Growing concerns over the use of antibiotics in poultry production have led to increased exploration of natural feed additives with health-promoting benefits. This study aimed to assess the impact of fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) supplementation in broiler diets as a potential substitute for antibiotic growth promoters. Conducted over a 28-day period (May 8 to June 5, 2019) at the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Poultry Farm in Dhaka, the trial involved 150 Cobb 500 day-old broiler chicks. The birds were distributed randomly across five dietary groups, each with three replicates containing 10 chicks. The treatment groups included a control (no additive), an antibiotic-supplemented diet, and diets supplemented with fenugreek seed at 1%, 1.5%, and 2% inclusion levels. The findings revealed a significant (P<0.05) enhancement in final body weight and dressing percentage in birds fed fenugreek, with the 1.5% group achieving the highest body weight (1528.33 ± 57.47 g). Although feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not show significant variation across treatments, birds receiving the 1% fenugreek diet consumed the most feed (2289.67 ± 2.60 g). No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in the relative weights of internal organs or immune tissues. Blood cholesterol levels significantly decreased in the fenugreek-fed groups, while glucose levels remained unchanged. Hematological profiles improved notably in treated birds, particularly in hemoglobin concentration, red and white blood cell counts, and lymphocyte percentages. Microbial analysis showed that fenugreek supplementation reduced pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, while promoting beneficial Lactobacillus populations. Additionally, antibody titers against Newcastle disease were significantly higher (P<0.05) in fenugreek-treated groups. Incorporating fenugreek seed into broiler diets positively influenced growth metrics, enhanced immune function, improved gut microbial balance, and supported key hematological parameters. These outcomes highlight fenugreek seed as a promising natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics in broiler production systems.

Effective management of nutrients and feeding practices is essential to sustain egg production, maintain egg quality, and support the health of aging laying hens while optimizing resource use. This study examined the influence of dietary available phosphorus (AP) and quantitative feeding levels (QFL) on egg production, egg quality, and serum biochemical traits in Lohman Brown laying hens. A total of 540 hens, 60 weeks old, were assigned in a 2×3 factorial design, combining two AP levels (0.32% and 0.45%) with three feeding levels (90%, 95%, and 100% of standard intake). Each treatment included five replicates of 18 hens, and the experiment lasted 20 weeks following a 7-day acclimation period. Results showed that production performance was significantly affected by feeding level (P < 0.01), whereas AP levels had no significant impact. Egg production declined as feed restriction increased (P < 0.01), though no significant difference occurred between the 95% and 100% feeding groups. Egg weight, daily egg mass, and feed conversion ratio also decreased linearly with higher restriction (P < 0.01). Most egg quality traits were unaffected, except yolk color, which was greater at 0.45% AP (P < 0.01). Serum albumin decreased in the 90% feeding group (P < 0.05) but remained similar between 95% and 100% feeding levels. No significant interactions were detected between AP and QFL for serum biochemical indices. Overall, feeding hens at 95% of the recommended intake with 0.32% AP effectively maintained egg production, quality, and health, indicating that moderate feed restriction combined with adequate phosphorus can reduce feed costs without compromising performance in late-phase laying hens.

Hands are vital tools for work, playing a crucial role in performing diverse manual, functional, and skilled tasks necessary for occupational and daily activities. Their morphology and functional properties are important determinants of physical performance. Dominant handgrip strength (DHGS) is a straightforward and cost-effective measure that offers valuable insights into the condition of muscles, nerves, bones, and joints, and also reflects general body strength. The objective of this study was to assess the association between DHGS and designated hand dimensions among adult Bangladeshi female laborers and non-laborers. It was hypothesized that larger hand dimensions would be positively associated with higher DHGS. A total of 100 healthy females (50 laborers and 50 non-laborers) living in various slums of Dhaka city, Bangladesh, participated in this cross-sectional study conducted from March 2019 to February 2020. Right-hand dimensions and DHGS were measured using standardized tools and protocols according to the study methodology. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Among laborers, DHGS showed significant positive correlations with most hand dimensions, including hand breadth (r = 0.398), wrist breadth (r = 0.493), and hand span (r = 0.388) (P < 0.01). In non-laborers, significant correlations were found with hand breadth (r = 0.291), palm breadth (r = 0.330), and wrist breadth (r = 0.504). DHGS was positively associated with most hand dimensions in both groups, and female laborers had significantly greater handgrip strength and hand measurements than non-laborers. These findings provide useful baseline data for clinical assessment, rehabilitation, and ergonomic tool design for women.

