Organic Acid Blend Research Articles

Growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs fed diets supplemented with antioxidants and organic acids in late summer

Context Heat stress compromises growth performance and meat quality and results in economic losses in pork production. Aims We investigated the effects of supranutritional levels of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VitE), along with organic acid blends, on the growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs over a period of weeks during late summer to early autumn in Westbrook, Queensland, Australia. Methods A total of 264 crossbred pigs (25.8 ± 2.4 kg, mean ± s.d.) at 11 weeks of age were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two aging times (2 or 5 days) nested within each pig. The factors included antioxidants (Se/E, with recommended or supranutritional doses of Se and VitE), an organic acids (OA) blend added to drinking water (control vs supplemented), and sex (female vs male). Key results Between 16 and 18 weeks of age, high Se/E decreased daily feed intake (P = 0.010) but had no effects on average daily gain or feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Male pigs grew faster (P = 0.040) and had a higher FCE than females (P = 0.050). Supplementation with OA increased FCE in males but not females (OA × Sex interaction, P = 0.035). Between Weeks 16 and 20, male pigs grew faster (P < 0.001), tended to eat more (P = 0.057), and had higher FCE (P = 0.002) than females (P < 0.001). There were no main effects of Se/E or OA on meat quality, except protein oxidation was reduced by high Se/E (P = 0.047). Sex impacted only Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), with male pigs having lower WBSF than females (P = 0.053). Meat aging decreased WBSF (P < 0.001), but it increased cooking loss (P = 0.036), myofibrillar fragmentation index (P < 0.001), lipid oxidation (P < 0.001) and colour parameters (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusions Supplementation with Se/E for up to 10 weeks and OA for 5 weeks did not influence production parameters or pork quality in late summer, except that high Se/E decreased protein oxidation, and significant heat stress conditions were not experienced as expected. Implications Supplementation with Se/E and OA may be effective when environmental temperatures are higher.

Efeito da inclusão de blend de óleos essenciais, ácidos orgânicos, taninos, vitamina E e zinco sobre a saúde intestinal de frangos de corte submetidos ao desafio por Eimeria spp., Salmonella Minnesota, Escherichia coli e Clostridium perfringens

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of (i) diets supplemented with a blend of organic acids, cinnamon essential oil, oregano essential oil, eugenol, thymol, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in vegetable fat and (ii) a challenge by Eimeria spp., Salmonella Minnesota, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens. Also, to evaluate the diet × challenge interaction effects on animal performance (1-21 and 22-42 days of age), weights of organs and primal cuts, and ileal morphometry in 42-day-old broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted according to a 2 × 2 factorial design (supplemented and unsupplemented diets × challenged and unchallenged broilers). Each treatment consisted of eight replications and eight birds per replicate. At 14 days of age, chickens in the challenge group (n=128) received orally 1mL of a suspension containing sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spp. (E. acervulina, E. praecox, E. maxima, E. mitis, E. tenella, and E. necatrix), and the other experimental group (n=128) received 1mL of saline solution orally. At 18 days of age, birds in the challenge group received 1mL of a suspension of C. perfringens, E. coli, and S. Minnesota, and unchallenged birds received 1mL of saline solution orally. From 1 to 21 days of age, microbial challenge reduced body weight, feed intake, weight gain and increased feed conversion. In the same period, supplemented birds had lower feed conversion. From 22 to 42 days of age, challenged birds had lower body weight, feed conversion, breast weight, thigh + drumstick weight, and heart weight. Supplemented birds had higher breast weight. Unchallenged birds fed the supplemented diet showed higher bursa weight, proventriculus weight, ileal villus height, and crypt depth. Unchallenged birds fed the unsupplemented diet had higher liver weight. Microbial challenges with Eimeria spp., S. Minnesota, C. perfringens, and E. coli impaired productive performance in the starter phase. They decreased the yield of primal cuts in 42-day-old broilers, partially explaining the recurring economic problems observed in the poultry sector. Overall, the studied blend was able to improve feed conversion in the starter phase, enhance digestive and absorption processes, and increase the yield of primal cuts. However, no effects were observed in challenged birds. The findings suggest that the studied effects are influenced by microbial conditions, blend composition, and inclusion level and may or may not result in beneficial outcomes.

