Diet supplemented with curcumin for nursing lambs improves animal growth, energetic metabolism, and performance of the antioxidant and immune systems

Acute phase response and oxidative stress in coccidiosis: A review in domestic animals

Coccidiosis is a highly significant disease in domestic animals due to its global distribution and economic impact. The occurrence of oxidative stress (OS) and the acute phase response (APR) play crucial roles in the development of coccidiosis, thereby contributing to the pathogenicity of coccidia. A range of triggers including parasitic infection, can induce the APR. This response encompasses a set of hormonal and metabolic changes to restore body stability and improve the body's healing capabilities. Ovine coccidiosis has the potential to cause OS, which can be prevented and treated through the use of dietary additives. By including Curcuma longa in the diets of infected sheep, it is possible to reduce lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) production, while simultaneously improving serum antioxidant capacity and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels. Caprine coccidiosis can activate the APR. Research indicated that goats suffering from coccidiosis exhibited elevated concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total homocysteine, along with reduced levels of some enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as decreased levels of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), vitamin C, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Bovine coccidiosis is linked to elevated MDA concentrations and reduced serum glutathione (GSH) and TAC levels. Eimeria can induce OS and inflammatory damage in infected birds by releasing pro-inflammatory mediators from cells, resulting in a significant increase in CAT and SOD activity, lipid peroxidation and damage to the intestinal epithelium. To promote the antioxidant system of infected birds, some herbal food additives such as grape seed proanthocyanidine extract, Curcuma longa and Rumex nervosus leaf extract, can be used. Research on the APR in birds is not as extensive as in ruminants. Currently, there is a lack of studies on the occurrence of OS and APR in camels, horses, dogs, and cats with coccidiosis.

Determination of the impacts of supplemental dietary curcumin on post-partum uterine involution using pulsed-wave doppler ultrasonography in Zaraibi goat

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of supplemental dietary curcumin on post-partum uterine involution using pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in postpartum goats. Ten pluriparous Zaraibi goats were used and divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 5; control) received only a base diet. Group 2 (n = 5; treated) received a base diet supplemented with curcumin (200 mg/kg diet) daily for 28 days, starting from day 1 postpartum (PP) till day 28 PP. Uterine morphometrical changes (uterine horn diameter; UHD and caruncle diameter; CD), uterine hemodynamics (resistance and pulsatility indices (RI and PI), systolic/ diastolic ratio (S/D), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), blood flow volume (BFV), and blood flow rate (BFR)), and progesterone level were evaluated. Results revealed that the diameter of the uterine horn decreased rapidly from day 1 to day 10 PP (> 50%) but more steadily from day 14 to day 28 PP in both groups. After day 21 PP, there was nearly no reduction in UHD and CD in both groups. The treated group had lower values of the RI and PI (P < 0.05) than the control group. Regarding the BFR and BFV in the treated group, there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) on day 17 PP, then started to decrease till day 28 PP. While in the control group, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in BFR and BFV from day 1 PP till day 28 PP. In conclusion, the incorporation of curcumin in the diet of PP Zaraibi goats improved reproductive performance via improvements in uterine morphometric changes as well as blood perfusion.

Effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles on performance, biological responses, and thermal stress resilience in heat-stressed fattening lambs across varying temperature-humidity index conditions: Implications for climate change

