Arbor Acres Broilers Research Articles

Exploring the "Microbe-Metabolite-Gene" regulatory mechanism of compound probiotics on antioxidant function in heat-stressed broilers.

Nutritional modification strategies have become pivotal in addressing heat stress in poultry farming. Probiotics are increasingly recognized as a sustainable additive by researchers. The enhancement of antioxidant capacity is critical for improving the overall health and productivity of broilers. However, the molecular mechanisms by which probiotics influence antioxidant functions in heat-stressed broilers remain unclear. Consequently, this study raised 400 one day old Arbor Acres broilers until 28 d. Among them, 300 broilers, showing no significant weight differences (P > 0.05), were randomly divided into three groups (control, heat stress, and heat stress with probiotics), each consisting of five replicates with 20 broilers per replicate. The heat stress conditions were maintained at 32 ± 1°C from 9:00 to 17:00, and at 21 ± 1°C during the remaining hours, identical to the control conditions. The heat stress with probiotics group received a basal diet supplemented with 10 g/kg of compound probiotics (Lactobacillus casei: Lactobacillus acidophilus: Bifidobacterium at a ratio of 1:1:2). All groups had ad libitum access to food and water over the 14-day experimental period. Results indicated that the compound probiotics enhanced growth performance and antioxidant capacity, increasing levels of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified Hub genes (e.g., PANK2, FAM167A, ABCG8, DYDC2), Hub metabolites (e.g., l-glutamine, ornithine), and Hub microorganisms (e.g., Burkholderia, Macromonas) that regulate antioxidant functions in heat-stressed broilers. By integrating the WGCNA results, we constructed a "microbe-metabolite-gene" regulatory network centered around co-enriched pathways, illustrating the interrelationships between molecules. Notably, NT5C1A, GDA,l-glutamine, and guanosine were notably enriched in purine metabolism, whereas ABCG8,l-arginine, allose, and deoxyguanosine were prominently enriched in ABC transporters pathways, highlighting their crucial involvement in orchestrating the antioxidant response to heat stress. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which compound probiotics enhance antioxidant functions in heat-stressed broilers, offering a theoretical foundation for probiotic applications in poultry.

Alterations of lung and gut microbiota in sodium butyrate alleviating heat stress-induced lung injury of broilers.

Heat-induced stress has a significant impact on the health of broilers. It induces panting behavior and elevates oxygen consumption, leading to considerable strain on the broiler lungs. However, the precise effects of heat stress on lung injury, along with changes in the lung and gut microbiota, are not yet fully understood. In our study, Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were employed as a model to assess the efficacy of sodium butyrate (SB) in mitigating heat stress-induced lung injury, while concurrently exploring the potential role of lung and gut microbiota in this phenomenon. Heat stress negatively affected broilers, particularly leading to lung injury, which was alleviated by dietary supplementation with SB. However, antibiotic-induced dysbiosis of the microbiota diminished the protective effects of SB, highlighting the critical importance of gut microbiota homeostasis. Heat stress resulted in a reduction in lung microbial diversity and altered its composition, primarily due to the depletion of g_Clostridia and the proliferation of g_Staphylococcus. SB supplementation helped restore beneficial microbes and improved their adaptation to heat stress. Heat stress induced comparable effects on the gut microbiota, resulting in a decline in p_Firmicutes and an elevation in p_Bacteroidetes. However, SB supplementation effectively modulated these alterations in the gut microbiota, promoting a more beneficial microbial profile. Our findings highlighted the significant contributions of both lung and gut microbiota in maintaining homeostasis during heat stress. Moreover, SB administration demonstrated its efficacy in mitigating heat stress-induced lung injury in broilers. This study provides critical insights for developing dietary strategies to reduce heat stress and promote broiler health.

