Abstract: The presence of large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the yolk, sperm and embryonic tissues predisposes them to lipid peroxidation, causing oxidative stress. Carotenoids such as canthaxanthin and the vitamin D metabolite, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3), have been used to reduce these negative effects. This review addresses a description of the carotenoids and how they are absorbed and deposited in the egg yolk, the main aspects that indicate the use of 25(OH)D3 in poultry production, as well as the main available papers in poultry production on the association between these two technologies. The main results support the hypothesis that the use of these substances is beneficial for the production of fertile eggs. In general, a reduction in liver and blood peroxidation, an increase in antioxidant activity and a possible direct effect on the vaginal mucosa were described by poultry breeders. Analyses of the antioxidant system in eggs and in breeders, embryos and progeny highlight significant improvements in antioxidant metabolic pathways with a reduction in lipid peroxidation and conservation of antioxidant capacity. In the progeny, effects on hatchability, chick quality, antioxidant capacity, immunity and performance are also described. Similarly, production and performance indicators such as egg and chick composition, hatchability, fertility and chick quality are positively improved in all species studied so far. Many aspects are not metabolically understood and deserve attention from researchers, but the recommendation to use these substances on farms producing fertile eggs is a reality for all poultry species studied. PubDate: 19 January, 2024
Abstract: Background and Objective: In rabbits given diets contaminated with heavy metals, coriander extract is thought to be a beneficial supplement for oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of coriander extract supplement on heavy metal-induced oxidative stress in growing rabbit diets. Materials and Methods: In a completely randomised design, 84 developing male New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, 6 weeks of age, weighing 674.86 g at birth, were randomly assigned to one of four groups consisting of 21 rabbits each. After acclimating for 7 days, the rabbits were fed the experimental diets for 70 days. The diets were formulated as follows: First group (CR0) served as a control, with 30% berseem hay (BH), while, the three other groups had partial substitution of (BH) with common reed (CR) (Phragmites australis) at 50% of (BH). The third and fourth groups were supplemented with coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg of diet, respectively. The final body weight, daily weight gain and nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were measured. Results: The study found that including coriander extract in rabbit diets improved body weight, daily weight gain and nutrient digestibility. Nitrogen intake, urine nitrogen and nitrogen balance were higher in coriander extract groups. Levels of NH3-N, total VFA and acetic acid were higher, while butyric acid was lower in coriander extract groups. Heavy metal accumulation in feces and urine was highest in coriander extract groups, but lowest in rabbit meat. Heavy metal-intoxicated rabbits showed adverse effects on cholesterol, triglycerides, liver and kidney function and disrupted antioxidant balance. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that the inclusion of coriander extract in rabbit feed affects oxidative stress caused by heavy metals in growing rabbits. PubDate: 11 May, 2024
Abstract: Background and Objective: Prenatal stress is the exposure of an expectant mother to physical or psychological stressors and is a major risk factor for depression anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders of the offspring. Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) is an aromatic herbaceous plant which has been used in folk medicine in the treatment of anxiety and depression. The present work was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Ocimum gratissimum on behavioural impairment, motor incoordination and oxidative stress induced by prenatal stress in female rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five pregnant females were at randomly divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 (normal), Groups 2 to 5 were submitted to stress and treated respectively with distilled water (5 mL/kg/day), reference drug (diazepam 1 mg/kg) and the aqueous extract of O. gratissimum at the different doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day. The pups (3 weeks old) were submitted to behavioral tests including beam walking, open field and forced swimming tests. At the end of the behavioural assessments, the brains of animals were used for the evaluation of oxidative stress parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity. Results: Prenatal stress-induced motor dysfunctions, anxiogenic like and depressive-like behaviour in animals. All the behavioural impairments were significantly reversed by the administration of O. gratissimum extract at both doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Furthermore, the plant extract especially the dose of 100 mg/kg antagonised the reduction of glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity induced by the stressors. Conclusion: The results of this study give evidence that O. gratissimum aqueous extract prevents anxiety-like behaviour, depressive symptoms and motor deficits induced by prenatal stress. This action of O. gratissimum could be through the reduction of oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase activity. PubDate: 08 August, 2024
Open Access journal
[61 journals]