Heat stress poses a significant challenge to sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions, impacting growth performance, health, and physiological responses. While sheep have innate mechanisms to manage heat stress, prolonged exposure impairs their performance and health. This study evaluated the influence of varying doses of Curcumin Nano-Micelle (CNM) on heat-stressed fattening lambs in northeastern Iran over three months, examining the relationship between CNM doses and growth performance, feeding behavior, physiological responses, immune function, and antioxidant status. Thirty-two crossbred male lambs were included in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replications. The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) CTRL: No dietary inclusion of CNM, (control group); 2) T20: Dietary inclusion of 20 mg of CNM per head per day; 3) T40: Dietary inclusion of 40 mg of CNM per head per day; and 4) T80: Dietary inclusion of 80 mg of CNM per head per day. The results revealed that dietary supplementation with 20 and 40 mg of CNM significantly improved live body weight, weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment. Regression analysis demonstrated quadratic models between growth performance parameters and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), indicating a correlation between CNM doses and the animals' responses to heat stress. Regarding eating behavior, CNM doses of 40 and 80 mg/day significantly reduced eating time while increasing ruminating time. Blood analysis indicated significant reductions in glucose levels across all treatments, with T40 significantly reducing both cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, CNM supplementation decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, indicating enhanced antioxidant status. Physiological responses were influenced by CNM, notably reducing rectal temperature (RT), skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR), while pulse rate (PR) increased across various time intervals, particularly in the T80 group. This study demonstrates that CNM supplementation can enhance performance, physiological responses, and antioxidant status in heat-stressed fattening lambs, highlighting its potential to mitigate heat stress effects in sheep farming.

Early life supplementation with a natural blend containing turmeric, thymol, and yeast cell wall components to optimize rumen anatomical and microbiological development and productivity in dairy goats

Ruminants are born with an anatomically, microbiologically, and metabolically immature rumen. Optimizing the rearing of young ruminants represent an important challenge in intensive dairy farms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of young ruminants with a plant extract blend containing turmeric, thymol, and yeast cell wall components such as mannan oligosaccharides and β-glucans. One hundred newborn female goat kids were randomly allocated to 2 experimental treatments, which were unsupplemented (CTL) or supplemented with the blend containing plant extracts and yeast cell wall components (PEY). All animas were fed with milk replacer, concentrate feed, and oat hay, and were weaned at 8 wk of age. Dietary treatments lasted from wk 1 to 22 and 10 animals from each treatment were randomly selected to monitor feed intake, digestibility, and health-related indicators. These latter animals were euthanized at wk 22 of age to study the rumen anatomical, papillary, and microbiological development, whereas the remaining animals were monitored for reproductive performance and milk yield during the first lactation. Results indicated that PEY supplementation did not lead to feed intake or health issues because PEY animals tended to have a higher concentrate intake and lower diarrheal incidence than CTL animals. No differences between treatments were noted in terms of feed digestibility, rumen microbial protein synthesis, health-related metabolites, or blood cell counts. Supplementation with PEY promoted a higher rumen empty weight, and rumen relative proportion to the total digestive tract weight, than CTL animals. This was accompanied with a higher rumen papillary development in terms of papillae length and surface area in the cranial ventral and caudal ventral sacs, respectively. The PEY animals also had higher expression of the MCT1 gene, which is related to volatile fatty acid absorption by the rumen epithelium, than CTL animals. The antimicrobial effects of the turmeric and thymol could explain the decreased the rumen absolute abundance of protozoa and anaerobic fungi. This antimicrobial modulation led to a change in the bacterial community structure, a decrease in the bacteria richness, and to the disappearance (i.e., Prevotellaceae_UCG-004, Bacteroidetes_BD2-2, Papillibacter, Schwartzia, and Absconditabacteriales_SR1) or decline of certain bacterial taxa (i.e., Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, and Clostridia_UCG-014). Supplementation with PEY also decreased the relative abundance of fibrolytic (i.e., Fibrobacter succinogenes and Eubacterium ruminantium) and increased amylolytic bacteria (Selenomonas ruminantium). Although these microbial changes were not accompanied with significant differences in the rumen fermentation, this supplementation led to increased body weight gain during the preweaning period, higher body weight during the postweaning period, and higher fertility rate during the first gestation. On the contrary, no residual effects of this nutritional intervention were noted on the milk yield and milk components during the first lactation. In conclusion, supplementation with this blend of plant extracts and yeast cell wall component in early life could be considered as a sustainable nutritional strategy to increase body weight gain and optimize the rumen anatomical and microbiological development in young ruminants, despite having minor productive implications later in life.

Effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles on growth performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, immune and physiological responses of fattening lambs under heat-stress conditions

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles (C-NM) on the growth performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, and immune and physiological responses of fattening lambs under heat stress conditions. Thirty-two crossbred male lambs [Île-de-France × (Dalagh × Romanov)] with an average weight of 31.2 ± 1.55 kg and age of 4-5 months were assigned to experimental treatments in a completely randomized design including four treatments and eight replications. The treatments were T0, T20, T40, and T80, representing dietary supplementation of C-NM at 0, 20, 40, and 80 mg per head per day, respectively. The study lasted for 37 days including 7 days of adaptation period. Lambs were weighed on days 0 and 30 of the experiment before morning feeding to determine the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on day 30 of the experiment and physiological parameters, including rectal temperature (RT), skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR), and pulse rate (PR), were measured once a week on a certain day during the study. Lambs in the T40 group showed higher final live weight (FLW) and ADG, while exhibiting lower FCR (P < 0.01). Regression analysis predicted the optimum levels of dietary inclusion of C-NM to be 44.7, 38.3, and 42.0 mg/day for FLW, ADG, and FCR, respectively. Dietary supplementation of C-NM decreased RT, ST, and RR, while increasing PR (P < 0.01). The levels of immunoglobulins G (IgG) and A (IgA) increased linearly with the dietary inclusion of C-NM (P < 0.01), while levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) remained unaffected (P > 0.05). Dietary inclusion of C-NM had a quadratic reducing effect on the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and a cubic increasing effect on the serum activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was linearly increased in T80, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) showed a linear increase in T40 and T80 groups (P < 0.01). Based on the results of this study, we recommend the administration of C-NM in the diet of fattening lambs during hot months in tropical and subtropical areas. However, further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of C-NM during various physiological and production statuses.

The impact of curcumin on livestock and poultry animal's performance and management of insect pests

Plant-based natural products are alternative to antibiotics that can be employed as growth promoters in livestock and poultry production and attractive alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for insect pest management. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma spp.) and has been suggested to have a number of therapeutic benefits in the treatment of human diseases. It is also credited for its nutritional and pesticide properties improving livestock and poultry production performances and controlling insect pests. Recent studies reported that curcumin is an excellent feed additive contributing to poultry and livestock animal growth and disease resistance. Also, they detailed the curcumin's growth-inhibiting and insecticidal activity for reducing agricultural insect pests and insect vector-borne human diseases. This review aims to highlight the role of curcumin in increasing the growth and development of poultry and livestock animals and in controlling insect pests. We also discuss the challenges and knowledge gaps concerning curcumin use and commercialization as a feed additive and insect repellent.

Curcumin Extraction, Isolation, Quantification and Its Application in Functional Foods: A Review With a Focus on Immune Enhancement Activities and COVID-19

An entirely unknown species of coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak occurred in December 2019. COVID-19 has already affected more than 180 million people causing ~3.91 million deaths globally till the end of June 2021. During this emergency, the food nutraceuticals can be a potential therapeutic candidate. Curcumin is the natural and safe bioactive compound of the turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) plant and is known to possess potent anti-microbial and immuno-modulatory properties. This review paper covers the various extraction and quantification techniques of curcumin and its usage to produce functional food. The potential of curcumin in boosting the immune system has also been explored. The review will help develop insight and new knowledge about curcumin's role as an immune-booster and therapeutic agent against COVID-19. The manuscript will also encourage and assist the scientists and researchers who have an association with drug development, pharmacology, functional foods, and nutraceuticals to develop curcumin-based formulations.

Effects of pepper extract in suckling lamb feed: Growth performance, metabolism, and oxidative responses

