Research Aspects in Agriculture and Veterinary Science Vol. 5

Because of the wide variety of commercially available probiotics for aquaculture and the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of some of the products, shrimp farmers are becoming increasingly unsure of what probiotics to trust. The purpose of this study was to develop microbial strains that can improve the productivity of white shrimp and the quality of probiotic products available to farmers. The value of Bacillus albus SMG-1 and B. safensis SMG-2 as probiotics effective for white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming was verified. A control group was cultured without probiotics, and three experimental groups were reared in water treated with B. subtilis, B. albus SMG-1, or B. safensis SMG-2. B. albus SMG-1 and B. safensis SMG-2 were isolated from water of Saemangeum Lake (35°52'07.3"N, 126°30'29.8"E) located in Jeollabuk-do of the Republic of Korea. In total, 240 white shrimp of 0.53 ± 0.01 g (average ± SD) were randomly distributed in 12 acrylic tanks (50 L) (20 shrimp per tank) for triplicate experiments performed over 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, weight gain, feed efficiency, and specific growth rates of the groups inoculated with microorganisms were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, total nitrogen and total phosphotus were found to be significantly lower in all groups inoculated with microorganisms than the control group, thus B. albus SMG-1 and B. safensis SMG-2 were found to improve water quality. In this study, we gathered the first evidence that microorganisms of Saemangeum Lake can be utilized as probiotics. Our finidings show B. albus SMG-1 and B.safensis SMG-2 can be used as new aquaculture probiotics that can promote the productivity of white shrimp. Therefore, in future studies, we believe it is important to accurately disclose the microorganism strains effective for promoting productivity, to collate accurate information for farmers, and to provide effective microorganisms optimized for each aquaculture species.

Background: Pain and inflammation are the basic processes involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat rheumatic diseases. The study compound N-Benzoyl Isoserine Methyl Ester (N-bime) is a newly synthesized propionic acid derivative by National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. Since the biological data of this compound is not available, the present study has been planned to screen this compound for anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity and its toxicity profile in animals.

Aims: The aim of this study was to screen N-bime for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activity in animals and to compare anti- inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activity if any of N-bime with Ibuprofen and to study its toxicity profile.

Methods: Single dose toxicity study was carried out in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity was tested by Rat Hind Paw Oedema and Cotton Pellet Implantation method. For Analgesic activity, Acetic acid induced writhing and Tail Pinch method was used. Yeast induced Pyrexia was used for evaluation of anti-pyretic activity. Ibuprofen was the positive control. Data are presented as mean±SEM. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance and students unpaired ‘t’ test.

Results: The test compound N-bime did not show any apparent adverse effects or mortality in the dose range 1 mg – 500 mg / 100 gm body weight in animals. It showed better anti-inflammatory actions in higher doses as compared to Ibuprofen (p< 0.05). In acetic acid induced writhing test N-bime offered better protection against writhes, than Ibuprofen. But, both failed to demonstrate analgesic activity in the Tail Pinch method. N-bime showed a gradual decrease in temperature in the anti-pyretic test (P<0.001).

Conclusions: The present study indicates that N-bime does possess anti- inflammatory, analgesic and weak anti-pyretic properties like the NSAIDs. It has proved to be safe in the dose range of 1mg – 500 mg / 100 gm body weight in rats and mice.

This study aimed to prospect latex fractions from Ficus carica for new plant peptidases with milk-clotting activities of camel milk, for use as rennet alternatives. The enzymatic preparation was obtained by fractionation of latex from fig tree by Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC). In the manufacturing process, the milk is pasteurized at low temperature and cooled, it was added a culture of lactic starters isolated from artisanal fermented milk, subsequently it is added the enzymatic preparation of latex; the mixture is incubated for 24 hours at 37°C; after coagulation, the whey is drained to obtain a cheese curd; finally, the mixture is cooled to obtain a fresh cheese. The cheese yield is determined at different doses of fractions and it was found that 1ml of the extract in 100 ml of camel milk gives a yield of 15%. The physicochemical and microbiological characterization of camel milk cheese compared to cow milk cheese showed that camel milk cheese was more acidic, richer in protein (50,04 g/l) and phosphorus (0.199 g/l) but less loaded with total mesophilic flora. Camel milk cheese has higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins (retinol, K2 and Tocopherol), a high content of ascorbic acid (6.189 mg / kg) compared to cow milk cheese. The major fatty acid present in camel milk cheese is oleic acid (28.4%) followed by palmitic acid (27.1%) and stearic acid (23.6%).

