Basal Diet Research Articles

Mitigation effects of plant carbon black on intestinal morphology, inflammation, antioxidant status, and microbiota in piglets challenged with deoxynivalenol.

Plant carbon black (PCB) is a new feed additive for zearalenone adsorption in China. However, information regarding whether PCB can effectively absorb deoxynivalenol (DON) is limited. To explore this research gap, the present study examined the adsorption effectiveness of DON by PCB using a phosphate buffer, artificial gastric juice, and artificial intestinal juice. In a 21-day in vivo trial, 48 male piglets were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: (1) uncontaminated basal diet (CTR), (2) basal diet supplemented with 1 mg/kg PCB(PCB), (3) 2.3 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet (DON), and (4) 2.3 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet supplemented with 0.1% PCB (DON+PCB). When DON concentration was 1 µg/mL, the adsorption rate of PCB on DON in phosphate buffer systems (pH 2.0 and 6.0) and the artificial gastric and intestinal juices were 100%, 100%, 71.46%, and 77.20%, respectively. In the in vivo trial, the DON group significantly increased the DON+deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) content in serum as well as the inflammation cytokine proteins (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and longchain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 in the jejunum and ileum. It decreased the villus height, goblet cells, mucosal thickness, and mRNA expression of Claudin-1 compared to the CTR group. In addition, DON decreased the Shannon and Simpson indices; reduced the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Ruminococcus; and increased the relative abundances of Terrisporobacter and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 in the cecal content. In conclusion, these results suggest that PCB showed high adsorption efficacy on DON in vitro, and exhibit the protective effects against various intestinal toxicity manifestations in DON-challenged piglets.

Evaluation of the synbiotic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mushroom extract on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and immune status of zebrafish danio rerio

BackgroundThe quest for candidate probiotics and prebiotics to develop novel synbiotics for sustainable and profitable fish farming remains a major focus for various stakeholders. In this study, we examined the effects of combining two fungal probiotics, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger with extracts of Jerusalem artichoke and white button mushroom to develop a synbiotic formulation to improve the growth and health status of zebrafish (Danio rerio). An initial in vitro study determined the most effective synbiotic combination, which was then tested in a 60-day in vivo nutritional trial using zebrafish (80 ± 1.0 mg) as a model animal. Four experimental diets were prepared: a control diet (basal diet), a prebiotic diet with 100% selected mushroom extract, a probiotic diet with 107 CFU of S. cerevisiae/g of diet, and a synbiotic diet with 107 CFU of S. cerevisiae/g of diet and 100% mushroom extract. As readouts, growth performance, survival, digestive enzyme activity and innate immune responses were evaluated.ResultsIn vitro results showed that the S. cerevisiae cultured in a medium containing 100% mushroom extract exhibited the maximum specific growth rate and shortest doubling time. In the in vivo test with zebrafish, feeding them with a synbiotic diet, developed with S. cerevisiae and mushroom extract, led to a significant improvement in the growth performance of zebrafish (P < 0.05). The group of zebrafish fed with the synbiotic diet showed significantly higher levels of digestive enzyme activity and immune responses compared to the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionTaken together, these results indicated that the combination of S. cerevisiae and mushroom extract forms an effective synbiotic, capable of enhancing growth performance and immune response in zebrafish.