The influence of dietary single and blend of organic acids on slaughter parameters and meat quality in finishing pigs

The influence of dietary single and blend of organic acids on slaughter parameters and meat quality in finishing pigs

Response of broiler chickens fed graded levels of four organic acid blend on carcass characteristics, digesta pH and internal organs measurements

Understanding the effects of different feed ingredients incorporated into livestock feed and the demand for nutritious and sustainable food sources necessitate the need to explore alternative feed options for livestock. Evaluating the potential benefits of incorporating African Yam Bean (AYB) into snail diets is crucial in optimizing feed efficiency and enhancing the profitability of Snail farming. The study was designed to determine the effect of African Yam Bean meal (AYB), an underutilized legume in the diet of snails on dressing percentage, texture, flavor, general acceptability, protein and fat contents of the meat. 120 growing snails with mean weight of 73.42 ± 2.5g were used for the feeding trial. 4 diets were formulated to contain African Yam Beans (AYB) at 0% (AYB1) Control, 50% (AYB2), 75% (AYB3) and 100% (AYB4) as replacement for soya bean fraction in the diet. Complete Randomized Design was used for the trial; each treatment was replicated thrice with 10 snails per replicate. Carcass evaluation (dressing percentage, texture, flavor, general acceptability, protein and fat contents of the meat among others) were carried out at the end of the 120 days feeding trial. The dressing percentage of the snails was not significantly influenced by dietary treatments (P>0.05) and varied between 44.43 and 45.34%. The offal live weight and shell live weight percent were not significantly influenced by the varying inclusion of AYB in the diet (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in the crude protein (CP), taste of the meat, color, flavor, texture of the meat and general acceptability of the meat (P> 0.05). The Physico-chemical qualities of the meat were not affected by the inclusion of AYB in the diet. African Yam Bean meal could therefore be harnessed as alternative feed ingredient to Soyabean meal for snail.
 
 
 
 
 Les acides organiques sont soit des acides monocarboxyliques simples comme les acides formique, acétique, propionique et butyrique, soit des acides carboxyliques avec le groupe hydroxyle comme les acides lactique, malique, tartrique et citrique ou des acides carboxyliques à chaîne courte contenant des doubles liaisons comme les acides fumarique et sorbique. L'étude visait à évaluer les effets de niveaux gradués d'un mélange de quatre acides organiques sur les caractéristiques des carcasses, le pH du digesta et les mesures des organes internes de poulets de chair nourris avec des niveaux gradués de mélanges de quatre acides organiques. Deux cents poussins de chair Cobb 500, âgés d'un jour, non sexés et pesant 37.4 g de poids corporel initial moyen ont été utilisés. Les poussins ont été répartis au hasard en cinq traitements alimentaires T1 (régime de base ou contrôle) et un régime de base complété par un mélange d'acides organiques, à raison de 0.5 g/kg (T2), 1.5 g/kg (T3), 2.5 g/kg ( T4) et 3.5g/kg (T5). Aucun antibiotique n'a été administré pendant la période d'élevage qui a duré sept semaines. Les cinq régimes de traitement ont été répétés quatre fois et chaque répétition a été affectée à 10 oiseaux, soit un total de 40 oiseaux par groupe de traitement dans un plan complètement randomisé (PCR). Les données collectées ont été soumises à une analyse de variance unidirectionnelle (ANOVA). Les moyennes ont été séparées à l'aide de la procédure de DMRT (Multiple Range Test) de Duncan. Les résultats ont montré que le pH du digesta dans différents segments du GIT n’était pas affecté de manière significative (P > 0,05) quel que soit le niveau de supplémentation en acides organiques pendant les périodes de démarrage et de finition. Le pourcentage de poids de carcasse habillée, le pourcentage d'habillage, le poids du gésier, le poids des pattes et la longueur des caeca étaient significativement plus élevés (P < 0,05) dans les groupes recevant un régime complété par des mélanges d'acides organiques à raison de 2,5 g/kg d'aliment par rapport à ceux recevant un régime témoin. Cependant, les résultats des autres organes internes n’ont pas été également affectés par la supplémentation en acides organiques. Le coût de la consommation alimentaire totale (N) et le coût de l'alimentation par kg de gain n'ont pas été affectés (P > 0,05) par la supplémentation en acides organiques pendant la période de démarrage et de finition. D'après les résultats de la présente étude, on peut conclure que l'administration de niveaux progressifs des quatre acides organiques (acides formique, propionique, citrique et orthophosphorique) mélangés entre 2,5 et 3,5 g/kg dans un régime alimentaire de poulets de chair a amélioré les caractéristiques des carcasses. et pourrait donc être recommandé.

