Invited review: Mineral absorption mechanisms, mineral interactions that affect acid-base and antioxidant status, and diet considerations to improve mineral status

From nutrient bioavailability to disease resistance: The comprehensive benefits of chelated minerals in aquaculture

The integration of chelated minerals into aquaculture diets represents a significant advancement in enhancing the health and productivity of aquatic species. These minerals improve nutrient bioavailability, boost immune responses, and increase disease resistance in fish and shrimp, effectively addressing key challenges in aquaculture sustainability. This review highlights the benefits of chelated minerals, including their role in improving feed efficiency, promoting resilience against infections, and mitigating heavy metal toxicity. Key findings indicate that chelated minerals enhance nutrient absorption, which is crucial for optimizing growth and overall health. Furthermore, they strengthen immune responses, thereby increasing resilience to diseases in aquaculture environments. Additionally, these minerals boost antioxidant capacity, helping to alleviate oxidative stress caused by environmental factors and pathogens. The review emphasizes the need for further research to optimize the use of chelated minerals, focusing on mechanisms of action, species-specific responses, and long-term impacts on ecosystems. Successful implementation will require collaboration among researchers, nutritionists, and practitioners to develop evidence-based guidelines for their responsible use. In conclusion, the incorporation of chelated minerals into aquaculture diets has the potential to revolutionize practices and significantly improve the welfare of aquatic species.

Sodium Retention in Large Herbivores: Physiological Insights and Zoogeochemical Consequences

The assimilation, retention, and release of nutrients by animals fundamentally shapes their physiology and contributions to ecological processes (e.g., zoogeochemistry). Yet, information on the transit of nutrients through the bodies of large mammals remains scarce. Here, we examined how sodium (Na), a key element for animal health and ecosystem functioning, travels differently through fecal and urinary systems of cows (Bos taurus) and horses (Equus ferus caballus). We provided a large dose of Na and compared its timing of release in feces and urine to that of nonabsorbable markers. Na excretion by urine occurred approximately twice as fast as excretion by feces, yet both were shorter than indigestible particle markers. These differences correspond to rapid absorption of Na in the upper gastrointestinal tract and transport by blood to the kidneys (urine Na excretion) or resecretion of Na into the lower intestinal tract (fecal Na excretion). Interestingly, for cows, we found a second peak of Na excretion in urine and feces > 96 h after dosage. This result may indicate that surplus Na can be rapidly absorbed and stored in specific body cells (e.g., skin), from which it is later released. Using a propagule dispersal model, we found that the distance of cattle- and horse-driven nutrient dispersal by urine was 31% and 36% less than the fecal pathway and 60% and 41% less than the particle marker pathway, which is commonly used to estimate nutrient dispersal. Future physiological and zoogeochemical studies should resolve different pathways of nutrient retention and release from large mammals.

MT1H inhibits the growth of gastric cancer by regulating SLC6A19/TTC39B/ADM2 and activating p53-dependent autophagy

Metallothioneins (MTs) are a class of cysteine-rich proteins that actively participate in the cellular defense against free radicals. However, owing to the high heterogeneity among different MTs, comprehensive investigations are needed to determine the biological activities and distribution patterns of each MT in different tissues. In the present study, ectopic expression of MT1H significantly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Mechanistically, MT1H was transported into the nucleus and regulated the expression of key genes involved in nutrient transportation and homeostasis, such as SLC6A19, TTC39B, and ADM2, and thereby activating the p53 and autophagy pathways. Additionally, survival analysis of data from the TCGA and other databases revealed that gastric cancer patients with high expression of MT1H had longer survival. Furthermore, MT1H was undetectable in most gastric cell lines, but its expression was increased upon treatment with dexamethasone (Dexa) and the metal ion zinc. Therefore, MT1H emerges as a valuable tumor suppressor, a biomarker for the prognosis, and a promising therapeutic target in gastric cancer patients.

Comparing oral versus intravenous calcium administration on alleviating markers of production, metabolism, and inflammation during an intravenous lipopolysaccharide challenge in mid-lactation dairy cows

Animals, including dairy cows, develop hypocalcemia during infection. Prior independent research suggests supplementing oral Ca, but not i.v. Ca, improves multiple health metrics after immune activation. Therefore, study objectives were to directly compare the effects of administering an oral Ca bolus versus i.v. Ca on mineral and energetic metabolism variables and inflammatory parameters following an i.v. LPS challenge. Mid-lactation cows (124 ± 43 DIM) were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: (1) saline control (CON; 4 mL of saline; n = 4), (2) LPS control (CON-LPS; 0.375 µg/kg BW; n = 6), (3) LPS with oral Ca bolus (OCa-LPS; 0.375 µg/kg BW and a 192-g bolus of Bovikalc [Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA] containing 43 g of Ca [71% CaCl2 and 29% CaSO4] supplemented at -0.5 and 6 h relative to LPS administration; n = 8), and (4) LPS with i.v. Ca (IVCa-LPS; 0.375 µg/kg BW and 500 mL of Ca-gluconate, 23% [VetOne, Boise, ID]) supplemented at -0.5 and 6 h relative to LPS infusion; n = 8). During period (P) 1 (4 d), baseline data were obtained. At the initiation of P2 (5 d), LPS and Ca supplements were administered. As anticipated, CON-LPS became hypocalcemic, but OCa-LPS and IVCa-LPS had increased ionized Ca compared with CON-LPS cows (1.11 and 1.28 vs. 0.95 ± 0.02 mmol/L, respectively). Rectal temperature increased after LPS and was additionally elevated in IVCa-LPS from 3 to 4 h (38.9 and 39.8 ± 0.1°C in CON-LPS and IVCa-LPS, respectively). Administering LPS decreased DMI and milk yield relative to CON. Circulating glucose was decreased in OCa-LPS compared with CON-LPS and IVCa-LPS during the initial hyperglycemic phase at 1 h (75.1 vs. 94.9 and 95.7 ± 3.4 mg/dL, respectively, but all LPS infused cows regardless of treatment had similar glucose concentrations thereafter, which were decreased relative to baseline during the first 12 h. Blood urea nitrogen increased after LPS but this was attenuated in OCa-LPS compared with CON-LPS and IVCa-LPS cows (8.7 vs. 10.0 and 10.4 ± 0.3 mg/dL). Glucagon increased in OCa-LPS and IVCa-LPS compared with CON-LPS cows (459 and 472 vs. 335 ± 28 pg/mL, respectively), and insulin markedly increased over time regardless of LPS treatment. Lipopolysaccharide substantially increased serum amyloid A, LPS-binding protein (LBP), and haptoglobin in all treatments, but OCa-LPS tended to have increased LBP concentrations relative to IVCa-LPS (10.7 vs. 8.6 ± 0.7 µg/mL, respectively). Several cytokines increased after LPS administration, but most temporal cytokine profiles did not differ by treatment. In summary, LPS administration intensely activated the immune system and both Ca delivery routes successfully ameliorated the hypocalcemia. The i.v. and oral Ca treatments had differential effects on multiple metabolism variables and appeared to mildly influence production responses to LPS.

Unveiling the Role of Selenium in Child Development: Impacts on Growth, Neurodevelopment and Immunity

Selenium (Se) is a vital trace element for children, playing a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, including antioxidant defense, immune regulation, thyroid function, and bone metabolism. Emerging evidence highlights its potential impact on child development and growth while also underscoring the complexity of its mechanisms and the global variations in Se intake. The aim of this review is to comprehensively elucidate the significance of Se in various biological processes within the human body, with a focus on its role in child development and growth; its biochemical effects on the nervous system, thyroid function, immune system, and bone tissue; and the implications of Se deficiency and toxicity. This review integrates findings from experimental models, epidemiological studies, and clinical trials to explore Se's role in neurodevelopment, growth regulation, and immune competence in children. Selenoproteins, which regulate oxidative stress and thyroid hormone and bone metabolism, are essential for normal growth and cognitive development in children. Se deficiency and toxicity has been linked to impaired immune function, growth retardation, and decreased immune function. The findings underscore Se's influence on various biological pathways that are critical for healthy child development and its broader importance for child health. Public health strategies aimed at optimizing selenium intake may play a pivotal role in improving pediatric health outcomes worldwide.

Impact of dietary Biocide clay on growth, physiological status, and histological indicators of the liver and digestive tract in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study evaluated the effects of Biocide, containing silicon tetrahedrons and organic acids, on growth performance, feed utilization, immune response, and oxidative status in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 300 Nile tilapia fingerlings (initial weight: 3.55 ± 0.01 g) were distributed across 15 tanks and fed diets containing 0.0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 g kg⁻¹ Biocide for 90 days, with three replicate tanks per treatment. Biocide is enriched with organic acids (fumaric acid and citric acid) and amino acids (glutamine, tyrosine, methionine, serine, and threonine). Fish fed Biocide-supplemented diets demonstrated significantly improved growth performance, with the highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio observed in the 1 g kg⁻¹ group. Survival rates did not differ significantly among treatments. Whole-body crude protein content peaked in the 1 g kg⁻¹ group, while moisture, lipid, and ash contents remained unchanged. Hematological parameters, including red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume, improved significantly. Serum lipid profiles showed reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein levels, alongside increased high-density lipoprotein levels, particularly in the 1 g kg⁻¹ group. Antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and total antioxidant capacity were significantly elevated in the liver and intestine, while malondialdehyde levels decreased. Digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase, and protease) were markedly enhanced. Histopathological analysis revealed improved liver, stomach, and intestinal morphology, including increased mucous secretion and enhanced intestinal villi structure, in fish fed 1 g kg⁻¹ Biocide. In conclusion, Biocide supplementation, particularly at 1 g kg⁻¹, significantly improved growth performance, feed utilization, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in Nile tilapia. Notably, the findings highlight Biocide's primary mode of action on gut health, underscoring its potential as a dietary additive for improving aquaculture productivity.