Our objective was to determine whether the inclusion of pepper extract would improve health in suckling lambs, stimulating antioxidant activity, and improving performance. We used Lacaune lambs distributed in four treatments, with four repetitions per treatment and three lambs per repetition: control group (T0) and treatments T1, T2, and T3 that received 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of pepper extract, respectively. Groups T1 and T2 consumed more significant amounts of silage than group T0, and animals from group T1 consumed more concentrate and, consequently, consumed more solids. The addition of pepper extract enhanced growth performance, with the lowest dose (T1) giving rise to the most significant weight gain, average daily gain, and body weight, compared to T0. Regression analysis showed that the optimum point for pepper extract supplementation was 301.5 mg/kg. The levels of total protein and globulins were significantly higher for animals supplemented with pepper extract (day 28) than the control; the concentrations of albumin and urea increased over time but did not differ significantly among treatments. Serum glucose levels decreased significantly over time; however, the groups supplemented with pepper extract showed higher concentrations than group T0. The hematocrit was significantly higher in groups fed pepper extract; hemoglobin concentrations were also more significant, increasing over time in both groups. The groups that consumed the pepper extract had higher leukocyte counts due to greater lymphocytes and neutrophils. Levels of non-protein thiols increased significantly over time, while lipid peroxidation levels decreased significantly in all groups. The concentrations of reactive oxygen species significantly decreased in the serum of group T3 animals, those fed with pepper extract (day 28), compared to the control. In general, the addition of pepper extract in lamb feed can enhance weight gain, increase antioxidant levels, and stimulate the production of leukocytes and globulins in lambs.

Curcumin as Prospective Anti-Aging Natural Compound: Focus on Brain

The nutrients and their potential benefits are a new field of study in modern medicine for their positive impact on health. Curcumin, the yellow polyphenolic compound extracted from Curcuma longa species, is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and contrast many diseases, considering its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, cardio-protective, nephron-protective, hepato-protective, anti-neoplastic, and anti-rheumatic proprieties. In recent years, the investigations of curcumin have been focused on its application to aging and age-associated diseases. Aging is a physiological process in which there is a decreasing of cellular function due to internal or external stimuli. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of aging and age-related diseases. Moreover, many age-related disorders such as cancer, neuroinflammation, and infections are due to a low-grade chronic systemic inflammation. Curcumin acting on different proteins is able to contrast both oxidative stress than inflammation. In the brain, curcumin is able to modulate inflammation induced by microglia. Finally in brain tumors curcumin is able to reduce tumor growth by inhibition of telomerase activity. This review emphasizes the anti-aging role of curcumin focusing on its mechanism to counteract aging in the brain. Moreover, new formulations to increase the bioavailability of curcumin are discussed.

Effect of curcumin dietary supplementation on growth performance, physiology, carcass characteristics and meat quality in lambs

This study evaluated the effects of curcumin dietary supplementation on growth, physiology, carcass characteristics and meat quality in lambs. Thirty-two male Lacaune lambs (15.6 ± 0.63 kg, 60 ± 2.8 days of age) were randomly allocated in 16 pens (four treatments of four replicates with two lambs each) for 30 days. The animals were assigned to the following treatments: T0, T100, T200 and T300, representing 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg of curcumin/kg of concentrate, respectively. Curcumin dietary supplementation increased (P = 0.02) weight gain; on regression analysis, 315.1 mg curcumin/kg of concentrate was the dosage that provided the greatest weight gain. T200 and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.04) erythrocytes numbers; T100 and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.01) leukocyte numbers and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.04) lymphocyte numbers, compared to T0 lambs. Globulin levels were significantly greater in the T200 group (P = 0.04) only on day 15 but not day 30; levels of total protein were significantly higher (P = 0.01) only in T200 and T300 group on day 15 and only in T200 group on d 30. Gamma-glutamyltransferase concentrations tended to be lower (P = 0.08) in T100, T200 and T300 group on d 15, and only in the T100 group on d 30. Curcumin dietary supplementation increased (P = 0.01) the serum activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced (P = 0.01) levels of reactive oxygen species. In meat samples, T200 and T300 had greater total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.03) and lower (P = 0.01) lipoperoxidation rates. In carcasses, T300 lambs had greater (P ≤ 0.02) cooling weight losses and yields than did T0 lambs. Curcumin dietary supplementation also reduced (P ≤ 0.03) redness and yellowness. T200 and T300 lambs had fewer (P = 0.01) cooking losses and T200 lambs had greater (P = 0.03) water holding capacity than did T0 lambs. These findings suggest that curcumin dietary supplementation improves growth and antioxidant responses, as well as influencing meat quality in lambs.

