Organic Acid Blend Research Articles

Use of Marine Sulfated Polysaccharide as an alternative to antibiotics in the diet of broilers

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the efficacy of Marine Sulfated Polysaccharide enhanced by a blend of organic acids (AseaD) as an alternative to colistin in the diet of broilers. A total of two hundred and sixteen one-day-old male chicks (Ross 308, initial body weight: 42.25 ± 0.42 g/bird) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments each represented with 12 replicate cages of 9 birds. The dietary treatments included (1) basal diet with antibiotic (Control, basal diet + 20 ppm colistin) and (2) basal diet without antibiotic + 0.3% AseaD (AseaD). Birds in the control were fed a basal diet containing colistin from 1 to 28 days of age only. There were no differences in ADG and ADFI between the 2 treatments at any phases or for the overall period (P > 0.05). Similarly, no differences in FCR were found during d 1-28 or the overall period (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the FCR of broilers fed AseaD (1.893) was lower than that of broilers fed the control diet (1.991) from 29 to 42 days of age (P = 0.016). No differences in the survival rate of birds were found between the 2 treatments (P > 0.05). These results confirm the potency of AseaD in broiler diets as a potential alternative to colistin used at a concentration of 20 ppm, with significant benefits and interest during the finishing period when colistin is withdrawn from a diet.

Encapsulated blends of essential oils and organic acids improved performance, intestinal morphology, cecal microflora, and jejunal enzyme activity of broilers

This study investigated effects of encapsulated blends of essential oils (EO) and organic acids (OA) on performance, intestinal morphology, cecal microflora, and jejunal mucosal enzyme activity and secretory IgA (s-IgA) level of broilers. Three hundred one-day-old male broilers were divided into 5 treatments with 5 replicates each. Control group received basal diet. Three additional groups received basal diets supplemented with 150, 200, or 250 mg/kg encapsulated blends of EO and OA. Antibiotic group received basal diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg bacitracin zinc. On days 21 and 70 of trial, 2 broilers from each replicate were weighed, and then blood, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum samples were collected. Results showed that broilers fed blends of EO and OA had greater average daily gain (ADG) (linear, P = 0.043) and gain-to-feed ratio (G : F) (linear, P = 0.052) at day 21 compared to broilers fed the control diet. Blends of EO and OA reduced cecal Escherichia coli and Salmonella level of 21- and 70-day-old broilers (linear, P < 0.01). Jejunum villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VCR) of 21-day-old broilers was elevated by blends of EO and OA (linear, P = 0.041) compared to control. Blends of EO and OA promoted chymotrypsin activity at day 21 (quadratic, P = 0.014), jejunal mucosal s-IgA content at day 70 (linear, P = 0.012), α-amylase activity at day 70 (quadratic, P = 0.043), and chymotrypsin activity at day 70 (quadratic, P = 0.037). Compared to control, antibiotic group increased ADG at day 21 (P = 0.039), decreased cecal Salmonella level at day 21 (P = 0.018), enhanced jejunum VCR at day 21 (P = 0.049), and elevated jejunal mucosal s-IgA content at day 21 (P = 0.016). It can be stated that EO and OA blends enhanced performance, increased jejunal s-IgA level and enzyme activity, improved intestinal morphology, and balanced intestinal microflora of broilers.

Effects of bacteriocin and organic acid on growth performance, small intestine histomorphology, and microbiology in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

In this study, 600 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were used to investigate the effects of bacteriocin and organic acids on performance and intestinal histomorphology and microbiology. Chicks were allocated to 6 groups, i.e., control, Bac150 (150mg/kg bacteriocin), Bac300 (300mg/kg bacteriocin), OA (3g/kg organic acid blend), Bac150+OA (150mg/kg bacteriocin + 3g/kg organic acid blend), and Bac300+OA (300mg/kg bacteriocin + 3g/kg organic acid blend) group. The trial lasted 35days. At the end of the trial, a statistical increase was not observed in the performance parameters of chicks with feed additives. However, 300mg/kg bacteriocin + 3g/kg organic acid supplementation given together has been found to have more positive effects on intestinal microbiology and histomorphology (P < 0.05). Consequently, it is understood that the use of these feed additives together will achieve better results.