Yeast cell wall polysaccharides accelerate yet in-feed antibiotic delays intestinal development and maturation via modulating gut microbiome in chickens

BackgroundIt is important to promote intestinal development and maturation of chicks for feed digestion and utilization, intestinal health, and disease resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary yeast cell wall polysaccharides (YCWP) addition on intestinal development and maturation of chickens and its potential action mechanism.Methods180 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to three groups containing control (basal diets without any antibiotics or anticoccidial drug), bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD)-treated group (50 mg/kg) and YCWP-supplemented group (100 mg/kg).ResultsCompared with control group, in-feed antibiotic BMD continuous administration significantly decreased crypt depth (d 21) and villus height (d 42) along with mucosal maltase activity (d 42) in the ileum (P < 0.05). Also, BMD markedly downregulated gene expression levels of β-catenin, lysozyme, occludin and FABP-2 (d 21) and innate immune related genes CD83 and MHC-I mRNA levels (d 42, P < 0.05), and decreased goblet cell counts in the ileum of chickens (d 21 and d 42, P < 0.05). While, TLR-2, TLR-6 and iNOS mRNA abundances were notably upregulated by BMD treatment (d 42, P < 0.05). Nevertheless, dietary YCWP addition significantly increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (d 21), villus surface area (d 21 and d 42), ileal alkaline phosphatase and maltase activities as well as goblet cell (d 21 and d 42) and IgA-producing plasma cell numbers as compared to BMD treatment (d 21, P < 0.05). YCWP addition also upregulated gene expression levels of Lgr5, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related gene (Wnt3, β-catenin, d 21; β-catenin, d 42), intestinal cells proliferation marker Ki-67 and barrier function related genes (occludin, d 21 and d 42, P < 0.05). Moreover, YCWP significantly increased antigen presenting cell marker related genes (MHC-II, d 21; CD83 and MHC-I, d 42), TLR-1, TLR-2 and TLR-6 mRNA levels (d 21, P < 0.05). Cecal microbiome analysis showed that YCWP addition obviously improved cecal microbial composition, as indicated by increasing relative abundance of Fournierella, Psychrobacter and Ruminiclostridium on d 21, and Alistipes and Lactobacillus on d 42, which were positively related with gut development and maturation related indexes (P < 0.05).ConclusionCollectively, YCWP promoted yet antibiotic BMD delayed intestinal morphological and immunological development linked with modulating gut microbiome in chickens.

Phenotypic Variabilities in Strain and Sex of Two-Broiler Chickens at Different Ages

Owing to the growing number of animal breed development centres around the world and the profitability of their production, comparative studies to evaluate superior strain and sex performance in breeders became an important endeavour for researchers. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of strain and sex on body weight and linear body morphometric traits of 2-broiler chickens during the starter and finisher phases. Arbor-Acre and Cobb-500 chicks (n=192) were raised under controlled conditions and monitored over 56 days. Weekly measurements of body weight and linear body traits were recorded. Data subjected to multivariate analysis using the SPSS package revealed that strain significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced growth, with Arbor-Acre broilers exhibiting superior body weight performance, particularly during the starter phase, weighing 799.50g compared to 669.11g for Cobb-500. This result implied that selecting for improved growth performance during the starter phase (week four) was an important consideration for breeding farms. However, the sex and age factors, as well as the linear body traits in both strains, yielded similar economic results at 8 weeks. Male broilers consistently outperformed their female counterparts in body morphometric traits during both phases. The sex-based differences observed in this study varied across developmental stages, emphasizing the importance of sexual dimorphism in broiler management. These findings recommended that strain and sex were important factors to consider in optimizing broiler production, providing critical insights for broiler breeders and farmers to enhance production efficiency through strategic selection of strains, sex, and other environmental factors.

Exploring the Mechanism of Clostridium autoethanogenum Protein for Broiler Growth Based on Gut Microbiota and Serum Metabolomics.

