Lipid stability, antioxidant potential and fatty acid composition of broilers breast meat as influenced by quercetin in combination with α-tocopherol enriched diets

Dietary supplementation with quercetin: an ideal approach for improving meat quality and oxidative stability of broiler chickens

This study aimed to improve the eating quality of yellow-feathered broiler chicks by feeding them corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg quercetin. we examined the impact of varying doses of dietary quercetin on the sensory quality of chicken breast meat as well as on the antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant-related signaling molecules, structure and thermal stability of myofibrillar protein (MPs), and microstructure of myogenic fibers in the meat during 24 h of postslaughter aging. Additionally, we investigated the potential correlations among antioxidant capacity, MP structure, and meat quality parameters. The results indicated that dietary supplementations with 500 and 1,000 mg/kg quercetin improved the physicochemical properties and eating quality of yellow-feathered broiler chicken breast meat during 12 to 24 h postslaughter. Additionally, quercetin improved the postslaughter oxidative stress status and reduced protein and lipid oxidation levels. It also increased hydrogen bonding interactions and α-helix content during 6 to 12 h postslaughter and decreased β-sheet content during 12 to 24 h postslaughter in chicken breast MP. This resulted in improved postslaughter MP structure and thermal stability. The correlation results indicated that the enhancement of antioxidant capacity and MP structure enhanced the physicochemical and edible qualities of yellow-feathered broiler chicken breast meat. In conclusion, the current findings suggest that dietary supplementation with quercetin is an ideal approach for improving the eating quality of chicken meat, thereby broadening our understanding of theoretical and technological applications for improving the quality of chicken.

Phytogenic feed additives as natural antibiotic alternatives in animal health and production: A review of the literature of the last decade

The use of antibiotics in animal production raises great public safety concerns; therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of substitutes for antibiotics. In recent decades, plant-derived feed additives have been widely investigated as antibiotic alternatives for use in animal health and production because they exert multiple biological functions and are less likely to induce resistance development. This review summarizes the research history and classification of phytogenic feed additives and their main functions, potential modes of action, influencing factors, and potential negative effects. Further, we highlight the challenges in developing sustainable, safe, and affordable plant-derived antibiotic alternatives for use in livestock production.

Influences of flavonoid (quercetin) inclusion to corn-soybean-gluten meal-based diet on broiler performance

Quercetin (a predominant flavonoid) is considered to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of graded doses of quercetin (QS) on growth efficiency, nutrient retention, faecal score, footpad lesion score, tibia ash and meat quality. In a 32-day feeding test, a total of 576 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers (male) were allocated arbitrarily with an average body weight of 41 ± 0.5 g. The trial had four dietary treatments with eight repetitions of 18 birds per pen and a basal diet incorporating 0%, 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06% of QS. As the QS dosage increased, body weight gain tended to increase linearly on Days 9-21 (p = 0.069) and overall period (p = 0.079). Similarly, feed intake increased (p = 0.009) linearly with the increasing doses of QS on Days 9-21. Likewise, there was a linear improvement in dry matter (p = 0.002) and energy (p = 0.016) digestibility after QS administration. Moreover, the inclusion of QS supplement (0%-0.06%) linearly increased (p = 0.012) tibia ash in broilers. However, the faecal score and footpad lesion score showed no significant outcome (p > 0.05). By giving broilers a graded amount of QS, the relative organ weights of breast muscle (p = 0.009) and spleen (p = 0.006) improved linearly, meat colour lightness increased (p = 0.015), redness tended to improve (p = 0.065) linearly and drip loss decreased (p = 0.015) linearly. The inclusion of QS in the graded-level diet led to improvements in growth efficiency, nutrient absorption, meat quality and tibia ash, which recommended it as a beneficial feed additive for the broiler.

