 mg of GAA. Body weight (BW) was higher in the RPM group in comparison to the GAA group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). At day 56, glucose and cholesterol concentrations in calves receiving GAA, RPM, and mixed feeding were lower than in the controls (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The results demonstrated that the GAA and Mix groups experienced significant increases in IFN-γ gene expression (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, RPM supplementation increased body weight compared to GAA, while GAA and RPM effectively reduced glucose and cholesterol levels at day 56. GAA also lowered cholesterol at weaning age compared to RPM. Significant increases in IFN-γ gene expression were observed in GAA and Mix groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100581"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146143827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and economic impact of subclinical ketosis on smallholder farms of Holstein-Friesian-Zebu crossbred cows","authors":"Kassahun Ayana Negasee ,&nbsp;Samuel Derso Tezera ,&nbsp;Fentahun Mengie Bayilie ,&nbsp;Yitayew Demessie ,&nbsp;Abebe Belete Bitew ,&nbsp;Sefinew Alemu Mekonnen","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100556","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100556","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ketosis is the excessive accumulation of ketone bodies in the bloodstream in response to a negative energy balance. In Ethiopia, there is limited data on subclinical ketosis. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify factors associated with subclinical ketosis (SCK), as well as measure the economic losses among lactating dairy cows. Cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs were employed. Samples used to assess SCK were blood and milk. A total of 198 cows from 78 dairy farms were included as samples. The level of ketone bodies was estimated from the fat-to-protein ratio (FPR). Data were collected by face-to-face interviews. The milk yield of 32 cows was measured over eight days to estimate the reduction in milk production. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the prevalence of SCK. The prevalence of SCK was 57 %. Cows with concentrate feeding, with mastitis, and with &gt;50 % Holstein Friesian blood level had higher odds of SCK. Poor body condition was associated with reduced odds of SCK , whereas increased parity increased the odds of SCK. SCK resulted in a daily milk loss of 0.8 liters per cow, which resulted in average annual losses of 5182 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) per farm (1 ETB = 0.023 US Dollars) and 2445 Birr per cow. SCK is a problem in crossbred dairy cows that contributes to significant economic losses, with a negative impact on the income of smallholder dairy farmers. It emphasizes the need for improved awareness, dairy extension services, and better health management practices to mitigate the impact of SCK on smallholder dairy farms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100556"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interactive effects of lysine restriction, vitamin fortification, and insoluble fiber on intestinal morphometry in broilers fed reduced-crude-protein diets","authors":"Ahmad Salahi ,&nbsp;M.H. Shahir ,&nbsp;Iraj Jafari Anarkooli ,&nbsp;Zahra Abdi","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100574","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100574","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This 2 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial trial examined digestible lysine:CP (6.2 vs. 5.7%), vitamins (standard vs. enhanced), and fiber (0 vs. 0.5% Arbocel®) effects on jejunal morphometry in 756 male Ross 308 broilers (d10–40) fed 12% reduced-CP diets vs. control. Protein and lysine reduction had limited effects on overall intestinal dimensions, though jejunal length declined (<em>P</em> = 0.041). Insoluble fiber significantly enlarged cecal surface area (<em>P</em> = 0.023, +15.2%). Vitamin × fiber and lysine × fiber interactions significantly influenced intestinal segment weights and lengths (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). CP reduction markedly decreased epithelial length (-12.3%), villus height (-10.5%), villus surface area (VSA) (-18.7%), and wall thickness (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.001), while lysine restriction alone had minimal impact except on crypt number (<em>P</em> = 0.002). Vitamin fortification enhanced epithelial length (+8.4%), villus height (+9.1%), and enterocyte count (+11.2%), in HV2F0 birds. Synergistic fiber × vitamin and fiber × lysine interactions significantly modulated epithelial structure (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). AI-based ImageJ analysis outperformed Cell^ A, detecting 5.2% shorter villi and 10.9% deeper crypts, confirming its superiority in microstructural assessment. CP and lysine reductions altered goblet cell number and crypt dimensions, whereas fiber increased goblet cell area and ratios (+14.6%). Vitamin effects on goblet metrics were modest but significant (<em>P</em> = 0.032). In conclusion, while CP and lysine reduction perturbed jejunal microstructure, synergistic supplementation with vitamins and insoluble fiber effectively supported mucosal integrity, highlighting their compensatory role in maintaining gut health under protein-reduced conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100574"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing climate-resilient livestock systems: Next-generation emission mitigation strategies and integrated technological innovations","authors":"Navid Ghavi Hossein-Zadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Livestock production significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), posing challenges to climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability. This review explores advanced, system-wide approaches to reduce emissions from livestock systems while enhancing productivity, resilience, and resource efficiency. It covers short-term mitigation strategies such as dietary interventions—including methane inhibitors, microbial modulators, and natural compounds—that target enteric fermentation. Long-term solutions involve genetic and breeding innovations, such as microbiome-genome interaction analyses, CRISPR-based editing, and low-methane phenotyping, supported by genomic selection and precision phenotyping tools. The review also assesses advanced manure management technologies like anaerobic digesters and nutrient recovery systems, and examines precision livestock farming tools, including real-time sensors, machine learning models, UAVs, and IoT-based monitoring systems. Emerging digital tools, blockchain, augmented reality, and AI-assisted diagnostics are highlighted for enhancing traceability and decision-making. The potential of integrated energy systems, such as microbial fuel cells, hydrogen electrolysis, algae-based bioenergy, and thermal gasification, is discussed alongside traditional renewables, enabling livestock farms to become clean energy hubs. Circularity is emphasized through silvopasture, algal bioremediation, insect bioconversion, and integrated crop-livestock systems. Environmental assessment tools and the socio-political dimensions of technology adoption, including policy, education, and farmer behavior, are also considered. Future research directions, such as atmospheric methane oxidation, 4D-printed feed additives, and quantum modeling, are proposed. Overall, the review calls for a transdisciplinary, integrated approach to transform livestock systems into climate-smart, low-emission food production networks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100588"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fermentation characteristics and nutritional value of whole and defatted black soldier fly larvae meal for ruminants using in vitro techniques","authors":"Ana Sheikhalipour ,&nbsp;Ali Hosseinkhani ,&nbsp;Akbar Taghizadeh ,&nbsp;Hamed Khalilvandi-Behroozyar ,&nbsp;Leila Ahmadzadeh-Gavahan","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and nutritional value of whole and defatted black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal using the <em>in vitro</em> gas production technique and the Holden method. Samples were prepared and incubated for 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h. Rumen fluid was collected from three fistulated sheep fed a diet containing 40% concentrate and 60% forage at maintenance level for one month prior to sampling. The results indicated that defatting BSFL increased crude protein content from 38.10% to 42.85% and reduced ether extract from 24.20% to 16.40%. Defatted BSFL produced significantly greater cumulative gas volumes at all incubation times compared with whole larvae. Gas production at 24 h was 81.96 and 79.03 mL per 200 mg of dry matter, and increased to 141.83 and 114.85 mL at 96 h for defatted and whole larvae, respectively. The fractional rate of gas production (c) was slightly higher for whole larvae than for defatted larvae (0.045 vs. 0.030 mL·h⁻¹). Organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy for lactation (NEL), and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were higher for defatted BSFL compared with whole larvae (91.23% vs. 89.48%, 13.91 vs. 12.61 MJ·kg⁻¹ DM, 10.48 vs. 9.29 MJ·kg⁻¹ DM, and 1.23 vs. 1.21 mmol, respectively). In addition, digestibility values estimated using the Holden method were greater for defatted larvae than for whole larvae (60.90 vs. 55.50%). Overall, the results suggest that defatting black soldier fly larvae enhances their nutritional value and fermentability, indicating their potential as a high-quality feed ingredient for ruminant animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100572"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Taurine and Betaine, Alone and in Combination, Mitigate Lysis of Canine Erythrocytes in an In Vitro Model of Iron-Deficiency Anemia","authors":"Yan Ma ,&nbsp;Jiaxi Li ,&nbsp;Yunliang Li ,&nbsp;Haile Ma ,&nbsp;Lei Lv","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100573","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100573","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dog anemia can result in symptoms such as lethargy, reduced appetite, weight loss, and dull coat, and in severe cases, it can become life-threatening. Currently available nutritional supplements for addressing anemia in pets often suffer from low bioavailability and significant side effects. This study investigates the effects of taurine and betaine on the survival and functionality of canine erythrocytes in vitro under conditions of nutritional anemia induced by the iron chelator desferrioxamine (DFO). Our findings indicate that taurine and betaine significantly enhance erythrocyte resilience and functionality in this specific in