S. Angrecka, Urszula Solecka, F. Vieira, P. Herbut, Matheus Deniz, K. Adamczyk, D. Godyń
{"title":"Noise as a factor of environmental stress for cattle – A review","authors":"S. Angrecka, Urszula Solecka, F. Vieira, P. Herbut, Matheus Deniz, K. Adamczyk, D. Godyń","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0046","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract One of the minor studied stress factors in cattle breeding is noise. Noise is any unwanted chronic or intermittent sound and the amount and type of noise sources are related to the cattle production system. The aim of the review was to highlight the literature regarding noise as a robust environmental stressor and the following impact on the behavioural, physiological and performance reactions of cattle. In addition, it was shown how often this problem is discussed in the scientific literature. Review was conducted with a search strategy of peer-reviewed articles written in English before June 2022. The systematic searches were performed using the Web of Science and Scopus databases with the integration of Boolean operators to string together words or phrases. It is recommended to create an environment around cows in which the acoustic stimuli affecting the animals are under their control. Therefore, if the sound source cannot be eliminated, animals should be able to choose places with a lower sound intensity appropriate for the perceptual abilities of cattle. On the other hand, attention is paid to the positive aspects of some groups of sound signals i.e. positive nature of music for cows and people during milking. The scientific publications analysed by the methodology drew attention to the repeatability of the discussed results. Further research on this subject should be considered because developing farms use modern solutions in barns which can negatively affect the acoustic comfort of cows, and their impact has yet to be determined.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":"23 1","pages":"717 - 723"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47896528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E. Molik, Raha JavadiEsfahani, M. Murawski, T. Schwarz, Mark Jamieson, B. Ahmadi, P. Bartlewski
{"title":"A preliminary study of the relationships between echotextural characteristics of the mammary gland and chemical composition of milk during early lactation in ewes","authors":"E. Molik, Raha JavadiEsfahani, M. Murawski, T. Schwarz, Mark Jamieson, B. Ahmadi, P. Bartlewski","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0038","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This study aimed to examine the ultrasonographic characteristics of the mammary gland in post-partum ewes (1 to 4 weeks after lambing) of varying genotypes for correlations with the chemical composition of milk. Ultrasonograms of mammary glands in coronal (C) and sagittal (S) planes were obtained using 5.0- and 7.5-MHz transducers from four Polish Mountain (PMt) and six Olkuska (Olk) ewes. Computerized image analyses of all images have been performed to determine pixel intensity (numerical pixel values-NPV) and heterogeneity (pixel standard deviation-PSD) of the mammary gland stroma/parenchyma. In PMt ewes examined with the 5.0-MHz probe, the mean NPV-C correlated negatively with C17:0 (margaric acid) and C17:1 c10 (heptadecenoic acid). Furthermore, NPV-S correlated negatively with C17:0 content of milk. In PMt ewes examined with the 7.5-MHz transducer, the mean NPV-S correlated positively with the crude fat and total solids, and negatively with C18:3 c9, c12, c15 (n-3) (α-linoleic acid) content of milk samples, while PSD-S correlated positively with C16:0 (palmitic acid) and negatively with lactose. In the scans obtained with the 5.0-MHz in Olk sheep, the mean NPV-C was directly related to C10:1 (decanoic acid), C14:1 (myristoleic acid), C16:1 iso (iso-hexadecanoic acid), C16:1 c9 (palmitoleic acid), and C18:0 (stearic acid) content; the mean PSD-C correlated positively with total solids, C14:1, C15:0, C16:0, C16:1 iso, C16:1 c9, CLA (conjugated linoleic acids), and total saturated fatty acid content, and negatively with C18:1 c11 (n-7) (cis-vaccenic acid), C18:2 c9,c12 (n-6) (linoleic acid), and total polyunsaturated fatty acid content of milk; and the mean PSD-S correlated directly with ash and total saturated fatty acid content of the milk. Lastly, the mean NPV-C of images recorded with the 7.5-MHz probe in Olk ewes related directly to ash and C12:0 (lauric acid); the mean NPV-S related directly to ash and C16:1 iso; the mean PSD-C correlated positively with ash and total saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, and the mean PSD-S correlated positively with the total SFA. Echotextural attributes of the mammary gland in ewes have the makings of the technique for determining milk content of certain chemical constituents in a breed-specific manner; however, further studies are needed to verify the usefulness of echotextural analyses of the udder to consistently predict complete milk composition.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46012524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. H. Nam, L. T. Thuong, Nguyen Thi Le, Nguyen Van Nhat, Bui Tran Anh Dao, Tran Minh Hai, N. D. Truong, Do Khoa Thi Lanh, P. Sukon