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a highly perishable tropical fruit that undergoes rapid postharvest deterioration, leading to significant losses in quality and market value. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of natural plant extracts—ginger (Zingiber officinale), moringa (Moringa oleifera), and garlic (Allium sativum)—in maintaining the postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of guava fruits. Freshly harvested guavas were treated with aqueous extracts of these plants, while untreated fruits served as controls. All fruits were stored under ambient conditions for eight days, and changes in weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, vitamin C content, moisture, dry matter, and overall shelf life were analyzed using inferential statistical methods. Results showed that all fruits experienced a gradual loss of weight and firmness, but the extent varied among treatments. Ginger-treated fruits exhibited the least weight loss and highest firmness retention, followed by moringa and garlic, while control fruits deteriorated most rapidly. TSS increased over time in all samples, whereas TA and vitamin C declined, with ginger-treated fruits retaining higher acidity and vitamin C levels. A slight increase in pH and dry matter, and a corresponding decrease in moisture, were observed across all treatments. The estimated shelf life was longest in ginger-treated fruits (11.67 days), followed by moringa (10.67 days), garlic (8.67 days), and control (7.67 days). These findings indicate that ginger and moringa extracts can slow ripening, maintain nutritional quality, and provide practical, eco-friendly options for improving guava storage, reducing postharvest losses, and enhancing market value. The study provides practical guidance for farmers and the fruit industry to use ginger and moringa extracts as natural, cost-effective methods to enhance guava shelf life and marketability.

Antimicrobial drug residues in foods of animal origin pose a significant food safety and public health concern, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food chain. In Bangladesh, the poultry industry is rapidly growing, yet there is minimal monitoring of antibiotic residues in retail products, coupled with low consumer awareness. This study aimed to assess the extent of fluoroquinolone and tetracycline residues in retail broiler liver samples and to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of consumers and vendors in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The research was a cross-sectional study conducted between March and September 2018. Fifty broiler livers were purchased from four markets and screened for residues using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with certified standards and predefined acceptance windows. Concurrent KAP interviews were conducted with 216 respondents, including 120 consumers and 96 vendors/handlers. The residue screening revealed that 45 out of 50 livers (90.0%; 95% CI 78.6–95.7) tested positive for at least one target class, with market-wise positivity ranging from 84.6% to 92.3%. Among the positive samples, bands consistent with ciprofloxacin were the most frequent, followed by oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and enrofloxacin. In the KAP survey, 39.8% of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge (≥75% correct), 56.0% had favorable attitudes, and 36.6% reported appropriate practices. Vendors exhibited lower rates of appropriate practices compared to consumers (26.0% vs. 45.0%). Adequate knowledge (adjusted OR 3.72; 95% CI 2.02–6.86) and favorable attitudes (adjusted OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.29–4.52) were independently associated with appropriate practices. Additionally, markets with a higher mean vendor KAP index tended to have lower TLC positivity (Spearman ρ = −0.95; P = 0.051). Although TLC is qualitative and does not assess compliance with maximum residue limits (MRL), the high positivity rates indicate a substantial risk of consumer exposure at the point of sale. Targeted communication focused on vendor compliance with withdrawal periods, documentation/traceability, and standardized consumer advisories, alongside routine low-cost screening and confirmatory testing, could enhance stewardship and reduce downstream residues in this context.