PSIX-22 Performance, Digestibility, and Blood Parameters in Pregnant Beef Cows Fed Total Mixed Ration Silages

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two total mixed ration (TMR) silages (low and high rumen undegradable protein; RUP) on digestibility, blood parameters, and performance in pregnant beef cows. Thirty-three mid-gestation (~130 d of gestation) Tabapua beef cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) a TMR silage containing Brachiaria grass, soybean hulls, urea, and mineral mix (low RUP; n = 16) or 2) a TMR silage containing Brachiaria grass, DDG, and mineral mix (high RUP; n = 17). The concentration of A1 fraction was, on average, 12.9% and 34.0% of N in low and high RUP silages, respectively. A preservative with a blend of organic acids, surfactants, and activated propionates was applied in both silages. Pressed bag silos were used to conserve silages for 7 wk. Cows were housed in individual pens for 100 d. During a 4-d digestion period (at 50 d of housing), fecal samples were collected for measurement of nutrient digestibility using undigested neutral detergent fiber as a marker. Blood parameters were collected at the last day of housing. Statistical analysis of experimental data was performed using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. Diet, calf sex (male or female), and interactions between these factors were considered fixed effects. No differences were obtained for initial BW. High RUP diet showed greater final BW (P = 0.0004) and ADG (P = 0.0003). Cows fed high RUP gained 50 g/d, while cows fed low RUP diet lost 445 g/d. Dry matter intake was greater by 23% (P < 0.0001) in cows consuming high RUP silage. Dry matter, CP, and NDF digestibility did not differ between treatments. Regarding blood parameters, no differences were observed for glucose at 0 h and 4 h post-feeding. Plasma urea at 0 h post-feeding was greater in cows fed low RUP silage (P = 0.0003). However, no differences were observed for plasma urea at 4 h post-feeding. The plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (P = 0.017) and beta-hydroxy-butyric acid (P = 0.002) were greater in cows consuming low RUP diet. Overall, feeding pregnant cows during mid-gestation with TMR silage containing high RUP promotes greater performance.

141 Dietary Supplementation of Blends of Organic Acids and Monoglycerides Alleviated Diarrhea and Systemic Inflammation of Weaned Pigs Experimentally Infected with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli F18

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to investigate dietary supplementation of organic acids blend, monoglycerides blend, and combination of both on growth performance, diarrhea, and systemic inflammation of weaned pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) F18. Forty pigs (7.81 ± 0.84 kg BW) were individually housed in disease containment rooms and randomly allotted to one of four treatments with 10 replicate pigs per treatment. The four dietary treatments were: 1) Control: nursery basal diet, 2) Acids: basal diet supplemented with a blend of organic acids (formic acid, lactic acid, and sodium formate) at 0.3%, 3) Monoglycerides: basal diet supplemented with a blend of monoglycerides of fatty acids at 0.3%, and 4) Combination of acids and monoglycerides: basal diet added with the acids blend at 0.2% and the monoglycerides blend at 0.2%. The experiment lasted 28 d [7 d before and 21 d after the first inoculation (d 0)]. All pigs were orally inoculated with E. coli F18 1010 CFU/3 mL for 3 consecutive days from d 0. Growth performance was measured weekly. Diarrhea score (1, normal, to 5, watery diarrhea) was daily recorded for each pig. Fecal samples were collected on d 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 post-inoculation (PI) to confirm the presence of β-hemolytic coliforms in feces. Whole blood samples were collected on d 0, 5, and 14 PI to perform complete blood counting analysis. All data were analyzed by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED of SAS with a pig as the experimental unit. Frequency of diarrhea was calculated and analyzed by Chi-square test. Supplementation of acids blend, monoglycerides blend, or the combination of both had limited impacts on growth performance throughout the trial but significantly reduced (P < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea (25.5 to 29.8%) compared with control (39.3%). E. coli F18 infection increased (P < 0.05) the counts of total white blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes on d 5 and 14 PI, compared with d 0. Supplementation of the combination of acids and monoglycerides reduced (P < 0.05) the counts of total white blood cells, lymphocytes, and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes, and tended (P < 0.10) to reduce neutrophil count on d 5 PI, compared with control. Pigs fed with 0.3% monoglycerides blend had greater (P < 0.05) neutrophil count than pigs in the control group on d 14 PI. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of organic acids blend, monoglycerides blend, and the combination of both can alleviate diarrhea or systemic inflammation caused by E. coli F18 infection.