EFFECT OF DIETARY BLENDED ORGANIC ACID ON GROWTH, DIGESTIBILITY AND IMMUNITY OF AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias garipenus)

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of acidifiers on growth performance and immunity of the African catfish C. gariepinus. This experiment was carried out in the wet lab of Fish Production Branch, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University. A total of 120 fish were selected as healthy catfish which had a uniform size and average weight of 94.93 ± 0.89 g. A thirty of catfish were used in each treatment divided into three replicates as (10 fish/ quadrate tank). Four experimental diets were formulated at 35 % crude protein with different levels of organic acid blend (OAB); diet was supplemented with 0, 2, 4 and 6 ml of organic acid per kilogram diet. Growth parameters, apparent digestibility of crude protein and ether extract were measured. The chemical proximate analysis for whole-body of fish was conducted at the end of the experimental period. Hematological parameters of fish and liver function enzymes were also measured. The fish group fed on 0.6 % organic acids blend showed the highest significance (P < 0.05) increase in total weight gain (438 ± 14.24 g), specific growth rate, best feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency ratio and highest protein efficiency than the rest of experimental groups. The highest apparent digestibility for crude protein were achieved in the third fish group which fed diet supplemented with acidifiers at 4 ml / kg diet and have significant difference (P < 0.05) with other groups. Data obtained in hepatosomatic index % showed no significant difference among different treatment refers to the health status of liver. However, ALAT and ASAT recorded high values in the higher group of OAB-treated fish indicating that liver could be affected. Hematological parameters were in normal range except for PCV, Hb, RBCs, and WBCs count which were decreased in the high dose of treated fish. Finally, it could be concluded that using of acidifiers as feed additives at lower doses can enhance growth, productivity and immunity of the African catfish (C. gariepinus).

Uso de extratos herbais e butirato de sódio em suínos na fase de 7 a 10kg

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da adição de um complexo contendo extratos herbais de Acacia minearnsii e Castanea sativa, associados a um blend de ácidos orgânicos contendo os ácidos butírico, cítrico, fumárico e ascórbico em substituição a antibióticos em dietas de leitões na fase de 7 a 10kg de peso corporal. O experimento foi executado nas instalações de uma granja comercial, situada no município de Xanxerê, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram utilizados 400 animais, na faixa de 7 a 10kg de peso, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso em quatro tratamentos com quatro repetições cada, compostas por 25 animais cada. Os tratamentos experimentais foram: T1: Controle Positivo (Colistina + Florfenicol) (1000ppm); T2: Complexo herbal + Butirato (300ppm); T3: Complexo herbal + Butirato (600ppm); T4: Complexo herbal + Butirato (1200ppm). Foram avaliados parâmetros sanguíneos (hemograma, leucograma, contagem plaquetária, glicemia e colesterolemia), parâmetros de desempenho (ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar) e ocorrência de diarreias. Os dados experimentais foram submetidos à análise de variância, e na presença de diferença significativa, as médias foram submetidas ao teste SNK a 5% de significância. Não foram constatadas alterações significativas sobre os parâmetros hematológicos ou leucocitários dos suínos avaliados. Não houve alteração na contagem plaquetária, nos níveis de glicose e de colesterol sanguíneos .O desempenho e a ocorrência de diarreias não foram afetadas pelos níveis do blend de extratos herbais e ácidos orgânicos em substituição aos antibióticos. Conclui-se que estes compostos podem ser utilizados como promotor de crescimento em substituição aos antibióticos, sem causar comprometimento nos parâmetros sanguíneos e no desempenho de leitões na fase pós-desmama.