Phytobioactive compounds as therapeutic agents for human diseases: A review

Phytobioactive compounds are plant secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds abundantly present in medicinal plants and have remarkable therapeutic potential. Oxidative stress and antibiotic resistance are major causes of present-day ailments such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and inflammation. The data for this review were collected from Google Scholar, PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Science Direct by using keywords: "Medicinal plants, Phytobioactive compounds, Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Carotenoids etc." Several studies have reported the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of the phytobioactives. Polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenes, and polysaccharides isolated from medicinal plants showed remarkable antioxidant, anticancer, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. This literature review was planned to provide comprehensive insight into the biopharmacological and therapeutic potential of phytobioactive compounds. The techniques used for the extraction and isolation of phytobioactive compounds, and bioassays required for their biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities, have been discussed. Characterization techniques for the structural elucidation of phytobioactive compounds such as HPLC, TLC, FTIR, GC-MS/MS, and NMR have also been discussed. This review concludes that phytobioactive compounds may be used as potential alternative to synthetic compounds as therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases.

Hepatorenal Toxicity of Inorganic Arsenic in White Pekin Ducks and Its Amelioration by Using Ginger

The toxic metalloid arsenic is known to cause liver and kidney injury in many humans and animals. The goal of this paper was to exemplify the antagonism of ginger against arsenic (As)-induced hepato-renal toxicity. In addition, the pathways Nrf2/Keap1 and NF/κB were studied to reveal the molecular mechanism of the stress. One hundred twenty 7-day-old White Pekin ducks were randomly allocated into five groups, having 24 birds in each. Each group contained three replicates having 8 birds in each replicate and maintained for 90 days. The groups were as follows: T-1 [control-basal diet with normal water], T-2 [T1 + As at 28 ppm/L of water], T-3 [T2 + ginger powder at 100 mg/kg feed], T-4 [T2 + ginger powder at 300 mg/kg feed], and T-5 [T2 + ginger powder at 1 g/kg feed]. It was observed that there was a significant increase in oxidative parameters whereas a significant decrease in antioxidant parameters in hepato-renal tissues in T-2. The exposure to As not only decreased the mRNA expression of antioxidant parameters like Nrf2, SOD-1, CAT, GPX, and HO-1and anti-inflammatory markers like IL-4 and IL-10 but also increased the m-RNA expression of NF-κB, Keap-1 and pro-inflammatory markers like IL-2, Il-6, IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α. There was also an accumulation of As in hepatic and renal tissue, confirmed by residual analysis of these tissues. By correlating the above parameters, As at 28 ppm showed significant toxic effects, and ginger powder at 1 g/kg feed effectively counteracted the toxic effects of As in ducks.

Effects of rutin supplementation on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum parameters, and meat quality of Nubian goats

Previous studies found that rutin can improve production performance of sheep and dairy cows. However, it is not clear whether rutin has similar effects in goats. Hence, the aim of this experiment was to study the effects of rutin supplementation on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum parameters, and meat quality of Nubian goats. A total of 36 healthy Nubian ewes were randomly divided into three groups. Goats were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (R0), 25 (R25), and 50 (R50) mg rutin per kg of diet. The growth performance and slaughter performance of goats had no significant difference among three groups. The meat pH45min and moisture were significantly higher in the R25 group than the R50 group (p < 0.05), but the color value b* and contents of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c, C20:1, saturated fatty acid (SFA), and monounsaturated fatty acid (MSFA) in meat had an opposite outcome. The dressing percentage had an increasing tendency in the R25 group compared with the R0 group (0.05 < p < 0.10), but the shear force, water loss rate and crude protein of meat had opposite results. In conclusion, rutin could not affect the growth performance and slaughter performance of goats; low levels could possibly improve meat quality.