Organic Zinc and Selenium Supplementation of Late Lactation Dairy Cows: Effects on Milk and Serum Minerals Bioavailability, Animal Health and Milk Quality

This study determined whether organic zinc and selenium supplementation of late lactation dairy cows positively affects immunity, oxidative status, milk quality (especially mineral levels), biochemical and hematologic parameters, and production efficiency. Twenty Jersey cows were divided into three groups: Control (n = 6)-without organic supplementation; Zinc (n = 7)-zinc supplementation (zinc amino acid chelate) and Selenium (n = 7)-selenium supplementation (selenium amino acid complex). The basal diet contained inorganic minerals. Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 14 and 28. Serum selenium concentration was higher in the Selenium group, and zinc level in milk was higher in the Zinc group. On day 28, supplementations resulted in higher lymphocyte counts, and lower serum creatine kinase, myeloperoxidase activity, levels of reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and iron. In milk, lower somatic cell count was also observed when cows were zinc or selenium supplemented compared to the control. Lower serum cholinesterase activity and higher heavy chain immunoglobulin concentration were observed on days 14 and 28. Selenium supplementation resulted in a higher immunoglobulin A concentration on days 14 and 28, and lower ceruloplasmin concentration on day 28 compared to Control, as well as a lower haptoglobin concentration on day 28. The Selenium group also had lower milk fat content compared to the Control. Supplementations changed the milk fatty acid profile, producing a higher unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio. There was no effect on lactation persistence. It is concluded that mineral supplementation with selenium and zinc benefits immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses. Conversely, milk quality was affected both positively and negatively.

Residual analysis for the identification of potential mid-infrared-derived biomarkers of heat stress in dairy cattle

Numerous prediction equations have been developed based on mid-infrared (MIR) spectra, and some could be potentially used as biomarkers of heat stress. However, practical experience shows that confusion can easily occur between the effect of heat stress and other effects, such as lactation stage or feeding variation over the year. On this basis, the objective of this study was to identify potential milk components predicted by MIR as biomarkers of heat stress based on a 2-step approach allowing correction for those effects. The first step consisted in the estimation of residuals from test-day random regression models on DIM to remove systematic lactation stage effects. These models also contained, among others, general (i.e., month of production) or specific (i.e., herd × test-day) fixed effects related to feeding and management. During the second step, means and variances of residuals by temperature-humidity index (THI) classes were studied. The models were applied to 611,063 records from 97,042 primiparous Holstein cows from 2015 to 2022 in the south of Belgium. The MIR-predicted milk components with the highest deviations from the mean with increasing THI were protein percentage, casein concentration, magnesium concentration, and (to a lesser extent) PUFA concentration. Concerning residual variances, the highest heteroscedasticity with THI was obtained for milk MIR MUFA, C18:1 cis-9, and citrate concentrations. Conversely, a relative homoscedasticity of variance with increasing THI was observed for several milk MIR components including protein percentage and casein concentration. Based on the criteria of the good biomarkers guidelines, milk protein percentage seems to be the most promising trait of this study, followed by Mg concentration. However, in the context of genetic evaluation, which requires variability, milk MIR MUFA, C18:1 cis-9, or citrate concentration variations, if they are heritable, could be of great interest. Finally, an increase in milk MIR citrate concentration variance could be an early warning for the detection of heat stress in the frame of DHI.

Effects of Replacing Inorganic Sources of Copper, Manganese, and Zinc with Different Organic Forms on Mineral Status, Immune Biomarkers, and Lameness of Lactating Cows

(Objectives) The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of half-replacement of the supplementary sulfate sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn with methionine-hydroxy-analog-chelated (MHAC) mineral or amino-acid-complexed (AAC) mineral forms in diets on the mineral status, blood immune biomarkers, and lameness of lactating cows. (Methods) Sixty multiparous Holstein cows (158 ± 26 days in milk; body weight: 665 ± 52 kg; milk yield: 32 ± 7 kg/day) were randomly assigned into one of three dietary treatments (n = 20 per group): (1) MHAC: 50% replacement of sulfate minerals with MHAC forms. (2) AAC: 50% replacement of sulfate minerals with AAC forms. (3) S: 100% sulfate minerals (control). Their Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations, blood immune biomarkers, and lameness were measured monthly. Repeated-measure mixed models were used to evaluate the effects on trace mineral status over time. As the responses with the MHAC and AAC forms were similar, the treatments were also analyzed as organic trace minerals (OTMs, combining the MHAC and AAC groups, n = 40) versus inorganic trace minerals (ITMs, the S group, n = 20). (Results) Cows supplemented with OTMs had higher concentrations of Cu and Mn in their serum (p ≤ 0.05), a higher hoof hardness (p ≤ 0.05), and a lower incidence of lameness compared to those with ITMs on d 90. There were no statistical differences (p > 0.10) in the concentrations of IgA, IgG, or ceruloplasmin, but there were significant differences (p = 0.03) in the concentrations of IgM in the serum as fixed effects of the diet treatments during the whole trial. On d 30 and 90, the serum IgA concentrations of the cows supplemented with OTMs tended to be higher (0.05 < p ≤ 0.10) than those in the cows supplemented with ITMs. (Conclusions) The half-replacement strategy showed that the MHAC and AAC sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn additives had similar effects on the production performance, blood immune biomarkers, and lameness of the lactating cows. The long-term replacement strategy with OTMs led to the enhancement of the trace mineral concentrations in their body fluids, blood immune biomarkers, and hoof health.

Effect of Replacing Inorganic Copper, Zinc, and Selenium with Chelated Minerals on Productive Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Tibia Morphology, and Intestinal Histology of Growing Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

This study evaluated the impact of replacing inorganic mineral sources of Cu, Zn, and Se with chelated organic minerals (OM) on performance, nutrient and mineral utilization rates, and intestinal morphometry in growing Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 150 nine-day-old quails were randomly assigned to receive one of the following diets over 4 weeks: CTRL (100% inorganic minerals), OM33 (replacement of 33% inorganic minerals), OM67 (replacement of 67% inorganic minerals), and OM100 (100% organic minerals). Quails fed the OM67 diet exhibited higher (P < 0.05) viability, daily weight gain, and live weight than the other groups, with no significant difference in feed intake or feed efficiency across treatments. The utilization rates of Cu and Fe were lower in the OM33 group. The CTRL group presented the lowest tibial weight (P < 0.05). Growing quails fed the OM67 diet contained the highest intestinal villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In conclusion, the partial replacement (up to 67%) of inorganic mineral with OM in the diet of growing quails can enhance their productive performance and intestinal histological traits.

Integrating mineral elements and metabolite features to distinguish Lotus seeds from different geographic origins

The characteristics of lotus seeds (LS) are influenced by variety and environment. However, it remains unknown the difference of metabolites and elements of LS from different origins. In this study, an accurate quantification method (97-107 %) for 20 mineral elements in LS was developed, and a metabolomic method was established to identify a total of 323 metabolites in LS. Mineral composition analysis revealed significant variations in the mineral element contents among LS samples from seven geographical regions. LS were rich in potassium (14,710 mg/kg), manganese (67.19 mg/kg), with a low level of sodium (210 mg/kg). A total of 10 mineral elements and 117 metabolites (p < 0.05 and VIP > 1) were identified as the potential geographical markers of LS by integration analysis. The linear discriminant analysis model showed high prediction accuracy. This study provides strong experimental evidence to maintain the authenticity and quality of LS in the food industry.

Risk Factors Associated with Hemoparasites in Dual-Purpose Cattle of Colombia

Hemoparasitic diseases represent a significant problem with a considerable impact on tropical and subtropical areas of the world. These conditions cause economic losses associated with multi-organic failure and even the death of animals. In these areas, the hemoparasites are transmitted in an enzootic cycle when infectious cattle, such as persistently infected animals, including cows, contribute to the success of transmission. However, the factors associated with transmission have always been considered environmental issues, disregarding herd management and practices. In this sense, we conducted a cross-sectional study sampling 360 female cattle older than one year to identify infectious cattle using the PCR technique. We employed a dichotomic questionnaire for association analyses in 150 herds of the southern Andean region of Colombia. Overall prevalence with infectious cattle was 52.5% for Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Trypanosoma spp., and the significant risk factors (p < 0.05) included geographic area, animal weight, purchase of cattle for fattening, disinfection of clothing after contact with neighboring animals, self-medication, separation of animals in pens, supply of mineralized salt, presence of livestock from other owners on the farm, prevention of joint trauma, documented milking routine, and sending blood samples for analysis. These practices permitted the maintenance of persistently infected animals and their movement to shed the agents to other animals in the presence of vectors. This suggests the importance of implementing comprehensive control and training measures to reduce the infectious cattle and, therefore, the profitability of dual-purpose livestock farms in the Andean region of southwestern Colombia.

Effects of Magnesium Forms on the Magnesium Balance and Jejunal Transporters in Healthy Rats

Magnesium (Mg) is a mineral necessary for many biological activities in mammals. Here, we compared the effect of two Mg compounds [Mg picolinate (MgPic) to Mg oxide (MgO)] on Mg bioavailability and intestinal Mg and calcium transporter protein levels. Three groups of 21 male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly allocated and fed a standard diet (control) or a 500 mg/kg Mg-supplemented (MgPic or MgO) diet for 8 weeks. The serum and liver Mg levels, Mg absorptivity, and retentivity were augmented in the MgPic group compared with the MgO group (P<0.05). Only MgPic supplementation elevated the expression of the genes encoding CLDN2, CLDN15, CNNM4, NCX1, PMCA1b, NCX2, and Calbindin-D9k in the jejunum by 1.59, 1.58, 1.70, 1.82, 2.02, 2.03, and 2.31 fold, respectively (P<0.05). Compared to the MgO-fed rats, MgPic rats had higher expression of the genes encoding NCX1, NCX2, PMCA1b, and Calbindin-D9k in the jejunum by 1.43, 1.72, 1.54, and 1.69 fold, respectively (P<0.01). These results suggest that MgPic increases Mg absorptivity and retentivity more than Mg bioavailability. In addition, MgPic can improve the paracellular and transcellular cationic mineral transport process. Thus, Mg deficiency disorders might be alleviated by MgPic more effectively than MgO.