The Ruminal Microbiome Alterations Associated with Diet-Induced Milk Fat Depression and Milk Fat Globule Size Reduction in Dairy Goats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on milk fat globule (MFG) size and the ruminal microbiome of goats. Twenty-four mid-lactation Saanen dairy goats weighing 49 ± 4.5 kg (168 ± 27 d in milk, 1.2 ± 0.1 kg milk/d, 2-3 years old) were randomly divided into four groups-a control (CON) group, which was fed a basal diet, and three CLA supplementation groups, in which 30 g CLA (low-dose group, L-CLA), 60 g CLA (medium-dose group, M-CLA), or 90 g CLA (high-dose group, H-CLA) was added to the basal diet daily. The experiment lasted for 21 days, during which time goat milk was collected for composition and MFG size analysis. On day 21 of feeding, ruminal fluid was collected from the CON and H-CLA groups for analysis of the changes in microorganismal abundance. The results showed that CLA supplementation did not affect milk production, milk protein, or lactose content in the dairy goats (p > 0.05), but significantly reduced the milk fat content (p < 0.01) compared with the CON group. The CLA supplementation significantly decreased the D[3,2] and D[4,3] of the MFGs in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Moreover, dietary CLA inclusion increased the proportion of small-sized MFGs and decreased that of large-sized ones. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that CLA-induced milk fat depression in dairy goats was accompanied by significant changes in the relative abundance of ruminal bacterial populations, most of which belonged to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. The relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Prevolellaceae_UCG-003 in Bacteroidetes and UCG-002, Succiniclasticum, and norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_vadinBB60_group in Firmicutes was significantly higher in the CON group than in the H-CLA group. In contrast, the relative abundance of norank_f__UCG-011, norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae, and UCG-001 in Firmicutes and norank_f__Muribaculaceae in Bacteroidetes was significantly higher in the H-CLA group than in the CON group. Correlation analysis showed that the milk fat content was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of some bacteria, including members of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Similarly, MFG size (D[3,2] and D[4,3]) was negatively correlated with several members of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, including Lachnospiraceae, norank_f__UCG-011, UCG-001, norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group (Firmicutes), and norank_f__Muribaculaceae (Bacteroidetes), while positively correlated with the relative abundance of some members of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, including Mycoplasma, Succiniclasticum, norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, UCG-002 (Firmicutes), and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (Bacteroidetes). Overall, our data indicated that CLA treatment affected milk fat content and MFG size in dairy goats, and these effects were correlated with the relative abundance of ruminal bacterial populations. These results provide the first evidence to explain the mechanism underlying diet-induced MFG from the perspective of the ruminal microbiome in dairy goats.

Differential growth enhancement followed by notable microbiota modulation in growing-finishing pigs by Bacillus subtilis strains ps4060, ps4100, and a 50:50 strain mixture.

A 50:50 blend of two Bacillus subtilis strains positively impacted the productivity of finishing pigs. Given this observed effect, we hypothesized that each strain has distinct effects on weight gain and their influence on gut microbiota. In a 16-week test, 160 pigs were divided into four groups: basal diet, B. subtilis ps4100, B. subtilis ps4060, and 50:50 mixture supplemented. Subsequently, we compared body weight and fecal microbiota. Among the supplements, ps4100, ps4060, and the 50:50 mix yielded respective average daily weight gains (ADG) of 3.6%, 4.6%, and 3.9% by the 6th week. The weight difference was maintained through the 16th week. At the 11th week, the difference in α-diversity among the fecal microbiota was marginal, and 17 of 229 genera showed differential abundance between the control and either of the treatment groups. A total of 12 of the 17 genera, including Lactobacillus, showed differential abundance between the ps4100 and ps4060-fed groups, and only Eubacterium consistently decreased in abundance in both the ps4100 and ps4060 groups. In comparison, microbial diversity was significantly different at the 16th week (p < 0.05), with 96 out of 229 genera exhibiting differential abundance. A total of 42 of the 96 genera exhibited similar patterns in both the ps4100 and ps4060 groups compared to the control group. Additionally, 236 of 687 microbial enzymes with differential abundance deduced from 16S rRNA reads showed similar differential abundance in both groups compared to the control group. We concluded that the overall microbial balance, rather than the dominance or significant decrease of a few specific genera, likely caused the enhanced ADG until the 11th week. Substantial changes in microbiota manifested at the 16th week did not cause dramatically increased ADG but were a consequence of weight gain and could positively affect animal physiology and health afterward.

The use of Moringa leaves extract in rabbit diets: its effect on performance, lipid profile, kidney and liver function, immunity, antioxidant, digestive enzymes, and cecal microbiota

Abstract This study evaluated the role of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MOLEx) in improving the performance and health of rabbits during the fattening period. The growth, carcass measurements, serum immunity, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, digestive enzymes, antioxidant condition, cecal microbiota of rabbits have been examined. A total of 100 New Zealand White male rabbits (5-week-old) were randomly distributed into five groups and were fed on the basal diet only or the basal diet supplemented with graded levels of MOLEx (1, 2, 3 or 4 g/kg diet) for 8 weeks. Animals in each group were divided into 10 replicates, with two animals each. Results showed that dietary supplementation of MOLEx at levels of 1, 3 and 4 g/kg feed improved growth performance (p &lt; 0.05) including LBW (7, 9, 11, 13 weeks), BWG (5-13 weeks) and FCR (11-13 and 5-13 weeks). The inclusion of MOLEx in rabbits feed (3 and 4 g/kg) increased carcass%, dressing% and spleen% and decreased duodenum pH and cecal pH. Abdominal fat% was significantly lowered after the treatment with MOLEx. Lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, and cecal microbiota (increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria) of growing rabbits were positively affected by MOLEx levels. The dietary supplementation of MOLEx improved most of antioxidant biomarkers of growing rabbits. The dietary supplementation of MOLEx (2, 3 and 4 g/kg) increased immunological indicators (IgM, IgG, IgA, lysozyme and complement 3), and lowered cortisol level compared with the control group. Digestive enzymes (protease, lipase and amylase) activities of rabbits positively affected by MOLEx levels (3 and 4 g/kg feed). In conclusion, the inclusion of MOLEx in rabbits feed can be effective in improving productive performance, kidney and liver functions, digestive enzymes, antioxidant biomarkers, immunological indicators, cecal microbiota and carcass traits.