Antioxidant Properties and Proximate Composition of Different Tissues of European Beaver

The chemical composition, content of cholesterol, retinol and α-tocopherol, and the total antioxidant capacity of different tissues from wild beavers were investigated. The total phenolic contents and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) were analysed spectrophotometrically, and fat-soluble vitamins were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The type of tissue (skeletal muscle from loin and hind leg vs. adipose tissue from subcutaneous fat and tail) significantly affected content of all chemical components. The concentration of cholesterol was not related to total fat content. The retinol and α-tocopherol contents (µg/100 g) were significantly higher in the tail (13.0 and 391.2) and subcutaneous fat (12.2 and 371.3) compared to skeletal muscles (as an average 9.1 and 361.4). Among all tissues the tail showed significantly the highest values of DPPH (3.07 mM TE/100 g), ABTS (3.33 mM TE/100 g), and total phenolics (TPC, 543.7 mg GAE/100 g). The concentration of retinol was positively correlated with α-tocopherol (0.748, p < 0.001), and both vitamins were very strongly correlated with DPPH (0.858 and 0.886, p < 0.001), ABTS (0.894 and 0.851, p < 0.001), and TPC (0.666 and 0.913, p < 0.001). The principal component analysis proved that moisture, ash, and protein contents were representative for skeletal muscles, whereas, retinol, α-tocopherol, ABTS and DPPH accurately described the antioxidant capacity of tissue from the tail.

The use of an optimised concentration of quercetin limits peroxidation of lipids in the meat of broiler chickens fed a diet containing flaxseed oil rich in omega-3

Ross 308 chickens were used to investigate fatty acid (FA) composition and oxidative stability of broiler chicken meat following the controlled inhibition of peroxidation in feed containing a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed oil, FLO), approximately 50% omega-3. Ninety-six one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments (n = 24/group) that included rapeseed oil (RO), flaxseed oil (FLO), RO with optimised quercetin (Q) - RO_Q, or FLO with optimised Q (FLO_Q). On day 35, breast and thigh muscles were collected in order to analyse their FA profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Dietary treatments had no effect on weight gain or feed conversion ratio in chickens. However, dietary FLO increased the deposition of α-linolenic acid in both pectoral and thigh meat (P < 0.05), and tended to decrease the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 FA in pectoral muscles (P < 0.07). Addition of an optimised concentration of Q proved to be an efficient way of limiting lipoperoxidation in breast and thigh muscles subjected to refrigeration at 2-3 °C for either 1 or 7 days. Results were consistent with the observed inhibition of peroxidation in feed mixtures and significantly correlated with MDA levels found in feed mixtures. These results provide evidence that it is possible to produce poultry meat with an improved proportion of omega-3 FA without significantly altering the performance of broiler chickens or the oxidative stability of their meat.

Dietary Flavonoids as Modulators of Lipid Metabolism in Poultry

Flavonoids, naturally-occurring compounds with multiple phenolic structures, are the most widely distributed phytochemicals in the plant kingdom, and are mainly found in vegetables, fruits, grains, roots, herbs, and tea and red wine products. Flavonoids have health-promoting effects and are indispensable compounds in nutritional and pharmaceutical (i.e., nutraceutical) applications. Among the demonstrated bioactive effects of flavonoids are anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial in a range of research models. Through dietary formulation strategies, numerous flavonoids provide the ability to support bird health while improving the nutritional quality of poultry meat and eggs by changing the profile of fatty acids and reducing cholesterol content. A number of such compounds have been shown to inhibit adipogenesis, and promote lipolysis and apoptosis in adipose tissue cells, and thereby have the potential to affect fat accretion in poultry at various ages and stages of production. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to animal health by preventing free radical damage in tissues and ameliorating inflammation in adipose tissue, which are concerns in broiler breeders and laying hens. In this review, we summarize the progress in understanding the effects of dietary flavonoids on lipid metabolism and fat deposition in poultry, and discuss the associated physiological mechanisms.