The prevalence of male and female infertility is being increased in many nations and has emerged as a serious problem. Many life style factors and occupational exposures can have substantial effects on fertility problems. Life style factors such as smoking, illicit drug (cocaine, cannabis), alcohol and caffeine consumption, exposure to extreme heat etc. have negative effects on functions of male reproductive system. In recent years, increase in disorders of male reproductive system may be associated at least some extent with these factors; which are enhanced by some of new emergent life style habits. A detailed study is required based on the data i.e., excess use of mobile phones and impact of mental stress on male reproductive health. This review highlights the role of various life style factors, environmental stresses and occupational exposures in male reproductive functions and their negative feedback in declining semen quality, increased oxidative stress as well as sperm DNA damages in male. Increase in reproductive disorder in male may be correlated at least in part with these factors, which are further added by some of new emergent life styles. Sub-fertile and/or even normal individuals have some control over their reproductive function by adopting healthy lifestyles.

Utilization of phytogenics or extracts of plants as suitable alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters has yielded quiet interesting results of which several reported primary data elucidating their positive benefits exist. Issues of gastrointestinal health and limiting mortality in the absence of in-feed antibiotics is a core concern to most poultry farmers. As a result, the antimicrobial prospective of phytochemicals from medicinal plants and their potential to maintain health thereby minimizing sub-clinical bacteria-induced zoonotic enteropathogenic infections in poultry birds cannot be over-emphasized.  Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves were collected fresh and oven dried to 15% moisture content. Phytochemical analysis of their methanol extract obtained by cold maceration was carried out using appropriate method required for each phytochemical determined.  The qualitative and quantitative analysis of each respective extract was carried out separately. Qualitative analysis indicated that saponins and terpenoids were highly detected (+++) in V. amygdalina and slightly detected (+) in A. indica. Phenolic compounds were highly detected (+++) in both plants while tannins were highly detected only in A. indica. Flavonoids were detected (++) in both plants, Quantitative analysis of V. amygdalina revealed a rather high concentration of complete phenolic content and overall flavonoid content. Total phenolic content of 44.76 mg Gallic acid equivalent / g of extract and 57.21 mg Rutin equivalent / g of extract (total flavonoid content) was recorded in V. amygdalina and 25.77 mg Gallic acid equivalent / g of extract (total phenolic content) and 24.45 mg Rutin equivalent /g of extract (total flavonoid content) in A. indica. In – vivo primary data showed the prospective of both plants to modulate gut bacteria population towards beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus) over pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli). In-vitro and in-vivo primary data from broiler studies with aqueous extract of bitter leaf and neem leaf elucidated the antimicrobial growth promoter prospective of their phytochemicals.

The effect of supplementing methanolic extract of Cassia tora on immunological and haematological parameters of broiler bird was determined. Day-old broiler birds of Vencobb strain (n = 36) were randomly assigned into 3 treatments with 3 replicates each, 4 birds (2 each for cell mediated and humoral immune response) in each replicate. The birds of group T1 (Control) received basal diet, whereas birds of group T2 (Standard) received an antibiotic (Lincomycin @ 0.05% in feed) in addition to basal diet. The birds of group T3 (Test) received methanolic extract of leaves of Cassia tora (CSE) @ 0.4 g/l in drinking water in addition to basal diet. The treatment was given to birds of all the groups for 6 weeks. Cell mediated immune response was measured by 2, 4-Dinitro-fluorobenzene (DNFB) skin sensitization test whereas humoral immune response was assessed by micro haemagglutination test against sheep red blood cells. The skin thickness of T3 bird (3.41±0.20 mm) was significantly (p\(\leq\)0.05) greater than T2 bird (2.92±0.17 mm) followed by T1 bird (2.20± 0.23 mm) at 48 hrs post sensitization. The HA titers was significantly (p\(\leq\)0.05) higher in T3 (4.33±0.21) as compared to birds of T2 (3.5±0.22) and T1 (2.17 ± 0.17). The mean TLC in blood samples of birds of Cassia extract treated group (32.83 ± 0.83 thousand/ mm³) was significantly higher (p\(\leq\)0.05) than birds of control group (26.17 ± 0.98 thousand/ mm³). Heterophil count of birds of test group (26.00 ± 0.45%) was non-significantly higher than control group (24.66 ± 0.61%).