Supplementing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (Linnaeus, 1758) larvae with dietary beta-glucan could improve their growth, survival, immune function, intestinal and liver histomorphology

Abstract Β-glucan exerts a positive impact and consider as a functional feed additives to enhance fish growth, immunity, control disease outbreaks and pathogen infections by increasing functional, immune and decreasing harmful responses. The present study aimed to determine the most effective dietary level of beta-glucan (βG) to improve Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fry growth performance, feed utilization, and hematological indicators. Seven isonitrogenous (32% crude protein) and isocaloric diets (18 MJ/kg) were formulated. All diets were identical except for the variation in βG levels.The basal experimental diet (control diet) had no βG added. Diets 2–7 each contained βG at levels of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/kg diet, respectively. A total of 840 fish with an average body weight of 0.2±0.01 g were allocated into the seven experimental treatments (in triplicate). The trial lasted for 120 days, Nile tilapia fry growth performance and feed utilization were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in all treatments receiving βG diets than in the control diet. The fish fed with ßG0.1 diet showed the highest significant growth induces and the best FCR values. The survival (S%) of the fish also showed a significant increase in the βG diets up to ßG0.8 levels, when compared to the other experimental diet groups. All hematological parameters increased (P≤0.05) in fish fed with a diet supplemented up to ßG0.8 compared to the control group. Histological examination of the intestine and liver in the control group revealed histopathological alterations in the villi. On the other hand, the groups treated with βG had longer and structurally normal villi. The most well-preserved intestinal tissue and the tallest villi were observed in ßG0.1, followed by ßG0.050 and ßG0.8 groups. In the liver, the control group exhibited fatty degeneration, necrosis and pyknosis whereas the ßG0.1 group displayed the most preserved hepatic tissue, followed by ßG0.8 and ßG0.2 groups. The results indicate that according to FBW-based broken-line model analysis, the optimal dietary level of βG for Nile tilapia fry to exhibit superior growth and diet utilization efficiency associated with the best FCR for Nile tilapia should be 0.12% βG /kg diet. To increase the immunity of fish and improve the properties of hematological and histopathological indices, the dose can be increased to 0.8% βG without any adverse effects.

Effects of high-dose selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, antioxidant status, tissue fat content and selenium concentration, and selenoenzyme mRNA expression in chicks

Selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SSC) as organic selenium (Se) has been shown to have better advantages and is approved for use in animal feed rather than inorganic Se, however, there is little available data on the toxic effects of SSC on poultry. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of high-dose SSC on growth performance, antioxidant status, tissue fat content and Se concentration, and selenoenzyme mRNA expression in chicks. A total of 500, 1-day-old SPF chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 replicates of 10 chicks each. Group 1 served as a control and was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), group 2 was fed the basic diet supplemented with 1.5 mg/kg Se from SS, while groups 3, 4, and 5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg Se from SSC, respectively. The results showed that SS and SSC supplementation significantly affected the average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed/gain ratio (FCR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, tissue fat content and Se concentration, and GPx1 and GPx4 mRNA levels compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with group 2, group 3 exhibited higher GPx and SOD activities, tissue Se concentration, and lower MDA content on d 30, and higher Se concentration, GPx1 mRNA levels in liver and breast muscle and GPx4 mRNA levels in liver and thigh muscle, and lower MDA content on d 60 (P < 0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that high-dose SSC supplementation was positively correlated with AFDI, FCR, MDA content, and tissue Se concentration, and negatively correlated with GPx and SOD activities, T-AOC, GPx1 and GPx4 mRNA levels in tissues. In conclusion, up to 1.5 mg/kg Se from SSC in diet may be a safe concentration for chicks that exhibited better biological effects than SS, the toxic effects of high-dose SSC supplementation mainly exhibited growth decrease, peroxidation and lipid metabolism disturbance, and became stronger with the increase of dietary Se levels.

