Broiler Research Articles

Модуляція цілісності кишкового бар’єру курчат-бройлерів, асоційована зі змінами мікробіому

Cell adhesion proteins play a crucial role in ensuring the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium by forming intercellular tight junctions that prevent the invasion of harmful substances, microorganisms, and toxins into the organism’s internal environment. However, the comprehensive impact of SCFA-M on the modulation of these proteins and their connection with the microbiome of the duodenal intestine of broiler chickens has been overlooked by researchers, thus emphasizing the significance of these studies. The research was carried out on Cobb 500 broiler chickens in conditions of industrial poultry farming. The experimental group chickens were administered with SCFA-M in drinking water (1% solution of C-3 C-10). The results of the experiment revealed that the administration of SCFA-M to chickens was characterized by increased expression of E-cadherin, fibronectin, IFN-α, and decreased expression of IFN-γ in the duodenum of broiler. Specifically, SCFA-M administration to chickens was associated with an increase in the expression level of E-cadherin in the duodenal intestine by 25.8–30.4% (P≤0.001), fibronectin by 17.8–37.0% (P≤0.001), IFN-α by 21.0–71.6% (P≤0.001), and a decrease in the expression of IFN-γ by 13.5%–49.9% (P≤0.01–0.001) compared to the control group chickens. The correlations of molecular marker expression (E-cadherin, fibronectin, IFN-α, and IIFN-γ) in the duodenum of broiler chickens significantly varied throughout the technological cycle not only in magnitude but also in its trend. Obtained results demonstrated that the marker content was positively correlated with Escherichia coli content (r = 0.79–0.87) in 22-day-old broiler chickens. Contrary, marker content was negatively correlated with E. coli content (r = –0.84…–0.68), Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. (r = 0.23–0.91) in 29-day-old chickens. Furthermore, this index was negatively correlated with Staphylococcus spp. content (r = –0.83…–0.51) in 45-day-old chickens. The exposure to SCFA-M induced the changes which associated with strong direct correlations of E-cadherin, fibronectin, IFN-α, and IFN-γ with Staphylococcus spp. content in the duodenum of 22-day-old broiler chickens (r = 0.81–0.91). Molecular markers content exhibited strong inverse correlation links with E. coli content in 36-day-old broiler chickens (r = –0.92…–0.80). Thus, the application of SCFA-M induced the beneficial effect on the modulation of molecular marker expression (E- cadherin, fibronectin, IFN-α, and IFN-γ) in the duodenum. The further research required to construct the optimized protocols for SCFA-M applying in poultry farming, which would replace or minimize the use of antibacterial drugs.

Garlic Powder Supplementary Diet Prevents Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome by Reducing Apoptosis in Broiler Chickens

Background: Pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) is a metabolic disorder presenting with cardiopulmonary symptoms. However, garlic powder (GP) is used to treat many diseases, such as heart and lung diseases. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of GP supplementary diet on apoptosis and right ventricle hypertrophy in broiler chickens with PHS. Methods: Ninety meat-type chickens were randomly divided into three groups: Sham, PHS and PHS+GP. The PHS was induced by triiodothyronine (T3) in broiler chickens, and GP was added to the ration after week 1 of rearing (PHS+GP). Then, lung and ventricle tissues were collected at 21 and 49 days of age. PHS was calculated at 21 and 49 days based on the ratio of the right ventricle to the total ventricles (RV/TV) weight index. Gene expression of caspase1 (CASP1) and caspase1 (CASP2) were evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in the lungs and right heart ventricles. Results: The findings showed that right ventricular hypertrophy increased at day 49 in the PHS group compared to sham (P<0.001), while garlic consumption decreased this ratio to the control level (P<0.05). Also, the expression of CASP1 and CASP2 in the lungs elevated on day 49 (P<0.001), and the GP diet prevented this increase (P<0.05). Moreover, in the right ventricle tissue, PHS affected CASP1 on days 21 and 49, although the expression of CASP2 significantly increased just at day 49 in the PHS group (P<0.001). This increase in both times was weakened by garlic consumption (P<0.05). Conclusion: Consuming garlic as a dietary supplement could prevent PHS by influencing apoptosis in the lung and heart of broilers.

