Suzan Yalçin

Effects of dietary yeast autolysate (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on performance, egg traits, egg cholesterol content, egg yolk fatty acid composition and humoral immune response of laying hens.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary yeast autolysate on performance, egg traits, egg cholesterol content, egg yolk fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation of egg yolk, some blood parameters and humoral immune response of laying hens during a 16 week period. A total of 225 Hyline Brown laying hens, 22 weeks of age, were allocated equally to one control group and four treatment groups. Yeast autolysate (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, InteWall) was used at levels of 1, 2, 3 and 4 g kg(-1) in the diets of the first, second, third and fourth treatment groups respectively. RESULTS Dietary treatments did not significantly affect body weight, feed intake and egg traits. Yeast autolysate supplementation increased egg production (P < 0.001) and egg weight (P < 0.001) and improved feed efficiency (P < 0.05). Yeast autolysate at levels of 2, 3 and 4 g kg(-1) decreased egg yolk cholesterol level as mg g(-1) yolk (P < 0.01) and blood serum levels of cholesterol and triglyceride (P < 0.05) and increased antibody titres to sheep red blood cells (P < 0.01). Total saturated fatty acids and the ratio of saturated/unsaturated fatty acids increased (P < 0.01) and total monounsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.001) decreased with yeast autolysate supplementation. CONCLUSION Dietary yeast autolysate at levels of 2, 3 and 4 g kg(-1) had beneficial effects on performance, egg cholesterol content and humoral immune response. It is concluded that 2 g kg(-1) yeast autolysate will be enough to have beneficial effects in laying hens.

Effects of dietary dried baker’s yeast on the performance, egg traits and blood parameters in laying quails

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary dried baker’s yeast on laying performance, egg traits and some blood parameters of quails. In the experiment a total of 342 Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) aged ten weeks were equally divided into six groups of 57 (three replicates of 19 quails each). Six levels (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20%) of dried baker’s yeast were included in isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets. The experimental period lasted 14 weeks. At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences among the groups in body weight, feed intake, protein intake, egg production, feed efficiency, egg yolk index and egg haugh unit. Blood serum levels of total protein, triglyceride and cholesterol were not affected by dietary dried baker’s yeast. Diets containing 4 and 8% of dried baker’s yeast increased the egg weight significantly (p < 0.01). The inclusion of dried baker’s yeast at the level of 20% to the diets reduced egg shell thickness and egg albumen height. It is concluded that dried baker’s yeast can be used up to 16% in the diets of laying quails without adverse effects on the measured parameters.

Determinants of Exclusive Breast Feeding in sub-Saharan Africa: A Multilevel Approach.

BACKGROUND The study aimed to provide an overall picture of the general pattern of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by examining maternal sociodemographic, antenatal and postnatal factors associated with EBF in the region, as well as explore countries variations in EBF rates. METHODS We utilised cross-sectional data from the Demographic Health Surveys in 27 SSA countries. Our study sample included 25 084 infants under 6 months of age. The key outcome variable was EBF in the last 24 h. Due to the hierarchical structure of the data, a multilevel logistic regression model was used to explore factors associated with EBF. RESULTS The overall prevalence of EBF in SSA was 36.0%, the prevalence was highest in Rwanda and lowest in Gabon. In the multilevel regression model, factors that were associated with increased likelihood of EBF included secondary and above maternal education, mothers within the ages of 25-34 years, rural residence, richer household wealth quantile, 4+ antenatal care visit, delivering in a health facility, singleton births, female infants, early initiation of breast feeding (EIBF), and younger infants. However, countries with higher gross national income per capita had lower EBF rates. CONCLUSIONS To achieve a substantial increase in EBF rates in SSA, breast-feeding interventions and policies should target all women but with more emphasis to mothers with younger age, low educational status, urban residence, poor status, multiple births, and male infants. In addition, there is a need to promote antenatal care utilisation, hospital deliveries, and EIBF.

Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Breast Milk During the First Nine Months of Lactation: A Longitudinal Study

A wide variation in the composition of breast milk has been reported from various countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in the breast milk of lactating mothers as a function of lactation time and the relationship between these concentrations and the characteristics of mother–infant dyads. Mother–infant dyads were recruited immediately at the second week postpartum. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) gestational age ≥37 weeks; (2) birth weight ≥2500 g; and (3) no chronic illness in the infant or mother. Anthropometric measurements of …

Organochlorine pesticide residues in breast milk and maternal psychopathologies and infant growth from suburban area of Ankara, Turkey.

We aimed to determine the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the breast milk; to assess the effect of detectable OCPs on maternal–infant characteristics and; to evaluate the relation between OCPs and the maternal psychopathologies [Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)] and infant growth. DDT, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), aldrin and heptachlor were detected in 89.3, 70.7, 58.7 and 34.7 % of the samples, respectively. Mothers with low monthly family income had detectable DDTs less frequently. The frequencies of detectable heptachlor epoxide were significantly higher in mothers with gestational nausea. Anaemic mothers had more frequently detectable alpha-HCH. Z scores of head circumference were inversely correlated with beta-HCH and DDT levels. The heptachlor epoxide levels were positively correlated with PBQ, MIBS and indexes of BSI. No relation was detected between EPDS and OCPs. Further studies are needed for changes in maternal psychopathologies.