Intestinal health is vital for poultry production, and protein plays a key role in intestinal nutrition. The present study used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and serum metabolomics to investigate the effect of CAP on the cecal microflora structure and serum metabolites in 42-day-old broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly divided into four treatments with twelve replicates comprising 10 chickens each, evenly divided by sex. The four groups were basal diet group (CAP0), treatment group 1 (CAP2), treatment group 2 (CAP3), and treatment group 3 (CAP4). The broilers in the CAP0 group were fed a basal diet (without CAP), while those in the CAP2, CAP3, and CAP4 groups received diets containing 2%, 3%, and 4% CAP, respectively. Growth performance results showed that dietary CAP supplementation significantly ameliorated the feed conversion rate (FCR) of broilers at 42 days in the CAP3 and CAP4 groups (p < 0.05). Microbial results revealed that CAP did not alter the dominant microorganisms in the cecum at the phylum, family, and genus levels. LEfSe analysis showed significantly higher relative abundances of p_Desulfobacterota, f_Desulfovibrionaceae, and g_Ruminococcus in the CAP3 group compared to the CAP0 and CAP4 groups. Metabolomic analyses indicated that the effect of incorporating CAP into the diet on serum metabolites primarily focused on organic acids and their derivatives, small peptides, amino acid derivatives, and oxidized lipids. The addition of 3% or 4% CAP to the diet can enhance metabolic pathways such as the citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and arginine and proline metabolism. In summary, incorporating CAP into the diet can increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the cecum and improve the feed conversion efficiency of broilers by enhancing amino acid and energy metabolism.

Alleviating effects of dietary formic acid polymer supplementation on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory injury in gut-liver axis of broilers.

A close interplay exists between the gut and liver, known as the "gut-liver axis", which plays a vital role in health and disease. This research aimed to explore the effects of dietary formic acid polymer (FAP) addition on inflammatory injury in gut-liver axis of broilers due to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Four hundred and fifty 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were assigned to three treatment groups: (1) control (non-challenged, basal diet); (2) LPS (LPS-challenged, basal diet); (3) LPS+FAP (LPS-challenged, basal diet with 1,000 mg/kg FAP). The trial lasted 21 days. On experimental days 17, 19, and 21, the LPS and LPS+FAP groups were intraperitoneally administered LPS (1 mg/kg BW), and the control group received an equal volume of physiological saline via intraperitoneal injection. Results showed that LPS injection induced inflammatory response, resulted in liver damage, and destroyed intestinal morphology and mucosal barrier. However, dietary FAP supplementation alleviated LPS-induced adverse effects on liver and small intestine by decreasing inflammatory response and suppressing cell death. In conclusion, supplementation of 1000 mg/kg FAP mitigated LPS-induced inflammatory injury in gut-liver axis in broilers.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Regulates the Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway to Improve the Intestinal (Caco-2 Cells and Chicken Jejunum) Oxidative Stress Response Induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

