Research Topic: Animal Nutrition

Maternal Euglena gracilis supplementation alters sow and piglet gut microbiota, reduces diarrhea incidence, and enhances piglet growth

This study examined how feeding sows a supplement called Euglena gracilis (an algae-derived prebiotic) affected the gut bacteria of both the sows and their piglets. Piglets born to supplemented sows weighed more at weaning and had fewer cases of diarrhea during the nursing period. The supplement changed the types of bacteria in both the sows’ and piglets’ guts in beneficial ways, promoting healthier and more stable gut communities that supported better growth and digestive health.

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Advancing Pistacia terebinthus L. (Anacardiaceae) Research: Food Preservation, Functional Foods, and Nutraceutical Potential

The turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus L.) is a Mediterranean plant traditionally used in food and medicine that is now being studied for modern food applications. Its fruits, seeds, leaves, and resin contain powerful compounds that fight bacteria, reduce oxidative stress, and promote health. Scientists are developing new techniques like microencapsulation and fermentation to preserve its beneficial properties in functional foods, yogurt, and other products. This underutilized plant could become an important natural ingredient for food preservation and health supplements.

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Impacts of dietary sodium alginate as a prebiotic on the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense): A comprehensive analysis of growth, physiology, immunity, antioxidant, and metabolism

This study tested whether sodium alginate, a natural substance from brown seaweed, could improve the health and growth of freshwater prawns used in farming. After 60 days of feeding trials, prawns given the highest dose of sodium alginate (4.0 grams per kilogram of feed) showed significantly better growth, improved immune function, and stronger antioxidant defenses compared to control groups. The supplement also promoted beneficial bacteria in the prawns’ digestive systems and improved their overall body composition.

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Individual and Combined Effect of Zinc-L-Selenomethionine Complex with Mannan-Oligosaccharide on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Gut Development and Immune Response in Broilers

This study tested whether combining organic selenium and a prebiotic from yeast could improve broiler chicken health without using antibiotics. The researchers fed different groups of chickens either selenium alone, the prebiotic alone, or combinations of both at different levels over 35 days. They found that the combination of higher selenium levels with the prebiotic worked best for improving meat quality, immune system strength and gut health, making it a promising natural alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics in chicken farming.

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Statistical methodologies for enhancing lipase production from Aspergillus Niger and using biologically treated cottonseed waste in animal nutrition

This study shows how scientists can grow an enzyme called lipase on cottonseed waste using a fungus called Aspergillus niger. The leftover treated material becomes excellent animal feed with high protein and important amino acids. This approach solves two problems at once: producing valuable enzymes for industry while creating nutritious feed for livestock from agricultural waste.

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Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass Into Valuable Feed for Ruminants Using White Rot Fungi

Researchers tested how three types of edible and medicinal fungi could improve the nutritional quality of agricultural plant waste for feeding livestock. They found that one fungus species, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, was particularly effective at breaking down tough plant fibers, especially in rapeseed straw and spent reed materials. The fungal treatment not only made the feed easier for ruminant animals to digest but also reduced methane gas production, which is beneficial for environmental sustainability.

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Influence of Pleurotus sapidus fruiting bodies on the performance, cecal microbiome, and gene expression in the liver and breast muscle of broilers

Researchers tested whether edible mushroom fruiting bodies could be used as animal feed for chickens. They found that chickens fed diets containing oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sapidus) had reduced growth and lower nutrient absorption compared to control chickens. While mushroom-based feed appeared to increase beneficial gut bacteria diversity, it ultimately impaired overall chicken performance, suggesting mushroom fruiting bodies are not suitable as a primary feed component for commercial poultry production.

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Effects of fermented rice husk powder on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial communities in fattening Hu sheep

Researchers tested whether fermented rice husk powder could improve the health and growth of sheep when used as feed. They found that sheep fed fermented rice husk grew faster and gained more weight than sheep fed unfermented rice husk. The fermented version also improved digestion and changed the beneficial bacteria in the sheep’s stomach in positive ways. This discovery could help farmers use agricultural waste more effectively as animal feed.

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