The Effects of Single or Combined Supplementation of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Growth Performance, Dietary Energetics, Carcass Traits, and Visceral Mass in Lambs Finished under Subtropical Climate Conditions

The aim of this trial was to test the effects of the use of eubiotics (pro- and prebiotics) alone or in combination in the diet of lambs finished under subtropical climate conditions. For this purpose, 40 Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs (29.5 ± 4.8 kg initial live weight) were used in a 93 day growth-performance experiment. Dietary treatments consisted of a cracked corn-based finishing diet supplemented with (1) no eubiotics (control), (2) 3 g of probiotics (live Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SC), (3) 3 g of prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharide plus b-glucans, MOS), and (4) a combination of 1.5 g of SC and 1.5 g of MOS (SC+MOS). Throughout the study, the average temperature humidity index (THI) was 78.60. Compared to controls, supplementation with SC or MOS, alone did not affect average daily gain (ADG), but enhanced feed efficiency by 5.6% and 6.9% (gain-to-feed ratio, G:F) and dietary net energy by 4.6% and 5.9%, respectively. Compared to controls, SC+MOS enhanced ADG (10%), G:F (9.5%), and dietary net energy (7.2%). Lambs fed SC+MOS had also greater ADG, G:F, and dietary net energy compared to lambs fed SC alone. When compared to MOS, the combination enhanced ADG (10.4%, p = 0.04). This effect could be attributed to the increased dry matter intake (7.6%, p = 0.06), as neither G:F nor dietary energy was significantly affected. Compared with controls and SC, supplementation with MOS alone and SC+MOS increased kidney–pelvic–heart fat, while SC supplementation tended (p = 0.08) to reduce 4.1% the relative intestinal mass (as a proportion of empty body weight) when compared to controls. Treatment effects on the other carcass measures were not significant. In the present study, supplemental probiotics and/or prebiotics improved dietary energetic efficiency in lambs finished under subtropical climatic conditions. The combination of probiotics with prebiotics reinforced this positive effect.

Toxicity And Accumulation of Lead And Cadmium In The Land Snail, Archachatina Papyracea In A Tropical Alfisol From Southwestern Nigeria

Snails are an important link in the transfer of contaminants, especially metals in the food chain. Yet, few studies have examined the toxicity and accumulation of metals in snails in the tropics. This study assessed the toxicity and accumulation of two non-essential metals (cadmium and lead) to the tropical snail Archachatina papyracea. Specimens of the snail A. papyracea were exposed in a loamy soil collected from Ile-Ife, Nigeria and spiked with varying concentrations of Cd and Pb over 28 days. Survival and weight change of snails were monitored weekly while tissue accumulation was assessed at the end of the 28-day period. Survival was a more sensitive endpoint than the weight change of snails. The Cd median lethal concentration (LC50) value was 93 ± 4.4 mg/kg, while the median effect concentration (EC50) for snail weight change was 131 ± 41mg/kg. For Pb, LC50 value was 1121 ± 457 mg/kg while the EC50 value for weight change was higher at 4541 ± 1180 mg/kg. Therefore, Cd was a factor of about 10 to 30 more toxic than Pb, consistent with findings on the relative toxicity of Cd and Pb to other soil organisms, including earthworms, springtails, and mites. Although not included initially as an endpoint, egg production in the snails decreased with increasing Cd and Pb concentrations in the substrate. Metal analysis of the foot and visceral mass of surviving snails showed progressive accumulation of Cd and Pb as concentration increased, showing the tendency to use body residue of A. papyracea as an indicator of metal pollution. It further suggests the role of this snail species in above-ground metal transfer in the food chain and highlights the potential danger for human consumption.

Detection of food in immature and adult stages of water scavenger beetle, Hydrophilus acuminatus (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)

The water scavenger beetle, Hydrophilus acuminatus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae), has two types of feeding modes: carnivorous during the larval stage and omnivorous during the adult stage. To investigate how the beetles detect food, larvae were provided with pond snails and snail visceral mass and adults were provided with algae and thawed blood worms. Larvae found snails and visceral mass hidden in the filter paper (only “smell” could be used); however, visceral mass was found 22–27 minutes sooner than snails, 40–53 minutes. Time to find the visceral mass that was exposed (all senses could be used) or hidden (only “smell” could be used) showed similar values, 5.4–8.0 or 7.6–8.5 minutes, respectively. Adults found algae exposed on the filter paper in 54 ± 73 minutes (mean ± standard deviation), whereas no adults found the algae hidden in the filter paper. In contrast, all adults found the thawed blood worms in the exposed (10.3 ± 13 minutes) and hidden conditions (11.0 ± 12.7 minutes). Adults did not show feeding behaviour towards the algae or thawed blood worms in the transparent microtube (only “sight” could be used). These suggest that larvae use smell, whereas adults use smell and touch and/or taste to detect their food.