This article aims to investigate the mechanism by which Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal oxidative stress. The study involved two experimental subjects: human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells and Arbor Acres broiler chickens. The experiment involving two samples was designed with the same treatment groups, specifically the control (CK) group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (JF) group, and JF+LPS group. In the Caco-2 experiment, we administered 2 μg/mL of LPS and 1 × 106 CFU/mL of JF to the LPS and JF groups, respectively. In the broiler experiment, the LPS group (19-21 d) received an abdominal injection of 0.5 mg/kg BW of LPS, whereas the JF group was fed 1 × 107 CFU/g of JF throughout the entire duration of the experiment (1-21 d). The results indicated the following: (1) JF significantly decreased the DPPH free radical clearance rate and hydrogen peroxide levels (p < 0.05). (2) JF significantly enhanced the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) activity in Caco-2 cells (p < 0.05), while concurrently reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). (3) Compared to the CK group, JF significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), SOD, catalase (CAT), GSH-Px, interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Claudin, Occludin1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and mucin 2 (MUC2) in Caco-2 cells (p < 0.05), while concurrently reducing the mRNA expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) (p < 0.05). In comparison to the LPS group, the JF+LPS group demonstrated a significant increase in the mRNA expression of Nrf2, SOD, GSH-Px, and IL-4, as well as Occludin1, ZO-1, and MUC2 in Caco-2 cells (p < 0.05), alongside a decrease in the mRNA expression of Keap1, TNF-α, and IL-1β (p < 0.05). (4) In broiler chickens, the JF group significantly elevated the levels of T-AOC, CAT, and GSH-Px in the jejunum while reducing MDA content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the CAT level in the JF+LPS group was significantly higher than that observed in the LPS group, and the levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). (5) In comparison to the CK group, the JF group exhibited a significant increase in Nrf2 levels in the jejunum of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Notably, the mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-10, Claudin, Occludin1, ZO-1, and MUC2 were reduced (p < 0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of Keap1, TNF-α, and IL-1β also showed a decrease (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, Occludin1, ZO-1, and MUC2 in the JF+LPS group were significantly elevated compared to those in the LPS group (p < 0.05), whereas the mRNA expression levels of Keap1 and TNF-α were significantly diminished (p < 0.05). In summary, JF can enhance the intestinal oxidative stress response, improve antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function, and decrease the expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Comparative Analysis of Myofiber Characteristics, Shear Force, and Amino Acid Contents in Slow- and Fast-Growing Broilers.

Skeletal muscle fiber characteristics are pivotal in assessing meat quality. However, there is currently a lack of research precisely quantifying the total number of myofibers (TNM) of skeletal muscles. This study used Arbor Acres (AA) broilers and Wenchang (WC) chickens to determine the TNM of several skeletal muscles and the meat quality of the pectoralis major muscle (PM). The results showed that the TNMs of the PM in AA males and females were 935,363.64 ± 92,529.28 and 873,983.72 ± 84,511.28, respectively, significantly higher than those in WC (511,468.97 ± 73,460.81 and 475,371.93 ± 70,187.83) at 7 days of age (p < 0.01). In terms of gastrocnemius medialis in AA males and females, we recorded values of 207,551.43 ± 31,639.97 and 177,203.23 ± 28,764.01, showing a significant difference compared to the values observed in WC (146,313.03 ± 29,633.21 and 124,238.9 ± 20,136.95) (p < 0.01). Similarly, the levels of gastrocnemius lateralis exhibited a significant difference between AA and WC (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the essential, umami, and sweet amino acids were found to be significantly higher in WC compared to AA (p < 0.01). These findings offer valuable data and insights for accurately quantifying the TNM in livestock and for the development of further genetic breeding strategies for meat quality.

Effects of Different Dietary Fat Sources on Oxidative Stress Parameters in Broiler Chickens

Introduction: Certain types of dietary fats may elevate the generation of free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress and potential cellular damage. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of high-energy diets derived from various fat sources on broiler chicken welfare and production. Materials and methods: A total of 216-day-old unsexed Arbor Acre broiler chickens were assigned to four treatment groups. The groups, including control, beef tallow (high energy diet animal source, HEDAS), palm oil (high energy diet plant source, HEDPS), and low energy diet (LED), each consisting of three replicates with 18 birds, were investigated in a completely randomized design over 42 days. Results: According to the results, the HEDPS group had the highest live weight, while the HEDAS group indicated the highest dressing percentage. Significant differences were noted in alanine transaminase and alanine phosphatase in the treatment group compared to the control group. Cholesterol levels were significantly high in the HEDAS group and LDL levels were the lowest compared to the control group. The HEDAS group also exhibited the highest triglyceride level compared to other treatments. The HDL levels were higher in the LED and HEDPS groups compared to the HEDAS group. The VLDL concentration was significantly higher in the HEDAS group in comparison with other groups. Conclusion: The HEDPS diet positively affected serum biochemistry and carcass characteristics, highlighting its potential in broiler chicken welfare and production.

The Interactive Effects of Nutrient Density and Breed on Growth Performance and Gut Microbiota in Broilers.