The effect of protease supplementation in broiler chicken diets containing maize from different batches on growth performance and nutrient digestibility

Maize is the primary energy source in poultry diets. Nutritional and physical traits related to maize composition can affect nutrient utilization, as well as the efficacy of exogenous enzymes. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maize from different batches and protease supplementation on growth performance and ileal nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens from 1 to 40 days of age. A total of 1 920-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were assigned in a complete randomized design distributed into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising maize from two different batches (A and B) without and with protease (0 and 200 g/t), totaling 4 treatments and 12 replicates of 40 broiler chickens each. Experimental diets were divided into starter, grower I, grower II, and finisher phases. Both maize types were analyzed for nutritional composition, hardness, and structural differences in the starch granules via scanning electron microscopy. Feed intake, weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated. Ileal digesta was collected at 35 days to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of DM, CP, and ileal digestible energy (IDE). Hardness was higher in maize grains from batch A (P < 0.05), which may be associated with the denser and compact starch granules observed in electron microscopy. Broiler chickens fed maize from batch B and supplemented with protease showed greater WG and better FCR from 9 to 19 days (P < 0.05). From 1 to 40 days, birds fed the maize B diet had greater WG and lower FCR compared to those fed the maize A diet (P < 0.05). In the total period, protease supplementation reduced FCR (P < 0.01). No differences were found for AID of DM and CP, but broilers fed maize B diets had greater IDE (P < 0.05). In conclusion, although nutrient ileal digestibility was unaffected by treatments, the use of maize B led to superior growth performance and energy utilization due to its softer endosperm and starch composition, and protease supplementation reduced FCR and increased IDE regardless of maize batch.

Effects of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) powder supplementation on growth, intestinal morphology, immune stimulation, and intestinal bacteria in broiler chickens

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance in poultry farms is a significant global public health concern that has led farmers to explore alternative antibiotics, such as prebiotics in poultry production. This study aimed to examine the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic shallot extract (ESE) and the effects of adding shallot powder (SP) to broiler feed on broiler growth, immune response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccination, and gastrointestinal tract bacteria. Materials and Methods: We determined the antimicrobial effects of ESE against Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EOH) and Lactobacillus acidophilus TISTR 2365 (L2365) using the agar well diffusion method. We used a complete randomized design to assign 120 1-day-old Arbor Acre chicks to six groups with four replicates of five broiler chickens over 42 days. The treatment groups were as follows: T1-basal diet (B) + NDV vaccination (positive control), T2-B (negative control), T3-B + 2 g SP per kg of feed, T4-B + 2 g SP per kg of feed + NDV, T5-B + 4 g SP per kg of feed, and T6-B + 4 g SP per kg of feed + NDV. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentrations of ESE on EOH and L2365 were 62.50 and 125.00 mg/mL, respectively. The body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio in the 4 g SP of T5 and T6 groups were significantly improved compared with the other groups (p &lt; 0.05). The immune organ (IO) and thymus gland weights in the T4 group were significantly greater than those observed in the positive and negative control groups (p &lt; 0.05). The IO weights of the bursae of Fabricius and spleen tended to be greater in the T4 group than in the other groups. T5 group broilers had the highest ratio of villus height to crypt depth. The humoral immunity titers against NDV vaccination were improved in the SP-supplemented groups compared with the non-supplemented groups (p &gt; 0.05). SP supplementation reduced the levels of coliform (p &lt; 0.05) and E. coli in the broiler intestine by adding 4 g of SP per kg of feed. However, L2365 was more tolerant to ESE in vitro and tended to increase in line with increased SP levels. Conclusion: ESE showed strong antimicrobial activity to reduce harmful bacteria, and SP supplementation may exhibit prebiotic effects to increase broiler chicken growth, immunity, and microbial balance. Keywords: broiler chickens, food security, immune stimulation, intestinal bacteria, intestinal morphology, shallot.

The Effect of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on Broiler Chicks’ Growth Performance, Immunological Status, and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract Many studies have mentioned the advantages of adding wheat germ to chicken diets, but few were interested in studying the effect of the fermentation process on this addition. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adding fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) and immunostimulant (IS) to the broiler diet and water, respectively, on growth performance, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, immune status, and carcass characteristics. A total of 180 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly and equally assigned into four treatment groups of 5 replicates (9 chicks/replicate) each. The first group (G1) served as a control group with a basal diet and normal drinking water, while the second (G2) and the third (G3) groups were treated with a basal diet supplemented with 0.1 and 0.2% of FWGE, respectively. The fourth group (G4) was treated with one level of immunostimulant (ORGA IMMU®, 0.2% in drinking water) and served as a positive control. The experiment lasted 35 days. According to the results, adding 0.2% FWGE to the broiler diet (G3) improved (P≤0.05) feed conversion ratio and increased (P≤0.05) live body weight and body weight gain compared to the control group (G1). The G3 also showed improvements (P≤0.05) in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Blood biochemical parameters, such as total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were positively affected (P≤0.05) by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for Newcastle disease and avian influenza viruses, phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), and lysozyme activity (LA) were significantly (P≤0.05) improved by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Furthermore, carcass traits, such as carcass weight and dressing percentage, were improved (P≤0.05) by adding FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. The inclusion of FWGE in the broiler chicken diet by 0.2% had a considerably positive impact on the birds’ growth performance, health, and carcass quality.

