Impact of fraction size on the efficacy of xylo-oligosaccharides in broiler chicken diets.

Comparison of the effects of applying xylooligosaccharides alone or in combination with calcium acetate in broiler chickens

BackgroundAvian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) threatens both poultry production and human health. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) may suppress pathogenic bacteria through prebiotic actions. However, the influences of single degree of polymerization (DP) on the inhibition of APEC by XOS remain unknown. This study aimed to probe if XOS and their major monomers (xylobiose, xylotriose and xylotetraose) could differentially combat APEC via prebiotic actions using an in vitro fermentation model with chicken cecal microbiota.MethodsMicrobiota were randomly divided into 7 groups (5 replicate tubes/group). Control group (CON) received no treatment; XOS group received commercial XOS mixtures; APEC group received APEC; XA, X2, X3 and X4 groups received APEC combined with commercial XOS mixtures, xylobiose, xylotriose and xylotetraose, respectively.ResultsXOS and their major monomers mitigated APEC-induced decline (p < 0.05) in gut microbial α-diversity, with xylotetrose showing the least effect. Gut microbiota in XA, X2, X3 and X4 groups clustered together, with a relative separation observed in X4 group. XOS and their monomers elevated (p < 0.05) the abundances of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota and several probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bacteroides and Megamonas), but reduced (p < 0.05) the abundances of Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella, with xylotetraose exhibiting the least efficacy. Besides, xylotriose and xylotetrose had an advantage over xylotetraose in promoting microbial production of short-chain fatty acids. Metabolomics analysis revealed that APEC challenge mainly downregulated (p < 0.05) several amino acids metabolism pathways of gut microbiota, while xylotriose had an inferiority to XOS in upregulating (p < 0.05) histidine metabolism pathway. Furthermore, microbial fermentation metabolites of all XOS monomers lowered (p < 0.05) certain virulence genes expression in APEC, with xylotriose being the most advantageous.ConclusionsXOS and their major monomers differentially improved gut microbiota and metabolite profiles in chicken gut against APEC challenge. Overall, xylotriose exhibited the greatest inhibition against APEC abundance and virulence. Our findings underscore the role of single DP in influencing the prebiotic actions of XOS against APEC, providing a basis for the reasonable application of XOS in diets to combat bacterial challenge.

Pentose based prebiotic xylooligosaccharides attracts greater attention around the world because it exhibits several beneficial effects to the host. Therefore, an in vivo experiment was carried out to reveal the effects of corn husks derived xylooligosaccharides in broiler chicken. The day-old broiler chickens (96; divided into 2 groups) were raised for 3 weeks on control diet or same diet supplemented with 0.5% xylooligosaccharides (XOS); derived from corn husks. In order to produce the XOS, xylan was extracted from the corn husks by alkaline extraction. The xylan was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis at pH 5.8, temperature 44°C, enzyme dose of 5.7U/ml for 17h to yield XOS. The concentrated XOS was supplemented in the diet of broiler chicken during the entire experimental periods. Albeit, no positive influence was noticed on either the live weight or feed conversion efficiency, but 0.5% XOS supplementation resulted in to selective stimulation of Bifidobacteria, coupled with reduction in the population of Streptococci and E. coli in the caecum of broiler chicken. In line with the caecal microflora changes, blood biochemical profiling reflected reduced cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentration as a result of XOS supplementation. Thus, corn husks derived XOS showed positive influence on caecal microflora and blood biochemical profile in broiler chicken and could be incorporated in the diets for ensuring beneficial effects.

The combined impact of xylo-oligosaccharides and gamma-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides on growth performance and intestinal mucosal barrier function of broilers

The effects of xylo-oligosaccharides on regulating growth performance, nutrient utilization, gene expression of tight junctions, nutrient transporters, and cecal short chain fatty acids profile in Eimeria-challenged broiler chickens