Acidic hydrothermal processing of wheat using citrate buffer largely enhances iron and zinc bioaccessibility and bioavailability to Caco-2 cells

Phytate chelates iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in wheat. A multifactorial experiment showed that hydrothermal processing (45-60 °C, pH 4.0-6.0, 8-24 h) of wheat using acetate or lactate buffers reduced phytate contents by a factor 1.4 to 2.8 and increased bioaccessibility, determined with an in vitro digestion, maximally 1.9 (Fe) or 1.5 (Zn) times relative to unprocessed wheat. In contrast, hydrothermal processing using citrate buffer reduced phytate contents by a factor 1.3 to 2.0 and increased bioaccessibility values 9.8 (Fe) and 8.8 (Zn) times, due to formation of soluble chelates. The in vitro digests were supplied to Caco-2 cells, showing that mineral bioavailabilities in these processed wheat grains were 6-fold (Fe) and 12-fold (Zn) higher than in unprocessed wheat. Thus, hydrothermal processing of wheat using citrate buffer can be used for developing whole grain-based products with increased Fe and Zn bioavailability.

Physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity assessment of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) modified chitosan (SDSCS) before and after removal of aflatoxins (AFs) as a potential mycotoxin Binder

Aflatoxins in food and feed with prominent toxic effects have jeopardized public health for decades. This investigation intends to explore synthesized SDS-modified chitosan as new generation of binder for removal of aflatoxin using a straightforward ionic cross-linking approach. The primary objective of this technique was to enhance affinity and adsorption capability of SDSCS towards aflatoxins. In this context, physicochemical properties of SDSCS characterized with advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) before and after removal of aflatoxin. In this study, effect of the pH on the adsorption of aflatoxins (6ppb) indicated that the increase in SDSCS concentration from low (0.5) to high (2 %) resulted in an increase of about 80 %, 78 % and 81 % in the adsorption percentage of AFB1, AFG1, and AFB2 & AFG2, respectively. FT-IR analysis showed the intramolecular interactions of the amine groups of chitosan and sulfate group of SDS formed a stable complex in the removal of aflatoxin that verified with appearance of three new additional peaks at 1323.50, 984.34 and 603.42 cm-1. Notably, SEM images revealed that the porous SDSCS network was filled with aflatoxin molecules supported with EDS findings. Also, in vitro cytotoxicity assessments demonstrated that SDSCS protected HepG2 cells against cytotoxic effect caused by aflatoxin (5 µM) in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the control (p<0.01). Collectively, the adsorption mechanism may involve attraction of anionic aflatoxin molecule into the interconnected pores of SDSCS complex with numerous cationic active site via hydrogen bond and van der waals force.

Invited review: Limitations to current mineral requirement systems for cattle and potential improvements

The mineral requirements or recommendations generated by various NASEM committees are used by many ration formulation programs. The current NASEM dairy requirement system uses the factorial approach (requirements for maintenance, lactation, gestation, and growth) for most minerals, but when data or equations were not available to estimate factorial requirements the committee used available data to estimate adequate intake values. The current beef NASEM uses the factorial method for Ca and P and recommendations for the other minerals. The factorial method works well for Ca and P because adequate data are available to estimate absorption coefficients (AC) and maintenance requirements. In addition, feeding Ca and P above requirements has few if any positive effects. For many other minerals the factorial method is problematic. Estimating both the maintenance requirement and AC can be extremely difficult and inaccuracies in those values have a major impact on accuracy of total dietary requirements. Some minerals have positive effects on health, production, and reproduction when fed above factorially determined requirements. For those minerals, response models rather than or in addition to requirement models are more appropriate. The AC is in the denominator of the factorial equation and converts absorbed requirements into dietary requirements. The AC for trace minerals is small, often <0.1, and small changes in a low AC can have substantial effects on dietary requirements. Although accurate AC are essential for the factorial method to work, woefully few data are available on the true absorption of trace minerals. Because of antagonism to absorption (e.g., negative effect of S on absorption of Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn) equations will be needed to estimate AC under different dietary conditions, but current data are inaccurate to generate equations. The systems currently used will almost always prevent clinical mineral deficiencies, but because of uncertainties, most nutritionists formulate diets to exceed and often far exceed established recommendations. This leads to increased costs, potential antagonism, and increased manure excretion of environmentally important minerals. More accurate systems for estimating mineral requirements will optimize animal performance and health while keeping costs in check and reducing environmental damage.

Chromium in the Diet of Dairy Calves: Benefits for Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency, Digestibility, and Health

Chromium (Cr) is a mineral that helps animals subjected to stressful conditions. The suckling period is characterized by several stressful episodes, particularly during the first hours after birth and at weaning. There is little consumption of concentrate by calves in the first weeks of life; consequently, consuming any supplement added to feed would be negligible. Thus, the hypothesis was that the calves would take it in earlier if Cr were consumed in a milk replacer instead. Therefore, our study aimed to determine whether including organic Cr in calf feed (via milk replacer or concentrate) during the suckling phase would improve calf health and growth performance. Twenty-four male Holstein calves with an average age of 8 ± 4 days and 39.8 ± 6.9 kg average body weight were used. Calves were randomly divided into three groups: (a) Chromium-Milk (CR-M), receiving 4 mg Cr/animal/day via milk replacer during the 60 experimental days of suckling (n = 8); (b) Chromium-Concentrate (CR-C), receiving 4 mg Cr/animal/day via concentrate (n = 8); (c) Control (C), animals that did not receive Chromium (n = 8). The experiment lasted 75 days, divided into two well-defined stages: suckling (1-60 days) and weaning (61-75 days). Body weight weekly, daily feed intake, and blood samples taken every two weeks during the experiment were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, the apparent digestibility evaluation was carried out, with the results of weight and consumption carried out, and a feed efficiency analysis was carried out. It was observed that the inclusion of organic Cr (regardless of whether it was milk or concentrate) increased body weight gain (kg) for the CR-C group: 41.8 kg, CR-M: 40.4 kg compared to the C: 34.2 kg (p = 0.01). The protein digestibility was higher in the CR-M group (52%, p = 0.05). Cr consumption increased Cr concentrations in the serum of the calves and was higher in the first week in the animals in the CR-M group. This did not happen for the C group; however, with higher concentrate consumption, Cr concentrations increased and remained high until the end of the experiment. Glucose concentrations were higher in the groups that consumed Cr. Total protein concentrations were higher in the CR-M and CR-C groups than in group C. Immunoglobulin A concentrations were higher in groups CR-C and CR-M than in group C (days 40 and 60). In conclusion, the adding Cr to calf feed improves their health, indirectly favors growth performance, and increases protein digestibility.

Effect of Melia azedarach seed mediated nano-ZnO on growth performance, protein utilisation efficiency, haematology and nutritional status in pigs

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of Melia azedarach seed-mediated ZnO nanoparticles on growth performance, protein utilisation efficiency, haematology and nutritional status in pigs. A total of 48 pigs were allocated to the following six treatments replicated 8 times: Negative Control (NC, No antibiotic), Treatment 2: Positive control (PC) given a conventional antibiotic (Oxytetracycline, 40 mg/kg feed); Treatment 3: Nano-ZnO 300 mg/L (N300ZnO), Treatment 4: Group given 150 mg/L Melia azedarach seed mediated nano-ZnO (N150MA), Treatment 5: Group given 300 mg/L Melia azedarach seed mediated nano-ZnO (N300MA), Treatment 6: Group given 450 mg/L Melia azedarach seed mediated nano-ZnO (N450MA). The experiment was conducted over 7 weeks. Melia azedarach seed-mediated ZnO nanoparticles had no significant effect on growth performance apart from average daily feed intake (ADFI) with treatment 3 having the highest value. It significantly affected protein consumption and growth efficiency but not protein efficiency ratio and specific growth rate. Melia azedarach seed-mediated ZnO nanoparticles had no significant impact on nutritional parameters, serum minerals apart from phosphorus which can negatively affect renal functioning.

Levels of substitution of inorganic mineral to amino acids complexed minerals on old laying hens

This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the impact of replacing inorganic mineral sources (IM) with amino acid complexed minerals (AACM) in laying hens' diets on performance, egg quality, bone, and intestinal health. The effects of 4 different diets with varying levels of AACM substitution were evaluated on 400 Lohmann White hens aged 78-98 weeks. The control diet contained only IM sources at levels of 60, 60, 7, 40, 0.2, and 2 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively. The other treatments were made by a total substitution of IM with AACM, as follows: AACM70-70% of IM levels; AACM50-50% of IM levels; and AACM40-40% of IM levels. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts and Dunnett's test were used to determine their impact (P < 0.05). The treatment AACM40 improved egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Hens that received AACM40 also produced the thickest eggshells and better tibial bone density (P < 0.01). Histomorphometry analyses demonstrated significant effects of AACM treatments. The optimal supplementation levels of 24, 24, 2.8, 16, 0.08, and 0.8 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively.

Evaluating the effect of optimal zinc amino-acid complex supplementation in laying pullets on performance and zinc retention

This study investigated the optimal dietary intake of zinc amino acid complex (Zn-AAC) for white-layer pullets, focusing on their productive performance, biochemical profile, organ biometry, and body zinc retention. The study involved 360 Dekalb White pullets (average weight: 433 ± 4.42 g) aged from 6 to 16 weeks and distributed into 6 treatments with 6 replications each. The Zn-AAC inclusion levels ranged from 5 to 75 mg kg-1. Zinc intake was modeled using a nonlinear equation, Y = ∝ *1- e-βX, where α is the maximum response, β is the rate at which the response approaches the maximum (P < 0.05). The Zn-AAC supplementation had significant effects on average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed convention ratio (FCR) (P < 0.01). Optimal intake levels of Zn-AAC were estimated at 0.234, 0.340, and 0.315 mg bird-1 day-1 (5.42, 7.87, and 7.30 mg kg-1) for ADG, ADFI, and FCR, respectively. The Zn-AAC supplementation affected the Zn body retention in pullets (P < 0.01), with an optimal ingestion at 1.86 mg bird -1 day-1, corresponding to a dietary supplementation of 43.10 mg kg-1. Additionally, supplementation affected alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (P < 0.01) without significant changes in aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, and globulin levels. The optimal Zn-AAC intake level for ALP activity was 1.45 mg bird -1 day-1, corresponding to dietary supplementation of 33.60 mg kg-1. Based on Zn body retention, we recommend up to 1.86 mg bird -1 day-1 of Zn-AAC, which is equivalent to 43.10 mg kg-1.