Distribution of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant potential, and free amino acids in Ziziphus fruits extract; a study for determining the influence of wider geography

Ziziphus fruits have attracted much attention within the field of medicine due to their high potential against central nervous system disorders. Abundance of secondary metabolites and their composition is key to the pharmaceutical potential and commercial qualities of plants. The in vitro antioxidant activities of Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) and Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew fruit extract were analyzed using 2,2‐diphenil‐1‐pycrilhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging assay methods. Phenolic profiles were explored using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD). The result revealed high concentration of polyphenols and their antioxidant potential. In Z. nummularia, the total phenolic content (TPC) (80.270 ± 0.422 μg/ml), DPPH (62.03 ± 0.98 μg/ml), ABTS (66.32 ± 0.73 μg/ml), and TFC (90.683 ± 0.274 μg/ml) were recorded. However, in Z. oxyphylla, DPPH and ABTS values were 60.66 ± 0.56 μg/ml and 61.55 ± 0.77 μg/ml, respectively, indicative of the impacts of climate and soil nutrients. The overall screening of phytochemicals revealed that both the Ziziphus species contain diverse bioactive compounds, including spinacetine‐3‐O‐(2 feruloyl glucopyranosyl)‐glucopyranoside, kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside‐7‐O‐glucoside, and caffeic acid; p‐hydroxybenzoyl hexose, p‐coumaric acid, salicylic acid, and ellagic acid pentoxide. Additionally, the highest concentrated amino acid noted was of Lue 0.19 g/100 g with 596.00 retention time (RT), followed by Thr>Ale>Isl>Phya>Val in Z. nummularia. Similarly, the highest concentration of Lue amino acid was recorded as 0.18/100 g with 564.52 RT followed by Pr>Thr>Ale>Lue>Isl>Phya>Val in all genotypes of Z. oxyphylla. Reporting of polyphenols rich and stable species along with identification of favorable regions of cultivation for amino acid, polyphenols, and higher antioxidant potential may lead the way for the identification of elite clones of the species as well as may result in new drug discovery.

The Impact of Herbal Additives for Poultry Feed on the Fatty Acid Profile of Meat

Researchers often found that herbal additives to chicken feed can favorably alter the fatty acid profile of the meat. The most desirable effects of diet modification comprise an increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a reduced content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the breast and thigh muscles. A modified fatty acid profile contributes to improvement in the quality of poultry meat, which is reflected in its increased consumption. However, it may be problematic that PUFAs are oxidized easier than other lipids, which can have a negative impact on the sensory traits of meat. By contrast, herbs and herbal products contain antioxidants that can prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol present in animal-origin products and increase the antioxidant potential of the consumer’s body. This paper aims to review the influence of herbal additives for broiler chicken diets on the fatty acid profile of poultry meat. Special attention was paid to changes in the content of SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, but also alterations in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio. The presented reference literature supports the statement that herbs and bioactive components of herbs added to chicken diets can improve the quality of broiler chicken meat by altering the content of fatty acids.

Quercetin extracted from Sophora japonica flower improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal microbiota, organ indexes, and breast quality in broiler chicks

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing quercetin extracted from Sophora japonica flower (QS) to the diet of broiler chicks on their growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, cecal microbiota, serum lipid profiles, relative organ weight, and breast muscle quality.

Method

A total of 1088 1-day-old broiler chicks (mixed sex) were randomly assigned to four groups based on the initial body weight (43.00 ± 0.29 g). The experimental period was 35 days (starter, days 0-7; grower, days 7-21; finisher, days 21-35). There were 17 replicate cages per treatment and 16 birds per cage. Dietary treatments consisted of birds receiving basal diet without quercetin as the control group and treatment groups consisted of birds fed basal diet supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 g/kg QS.

Results

With the increase of the QS dosage, body weight gain during days 0-7 (P = 0.021), 7-21 (P = 0.010), and 1-35 (P = 0.045), feed intake during days 0-7 (P = 0.037) and 1-35 (P = 0.025), apparent dry matter digestibility (P = 0.008), apparent energy retention (P = 0.004), cecal lactic acid bacteria counts (P = 0.023), the relative weight of breast muscle (P = 0.014), pH value from breast muscle (P < 0.001), and the water holding capacity of breast muscle (P = 0.012) increased linearly, whereas the drip loss from breast muscle (P = 0.001) decreased linearly.

Conclusion

The addition of QS in the diet of broiler chicks had positive effects on the breast muscle yield and breast muscle quality, and improved the dry matter digestibility and energy retention by increasing cecal beneficial bacteria counts, thus improving growth performance.