vitro model of nutritional anemia. Notably, this research sheds light on potential strategies for reducing lysis of canine RBCs in an in vitro model of iron deficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100573"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rickettsia asembonensis in fleas from wild and domestic hosts in Italy","authors":"Valentina Chisu ,&nbsp;Laura Giua ,&nbsp;Rosanna Zobba ,&nbsp;Giovanna Chessa ,&nbsp;Giovanna Masala ,&nbsp;Pierangela Cabras ,&nbsp;Cipriano Foxi ,&nbsp;Carla Cacciotto ,&nbsp;Emanuela Bazzoni ,&nbsp;Alberto Alberti","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2026.100584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study provides the first molecular evidence and surveillance data of <em>Rickettsia asembonensis</em> in Sardinia, Italy, detected in fleas (<em>Pulex irritans, Xenopsylla cheopis</em>, and <em>Archaeopsylla erinacei</em>) collected from domestic (goat, dog, cat, and pig) and wild (wild boar, fox, kestrel, crow, pigeon, peacock, buzzard, hen, barn owl, martin, hedgehog, owl, and flamingo) hosts in Sardinia between 2021 and 2024. Multilocus molecular analyses of <em>gltA, ompA, ompB, Sca4</em>, and <em>htrA</em> genes revealed sequences with 100% identity to <em>R. asembonensis</em> strains previously reported from Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Thailand, and Malaysia, while all lice examined tested negative. These findings broaden current understanding of <em>Rickettsia</em> diversity in the Mediterranean region and highlight the importance of integrated surveillance involving diverse ectoparasite species. Sustained molecular monitoring of fleas and their hosts will be vital to clarify the ecology, distribution, and potential zoonotic relevance of <em>R. asembonensis</em> and other emerging <em>Rickettsia</em> species in southern Europe.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100584"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the role of Spirulina Platensis in diets containing flaxseed oil on performance, antioxidant status, ovarian follicles, egg shelf life, and yolk fatty acid profile in laying hens","authors":"Javad Ghanouni-Bostanabad,&nbsp;Seyyed Ali Mirghelenj,&nbsp;Mohsen Daneshyar,&nbsp;Ali Hashemi,&nbsp;Sina Payvastegan,&nbsp;Amir Mosayyeb Zadeh,&nbsp;Hamzeh Ghaderi-Chaparabad,&nbsp;Motaleb Ebrahimi","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of <em>Spirulina Platensis</em> (<strong>SP</strong>) supplementation in diets containing different levels of flaxseed oil on production performance, antioxidant status, ovarian characteristics, egg quality during storage and yolk fatty acid profile in laying hens. For this purpose, 288 laying hens (Hy-line-W36, 70 weeks of age) were used in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with 6 replications and 8 birds per replication. The experimental treatments included diets containing 3 levels of flaxseed oil (0, 1.5 and 3 % of the diet) and 2 levels of the SP (0 and 5 g/kg of the diet). The results showed that the use of 5 g/kg of Spirulina in flaxseed oil diet at levels of 1.5 and 3 % significantly improved the laying percentage, egg weight and feed conversion ratio (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Consumption of flaxseed oil without SP caused a decrease in total antioxidant capacity and an increase in malondialdehyde (<strong>MDA</strong>) in serum and liver, while the addition of 5 g/kg of SP compensated and improved these effects (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The interactive effects indicated that SP supplementation in 1.5 and 3 % flaxseed oil-containing diets had a synergistic effect on large yellow follicles weight (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The three-way interaction (flaxseed oil × SP × storage) revealed that SP supplementation significantly improved Haugh unit values during storage compared to treatments without SP (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In addition, increasing the level of flaxseed oil increased omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids including alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (<strong>DHA</strong>) and decreased the omega-6/ omega-3 ratio in egg yolk, and simultaneous consumption of SP showed more increasing effects on the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Also, a linear and positive relationship was observed between the concentration of DHA in egg yolk and the amount of MDA in liver tissue (r = 0.978, r² = 0.957), indicating a very strong correlation between egg enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver. While a conventional egg supplied only one-twentieth and one-sixteenth of the daily omega-3 requirement for men and women, respectively, a single enriched egg with 3 % flaxseed oil plus SP provided approximately one-eighth of the daily requirement for men and one-seventh for women. In general, the addition of flaxseed oil to the diet of laying hens, while improving production performance and yolk fatty acid profile, increased lipid peroxidation and decreased egg stability during storage. However, simultaneous supplementation with SP not only increased production performance and ovarian follicles, but also can be an effective strategy to produce functional eggs with enhanced health benefits, improved oxidative stability, and extended shelf life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100544"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}