Nutritional impact of nano-selenium, garlic oil, and their combination on growth and reproductive performance of male Californian rabbits

Impact of different forms of selenium supplementation on growth and physiological performance of New Zealand white rabbits

Forty-eight weaned male New Zealand White rabbits aged 6 weeks with an initial body weight of (709.67 ± 13 g) were randomly divided into six experimental groups (8 rabbits each) for 6-14 weeks of age experimental periods. The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of using different forms of Selenium element (inorganic, nanoparticles and organic) as dietary supplementation on productive performance of rabbits. Six experimental groups in completely randomized design were used. The first group (G1, control) was fed the basal diet to cover maintenance and production allowances. Rabbits in the other groups G2, G3, G4 and G5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with Nano- Se at 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 mg/kg diet, respectively. The 6th group (G6) was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1 mg/kg diet of salinized yeast (Se-yeast) as organic form. The results indicated that the highest values of nitrogen free extract (NFE) and crude fiber (CF) digestibility, live body weight, daily weight gain, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were observed with those supplemented with Nano-Se at all levels compared with other treatments. However, feed conversion, net revenue and economic efficiency values were improved with Nano-Se groups followed by organic Se group in comparisons with the control group. Conclusively, the Nano-Se in rabbit's diet has a positive effect in improving rabbit's performance and economic efficiency compared to the inorganic Selenium.

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.

Impacts of selenium nanoparticles and spirulina alga to alleviate the deleterious effects of heat stress on reproductive efficiency, oxidative capacity and immunity of doe rabbits

Effects of dietary inclusion of spirulina platensis (SP) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) combination (SP-SeNPs) on the reproductive performance in vivo and in vitro, reproductive and metabolic hormones, hemato-bichemical parameters, oxidative stress, and immunity of heat-stressed doe rabbis were evaluated. All supplements significantly increased live litter size at birth and weaning, viability rate at birth, hemoglobin and red blood cells, and plasma T3, T4, insulin, total proteins and albumin compared with control. Plasma estradiol 17-β (pre-mating), progesterone (mid-pregnancy), and prolactin (day -7 postpartum) were significantly increased only by SeNPs (0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/kg). All dietary supplements significantly reduced WBCs, cortisol, lipid profile, and improved liver and kidney functions. Immunoglobulins levels, antioxidants capacity were significantly increased, superoxide dismutase was increased by SeNPs (0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg), while malondialdehyde was reduced by 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 SeNPs mg/kg. Sexual receptivity, pregnancy rate, viability rate at weaning, ovulation rate, and embryo quality were significantly increased by increasing SeNPs above 0.1 mg, while embryo yield was increased by >0.2 mg SeNPs/kg. A combination of SP and SeNPs, could be potentially used as a strong antioxidant to enhance heat regulation and doe rabbit reproduction via improving reproductive and metabolic hormones, antioxidant status and immunological parameters.

The synergistic impact of Spirulina and selenium nanoparticles mitigates the adverse effects of heat stress on the physiology of rabbits bucks