Effect of marketable age on proximate composition and nutritional profile of breast meat from Cherry Valley broiler ducks

Marketable age is an important determinant of meat quality. Cherry Valley duck (SM3 medium) is the most efficient Pekin-type duck and is the most widely farmed breed globally. However, whether marketable age determines the meat quality of Cherry Valley ducks is not well documented. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of marketable age on the proximate composition and nutritional profile of breast meat from Cherry Valley broiler ducks. Ducks at 28, 38, 42, and 45 days old were selected and slaughtered, and their proximate composition, cholesterol and essential mineral compositions, and amino acids and fatty acid profile of breast meat lipid were determined. The results showed higher protein content and lower intramuscular fat content were observed in the 38-day-old ducks than in the 28-day-old birds (P < 0.05). Additionally, 38-day-old ducks contained higher Fe and Mg contents (P < 0.05), whereas 28-day-old birds had higher Zn and Ca contents (P < 0.05). The essential amino acid content in 38-day-old was about 95.29 g/kg, higher than that in 28-day-old birds (P < 0.05). The contents of C20:5 n-3, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were the highest in 38-day-old birds (P < 0.05), whereas the content of C20:4 n-6, DHA (C22:6 n-3), and saturated fatty acids in 28-day-old birds was the lowest (P < 0.05). Finally, a comprehensive evaluation model of multiple traits was developed by applying principal component analysis, and the meat nutrition of 38-day-old ducks was identified as the optimal. Taken together, the meat of 38-day-old ducks had an advantage in proximate composition, minerals content, essential amino acids, and fatty acids, and 38 d might be recommended as an appropriate marketable age to provide duck meat of high nutrition value.

Functional Meat Products as Oxidative Stress Modulators: A Review

High meat consumption has been associated with increased oxidative stress mainly due to the generation of oxidized compounds in the body, such as malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxy-nonenal, oxysterols, or protein carbonyls, which can induce oxidative damage. Meat products are excellent matrices for introducing different bioactive compounds, to obtain functional meat products aimed at minimizing the pro-oxidant effects associated with high meat consumption. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the concept and preparation of healthy and functional meat, which could benefit antioxidant status. Likewise, the key strategies regarding meat production and storage as well as ingredients used (e.g., minerals, polyphenols, fatty acids, walnuts) for developing these functional meats are detailed. Although most effort has been made to reduce the oxidation status of meat, newly emerging approaches also aim to improve the oxidation status of consumers of meat products. Thus, we will delve into the relation between functional meats and their health effects on consumers. In this review, animal trials and intervention studies are discussed, ascertaining the extent of functional meat products' properties (e.g., neutralizing reactive oxygen species formation and increasing the antioxidant response). The effects of functional meat products in the frame of diet-gene interactions are analyzed to 1) discover target subjects that would benefit from their consumption, and 2) understand the molecular mechanisms that ensure precision in the prevention and treatment of diseases, where high oxidative stress takes place. Long-term intervention-controlled studies, testing different types and amounts of functional meat, are also necessary to ascertain their positive impact on degenerative diseases.

Effect of Quercetin on Lipids Metabolism Through Modulating the Gut Microbial and AMPK/PPAR Signaling Pathway in Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate effects and mechanism of quercetin on lipids metabolism in broilers. 480 AA broilers were randomly allotted to four treatments (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/kg quercetin) for 42 days. Compared with the control, 0.6 g/kg quercetin significantly decreased percentage of abdominal fat (P < 0.05); 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/kg quercetin significantly decreased relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Desulfovibrionaceae (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01; P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01); 0.2 g/kg quercetin significantly increased mRNA expression of PI3K, AMPKα1, AMPKα2, AMPKβ2, LKB1 (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and significantly reduced mRNA expression of SREBP1 and PPARγ (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); 0.4 g/kg quercetin significantly increased mRNA expression of LKB1 and PKB (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and significantly reduced mRNA expression of ACC, HMGR, PPARγ, and SREBP1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01); 0.6 g/kg quercetin significantly increased mRNA expression of AMPKγ, LKB1, CPT1, PPARα, PKB (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05), and significantly reduced the mRNA expression of PI3K, ACC, HMGR, PPARγ, SREBP1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01); 0.2 g/kg quercetin significantly increased protein expression of AMPK (P < 0.01); 0.6 g/kg quercetin significantly increased protein expression of LKB1 (P < 0.01), 0.2 and 0.6 g/kg quercetin significantly increased protein expression of PI3K, PKB, CPT1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01), and significantly reduced protein expression of ACC and SREBP1 (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01). In conclusion, quercetin improved lipid metabolism by modulating gut microbial and AMPK/PPAR signaling pathway in broilers.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh meat of broiler chickens fed gradually increasing levels of supplemental blueberry extract