The skimmed milk proteome of dairy cows is affected by the stage of lactation and by supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids

The impact of nutritional modification to increase functional polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (FA) or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), on milk proteome profile during early lactation remains largely unknown. We used an untargeted proteomics approach to investigate the impact of lactation day and PUFA supplementation on the proteome signature in skimmed milk over the course of early lactation. Sixteen Holstein dairy cows received abomasal infusion of saturated FA (CTRL) or a mixture of essential FA and CLA (EFA + CLA group) from - 63 to + 63 days relative to parturition. Using quantitative proteomics, 479 unique proteins were identified in skimmed milk at days 1, 28, and 63 postpartum. The top discriminating proteins between transition milk (day 1) and mature milk (days 28 and 63), including members of complements (i.e. C2 and C5), growth factor (TGFB2), lipoproteins (i.e. APOE and APOD), and chaperones (i.e. ST13 and CLU), are associated with calves' immune system and gut development. The EFA + CLA supplementation moderately affected a few proteins associated with regulating mammary glands' lipogenesis through the (re)assembly of lipoprotein particles, possibly under the PPAR signaling pathway. Collectively, skimmed milk proteome is dynamically regulated initially by cow's metabolic and physiological changes and to a lesser extent by nutritional PUFA modifications.

The effects of dietary cation-anion difference and dietary buffer for lactating dairy cattle under mild heat stress with night cooling

The objective of this study was to investigate the interactive effect of dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and dietary buffer supply on DMI, ruminal fermentation, milk and milk component yields, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) permeability in lactating dairy cattle exposed to mild heat stress. Sixteen lactating Holstein cows, including 8 ruminally cannulated primiparous (80 ± 19.2 DIM) and 8 non-cannulated multiparous (136 ± 38.8 DIM) cows, were housed in a tie-stall barn programmed to maintain a temperature-humidity index (THI) between 68 and 72 from 0600 h to 1600 h followed by natural night cooling. The experimental design was a replicated 4 × 4 Latin rectangle (21-d periods) with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Diets contained a low DCAD (LD; 17.5 mEq/100g of DM) or high DCAD (HD; 39.6 mEq/100g of DM) adjusted using NH4Cl and Na-acetate, with low (LB; 0% CaMg(CO3)2) or high buffer (HB; 1% CaMg(CO3)2). In addition to measurement of feed intake, ruminal fermentation, and milk and milk component yields, a ruminal dose of Cr-EDTA and an equimolar abomasal dose of Co-EDTA were used to evaluate total and post-ruminal gastrointestinal tract permeability, respectively. Treatments had no effect on DMI, ruminal short-chain fatty acid concentrations, or ruminal pH. Feeding HD improved blood acid-base balance, increased urine volume by 4 ± 1.5 kg/d, and increased milk fat by 0.14 ± 0.044 percentage units and milk fat yield by 36.5 ± 16.71 g/d. HB reduced milk fat percentage by 0.11 ± 0.044 percentage units and had no effect on milk fat yield. The HB treatments reduced urinary excretion of Co by 27% and tended to reduce urinary Cr excretion by 10%. Across all treatments, 72% of the Cr recovery was represented by Co suggesting that much of the permeability responses were post-ruminal during mild heat stress. In conclusion, increasing DCAD through greater Na supply during mild heat stress improved blood acid-base balance and may increase milk fat yield. Dietary inclusion of CaMg(CO3)2 improved post-ruminal GIT barrier function despite a lack of low ruminal pH. As there appeared to be a limited interactive effect between DCAD and buffer, increased DCAD and provision of buffer seem to independently influence physiological and performance responses in lactating dairy cows exposed to mild heat with night cooling.

Stage of lactation, parity, breed, milk composition and minerals affect the non-enzymatic antioxidant activity of sheep milk

The aims of this study were to i) characterize sheep milk for non-enzymatic antioxidant activity via 2 different assays, namely the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), and ii) investigate the effect of milk composition and animal-related parameters on these 2 assays by using Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) approach. A total of 740 ewes belonging to Massese and Comisana breeds were sampled once during the morning milking across 11 sampling sessions. All milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, casein, and lactose, somatic cell score (SCS) and minerals (Ca, Mg, Na and Cl). The FRAP and DPPH assays were tested to measure the non-enzymatic antioxidant activity of milk, expressed as μM eq. ascorbic acid/mL of milk and % of inhibition, respectively. The GAMM model included the effect of parity and breed as parametric terms, and the effect of days in milk (DIM), milk yield and the interactions protein × fat, casein × SCS, Ca × Mg and Na × Cl as smooth terms. The sampling day was included in the model as random effect. Results revealed that the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of sheep milk, expressed as FRAP, was affected by DIM, potentially because of changes in milk composition over time. Conversely, parity and breed of ewes affected DPPH, suggesting that age- and breed-specific factors are related to specific components in milk acting as hydrogen donors. Milk fat and high casein percentages were found to significantly affect FRAP, while protein content was crucial for high DPPH levels. Additionally, Ca and Mg emerged as important non-enzymatic antioxidants for both FRAP and DPPH, highlighting their important role in antioxidant activity of sheep milk. On the other side, combinations of Na and Cl were particularly influential for FRAP, revealing the complex relationship between these minerals and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity of milk. These findings offer valuable insights into the factors affecting the antioxidative properties of sheep milk, highlighting the need for further exploration of other non-enzymatic antioxidants and their contribution to the total antioxidant activity.

Age-Dependent Differences in Radiation-Induced DNA Damage Responses in Intestinal Stem Cells

Age at exposure is a critical modifier of the risk of radiation-induced cancer. However, the effects of age on radiation-induced carcinogenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, we focused on tissue stem cells using Lgr5-eGFP-ires-CreERT2 mice to compare radiation-induced DNA damage responses between Lgr5+ and Lgr5- intestinal stem cells. Three-dimensional immunostaining analyses demonstrated that radiation induced apoptosis and the mitotic index more efficiently in adult Lgr5- stem cells than in adult Lgr5+ stem cells but not in infants, regardless of Lgr5 expression. Supporting this evidence, rapid and transient p53 activation occurred after irradiation in adult intestinal crypts but not in infants. RNA sequencing revealed greater variability in gene expression in adult Lgr5+ stem cells than in infant Lgr5+ stem cells after irradiation. Notably, the cell cycle and DNA repair pathways were more enriched in adult stem cells than in infant stem cells after irradiation. Our findings suggest that radiation-induced DNA damage responses in mouse intestinal crypts differ between infants and adults, potentially contributing to the age-dependent susceptibility to radiation carcinogenesis.

Efficacy of zinc nanoparticle supplementation on ruminal environment in lambs

BACKGROUND

Zinc nanoparticles (NPs) are characterized by high bioavailability, small size, and high absorbability. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of Zn-NP feed supplementation on ruminal fermentation, microbiota, and histopathology in lambs. In vitro (24 h), short-term (STE, 28 d), and long-term (LTE, 70 d) experiments were performed. The lambs in STE were fed a basal diet (BD) composed of 350 g/d ground barley and 700 g/d meadow hay (Control), BD enriched with ZnO-NPs (80 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnO-NPs), and BD enriched with Zn phosphate-based NPs (80 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnP-NP). The in vitro gas production technique was used in incubated rumen fluid from STE. The lambs in LTE were fed BD (Control), BD enriched with ZnO-NPs (40 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnO-NP40), BD enriched with ZnO-NPs (80 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnO-NP80) and BD enriched with ZnO (80 mg Zn/kg of diet, ZnO-80).

RESULTS

After 24 h of incubation, dry matter digestibility was higher for ZnO-NP and ZnP-NP substrates than the control in an in vitro experiment (P < 0.001). The total bacterial population in the STE was lower (P < 0.001) in the ZnP-NP group than in the control and ZnO-NP groups, but the protozoan populations were not significantly different. The ammonia-N concentration in LTE was lowest in the ZnO-NP80 group (P = 0.002), but the activities of carboxymethyl cellulase (P < 0.001) and xylanase (P = 0.002) were higher in the ZnO-NP40, ZnO-NP80, and ZnO-80 groups than in the control group. Morphological observation after STE and LTE revealed histological changes (e.g. inflammation of the epithelium or edema of the connective tissue) in the rumen of lambs.

CONCLUSION

Zn-NP supplementation up to 70 d improved feed-use efficiency and influenced ammonia-N concentration and activities of hydrolases in the rumen. The active ruminal fermentation affected the health of the ruminal papillae and epithelium in the lambs, regardless of the application's form, dose, or duration. However, by affecting rumen microbial fermentation, Zn-NPs could alter fermentation patterns, thereby increasing the capacity of host rumen epithelial cells to transport short-chain fatty acids.

Effects of monensin and a blend of magnesium oxide on performance, feeding behavior, and rumen morphometrics of Zebu beef cattle fed high-starch diets

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a blend of different sources of magnesium oxide associated or not with monensin, on productive, ruminal, and nutritional parameters of steers. Eighty-four Nellore steers with an initial body weight (BW) of 367.3 ± 37.9 kg were allocated to one of 28 pens, with three steers per pen. Each pen was considered an experimental unit. Using a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, the following treatments were assigned to each pen: 1) Control (CON)-a basal diet without additive inclusion; 2) Magnesium oxide blend (MG)-basal diet plus a magnesium-based product (pHix-up, Timab Magnesium, Dinard, France) provided at 0.50% of dry matter (DM); 3) Monensin (MON)-basal diet plus 25 mg/ kg of DM of sodium monensin (Rumensin, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN); and 4) MG association with MON-basal diet plus MG + MON, at the same doses of the individual treatments. The experimental period lasted 100 d. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 13, and 70 to determine d-lactate levels. Daily feed intake was recorded, and animal ingestive behavior was visually observed on days 66 and 67. On day 70, skeletal muscle tissue samples were obtained through biopsy for gene expression analysis. At the end of the experimental period, carcass ultrasonography was conducted. Subsequently, the steers were slaughtered, and rumen epithelium samples were collected for morphometric analysis. The use of monensin, of magnesium oxide blend, and their interactions, were treated as fixed effects, while the pens were considered as a random effect. Statistical differences were considered when P < 0.05. Steers-fed MG-containing diets consumed approximately 0.6 kg more DM per day than those fed diets without this additive (P = 0.01; 11.3 vs. 11.9 kg/d). The inclusion of MG in the diet increased (P = 0.02) the average daily gain. There was a greater Longissimus muscle area (LMA) and LMA per 100 kg of BW (P ≤ 0.03) for steers-fed diets with MG. Steers-fed MON exhibited reduced mRNA expression of the Atrogin-1 and mTOR compared to steers-fed MG + MON diets (MON × MG: P ≤ 0.04). Steers-fed MON had 6.9% greater feed efficiency (P = 0.02). Papillae width was lesser for CON than other treatments (MON × MG: P = 0.02). In conclusion, the magnesium oxide blend improved performance and carcass traits in high-energy feedlot diets, while monensin enhanced feed efficiency, suggesting potential for their use as alternatives or complements in beef cattle nutrition.