Dietary Supplementation with 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 on Reproductive Performance and Placental Oxidative Stress in Primiparous Sows during Mid-to-Late Gestation.

The placenta plays a crucial role in nutrient transport and waste exchange between the dam and fetus, sustaining fetal growth. While the positive effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) on animal performance have been reported, its impact on placental function remains largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing 25-OH-D3 in the diet of primiparous sows on reproductive performance, antioxidant capacity, placental oxidative stress, nutrient transport, and inflammatory response during mid-to-late gestation. A total of 45 healthy Landrace × Yorkshire primiparous sows on day 60 of gestation were selected and randomly allocated to three treatment groups based on body weight and backfat thickness: the control group (corn-soybean meal basal diet), the VD3 group (basal diet + 2000 IU VD3), and the 25-OH-D3 group (basal diet + 50 μg/kg 25-OH-D3). The results demonstrated that supplementation with 25-OH-D3 in the diet enhanced sows' average litter weight and birth weight during mid-to-late gestation. Additionally, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in sows significantly decreased in the VD3 and 25-OH-D3 groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, lower gene expressions of placental HO-1, GPX2, IL-8, and IL-6 were found in the VD3 or 25-OH-D3 groups (p < 0.05 or p < 0.10), while higher gene expressions of GLUT1 and SNAT2 in the placenta of sows were observed in the VD3 and 25-OH-D3 groups, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the supplementation of VD3 and 25-OH-D3 in the diet of sows can improve their plasma oxidative stress status, enhance placental antioxidant capacity and nutrient transport, and reduce placental inflammatory responses, with more pronounced improvements in sow performance observed in sows fed diets supplemented with 25-OH-D3.

Effect of microencapsulated canthaxanthin and apo-ester on egg yolk color and antioxidant capacity in laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of common canthaxanthin (CC) or microencapsulated canthaxanthin (MC) combined with apo-ester (AE) on productive performance, egg yolk color and antioxidant capacity in laying hens. A total of 270 Hyline Brown laying hens at 56 wk of age were allocated to 3 groups with 6 replicates, and fed a wheat-soybean meal basal diet or the same diet supplemented with CC+AE or MC+AE at 5 mg/kg feed for each supplement. The productive performance was not affected by dietary treatments. The 2 test groups had higher (P < 0.05) yolk color score in fresh eggs than the control group, but the yolk color score of CC+AE group significantly declined (P < 0.05) with time, and a slight decline was also observed in the MC+AE group at 36 d. The MC+AE group had higher (P < 0.05) yolk color score of fried and boiled eggs than the other 2 groups. Higher (P < 0.05) feed canthaxanthin concentration was found in the MC+AE group at the end of experiment, which also had higher yolk canthaxanthin concentration in fresh eggs at 24 and 36 d as well as in fried, boiled and stored (4°C and 25°C) eggs. The 2 test groups had higher (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity in serum than the control group, and lower (P < 0.05) MDA content was observed in the MC+AE group. The mRNA level of cluster determinant 36 in jejunum was increased by the 2 test groups, and the same increase was also found in liver only in the MC+AE group. In conclusion, MC was more efficient in promoting yolk color and antioxidant capacity than CC when combined with AE.

Dietary supplementation of poly-dihydromyricetin-fused zinc nanoparticles alleviates fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome by improving antioxidant capacity, intestinal health and lipid metabolism of laying hens

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome is the main cause of noninfectious death of laying hens and results in substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. This study focused on evaluating the effects of Poly-dihydromyricetin-fused zinc nanoparticles (PDMY-Zn NPs) on antioxidant capacity, liver lipid metabolism, and intestinal health in laying hens. A total of 288 Jingfen laying hens (52 wk old) with similar body weights were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups with 6 replicates in each group for 8 wk. The control group received a basal diet, while the treatment groups were supplemented with PDMY-Zn NPs at levels of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg, respectively. The results indicate that PDMY-Zn NPs supplementation can enhance antioxidant parameters (P < 0.05) in the blood and liver of laying hens. Simultaneously, it can mitigate vacuolar degeneration and inflammatory necrosis in hepatocytes, improve the relative expression level of related parameters associated with liver lipid metabolism and key regulatory genes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it has been observed to reshape the composition and diversity of cecum microbes by increasing beneficial probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Prevotella, while also enhancing villi height and villi/crypt ratio in the duodenum and ileum (P < 0.05). Additionally, it elevates liver bile acid content along with the relative expression of key genes involved in liver synthesis (P < 0.05). In summary, PDMY-Zn NPs showed potential to alleviate fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome by enhancing antioxidant capacity, regulating liver lipid metabolism, and maintaining intestinal health.