Current Trends in Drug Delivery System of Curcumin and its Therapeutic Applications

Curcumin is a poly phenolic compound extracted from turmeric. Over the past years, it has acquired significant interest among researchers due to its numerous pharmacological activities like anti- cancer, anti-alzheimer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and so on. However, the clinical use of curcumin is still obstructed due to tremendously poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, lower gastrointestinal absorption, and low permeability through cell that makes its pharmacology thrilling. These issues have led to enormous surge of investigation to develop curcumin nano formulations which can overcome these restrictive causes. The scientists all across the universe are working on designing several drug delivery systems viz. liposomes, micelles, magnetic nano carriers, etc. for curcumin and its composites which not only improve its physiochemical properties but also enhanced its therapeutic applications. The review aims to systematically examine the treasure of information about the medicinal use of curcumin. This article delivers a general idea of the current study piloted to overwhelm the complications with the bioavailability of curcumin which have exhibited an enhanced biological activity than curcumin. This article explains the latest and detailed study of curcumin and its conjugates, its phytochemistry and biological perspectives and also proved curcumin as an efficient drug candidate for the treatment of numerous diseases. Recent advancements and futuristic viewpoints are also deliberated, which shall help researchers and foster commercial translations of improved nanosized curcumin combination for the treatment of various diseases.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Blood Metabolites of Lambs Supplemented with a Polyherbal Mixture

Simple Summary

Herbal products as feed supplements show beneficial effects on the productive performance and health of non-ruminants, but there is limited information about the effects in ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a polyherbal mixture on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and concentration of blood metabolites in lambs during the fattening period. Polyherbal mixture supplementation improved dry matter intake and increased the live weight of lambs without affecting carcass characteristics or meat quality. Polyherbal mixture supplementation was associated with lower blood creatinine concentration suggesting beneficial effects on the renal health condition of lambs. The results suggest that the use of herbal mixtures as additives in diets of finishing lambs can improve productivity without affecting carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the supplementation of a polyherbal mixture (HM) on the productive performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and the profile of blood metabolites of lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. Thirty-six male Pelibuey lambs (25.21 ± 0.96 kg BW) were housed in individual pens during a 56-day feeding period and were randomly assigned to four treatments: (1) Control (CON): Basal diet without HM; (2) HM1: CON + 1 g of HM kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM); (3) HM2: CON + 2 g of HM kg⁻¹ DM; and (4) HM3: CON + 3 g of HM kg⁻¹ DM. Data were analyzed using the GLM (General Linear Model) procedure of statistical analysis system (SAS), and linear and quadratic effects were tested to evaluate the effects of the HM level. A quadratic increase was observed in the dry matter intake and in daily weight gain (p < 0.05) of lambs fed with HM2 and HM1, respectively. However, final body weight, body condition, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). It was observed a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Lymphocytes in blood from lambs supplemented with the HM1 diet increased and segmented neutrophils decreased compared to lambs receiving the CON treatment (p < 0.05). The concentration of uric acid in the blood had a linear increase (p < 0.05) and the serum creatinine level decreased (p < 0.05) as the HM dietary dose increased. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 2 and 1 g of HM kg⁻¹ of DM improves feed consumption and daily weight gain, respectively, without affecting carcass characteristics, meat quality, and health status on finishing lambs.

Dietary supplementation with curcumin-loaded nanocapsules in lambs: Nanotechnology as a new tool for nutrition