Dietary Organic Zinc Supplementation Modifies the Oxidative Genes via RORγ and Epigenetic Regulations in the Ileum of Broiler Chickens Exposed to High-Temperature Stress

Heat stress (HS) is a significant concern in broiler chickens, which is vital for global meat supply in the dynamic field of poultry farming. The impact of heat stress on the ileum and its influence on the redox homeostatic genes in chickens remains unclear. We hypothesized that adding zinc to the feed of heat-stressed broilers would improve their resilience to heat stress. However, this study aimed to explore the effects of organic zinc supplementation under HS conditions on broiler chickens' intestinal histology and regulation of HS index genes. In this study, 512 Xueshan chickens were divided into four groups: vehicle, HS, 60 mg/kg zinc, and HS + 60 mg/kg zinc groups. Findings revealed that zinc supply positively increased the VH and VH: CD in the ileum of the broilers compared to the HS group, while CD and VW decreased in Zn and HS+Zn supplemented broilers. Zn administration significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and decreased the enzymatic activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the HS group. In addition, Zn administration significantly increased relative ATP, complex I, III, and V enzyme activity compared to the HS group. Furthermore, the expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), lactate transporter 3 (LPCAT3), peroxiredoxin (PRX), and transferrin receptor (TFRC) in the protein levels was extremely downregulated in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. Zn supply significantly decreased the enrichment of RORγ, P300, and SRC1 at target loci of ACSL4, LPCAT3, and PRX compared to the HS group. The occupancies of histone active marks H3K9ac, H3K18ac, H3K27ac, H3K4me1, and H3K18bhb at the locus of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were significantly decreased in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. Moreover, H3K9la and H3K18la at the locus of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were significantly decreased in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. This study emphasizes that organic Zn is a potential strategy for modulating the oxidative genes ACSL4, LPCAT3, PRX, and TFRC in the ileum of chickens via nuclear receptor RORγ regulation and histone modifications.

A new system of phosphorus and calcium requirements for lactating dairy cows

Accurately predicting phosphorous (P) and calcium (Ca) dietary requirements is critical for optimizing dairy cattle performance, and minimizing mineral excretions and ecosystems eutrophication. This study provides a new factorial system to determine net and dietary P and Ca requirements for maintenance and lactation, derived from a meta-regression of mineral trials involving lactating dairy cows. A comprehensive global database was constructed from 57 peer-reviewed articles of mineral balance trials, with a wide range of dietary and animal performance data. We estimated the net requirements for maintenance from the intercept of a nonlinear equation between mineral intake and the sum of total fecal and urinary excretions, which is an estimate of endogenous mineral loss. Mineral secreted in milk was used to obtain net requirements for lactation. The mineral metabolizable coefficient was quantified through observed (treatment means) mineral intake and total fecal and urinary excretions, discounting the estimated endogenous excretions from our proposed models. The nonlinear models of total fecal and urinary mineral excretion were evaluated (observed versus predicted values) using a 5-fold cross validation approach. The models to estimate the sum of endogenous fecal and urinary excretions of P (0.135±0.043 g P/kg BW0.75) and Ca (0.360±0.144 g Ca/kg BW0.75) exhibited suitable precision and accuracy; r = 0.89 and 0.79, concordance correlation coefficient = 0.85 and 0.77, and root mean square prediction error = 24.1 and 20.5% observed means, respectively. Dietary variables (forage level, fiber, starch, crude protein, and ether extract) did not affect the metabolizable coefficient (MC) of P and Ca; therefore, an overall dietary MC of P (0.69±0.01) and Ca (0.65±0.02) were proposed. Our new system estimates lower net and dietary P requirements for lactating dairy cows compared to the NASEM-2021 and NRC-2001 models, but slightly higher Ca requirements than NASEM-2021.This proposed system holds potential to reduce the use of phosphorus in diets for dairy cows, and thus to enhance economic efficiency and environmental sustainability of the dairy industry.

Effect of Dietary Energy Level during Late Gestation on Mineral Contents in Colostrum, Milk, and Plasma of Lactating Jennies

This study investigated the effects of dietary energy levels during late gestation on mineral content in the plasma, colostrum, and milk of jennies postpartum. Twenty-four pregnant multiparous DeZhou jennies, aged 6.0  ±  0.1 years, with a body weight of 292  ±  33 kg, an average parity number of 2.7  ±  0.1, and similar expected dates of confinement (74  ±  4 days), were randomly allocated to three groups and fed three diets: high energy (12.54 MJ/kg, HE), medium energy (12.03 MJ/kg, ME), and low energy (11.39 MJ/kg, LE). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each jenny at time points of 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 5 d, 7 d, and 14 d after parturition. Additionally, milk samples were collected through manual milking, and an analysis of the mineral content was conducted. The results showed that compared with HE, both ME and LE significantly increased the levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and cobalt (Co) in the plasma and Ca, P, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), Zn, selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and Co in the milk of jennies postpartum (p < 0.05); ME also increased the levels of potassium (K), iron (Fe), and Mn in plasma and K and Fe in milk (p < 0.05). The levels of Ca, K, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Se, Zn, and Mo in plasma and milk gradually decreased with increasing postpartum time. Their contents were the highest at 0 h postpartum, rapidly decreased after 24 h postpartum, and declined to the lowest on day 14 postpartum. The interaction between dietary energy level and postpartum time showed that although the concentrations of the minerals Ca, P, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Se, and Mo decreased in jennies' plasma and milk in the treatment groups with different energy levels as postpartum time increased, the pattern of change was also influenced by dietary energy level. The influence of dietary energy level in late gestation on the mineral content of milk and plasma during the postpartum colostrum phase was higher than that during the milk phase. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that, under the current experimental conditions, the mineral content of the colostrum, milk, and plasma of jennies after parturition was dependent on the dietary energy level during late gestation.

The Manganese-Bone Connection: Investigating the Role of Manganese in Bone Health

The complex relationship between trace elements and skeletal health has received increasing attention in the scientific community. Among these minerals, manganese (Mn) has emerged as a key element affecting bone metabolism and integrity. This review examines the multifaceted role of Mn in bone health, including its effects on bone regeneration, mineralization, and overall skeletal strength. This review article is based on a synthesis of experimental models, epidemiologic studies, and clinical trials of the mechanisms of the effect of Mn on bone metabolism. Current research data show that Mn is actively involved in the processes of bone remodeling by modulating the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as the main cells that regulate bone formation and resorption. Mn ions have a profound effect on bone mineralization and density by intricately regulating signaling pathways and enzymatic reactions in these cells. Additionally, Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), located in bone mitochondria, plays a crucial role in osteoclast differentiation and function, protecting osteoclasts from oxidative damage. Understanding the nuances of Mn's interaction with bone is essential for optimizing bone strategies, potentially preventing and managing skeletal diseases. Key findings include the stimulation of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, and the preservation of bone mass through the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. These results underscore the importance of Mn in maintaining bone health and highlight the need for further research into its therapeutic potential.

Urine pH as predictor of blood acid-base status in dairy cattle fed acidogenic diets

We determined the association between urine pH and blood acid-base indicators and assessed a urine pH cut-off value to predict severe metabolic acidosis under field conditions in cows fed acidogenic diets. Eighty-six cows were sampled for urine and blood. Urine pH was evaluated immediately after collection, and blood acid-base status was evaluated within 2 hours of collection using a portable blood analyzer. Twenty-five cows were classified as having severe metabolic acidosis (blood pH ≤ 7.4; bicarbonate < 24 mmol/L, base excess ≤ -0.5; PCO2 low to normal concentrations and urine pH between 4.88 and 5.71. There was a positive linear association between urine pH and blood pH (r = 0.46), and between urine pH and base excess (r = 0.74). The area under the ROC curve was 0.91 (CI 95 %= 0.84-0.96; good-excellent test). The optimal cut-off value for urine pH to categorize a cow with severe metabolic acidosis was 5.5 (94 % specificity and 72 % sensitivity). For each 0.1 unit of decrease in urine pH below 5.5, cows were 1.6 times (95 % CI= 1.3-2.1) more likely to exhibit a severe metabolic acidosis. We conclude that a urine pH of 5.5 or less is indicative of more life-threatening metabolic acidosis in dairy cows.

Effects of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on production performance, egg quality, and physiological properties in laying hens: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim

The primary components of fat and protein in chicken diets are fishmeal and soybean; however, due to limited supply and high costs, several efforts have been made to utilize alternative feedstuffs. The potential of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as a substitute for fat and protein has been extensively studied, but the findings are not consistent. This study used a meta-analysis approach to investigate the integrated efficacy of BSFL supplementation on laying hen production performance, egg quality, and physiological properties.

Materials and Methods

The articles were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest. The retrieved references were examined for potential inclusion. The relevant findings of the included studies were then extracted. Fixed-effects, standard mean difference, 95% confidence intervals, and heterogeneity models were analyzed using the Review Manager website version (Cochrane Collaboration, UK).

Results

A total of 24 papers from 17 different nations across five continents have been selected for meta-analysis out of the 3621 articles that were reviewed. The current meta-analysis demonstrated that providing BSFL meals significantly favored feed efficiency, haugh units, albumen quality, eggshell quality, serum glucose, and lipid levels. In addition, significant trends in alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, and iron levels were observed in blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde. On the other hand, it was revealed that there was no favorable effect on weight gain, laying, yolk quality, and hematological profile.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis confirmed that BSFL meals can be utilized to optimize feed efficiency, haugh units, albumen, eggshell quality, liver, renal, and cellular physiology of laying hens, although they did not significantly increase body weight gain, laying production, and hematological profiles.