This study investigated whether variations in growth response to low nutrient density across breeds are linked to microbiota regulation. Arbor Acres (AA) and Beijing-You (BY) were fed high- (HN) and low-nutrient (LN) diets from day (d) 0 to d42. Body weight, feed intake, and intestinal measurements were recorded, and microbiota from the ileum and cecum were analyzed on d7, d21, and d42. Results showed that AA broilers had greater growth performance with a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) and greater average daily gain (ADG) than BY chickens. The LN diet negatively affected AA broiler growth due to impaired intestinal development, while BY chickens compensated by increasing feed intake. Microbiota composition was primarily affected by breed than by nutrient density, with AA broilers having more beneficial bacteria and BY chickens having more short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. The LN diets reduced anti-inflammatory bacteria such as Shuttleworthia and Eisenbergiella in the cecum on d7. By d21, LN diets decreased Lactobacillus and increased proinflammatory Marvinbryantia, potentially impairing growth. However, LN diets enriched SCFA-producing bacteria like Ruminococcaceae_UCG.013, Eisenbergiella, and Tyzzerella in BY chickens and Faecalitalea in AA broilers by d21, which may benefit gut health. By d42, LN diets reduced genera linked to intestinal permeability and fat deposition, including Ruminococcus_torques_group, Romboutsia, Erysipelatoclostridium, and Oscillibacter. Additionally, LN diets enriched Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in AA broilers, associated with intestinal barrier integrity, and increased anti-inflammatory bacteria Alistipes and Barnesiella in AA broilers and BY chickens, respectively, by d42. Overall, AA broilers were more susceptible to reduced nutrient density due to impaired intestinal development, while BY chickens adapted better by increasing feed intake. The microbiota responses to low nutrient density varied over time, potentially negatively affecting gut health in the early stage and growth in the middle stage but possibly improving lipid deposition and gut health in the middle and late stages.

Gut microbiota in two chickens' breeds: Characteristics and Dynamic Changes

The gut microbiota has been demonstrated to play an important role in host immunity, metabolism, digestion, and growth. However, studies regarding the gut microbiota in Tibetan chickens remains scarce in comparison with other poultry breeds. Here, we investigated the gut microbial characteristics of Tibetan chickens and Arbor Acres broiler chickens (AA broiler chickens) and compare their gut microbial differences. For this purpose, we collected cecal samples from 10 Tibetan chickens and 10 AA broiler chickens for amplicon sequencing. Results indicated that Tibetan chickens exhibited higher gut microbial diversity and abundance compared with AA broiler chickens. Moreover, PCoA-based scatter plot analysis showed that the gut microbial structure of the both breeds was significantly different. Although the dominant bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota) of Tibetan chickens and AA broiler chickens were the same, the abundance of some bacterial phyla and genera changed significantly. Microbial taxonomic analysis indicated that the relative abundance of 876 genera of 20 phylum in Tibetan chickens increased significantly, while the relative abundance of 160 genera of 3 phyla decreased significantly compared with AA broiler chickens. In summary, these results indicated that there are significant differences in the gut microbiota between Tibetan chickens and AA broiler chickens. This is an important exploration of the gut microbial characteristics and distribution of Tibetan chickens. The findings may contribute to promoting the development of the Tibetan chicken's industry and reveal the adaptability of Tibetan chickens to the environment.

Effects of Guanidine Acetic Acid on the Growth and Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Cecal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens.

The objective of this research was to assess the impact of guanidine acetic acid (GAA) on the growth performance, slaughter outcomes, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 128 Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into two experimental groups. One group served as the control and was provided with a standard diet, whereas the group treated with GAA received a diet enhanced with 400 mg/kg of GAA. The duration of the experiment was 42 days. Measurements for growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and antioxidant capacity were conducted both during and at the conclusion of the study, while assessments of slaughter performance and meat quality were carried out solely at the end. Notable differences were observed in terms of growth performance, blood biochemistry, and metabolic parameters between the control and GAA-treated groups (p < 0.05). Hence, these findings imply that dietary GAA supplementation can favorably affect growth, carcass quality, biochemical indicators, and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens.