Influence of Organic acids (Acetic, Citric acid and Blend) In vitro on growth of E. coli O157: H7: in Poultry feed

Influence of Organic acids (Acetic, Citric acid and Blend) <i>In vitro</i> on growth of <i>E. coli O157: H7</i>: in Poultry feed

Combination of a &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lactobacillus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-Based Probiotic and Organic Acids Decrease Egg to Chick Weight Loss and Reduce &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Salmonella&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; spp. Counts in the Litter of Commercial Broiler Breeders

The effects of supplementing a blend of organic acids (OA) and a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) based-probiotic on egg to chick weight loss (%) and Salmonella spp. recovery counts in the litter of commercial broiler breeders were examined in three independent trials during the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. In each trial, ten thousand birds were divided into two groups of 5000 birds (4500 females and 500 males in each group): Control non-treated group, receiving regular water or treated group, receiving OA and probiotic in the drinking water from 25 to 35 weeks of age. During the ten weeks of evaluation, one thousand fertile eggs or hatched chickens in each trial respectively, were evaluated to obtained, hatching set weight, transferred egg weight, and hatching chick weight, to estimate the difference between egg to chick weight loss (%). Besides, in trial 2 (2014) and trial 3 (2015), litter samples were collected to evaluate Salmonella spp. counts. The supplementation of OA and probiotic during ten consecutive weeks significantly decreased the egg to chick weight loss (%) when compared with the control non-treated groups in all three trials evaluated. Interestingly, at the end of the trials 2 and 3, no counts of Salmonella spp. in the litter were detected. In contrast, control-non treated groups resulted in 4.30 and 4.24 Log10 of Salmonella spp. in trials two and three respectively. The results of the present study suggest that supplementation of OA and a LAB-probiotic for ten consecutive weeks decrease the egg to chick weight loss (%) and reduce Salmonella spp. counts in the litter of commercial broiler breeders. Higher initial body weight in broiler chickens and reduction of Salmonella spp., clearly justify the use of the combination of these products, as alternatives to antibiotics.

Effects of a blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids with and without Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and meat quality in finishing pigs

An experiment was conducted to assess effects of Enterococcus faecium and a blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in finishing pigs. A total of 120 pigs [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace); 51.04 ± 1.82 kg] were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; BOM1, CON + 500 mg kg−1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; BOM2, CON + 1000 mg kg−1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; EBOM1, BOM1 + 20 mg kg−1 E. faecium; EBOM2, BOM2 + 20 mg kg−1 E. faecium. Pigs fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets had higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake (during days 36–70 and days 1–70) and greater digestibility of dry matter (days 35 and 70) compared with those fed BOM1 and BOM2 diets (P &lt; 0.05). However, no differences on blood parameters and meat quality were observed between pigs offered BOM1 and BOM2 diets and those fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with the combination of E. faecium and a blend of OAs and MCFAs was more effective in improving growth performance and nutrient digestibility than supplementation with blend of OAs and MCFAs alone in finishing pigs.

Evaluation of the blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids in matrix coating as antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, excreta microflora, and carcass quality in broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in broiler chickens. A total of 816 1-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (35 ± 0.44g) were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments (17 broilers per pen with 8 pens per treatment): dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs. The study lasted 5 wk during which growth performance was determined. In the current study, the inclusion of 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs in the basal diet linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001) on day 7 to 14, day 14 to 35, as well as overall. Increasing inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets also linearly increased (P = 0.001) the digestibility of dry matter on day 35. Broilers fed with different levels of the blend of OAs and MCFAs showed a linear increment (P = 0.042) in Lactobacillus concentration and decrease (P = 0.002) in Escherichia coli concentration. With regard to relative organ weight, a trend of linear reduction (P = 0.052) in bursa of Fabricius weight of broilers fed the blend of OAs and MCFAs was observed. There was a significant linear improvement (P = 0.011) in the IgG concentration associated with the inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets. In conclusion, the blend of OAs and MCFAs supplementation positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microflora in broiler chickens.

