AnimalsPub Date : 2025-03-18DOI: 10.3390/ani15060866
Stéphane Cristyne O Estevão, Gabriel Henrique Nacamura da Silva, Livia Rastoldo R Oliveira, Larissa Oliveira Dos Santos, Erikson Kadoshe M Raimundo, Rita Brito Vieira, Tiago A Rodrigues, Bernardo Rocha F Nogueira, Eliane Aparecida da Silva, Lizandra Amoroso, Michele Bernardino de Lima, Edney Pereira da Silva
{"title":"Bioavailability of Tryptophan Biomass for Laying Hens.","authors":"Stéphane Cristyne O Estevão, Gabriel Henrique Nacamura da Silva, Livia Rastoldo R Oliveira, Larissa Oliveira Dos Santos, Erikson Kadoshe M Raimundo, Rita Brito Vieira, Tiago A Rodrigues, Bernardo Rocha F Nogueira, Eliane Aparecida da Silva, Lizandra Amoroso, Michele Bernardino de Lima, Edney Pereira da Silva","doi":"10.3390/ani15060866","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Two concurrent assays were conducted with the objective of evaluating the bioequivalence and determining the relative bioavailability value (RBV) of L-tryptophan biomass 60% for laying hens. In both assays, L-tryptophan 98% was used as the reference source. A total of 216 hens were used in the two assays. The first assay was performed using the direct comparison method to assess bioequivalence between the sources. In the second assay, the slope ratio method was used to determine the RBV. The variables analyzed were feed intake, tryptophan intake, egg production, egg weight, daily egg mass, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, yolk weight, shell weight, albumen weight, albumen height, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, body protein weight, body lipid weight, body water weight, and body ash weight. The data from both assays were submitted to analysis of variance, and we only applied linear regression to variables from the data obtained using the slope ratio method that were significant at 0.05. The results obtained via the direct comparison method showed no significant difference (<i>p</i> > 0.05) between the L-tryptophan sources when using ANOVA. In the slope ratio method, the treatments only affected the egg production and daily tryptophan intake responses of the hens and linear equations were adjusted. No differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05) were found for egg quality. When we applied the slope ratio in adjusted equations, we found that the RBV = 100%. The results showed that the utilization of L-tryptophan biomass 60% in the diet of laying hens was bioequivalent.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939161/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-03-18DOI: 10.3390/ani15060869
Maria Vitória Lobo Corado, Elcimara Cardoso Pereira, Taísa Freitas Botinelly, Juliane Corrêa Glória, Rafael Luckwu de Sousa, André de Lima Guerra Corado, Antônio Alcirley da Silva Balieiro, Luís André Morais Mariúba, Silvia Umeda Gallani, Guilherme Campos Tavares
{"title":"Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on Immunoglobulin Y Antibodies for the Evaluation of Humoral Immunity Against <i>Flavobacterium oreochromis</i> in <i>Colossoma macropomum</i>: A Preliminary Study.","authors":"Maria Vitória Lobo Corado, Elcimara Cardoso Pereira, Taísa Freitas Botinelly, Juliane Corrêa Glória, Rafael Luckwu de Sousa, André de Lima Guerra Corado, Antônio Alcirley da Silva Balieiro, Luís André Morais Mariúba, Silvia Umeda Gallani, Guilherme Campos Tavares","doi":"10.3390/ani15060869","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060869","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infections with <i>Flavobacterium oreochromis</i> pose risks to the production of <i>Colossoma macropomum</i>. Since no therapeutic treatment exists for this disease in this aquatic host, prophylaxis through vaccination is one method for disease control. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is widely used in aquaculture to assess animal immunity and, mainly, to validate vaccination protocols. The method based on the use of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is an alternative to mammalian antibodies that should be considered due to its advantages over antibodies produced by small mammals. This study aimed to standardize an indirect ELISA (iELISA) protocol to validate the immunization of <i>C. macropomum</i> against <i>F. oreochromis</i>. For this, a hen and fish were immunized to obtain anti-<i>C. macropomum</i> and anti-<i>F. oreochromis</i> antibodies, respectively, which were used to standardize the test. Fish were inoculated with bacterin + adjuvant, bacterin alone, adjuvant alone, or phosphate-buffered saline, subjected to blood sampling, and monitored for up to 60 days. The iELISA was composed of the inactivated bacteria in the coating step, <i>C. macropomum</i> anti-<i>Flavobacterium oreochromis</i> as the primary antibody, and anti-<i>C. macropomum</i> IgY as the secondary antibody. The results demonstrate that the highest antibody titers were found in the organisms immunized with bacterin + adjuvant and bacterin. The iELISA enabled the detection of antibodies produced by <i>C. macropomum</i>, which were mediated by IgY specificity.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-03-18DOI: 10.3390/ani15060870
Bai Liufu, Qiyao Su, Kunhao Hong, Jie Wei, Yakun Wang, Zhiqiang Han, Lingyun Yu
