Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences

Growth performance and economic evaluation of Leporinus lacustris fed different levels of crude protein

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 17:17:10 +0000

The determination of optimal crude protein levels in fish diets is crucial due to its essential role in growth and its high cost. This study evaluated the effect of crude protein levels in the diet of piau corró Leporinus lacustris on growth performance, as well as the maximum technical and economic efficiency of this species. Juveniles of L. lacustris were distributed in 20 tanks, 20 L volume, density of six fish, and fed three times daily with 7% biomass. The design was completely randomized with four levels of crude protein (CP): 30, 34, 38, and 42%, and five replicates each. After 60 days of cultivation, the Fulton’s condition factor showed significant differences among treatments, fitting a quadratic regression model. Fish fed diets containing 34% CP exhibited better nutritional status. In contrast, the protein efficiency ratio (PER) followed a decreasing linear trend, with the best performance observed in fish fed 30% CP. Therefore, the diet with 30% crude protein can be recommended for L. lacustris juveniles at this stage of cultivation, as it is close to the optimal level for maximizing the species’ technical and economic efficiency.

Effect of pollination on the viability of passion fruit seeds

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 12:47:03 +0000

Seed propagation is the most used method for producing yellow passion fruit seedlings (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa); however, the success and uniformity of seedling formation are influenced by the germination process. This study aims to evaluate the influence of light and different pollination conditions on the quality of passion fruit seeds and seedlings. The experiment was conducted in two stages, both arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD): In the first stage, two treatments were used to determine the optimal light conditions for the germination of Passiflora edulis seeds obtained from fruits formed through manual cross-pollination (MCP). In the second stage, the effects of different pollination conditions on seed germination and seedling development were evaluated. The variables analyzed included germination rate, mean germination time, germination speed index, total seedling length, shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry biomass. The results indicated that the absence of light promotes a higher germination rate and a shorter mean germination time for P. edulis seeds. Flowers subjected to manual cross-pollination (MCP) and free visitation without pollen thieves (FVWT) resulted in higher germination rates and shorter germination times. The presence of thieves caused a 31% reduction in seed germination but did not affect seedling development.

Influence of harvesting days and fertilizer levels on agronomic performance and nutritive values of Washo (Loudetia arundinacea) grass

Moges Boda , Yilkal Tadele — Seg, 03 Nov 2025 19:56:55 +0000

This study evaluated the effects of fertilizer levels, harvesting days and cropping years on the agronomic performance and nutritional value of Washo (Loudetia arundinacea) the grass. A 3´3*2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three levels of nitrogen fertilizer (75, 100 and 120 Kg), three harvesting days (60, 90 and 120 days) and two cropping years was used. Data on number of tillers (TN), number of leaves (LN), leaf length (LL), plant height (PH), Leaf to stem ratio (LSR), herbage dry matter yield (HDMY), crude protein yield (CPY), nutritional composition, in vitro digestibility were recorded. The results indicated that significantly (p<0.01) higher values of PH (114.57 cm), LSR (0.76), LL (18.18 cm), HDMY (29.91 ton ha^-1) and CPY (3.54 ton ha^-1) at nitrogen fertilizer level of 100 Kg ha^-1. Fertilizer levels and harvesting days revealed significantly different (p<0.001) results on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) contents. Cropping years had also influenced (p<0.05) on PH, TN, HDMY, CPY, LSR, NT and LL of the grass. From dry matter yield perspectives, harvesting of Loudetia arundinacea grass at 120 days is recommended.

Tillering pattern of marandu, mavuno, ipyporã and mulatto II grasses submitted to stockpiling

Qua, 11 Mar 2026 18:51:07 +0000

The objective was to evaluate the tillering pattern in the period before and during the stockpiling of the marandu, mavuno, ipyporã and mulato II cultivars. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications. The tiller appearance rate (TAR) showed a similar pattern among grasses, being higher in the previous and initial stockpiling period. Among the forages, the ipyporã grass showed the highest TAR in the pre-stockpiling period. The tiller mortality rate was higher at the end of the stockpiling period. The balance between tiller appearance and mortality rates (BAL) was positive in the previous and initial stockpiling period and negative in the intermediate and final phases of stockpiling period. The BAL of the ipyporã grass was superior in the pre-stockpiling, in relation to the other grasses. The stability index showed a response pattern similar to the BAL. The number of tillers was higher in the middle, intermediate in the beginning and end, but lower in the pre-stockpiling period. The ipyporã grass has later regrowth vigor in the pre- stockpiling period. Population stability of tillers of the marandu, mavuno, ipyporã and mulato II grasses is not compromised during the stockpiling.