Simple SummaryIn recent years, after the use of antibiotic growth promoters was banned, scientists began to pay attention to new feed additives that can replace the use of antibiotics to improve the growth performance of animals and maintain good health. However, it is unclear whether feeding broiler chickens with different levels of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) affects the feeding behavior, thereby affecting broiler growth performance, and whether the addition of XOS has an effect on meat quality. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of XOS supplementation on feeding behavior, growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality in broiler chickens.A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly distributed to 4 treatment groups with 6 replicates and 10 birds per replicate. Chickens were fed with corn-soybean meal diet supplementation with additions of 0, 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg XOS for 42 days. At 4 weeks of age, the average feeding time was reduced in the 450 mg/kg XOS group (p < 0.05), and the percentage of feeding time was increased in the 300 mg/kg XOS group (p < 0.05). At 5 weeks of age, broilers fed with 300 mg/kg XOS had increased the percentage of feeding time (p < 0.05), and 450 mg/kg XOS had increased the feeding frequency and percentage of feeding time (p < 0.05). At 6 weeks of age, the feeding frequency was highest in the 450 mg/kg XOS group (p < 0.05). During 4 to 6 weeks of age, the average feeding time was increased in 300 mg/kg XOS group (p < 0.05), the frequency was improved in the 450 mg/kg XOS group (p < 0.05), and the percentage of feeding time was longer in the XOS group than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The average daily gain was improved during days 22–42 and days 1–42 in the 150 mg/kg XOS group (p < 0.05). Broilers fed with 300 mg/kg XOS had an increased eviscerated rate (p < 0.05). The pH45min of breast muscle was highest in the 450 mg/kg XOS group (p < 0.05), as well as the pH45min and pH24h of thigh muscle, which improved in the 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg XOS groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the cooking loss of thigh muscle was reduced in the 300 mg/kg XOS group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with XOS had positive effects on the feeding behavior, growth performance, and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Guar gum as galactomannan source induces dysbiosis and reduces performance in broiler chickens and dietary β-mannanase restores the gut homeostasis

The production of a high-value xylooligosaccharide (XOS) prebiotic product from lignocellulosic autohydrolysate requires processing for the removal of non-carbohydrate components such as lignin and furfural. In this research, the nature of XOS dissolved in autohydrolysate is evaluated including the XOS degree of polymerization (DP) distribution and potential covalent association between XOS and lignin (LCC). The impact of these factors on the yield of XOS during treatment of Miscanthus autohydrolysate with hydrophobic resin is assessed. Over 30% of the XOS in autohydrolysate was found to be likely associated with lignin (“tied” XOS), all of which was removed during hydrophobic resin treatment along with over 90% of the dissolved lignin. However, loss of dissolved XOS during resin treatment was found to not be due solely to XOS association with lignin. Over 50% of the “free,” non-lignin-associated XOS was also removed by resin treatment. Interaction between “free” XOS and the hydrophobic resin was found to be highly dependent on DP with higher DP XOS being removed far more readily than low DP XOS. Over 80% of dissolved “free” XOS with a DP of six and above (X6+) was removed from autohydrolysate during treatment while only 17% of xylose (X1) was removed. Efforts to understand the interaction between the hydrophobic resin and XOS and to improve the recovery of XOS during hydrophobic resin treatment are presented.

ABSTRACTThe present study deals with the enzymatic production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from water-soluble xylan (WSX) extracted from finger millet CO9 seed coat and the evaluation of its prebiotic potential. The yield of XOS was 72%, when the WSX of the finger millet seed coat was treated with commercially available xylanase of Thermomyces lanuginosus. The XOS obtained when analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography–evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) indicated a degree of polymerization (DP) of 2 and Electro Spray Ionization Mass Spectra (ESI-MS) revealed xylobiose as the major sugar. The presence of β-glycosidic linkages of XOS was identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies. The XOS exhibited an antioxidant activity of 75% and prebiotic efficacy. Prebiotic activity in the presence of probiotic strains was strain specific and differences in the prebiotic activity score (PAS) between strains were evident. The cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus plantarum grown on the XOS from finger millet seed coat showed strong antibacterial activities against four pathogenic microorganisms compared with commercial XOS. Finger millet seed coat represents an abundant and alternative source for the extraction of xylan and its use for prebiotic XOS production.