Heat stress has a detrimental effect on animal fertility, particularly testicular functions, including reduced sperm output and quality, which causes an economic loss in the production of rabbits. The present trial investigated the efficacy of dietary Spirulina (SP) (Arthrospira platensis), selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), and their combination (SP-SeNPs) on semen quality, haemato-biochemical, oxidative stress, immunity, and sperm quality of heat-stressed (HS) rabbit bucks. Sixty mature bucks (APRI line) were distributed into 6 groups of ten replicates under controlled conditions. Bucks in the 1st group (control-NC) were kept under normal conditions (11-22°C; 40-45% RH% = relative humidity), while the 2nd group (control-HS) was kept under heat stress conditions (32±0.50°C; 60-66% RH %). The control groups were fed a commercial pelleted diet and the other four heat-stressed groups were fed a commercial pelleted diet with 1 g SP, 25 mg SeNPs, 1 g SP+25 mg SeNPs, and 1 g SP+50 mg SeNPs per kg diet, respectively. The dietary inclusion of SP, SeNPs, and their combinations significantly increased hemoglobin, platelets, total serum protein, high-density lipoproteins, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and seminal plasma testosterone while decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde compared with the control-HS. Red blood cells, packed cell volume, serum albumin, and testosterone significantly increased, while SeNPs, SP+SeNPs25, and SP+SeNPs50 significantly decreased low-density lipoproteins, aspartate, and alanine amino transferees. Total antioxidant capacity substantially increased in serum and seminal plasma, while seminal plasma malondialdehyde decreased in 25 or 50 mg of SeNPs+SP/kg groups. All supplements significantly improved libido, sperm livability, concentration, intact acrosome, membrane integrity, total output in fresh semen, and sperm quality in cryopreserved semen. SP-SeNPs50 had higher synergistic effect than SP-SeNPs25 on most different variables studied. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of SP plus SeNPs50 has a synergistic effect and is considered a suitable dietary supplement for improving reproductive efficiency, health, oxidative stress, and immunity of bucks in the breeding strategy under hot climates.

Recent research progress on the synthesis and biological effects of selenium nanoparticles

Selenium is an essential trace element for the human body, with the chemical and physical characteristics of both metals and nonmetals. Selenium has bioactivities related to the immune system, antioxidation, anti-virus, and anti-cancer. At the same time, it also plays a role in reducing and alleviating the toxicity of heavy metals. Compared with inorganic selenium, organic selenium is less toxic and has greater bioavailability. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have the advantages of high absorption rate, high biological activity, and low toxicity, and can be directly absorbed by the human body and converted to organic selenium. Selenium nanoparticles have gradually replaced the traditional selenium supplement and has broad prospects in the food and medical industries. In this paper, the chemical, physical, and biological methods for the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles are reviewed, and the microbial synthesis methods of selenium nanoparticles, the effects of selenium nanoparticles on crop growth, and the antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-tumor effects of selenium nanoparticles are also systematically summarized. In addition, we evaluate the application of selenium nanoparticles in selenium nutrition enhancement, providing support for the application of selenium nanoparticles in animals, plants, and humans.

Effect of Feeding Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel and Garlic (Allium sativum) on Antioxidant Status and Reproductive Efficiency of Female Rabbits

Egypt’s animal protein shortfall cannot be overcome by expanding the production of large animals alone, but rather by increasing the production of highly reproducing animals in the livestock unit. The goal of this study was to examine how adding pomegranate peel (PP), garlic powder (GP), or a mixture of the two to the diet of does affect their weight, the number of offspring, reproductive performance, hematological indices, and several antioxidants indicators as well as the liver and kidney functions. A total of 20 adult and mature female mixed rabbits at age 4.5–5 months and averaging 3.05 ± 0.63 kg body weight, were allocated into four experimental groups (n = 5). The first group was provided with the basal diet and was considered as control animals, while the second, third, and fourth groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with PP 3.0%, GP 3.0%, and a mixture of PP 1.5% + GP 1.5%, respectively. After 2 weeks of feeding the experimental diets, natural mating with untreated bucks was carried out. The kits were weighed immediately after parturition, and then every week. The study found that rabbits fed with 3% PP led to a 28.5% increase in the number of kits at birth compared to the control group. As an effect of supplementing PP 3%, GP 3%, and PP 1.5% + GP 1.5%, the birth weight increased by 9.2%, 7.2%, and 10.6%, respectively, as compared to the control. Hemoglobin increased significantly in all treatment groups as compared to the control at the age of kit weaning. Lymph cells increased significantly in the rabbits that were fed with GP (3%) than in other groups and even the control. The results showed that creatinine levels were significantly decreased in the PP (3%) and GP (3%) than in control rabbits. The level of triglycerides significantly declines in groups treated with PP (3%) than in other treatment groups and the control. The addition of PP 3% or GP 3% increased the progesterone hormone. The addition of PP 1.5%+GP 1.5% improved the immunoglobulin IgG. The results of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity showed a significant decline in groups treated with GP (3%) than other treated groups. In conclusion, pomegranate is a promising substance to include in a rabbit’s diet, followed by garlic to boost reproductive efficiency.