Figuil limestone as a calcium source for Japanese quail: effects on growth, carcass, egg production, and blood biochemical parameters

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 12:27:47 +0000

The poultry feed industry in Cameroon faces high costs due to its dependence on imported ingredients like shellfish meal, a key calcium source. To promote animal feed self-sufficiency and reduce imports, this study evaluates Figuil limestone as a local alternative. The effects of replacing shellfish meal with limestone meal on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were assessed in terms of growth, carcass traits, and reproduction. A total of 300-day-old quails were divided into 15 groups. Five diets with increasing substitution levels of shell meal by limestone meal (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%) were tested, with each treatment replicated three times. At 7 weeks, six birds per batch were sampled for biochemical and carcass analysis. Results showed that feed intake increased with limestone inclusion, while growth, carcass, and organ traits remained unaffected. A 50% substitution level improved the laying rate (24.9±2.2%) compared to the control (20.0±6.9%), though control birds had heavier eggs (12.1±0.1 g). Limestone also increased Haugh Units and edible content but reduced shell thickness. Biochemical parameters showed no significant differences. The study concluded that Figuil limestone can be an effective substitute for shellfish meal in quail diets, with 50% replacement level being the most effective during the early laying period.

Impact of Moringa oleifera leaf meal and leaf extract on semen quality of Nigerian indigenous normal-feathered chickens

Qui, 12 Mar 2026 14:26:34 +0000

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal and its aqueous extract on the semen quality of Nigerian Indigenous Normal Feathered Cocks (NINFC). A total of 375 birds were divided into five treatments, each receiving different levels of Moringa oleifera supplementation in their diets and extenders. Semen quality parameters such as sperm concentration, motility, viability, and lipid peroxidation were assessed. The results showed that Moringa oleifera supplementation improved sperm motility and viability, with the 15% inclusion level yielding the highest sperm viability and motility during cold storage (5℃). Additionally, the antioxidant properties of Moringa significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, especially at the 10% and 25% inclusion levels. The findings suggest that Moringa oleifera leaf meal, due to its rich nutritional composition and antioxidant benefits, holds promise as a dietary supplement for enhancing reproductive efficiency and semen preservation in indigenous poultry breeds. This has implications for improving the productivity of indigenous chickens in developing regions.

Evaluation of the chemical and microbiological quality of a cassava-based fermentate product for animal feed

Isabela Sandri de Souza, Elisa Cristina Modesto, Amanda de Souza da Motta — Qui, 12 Mar 2026 16:01:18 +0000

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and microbiological quality of a fermented cassava feed, formulated with different diluents (water or whey) and with or without the addition of an inoculant (yogurt). The experimental design was a 2x2 factorial completely randomized design, totaling 4 treatments (4 replicates each), designated A (water), B (water + yogurt), C (whey), and D (whey + yogurt). Temperature, chemical, and microbiological analyses were performed. The pH values of the treatments were adequate (between 3.92 and 4.25) and did not vary significantly. Total and thermotolerant coliforms were not detected (< 1.0E + 01). Crude protein levels varied significantly among the treatments, with the lowest level observed in treatment A (2%) and the highest level in treatment D (7.95%). The lowest crude fat values were found in treatments A and C (0.89% and 1.47%, respectively), while the highest values were observed in treatments B and D (6.525% and 6.205%, respectively). Yeast and lactic acid bacteria were found in all treatments. Fermented cassava is an economically viable alternative with good chemical and microbiological quality for animal feed, especially for small-scale producers.

Effect of a postbiotic in the diet on performance and meat quality of pigs

Sex, 27 Mar 2026 12:04:31 +0000

Postbiotics can play an essential role in feeding strategies that replace antimicrobial growth promoters and zinc oxide in diets for all phases of swine production. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a yeast-based postbiotic on animal performance and pork meat quality. A total of 220 pigs (26.8 ± 0.1 kg of body weight and 68 days of age), the offspring of Camborough sows and PIC337 boars, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design with ten replications. The treatments resulted from the combination of sex (female or immunocastrated male) and dietary treatment (Control – basal diet, or Postbiotic – Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product added at 0.5 kg per ton of feed). Each replication was a pen containing 11 animals. The trial lasted 101 days. Postbiotic supplementation did not affect animal performance (final body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio). However, regarding carcass traits, loin depth and lean meat were higher in the postbiotic treatment. Meat from the postbiotic treatment showed reduced lipid oxidation (TBARS), lower pH, and lower red intensity (a* parameter). In conclusion, adding yeast-based postbiotics to the feed of growing/finishing pigs does not affect performance, but it improves pork quality.