Curcumin-containing nanocapsule powder formulations have not been used in ruminant feed to date, despite the fact that curcumin is known to be a functional food additive. The objective of this study was to determine whether ethyl polymethacrylate (Eudragit L-100) nanocapsules loaded with curcumin (N-CU) would improve health and growth of lambs. Thirty-two male Lacaune lambs (body weight [BW] = 16 ± 0.99 kg; 45 d of age) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: T0, T1, T2 and T4, representing supplementation of curcumin at 0, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg concentrate, respectively. The animals in each treatment were allocated in 4 pens of 2 lambs each (8 lambs per treatment). The experiment lasted 17 d, with samples and measurements collected on d 0, 7, 12, and 17. The T2 lambs had greater average daily gain than T0 lambs. Regression analysis showed that the ideal dose of N-CU to enhance weight gain was 1.89 mg/kg concentrate. There were significant interactions (P < 0.05) between treatments × time for hematological variables, particularly for increases in erythrocytes (T2) and reductions in counts of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in T1 and T2. There were significant interactions between treatment × time for total protein, globulin, urea, and triglyceride levels. Stimulation of the antioxidant system was also observed. There were increased levels of non-protein thiols (NPSH), as well as increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the supplemented animals. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were lower in the serum of supplemented lambs. In general, the 4 mg/kg dose had no positive effects on growth or health. This was an unexpected result, given the known properties of curcumin. Taken together, these findings suggest that addition of low concentrations of nanoencapsulated curcumin (T1 and T2) in lamb feed improves health, minimizing oxidative stress and generates anti-inflammatory effects that may have contributed indirectly to greater weight gain. Nanocapsules potentiate the effects of curcumin and may emerge as a new tool in animal nutrition.

Dog food production using curcumin as antioxidant: effects of intake on animal growth, health and feed conservation

The objectives of this study were to produce dog food containing curcumin replacing synthetic antioxidants, to evaluate its beneficial effects on animal growth and health. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) was added after the extrusion process along with the other micronutrients. The final concentration of curcumin was 32.9 mg/kg. The control feed was composed of the same ingredients without curcumin. After a storage of 6 months, feed composition and pH did not differ; however, the feed with curcumin showed lower protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and higher total antioxidant capacity. After 2 months of feed production, 12 young Beagle dogs received either curcumin-containing food (n = 6)  or the control diet (n = 6). The animals were fed twice a day using individual kennels. Blood samples were taken on d 1, 35 and 42. During the first 30 d of the study, the animals had natural infectious diseases that were controlled with anti-protozoals and antibiotics. Greater numbers of red blood cells were observed in dogs fed with curcumin (d 35 and 45), and there were greater numbers of white blood cells as a consequence of increased neutrophils on d 42. At the end of the experiment, a significant reduction in the number of lymphocytes was observed in dogs that ingested curcumin (d 42), suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect, manifested as a decrease in globulin levels. In the final 15 d of the experiment, the animals were clinical healthy. Higher serum levels of glucose, urea, triglycerides and cholesterol were observed in dogs fed with curcumin. Curcumin increased the activity of several antioxidant enzymes in addition to non-protein thiols and the total antioxidant capacity in the serum, consequently reducing levels of oxygen reactive species. Curcumin supplementation of dogs did not favour growth or weight gain. Neverthless, it was concluded that curcumin improved animal health, with emphasis on the stimulation of the antioxidant system and evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect.

Effect of Curcumin Supplement in Summer Diet on Blood Metabolites, Antioxidant Status, Immune Response, and Testicular Gene Expression in Hu Sheep

In summer, the high temperature affects animal growth and reproductive performance. Curcumin is a flavonoid with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. To evaluate the effects of dietary curcumin supplement on the blood biochemical parameters and testicular gene expressions in Hu sheep in summer, a total of 144 male Hu sheep aged four months were randomly divided into three groups (Con, Cur1, and Cur2, n = 48). Sheep in Con, Cur1, and Cur2 groups were fed a basal diet supplement with 0, 450, and 900 mg (per sheep) curcumin daily, respectively. Sheep were fed for 35 days, including a pre-feed for seven days. The results showed that the supplement with 450 mg and 900 mg curcumin increased serum free fatty acid (NEFA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as IgA and IgM. The supplement with 450 mg curcumin increased the IgG level, while the supplement with 900 mg curcumin had a lower IgG level than the supplement with 450 mg curcumin (p < 0.05). Dietary curcumin supplement increased testicular organ index, serum testosterone level, and testicular star mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary curcumin supplement linearly inhibited testicular apoptosis with increased testicular bcl-2 mRNA expression and decreased caspase-3 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary curcumin supplement can promote lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune response, as well as testicular development, in Hu sheep, which provides evidence of application of curcumin in sheep production.