The effect of gradually increasing supplemental levels of blueberry extract on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh muscles of broiler chickens was investigated. One hundred ninety-two 7-day-old chickens were randomly distributed into four groups having four replicates with 12 birds in each replicate. Basal diets were prepared for starter (days 8 to 21) and finisher (days 22 to 42). Basal diets were offered to the control group only, whereas other treatments received basal diets fortified with 0.5, 1, and 2% blueberry extract (BB0.5, BB1, and BB2 groups, respectively). The duration of experiment was 35 days (days 8 to 42). During finisher and overall growth phases, broilers in the BB2 group had greater body weight gain than those in the BB0.5 and control groups, whereas the BB1 group had higher body weight gain than the control group (P < 0.001). Body weight gain remained unaffected during the starter phase. Feed intake was greater in the BB2 group than in the control group at days 8 to 21, 22 to 42, and 8 to 42 (P = 0.002, P = 0.035, and P = 0.001, respectively). The control group had poor FCR than the BB2 group in the starter phase (P = 0.034). At days 22 to 42, feeding blueberry extract (BB0.5, BB1, and BB2) improved the FCR of broilers compared with the control group, whereas the BB2 group had better FCR than the BB0.5 group (P < 0.001). At 8 to 42 days, broilers in the control group had poor FCR compared with the BB1 and BB2 groups, whereas the BB0.5 group had poor FCR than the BB2 group (P < 0.001). Slaughter weight was lower in the control group than in the blueberry extract groups, whereas the BB2 group had greater slaughter weight than the BB0.5 group (P < 0.001). Dressing percentage of broilers in the control and BB0.5 groups was lower than that in other groups (P < 0.001). Gizzard yield was higher in the BB0.5 and BB2 groups than in the control group (P = 0.021). In addition, feeding 2% blueberry extract increased the concentration of different fatty acids in breast and thigh meat of broiler chickens. Findings suggest that feeding 2% blueberry extract may improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of breast and thigh muscles of broilers.

A combined approach of electronic spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations to assess model membrane oxidation pathways

Assessment of lipid oxidation pathways using UV spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations.

Evaluation of Cholinesterase Inhibitory Potential of Different Genotypes of Ziziphus nummularia, Their HPLC-UV, and Molecular Docking Analysis

Ziziphus nummularia is an important source of valuable phytoconstituents, which are widely used in traditional medicine system of Indo-Pak sub-continent. In this study we investigated the distribution of phenolic compounds in the fruit pericarps of six different genotypes (ZNP01-06) of Z. nummularia growing in the unexplored hilly areas of Pakistan. The methanolic extracts of these genotypes were screened for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant, and cholinesterase inhibitory potentials. The observed biological potentials were explained in terms of the outcome of molecular docking and HPLC analyses. Among them, genotype ZNP02 displayed high TPC (88.50 ± 1.23 μg/mL) and showed potent scavenging activity against DPPH (67.03 ± 1.04 μg/mL) and ABTS (65.3 ± 1.74 μg/mL) in comparison to ascorbic acid (68.7 ± 0.47 μg/mL). Moreover, genotypes ZNP01, ZNP02, and ZNP04 displayed potent inhibition against acetyl and butyryl cholinesterases (AChE and BChE) with IC50 values of 21.2, 20.5, and 23.7 μg/mL (AChE) and 22.7, 24.4, and 33.1 μg/mL (BChE), respectively. Furthermore, the individual compounds in the most potent species ZNP01 responsible for potent enzyme inhibition (identified through HPLC-UV analysis), were computed via docking simulation software to the enzyme structures. Among these compounds rutin exhibited significant binding affinity with value of -9.20 kcal/mol. The differences amongst the phytochemical compositions of the selected genotypes highlighted the genotypic variations in them. Based on our results it was concluded that the selected plant can be used as remedy of oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. However, further studies are needed to isolate responsible compounds and test the observed potential in vivo, along with toxicological evaluations in animal models.