Baru meal on the performance of dairy calves: an alternative to reduce costs in the breeding phase

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 13:24:23 +0000

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake, performance, and economic viability of crossbred Holstein calves (n = 16) fed diets containg different levels of baru meal (Dipteryx alata . Vog) as a replacement for corn (0, 25, 50, and 72%). Total solid feed, concentrate, and forage intake, nutrient intake, weight gain, ingestive behavior, and economic viability were evaluated. Total solid feed and concentrate intake linearly increased (p<0.05) with the replacement of corn by baru meal, however, weight gain (13.7 Kg) was not affected (p>0.05). Baru meal inclusion linearly increased the intake of crude protein, minerals, ether extract, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. Concentrate feeding time exhibited a quadratic effect, with a maximum of 75.92 min. day^-1 at 67% replacement. Economic analysis showed that the 50% replacement diet result in higher feed costs but lower cost per kilogram of gain. The inclusion of baru meal up to 72% of corn replacement increased intake without compromising the performance during preweaning phase. A 50% replacement provided the best economic return.

Ruminal metabolism, blood parameters and animal behavior of bulls submitted to sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) receiving different buffers in high-concentrate diets

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 19:38:26 +0000

This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of four different buffers into a high-grain diet on ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, and feeding behavior of feedlot cattle. Five rumen-cannulated bulls (492 ± 24 kg) were distributed in a 5 x 5 Latin square design, through the treatments: CONT (no buffer), RUMO, RUMF, BICA and ALGA. The buffers did not alter (p > 0.05) the apparent digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fluid pH, volatile fatty acid profile, and acetic/propionic ratio compared to the CONT. Except for propionic and isovaleric acids, which were different (p < 0.05) among treatments at 4 and zero hours after feeding, respectively. Ruminal lactic acid accumulation was greater (p < 0.05) in BICA, while ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations were highest (p < 0.05) in CONT and lowest in RUMF. Blood glucose and creatinine were unaffected (p > 0.05), whereas urea and lactate concentrations were reduced (p < 0.05) in RUMO. Among the enzymes, only gamma-glutamyl transferase and creatine kinase showed treatment effects (p < 0.05). Furthermore, feeding and drinking times were unaffected by treatments; however, rumination increased (p < 0.05) in BICA, and idleness was higher in CONT. Overall, buffer inclusion modified ruminal and metabolic responses, indicating a possible modulation of ruminal acidosis.

Ruminal fermentation, nutrients digestibility, and nitrogen balance in lambs fed diet containing high concentrate and essential oil concentrations of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Ter, 04 Nov 2025 10:58:17 +0000

This experiment evaluated the effects of doses of essential oil of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) in rumen fermentation, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen balance in lambs. The treatments: negative control/CTL (no additives); positive control/MON (addition of 25 ppm of monensin Kg^- of dry matter); and 1.25, 2.5 and 3.75 mL essential oil Kg of diet as feed. Twenty-five crossbreed Dorper x Santa Ines lambs with 45.6 ± 10.7 Kg of body weight and cannulated in the rumen allocated into randomized complete blocks design with five replicates per treatment. It was possible to verify that all the treatments began to alter some parameters of the ruminal fermentation of the diet offering. Essential oil of lemon grass used had similar results to monensin on parameters of ruminal, on day 21 compared with day zero, essential oil presented high concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen in the rumen, indicating that there was protein degradation greater than monensin. Not verified effect of essential oil in nutrient intake and nitrogen retained, even though there was improvement in the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein, and these effects were similar to monensin. During the 21 days, essential oil evaluated is effective manipulating some parameters of the ruminal fermentation.

Influence of diet moisture content on behavioral, feeding, and productive parameters of lactating Holstein cows

Qui, 12 Mar 2026 14:14:57 +0000

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dry matter content on the feeding behavior and milk production of Holstein cows. The study was conducted on lactating, multiparous Holstein cows. To assess feeding behavior, automatic feeders (Intergado®, Brazil) were used. The duration of rumination and activity was quantified using electronic collars (Chip Inside, Brazil). The diets were classified according to their dry matter content: high (> 60%), medium (45 to 59%), and low (< 45%). The NCSS statistical program (2005) was employed for statistical analysis. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (GLM-ANOVA), and when statistical differences were identified (p < 0.05), the Tukey-Kramer test was performed for mean comparisons. The Holstein cows that received a diet with a low dry matter content (< 45%) exhibited a reduction in intake (p < 0.001), an increase in milk production (p < 0.001), an extension in rumination time, and a reduction in activity time (p < 0.002). In conclusion, variations in the dry matter content of the diet have an impact on the feeding behavior and milk production of Holstein cows.