This study compared the inherent meat tenderness of South African breed-types under typical South African commercial abattoir practices (Phase 1). Phase 2 evaluated meat tenderness and calpain system differences of A-age (feedlot and pasture) animals, AB-age (feedlot and pasture) animals, and B-age (pasture) animals under the determined ideal slaughter conditions for South African crossbred beef breeds. Feed was withdrawn for either three hours or 24 hours pre-slaughter. Within each feed withdrawal group, three electrical stimulation (ES) treatments were applied, viz. ES for 15 seconds, 120 seconds or no stimulation. The carcasses were placed in chillers at 4 ºC within 1 hour after slaughter. In Phase 2, the effect of animal age and feeding regime were investigated using animals of A-age (feedlot and pasture), AB-age (feedlot and pasture) and B-age (pasture). All carcasses were electrically stimulated for 15 seconds. pH and temperature measurements were recorded early post mortem and at 24 hours post mortem. The effect of ageing on meat characteristics was tested on 1 day, 7 days and 14 days post mortem from samples removed from the m. longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle. The ideal post-slaughter procedure was identified as ES-15 electrical stimulation where pH decline was controlled (not too rapidly) by applying electrical stimulation for a short period.

Longer feed withdrawal period increased dark-firm-dry (DFD) meat occurrence (pHu >6) in the Nguni and Simmentaler-cross. Brahman-cross longissimus (LL) tended to be more tender with paler colour and higher drip loss when 120 ES was applied. Electrical stimulation of 15 seconds during Phase 2 showed that none of the carcasses were exposed to heat or cold shortening. Longer feed withdrawal recorded higher Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) than three hour feed withdrawal. However, ES neutralized the effect of stress on tenderness. On average, the AB-age feedlot animals produced the most tender LL followed by the B-age pasture and A-age feedlot which was similar to the AB-age pasture. A-age pasture animals produced the least tender LL steaks. The calpain proteolytic system played a pivotal role in determining the ultimate meat tenderness and although connective tissue becomes less soluble in older animals it did not play the determinant role in tenderness in this study. The intramuscular fat (< 3%) played an important role in the tenderness outcome of Nguni LL which marbled well at AB-age.

Judging eating quality on the grounds of age alone is not reliable, because carcasses from older animals were not necessarily tougher than those of younger animals. The South African classification system and resultant remuneration should be revisited and consumers should be educated accordingly. Production systems should be optimised by using ideal pre- and post-slaughter conditions and adapted to accommodate different breed-types.

Optimal climatic conditions for cattle, buffaloes, sheep goats, rabbits and poultry would be something like an air temperature of 13 to 20ºC, a wind velocity of 5 to 18 km/hr., relative humidity of 55 to 65% and a moderate level of sunshine and these factors are interrelated. In tropical and subtropical countries, the climatic characteristic is the major constraint on animal productivity. The summer in Egypt is characterized by high ambient temperature, intense solar radiation and high relative humidity. Therefore, farm animals are raised to such severe climatic stress for almost 6 months of the year. Growth, milk production and reproduction are impaired by about 50% as a result of the drastic changes in biological functions caused by heat stress which include a decrease in feed intake, feed efficiency and utilization, disturbances in water, protein, energy and mineral balances, enzymatic activities, hormonal secretions and blood metabolites ending to impairment the productive and reproductive performance.