Influence of in ovoAdministration of Varying Levels of Glucose on the Serum Biochemical Indices and Haematological Parameters of Arbor Acre Broiler Chickens.

In ovo feeding is a nutritional strategy employed during the embryonic stage to optimise growth performance and immune functions for sustainable poultry production. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovoadministration of varying levels of glucose on serum biochemical indices and haematological parameters of Arbor Acre broiler chickens. Two hundred (200) fertile eggs of Arbor Acres strain of broiler chickens were used for the Experiment. Candling was done on the 14th day of incubation and viable eggs were distributed into five(5) treatment groups consisting of the control -T1 (no in ovo injection), T2 (Sham group-0.5 ml of sterile water/egg); T3 (50 mg glucose per egg); T4 (75 mg glucose per egg); T5 (100 mg glucose per egg) in a completely randomized design. The in ovoinjection was carried out on 18th day of incubation before being transferred tothe hatcher. The post-hatch chicks were replicated based on the number of chicks hatchedfrom each treatment. Data collected on blood profilewere analysed using SAS (2007).Results showed that serum and haematological indices were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced, notable among them were: cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase and packed cell volume, red blood cell.The study concluded that glucose can be injected in ovoat 50-100 mg per egg to prevent adverse effects on broiler chickens.

Dietary Pleurotus citrinopileatus Polysaccharide Improves Growth Performance and Meat Quality Associated with Alterations of Gut Microbiota in Arbor Acre Broilers.

Adding edible fungal polysaccharides to animal diets improves growth performance, meat quality, intestinal health, and immunity without adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Pleurotus citrinopileatus polysaccharide (PCP, including PCP250, PCP500, PCP750, and PCP1000 mg/kg) on the growth performance, meat quality, and microbial composition of Arbor Acre (AA) broilers (total 180) by metabolomics and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that adding PCP enhanced chicken meat tenderness, redness (a*), and water retention and raised essential amino acids and flavor amino acids (such as umami and sweet amino acids) content. The metabolomics revealed that IMP, creatine, betaine, sarcosine, and taurine were related to improving meat quality in broilers by PCP addition. In addition, amino acid, purine, and lipid metabolism were the main metabolic pathways. Moreover, PCP could regulate muscle metabolism by increasing the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillus and the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Therefore, PCP may become a promising new dietary supplement in the future, which may improve the yield and quality of broiler chickens.

Effects of Edible Grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS) Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Properties, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Microbial Community Levels in Broilers.

The hybrid plant edible grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS), a member of the Rumex genus, presents a novel food source with a protein content of approximately 30-40%. By incorporating non-traditional feed sources, such as edible grass leaf powder (EGLP), into broiler production, costs could be reduced. The experimental subjects of this study were Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. A total of 300 newly hatched broilers were randomly divided into to five groups, with each group consisting of six cages, housing 10 birds per cage. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of maize and soybean meal. In the experimental groups, varying percentages (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) of EGLP were substituted for the corn-soybean meal in the basal diet. In the diet, for days 1-21, the corn content was reduced from 1.90% to 8.20%, and the soybean meal content was lowered from 1.50% to 6.00%. Similarly, in the diet, for days 22-42, the corn content was decreased from 1.17% to 7.00%, while the soybean meal content was reduced by 1.50% to 6.00%. The experiment lasted 42 days and was divided into two phases: the brooding phase (days 1 to 21) and the finishing phase (days 22 to 42). The results show that substituting 3% and 6% EGLP for corn and soybean meal significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during the brooding period compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the group with a 3% substitution rate exhibited a significant increase in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the brooding phase (p < 0.01). Throughout the 42-day experiment, substituting 3% and 6% of EGLP for maize and soybean meal did not significantly affect the overall growth performance of broilers (p > 0.05). However, a 6% supplementation notably reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.01). Both the 3% (EG3) EGLP and 6% (EG6) EGLP replacement meals significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens, as indicated by the increased levels of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.01). Additionally, broilers supplemented with 3-12% showed a marked increase in cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The 3% EGLP replacement diet also significantly boosted the prevalence of Lactobacillus in the cecum (p < 0.01). Furthermore, after EGLP supplementation, there was a higher abundance of SCFA-metabolizing bacteria, particularly Alistipes and Christensenellaceae_R-7, compared to pre-treatment (p < 0.05). The prevalence of Clostridium was significantly greater in the groups receiving 9% and 12% EGLP (p < 0.05), while Butyrivibrio levels were notably higher after supplementation with 12% EGLP (p < 0.05).