Technical note: Adaptation of fermentation bottles for in vitro study, use of filter bag and its effect on digestibility and methane production

Qui, 12 Mar 2026 16:09:57 +0000

The in vitro fermentation technique has been used worldwide to study foods and feed additives in animal nutrition. There are many variations of equipment and procedures for studying digestibility and gas production. Given this, our objective was to adapt a simple, robust and low-cost fermentation bottle to simultaneously meet both requirements. The trial was performed in triplicate to evaluate the substrate incubation method (dispersed in the bottle, inside a filter bag and inside a filter bag with the addition of monensin). The adaptation of fermentation bottles has proven to be efficient for the study of in vitro fermentation because it is low cost, easy to operate, and notably allows the evaluation of fermentation products (SCFA and CH₄) and digestibility to be performed simultaneously. We do not recommend the use of filter bags, as they significantly reduce IVDMD, SCFA and CH₄ of the substrate by 12.6%, 18%, and approximately three times, respectively.

Cosmos sulphureus: environmental bioindicator of diversity of bees

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Among the flowers most visited by bees in Brazil, those belonging to the Asteraceae family stand out, and one of them is the cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus). This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, profile of visits and the type of collection of bees in the flowers of the cosmos during the year. The relationship between bees and cosmos flowers was observed by counting the frequency of visits and of material (nectar and / or pollen) to be collected. The foraging behavior of different bee species was also evaluated. The visits of the most frequent bees took place between 7:00 am and 12:00 pm. Among the main species of bees that made visits to the cosmos, those of the Halictidade family were noticeable: Pseudaugochloropsis graminea and Augochlora sp., Megachile rotundata solitary bees and, to a lesser extent, Plebeia remota stingless bees, Trigona spinipes stingless bees and Xylocopa frontalis and X. griscenses carpenter bees. Sporadic visits by stingless bees Melipona scutellaris, M. subnida, Partamona helleri, Scaptotrigona sp., Nannotrigona testaceicornes and africanized honeybees Apis mellifera. The cosmos should be planted close to apiaries and meliponaries as a source of food for Africanized honey bees, stingless bees and solitary bees.

Postpartum uterine and ovarian condition affect the foal estrus fertility in Mangalarga Marchador mares?

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 16:56:22 +0000

This study was conducted to evaluate the follicle development, uterine morphology, and fertility of Mangalarga Marchador mares submitted to natural breeding in the first postpartum estrous cycle. Eight mares were evaluated with ultrasound equipment every three days, from the second to the 42^nd day after delivery. During this period, follicular diameter, corpus luteum persistence, appearance and diameter of the horns and uterine body in addition to weight and body condition were evaluated. Postpartum reproductive efficiency was verified through conception and estrous repetition rates. Data were submitted to Pearson's correlation analysis, chi-square test, linear and quadratic regression. Ovulation occurred between days 14.5 ± 2.5 postpartum. The mean range of the follicular wave was 11.75 ± 2.5 days, with a daily follicular growth rate of 3.6 ± 0.6 mm. There was reduction of the uterine body of 20.6 ± 1.4 mm, characterizing uterine involution in mares. High conception rate (75%) was found during foal heat and variation in body weight and body condition score after parturition did not present significant interference in the other parameters. Therefore, follicular dynamic, uterine involution, weight, and body condition variation were compatible with the postpartum estrus onset in Mangalarga Marchador mares and did not interfere in conception rates.

The The relationship of good competitive farming practices and pig production efficiency in Mekong delta, Vietnam

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 17:46:23 +0000

This study assesses farmers' perception towards good competitiveness practices (GCP) and explores the factors affecting pig production efficiency in Vietnam. Using binary regression analysis, the study examined variables that significantly affected the production efficiency of 260 pig farmers in Tra Vinh and Ben Tre provinces. The results showed that most farmers were male with the majority working in pig farming as their primary occupation (83.5%). The average age of farmers was 50 years, with the majority having less than ten years of experience. Most farms used artificial insemination (91.9%) and received training (93.5%), although only 39.6% used automated equipment. In GCP, the perception of pork production and sales and financial management of pig production were highly rated by farmers. However, the ability to expand business and production scale were rated lower. Farmers focusing only on pig farming had a negative impact on production efficiency. In contrast, experience and training positively affected production efficiency, emphasizing the value of practical experience and knowledge through informal education. Additionally, perception of herd and farm size in GCP were essential for improving pig production efficiency. These findings provide important insights for improving the competitiveness and productivity of pig farming in the Mekong Delta.