Effects of organic acid and medium chain fatty acid blends on the performance of sows and their piglets.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of organic acid (OA) and medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) blends on production performance of sows and their litters. A total of 36 sows (Landrace×Yorkshire, average parity is 3.3, SE=0.2) were randomly allocated to three treatments with 12 replicates. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; MC1, CON+0.1% OA, and MCFA blends; MC2, CON+0.2% OA, and MCFA blends. During lactation, no differences were observed in body weight (BW) loss, average daily feed intake, backfat thickness, digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, or energy of sows. There were linear increase (p<0.05) in BW and average daily gain of sucking piglets. On parturition and weaning day, there was a linear increase (p<0.05) in fecal Lactobacillus counts, as well as a linear decrease (p<0.05) in fecal Escherichia coli counts of sows on weaning day. The sucking piglets also had a linear increase (p<0.05) in fecal Lactobacillus counts and a linear decrease (p<0.05) in fecal E.coli counts. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of OA and MCFA blends in sows exerts beneficial effects to sows shifted fecal microbiota by increasing Lactobacillus and decreased E.coli counts. It also improved the performance of piglets.

Effects of dietary supplementation with combinations of organic and medium chain fatty acids as replacements for chlortetracycline on growth performance, serum immunity, and fecal microbiota of weaned piglets

This study investigated the effects of dietary combinations of organic acids and medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) as replacements for chlortetracycline on the growth performance, serum immunity, and fecal microbiota of weaned piglets. Over 28 days, 144 piglets (8.09 ± 0.11 kg) were allocated to four treatments: CON (basal diet), CTC (CON + 0.075 g/kg chlortetracycline), OAMF (CON + 0.2% organic acid blend 1), and COAMF (CON + 0.2% organic acid blend 1 + 0.6% or 0.4% organic acid blend 2). Compared with the CON group, piglets in the COAMF group had greater body weight on day 28 (P < 0.05), greater average daily gain during days 1–28 (P < 0.05), and lower feed conversion ratio during days 1–14 and 1–28 (P < 0.05). The diarrhea rate in the CTC group during day 1–14 was significantly lower than in the CON group (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum IgG on day 14 and serum IgA on day 28, and the concentration of serum T-AOC on days 14 and 28, were higher and the concentration of serum MDA on day 28 was lower (P < 0.05) in piglets supplemented with combinations of organic acids and MCFAs compared with basal diet. Compared with the CON group, OAMF and COAMF groups both had increased and decreased relative abundances of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, respectively (both P < 0.05). Moreover, supplementation with blends of organic acid and MCFAs significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with combinations of organic acids and MCFAs improved growth performance, reduced diarrhea rate, and enhanced serum immunity by regulating the microbiota of weaned piglets. Thus, such combinations can be fed as potential alternatives to chlortetracycline to weanling piglets.

Combined supplementation of organic acid blend and mannanoligosaccharide suppresses expression of heat shock protein 70 in broilers

This study investigates the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and organic acid blend (OAB) supplementation individually and in combination on small intestinal microbiota and expression of heat shock protein 70 in Hubbard chicks. 128 day- old birds were divided into four different groups with each group having 4 replicates in a trial of 35 days. The first group was kept as control whereas, the second and third groups were given MOS and OAB respectively. The fourth group (MOS+OAB) was given combination of MOS and OAB. At the end of trial, two birds from each replicate were slaughtered. The number of lactic acid bacteria and yeast were significantly higher in MOS+OAB birds compared to other groups. Expression of heat shock protein 70 significantly decreased by MOS and OAB individually and in combination. It is concluded that combined supplementation of MOS and OAB is beneficial in broilers.

Organic acids blend as dietary antibiotic replacer in marine fish olive flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of organic acid blends as dietary antibiotic replacer in marine fish olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Fish averaging 3.5 ± 0.05 g (mean ± SD) were fed one of the four experimental diets: (1) without antibiotic or organic acid (Control/CON); (2) with antibiotic—50 mg oxytetracycline per kg body weight per day (OTC); (3) with organic acid blend A—4 g/kg diet (OAA); and (4) with organic acid blend B—4 g/kg diet (OAB), for 10 weeks. At the end of the experiment, total intestinal bacterial counts in fish-fed OAA, OAB and OTC were significantly lower than that of fish-fed CON diet (p < 0.05). Further, the group of fish-fed organic acid blends (OAA, OAB) or antibiotic (OTC)-supplemented diets exhibited lower intestinal Vibrio sp. counts compared with fish-fed CON diet. Disease challenge test with bacteria Edwardsiella tarda showed significantly lower cumulative mortality rates for the group of fish-fed OAA, OAB or OTC than that of fish-fed CON diet (p < 0.05). There were no negative effects on the growth, serological characteristics and proximate composition among the group of fish-fed different experimental diets. Therefore, the present experiment demonstrates that blends of organic acid could be a promising alternative to dietary antibiotics for the preventive and/or curative health management in marine fish olive flounder aquaculture.