{"title":"17α-Methyltestosterone Affected Growth, Gonadal Development, and Intestinal Microbial Analysis in the Giant Freshwater Prawn (<i>Macrobrachium rosenbergii</i>).","authors":"Bai Liufu, Qiyao Su, Kunhao Hong, Jie Wei, Yakun Wang, Zhiqiang Han, Lingyun Yu","doi":"10.3390/ani15060870","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060870","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>17α-methyltestosterone (MT) is known for its ability to suppress ovaries and induce spermatogenesis; yet, its effects in crustaceans are underexplored. This study investigates the impact of varying MT concentrations on the gonadal development and intestinal microbiota of juvenile <i>Macrobrachium rosenbergii</i>. Feeds containing different MT doses were provided, and the sex ratios, histological observations, reproductive gene expression, and intestinal microbial composition were analyzed. The results revealed short-term feeding (60 days) of 1000 mg/kg MT resulted in the highest male ratio, while long-term feeding (150 days) of 500 mg/kg MT achieved the same outcome. Conversely, long-term feeding of 1500 mg/kg MT led to the lowest male ratio and retarded male germ cell development. An intestinal microbiota analysis showed that MT supplementation significantly increased microbial abundance and altered the intestinal microbial community structure. Additionally, MT suppressed the expression of female reproductive-related genes. This study provides insights into the effects of MT on reproductive development and gut microbiota in juvenile prawns, offering a valuable reference for the application of MT in crustacean aquaculture.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939226/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Stalk and 1B Domains Are Required for Porcine Deltacoronavirus Helicase NSP13 to Separate the Double-Stranded Nucleic Acids, and the Deletion of the ZBD Impairs This Activity.","authors":"Chengcheng Wu, Lihan Tao, Quanyong Zhou, Fanfan Zhang, Yanbing Zeng","doi":"10.3390/ani15060865","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060865","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The nonstructural protein 13 (NSP13) of PDCoV is a highly conservative helicase and plays key roles in viral replication. NSP13 contains a zinc-binding domain (ZBD), a helical Stalk domain, a beta-barrel 1B domain, and a core helicase domain. However, the specific functions of these domains of PDCoV NSP13 remain largely unknown. Here, we expressed and purified the wild-type NSP13<sup>WT</sup> and various mutants with domain deletions, and the activities of these proteins were analyzed using multiple methods. We found that NSP13<sup>ΔZBD</sup> possessed the abilities to hydrolyze ATP and unwind double-stranded nucleic acids, but the unwinding efficiency was lower than that of NSP13<sup>WT</sup>. In contrast, NSP13<sup>ΔZBD-Stalk</sup>, NSP13<sup>Δ1B</sup>, and NSP13<sup>ΔZBD-Stalk-1B</sup> all lost their unwinding activity, but not their ATPase activity. These results revealed that the deletion of the ZBD impaired the unwinding activity of PDCoV helicase NSP13, and the Stalk and 1B domains were critical for NSP13 to separate the duplexes. The identification of the roles of each domain in this study was helpful to gain an in-depth understanding of the overall functions of helicase NSP13, providing a theoretical basis for the development of antiviral drugs targeting helicase.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939599/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of eCG on Terminal Follicular Growth and Corpus Luteum Development and Blood Perfusion in Estrous-Synchronized White Lamphun Cattle.","authors":"Molarat Sangkate, Punnawut Yama, Atsawadet Suriard, Wichayaporn Butmata, Setthawut Thammakhantha, Noppanit Daoloy, Anukul Taweechaipaisankul, Chih-Jen Lin, Pin-Chi Tang, Tossapol Moonmanee, Jakree Jitjumnong","doi":"10.3390/ani15060867","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060867","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) has been shown to improve reproductive performance in cattle by stimulating terminal follicular growth. This study was designed to assess the effects of 400 IU of eCG on TFG and its consequences for luteal development in indigenous cows undergoing ovulation synchronization. Specifically, we investigated the follicular and luteal dynamics following eCG treatment using structural markers (follicular and luteal diameters and luteal area) and functional markers (P4 profiles and luteal blood perfusion) to evaluate CL development. A total of twelve cows were assigned into two groups: an untreated control group and an eCG-treated group (<i>n</i> = 6 in each). Ultrasonography was used to scan the ovaries and monitor the development of TFG and ovulation from day 0 to ovulation. The diameter in TFG was measured daily, and the terminal follicle (TF) was identified as the preovulatory follicle throughout the study period. Ovulation was defined by the disappearance of the TF. Following ovulation, the progression of CL development in both groups was observed on days 5-6, and the mid-stage CL was identified between days 9 and 12 post-ovulation. The results indicated a faster increase in the terminal follicular diameter (TFD). From day 4 to ovulation, the eCG-treated group showed a significantly greater terminal follicular growth rate (TFGR) compared to that in the untreated control group. This enhanced follicular growth in the eCG-treated group was associated with more robust CL blood perfusion and maturation. The Doppler imaging assessments revealed a significant increase in the blood perfusion within the CL, which corresponded with the accelerated TFG. Pearson's correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between follicular growth, luteal function, and CL blood perfusion, underscoring the interconnectivity of these processes. In conclusion, our results highlighted the key role that eCG administration has in TFG and CL development and function in White Lamphun cattle.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939663/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-03-18DOI: 10.3390/ani15060864