Growth Response in Oryctolagus cuniculus to Selenium Toxicity Exposure Ameliorated with Vitamin E

The adverse impacts of high temperature during the summer season on the rabbit industry have gained increased global attention. In this study, the comparative effects of biological (BIO) and chemical (CH) nanoselenium (nano-Se) combined with vitamin E on the growth and immune performances of rabbits were observed. A total of 200 white male rabbits of similar age (90 days) were divided into five treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4), 40 animals in each treatment. The rabbits in the first treatment group (T0) was fed basal diet; (T1) basal diet supplemented with 35 mg biological synthesized nanoselenium/kg diet; (T2) basal diet with 35 mg biological nanoselenium/kg diet+150 mg Vit. E/kg; (T3) basal diet+35 m chemically synthesized nanoselenium/kg diet; and (T4) basal diet+35 mg of chemical nanoselenium/kg diet+150 mg Vit. E/kg. The duration of this experiment was 63 days. The body weight of each rabbit was recorded weekly. Results revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in live body weight (LBW), total body gain (TBG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of rabbits treated with BIO-Se+Vit. E (T2) compared to the other groups. Selenium concentrations in the kidneys and liver were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in animals fed with BIO-Se+Vit. E (T2). The concentrations of serum urea, glutamyl transferase (GGT), and triglycerides (TG) were lower in untreated (T0) and treated groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that biological nano-Se gave maximum improvement for the parameters under study compared to the chemically synthesized nanoselenium by playing a role in alleviating heat stress, increasing the growth performance, and enhancing the immunity of growing white male rabbits. Further addition of Vit. E is an alternative method to maximize productivity with no adverse effects during the fattening period of growing white male rabbits.

Productive and Physiological Response of Male Rabbits to Dietary Supplementation with Thyme Essential Oil

Simple Summary

The present study was carried out to compare the potential effects of the levels of thyme essential oil on the productive performance and serum metabolic profile of male rabbits. Rabbits were assigned to five dietary treatments including a basal diet as a negative control, a basal diet supplemented with an antibiotic as a positive control, and a basal diet supplemented with 60, 120, or 180 mg/kg of thyme essential oil. The main results showed that the levels of thyme essential oil contributed to the improvement of productive and the physiological response compared with the negative and positive control of male rabbits.

Abstract

The present study aimed at assessing the efficiency of thyme essential oil (TEO) as an alternative to antibiotics for improving the productive performance and serum metabolic profile of male rabbits. A total of one hundred and fifty 70-day-old male Californian rabbits were assigned to five dietary treatments, including a basal diet as a negative control (NC), a basal diet supplemented with an antibiotic as a positive control (PC), and a basal diet supplemented with 60, 120, or 180 mg/kg of TEO. The experiment period lasted for 60 days. Supplementation of TEO levels significantly (P < 0.01) increased daily body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio of male Californian rabbits compared to NC and PC groups. Similarly, the TEO remarkably enhanced the semen characteristics of rabbits compared to NC and PC groups. Supplementation of TEO significantly decreased aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, urea, and creatinine compared with NC and PC groups. Supplementation with TEO increased serum testosterone concentration compared to NC and PC treatments. Our data demonstrate that TEO levels up to 180 mg/kg can play a major role as an alternative to dietary antibiotics, in improving the productive performance, semen quality, testosterone levels, and the kidney and liver functions in California male rabbits.