Effect of Organic Acid Blend on Carcass Yield, Nutrient Digestibility and Tibia Ash during Starter Phase of Broiler Chicks

Effect of Organic Acid Blend on Carcass Yield, Nutrient Digestibility and Tibia Ash during Starter Phase of Broiler Chicks

The synergistic effect of organic acids, phytochemicals and a permeabilizing complex reduces Salmonella Typhimurium 1,4,[5],12:i-shedding in pigs.

Salmonella Typhimurium (including S.Typhimurium 1,4,[5],12:i-) and other enteric pathogens cause acute infection in pigs during the weaning stage, often evolving into chronic infections responsible for the introduction of zoonotic bacteria into the slaughterhouse and thus determining carcass contamination. In addition to being zoonotic hazards, these pathogens are responsible for economic losses in affected farms. Traditionally, antibiotic treatments have been largely administered in order to reduce the infection burden but it favored, as a direct consequence, an increase in the number of multi-drug resistance strains. In order to overcome antibiotic-resistance concerns, new alternative control strategies should be developed. In this context, a blend of organic acids, phytochemicals and a permeabilizing complex, administered in feed (Group A - 459 piglets) or water (Group B - 458 piglets), was tested in field conditions for its capability of reducing Salmonella-infection in weaned piglets of an endemic farm. Data recorded were compared to results of a control group (Group C - 456 piglets). Zootechnical parameters were recorded in all animals, while microbiological, serological and PCR analyses were conducted in 15 piglets for each group. Results demonstrated that additive administered in feed improved animal weight gain (better average daily gain [A.D.G.] and increment), and rapidly reduced Salmonella-shedding in feces. Administration of additive in feed gave better results than in water.

Supplementation with organic acids showing different effects on growth performance, gut morphology, and microbiota of weaned pigs fed with highly or less digestible diets.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of organic acid (OA) supplementation in a highly digestible (Exp. 1) or a less digestible diet (Exp. 2) on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 240 pigs weaned at day 21 were assigned to one of five dietary treatments: negative control (NC) (basal diet, 3,000 ppm zinc oxide (ZnO) in the first 2 wk only); positive control (PC) (NC plus 10 mg/kg zinc bacitracin, 5 mg/kg colistin sulfate, and 5 mg/kg olaquindox); OA1 (NC plus a 0.2% blend of encapsulated butyrate, medium-chain fatty acids [MCFA], OA, and phenolics); OA2 (NC plus 0.3% blend of free and buffered short-chain fatty acids [SCFA] combined with MCFA); and OA1 plus OA2 (NC plus 0.2% OA1 plus 0.3% OA2) for 49 d. All treatments in Exp. 1 used the same highly digestible basal diet. At day 28, eight pigs from each group were sacrificed, to collect intestinal and digesta samples for biochemical analysis. Growth performance and intestinal morphology were not affected by the treatments. However, pigs subjected to the OA2 treatment had lower levels of Escherichia coli (P < 0.05) in the colon. In addition, the OA1 and OA2 treatments, and their combination resulted in higher concentrations of acetate and propionic acid in the cecum and colon (P < 0.01) in comparison to the NC. A less digestible diet without high levels of ZnO was used in Exp. 2. A similar design was used with the exception of the replacement of OA2 with another OA blend (OA3, a blend of free and buffered OA). In comparison to the NC, supplementation with OA1 and OA3 in a less digestible diet improved the ADG and the F:G ratio in the seventh week post-weaning (P < 0.01); reduced the diarrhea index of pigs during the first 3 wk post-weaning (P < 0.05); increased the ileal villus height (P < 0.05), and acetic and propionic acid concentrations in colon contents (P < 0.05). Moreover, the genus Prevotella was increased in the colon and the microbial community structure was significantly altered in the OA1 + OA3 treatment. The present research indicated that dietary supplementation with OA improved intestinal health. The OA blends showed a similar growth-promoting effect as antibiotics in the less digestible diet, to which high levels of ZnO had not been added.