Simple SummaryNeonatal piglets reared for human consumption are weaned from the sow at an early age, well before their gastrointestinal tract has fully developed. During weaning, piglets must adapt to a sudden dietary shift from highly digestible, liquid sow’s milk to a more complex, solid, cereal-based feed. The abrupt diet change, combined with other stressors and an immature gut, disrupts the gut microbiota, predisposing piglets to post-weaning diarrhoea and growth checks. These cause both economic loss for producers and welfare concerns for the animals. Historically, antibiotics were added to livestock feeds to reduce post-weaning diarrhoea and improve feed efficiency. However, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned in many territories, creating a need for alternative strategies to support piglet health during weaning. In this study, we tested whether two prebiotic dietary fibres could ease the weaning transition by stimulating beneficial bacteria in the gut, with the aim of improving gut health and growth. Our results show that these prebiotics briefly altered the gut microbiota and enhanced markers of gut health but did not improve feed efficiency or growth.Improving growth and health at weaning remains a priority in pig production. This study investigates whether supplementation with galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs) followed by xylo-oligosaccharides (XOSs) improves performance and gut health of healthy 28-day old weaning piglets. Pigs received either a control basal (CON) diet, the CON diet containing 1% GOS for 7 days followed by the CON diet containing 0.017% XOS for 47 days (GXOS), or the CON diet for 7 days followed by the CON diet containing 0.017% XOS for 47 days (XOS). Body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio did not differ between diets from day 1 of weaning (d1) to d54. At d7, GXOS pigs showed increased jejunal and caecal α-diversity (Shannon, inverse Simpson), distinct ileal β-diversity (Yu and Clayton, Bray–Curtis, Jaccard), and greater short-chain fatty acid-producing Lactobacillus and Veillonella; no taxa remained differentially abundant by d22, and the XOS group showed no microbiota shifts throughout the study. Jejunal goblet cell density was lower in GXOS pigs at d7. Jejunal and caecal IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 gene expression was transiently greater at d7 in GXOS pigs, whereas by d22 cytokine/chemokine differences resolved, whilst intestinal alkaline phosphatase was upregulated in the ileum and caecum (XOS) and colon (GXOS and XOS). Sequential prebiotic switching and delayed XOS onset likely missed the immediate post-weaning window, during which the gut microbiota is most receptive to dietary modulation, consequently limiting potential performance gains; therefore, prebiotic timing, sequence, and duration are critical to achieving functional benefits at weaning.

In vitro study of the effect of xylooligosaccharides obtained from banana pseudostem xylan by enzymatic hydrolysis on probiotic bacteria

A total of 392 Cobb 500 off-sex male broiler chicks were used in a 21-day experiment to study the effect of protease, xylanase, and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) on improving growth performance, nutrient utilization (ileal digestibility and total tract retention), gene expression of nutrient transporters, cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and microbiota profile of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. Chicks at 0-day old were allocated to 8 treatments in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement: 1) corn-soybean meal diet with no enzyme (Con); 2) Con plus 0.2 g/kg protease alone (PRO); 3) Con plus 0.2 g/kg protease combined with 0.1 g/kg xylanase (PRO + XYL); or 4) Con plus 0.5 g/kg xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS); with or without Eimeria challenge. The 4 diets were formulated to be marginally low in crude protein (183 g/kg). Challenged groups were inoculated with a solution containing E. maxima, E. acervulina, and E. tenella oocysts on d 15. Eimeria depressed (P < 0.01) growth performance and nutrient utilization. Supplemental protease improved (P < 0.05) body weight gain and feed intake in the prechallenge phase (d 0–15) but had no effect during the infection period (d 15–21). There was no interaction between infection and feed supplementation for nutrient utilization. The supplementations of either PRO or XOS alone increased (P < 0.01) total tract retention of Ca and tended (P < 0.1) to improve total tract retention of N, P, AME, and AMEn. Eimeria decreased (P < 0.05) expressions of GLUT2, GLUT5, PepT1, ATP2B1, CaSR, Calbidin D28K, NPT2, and ZnT1 but increased (P < 0.01) expression of GLUT1. XOS supplementation increased (P < 0.05) ATP2B1 expression. Protease decreased (P < 0.05) isobutyrate concentration in unchallenged treatments but not in challenged treatments. Eimeria decreased (P < 0.01) cecal saccharolytic SCFAs acetate and propionate but increased (P < 0.01) branched-chain fatty acid isovalerate. The supplementation of PRO + XYL or XOS increased (P < 0.05) cecal butyrate or decreased cecal isobutyrate concentrations, respectively. PRO + XYL and XOS decreased cecal protein levels in unchallenged birds but not challenged ones. Eimeria challenge significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the microbial richness (Observed features) and diversity (Shannon index and phylogenetic diversity) and changed the microbial composition by reducing the abundance of certain bacteria, such as Ruminococcus torques, and increasing the abundance of others, such as Anaerostipes. In contrast, none of the additives had any significant effect on the cecal microbial composition. In conclusion, PRO or XOS supplementation individually improved nutrient utilization. All the additives decreased the cecal content of branched-chain fatty acids, consistent with decreased cecal N concentration, although the effects were more pronounced in unchallenged birds. In addition, none of the feed additives impacted the Eimeria-induced microbial perturbation.

1. Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) stimulate proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens. This results in enhanced utilisation of dietary non-starch polysaccharides and increased production of valuable short-chain fatty acids. However, these positive effects do not always translate into improved bird productive performance, with inconsistent performance responses observed between bird trials. 2. A holo-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing XOS into broiler diets on bird feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion and mortality. This was done by comparing the XOS supplemented treatment to the control treatment. A total of 53 studies which met the criteria for inclusion were used in the analysis. 3. The results showed that XOS had a notable positive impact on bird mortality; XOS reduced mortality by 0.69% for every 1% increment in the control group. XOS supplementation induced a positive effect on the feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the efficacy of XOS at improving FCR was dependent on the efficiency of the control group (performance of the flock), and the concentration of total arabinoxylan, protein and phytase in the diet. There were insufficient data points to predict the effect of XOS on body weight and feed intake. 4. In conclusion, the holo-analysis revealed that supplementing XOS to broiler chicken diets reduces bird mortality. XOS can also improve FCR, but the scale of response is dependent on the diet composition and control flock performance. Additional studies are required to confirm the effects of XOS on body weight and feed intake.

ABSTRACT1. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing broiler diets with xylanase or xylo- oligosaccharide (XOS) on growth performance, the concentration of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) hydrolysis products in the ileum and concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the caeca of broiler chickens.2. In total, 500 male Ross 308 broilers were used in this 29-day (d) study. The treatments were organised into a 2 × 2 plus 1 factorial arrangement consisting of two additives (xylanase or XOS) at two levels (low or high) plus a control treatment with no additives. This gave five treatments with 100 birds in each treatment group. The diets were slightly deficient in protein by 20 g/kg and energy by 1 MJ/kg.3. On d 14 and 28, two birds per pen were euthanised, the caeca content collected and analysed for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. On d 29, six birds per pen were euthanised and ileal digesta were collected and analysed for the concentration of NSP fractions.4. On d 14, caecal acetic acid, iso-butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, n-valeric acid and total SCFA concentrations were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) when diets were supplemented with XOS compared with xylanase.5. Ileal concentration of arabinose, galactose and glucuronic acid (GlucA2) were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the insoluble NSP fraction when diets were supplemented with a high level of xylanase, compared with the control treatment. Ileal concentration of fructose was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the water soluble NSP when a high level of xylanase or low level of XOS were included in the diet compared with the control.6. It was concluded that xylanase and XOS had similar effects on NSP concentration and SCFA in the caeca, although there was little effect on performance. This observation demonstrated further benefits of xylanase supplementation in wheat-based broiler diets beyond digesta viscosity reduction and the release of extra nutrients.

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) is a group of emerging prebiotics that selectively stimulate the growth of advantageous gastrointestinal bacteria benefitting the host’s gut health and functionality. XOS can achieve positive biological effects at low daily doses and low caloric content, properties that are the same or more desirable than the already established prebiotics. XOS are present in plants in very low amounts so there is a great opportunity to isolate XOS with varying degrees of polymerization from the hemicellulose (xylan) fraction of lignocellulosic materials (e.g., bagasse), a source that offers both economic and environmental advantages. In this study, the recovery of XOS by the combined use of activated carbon adsorption, water washing and ethanol desorption from diluted acid pretreated energy cane bagasse hydrolysates was evaluated. The recovered XOS was tested for its prebiotic activity on Bifidobacterium adolescentis ATCC 15703. The final product of extracted XOS from energy cane bagasse (XOS EC Bagasse crude sample) had a purity of 93%, which was comparable to the purities observed with two commercially available XOS prebiotics, CPA (89%) and CPB (93%). XOS EC Bagasse crude sample exhibited prebiotic properties by stimulating the growth of B. adolescentis ATCC 15703 and by producing lactic acid, which were comparable to those observed with the commercial prebiotics.