Injection of antioxidant trace minerals/vitamins into peripartum crossbred cows improves the nutritional and immunological properties of colostrum/milk and the health of their calves under heat stress conditions

Multimineral and vitamin injections can provide better nutrient availability at the cellular level, which is essential for mitigating transition period stress and improving the wellbeing and productivity of dairy cows. The present study was conducted to assess the colostrum quality and calf health after intramuscular injection of multi-minerals (MM) and multi-vitamins (MV) to peripartum cows during winter (THI = 58 to 66) and summer (THI = 78 to 82) months. In each season, twenty-four pregnant crossbred Karan Fries cows were grouped into four, each consisting of six cows. Group I, referred to as the Control, received solely the basal diet, without any additional supplements. Groups II, III, and IV were administered additional MM (T1), MV (T2), and a combined MM and MV (T3) along with their basal diet, starting 30 days before calving and continuing for 30 days after calving. Blood samples were collected from the calves, while colostrum/milk samples were obtained from the cows on days 1, 3, 7, and 15 after calving. The somatic cell counts (SCC) in the milk were determined using a cell counter. Cortisol, IgG, IGF1 and total immunoglobulins (TIG) in whey and plasma from cow colostrum/milk or calf blood samples were estimated by ELISA. Cows that calved in the summer exhibited notably reduced levels (P < 0.05) of IgG, milk, and plasma IGF1, along with lower calf body weights, in comparison to those calving in the winter season. Furthermore, the summer months saw significant increases (P < 0.05) in plasma and milk cortisol levels, as well as total somatic cell counts (SCC) in both colostrum and milk samples. Maximum beneficial effect was observed in T3 group. Results indicate that injections to peripartum cows could be an important strategy for improving colostrum quality and calf health during the summer seasons.

Impact of Varying Dietary Calcium Contents on the Gut Metabolomics of Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep (Ovis aries)

Yunnan semi-fine wool (YSFW) is a recently developed dual-purpose (meat and wool) sheep breed mainly found in Yunnan Province, China. Moreover, dietary calcium is essential for animal health and productivity. The current experiment aimed to investigate the impact of dietary calcium on sheep gut metabolite profile. For this, thirty YSFW rams (male, age = 10 months, and body weight = 40.37 ± 0.49 kg) were randomized into three groups (n = 10 rams/group), followed by a completely randomized design, and the groups were allotted to one of three dietary calcium levels (Q_1 = 0.50%, Q_3 = 0.73%, and Q_5 = 0.98% on a dry basis). The rams were fed ad libitum by feeding twice a day (at 08:00 and 17:00 h/day) throughout the experimental period (44 day). On the 21st day of the experiment, fecal samples were collected from 27 rams (9/group) and untargeted metabolite profiling was performed by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The PCA plot showed that the Q_5 group metabolites were clustered more tightly than for Q_1 and Q_3, respectively. The tightly clustering molecules were mainly alkaloids and their derivatives, benzenoids, lignans and related compounds, lipids, nucleotides, organic acids, and nitrogenous-based derivatives. According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, these molecules potentially contribute to metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, proteinaceous compounds, and the metabolism of the protein derivatives, particularly amino acids. The PLS-DA plots revealed a significant difference between the Q_1, Q_3, and Q_5 groups, suggesting that Q_5 had a clear separation across the groups. Based on the metabolomic analysis, feeding different levels of dietary calcium significantly changed the metabolomic profile of YSFW rams, which primarily entails metabolic pathways such as energy, protein, and lipid metabolism.

Influence of Select Dietary Trace Minerals and their Levels on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Minerals Balance in Male Goats

A study was conducted on eighteen male goats to evaluate the effect of incremental levels of select dietary trace minerals on growth performance, nutrient utilization and minerals balance. Animals (16.65 ± 0.53 kg average BW) were randomly divided into three groups and fed a basal diet to meet the requirement of all the nutrients except select trace minerals for 60 days. Groups were T1 (0.204 ppm Se, 35.29 ppm Zn, 7.37 ppm Cu, 39.79 ppm Mn), T2 (0.504 ppm Se, 55.29 ppm Zn, 17.37 ppm Cu, 59.79 ppm Mn), and T3 (0.804 ppm Se, 75.29 ppm Zn, 27.37 ppm Cu, 79.79 ppm Mn). Daily dry matter intake (DMI) (% BW) was lower (P < 0.05) in T3 as compared to other groups however, average daily gain (ADG) in body weight (P = 0.113) and feed: gain ratio (P = 0.102) showed subtle improvement in T2 and T3 groups. Feeding of higher levels of select trace minerals did not affect the intake and digestibility of nutrients, or plane of nutrition, however, the digestibility of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) increased (P = 0.004) in T2 and T3 groups than T1. The balance of N, Ca, P and Cu did not differ among the groups but balance of Zn, Mn and Se increased in T2 and T3 groups than T1 group. It is concluded that feeding higher levels of Zn (75.29 ppm), Cu (27.37 ppm), Mn (79.79 ppm) and Se (0.804 ppm) in combination, improved NFC digestibility, retention of Zn, Mn and Se and had subtle beneficial effects on the growth performance of male goats.

Effects of phytase enzyme supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology and metabolism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Phytase is crucial in enhancing the bioavailability and release of phosphorus and other nutrients bound to phytic acid, making them more bioavailable for animal absorption. This study was carried out to inspect the effect of supplementing low phosphorus (P) diet with di-calcium phosphate (DCP) and liquid phytase enzyme (LP), which contains 1500 FTU/kg, on growth performance, intestinal morphometry, proximate body chemical composition, blood profile, immunity status, liver mitochondrial enzyme activities, the expression response and economic returns of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Three triplicate groups of fish (initial weight 5.405 ± 0.045 g, N = 90) were fed on three different diets for 90 days. The first was a control diet with zero DCP; the second was a control diet supplemented with 0.71% DCP; the third was a control diet supplemented with 0.03% LP. The groups were designated as CG, DCP and LP, respectively. Results showed that LP induced considerable improvements (p < 0.05) in FBW, body weight gain, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, HIS, viscero-somatic index, spleen-somatic index, feed conversion ratio, blood parameters and the histomorphometry assessment of intestinal villi absorptive capacity, compared with the other groups. Also, whole-body protein and lipid contents pointedly (p < 0.05) increased by LP, compared with the DCP group. A positive response (p < 0.05) to the phytase enzyme was noted in complexes I, III and IV of the mitochondrial liver complex enzyme activity. Likewise, the relative gene expression levels of (GHr-1, IGF-1, FAS and LPL) were notably (p < 0.05) upregulated by phytase enzyme, associated with DCP and control groups. Further, phytase recorded the highest total return and profit percentage. It can be concluded that Nile tilapia benefits from using phytase enzyme 1500 FTU/kg at 0.03% without adding DCP in terms of good performance and profits.

Effects of feeding sulfate trace minerals above recommendations on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, lactational performance, and trace mineral excretion in dairy cows

Most trace minerals (TM) are fed above dairy cow requirements in commercial herds but their fate and effects on dairy cows have not been well documented. In this study, we evaluated the effects of feeding short-term sulfate TM above recommendations on apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, rumen fermentation characteristics, serum concentrations, milk yield and composition as well as milk, fecal, and urinary TM excretion in mid-lactation dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows [average body weight: 684 (SD: 29) kg at 82 (SD: 10) days in milk] in a quadruple 2 × 2 crossover design were fed a basal diet, differing in sulfate TM supplement concentrations, to provide either 0.11, 17, and 63 (control; CON) or 0.95, 114, and 123 (high trace minerals; HTM) mg of dietary Co, Mn, and Zn/kg of dry matter, respectively. Each experimental period had a 21-d adaptation to the diet, followed by a 10-d sample collection period. Feed ingredients and total feces and urine were collected during 4 consecutive d and rumen fluid was collected 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h relative to feeding. Milk yield was recorded daily and milk samples were collected on 4 consecutive milkings. Ingestion of Co, Mn, and Zn was higher for HTM compared with CON group by 216, 233, and 93%, respectively. Dry matter intake averaged 25.0 (SE = 0.6) kg/d, and apparent total-tract digestibility of major nutrients was similar between treatments. There was no measurable effect of HTM on ruminal pH, major volatile fatty acids, and protozoa counts. Isovalerate molar proportion was 9.4% greater for HTM compared with CON group. Neither milk yield (43.5 kg/d; SE = 0.8) nor milk fat and protein concentrations differed between treatments. Milk urea nitrogen concentration was significantly higher for HTM (11.7 mg/dL) compared with CON group (9.7 mg/dL; SE = 0.7). Fecal excretion of Co, Mn, and Zn increased by 223, 198, and 75%, respectively, for HTM compared with CON group. Urinary excretions of TM were marginal compared with feces, and only urinary Co and Mn were significantly higher for HTM than CON cows as similarly obtained for serum Co and Mn concentrations. Milk TM yields were not modified by treatments. In summary, short-term dietary sulfate TM supply over the recommendation did not improve cow performance but significantly increased fecal TM excretion, which could have impacts on TM accumulation in soils where manure is applied and could potentially result in leaching into nearby watersheds. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of high fecal TM excretion on the environment using the One Health approach. Moreover, the impacts of TM oversupply on milk production and cow health should be evaluated by long-term experiments.