Effects of Dietary Biological or Chemical-Synthesized Nano-Selenium Supplementation on Growing Rabbits Exposed to Thermal Stress

Simple Summary

This study was designed to compare the potential effects of nano-selenium synthesized by biological or chemical methods on growth, carcass, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters of growing rabbits reared under thermal stress. Graded levels were used from both selenium sources (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg diets). The biologically synthesized nano-selenium showed superior improvement effects for the studied parameters compared to the chemically synthesized nano-selenium in terms of alleviating heat stress effects and improving growth, carcass, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters of growing rabbits.

Abstract

The adverse influences of elevated ambient temperatures during the summer season on the rabbit industry have received increased global attention. Therefore, this study intended to compare the potential effects of nano-selenium (nano-Se) synthesized by biological (BIO) and chemical (CH) methods on growth performance, carcass variables, serum metabolites, and inflammatory cytokines responses of growing rabbits in the summer season. Two hundred and fifty weaned rabbits (males, 35 days of age) were randomly divided into five treatment groups of 50 rabbits each (each group had five replicates with ten male rabbits). Treatment groups were fed a control diet and four controlled diets supplemented with nano-Se synthesized by biological method (BIO25 and BIO50, with a 25 and 50 mg of nano-Se/kg diet, respectively) and chemical method (CH25 and CH50, with a 25 and 50 mg of nano-Se/kg diet, respectively) for eight weeks. During 11 to 13 weeks of age, a gradual enhancement in live body weight (LBW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was noticed with BIO25 and BIO50 treatments compared to those in the other groups. The carcass percentage was significantly higher (p < 0.01) for animals fed with BIO25 than the other groups. The other organ functions were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in heat-stressed groups compared to that of nano-Se groups. Increasing the level of only BIO from a 25 to a 50 mg/kg diet gave more improvement in the studied parameters. Additionally, the concentrations of serum urea, triglycerides (TG), and glutamyl transferase (GGT) were lower (p < 0.01) in both treated and untreated groups. Likewise, the supplementation with nano-Se (BIO25, BIO50, or CH25) significantly improved the antioxidant indices and inflammatory cytokines responses as indicated from serum metabolites. Based on the study results, nano-Se especially synthesized by the biological method at diet levels of 25 or 50 mg/kg improved the growth performance, kidney and liver functions, carcass traits, antioxidants indices, and inflammatory cytokines of growing rabbits during thermal stress.

Role of Selenium and Selenoproteins in Male Reproductive Function: A Review of Past and Present Evidences

Selenium (Se) is an important trace mineral having many essential roles at the cellular and organismal levels in animal and human health. The biological effects of Se are mainly carried out by selenoproteins (encoded by 25 genes in humans and 24 in mice). As an essential component of selenoproteins, Se performs structural and enzymic roles; in the latter context it is well known for its catalytic and antioxidative functions. Studies involving different animal models have added great value to our understanding regarding the potential implications of Se and selenoproteins in mammalian fertility and reproduction. In this review, we highlight the implications of selenoproteins in male fertility and reproduction followed by the characteristic biological functions of Se and selenoproteins associated with overall male reproductive function. It is evident from observations of past studies (both animal and human) that Se is essentially required for spermatogenesis and male fertility, presumably because of its vital role in modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and other essential biological pathways and redox sensitive transcription factors. However, bearing in mind the evidences from mainstream literature, it is also advisable to perform more studies focusing on the elucidation of additional roles played by the peculiar and canonical selenoproteins i.e., glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) in the male reproductive functions. Nevertheless, search for the elucidation of additional putative mechanisms potentially modulated by other biologically relevant selenoproteins should also be included in the scope of future studies. However, as for the implication of Se in fertility and reproduction in men, though a few clinical trials explore the effects of Se supplementation on male fertility, due to inconsistencies in the recruitment of subjects and heterogeneity of designs, the comparison of such studies is still complicated and less clear. Therefore, further research focused on the roles of Se and selenoproteins is awaited for validating the evidences at hand and outlining any therapeutic schemes intended for improving male fertility. As such, new dimensions could be added to the subject of male fertility and Se supplementation.