Identification and functional analysis of cadmium-binding protein in the visceral mass of Crassostrea gigas

The Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, is a traditional food worldwide. The soft body of the oyster can easily accumulate heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd). To clarify the molecular mechanism of Cd accumulation in the viscera of C. gigas, we identified Cd-binding proteins. 5,10,15,20-Tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphinetetrasulfonic acid, disulfuric acid, tetrahydrate, and Cd-binding competition experiments using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography revealed the binding of water-soluble high molecular weight proteins to Cd, including C. gigas protein disulfide isomerase (cgPDI). Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analyses revealed two CGHC motifs in cgPDI. The binding between Cd and rcgPDI was confirmed through a Cd-binding experiment using the TPPS method. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) revealed the binding of two Cd ions to one molecule of rcgPDI. Circular dichroism (CD) spectrum and tryptophan fluorescence analyses demonstrated that the rcgPDI bound to Cd. The binding markedly changed the two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures. The activity of rcgPDI measured by a PDI Activity Assay Kit was more affected by the addition of Cd than by human PDI. Immunological analyses indicated that C. gigas contained cgPDI at a concentration of 1.0 nmol/g (viscera wet weight). The combination of ITC and quantification results revealed that Cd-binding to cgPDI accounted for 20% of the total bound Cd in the visceral mass. The findings provide new insights into the defense mechanisms of invertebrates against Cd.

Molecular Impacts of Dietary Exposure to Nanoplastics Combined or Not with Arsenic in the Caribbean Mangrove Oysters (Isognomon alatus)

Nanoplastics (NPs) are anthropogenic contaminants that raise concern, as they cross biological barriers. Metals’ adsorption on NPs’ surface also carries ecotoxicological risks to aquatic organisms. This study focuses on the impacts of three distinct NPs on the Caribbean oyster Isognomon alatus through dietary exposure. As such, marine microalgae Tisochrysis lutea were exposed to environmentally weathered mixed NPs from Guadeloupe (NPG), crushed pristine polystyrene nanoparticles (PSC), and carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles of latex (PSL). Oysters were fed with NP-T. lutea at 10 and 100 µg L−1, concentrations considered environmentally relevant, combined or not with 1 mg L−1 pentoxide arsenic (As) in water. We investigated key gene expression in I. alatus’ gills and visceral mass. NP treatments revealed significant induction of cat and sod1 in gills and gapdh and sod1 in visceral mass. As treatment significantly induced sod1 expression in gills, but once combined with any of the NPs at both concentrations, basal mRNA levels were observed. Similarly, PSL treatment at 100 µg L−1 that significantly induced cat expression in gills or sod1 in visceral mass showed repressed mRNA levels when combined with As (reduction of 2222% and 34%, respectively, compared to the control). This study suggested a protective effect of the interaction between NPs and As, possibly by decreasing both contaminants’ surface reactivity.

Morphological description of Cyrtopleura costata (Bivalvia: Pholadidae) from southern Brazil

The aim of the study is to describe in detail, for the first time, the internal and external anatomy of Cyrtopleura costata, which displays ellipsoid and elongated valves with beige periostracum, the anterior adductor muscle unites the valves in the pre-umbonal region, with abduction capacity in its dorsal half, sparing the ligament. Two accessory valves are identified: the mesoplax (calcified) located in the umbonal region; and the protoplax (corneus) above the anterior adductor muscle. Internally there is a pair of well-developed apophysis that supports the labial palps and the pedal muscles, and support part of the gills. The posterior half of mantle ventral edge is fused and richly muscular, working as auxiliary adductor muscle. The siphons are completely united with each other, the incurrent being larger than the excurrent. The foot is small (about ⅛ the size of the animal). The kidneys extend laterally on the dorsal surface, solid, presenting a brown/reddish color. The style sac is well developed and entirely detached from the adjacent intestine. The intestine has numerous loops and curves within the visceral mass. The fecal pellets are coin-shaped. The present study certainly may be used as comparative scenario for specimens from other regions of the species range.

The structure of the ovotestis of the common African land snails found in Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria.