Performance comparison of broiler chickens reared in closed versus stage slatted-floor open-sided houses: a case study of broiler farmers under an inti-plasma partnership model in Indonesia

Zulfan Zulfan, Muhammad Daud, Fizalul Ikram — Seg, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Over the last few decades, the Indonesian government has designed a partnership model for the farming system called an inti-plasma model. An inti or a core was a large private company, while the plasmas were smallholders that collaborated with the core. In the subsector of animal husbandry, the animal housing system has been considered the main regulation to achieve a contract between the core and plasmas. This study aimed to evaluate the performance comparison of broiler chickens kept in the closed house (CH) versus those kept in the stage slatted-floor open-sided house (OH) at broiler farms in Desa Simpang Jambe, Indonesia, in partnership with Charoen Pokphan Jaya Farm. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with two treatments and ten replications. The treatments were broilers reared in CH, and those in the OH. Each replication was an experimental unit with 4,800 birds pen^-1 in the CH and 600 birds pen^-1 in the OH. Twenty birds were randomly sampled from each pen for body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI), resulting in 200 sampling birds from each house. Data were analyzed using a t-test analysis. The results of this study showed that during the starter period, BW, body weight gain, feed intake, mortality, and depletion were significantly better at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 in the OH than in the CH, but feed conversion ratio was not significantly different at p > 0.05 between both houses. However, during the grower/finisher and overall periods, all performance parameters were significantly different (p < 0.01) by house type. In conclusion, producing broilers at 4 or 5 weeks of marketed ages in the closed house performed better performance index than those in the stage slatted-floor open-sided house.

Variables with greater discriminatory power for adaptation based on multivariate analysis

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 18:23:31 +0000

The objective of this research is to evaluate the physiological variables altogether and determine which variables have the greatest power to explain the data variation in terms of adaptive profile, using canonical and stepwise discriminant analysis. Eighteen non-castrated male sheep of the Soinga, Morada Nova, and Santa Inês breeds were used, with an average age of 5±1.0 months and an average weight of 15 ± 2.3 Kg. The RT showed a significant correlation above 50% with the temperature of the scrotum and leg; RR showed a higher correlation with tympanic (69%) than with RT (53%) tympanic showed a correlation above 70% with the temperature of the chest, back, buttocks, testicles, and leg, and 63% with the temperature of the eye, while RT showed a correlation of less than 50% with the temperature of the chest, buttocks, back and eye, and 51% with the testicle and leg. The most discriminatory variables for native breeds at comfort temperatures and thermal stress were reat rate and tympanic temperature. Tympanic temperature proved to be an important physiological variable to aid in the study of the adaptive profile of animals.

Nutritional and microbial evaluation of some frozen marine fish species sold in selected local government areas of Kano State, Nigeria

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 18:40:46 +0000

This study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional compositions and microbial load of some frozen marine fish species sold in Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 81 samples comprising 27 each of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) were purchased from three sampling areas: Bichi, Dambatta and Gwarzo. They were analysed for proximate, mineral compositions, and microbial load using standard procedures. Results indicated that the highest crude protein content, 21.51% was recorded in T. trachurus from Dambatta, while the mineral composition revealed that C. harengus recorded the highest sodium content, 1.69 mg Kg^-1, from Bichi. The highest free fatty acids 2.07 ± 0.18% was observed in T. trachurus from Gwarzo. The results of the microbial population elucidated that T. trachurus had the highest Salmonella spp. count of 4.22 x 10⁶cfu g^-1 from Dambatta. The Escherichia coli of 3.22 x 10⁶cfu g^-1 recorded in S. scombrus from Dambatta was the highest. All the microbial loads parameters were affected by the species, but not the collection station. The microbial load recorded in this study did not exceed the recommended limit of x10⁶to 10⁷cfu g^-1 of bacteria load safe for human consumption. The study therefore recommends T. trachurus as the best for consumption in the study area, due to its higher protein composition and the lowest microbial load.