Exploratory Untargeted Metabolomics of Dried Blood Spot Samples from Newborns with Maple Syrup Urine Disease

Currently, tandem mass spectrometry-based newborn screening (NBS), which examines targeted biomarkers, is the first approach used for the early detection of maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) in newborns, followed by confirmatory genetic mutation tests. However, these diagnostic approaches have limitations, demanding the development of additional tools for the diagnosis/screening of MUSD. Recently, untargeted metabolomics has been used to explore metabolic profiling and discover the potential biomarkers/pathways of inherited metabolic diseases. Thus, we aimed to discover a distinctive metabolic profile and biomarkers/pathways for MSUD newborns using untargeted metabolomics. Herein, untargeted metabolomics was used to analyze dried blood spot (DBS) samples from 22 MSUD and 22 healthy control newborns. Our data identified 210 altered endogenous metabolites in MSUD newborns and new potential MSUD biomarkers, particularly L-alloisoleucine, methionine, and lysoPI. In addition, the most impacted pathways in MSUD newborns were the ascorbate and aldarate pathways and pentose and glucuronate interconversions, suggesting that oxidative and detoxification events may occur in early life. Our approach leads to the identification of new potential biomarkers/pathways that could be used for the early diagnosis/screening of MSUD newborns but require further validation studies. Our untargeted metabolomics findings have undoubtedly added new insights to our understanding of the pathogenicity of MSUD, which helps us select the appropriate early treatments for better health outcomes.

Influence of Dietary Supplementation of Inorganic and Organic Chromium on Body Conformation, Carcass Traits, and Nutrient Composition in Muscle and Internal Organs of Black Bengal Goats

The effect of dietary inorganic and organic chromium (Cr) on body morphometry, carcass traits, and nutrient composition, including different minerals and fatty acids in meat and internal organs of Black Bengal goats, was studied. Thirty weaned Black Bengal kids of 3-5 months (5.40 ± 0.34 kg body weight) were assigned randomly into five groups and fed additional Cr for 150 days. The experimental diets comprised a basal diet supplemented with Cr at the rate of 0 (control; without Cr supplementation), 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg of inorganic Cr (Cr(III)-chloride), and 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg of organic Cr (Cr-yeast). The body morphometry such as body length, heart girth, paunch girth, loin width, leg circumference, and the carcass traits, namely, slaughter body weight, dressing percentage, hind quarter and forequarter weight, and rib eye area of goats, were not significantly (P < 0.05) changed due to inorganic and organic Cr supplementation. However, organic Cr supplementation (1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg) resulted in a reduction of breast and back fat thickness (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. The weights of internal organs including liver, lungs, spleen, kidney, testes, and heart and their weights as a percentage of slaughter weight were similar (P > 0.05) among different experimental groups. Dry matter, ether extract, and total ash concentrations of muscle and internal organs of Cr-supplemented groups were not affected (P > 0.05) by Cr supplementation. However, crude protein contents in the liver, muscle, kidney, and lungs were greater (P < 0.05) in the organic Cr groups than in the control and inorganic Cr groups. In meat (longissimus dorsi muscle), total saturated fatty acid concentration was lower (P < 0.05; 59.4% versus 55.7%) and the unsaturated fatty acid concentration was greater (P < 0.05; 40.6% versus 44.3%) including palmitoleic acid, heptadecenoic acid, elaidic acid, and arachidonic acid in the organic or inorganic Cr-supplemented groups than in the basal diet group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of organic Cr in Black Bengal goats has no influence on the carcass traits, but may improve the meat quality with greater protein content, lean, and healthier fatty acids for human consumption.

Content and Bioaccessibility of Minerals and Proteins in Fish-Bone Containing Side-Streams from Seafood Industries

With the aim to upcycle fish side-streams, enzymatic hydrolysis is often applied to produce protein hydrolysates with bioactive properties or just as a protein source for food and feed. However, the production of hydrolysates generates a side-stream. For underutilized fish and fish backbone this side-stream will contain fish bones and make it rich in minerals. The aim of this study was to assess the relative bioaccessibility (using the standardized in vitro model INFOGEST 2.0) of minerals in a dietary supplement compared to bone powder generated after enzymatic hydrolysis of three different fish side-streams: undersized whole hake, cod and salmon backbones consisting of insoluble protein and bones. Differences in the bioaccessibility of protein between the powders were also investigated. The enzyme hydrolysis was carried out using different enzymes and hydrolysis conditions for the different fish side-streams. The content and bioaccessibility of protein and the minerals phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) were measured to evaluate the potential of the powder as an ingredient in, e.g., dietary supplements. The bone powders contained bioaccessible proteins and minerals. Thus, new side-streams generated from enzymatic hydrolysis can have possible applications in the food sector due to bioaccessible proteins and minerals.

Review: Fish bile, a highly versatile biomarker for different environmental pollutants

Ecotoxicological assessments encompass a broad spectrum of biochemical endpoints and ecological factors, allowing for comprehensive assessments concerning pollutant exposure levels and their effects on both fish populations and surrounding ecosystems. While these evaluations offer invaluable insights into the overall health and dynamics of aquatic environments, they often provide an integrated perspective, making it challenging to pinpoint the precise sources and individual-level responses to environmental contaminants. In contrast, biliary pollutant excretion assessments represent a focused approach aimed at understanding how fish at the individual level respond to environmental stressors. In this sense, the analysis of pollutant profiles in fish bile not only serves as a valuable exposure indicator, but also provides critical information concerning the uptake, metabolism, and elimination of specific contaminants. Therefore, by investigating unique and dynamic fish responses to various pollutants, biliary assessments can contribute significantly to the refinement of ecotoxicological studies. This review aims to discuss the multifaceted utility of bile as a potent biomarker for various environmental pollutants in fish in targeted monitoring strategies, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, estrogenic compounds, resin acids, hepatotoxins and per- and polyfluorinated substances. The main caveats of this type of assessment are also discussed, as well as future directions of fish bile studies.

Effect of Parenteral Supplementation of Minerals and Vitamins on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Hepatic Fatty Acid Metabolism in Dairy Cows During the Transition Period

In the present work we aimed to study the effects of parenteral vitamin and mineral supplementation on hepatic fatty acid metabolism as well as on the oxidative stress biomarkers in biological samples of transition cows. The supplemented group (SG, n = 11) received a subcutaneous injection of 5 mL of vitamin A palmitate 35 mg/mL, vitamin E acetate 50 mg/mL plus other injection of 5 mL of copper edetate 10 mg/mL, zinc edetate 40 mg/mL, manganese edetate 10 mg/mL, and sodium selenite 5 mg/mL on days - 60, - 30, and 7 (± 3) relative to calving. The control group (CG, n = 11) received two subcutaneous injections of 5 mL of 9 mg/mL sodium chloride at the same times of the SG. Blood, urine, and liver biopsies were sampled 21 (± 3) days before the expected calving date and 7 and 21 (± 3) days after calving. Results revealed that supplemented animals had higher glutation peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, lower and higher concentration of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in the liver and plasma, respectively, higher expression of the mitochondrial beta-oxidation enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 in the liver, and lower content of hepatic triacylglycerol, mirroring plasma liver function parameters. No differences between groups were found in the superoxide dismutase activity, MDA concentrations, the protein abundance of peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase 1, diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. These results suggest that the vitamin and mineral supplementation provided to dairy cows had a beneficial effect on GSH-Px activity, hepatic 3-NT concentration, and on the metabolic adaptation during the peripartum period.

Strategies for Healthier Meat Foods: An Overview

Functional food products remain the focus of current market trends toward healthier nutrition. The consumption of meat-based functional foods has been a topic of interest in food innovation since some of these products generate controversy due to their possible adverse effects on health. However, studies have demonstrated that meat-based functional products are considered an opportunity to improve the nutritional profile of meat products through the addition of biologically valuable components and to meet the specific needs of consumers. In this sense, some strategies and techniques are applied for processing and developing functional meat products, such as modifying carcass composition through feeding, reformulating meat products, and processing conditions. This review focuses on presenting developed and evaluated strategies that allow the production of healthy and functional meat foods, which application has successfully achieved the sensory, nutritional, and technological parameters mainly affected by such application.

Complexed amino acid minerals vs. bis-glycinate chelated minerals: Impact on the performance of old laying hens

The present study was to evaluate the effect of trace minerals (Zn, Mn, and Cu) from complexed amino acid minerals (ZMCAA) and bis-glycinate chelated minerals (ZMCGly) in laying hen diets on performance, internal and external egg quality, yolk mineral deposition, intestinal morphometry, and bone characteristics. From 78 to 98 weeks of age, 400 White LSL-Lite strain laying hens were distributed in a randomized design with 4 treatments with 10 replicates per treatment. Treatments were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement using either Zn, Mn, and Cu of ZMCAA or ZMCGly source at 2 levels: low (20, 20, and 3.5 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively) or high (40, 40, and 7 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively). The analysis of variance was performed, and in cases where differences were observed, the means were compared using Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The source and level of trace mineral supplementation had a significant impact on the performance of laying hens. Hens fed ZMCAA had higher egg production (P = 0.01), egg weight (P = 0.02), egg mass (P = 0.01), and lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.05) compared to those fed ZMCGly. The ZMCAA supplementation showed higher albumen height (P = 0.01), albumen weight (P = 0.01), and eggshell thickness (P < 0.01). The deposition of Zn (P < 0.01), Mn (P < 0.01), and Cu (P < 0.01) in the egg yolk was greater for hens received ZMCAA. Tibia weight (P = 0.04) and bone densitometry (P < 0.01) in the tibia were higher with ZMCAA supplementation. In the small intestine, ZMCAA resulted in longer villi (P = 0.02) and shorter crypt depth (P = 0.01) in the duodenum. Jejunum and ileum measurements were influenced by the level and source of trace minerals (P < 0.05). Laying hens fed ZMCAA exhibited superior performance, egg quality, deposition of trace minerals in the egg yolk, and bone density compared to hens fed ZMCGly. In this study, older laying hens supplemented with ZMCAA at lower levels demonstrated adequate levels of supplementation.

Production of iron enriched Saccharomyces boulardii: impact of process variables

About half of the 1.62 billion cases of anemia are because of poor diet and iron deficiency. Currently, the use of iron-enriched yeasts can be used as the most effective and possible way to prevent and treat anemia due to the ability of biotransformation of mineral compounds into the organic form. In this research, for the first time, Saccharomyces (S.) boulardii was used for iron enrichment with the aim that the probiotic properties of yeast provide a potential iron supplement besides improving the bioavailability of iron. Also, due to its higher resistance than other Saccharomyces strains against stresses, it can protect iron against processing temperatures and stomach acidic-enzymatic conditions. So, the effect of three important variables, including concentration of iron, molasses and KH2PO4 on the growth and biotransformation of yeast was investigated by the Box-Behnken design (BBD). The best conditions occurred in 3 g/l KH2PO4, 20 g/l molasses and 12 mg/l FeSO4 with the highest biotransformation 27 mg Fe/g dry cell weight (DCW) and 6 g/l biomass weight. Such yeast can improve fermented products, provide potential supplement, and restore the lost iron of bread, which is a useful iron source, even for vegetarians-vegans and play an important role in manage with anemia. It is recommended that in future researches, attention should be paid to increasing the iron enrichment of yeast through permeabilizing the membrane and overcoming the structural barrier of the cell wall.