A comparative study of the structure of the ovotestis of African land snails found in Abeokuta was investigated. Of all the five snails species found and dissected, Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, A. fulica, Helix pomatia and Limcolaria aurora, only the ovotestis of H. pomatia could not be observed. The positioning, shape and arrangement of the ovotestis was the same for all the other four species. The ovotestis is embedded in the digestive gland at the anterior region of the coiled posterior end of the visceral mass. It is cream coloured and made up of sac-like lobes arranged on a single plane. It is differentiated into an ovariaon and testicular region. The number and size of the ovotestis differ significantly (P<0.05) in all the snails. Each lobe is made of several follicles and the number of which varied in the four species. Statistical analysis showed that live weight, shell length, shell width and shell circumference of the snails had no significant influence on the size on their ovotestis. Meiotic metaphase spreads of the ovotestis tissues revealed chromosome numbers 2n=56, 2n=44, 2n=54 and 2n=28 for A. marginata, A. achatina, A. fulica and L. aurora

Nutritional analysis of the albumen gland of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) from six Southwest states, Nigeria

The albumen gland is a vital part of visceral mass of giant African land snail (GALS) and its very rich in nutrients. As with other parts of snails, its composition is influenced by diet, location, age and species. The chemical compositions of albumen gland of GALS across the south western states of Nigeria have not been evaluated despite their diverse climatic conditions. Three hundred and sixty (360) Archachatina marginata were obtained from six south west states (60 snails/ state) and the albumen gland samples were analyzed for their proximate composition (crude protein, fat, ash, fibre and carbohydrate), minerals content (K+, Ca2+, P, Na+, Mg2+, Cl-, Fe2+), anti-nutrients and vitamins composition. The crude protein of the gland ranged between 12.93% and 24.40% with Ekiti state recording the highest value and Osun the least. The fat content was low (1.14%-2.29%) and no fibre was detected in the albumen gland. Snails from Ekiti and Ondo states had significantly higher Ca2+, P and Mg2+ than other states. No Vitamin C was detected in the gland across the states while Vitamin A values ranged from 38.68 (Lagos) to 45.51 (Ondo). Least anti-nutrient concentrations were recorded by snails from Ondo and Ekiti states, while Lagos state recorded the highest (except flavonoid and oxalate). Albumen glands of snails from Ekiti and Ondo states are thus more nutritious than that from other states and can be safely consumed by both man and farm animals. La glande albumen est une partie vitale de la masse viscérale de l'escargot terrestre géant africain (le 'GALS') et elle est très riche en nutriments. Comme pour d'autres parties d'escargots, sa composition est influencée par le régime alimentaire, l'emplacement, l'âge et l'espèce. Les compositions chimiques de la glande albumine de 'GALS' dans les États du sudouest du Nigéria n'ont pas été évaluées malgré leurs conditions climatiques diverses. Trois cent soixante (360) Archachatinamarginata ont été obtenus de six états du sud-ouest (60 escargots / état) et les échantillons de glande albumen ont été analysés pour leur composition immédiate (protéines brutes, graisses, cendres, fibres et glucides), teneur en minéraux (K+, Ca2+, P, Na+, Mg2+, Cl-, Fe2+), composition anti-nutriments et vitamines. La protéine brute de la glande variait entre 12,93% et 24,40%, l'état d'Ekiti enregistrant la valeur la plus élevée et Osun le moins. La teneur en matières grasses était faible (1,14% -2,29%) et aucune fibre n'a été détectée dans l'albumen. Les escargots des états d'Ekiti et d'Ondo avaient des Ca2+, P et Mg2+ significativement plus élevés que les autres états. Aucune vitamine C n'a été détectée dans la glande à travers les États alors que les valeurs de vitamine A variaient de 38,68 (Lagos) à 45,51 (Ondo). Les plus faibles concentrations d'anti-nutriments ont été enregistrées par les escargots des états d'Ondo et d'Ekiti, tandis que l'état de Lagos a enregistré les plus élevées (sauf les flavonoïdes et l'oxalate). Les glandes d'albumen des escargots des états d'Ekiti et d'Ondo sont donc plus nutritives que celles des autres états et peuvent être consommées en toute sécurité par l'homme et les animaux de ferme.

Nutritional value of the visceral mass of three giant African land snail species ( and )

Edible snails are very important as food and adequate information is available on their nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits. Though themore commonly consumed portion is the flesh, some people however consume the visceral mass, hence the need to determine its nutritional benefits. Two structures of the visceral mass (albumen gland and common hermaphrodite duct) of Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica were analyzed to determine their proximate, mineral, and antinutrient compositions.The albumen glands in the three snail species had higher protein (36.81±0.02% -42.69±0.02%) and carbohydrate contents (0.62±0.01% - 0.72±0.02%) than hermaphroditic duct, while the hermaphroditic ducts had the higher moisture content (78.46±0.02 ±0.01% - 80.55±0.01%). A margin at a had the highest total nutrients value and the highest total anti-nutrients value;A. achatina had the lowest total nutrients value and A. fulica had the lowest total ant-nutrients value. This study showed that the edible parts of the visceral mass are nutritious and suitable to be used as food and feed.