Essential Oils and Organic Acid Blends Potentially Enhance Growth and Ameliorate Enteritis and Inflammatory Response After Challenge with Clostridium perfringens in Chickens

Essential Oils and Organic Acid Blends Potentially Enhance Growth and Ameliorate Enteritis and Inflammatory Response After Challenge with Clostridium perfringens in Chickens

Effects of Microencapsulated Blend of Organic Acids and Pure Botanicals on the Ruminal Microbiota in an In Vitro Dual-Flow Continuous Culture System

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and pure botanicals (mOAPBs) on the solid- and liquid-associated microenvironment (SAM and LAM, respectively) of the ruminal microbiome using an in vitro dual-flow continuous culture system. Ruminal content was incubated in eight fermenters and the basal diet was supplemented with increasing levels of mOAPBs (0; 0.12; 0.24; or 0.36% DM) which contained 55.6% hydrogenated and refined palm oil, 25% citric acid, 16.7% sorbic acid, 1.7% thymol, and 1% vanillin. All diets had a similar nutritional composition (16.1 CP, 30.9 NDF, and 32.0 starch, % DM basis). After 7 days of adaptation, a pooled sample across the days was collected in each period for identification of the microbiome of SAM and LAM. There was no effect of mOAPB on alpha-, beta-diversity, and microbial abundance. The SAM had a greater bacterial diversity and the principal component analysis demonstrated that it had a divergent bacterial profile from LAM. Additionally, SAM had an increased abundance of carbohydrate-degrading microorganisms. In summary, mOAPBs did not modulate the ruminal microbiome. The microenvironment microbiome of solid- and liquid-associated microenvironments were different, with SAM having a greater carbohydrate-degrading microorganism population.

Natural variations in the Sl-AKR9 aldo/keto reductase gene impact fruit flavor volatile and sugar contents.

The unique flavors of different fruits depend upon complex blends of soluble sugars, organic acids and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 2-Phenylethanol and phenylacetaldehyde are major contributors to flavor in many foods, including tomato. In the tomato fruit, glucose and fructose are the chemicals that most positively contribute to human flavor preferences. We identified a gene encoding a tomato aldo/keto reductase, Sl-AKR9, that is associated with phenylacetaldehyde and 2-phenylethanol contents in fruits. Two distinct haplotypes were identified; one encodes a chloroplast-targeted protein while the other encodes a transit peptide-less protein that accumulates in the cytoplasm. Sl-AKR9 effectively catalyzes reduction of phenylacetaldehyde to 2-phenylethanol. The enzyme can also metabolize sugar-derived reactive carbonyls, including glyceraldehyde and methylglyoxal. CRISPR-Cas9-induced loss-of-function mutations in Sl-AKR9 significantly increased phenylacetaldehyde and lowered 2-phenylethanol content in ripe fruit. Reduced fruit weight and increased soluble solids, glucose and fructose contents were observed in the loss-of-function fruits. These results reveal a previously unidentified mechanism affecting two flavor associated phenylalanine-derived VOCs, sugar content and fruit weight. Modern varieties of tomato almost universally contain the haplotype associated with larger fruit, lower sugar content and lower phenylacetaldehyde and 2-phenylethanol, likely leading to flavor deterioration in modern varieties.

Impact of a Blend of Microencapsulated Organic Acids and Botanicals on the Microbiome of Commercial Broiler Breeders under Clinical Necrotic Enteritis.