Terminalia Chebula Extract Replacing Zinc Oxide Enhances Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities, Improves Growth Performance, and Promotes Intestinal Health in Weaned Piglets.

This study aimed to assess the effects of substituting zinc oxide with terminalia chebula extract (TCE) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and intestinal health in weaned pigs. Initially, 72 weaned Duroc × Landrace × Large White piglets, 28 days old with an initial weight of 7.43 ± 0.14 kg, equally divided by gender, were randomly assigned into three groups, with six replicates and four piglets per replicate. They were fed a basal diet (CON group), a diet containing 2 g/kg zinc oxide (ZnO group), or 2 g/kg TCE (TCE group) for a duration of 28 days. Subsequently, to further confirm the most appropriate levels of TCE in piglets, 96 piglets of the same breeds and age, with an initial weight of 7.42 ± 0.12 kg, also equally divided by gender, were randomly assigned into four groups, each with six replicates and four piglets per replicate, and fed a basal diet (CON group), or diets supplemented with 1 g/kg TCE (LTCE group), 2 g/kg TCE (MTCE group), or 4 g/kg TCE (HTCE group) for a duration of 28 days. The results demonstrated that both TCE and ZnO reduced diarrhea rates (p = 0.001) and enhanced average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.014) compared to the control group. TCE at 1 g/kg and 4 g/kg reduced the feed to gain ratio (p = 0.050). Dietary supplementing with TCE and ZnO increased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p = 0.020). Various doses of TCE also increased jejunal IgA (p = 0.000) levels and IL-10 expression (p = 0.004), and decreased the levels of TNF-α in both serum (p = 0.043) and jejunal mucosa (p = 0.000). Notably, TCE reduced the crypt depth (CD) of the duodenal (p = 0.007) and increased the villus height (VH) of the ileal (p = 0.045), and with increased dosage, there was a rise in the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) in the duodenum (p = 0.000) and jejunum (p = 0.001). Higher abundances of Lactobacillaceae (p = 0.000) and lower levels of Streptococcaceae (p = 0.000) and Peptostreptococcaceae (p = 0.035) in cecal contents were fed the ZnO and TCE pigs compared with CON pigs. Therefore, TCE was firstly presented as being able to replace zinc oxide, improve intestinal morphology, and enhance antioxidant and immune functions, thus safeguarding intestinal mucosal health and promoting piglet growth.

Dietary impact of West African black pepper (Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the dietary impact of West African black pepper (WABP; Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to 4 dietary treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) of 5 replicates (10 birds per replicate) in a completely randomised design for a 49-day study. Broiler birds in T1 (control) were fed basal diet (BD), T2 (BD + 5 g turmeric/kg), T3 (BD + 5 g WABP/kg), and T4 (BD + 2.5 g turmeric and 2.5 g WABP/kg). This study found (p < 0.05) that feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly altered during the starter phase, while no significant effect was observed in body weight gain (BWG). BWG, FI, and FCR were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) during the finisher and overall phases. Except for haemoglobin and red blood cell count in the finisher phase, haematological measures were not affected (p > 0.05). During the starter phase, aspartate aminotransferase decreased (p < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased (p < 0.05) across the treatment groups fed Piper guineense and Curcuma longa compared with those in the control group. In the finisher phase, all the serum biochemistry parameters, except for the serum protein content were significantly (p < 0.05) impacted. Piper guineense and Curcuma longa significantly (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase and reduced (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde during the starter phase across the treatment groups, with no significant (p > 0.05) effect on catalase and glutathione. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione were significantly (p < 0.05) increased while malondialdehyde significantly decreased (p < 0.05) during the finisher phase when compared to the control group. Conclusively, these findings suggest the potential health benefits of these dietary additives in broiler chicken nutrition to enhance overall health and performance.

Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata dietary supplementation in mitigating heat stress-induced behavioral, metabolic and genetic alterations in broiler chickens

BackgroundHeat stress (HS) is one of the most significant environmental stressors on poultry production and welfare worldwide. Identification of innovative and effective solutions is necessary. This study evaluated the effects of phytogenic feed additives (PHY) containing Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata on behavioral patterns, hematological and biochemical parameters, Oxidative stress biomarkers, and HSP70, I-FABP2, IL10, TLR4, and mTOR genes expression in different organs of broiler chickens under chronic HS conditions. A total of 208 one-day-old Avian-480 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatments (4 replicate/treatment, 52 birds/treatment): Thermoneutral control treatment (TN, fed basal diet); Thermoneutral treatment (TN, fed basal diet + 1 kg/ton feed PHY); Heat stress treatment (HS, fed basal diet); Heat stress treatment (HS, fed basal diet + 1 kg/ton feed PHY).ResultsThe findings of the study indicate that HS led to a decrease in feeding, foraging, walking, and comfort behavior while increasing drinking and resting behavior, also HS increased red, and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) counts, and the heterophile/ lymphocyte (H/L) ratio (P < 0.05); while both mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, HS negatively impacted lipid, protein, and glucose levels, liver and kidney function tests, and oxidative biomarkers by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreasing reduced glutathion (GSH) activity (P < 0.05). Heat stress (HS) caused the upregulation in HSP70, duodenal TLR4 gene expression, and the downregulation of I-FABP2, IL10, mTOR in all investigated tissues, and hepatic TLR4 (P < 0.05) compared with the TN treatment. Phytogenic feed additives (PHY) effectively mitigated heat stress’s negative impacts on broilers via an improvement of broilers’ behavior, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress biomarkers with a marked decrease in HSP70 expression levels while all tissues showed increased I-FABP2, IL10, TLR4, and mTOR (except liver) levels (P < 0.05).ConclusionPhytogenic feed additives (PHY) containing Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata have ameliorated the HS-induced oxidative stress and improved the immunity as well as the gut health and welfare of broiler chickens.

The Effects of Octapeptin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, Serum Immunity, and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets.

With the prohibition of antibiotics in animal feed, the livestock industry faces significant challenges, including increased morbidity and mortality rates and reduced farming efficiency. Developing green, natural, and safe antibiotic alternatives has become a research hotspot. This study evaluated the effects of octapeptin as a feed additive on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, serum biochemistry, serum immune factors, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets. Seventy-two weaned piglets were randomly assigned to three groups based on body weight and sex, with each group receiving different dietary treatments: a negative control group (CON, basal diet), a positive control group (MC, basal diet + 5 mg/kg Microcin C7), and an octapeptin supplement group (OP, basal diet + 40 mg/kg octapeptin). After 28 days of feeding experimental diets, the results demonstrated that supplementing the diet of weaned piglets with octapeptin significantly improved the feed conversion ratio compared to the control group (p < 0.05) over the entire experimental period. Furthermore, a reduction in diarrhea incidence was observed during the late nursery period (14-28 d), resulting in an overall improvement in diarrhea compared to the other two groups (p < 0.01). Serum biochemical analysis results revealed a trend towards decreased alanine aminotransferase level in the octapeptin group, with no significant differences in other indicators, suggesting potential improvements in liver function without causing liver damage. In addition, compared to the control group, octapeptin enhanced mucosal immunity by decreasing TNF-α level (p < 0.05). Fecal microbiota analysis results showed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria such as Collinsella and Olsenella in the octapeptin group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05), indicating a positive impact on gut health. These findings supported the potential of octapeptin as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in weaned piglets' diets.

Probiotics effects on the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens

Context In the limited field of research on Kazakhstan’s poultry, this study explores a new area by investigating the lack of studies on the impact of probiotics from camel milk and mare’s milk. This study provides valuable knowledge about an important aspect of poultry production in the region. Aims The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of probiotics isolated from traditional fermented dairy products, fermented camel milk (shubat) and fermented mare’s milk (koumiss) on the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. Methods In total, 240 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly separated into four treatment groups of three replicates (20 birds per replicate). Three experimental groups were fed by basal diet plus drinking water containing 0.25 mL, 0.5 mL, and 1.0 mL of probiotics per bird (Pro1, Pro2, and Pro3 respectively). The control group was fed by basal diet plus drinking water. The carcass characteristics included the weights of the body and carcass rate. Organoleptic analysis, proximate composition, pH, drip loss, cook loss and were used to determine meat-quality properties. Key results According to the study results isolated probiotics Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei SH1, Enterococcus faecalis SH6, and Kazachstania unispora Y 2.2 had a significant effect on body and carcass weight (P &lt; 0.05). Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were also improved in probiotics groups (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, Pro 2 group had increased meat protein contents (P &lt; 0.05). No significant differences in organoleptic quality between the control and experimental groups fed with the probiotics were determined. Conclusions Traditional fermented dairy products could become a source of new effective probiotics useful to improve broiler production. Implications The readily available shubat and koumiss in Kazakhstan present a promising opportunity for establishing localised probiotic production for poultry, indicating a viable path for promoting sustainable and tailored approaches to poultry farming in the region.