Sperm quality of drones of Apis mellifera L. selected for royal jelly production

Seg, 03 Nov 2025 19:00:19 +0000

Royal jelly is importance within the hive colony for feed and regulation of sex hormones. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive characteristics of drones with D and E alleles (high production of royal jelly), compared with at least one F or G alleles (lower production of royal jelly). Drones were created from selected colonies and an analysis of the semen quality and weight of each drone was performed. The colonies with alleles D and E had a higher drone production but with lower. However, there was no interference from the alleles on the sperm quality of the drone, which presented: survival 88.38%, volume 1.2 µL, mass motility 5. The abnormalities were bent tail, headless and tailless sperm, and bifurcated tail. The alleles D and E influenced the weight and quantity of the drones but not their sperm quality.

Effect of comfort conditions during steers fattening period on beef nutritional quality: fatty acid profile and healthy fat indices

María Eugenia Munilla, Andrea Biolatto, Sebastián Vittone — Seg, 03 Nov 2025 19:12:40 +0000

In intensive livestock farming is important that cattle have high space allowance and continuous availability of food to improve animal welfare. It is possible that such conditions may improve fat quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of concentrate diets supply alternatives and space allowances in beef finishing on meat nutritional quality through fatty acid profile analysis and healthy fat indices determination Forty-eight Hereford steers aged 7.9 months and 175.0 ± 19.8 Kg body weight (BW) were allocated into four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement: 100BF (food supply in feed bunks and 100 m² animal^-1), 100SF (food supply in self-feeders and 100 m² animal^-1), 10BF (food supply in feed bunks and 10 m² animal^-1), 10SF (food supply in self-feeders and 10 m² animal^-1). The fatty acid profile was measured and the healthy fat indices - atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratio (h/H) and healthy fatty index (HFI)- were obtained. Treatments with self-feeders showed better AI, TI, h/H and HFI compared to groups with daily supply (0.5 vs. 0.6; 1.5 vs. 1.7; 1.6 vs. 1.4 and 1.6 vs. 1.7 respectively). In conclusion, animal production under comfortable conditions can contribute to the nutritional quality of meat.

Assessment of Roadsides Polluted with Heavy Metals in Mosul City, Iraq

Omer Alobaydy — Qua, 11 Mar 2026 18:40:01 +0000

A major challenge in soil pollution research is the accumulation of heavy metals from human activities, which threatens environmental integrity and public health. Transport vehicles contribute significantly to metallic particles, such as nickel and cadmium, from the wear and tear of brakes and tires. The study aimed to determine the content of heavy metals in the roadside soils of crowded roads in Mosul city. The study was conducted on 51 roadside soil samples collected from seventeen crowded roads. The samples analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The contamination and level of pollution risk were assessed using the contamination factor, pollution load index, ecological risk, potential risk index, and the degree of contamination. The results of the study revealed that the mean of heavy metals was 2.60, 0.20, 25.87, 36.40, 125.57, 113.05, 8.36, and 5.81 ppm for Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, and As, respectively. The contamination factor values were within no pollution and moderate pollution levels for the majority of elements except Ni, which was within very high pollution levels in some sites, which led to a rise in the degree of contamination. A low risk level was recorded by calculating the potential ecological risk index because the individual ecological risk factor had a low value at all sites. The pollution load index values at all sites were within the pollution level, except for two.

Supplementation with inorganic iron has no impact on the morphology of the hypopharyngeal glands in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)

Qua, 11 Mar 2026 18:58:43 +0000

Nutrition plays a major role in honey bees health, development and performance. Industrial agriculture, deforestation and climate change, however, are known to have negative impacts in natural habitats, compromising access to abundant and diversified sources of pollen and nectar, essential for honey bees. Beekeepers commonly use alternative supplementation feed, particularly during the fall and winter when resources are scarce to avoid or reduce colony loss as a consequence of starvation. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing an inorganic iron source on the morphology of hypopharyngeal glands (HG) in 6-day-old honey bees during the off-season. Twelve colonies were distributed into four groups and supplemented, or not, with inorganic iron at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 ppm, diluted in sugar syrup. Six-day-old bees were then collected from each treatment, and their heads were prepared for the evaluation of the area and acini number of the HG. No significant differences were observed in the analyzed parameters of HG, regardless of the iron concentrations used (p < 0.05). In conclusion, providing an inorganic iron source during the off-season for colony nutrition does not modulate the development of the hypopharyngeal glands in 6-day-old nurse bees.