Previously, the supplementation of a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals improved the health and performance of broiler breeders under non-challenged conditions. This study aimed to determine if the microencapsulated blend impacted dysbiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler breeders. Day-of-hatch chicks were assigned to non-challenge and challenge groups, provided a basal diet supplemented with 0 or 500 g/MT of the blend, and subjected to a laboratory model for NE. On d 20-21, jejunum/ileum content were collected for microbiome sequencing (n = 10; V4 region of 16S rRNA gene). The experiment was repeated (n = 3), and data were analyzed in QIIME2 and R. Alpha and beta diversity, core microbiome, and compositional differences were determined (significance at p ≤ 0.05; Q ≤ 0.05). There was no difference between richness and evenness of those fed diets containing 0 and 500 g/MT microencapsulated blend, but differences were seen between the non-challenged and challenged groups. Beta diversity of the 0 and 500 g/MT non-challenged groups differed, but no differences existed between the NE-challenged groups. The core microbiome of those fed 500 g/MT similarly consisted of Lactobacillus and Clostridiaceae. Furthermore, challenged birds fed diets containing 500 g/MT had a higher abundance of significantly different phyla, namely, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Verrucomicrobiota, than the 0 g/MT challenged group. Dietary supplementation of a microencapsulated blend shifted the microbiome by supporting beneficial and core taxa.

Effect of an organic acid blend in Nile tilapia growth performance, immunity, gut microbiota, and resistance to challenge against francisellosis

Organic acids (OAs) are a class of feed additives that have prophylactic and inhibitory properties against pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we investigated growth performance, innate immune response, gut microbiota, and disease resistance against Francisella orientalis F1 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed different doses of Bacti-nil®Aqua, a blend of short- and medium-chain OAs. For 21 days, 680 juvenile tilapias were fed a control diet or diets supplemented with a 0.3% (D3) or 0.5% (D5) OA blend. The feed conversion rate of fish fed the 0.5% enriched diet was considerably lower (p < 0.05) than that of the fish fed the basal diet. Lysozyme and serum bactericidal activities were significantly elevated following OA administration. After infection, no differences in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota were observed between the groups. After the bacterial challenge, the mortality was significantly lower in group D5 (p < 0.01). The diet supplemented with Bacti-nil®Aqua (Adisseo) improved the immune response and resistance of tilapia juveniles against F. orientalis infection. Thus, this OA blend could serve as a feed additive with good activity against F. orientalis.

Organic minerals, tributyrin, and blend of organic acids in the diet of commercial laying hens at the end of production

This study aimed to evaluate the responses in performance, egg quality, and health of internal organs of laying hens of Hisex White lineage. The birds were provided with diets supplemented with organic minerals (OM) + tributyrin, associated or not with a mixture of organic acids (benzoic formic, citric, and phosphoric), compared to a control treatment containing zinc bacitracin (28 ppm). In total, 160 laying hens of the commercial Hisex White lineage of 68 w and an average weight of 1.735 ± 0.025 kg were distributed in 40 experimental plots. The study employed a completely randomized design, with five treatments and eight replications/treatment. The experimental period was divided into seven production cycles of 21 days, totalling 147 experimental days. The variables analysed were egg production and loss, feed intake, mean egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion, and internal and external quality variables of eggs. At the end of the experimental period, the final weight of the birds was measured to evaluate the relative weight of liver and kidneys. No significant effect of the treatments on the productive performance and internal and external quality of the eggs was evident. The association of organic minerals with a mixture of organic acids and tributyrin did not influence the productive performance and internal and external quality of the shell of Hisex White laying hens in the period from 68 to 89 weeks of age.

A microencapsulated feed additive containing organic acids and botanicals has a distinct effect on proliferative and metabolic related signaling in the jejunum and ileum of broiler chickens.

Well designed and formulated natural feed additives have the potential to provide many of the growth promoting and disease mitigating characteristics of in-feed antibiotics, particularly feed additives that elicit their effects on targeted areas of the gut. Here, we describe the mechanism of action of a microencapsulated feed additive containing organic acids and botanicals (AviPlus®P) on the jejunum and ileum of 15-day-old broiler-type chickens. Day-of-hatch chicks were provided ad libitum access to feed containing either 0 or 500g/MT of the feed additive for the duration of the study. Fifteen days post-hatch, birds were humanely euthanized and necropsied. Jejunum and ileum tissue samples were collected and either flash frozen or stored in RNA-later as appropriate for downstream applications. Chicken-specific kinome peptide array analysis was conducted on the jejunum and ileum tissues, comparing the tissues from the treated birds to those from their respective controls. Detailed analysis of peptides representing individual kinase target sites revealed that in the ileum there was a broad increase in the signal transduction pathways centering on activation of HIF-1α, AMPK, mTOR, PI3K-Akt and NFκB. These signaling responses were largely decreased in the jejunum relative to control birds. Gene expression analysis agrees with the kinome data showing strong immune gene expression in the ileum and reduced expression in the jejunum. The microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals elicit a more anti-inflammatory phenotype and reduced signaling in the jejunum while resulting in enhanced immunometabolic responses in the ileum.