Impact of Rumex nepalensis on Performance, Blood Markers, Immunity, Intestinal Microbiology and Histomorphology in Broiler Chicken.

The study investigated the impact of utilizing Rumex nepalensis leaf powder (RNL) as a phytogenic feed additive on performance, blood markers, intestinal microbiology and histomorphology in broiler chicken. One hundred eighty day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups having three replicates with fifteen birds each. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets primarily based on maize-soybean were formulated, viz., CN (Control)-fed basal diet only; RNL2.5 (basal diet + 2.5 g/kg RNL); RNL5 (basal diet + 5 g/kg RNL); and RNL10 (basal diet + 10 g/kg RNL). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in dietary treatments compared to CN with best values in RNL10 followed by RNL5. The blood markers like glucose, total protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no significance (p > 0.05) among all the treatments, however total cholesterol significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in RNL5 and RNL10 as against CN. Regarding immune parameters, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in RNL5 and RNL10. Antioxidant enzyme status showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in RNL10 compared to CN. Gut health in terms of cecal microbiology and histomorphology of duodenum and jejunum were altered by inclusion of RNL in the broiler diet. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in coliform count was recorded by incorporation of dietary treatments with highest reduction in RNL10. Lactobacillus count and total viable count did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among dietary treatments and CN. Duodenal and jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in RNL5 and RNL10 compared to RNL2.5 and CN. Thus, it could be concluded that inclusion of Rumex nepalensis leaf powder in the diet resulted in improved performance and better immuno-antioxidant status of broilers. Further, an improvement in the gut health was observed in terms of positive effects on cecal microbiota and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens.

Bioactive Compounds in Phyllanthus Amarus Leaf Extract and its Toxicity in the Treatment of Newcastle Disease

Background: Using extracts from medicinal plants to cure sicknesses and enfeebling diseases remains a major practice for traditional healers and medical practitioners. This research aimed to elucidate the significance and potential composition of n-Hexane extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaf and also establish its safety for use in potential medicinal preparations. Methods: Bioactive compounds from an extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaf were used in the treatment of Newcastle Disease (ND) in broiler chickens. It was characterised using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) and its biosafety effect on selected biochemical markers in chickens was observed. Results: The results showed the presence of over 15 bioactive compounds including phytol, phenol, and vitamin E. The constituents did not have a toxic effect on the selected biochemical markers of the chickens. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Phyllanthus amarus may be considered safe and contains numerous active constituents which could be further explored for probable novel drugs sourced from natural plants for the treatment of animal or human diseases.

Dietary supplementary with ellagic acid improves the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chicken challenged with E. coli K88

Ellagic acid (EA) contributes to the immunity and anti-oxidant function of body, whereas there are few reports about its effect on the intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chickens. Hence, the present study was arranged to investigate the effect of dietary supplementary with EA on the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88). A total of 216 healthy 1-day-old, Ross 308 broilers with uniform weight were randomly assigned into three treatment groups, six replicates in each group and twelve birds in each replicate. Broilers in the control (CTR) group and E. coli K88 infected group (ETEC) were fed with the basic diet, and 200 mg/kg EA was supplemented into the diet of the E. coli K88 infected group treated with EA (EAETEC). The animal trial had lasted for 42 days, and the outcomes showed that the ADG and ADFI during the animal trial, the jejunal villi height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD) tended to be decreased with E. coli K88 treated (P< 0.05). Additionally, the level of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated, the activity of intestinal total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the mRNA levels in jejunal claudin-1 and occludin were down-regulated with E. coli K88 treated as well as the transcription levels of ileal Mucin-2, aquaporin-3 (AQP-3) and Na+/H+ exchanger proteins-3 (NHE-3) (P< 0.05). In addition, E. coli K88 down-regulated the α-diversity index of cecal flora, the ratio of Bacteroidota to Firmicutes and the relative abundance of Barnesiella were up-regulated and it of Alistipes was descended with E. coli K88 treated (P< 0.05). Beyond that, the content of propionic acid in the cecal chyme was decreased and the amino acid metabolic pathways were inhibited with E. coli K88 challenged (P< 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the relative abundance of Alistipes and the levels of butyric acid in the caecal chyme and the activity of GSH-Px in the intestine (P< 0.05). Interestingly, dietary supplementary with EA could reshape the intestinal flora structure and alleviate the above negative effects of E. coli K88 on broiler chickens. In conclusion, dietary supplementary with ellagic acid improved the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chickens challenged with E. coli K88.