Impact of pen space allowance in outdoor feedlot on cattle performance and carcass quality

Fernanda Macitelli, Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Costa — Qua, 11 Mar 2026 19:05:02 +0000

Cattle performance and carcass traits as affected by feedlot pen space allowances were investigated. Bulls (N = 1350) of 30 ± 6 months of age and a weight of 392 ± 46 kg were assigned to one of three pen space allowances: 6 (T6), 12 (T12), and 24 (T24) m²animal^-1. Individual average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), fat cover (scored from 1 to 5), carcass bruise occurrences, and meat pH24 were assessed. Treatment T24 showed higher (P < 0.05) ADG than T6 and T12. T6 had lower (P < 0.05) HCW than T12 and T24. T6 had the highest percentage of carcasses (P < 0.05) and scored 3 for fat cover, followed by T24 and T12. In all treatments, pH24 was within the acceptable range for good meat quality, ranging from 5.60 (T24) to 5.63 (T6). The mean of new bruises per carcass was lowest for T24 (P < 0.05) and did not differ between T6 and T12 (P > 0.05). Superficial bruises were more frequent in T24 than in T6 and T12 carcasses (P < 0.05). Muscular bruises were higher in T6 than in T12 and T24 (P < 0.05). Based on the results, reduced space in feedlot pens lessens beef cattle performance and downgrades carcass quality.

Filiform papillae of Holstein heifer tongues and their relationship with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus infestation

Qui, 12 Mar 2026 15:54:00 +0000

Mammals’ self-cleaning behavior helps to reduce infestations of ectoparasites, especially ticks. We investigated the relationship between measurements of the filiform papillae of heifer tongues and tick infestation. To assess the papillae, biopsies were performed on the anterior surface of the tongues of 15 Holstein heifers. The samples were processed for evaluation by scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed through a completely randomized design. The parameters studied were submitted to analysis of variance to determine the effect of infestation on the length and base width of the papillae, distance between bases and between tips, and number of papillae per unit area. Heifers with greater numbers of papillae (16.68 ± 3.30 cm²) and shorter filiform papillae (1.28 ± 0.35mm) had fewer ticks (P < 0.01) than heifers with fewer papillae (15.46 ± 1.91 cm²) and longer lengths (1.45 ± 0.39mm). We concluded that the morphology of the filiform papillae varies between cattle of the same breed and that the length and the number of papillae per unit area are related to tick infestation.

Impact of Crossing Golden Sabahia and White Leghorn Chickens on Performance Traits: An Analysis of Heterosis, Additive Effects, and Performance Curves

Qui, 12 Mar 2026 16:17:52 +0000

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of crossbreeding between Golden Sabahia (GS) and White Leghorn (WL) strains on body weight (BW) and egg production traits and estimate crossbreeding parameters such as direct heterosis, additive effect and evaluating the growth and egg production curves. GS pure line had the significantly highest BW₀, BW₅₆, BW₇₀ and BW₈₄, however, it had a significantly lower BW₁₄ than the crossbreds. Furthermore, the GS - sired crossbred was significantly heavier in BW₁₄, BW₂₈ and BW₄₂ than the pure lines and the reciprocal cross. GS × WL cross showed significantly higher daily body weight gains than the reciprocal cross except for BWG_{8 - 12}. WL purebred line had the lowest EW90 among the strain groups, meanwhile, EW10 was at its highest mean in the GS × WL crossbred. Moreover, WL × GS crossbred had the lowest performance among the groups in terms of P10. Positive direct additive effects were shown for body weights and most egg production traits, indicating GS’s superior genetic potential. The direct additive effects were positive for the egg production traits studied apart from P10. Overall, the GS - sired crossbreds displayed the best performance in terms of growth rate and egg production, making them a promising option for poultry breeding programs.

Ageing and sex attraction of Teratorhabditis nematode

Wajih Jamal — Qui, 12 Mar 2026 16:26:08 +0000

Sex attraction was observed in the free - living nematode Teratorhabdits palmarum (Gerber & Giblin-Davis, 1990). Attraction by means of pheromones provides the ability to find and distinguish appropriate individual with which to mate. In the present study, we performed sex attraction assay to examine whether males of different age groups or reproductive states respond to volatile sex attractants of females. In T. palmarum, young virgin males were strongly attracted to young virgin females but declined with their age. Young non - virgin males responded to young virgin females while they did not respond to ten - day old virgin female. Similarly, old but not young virgin males failed to respond to non - virgin females. Attraction of virgin and non - virgin males declined with their age and also declined or did not occur with increasing age of females. We also investigated the pheromone system of the gonochoristic nematode Teratorhabdits palmarum that produces sex - specific attractants of the opposite sex. Mass Spectrometric Analysis of the T. palmarum exometabolome revealed that females but not males, produce the male attracting ascr#1 and ascr#9, ascaroside previously identified from C. elegans and other nematodes. The specific function of these ascarosides would not be analysed, because these pheromones play different roles in different nematode species.