A blend of formic acid, benzoic acid, and tributyrin alleviates ETEC K88-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by regulating intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota in a murine model

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an organic acid (OA) blend on intestinal barrier function, intestinal inflammation, and gut microbiota in mice challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC K88). Ninety female Kunming mice (7weeks old) were randomly allotted to five treatments with six replicates per treatment and three mice per replicate. The five treatments were composed of the non-ETEC K88 challenge group and ETEC K88 challenge+OA blend groups (0, 0.6%, 1.2%, and 2.4% OA blend). The OA blend consisted of 47.5% formic acid, 47.5% benzoic acid, and 5% tributyrin. The feeding trial lasted for 15days, and mice were intraperitoneally injected with PBS or ETEC K88 solution on day 15. At 24h post-challenge, one mouse per replicate was selected for sample collection. The results showed that a dosage of 0.6% OA blend alleviated the ETEC K88-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, as indicated by the elevated villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of jejunum, and the reduced serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate levels, as well as the up-regulated mRNA levels of ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin in jejunum mucosa of mice. Furthermore, dietary addition with 0.6% OA blend decreased ETEC K88-induced inflammation response, as suggested by the decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and the increased IgA level in the serum, as well as the down-regulated mRNA level of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TLR-4, MyD88, and MCP-1 in jejunum mucosa of mice. Regarding gut microbiota, the beta-diversity analysis revealed a remarkable clustering between the 0.6% OA blend group and the ETEC K88 challenge group. Supplementation of 0.6% OA blend decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, and increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Desulfobacterota, and Verrucomicrobiota of colonic digesta in mice. Also, the butyric acid content in the colonic digesta of mice was increased by dietary 0.6% OA blend supplementation. Collectively, a dosage of 0.6% OA blend could alleviate the ETEC K88-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by regulating intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota of mice.

Effects of microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, inflammatory cytokines, and endocannabinoid system gene expression in broiler chickens

With restricted usage of growth-promoting antibiotics, identifying alternative feed additives that both improve intestinal barrier function and reduce inflammation is the center to improve chickens' health. This study examined the effects of a microencapsulated feed additive containing citric acid, sorbic acids, thymol, and vanillin on intestinal barrier function and inflammation status. A total of 240 birds were assigned to either a commercial control diet or control diet supplemented with 500 g/MT of the microencapsulated additive product. Birds were raised by feeding a 2-phase diet (starter, d 1 to d 21; and grower, d 15 to d 42). Growth performance was recorded weekly. At d 21 and d 42, total gastrointestinal tract permeability was evaluated by FITC-dextran (FD4) oral gavage. Jejunum-specific barrier functions were evaluated by Ussing chamber. Intestinal gene expression of selected epithelial cell markers, tight junction (TJ) proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and endocannabinoid system (ECS) markers were determined by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test. Results showed significant improvement of feed efficiency in the birds supplemented with the blend of organic acids and botanicals. At d 21, both oral and jejunal FD4 permeability were lower in the supplemented group. Jejunal transepithelial resistance was higher in the supplemented birds. At d 21, expression of TJs mRNA (CLDN1 and ZO2) was both upregulated in the jejunum and ileum of supplemented birds, while CLDN2 was downregulated in cecum. Proliferating cell marker SOX9 was higher expressed in jejunum and ceca. Goblet cell marker (MUC2) was upregulated, while Paneth cell marker (LYZ) was downregulated in the ileum. Proinflammatory cytokine expressions of IL1B, TNFA, and IFNG were downregulated in jejunum, while anti-inflammatory IL10 expression was higher in jejunum, ileum, cecum, and cecal tonsil. The ECS markers expressions were upregulated in most intestinal regions. Together, these results demonstrated that the blend of organic acids and botanical supplementation reduced inflammation, improved the TJs expression and intestinal barrier function, and thus improved chicken feed efficiency. The activated ECS may play a role in reducing intestinal tissue inflammation.