{"title":"Effects of farrowing induction on some farrowing characteristics in the pig: a review","authors":"N. H. Nam, L. T. Thuong, Nguyen Thi Le, Nguyen Van Nhat, Bui Tran Anh Dao, Tran Minh Hai, N. D. Truong, Do Khoa Thi Lanh, P. Sukon","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0041","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Several farrowing induction programs have been used to increase the proportion of sow farrowing during the work period and the rate of farrowing supervision, as well as to promote the success of cross-fostering and the practice of all-in all-out in swine production. The present overview aimed to evaluate the effects of farrowing induction on farrowing duration, birth interval, birth weight, dystocia/birth assistance, and stillbirth in pigs. The results showed that via different routes of administration, either natural or synthetic prostaglandins alone or in combination mostly with uterotonic drugs, including oxytocin and carbetocin, have been used for the induction of farrowing. Sometimes other drugs, such as dexamethasone, estradiol, xylazine, ergometrine, and AGN190851, were added. Vulvar and perinatal routes reduced the intramuscular dose of prostaglandins by 50% to 75%, while equal effects remained. A split dose of prostaglandin 6 h apart should be used because it may enhance complete luteolysis. Additionally, if uterotonic drugs are used following prostaglandin injection, they should be injected after the birth of the first piglets at the earliest timepoint to ensure full opening of the cervix. These two practices decrease the farrowing duration, the birth interval, and dystocia. Induction should not be conducted more than 2 days earlier than the expected farrowing date in order to keep the stillbirth rate and birth weight unaltered. This review also revealed that certain factors, such as the rate of farrowing supervision, natural differences in piglets’ birth weights, litter size, gestation length, and treatment with altrenogest before induction, may be confounding factors that possibly alter the effect of induction programs on certain farrowing characteristics.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42739473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. C. de Oliveira, Y. Attia, A. Khafaga, Adel D. Alqurashi, Khalid A. Asiry, A. Taha, M. A. Abd El-Hack
{"title":"Withania somnifera as a phytoherbal growth promoter for broilers farming","authors":"M. C. de Oliveira, Y. Attia, A. Khafaga, Adel D. Alqurashi, Khalid A. Asiry, A. Taha, M. A. Abd El-Hack","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0045","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Poultry production significantly contributes to bridging the food gap worldwide. Several nations have limited the usage of antibiotic growth promotors due to bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the occurrence of residual antibiotics in the edible tissues of birds. The world is now turning to using natural alternatives to increase poultry production as well as birds’ resistance to diseases. Withania somnifera (WS; family: Solanaceae) is a precious medicinal herb utilized in several countries due to its distinct chemical, medicinal, and physiological properties. This plant has antioxidant, anti-aging, antimicrobial, antitumor, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, antistress, and growth-promoting activities. In poultry, the dietary inclusion of WS revealed a promising result in enhancing productive performance, increasing disease resistance, reducing stress effects, and maintaining the bird’s health. Thus, the current review highlights the morphological features, distribution, chemical structure, and pharmacological features of Withania somnifera as a growth promoter herb for farming broiler chickens.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45688484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Manan, Mohamad Jalilah, Fazlan Fauzan, M. Ikhwanuddin, A. Amin-Safwan, Nur Syazwani Abdullah, Mamat Nur-Syahirah, N. Kasan
{"title":"Recent developments in aquaculture – A review","authors":"H. Manan, Mohamad Jalilah, Fazlan Fauzan, M. Ikhwanuddin, A. Amin-Safwan, Nur Syazwani Abdullah, Mamat Nur-Syahirah, N. Kasan","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0044","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Towards the sustainable aquaculture production, more recent technologies have been developed in the past few years. The application of effectives microbes (EM) in controlling water quality, the application of biofloc technology, aquamimicry, black soldier fly (BSF) as supplemental protein feed, application of triploidy, polyploidy, vaccines, probiotic and prebiotic, Internet of Things (IoT) in monitoring the water quality in the farm operation, monosex culture and neo-female application also being applied in the aquaculture operation. The developments of these recent technologies were towards achieving the sustainable aquaculture production, prevention of the disease outbreak, help in increasing the yield of crops harvested as well as towards the green environmental developments. This review paper emphasizes the most recent technologies developed in aquaculture in the past few years until these days. The developments of the new technology in aquaculture also in order to support the sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nation focused on SDG1 (no poverty) and SDG2 (zero hunger) from the increase of aquaculture production achieved through the recent developed technology. Ultimately, this review paper can generate new knowledge and information to the aquaculturist and aquafarmers on the new technologies and developments in aquaculture which could help benefit in the cultures operation and increase production in the near future.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":"23 1","pages":"663 - 680"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42319451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mina Rashidi Demir, H. Raei, S. Adabi, M. Torshizi, F. Cedden