A Review of Efforts to Improve Lipid Stability during Sample Preparation and Standardization Efforts to Ensure Accuracy in the Reporting of Lipid Measurements

Lipidomics is a rapidly growing field, fueled by developments in analytical instrumentation and bioinformatics. To date, most researchers and industries have employed their own lipidomics workflows without a consensus on best practices. Without a community-wide consensus on best practices for the prevention of lipid degradation and transformations through sample collection and analysis, it is difficult to assess the quality of lipidomics data and hence trust results. Clinical studies often rely on samples being stored for weeks or months until they are analyzed, but inappropriate sampling techniques, storage temperatures, and analytical protocols can result in the degradation of complex lipids and the generation of oxidized or hydrolyzed metabolite artifacts. While best practices for lipid stability are sample dependent, it is generally recommended that strategies during sample preparation capable of quenching enzymatic activity and preventing oxidation should be considered. In addition, after sample preparation, lipid extracts should be stored in organic solvents with antioxidants at -20 °C or lower in an airtight container without exposure to light or oxygen. This will reduce or eliminate sublimation, and chemically and physically induced molecular transformations such as oxidation, enzymatic transformation, and photon/heat-induced degradation. This review explores the available literature on lipid stability, with a particular focus on human health and/or clinical lipidomic applications. Specifically, this includes a description of known mechanisms of lipid degradation, strategies, and considerations for lipid storage, as well as current efforts for standardization and quality insurance of protocols.

Single components of botanicals and nature-identical compounds as a non-antibiotic strategy to ameliorate health status and improve performance in poultry and pigs

In the current post-antibiotic era, botanicals represent one of the most employed nutritional strategies to sustain antibiotic-free and no-antibiotic-ever production. Botanicals can be classified either as plant extracts, meaning the direct products derived by extraction from the raw plant materials (essential oils (EO) and oleoresins (OR)), or as nature-identical compounds (NIC), such as the chemically synthesised counterparts of the pure bioactive compounds of EO/OR. In the literature, differences between the use of EO/OR or NIC are often unclear, so it is difficult to attribute certain effects to specific bioactive compounds. The aim of the present review was to provide an overview of the effects exerted by botanicals on the health status and growth performance of poultry and pigs, focusing attention on those studies where only NIC were employed or those where the composition of the EO/OR was defined. In particular, phenolic compounds (apigenin, quercetin, curcumin and resveratrol), organosulfur compounds (allicin), terpenes (eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, capsaicin and artemisinin) and aldehydes (cinnamaldehyde and vanillin) were considered. These molecules have different properties such as antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, as well as the improvement of intestinal morphology and integrity of the intestinal mucosa. The use of NIC allows us to properly combine pure compounds, according to the target to achieve. Thus, they represent a promising non-antibiotic tool to allow better intestinal health and a general health status, thereby leading to improved growth performance.