Impact of synergistic blend of organic acids on the performance of late gestating sows and their offspring

This study aims to investigate the effects of in-feed additive synergistic blend of short and medium-chain organic acids (SGG) in sows during late gestation and lactation as well as litter performance. On day 107 of gestation, a total of 150 multiparous (Landrace × Yorkshire) sows were blocked according to parity (2.6) and allocated to one of three dietary treatments: CON – basal diet, SGG-Low – CON + 0.1% SGG and SGG-High – CON + 0.3% SGG. Sows supplemented with SGG-High consumed more lactation feed (p = .04) than sows fed the CON diet. The body weight (BW) and back fat (BF) loss during the lactation period were lower (p ≤ .05) in sows fed SGG supplements. Additionally, sows fed with different levels of SGG-supplement reduced (p = .04) the number of mummified and birth coefficient of variation (p = .03) and improved (p ≤ .05) the survivability of piglets. Also, piglets born to SGG group sows and fed a creep diet from days 5 to 21 of age, showed a tendency to increase (p = .07) BW on day 7, and significant improvements on days 14 (p = .02) and 21 (p < .001), and average daily gain (p < .001) during the overall experimental period. Furthermore, the SGG supplement significantly reduced (p ≤ .05) the number of Clostridium perfringens in faeces of sows on day 7 of lactation. Thus, we infer that the application of 0.1–0.3% of SGG supplement in sow diet and subsequently feeding their offsprings with creep diet would serve as the best option for optimum sow productivity and to enhance pre-weaning growth rate. HIGHLIGHTS The breeding efficiency of sow and the growth rate of piglets are very important for successful pig production. Sows fed with a synergistic blend of short and medium-chain organic acids (SGG) during late gestation and lactation improved the survivability of piglets. Piglets born to sows supplemented with different levels of SSG gained more weight and had a higher litter weight during weaning.

A mixture of organic acids and thymol protects primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells from Clostridium perfringens infection in vitro

Necrotic enteritis causes economic losses estimated to be up to 6 billion US dollars per year. Clinical and subclinical infections in poultry are also both correlated with decreased growth and feed efficiency. Moreover, in a context of increased antibiotic resistance, feed additives with enhanced antimicrobial properties are a useful and increasingly needed strategy. In this study, the protective effects of a blend of thymol and organic acids against the effects of Clostridium perfringens type A (CP) on chicken intestinal epithelial cells were investigated and compared to bacitracin, a widely used antibiotic in poultry production. Primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells were challenged with CP for a total time of 3 h to assess the beneficial effect of 2 doses of citric acid, dodecanoic acid, and thymol-containing blend, and compare them with bacitracin. During the challenge, different parameters were recorded, such as transepithelial electrical resistance, cell viability, mRNA expression, and reactive oxygen species production. CP induced inflammation with cytokine production and loss of epithelial barrier integrity. It was also able to induce reactive oxygen species production and increase the caspase expression leading to cellular death. The high dose of the blend acted similarly to bacitracin, preventing the disruptive effects of CP and inducing also an increase in zonula occludens-1 mRNA expression. The low dose only partially prevented the disruptive effects of CP but successfully reduced the associated inflammation. This study shows that the usage of thymol combined with 2 organic acids can protect primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells from CP-induced damages creating a valid candidate to substitute or adjuvate the antibiotic treatment against necrotic enteritis.

Immune response in sexual inverted and non-inverted Nile tilapia fingerlings supplemented with organic acid and essential oil