{"title":"Sperm fatty acid composition, semen quality, and reproductive performance of roosters fed diets supplemented with n-3 fatty acids and ginger (Zingiber officinale)","authors":"Mina Rashidi Demir, H. Raei, S. Adabi, M. Torshizi, F. Cedden","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0039","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids and ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation on semen quality, sperm fatty acids, and reproductive performance of roosters. Seventy-two roosters (30 weeks old) were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments including 1) basal diet as the control group (F0G0), 2) basal diet supplemented with 20 g/kg fish oil (F2G0), 3) basal diet supplemented with 30 g/kg ginger powder (PG) (F0G3), and 4) basal diet supplemented with 20 g/kg fish oil and 30 g/kg ginger powder (F2G3) for 10 consecutive weeks. The levels of sperm linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA were higher in fish oil-fed roosters (P<0.05). A lower percentage of sperm linoleic and arachidonic acids were recorded in F2G0 and F2G3 groups (P<0.05). At 38 weeks of age, a higher sperm volume was found in F0G3 roosters than in the F0G0 and F2G0 groups. From week 34 to the end of the experiment, sperm viability, sperm abnormality, and sperm motility were significantly improved in the GP-fed roosters (F0G3 and F2G3 groups) (P<0.05). Significantly lowest sperm concentration overall the experiment was observed in the F2G0 group (P<0.05). Higher testosterone levels and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content were recorded in F0G3 and F2G3 groups in comparison to the F2G0 (P<0.05). Also, the fertility rate of collected eggs from F0G3 and F2G3 groups was higher compared to F2G0 group (P<0.05). In conclusion, although the use of fish oil in roosters’ diets alone had a negative effect on some parameters related to reproductive performance, the use of ginger powder alone or along with fish oil improved semen quality and fertility potential.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":"23 1","pages":"745 - 755"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44019581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Minaz, İrfan Selçuk Yazici, H. Sevgili, I. Aydin
{"title":"Biofloc technology in aquaculture: Advantages and disadvantages from social and applicability perspectives","authors":"M. Minaz, İrfan Selçuk Yazici, H. Sevgili, I. Aydin","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0043","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The world aquaculture industry seeks sustainable production strategies to respond to the needs of the growing world population for valuable food. Biofloc technology (BFT) is accepted as a novel sustainable method that reduces the pollution load on receiving water resources with its zero-water-discharge approach, eliminates extra water treatment costs with its biological cycles, and supports the growth performance of reared animals and thereby reduces feed costs. However, each BFT system has its own set of difficulties and obstacles. This review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of BFT systems in terms of economy, sociability and applicability. The BFT shows more effective results in the conversion of toxic nitrogenous compounds to nontoxic compounds compared with the technologies based on nitrification processes. In addition, the growth performance and health of the cultured animals are generally better in BFT systems than those in conventional rearing systems (continuous water flow). The risk of common diseases occurrence due to pathogenic microorganisms appears to be lower in BFT systems compared to conventional aquaculture. It is also noteworthy that the immune system, biochemical stress indicators and antioxidant activities of organisms held in BFT systems are positively affected. In BFT systems based on microbial activity, the high water temperature demanded by bacteria is a limiter for the system. Moreover, a higher aeration/energy requirement is the case in BFT to meet the oxygen demand of all organisms including fish, shrimp, heterotrophic bacteria, nematodes, rotifers and others inside. There is also another concern about the acceptability potential of the cultured organism in BFT systems for consumption. Finally, since the high temperature demand of the system will create high energy costs, it should be considered as another restriction that forces the application. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of BFT systems as sustainable aquaculture, this review provides a guide for future studies and full-scale implementations.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":"0 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69171030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Dokou, K. Bitchava, I. Stylianaki, P. Chantzi, A. Efstathiou, K. Vasilopoulou, M. Tsoumani, E. Gouva, G. Michailidis, Kumar Prafulla, E. Karagouni, I. Giannenas