Effects of dietary supplementation with medicinal plant mixtures and immunostimulants on the immune response, antioxidant capacity, and hepatopancreatic health of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis).

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of tea polyphenols (TP) and medicinal plant mixtures (Astragalus membranaceus + Lonicera japonica, Rheum officinale Bail + Scutellaria baicalensis + Platycladus orientalis) combined with astaxanthin (AST), benzoic acid (BA), and yeast complex on the health status of Eriocheir sinensis. A total of 630 crabs (male crabs: 41.51 ± 1.63 g; female crabs: 47.27 ± 0.79 g) were randomly distributed into seven groups with three replicates (male: female, 1:1). These crabs were fed as follows for 8 weeks: basal diet (M1), M2 (M1 + 100 mg/kg TP), M3 (M1 + 2.0 g/kg A. membranaceus + 20 g/kg L. japonica), M4 (M1 + 2.5 g/kg R. officinale Bail + 1.5 g/kg S. baicalensis + 1.0 g/kg P. orientalis), and M5, M6, M7 (M2, M3 and M4 with 600 mg/kg AST +1.0 g/kg BA + 20 mg/kg yeast complex added, respectively). The results showed that the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysosome (LZM) in the hemolymph were significantly increased in M5, M6, and M7 (P < 0.05), and the highest phagocytosis index (PI) and LZM activity were observed in M7 of female crabs. Moreover, the antioxidant indicators superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) of hepatopancreas were also significantly improved in M5, M6, and M7 (P < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents showed an opposite trend. Furthermore, a morphological examination also showed the improved histological structure of hepatopancreas in M7, especially as seen in the clear lumens, no vacuolation, and integrity of the basal membrane of the hepatopancreatic tubule. Taken together, these results suggested that 2.5 g/kg R. officinale Bail, 1.5 g/kg S. baicalensis, and 1.0 g/kg P. orientalis in combination with 600 mg/kg AST, 1.0 g/kg BA, and 20 mg/kg yeast complex could improve the non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and hepatopancreatic health of E. sinensis.

Potential and Metabolic Impacts of Double Enrichments of Docosahexaenoic Acid and 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D3 in Tissues of Broiler Chickens

BackgroundChicken may be enriched with 25-hydroxy D3 [25(OH)D3] and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to enhance the dietary intake of the public. ObjectivesTwo experiments (Expt.) were conducted to determine the potential and metabolic impacts of enriching both DHA and 25(OH)D3 in the tissues of broiler chickens. MethodsIn Expt. 1, 144 chicks (6 cages/treatment and 6 birds/cage) were fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet (BD), BD + 10,000 IU 25(OH)D3/kg [BD + 25(OH)D3], BD + 1% DHA-rich Aurantiochytrium (1.2 g DHA/kg; BD + DHA), or BD + 25(OH)D3+DHA for 6 wk. In Expt. 2, 180 chicks were fed the BD, BD + DHA-rich microalgal oil (1.5–3.0 g DHA/kg, BD + DHA), BD + DHA + eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-rich microalgae (0.3–0.6 g EPA/kg, BD + DHA + EPA), BD + DHA + 25(OH)D3 [6000 to 12,000 IU/kg diet; BD + DHA + 25(OH)D3], and BD + DHA + EPA + 25(OH)D3 for 6 wk. ResultsSupranutrition of these 2 nutrients resulted in 57–62 mg DHA and 1.9–3.3 μg of 25(OH)D3/100 g of breast or thigh muscles. The DHA enrichment was independent of dietary EPA or 25(OH)D3, but that of 25(OH)D3 in the liver was decreased (68%, P < 0.05) by dietary DHA in Expt. 1. Compared with BD, BD + 25(OH)D3 enhanced (P < 0.05) gene expression related to D3 absorption (scavenger receptor class B type 1 and Niemann-pick c1 like 1) in the liver and D3 degradation (cytochrome P450 24A1) in the breast, and decreased mRNA or protein concentrations of vitamin D binding protein in the adipose tissue or thigh muscle. Supranutrition of DHA decreased mRNA concentrations of lipid metabolism-related genes (fatty acid desaturase 1,2, ELOVL fatty acid elongase 5, fatty acid desaturase 2, fatty acid synthase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1). ConclusionsBoth DHA and 25(OH)D3 were enriched in the muscles up to meeting 50%–100% of the suggested intakes of these nutrients by consuming 2 servings of 100 g of fortified chicken. The enrichments altered gene expression related to lipid biosynthesis and vitamin D transport or storage.