Evaluation of the Stability of Polymeric Materials Exposed to Palm Biodiesel and Biodiesel⁻Organic Acid Blends.

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the impact of pure palm biodiesel fuel (B100) and biodiesel blends with 0.32% oleic, palmitic, acetic, myristic, and stearic acids on the properties of some polymeric materials used commonly in the manufacture of auto parts such as the polyamide 66 (PA66), polyoxymethylene (POM), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The effects of the B100 and B100–acid blends on polymeric materials were examined by comparing changes in the gain/loss of mass and by measuring the hardness, the impact strength, and the tensile strength of the materials at the end of the exposure. The characterization of the polymers was carried out before and after exposure by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). After the immersion in B100–acids blends, the HDPE exhibited an increase in mass of 5%, which was very similar in all blends. The PA66 showed a small decrease in weight (2% approx.) in all mixtures. The POM presented an increase in the percentage of weight in the mixture of B100 with acetic acid of 0.3%. A decrease was observed in the crystallinity of the HDPE when exposed to blends of B100–acids. This behavior may be associated with a plasticizing effect in the HDPE exposed to the blends. The mechanical properties of POM and HDPE showed no significant changes after immersion in the fuels. On the other hand, PA66 exhibited a significant decrease in maximum stress value after immersion in B100, B100–oleic acid and B100–palmitic acid blends. The variation of the mechanical properties of the PA66 after exposure to B100 was potentiated by addition of organic acids. The assessed polymers did not undergo appreciable changes in the chemical structure of the samples after immersion in the fuels, so the variation in the mechanical properties could be explained by physical absorption of the fuel into the polymers.

Combined supplementation of organic acid blend and hydrolyzed yeast mixture increases growth performance and tibia bone strength in broilers

This study investigates the effects of hydrolyzed yeast mixture (HYM) and an organic acid blend (OAB) supplementation individually and in combination on growth performance and tibia bone characteristics of broilers. A total number of 128 one day- old chicks were divided into four different groups with each group having 4 replicates in a trial of 35 days. The first group was kept as control whereas, the second and third groups were given HYM and OAB respectively. The fourth group (HYM+OAB) was given combination of HYM and OAB. At the end of trial, two birds from each replicate were slaughtered for analysis. Results revealed that feed conversion ratio and live body weight were significantly higher in HYM+OAB compared to other groups. Tibial bone analysis revealed that robusticity and tibiotarsal indices were significantly better for HYM+OAB. It is concluded that compared to individual, combined supplementation of HYM and OAB is more beneficial in broilers.

96 Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Fecal Microbiota and Fecal Noxious Gas Emission in Weaning Pigs Fed High and Low Density Diet with and without Protected Organic Acid Blends.

96 Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Fecal Microbiota and Fecal Noxious Gas Emission in Weaning Pigs Fed High and Low Density Diet with and without Protected Organic Acid Blends.

Blend of organic acids and medium chain fatty acids prevents the inflammatory response and intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice challenged with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7

Impaired epithelial barrier function disrupts immune homeostasis and increases inflammation in intestines, leading to many intestinal diseases. The blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) has been shown to have synergistic bactericidal effect. In this study, we demonstrated that two blends of OAs and MCFAs (OM1 and OM2) could prevent the inflammatory response and intestinal barrier dysfunction in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)-infected mice. Treatments of OM1 and OM2 significantly reduced the body weight loss and production of IL-6 and TNF-α induced by EHEC. Mice treated with OM1 and OM2 showed decrease in serum D-lactic concentration, DAO activity and bacterial transfer to liver and spleen. Furthermore, OM1 and OM2 increased the expression of tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1, mucus protein MUC-2, and host defense peptides mBD1, mBD2 and mBD3. Finally, OM1 and OM2 increased the population of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., but decreased that of E. coli in the cecum. These findings indicate that OM1 and OM2 may be used to develop a prophylactic agent for intestinal inflammation and injury in enteric pathogen infection.