{"title":"Nano-oregano essential oil improves rainbow trout’s (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) growth performance, oxidative status, fatty acid profile of fillet, affects gene expression and supports skin and intestinal histomorphometry","authors":"S. Dokou, K. Bitchava, I. Stylianaki, P. Chantzi, A. Efstathiou, K. Vasilopoulou, M. Tsoumani, E. Gouva, G. Michailidis, Kumar Prafulla, E. Karagouni, I. Giannenas","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0032","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of a microencapsulated oregano feed additive containing oregano essential oil named “VISNAT 1” on growth performance, intestinal and skin histomorphometry, serum biochemical parameters, fillet oxidative status and fatty acids (FA) profile of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under conventional farming conditions. Also, changes in the expression levels of both Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Growth hormone 1 (GH-1) genes were assessed. A total of 200 sub-adult trouts (52 g±3.2), were randomly allocated into two different treatments with four replicates each. The control group was fed a basal diet, while oregano group was fed diet supplemented with oregano essential oil at the level of 1.0 kg/t of feed. The results indicate that the phytobiotic product beneficially altered feed, fillet and serum oxidative status and improved performance of trouts. Also, oregano essential oil beneficially affected the histopathology and histomorphometry of intestine and skin. Moreover, oregano oil addition in the rainbow trout diet can initiate mitogenic and anti-apoptotic responses in the liver, which is one of the main actions of IGF-1 receptor promoting body growth and health. As a result, oregano essential oil can be used as a supplement on trouts diet but further investigation upon its action should take place.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43449368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Occurrence of mycotoxins in conserved grass and legume forages: a systematic review","authors":"João P. R. B. Aranega, C. A. F. de Oliveira","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0030","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Conserved forages are important feed for livestock and equine all over the world. However, contamination with mycotoxins may occur, leading to health issues to the animals and to humans that consume products of animal origin. As information on the occurrence of mycotoxins in conserved grass and legume forages is scarce, a review of the literature published between January 1992 and July 2022 was performed to assess the worldwide occurrence and levels of mycotoxins in hay, haylage, and silage. Zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), and aflatoxins (AFs) were the most common mycotoxins found in conserved forage in North America, Africa, and the Middle East, with ZEN and AFs in levels above the maximum levels determined in European Union (EU) regulations for animal feed. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was detected in high levels in conserved forages in Europe. Although other mycotoxins were found, they were detected in lower frequencies and levels. Co-occurrence of mycotoxins was identified in more than half of the studies analyzed. There were few studies carried out in Asia, Middle East, Oceania, and not information was available on Central and South America, reinforcing the need of studies on the issue in these regions.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46627860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Al‐Sagheer, G. ABDEL-RAHMAN, Elham A. Abd El-Moniem, S. Mahgoub, M. Ayyat
{"title":"Influence of dietary chitosan supplementation on growth indicators, nutrient digestibility, immunity, cecal microbiota, and intestinal morphology of growing male rabbits","authors":"A. Al‐Sagheer, G. ABDEL-RAHMAN, Elham A. Abd El-Moniem, S. Mahgoub, M. Ayyat","doi":"10.2478/aoas-2023-0031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0031","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The present study aimed to assess the influence of dietary chitosan on production performance, nutrient digestibility, slaughter traits, immune function, cecal microbiota, and intestinal histomorphometry of growing rabbits for 56 days. In total, sixty New Zealand White male rabbits aged 35 days (574±7.26 g, mean ± SEM) were arbitrarily assigned to four dietary groups. The experimental diets were fortified with chitosan powder at 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg per kg diet, respectively. It was found that final weight, specific growth rate, daily weight gain, and feed: gain enhanced linearly (P<0.05) with increasing chitosan levels in the diet. No significant differences were found for all slaughter traits, including hot carcass weight, carcass yield, and internal organ weights, besides carcass parts, including head, fore, intermediate and hind parts. Hematocrit percentage (linear, P = 0.024), serum lysozyme activity (linear, P = 0.004), immunoglobulin M, and complement C3 concentrations (linearly, P<0.001) increased with increasing chitosan supplementation levels. The organic matter (P = 0.009), dry matter (P = 0.008), and nitrogen-free extract (P = 0.012) digestibilities were enhanced quadratically by dietary supplementation with chitosan. Cecal lactobacilli, E. coli, coliform and Salmonella spp. populations (linear, P<0.05) decreased in response to chitosan supplementation. All the dietary chitosan levels increased villus width, villus length, and crypt depth (linear, P<0.001), whereas muscular layer thickness decreased (linear, P=0.002). In summary, supplementing the diet of growing rabbits with chitosan can improve growth indicators, immunity, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology, as well as reduce pathogenic cecal bacteria.","PeriodicalId":8235,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Animal Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46804939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}