Journal of Animal Science and Animal Nutrition

Astaxanthin: a powerful antioxidant used in aquaculture for coloration with aquatic animal health implications

2023-11-17T18:17:38+00:00

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll with unique properties that make it a potent antioxidant and photoreceptor. It is synthesized in lower trophic level organisms, such as microalgae, yeast, and some other microbes. It is also synthetically manufactured. The use of astaxanthin for pigmentation in aquaculture is well documented, as are the numerous benefits for humans from the consumption of astaxanthin. However, little research has been conducted on its potential health benefits to aquatic species. Astaxanthin has recently been identified as a semi-essential nutrient for some common aquaculture species, such as crustaceans and salmonids, but its effectiveness as a health supplement in aquatic species is unclear. This review aims to summarize the varied current uses of astaxanthin in aquaculture, as well as the potential effects of astaxanthin on the aquatic animal species which receive it.

Analysis of the lipid profile, activity of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory molecules after vitamin D supplementation in an experimental model of diet-induced atherosclerosis

2022-07-21T09:10:38+00:00

Low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study is to verify the effects of vitamin D in an experimental model of rabbits fed a diet rich in lard / sucrose / cholesterol (LSC). The cholesterol-fed rabbit model is notable for rapid development of aortic lesions and low cost for maintenance, being a typical diet for induction of atherosclerosis, supplementation of 0.5% to 4% of cholesterol in about 8 to 16 weeks. Considering a possible protective effect of vitamin D on the cardiovascular and hypercholesterolemic/hyperglycemic diet, as an important risk factor, in this study, we examined the action of vitamin D in an experimental model of rabbits fed a diet plus cholesterol, lard and sucrose, analyzing inflammatory molecules such as ICAM-1, MCP-1 and e-NO in the aorta; activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), as well as lipid profile parameters. The levels of total cholesterol, Triglycerides and VLDL-c showed a considerable decrease when we compare the results of the 12th and 24th week. The number of animals was the limiting factor of our study, further analysis should be made to understand the mechanism of vitamin D in experimental atherosclerosis

Reactive Oxygen Species, Programmed Cell Death (PCD), and Role of Mitochondria

2022-07-21T09:35:54+00:00

Plant PCD differs genetically and morphologically from the mechanisms of fungi and animals. For instance, classical PCD typically features mitochondrial morphology transition (MMT), condensation of the cytoplasm and its shrinking, detachment of the plasma membrane from the cell wall (in case of fungi), and nuclear condensation.There is now compelling evidence that mitochondria integrate diverse cellular stress signals and initiate the death execution pathway in animals. On the flip-side involvement of mitochondria in regulating PCD in plants is not well known. This review article will help to answer the following questions; how PCD is required for resistance? How PCD and other resistant responses are dependent on each other?How PCD is regulated and is PCDs the same for all pathogens?

Modified technique for estimating total body water in live animals using Antipyrine substance for measuring thermal tolerances

2021-06-28T14:47:09+00:00

Estimating the total body water (TBW) in the live animals using the Antipyrine (ANP) substance as a modified technique was the first objective of this research. TBW was estimated in vivo in ten native bovine calves using the conventional method (extrapolation technique) and also by the suggested modified method (equilibration technique). The averages of TBW in native bovine calves were 136.5±16 and 133.1±16 liters by convention and modified technique, respectively, without significant differences between the two techniques. The accuracy of the modified technique was 97.5 % as compared with the convention method and at the same time, the new method is an easy, simple, accurate and quick technique and more reliable.

Estimation of heat adaptability of animals to heat stress conditions was the second objective of this research. Animals when exposed to high ambient temperature the TBW increases and consequently TBS (Live body weight-TBW) decreases with different percentages according to the animal response to stressful conditions. TBW or TBS values were estimated before and after heat stress exposure and the percentage change in TBW or TBS in the animal due to heat stress may be used for evaluating the animal's adaptability to heat stress. The percentage increase in TBW or the percentage decrease in TBS due to heat stress conditions may be used as an index for heat-tolerance coefficient (HTC). The most heat- tolerance animals are those with the highest HTC values.

The importance of livestock nutrition

2021-07-13T06:17:01+00:00

The majority of the global food sources come from farm animals. Find out why livestock nutrition is important and what impacts it can have if neglected.