Blood boron levels and anthropometric measurements in prepubertal children

This study was conducted to assess the blood boron levels (BBL) in prepubertal children in the West and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey and its relationship with chosen anthropometric measurements. A multistage sampling design that combined multicluster (West Anatolia vs. Central Anatolia regions and rural vs. urban residents) and simple random sampling methods were used for the sample selection. BBL was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Weight, height, mid-arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were measured. Z-scores for weight-for-age, height-for-age, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age were calculated. Furthermore, arm-muscle area, arm-fat area, and fat percentage were measured. This study enrolled 2126 children, of whom 50.7% were male. The mean age was 8.9 years. The mean concentration of BBL was 15.6 μg/L (interquartile range: 11.7-19.6 μg/L). Children in urban areas had significantly higher BBL than those in rural areas (17.2 ± 5.5 vs. 11.9 ± 4.6 μg/L; p < .001). Children in the West Anatolia region had significantly lower BBL than those in the Central Anatolia region (14.5 ± 5.9 μg/L vs. 17.8 ± 5.0 μg/L; p < .001). BBL was not affected by maternal education, occupation, sex, and anemia. BBL was found to be significantly lower in children with low BMI, low triceps skinfold thickness, low arm fat area, and low-fat percentage. Change in BBL was associated with the region and residence in Turkey. BBL differed between well-nourished and malnourished children. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between anthropometry and BBL.

Effects of Probiotics on Some Blood Parameters and Serum IgG in Broilers

Introduction: Probiotics as a live microbial feed supplement affects the host by improving its gut microbial balance. Probiotics may have positive effects on broiler performance, improve microbial balance, synthesize vitamins of B complex, decrease pH in the intestine, stimulate of intestinal mucosa immunity, reduce blood cholesterol and increase protection against toxins produced by pathogenic microorganisms. Blood serum parameters may provide useful information about the evaluation of the health status of broilers. This study was aimed to determine the effects of dietary probiotics on some blood parameters and serum IgG in broilers. Methods: A total of 300 Ross 308 broiler male chicks aged one day were divided into one control group and two treatment groups each group containing 100 chicks. Each group was divided into 5 replicates, as subgroups, each comprising 20 chicks. The experimental period lasted 39 days. Basal diet was supplemented with the probiotics (Nafoil forte, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Biotem Ltd Company). Probiotics were added at 0.1 and 0.2% to the first and second treatment groups, respectively. At the end of the experiment (d 39) blood samples were collected from 10 fed broilers randomly chosen from each group (2 from each replicate) and centrifuged. Serum was separated. Levels of ALT, AST, ALP and total protein, uric acid, cholesterol and triglyceride were determined by an autoanalyser using their accompanying commercial kits. Serum IgG levels were determined by ELISA. Results: Dietary supplementation of probiotics containing Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae didn’t affect blood serum protein, uric acid, triglyceride and the levels of ALT, AST and ALP. Probiotics supplementation decreased serum cholesterol concentration linearly (P = 0.001). Serum IgG concentration linearly increased (P = 0.014) with dietary probiotics supplementation. Discussion: Dietary probiotics supplementation decreased serum cholesterol and increased serum IgG concentration in broilers. Therefore this probiotics seems to be the perfect feed additive for lowering cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and enhancing humoral immune response.

A possible etiological factor in obesity: element status in blood and tooth of overweight versus normal-weight children

ABSTRACT We aimed to assess element status in whole blood and tooth dentin and identify their correlations in overweight or obese children without additional metabolic risk factors. In a case-control study, 40 overweight and 80 normal weight children aged 6–10 years were enrolled. Samples of blood and tooth were collected. While all studied elements were similar in groups in univariate analysis, after adjustment for confounding factors, tooth Mn levels were lower and blood Zn levels were higher in the overweight/obese group (p = 0.049 and p = 0.032, respectively). A significant correlation in blood and tooth dentin levels of Sr and Zn was detected in both groups. In both biological substances, the concentrations of elements did not differ significantly in overweight children without metabolic comorbidities compared to healthy children of normal weight. Presence of low Mn levels in tooth dentin and high Zn levels in blood samples should be explored in further studies.

Effects of Probiotics on Performance, Carcass Yield and Internal Organs in Broilers

Introduction: Probiotics have been used increasingly in poultry diets after the ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters in the EU. Probiotics include beneficial microorganisms that may have positive effects on the intestinal tract of poultry. This study was aimed to determine the effects of dietary probiotics on performance, carcass yield and internal organs in broilers. Methods: A total of 300 Ross 308 broiler male chicks aged one day were divided into one control group and two treatment groups each group containing 100 chicks. Each group was divided into 5 replicates, as subgroups, each comprising 20 chicks. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum consumption and the diets were presented in mash form. The experimental period lasted 39 days. Basal diet was supplemented with the probiotics (Nafoil forte, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Biotem Ltd Company). Probiotics were added at 0.1 and 0.2% to the first and second treatment groups, respectively. Body weight and feed intake were recorded. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated. At the end of the experiment (d 39) 10 broilers from each group were weighed and slaughtered by severing the jugular vein. Hot carcass weights were determined and carcass yield was calculated. Absolute and proportional weights of abdominal fat, liver, heart, spleen, gizzard and Bursa of Fabricius were also determined. Results: Dietary supplementation of probiotics containing Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae didn’t affect the final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency during the 39 days of experimental period. Probiotics supplementation increased carcass yield (P < 0.05) and decreased abdominal fat percentages (P < 0.05). Relative weights of liver, heart, gizzard, spleen and Bursa of Fabricius were not affected from the usage of probiotics. Discussion: Dietary probiotics supplementation improved carcass yield and decreased the abdominal fat significantly without changing other performance parameters in broilers. As a conclusion dietary probiotics supplementation might be beneficial additives for broilers.