Tábata Alves do Carmo, Júlia Dos Santos Fonseca, Fabio Ribeiro Braga, Adolfo Paz-Silva, Ricardo Velludo Gomes de Soutello, Jackson Victor de Araújo
{"title":"Exploring the Use of Helminthophagous Fungi in the Control of Helminthoses in Horses: A Review.","authors":"Tábata Alves do Carmo, Júlia Dos Santos Fonseca, Fabio Ribeiro Braga, Adolfo Paz-Silva, Ricardo Velludo Gomes de Soutello, Jackson Victor de Araújo","doi":"10.3390/ani15060864","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060864","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Equine farming faces growing challenges with helminthoses, aggravated by the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics without technical criteria. This practice favors resistance to these drugs, generates residues in animal products, compromises food safety and human health, and, when excreted in large quantities, negatively impacts environmental health by affecting invertebrates and fecal microorganisms. This highlights the importance of the One Health approach. A promising alternative is biological control with nematophagous or helminthophagous fungi such as <i>Duddingtonia flagrans</i>, <i>Pochonia chlamydosporia</i>, <i>Arthrobotrys oligospora</i>, <i>Monacrosporium thaumasium</i>, <i>Mucor circinelloides</i> and <i>Purpureocillium lilacinum</i>. Due to their different mechanisms of action, ovicidal and predatory fungi, when used together, can act in a complementary and synergistic way in the biological control of helminths, increasing their effectiveness in reducing parasitic infections. The use of these fungi through biosynthesized nanoparticles from fungal filtrates is also emerging as a new approach to nematode control. It can be administered through feed supplementation in commercial formulations. The aim of this review is to explore the use of helminthophagous fungi in the control of helminthiases in horses, highlighting their potential as a biological alternative. It also aims to understand how these fungi can contribute effectively and sustainably to parasite management in horses.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939784/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-03-18DOI: 10.3390/ani15060868
Mingsi Liao, Gota Morota, Ye Bi, Rebecca R Cockrum
{"title":"Predicting Dairy Calf Body Weight from Depth Images Using Deep Learning (YOLOv8) and Threshold Segmentation with Cross-Validation and Longitudinal Analysis.","authors":"Mingsi Liao, Gota Morota, Ye Bi, Rebecca R Cockrum","doi":"10.3390/ani15060868","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060868","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Monitoring calf body weight (BW) before weaning is essential for assessing growth, feed efficiency, health, and weaning readiness. However, labor, time, and facility constraints limit BW collection. Additionally, Holstein calf coat patterns complicate image-based BW estimation, and few studies have explored non-contact measurements taken at early time points for predicting later BW. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop deep learning-based segmentation models for extracting calf body metrics, (2) compare deep learning segmentation with threshold-based methods, and (3) evaluate BW prediction using single-time-point cross-validation with linear regression (LR) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and multiple-time-point cross-validation with LR, XGBoost, and a linear mixed model (LMM). Depth images from Holstein (n = 63) and Jersey (n = 5) pre-weaning calves were collected, with 20 Holstein calves being weighed manually. Results showed that You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8) deep learning segmentation (intersection over union = 0.98) outperformed threshold-based methods (0.89). In single-time-point cross-validation, XGBoost achieved the best BW prediction (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.91, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 4.37%), while LMM provided the most accurate longitudinal BW prediction (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.99, MAPE = 2.39%). These findings highlight the potential of deep learning for automated BW prediction, enhancing farm management.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
AnimalsPub Date : 2025-03-17DOI: 10.3390/ani15060855
Maria Ferrara, Emanuele D'Anza, Teresa Montefusco, Piera Iommelli, Barbara Piccirillo, Alessio Ruggiero, Alessandro Vastolo