Haematological, Serum biochemical indices and lipid profile of finisher broiler chickens fed red and white sorghum based diets, supplemented with tannase enzyme

A 28 days study was carried out to investigate the effects of red sorghum (RS) and white sorghum (WS) based diets, with or without tannase supplementation on the haematological, serum biochemical indices and lipid profile of finisher broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (240) 4 weeks old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were allotted to eight (8) dietary treatments, which consisted of 30 birds, having 3 replicates of 10 birds each. Diets were formulated to replace maize with red and white sorghum at 4 levels (0%, 100%RS, 100%WS and 50%RS:50%WS), with or without tannase enzyme to have a 4x2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. On 28th day, blood was collected for determination of haematological, serum biochemical and lipid profile. Birds fed 100% RS diet and those fed 50RS: 50WS had the highest (P&lt;0.05) white blood cell count (WBC), while the least WBC value was recorded for birds fed maize-based diet. Haematological indices were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by the interaction between the sorghum type and tannase supplementation. Birds fed the maize-based diet without tannase had the highest (P&lt;0.05) level of albumin (4.87g/dl), while birds fed 100%WS diet without tannase had the lowest value (3.33g/dl). The lipid profile of boiler chickens was not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by sorghum type, tannase supplementation and their interaction. It was concluded from the study that RS and WS, with or without tannase supplementation, can totally replace maize in the diet of finisher broilers without detrimental effect on the haematological, serumbiochemical indices and lipid profile.

Stability of Fly Maggot Peptides and Its Alleviating Effect on Lipopolysaccharide Combined with Hemocoagulase Oxidative Stress in Arbor Acres Chicks.

Recently, there has been fast-growing interest among researchers in discovering bioactive peptides from insects and evaluating their potential applications in livestock production. The present study aimed to assess the antioxidant properties and stability of fly maggot peptide (FMP) and its effects on Arbor Acres (AA) broilers' oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hemocoagulase (HC). A total of 108 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into six groups: CG (normal saline, basal diet), DG (LPS + HC, basal diet), VG (DG + vitamin C 50 ug/kg), LPG (DG + FMP 5 mg/kg), MPG (DG + FMP 15 mg/kg), and HPG (DG + FMP 25 mg/kg). The results showed that the addition of FMP to the diet promoted LPS+ HC-induced increases in average daily gain (ADG), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Meanwhile, FMP regulated the intestinal morphology. Additionally, FMP decreased the increase in the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), the relative weight of immune organs, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In conclusion, this research suggested that the addition of FMP can relieve the LPS+ HC-induced oxidative stress of AA broilers and the recommended dose of FMP is 25 mg/kg. This study presents a theoretical foundation for the addition of an FMP supplement for the purpose of protecting broilers' growth.