The development and intensification of tilapia farming depends on the manipulation of some physiological functions, such as the sexual inversion of larvae using a synthetic androgen (17α-methyltestosterone). This inversion, however, may represent a potential oxidative stress factor and cause damage to animals in the short, medium, and long term. Dietary supplementation of natural antioxidant compounds is an interesting alternative to combat such damage. To test this hypothesis, an experimental trial was carried out involving sexual inverted and non-inverted Nile tilapia fingerlings, both supplemented and not supplemented with a blend of organic acids and essential oils protected by microencapsulation. Animals were divided into four experimental groups: NI (non-inverted animals), I (sexual inverted animals), NI + M (non-inverted animals supplemented with microcapsules), and I + M (sexual inverted animals supplemented with microcapsules). Blood parameters (WBC - white blood cells; LY - lymphocytes; RBC - red blood cells; HGB - hemoglobin; HCT – hematocrit number; MCH - mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCV - mean corpuscular volume and MCHC – mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), as well as oxidative stress markers (enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase – SOD and catalase - CAT; and total antioxidant capacity - 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH)) and gene expression (heat shock protein 70 kDa - HSP70) were evaluated. The HGB (p < 0.001) and HCT (p = 0.005) parameters were reduced beyond the recommended limits for the animals in group I. The MCV varied statistically between the groups (p < 0.001). However, all values were within the recommended range for the species, jointly indicating normocytic anemia in group I fingerlings at the time of collection. The activity of CAT and SOD, as well as DPPH differed statistically between the experimental groups (p < 0.001), with the lowest SOD and CAT activity, as well as the highest DPPH registered in animals supplemented with microcapsules. The expression of HSP70 was lower in I + MI animals (p < 0.001). The synergistic evaluation of the results indicates that animals sexual inverted during the larval stage have a lower total antioxidant capacity in the fingerling stage, which reflects a worsening in hematological and enzymatic parameters related to immunity; and that dietary supplementation with blend of organic acids and essential oils protected by microencapsulation is sufficient to improve the immunological response both in sexual inverted and non-inverted fingerlings.

Effect of a commercial multi-effect additive (Biotronic® Top3) on growth performance, digestive enzymes, and intestinal barrier gene expression in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This study evaluated the dietary addition of Biotronic® Top3 (BT; a blend of organic acids, cinnamaldehyde, and a permeabilizing complex), on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, intestine pH, and transcriptomic responses of growth, appetite, and intestinal tight junction proteins genes in common carp fingerlings. The feeding trial was designed with four dietary levels of BT including BT-0 (control group; basal diet free from BT), BT-0.5 (basal diet +0.5 g/kg BT), BT-1 (basal diet+1 g/kg BT), and BT-2 (basal diet+2 g/kg BT) in three replicates. The fingerlings (N = 600; 28.26 ± 0.56 g) were randomly allocated to 12 tanks (containing 250 L water) and fed with the experimental diets for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, the growth indices such as weight gain and specific growth rate in BT-2 treatment were significantly higher than others (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the feed conversion ratio showed a remarkable decrease in BT-2 treatment (P < 0.05). The protease and amylase activities were significantly increased in BT-added groups compared to the control group and the highest values were obtained in BT-2 treatment (P < 0.05). Lipase activity was not statistically different in the treated fish with 1 and 2 g/kg BT, but it was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). The group fed with BT-2 diet showed a significant decreasing trend in the pH of the initial-gut compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The transcription levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and ghrelin genes were significantly up-regulated in BT-2 treatment compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of claudin-3, claudin-7, and occludin genes in BT-2 was significantly higher than others (P < 0.05). Taken together, the oral administration of BT at 2 g/kg can act as a growth promoter by improving the digestive functions in common carp.

Performance of broiler chicken on dietary supplementation of protected organic acids blend

ABSTRACT 1. The fatty acid coated organic acids blend was evaluated for its potential as a growth promoter. 2. A six-week experiment was conducted following a completely randomised design. One-day old broiler chicks (n = 384) were randomly divided into four dietary groups (eight replicates per group). Diet treatments were an unsupplemented basal diet or containing 0.3, 0.6 and 1 g/kg of a coated organic acid blend. Birds were evaluated for growth performance, carcass traits, immune-competence, total viable count and gut villus height. 3. The broiler chickens fed with 1 g/kg organic acids blend showed significantly higher body weight gain with improved feed conversion ratio and lower mortality than those fed the basal diet. 4. The carcass traits vis. eviscerated yield, dressing percentage, breast yield and relative weight of giblets, were significantly better in the group fed with 1 g/kg coated organic acids blend with reduction in abdominal fat. 5. Significantly higher cell-mediated, humoral immune responses and villi height with higher lymphoid organ weight (bursa and thymus) and a significant decrease in the total viable count were recorded in birds fed 1 g/kg organic acids blend. 6. The results indicated that dietary inclusion of coated organic acids blend (1 g/kg) improved growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, and gut health in broiler chicken and reduced total viable count and abdominal fat, indicating its potential role as a promising growth promoter in poultry.