Impact of Sodium Nitrite Reduction on Lipid Oxidation and Antioxidant Properties of Cooked Meat Products

Oxidation processes are responsible for reduction of the sensory and nutritional quality of meat and meat products, thus affecting consumer acceptance. The use of sodium nitrite in meat processing is an important factor limiting these changes. Therefore, eliminating this substance from the recipe of meat products to increase their nutritional value is not an easy challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sodium nitrite reduction on the lipid oxidation (peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and color parameters (CIE L*a*b*, total heme pigment and heme iron, nitrosylmyoglobin) in cooked meat products during 15 days of vacuum storage. The antioxidant properties of products and isolated peptides (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power) were also evaluated. Experimental material included four different sample groups of cooked meat products produced with various percentages of sodium nitrite (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg kg^-1). It was shown that the sodium nitrite dose had no statistically significant effect on lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values, as well as nitrosylmyoglobin content. Along with decreasing the share of sodium nitrite in the samples, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value increased from 0.43 mg kg^-1 for samples with 150 mg kg^-1 at day 0 to 3.14 mg kg^-1 for samples without nitrite at day 15. The total ABTS scavenging capacity of the cooked meat samples was in the range 2.48 to 4.31 eqv. mM Trolox per g of product throughout the entire storage period. During storage, the ferric-reducing antioxidant power of samples with nitrite increased from 0.25 to 0.38 eqv. mg/mL ascorbic acid per g of product. In conclusion, reduction of nitrite to the level of 50 mg kg^-1 seemed to be comparable with the traditional use of nitrite in meat products in terms of the physicochemical properties and properties related to lipid oxidation, as well as total antioxidant capacity and peptide antioxidant capacity.

Use of natural ingredients in the Japanese quail diet and their effect on carcass and meat quality. Review

The present paper reviews the findings of different research studies on the effect of natural ingredients in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) diet on carcass characteristics and meat quality. The results show a relationship between the type and concentration of ingredients used in diets and carcass characteristics and meat quality. The inclusion of medicinal herbs (thyme, black seed, and mint), plants (canola), seeds (chickpea), spices (cinnamon and coriander), worms (earthworms), bee products (propolis), phytochemicals (lycopene), and edible fungi (common mushrooms) in the Japanese quail diet improved carcass quality characteristics compared to the control diets (basal diets). The inclusion of medicinal herbs (spearmint and green tea), spices (cinnamon), vegetables (tomato), plants (verbena and canola), seeds (marijuana), and edible fungi (oyster mushrooms) improved meat quality. In conclusion, the use of ingredients of natural origin in the Japanese quail diet improves carcass quality characteristics and meat quality.

Effects of dietary onion (Allium cepa) extract supplementation on performance, apparent total tract retention of nutrients, blood profile and meat quality of broiler chicks

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary onion (Allium cepa) extract (OE) supplementation on growth performance, apparent total tract retention (ATTR), blood profile, carcass characteristics and meat quality in broilers.

Methods

Four hundred male broiler chicks (Ross 308, 3-d old) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments for 28 d feeding trial. Each treatment has five replications with 20 birds each. Four dietary treatments were designated according to the OE supplementation levels (0 as control, 5, 7.5, and 10 g of OE per kg of basal diet respectively). On d 28, a total of 20 birds from each treatment were subjected for ATTR, serum biochemical assay, carcass characteristic and organ weight measurement.

Results

Overall weight gain of OE 7.5 g/kg group was higher (p = 0.04) than control group. The ATTRs of dietary energy (p<0.01) and ether extract (p = 0.04) linearly increased with increasing levels of dietary OE. However, no difference in ATTR of dry matter and crude protein was evident. Furthermore, serum IgG concentration increased linearly (p<0.01) and quadratically (p = 0.03) with increasing OE supplementation. No differences in carcass dressing weight and amount of abdominal fat by treatments were observed. Also, the weight of organ including immune organ was not different among the treatments. The TBARS values of 10 d stored breast meat decreased linearly (p<0.01) and quadratically (p<0.01) with increasing dietary OE levels. The meat color was also affected, with lower (p<0.01) redness score in meats from OE supplemented groups. This study showed that dietary OE improved broiler weight gain presumably by increasing feed intake and ATTR of both energy and ether extract. The dietary OE increased serum IgG level and meat anti-oxidation capacity.

Conclusion

This study implies that the recommended level of dietary OE supplementation could be beneficial for improving broiler performance and meat quality.