Oleanolic acid improves antioxidant capacity and the abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the intestine of broilers

This study investigated the effect of dietary oleanolic acid (OA) addition on broiler intestinal morphology, intestinal antioxidant capacity, changes in cecum microbiota, and the relationship between microbiota and antioxidant capacity. A total of 288 Arbor Acres broilers at 1-day-old broilers were reared, and they were randomly divided into four groups. The control and experimental groups were fed the basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg OA for a total of 42 d respectively. The results showed that OA does not affect the performance of broiler chickens. The OA supplementation increased the ratio between jejunum villus height and crypt depth (P < 0.05). The expression of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-PX and CAT) and antioxidant-related genes (HO-1, NQO1, Nrf2, and CAT) was significantly increased in the jejunum and cecum (P < 0.05). In addition, jejunal T-AOC activity (P < 0.05) and cecum antioxidant-related gene GPX-1 expression (P < 0.01) were significantly increased. The expression of oxidation-related genes (NOX and ROMO1) was significantly down-regulated in both jejunum and cecum (P < 0.05). The addition of 150 mg/kg of OA increased the relative abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was significantly and positively correlated with the expression levels of antioxidant-related genes. In conclusion, the addition of OA to the diet may improve the intestinal antioxidant capacity and modulate the intestinal microbiota of broilers. Moreover, OA improved intestinal antioxidant capacity by increasing the relative abundance of F. prausnitzii.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the enhancing effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides on the respiratory health of broilers

This study investigated the impact of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GPS) on the respiratory health of broilers. Specifically, 240 one-day-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly assigned to two groups: basal diet (CON) and GPS (supplemented with 150 mg/kg of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides). When compared with the CON group, the GPS group significantly increased the broiler average daily gain, serum immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and tracheal messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of SOD1, SOD2, and GSH-Px. The GPS group also had a reduced feed conversion ratio, reduced lung IL-1β and IL-6 levels, and upregulated tracheal mRNA expression of Occludin, Claudin1, and Mucin-2. Additionally, the GPS group had alterations in lung microbial diversity and composition. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed the activation of the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway and linoleic acid metabolic pathway in the GPS group. Correlation analysis demonstrated significant associations between differential bacteria, genes, serum metabolites, and phenotypic indicators. In conclusion, Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide supplementation positively influenced the respiratory health of broilers by modulating the lung microbiota, activating the TCR signaling pathway, and affecting the linoleic acid metabolism pathway.

Effects of chronic heat stress on Ca2+ homeostasis, apoptosis, and protein carbonylation profiles in the breast muscle of broilers

Heat stress (HS) largely impairs the quality of broiler breast meat through protein oxidative modification. This study aimed to investigate the carbonylation pattern of Ca2+ channels and apoptotic proteins in the breast muscle of heat-stressed broilers. A total of 144 twenty-eight-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into three treatment groups. The normal control (NC) group was kept at 22°C and provided with unlimited feed. The HS group was exposed to 32°C and provided with unlimited feed. The pair-fed (PF) group was kept at 22°C and given an amount of feed equivalent to that consumed by the HS group on the previous day. Results showed that broilers under HS conditions had a higher respiratory rate than those in NC and PF groups (P < 0.05). HS disrupted the morphology and structure of breast muscle fibers by decreasing the average diameters and average density of myofibers compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). HS increased the mean fluorescence intensity of the positive carbonyl signal in breast muscle compared with the NC group (P < 0.05). Besides, the pectoral Ca2+ concentration in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasm, and mitochondria was elevated by HS when compared with the NC group (P < 0.05). In comparison to the NC and PF groups, HS increased the apoptosis rate and caspase-3 activity in the breast muscle (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HS elevated the relative protein expressions of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1, and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase 1 compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). Higher relative protein expression of μ-calpain and lower relative protein expression of cytosolic cytochrome complex were found in the HS group than the NC group (P < 0.05). HS decreased the carbonylation levels of transient receptor potential canonical 1 and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the carbonylation levels of cleaved caspase-3 and precursor caspase-9 were increased and decreased, respectively, by HS treatment compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HS damages the myofiber based on Ca2+ dyshomeostasis and apoptosis, which are potentially associated with protein carbonylation. These results shed new light on the possible mechanism behind the development of poor meat quality in broilers due to HS.