Biodegradation of oil-contaminated soils by Aspergillus Niger and Aspergillus Flavus

Mohammed Zuhier Ibrahim, Salim Rabeea Znad, Shaymaa khaleel alhialy — Qui, 12 Mar 2026 16:34:41 +0000

The use of microorganisms is one of the most important methods widely used in the world to treat hydrocarbon pollution by decomposing them. A nutrient medium with mineral salts and added crude oil was used to grow fungi isolated from contaminated sites, namely Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. During the incubation period of 20 and 40 days, gas chromatography (TPH) was used to measure hydrocarbons. Over a similar period of time, the results revealed that Aspergillus flavus performed less well in decomposition (32.5% and 60.2%) against Aspergillus niger, which recorded higher decomposition rates (44.5% and 74.6%). This leads to the fact that fungi, through their enzymes, are able to analyze fungal pollutants in the soil.

Application of plant extracts as bio preservatives against Listeria monocytogenes and antioxidant in meat patties

Shahd Abdul Karim , Saher Sobeih George , Sawsan Ali Hameed AL-Hilifi — Sex, 27 Mar 2026 11:14:00 +0000

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of plant extracts derived from kiwi peels (Actinidia deliciosa), beet peels (Beta vulgaris L.), eggplant peels (Solanum melongena), and red cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea L. var). Total phenols, flavonoids, free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), reducing power, and ferrous ion chelating capacity were evaluated. Beet peel extract showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents and exhibited the strongest DPPH scavenging activity, reaching 85% at 100 mg mL^-1, as well as the most effective iron chelation, while eggplant peel showed the lowest activity. To assess preservative potential, kiwi and red cabbage extracts (0.5, 1, and 1.5%) were incorporated into minced meat patties inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes or stored as non-inoculated controls at 4 ± 1°C for 12 days. Microbiological analysis revealed significant reductions in total aerobic bacteria and L. monocytogenes counts, with kiwi peel extract showing the strongest inhibitory effect. Furthermore, treated patties demonstrated lower peroxide and free fatty acid values compared to controls (2.8 and 1.27 mEq kg^-1, respectively, on day 12). These findings highlight the potential of selected plant extracts, particularly kiwi peels, as natural antioxidants and bio-preservatives in meat products.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw and fermented camel milk on chemical composition and nutrient digestibility of sugarcane bagasse in vitro

Sex, 27 Mar 2026 11:36:38 +0000

The purpose of this study was the isolation of the lactic acid bacteria from camel milk and its use in processing of sugarcane bagasse (SB). For isolation and purification of lactic acid bacteria, the raw and fermented camel milk samples were cultured on De Man–Rogosa–Sharpe agar (MRS) culture, and after incubation, the colonies were cultured on liquid MRS culture and again on MRS agar. After gram staining, bacterial DNA extraction and 16S rRNA genome sequencing were performed. The isolated bacterial culture grown in liquid MRS medium was utilized to process SB as described below: SB with no processing (control), SB processed with lactic acid bacteria isolated form fermented camel milk (FCM), (SB-FCM) and SB processed with lactic acid bacteria isolated form raw camel milk (RCM), (SB-RCM). Results indicated that bacteria isolated from RCM and FCM were 99.33 and 99.42% similar to Enterococcus durans and Limosilactobacillus reuteri, respectively. Isolated bacteria had no significant effect on the dry matter of SB (P < 0.05). The treatments decreased the amount of ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acidic detergent fiber (ADF) and increased the amount of organic matter (OM) in SB (P < 0.05). The results of the gas production test showed that the actual digested OM, microbial mass production, PF, potential and gas production were similar among treatments (P > 0.05). The NDF and ADF digestibility were not different between treatments (P > 0.05). Therefore, Enterococcus durans and Lactobacillus reuteri, isolated from RCM and FCM, improved the OM content of SB while decreasing its NDF and ADF concentrations. Therefore, the isolated bacteria have the potential to be used as additives to enhance the digestion of fibrous components in SB, making it more suitable for ruminant feed.