Modulatory Potential of Selenium Supplementations on the Growth, Nutrients Profile and Regulation of Antioxidant Status of Striped Catfish (Pangasius Hypophthalmus)

This study is designed to evaluate the impact of varying selenium levels on growth potential, nutrient profile and antioxidant enzymes activity in striped catfish. Fish were randomly allocated into 15 circular indoor tanks, each with a capacity of 2000 L, (100 (H) x 200 cm (D)) dimension, and were raised for 12 weeks. Fifteen fish were allocated to each tank across four separate treatment groups, each replicated three times, following an entirely randomized design. Five iso-nitrogenous diets (30% CP) were prepared from basal diet in which one was control and other four were supplemented selenomethionine (Se-met) with levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg. Upon completion of the feeding trial, a diet containing Se at 1.5 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in weight gain (229.60±3.00) and SGR (0.92±0.23), along with a lower FCR (2.18±0.32). While, proximate composition remains non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) against dietary Se feed. Antioxidant enzymes activity in liver and muscle found higher in Se1.5 diet and Se2.0 mg/kg diet in comparison to lower dietary Se treatments. Moreover, dietary Se1.5 and Se2.0 treatments values remained non-significant. Overall, the results indicated that the incorporation of Se-met at 1.5 mg/kg in the diet can improve growth performance and antioxidant status in P. hypophthalmus.

Determining the optimal level and the effect of different zinc sources on performance, egg quality and the immune system of laying hens at the end of the production period.

Trace elements, such as zinc, magnesium and copper, are essential for improving the performance and health of broiler breeders and the development of chicken embryos. These elements are integral to various proteins involved in metabolism, hormone secretion and the immune system, necessitating their inclusion in small amounts in poultry diets. This study aimed to determine the optimal level and effect of different zinc sources on performance, egg quality and the immune system of laying hens at the end of the production period. The experiment involved 520 Lohmann LSL laying hens, aged 80 weeks, divided into 13 treatments with 5 replications and 8 birds per replication. The hens were fed diets supplemented with 40, 60 and 80mg/kg of zinc from various sources: mineral zinc oxide, mineral zinc sulphate, organic zinc chelated with glycine and organic zinc chelated with an organic acid. Key parameters measured included body weight, egg weight and immune response. The basal diet contained 63.58mg/kg of zinc, with the requirement per the Lohmann LSL guideline being 80mg/kg. Zinc supplementation significantly increased body weight in the second month, with 80mg/kg being the optimal dose. Zinc oxide notably increased egg weight compared to the control. The hens utilized zinc from all sources, resulting in weight gain and improved parameters such as egg quality. Immune parameters were also positively influenced by zinc supplementation. Zinc supplementation at appropriate levels enhances the performance and egg quality of laying hens, particularly at the end of the production period. It improves bioavailability, enriches eggs and mitigates age-related declines in productivity.

Relative bioavailability of L-methionine and DL-methionine in growing broilers

Two separate studies were conducted in growing broiler chickens to examine the relative bioavailability (RBA) of L-smethionine (L-Met) vs. DL-methionine (DL-Met) in the starter (0-10 d, Experiment 1) and grower (11-24 d, Experiment 2) periods. In each experiment, 540 male Arian broilers were weighed and randomly allocated to nine dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with 6 replicates: basal diet (BD) with no methionine (Met) supplementation and eight diets supplemented with incremental levels (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 g/kg) of DL-methionine (DL-Met) or L-methionine (L-Met). Supplementation of the BD with either DL-Met or L-Met improved growth performance (P < 0.05), breast percentage (P < 0.05), and antioxidant status (P < 0.05) of broilers in both experiments. Orthogonal contrasts showed that L-Met supplementation compared to DL-Met (specifically at levels 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg) improved average daily gain (ADG, P < 0.05), average daily feed intake (ADFI, P < 0.01), and feed to gain ratio (F:G, P < 0.01) in the starter phase. In the grower phase, L-Met supplementation (specifically at levels 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg) only improved F:G (P < 0.05) compared to DL-Met, with no significant differences in the other performance parameters. Nonlinear regression analysis showed that RBA of L-Met based on carcass percentage was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of DL-Met in the starter phase. Based on the findings of this study, it seems that using L-Met compared to DL-Met may improve the feed efficiency and carcass percentage of young growing broiler chickens.