Role of zinc in health and disease

This review provides a concise overview of the cellular and clinical aspects of the role of zinc, an essential micronutrient, in human physiology and discusses zinc-related pathological states. Zinc cannot be stored in significant amounts, so regular dietary intake is essential. ZIP4 and/or ZnT5B transport dietary zinc ions from the duodenum into the enterocyte, ZnT1 transports zinc ions from the enterocyte into the circulation, and ZnT5B (bidirectional zinc transporter) facilitates endogenous zinc secretion into the intestinal lumen. Putative promoters of zinc absorption that increase its bioavailability include amino acids released from protein digestion and citrate, whereas dietary phytates, casein and calcium can reduce zinc bioavailability. In circulation, 70% of zinc is bound to albumin, and the majority in the body is found in skeletal muscle and bone. Zinc excretion is via faeces (predominantly), urine, sweat, menstrual flow and semen. Excessive zinc intake can inhibit the absorption of copper and iron, leading to copper deficiency and anaemia, respectively. Zinc toxicity can adversely affect the lipid profile and immune system, and its treatment depends on the mode of zinc acquisition. Acquired zinc deficiency usually presents later in life alongside risk factors like malabsorption syndromes, but medications like diuretics and angiotensin-receptor blockers can also cause zinc deficiency. Inherited zinc deficiency condition acrodermatitis enteropathica, which occurs due to mutation in the SLC39A4 gene (encoding ZIP4), presents from birth. Treatment involves zinc supplementation via zinc gluconate, zinc sulphate or zinc chloride. Notably, oral zinc supplementation may decrease the absorption of drugs like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and risedronate.

Consumption of foods contaminated with heavy metals and their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) using GAM software (cohort study)

Introduction

Heavy metals can enter the environment and food through industrial activities, acid rain, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage. A large amount of these metals is dangerous because they tend to bio accumulate. A concern with these metals is the long-term, low-dose exposure seen in the general population. HMs can cause disorders in the cardiovascular system through various mechanisms such as the production of free radicals, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress.

Material and method

Food items measured in the present study included rice, bread, and vegetables. 210 participants (105 controls and 105 patients) were randomly selected for this study. The demographic information of the subjects was obtained from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Center. The relationship between heavy metals in food and cardiovascular diseases is investigated by The Generalized Additive Model (GAM).

Result

The results of the present study showed that when urine Cd was smoothed based on rice Cd, there was a significant correlation between urine Cd and Cd consumed in vegetables and rice. The GAM coefficient for urinary Cd excreted in case-control groups and Cd consumed in vegetables were 479.79(SE: 6.49-73.87) and 818.56(SE: 11.96-68.43), respectively, and for rice consumed, it was 0.03(SE: 0.015-2.103) and 0.04(SE: 0.017-2.338), respectively. The GAM coefficient for As consumption in vegetables and As in urine of case and control groups was 1.61 (SE: 9.48-0.16) and 22.36 (SE: 13.60-1.64), respectively. The same coefficient for rice consumption in case and control groups was 4.5 (SE: 0.62-7.22) and 10.48 (SE: 1.46-7.16), respectively. There was a very strong and significant correlation between the Sr in the urine of both groups and the Sr in the food consumed, so that the urinary Sr in the control group is excreted more than in the cardiovascular group.

Conclusion

GAM analysis indicates that As in vegetable and rice is more than the standard limitation value. Also, Sr and Cd in vegetables, rice, and bread were more than the standard limitation value. According to the GAM model As had a significant value in rice and vegetables indicating that As is more than the standard limitation value, therefore, it is associated with CVD.

Copper metabolism and its implications for canine nutrition

Canine copper nutrition has received increased attention due to recent reports of apparent copper-associated hepatitis in the USA and European Union. In order to properly address the need to modify the U.S. National Research Council and Association of American Feed Control Officials canine copper recommendations that will have implications for all dogs, it is important to understand the complexities of copper metabolism, confounding variables affecting copper status, and the available research on this topic in dogs. Recent trends in consumer preference for dog diets, supplements, and functional treats introduce another layer of complexity, as most ingredients used in these formulations provide vastly different proportions of essential nutrients, thus resulting in great variation in nutrient profiles available to the animal. Although controlled research addressing copper metabolism in dogs is limited, there are lessons to be learned from other monogastric species as well as canine case studies that can provide a base for increasing knowledge to address this issue. Copper metabolism and status in animals is affected by a multitude of factors including absorption, storage, excretion, and nutrient interactions. Given its vital role in many physiological processes, it is important that both nutritional deficiencies and toxicities be avoided. Additionally, another challenge for proper copper nutrition in dogs is the known genetic predispositions of some breeds for copper storage and excretion abnormalities. Therefore, it is imperative that veterinarians, nutritionists, and pet food manufacturers collaborate with the shared goal of providing dog food options that supply the essential nutrients at adequate concentrations to support an active and healthy life. Many questions remain regarding copper metabolism and proper diet formulation for dogs. Future research efforts should focus on discovering reliable, non-invasive methods for evaluating canine copper status, a deeper understanding of genetic predispositions of certain breeds, increased knowledge of copper contributions from various ingredients, and the role of unpredictable physiological stressors on copper metabolism.

Supplementing vitamins and minerals to beef heifers during gestation: impacts on mineral status in the dam and offspring, and growth and physiological responses of female offspring from birth to puberty

We evaluated the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to nulliparous beef heifers throughout gestation on the mineral status of the dam, calf, placenta, and colostrum; offspring growth performance; and physiological responses of offspring raised as replacement heifers. Angus-based heifers (n = 31, initial body weight [BW] = 412.5 ± 53.68 kg) were adapted to an individual feeding system for 14 d, estrus synchronized and bred with female-sexed semen. Heifers were ranked by BW and randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 14) or the basal diet plus 113 g heifer-1 d-1 of the vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 17). Targeted BW gains for both treatments was 0.45 kg heifer-1 d-1. Liver biopsies were obtained from dams at breeding, days 84 and 180 of gestation. At calving, liver biopsies were taken from dams and calves; colostrum, placenta, and blood samples were collected; and calf body measurements were recorded. After calving, all cow-calf pairs received a common diet through weaning, and F1 heifer calves were managed similarly after weaning. Offspring growth performance, feeding behavior, blood metabolites, and hormones were evaluated from birth through 15 mo of age. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with repeated measures where appropriate. Hepatic concentrations of Se decreased in VTM dams (P ≤ 0.05) from day 84 to calving, while concentrations of Cu decreased in VTM and CON (P ≤ 0.05) from day 84 to calving. Calf liver concentrations of Se, Cu, Zn, and Co at birth were greater for VTM than CON (P ≤ 0.05), but calf birth BW and body measurements were not different (P = 0.45). Placental Se, colostrum quantity, total Se, Cu, Zn, and Mn in colostrum were greater (P ≤ 0.04) in VTM dams than CON. Finally, offspring from VTM dams were heavier than CON (P < 0.0001) from weaning through 15 mo of age. These results were coupled with greater (P ≤ 0.04) blood glucose at birth, decreased (P ≤ 0.05) blood urea nitrogen at pasture turn out and weaning, and altered feeding behaviors in VTM offspring compared with CON. Maternal gestational vitamin and mineral supplementation enhanced mineral status in dams and F1 progeny, augmented postnatal offspring growth and blood metabolites. Consequently, in utero vitamin and mineral supplementation may exert programming outcomes on the performance and productivity of females raised as herd replacements and should be considered when developing diets for gestating cows and heifers.

Vitamin and mineral supplementation to beef heifers during gestation: impacts on morphometric measurements of the neonatal calf, vitamin and trace mineral status, blood metabolite and endocrine profiles, and calf organ characteristics at 30 h after birth

To examine the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to beef heifers throughout gestation on mineral status and hormone/endocrine profiles in the dam and calf, and morphometric characteristics and organ mass of the calf at 30 h after birth, Angus-based heifers (n = 72, 14 to 15 mo of age, initial body weight [BW] = 380.4 ± 50.56 kg) were estrus synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI) with female-sexed semen. Heifers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 36) or a basal diet plus a vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 36) via an individual feeding system beginning at breeding, with both diets targeting BW gains of 0.45 kg heifer-1·d-1. Heifers not pregnant after the first AI (CON, n = 19; VTM, n = 18) were rebred via AI 60 d after treatment initiation, and heifers gestating female fetuses (CON, n = 7; VTM, n = 7) received treatments throughout gestation and were experimental units for this study. Calves were separated from their dams and fed colostrum replacer within 2 h of birth and euthanized 30 h after the first feeding. Calf morphometrics were recorded, and tissues were weighed and sampled. Serum from the dam at calving and serum, liver, and muscle from the calf at 30 h were analyzed for concentrations of minerals. Serum from the dam and calf were analyzed for concentrations of leptin, vitamins A, D, and E, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1. All response variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Calf body morphometrics and BW of the dam at calving (P ≥ 0.32), calf organ weights (P ≥ 0.21), and calf ovarian follicle counts (P ≥ 0.13) were not affected by maternal treatment. Concentrations of Se and Co in calf serum and Se in calf liver were increased (P ≤ 0.02) in VTM. Serum concentrations of Co and vitamin A in the dam were greater (P ≤ 0.01) in supplemented compared with nonsupplemented dams, and serum concentrations of vitamin D were greater (P ≤ 0.0003) in supplemented dams and calves compared with the nonsupplemented cohort. Maternal supplementation supported vitamin and mineral status in the neonate, yet had no discernable impact on BW, organ mass, or circulating hormones/metabolites in the calf. Evaluating offspring at later postnatal time points is warranted to determine if prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementation affects performance, health, metabolism, and efficiency of energy utilization in key metabolic tissues in the calf.