{"title":"In Vitro Evaluation of Three <i>Pisum sativum</i> L. Varieties to Partially Replace Soybean and Corn Meal in Dairy Cow Diet.","authors":"Maria Ferrara, Emanuele D'Anza, Teresa Montefusco, Piera Iommelli, Barbara Piccirillo, Alessio Ruggiero, Alessandro Vastolo","doi":"10.3390/ani15060855","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060855","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) seeds are valuable feed ingredients due to their high-quality protein and starch digestibility, making them a viable alternative to soybean meal and corn grain. This study evaluated the nutritional value of three commercial pea varieties (Ganster, Peps, and Poseidon) through in vitro trials. Each variety was incorporated into an experimental diet (GNS, PES, and PNS) for dairy cows, partially replacing soybean and corn meals. These diets were compared to a control diet containing only soybean and corn meals. All diets were incubated anaerobically for 120 h with dairy cow rumen liquor. Results showed that GNS and PES diets enhanced protein degradability (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and fermentation kinetics (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Additionally, all experimental diets reduced ammonia production (<i>p</i> < 0.001), while the PES diet increased (<i>p</i> < 0.001) volatile fatty acid production. Among the tested varieties, Peps demonstrated the greatest potential by improving protein metabolism and volatile fatty acid production. These findings suggest that pea grains can be a suitable alternative in dairy cow diets, supporting efficient ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143726995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Wildlife in Huangshan Scenic Area, Anhui Province, China.","authors":"Yuting Lu, Yaqiong Wan, Lanrong Wang, Dapeng Pang, Yinfan Cai, Yijun Wu, Mingxia Tang, Jiaqi Li, Baowei Zhang","doi":"10.3390/ani15060857","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human activities impact ecosystems globally, and understanding human-wildlife coexistence is crucial for species conservation. This study analyzed trends in local wildlife populations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess their response to human disturbance. From 2017 to 2022, 60 camera sites were monitored, and seven species with the largest population size-excluding rodents-were selected for analysis. The results revealed that the presence of humans (<i>p</i> = 0.025) and domesticated animals (cats and dogs, <i>p</i> = 0.002) significantly decreased during the pandemic. Conversely, five species (except the Tibetan macaque and mainland serow) showed habitat expansion and population growth (<i>p</i> < 0.05), which may be related to their avoidance of human presence or artificial structures such as roads and tourism facilities. In addition, the analysis showed that most species, except the Tibetan macaque and wild boar, adjusted their activity patterns, showing increased diurnal activity when human disturbances were reduced (RR > 0). These findings suggest that species may adapt their behaviors to avoid human presence. This study highlights the negative impacts of human activities on local wildlife and emphasizes the need for stronger conservation and management efforts to mitigate human disturbances in scenic areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of <i>Vachellia tortilis</i> Leaf Meal and Sunflower Oil Inclusion in Supplementary Diets of Lambs on In Vitro Short-Chain Fatty Acid and Gas Production and In Vivo Growth Performance.","authors":"Mahlogonolo Daniel Serumula, Bulelani Nangamso Pepeta, Mehluli Moyo, Terence Nkwanwir Suinyuy, Ignatius Verla Nsahlai","doi":"10.3390/ani15060863","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ani15060863","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the effect of dietary <i>Vachellia tortilis</i> leaf meal and sunflower oil inclusion in supplementary diets on in vitro short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and gas production and the in vivo growth performance of lambs. Four concentrate dietary treatments comprising control (CL), <i>Vachellia tortilis</i> leaf meal (VT), sunflower oil (SFO), and <i>Vachellia tortilis</i> leaf meal sunflower oil (VSFO) were formulated. Eight Merino lambs were blocked into two live weight blocks where animals within each block were randomly assigned to dietary treatments, making two animals per treatment. Lambs were offered a concentrate diet of 480 g/day per head, with urea-treated hay fed as a basal diet. Dietary effects were evaluated for in vitro short-chain fatty acid and gas production and 28-day growth performance of lambs over three study periods. The inclusion of VT and SFO showed no statistically significant effect on total SCFAs, acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio, methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) production (<i>p</i> > 0.05), which might be attributable to low experimental units. The hourly A:P ratio and CH4 yield were the highest (<i>p</i> < 0.05) at 16 h of incubation. The inclusion of VT showed no statistically significant effect on growth performance and gas production due to the small sample size. Therefore, VT can be explored as a supplementary protein source in lamb diets given the impression of not showing any causative adverse effects on growth performance and in vitro gas production, although further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7955,"journal":{"name":"Animals","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}