Synergetic effect between Thyme oil and betaine as growth promotor, performance enhancer and growth responsible gene stimulant in broiler chickens

Synergetic effect between Thyme oil and betaine as growth promotor, performance enhancer and growth responsible gene stimulant in broiler chickens

Positive impact of early-probiotic administration on performance parameters, intestinal health and microbiota populations in broiler chickens

Minimizing the utilization of antibiotics in animal production is crucial to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistances. Thus, research on alternatives is needed to maintain productivity, sustainability, and animal health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of probiotics' modes of action on performance, intestinal microbiota, and gut health in poultry, 3 probiotic strains (Enterococcus faecalis CV1028 [EntF], Bacteroides fragilis GP1764 [BacF], and Ligilactobacillus salivarius CTC2197 [LacS]) were tested in 2 in vivo trials. Trial 1 comprised of a negative control group fed basal diet (BD) and 3 treatment groups that received BD with EntF, BacF and LacS. Trial 2 included a negative control group, a positive control group with Zinc-Bacitracin as antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), and 2 groups treated with a blend of probiotics (EntF+BacF+LacS) during 0 to 10 or 0 to 35 d, respectively. Wheat-soybean-rye based diets without exogenous enzymes were used as a challenge model to induce intestinal mild- or moderate-inflammatory process in the gut. In Trial 1, individually administered probiotics improved FCR at 8 d compared to Control, but these positive effects were lost in the following growing periods probably due to the high grade of challenging diet and a too low dose of probiotics. In Trial 2, both Probiotic treatments, administered only 10 or 35 d, significantly improved FCR to the same extent as of the Antibiotic group at the end of the trial. Although the performance between antibiotic and probiotic mixture showed similar values, microbiota analysis revealed different microbial composition at 7 d, but not at 21 d. This suggests that modes of action of the AGP and the tested probiotic blend differ on their effects on microbiome, and that the changes observed during the first days' posthatch are relevant on performance at the end of the study. Therefore, the probiotics administration only during the first 10 d posthatch was proven sufficient to induce similar performance improvements to those observed in birds fed antibiotic growth promoters throughout the whole experimental trial.

Molecular characterization of genes linked to virulence and antimicrobial resistance in salmonella sp. isolated from broiler chickens

Molecular characterization of genes linked to virulence and antimicrobial resistance in salmonella sp. isolated from broiler chickens

Antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of Salmonella serovars isolated from broiler chickens

Antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of Salmonella serovars isolated from broiler chickens

Isolation and molecular identification of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from broiler chickens in Fayoum, Egypt

Isolation and molecular identification of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from broiler chickens in Fayoum, Egypt

Response of broilers to supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil in hot ambient conditions.

Heat stress has various detrimental effects on poultry production. The aim of the study was to alleviate the effects of heat stress in broiler production. For this purpose, 288 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were obtained from a commercial hatchery and randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups; CON: corn-soybean meal based commercial diet, SEO100: CON with 100mg/kg Sage essential oil (SEO) and SEO200: CON with 200mg/kg SEO with 96 birds in each group (4 replicates each) in a completely randomized design under hot ambient temperatures for 42 days. No differences were observed in the body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio at 42 days of age among groups. However, there was a significant increase in 21-day body weight in SEO200 chicks compared to CON. Furthermore, the addition of SEO significantly decreased the mortality rate under heat stress conditions. The total oxidant status value was lower in broiler chickens in which SEO was added to their diets. While the total antioxidant status value was higher in SEO100 chicks, it did not show a linear increase. Additionally, the results demonstrated that the addition of SEO to broiler diets under heat stress did not have a significant effect on inspected meat quality traits, with the exception of the b*(yellowness) value of breast muscle. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that 200mg/kg SEO can be added to diets for the welfare of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions for struggling with oxidants and increasing viability. Further research is needed to investigate the antioxidant activity and meat quality of different levels of SEO in hot ambient conditions.

Respiratory distress and mortality in broiler chickens.

Respiratory distress and mortality in broiler chickens.

Evaluation the Effects of Copper Nanoparticles Dietary Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Serum Antioxidant Status in Broilers.

The current study aims to assess the impact of different doses of feed supplementation of copper nanoparticles on broiler growth performance and carcass traits. The copper nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction, and X-ray diffraction was used to characterize them. Iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous starter and finisher basal diets were prepared and further supplemented with 0, 4, 8, and 12mg/kg Cu nanoparticles for formulating T1, T2, T3 and T4 diets, respectively. A nearby hatchery provided 160-day-old broiler chicks, which were subsequently divided into 4 groups at random. There were 4 repetitions of each treatment, with 10 birds in each replication. Results revealed that average weight and FCR were improved in birds fed feed containing 12mg nano Cu when compared to other groups. Feed intake, carcass characteristics, and dry matter and crude protein metabolizability were not influenced by different levels of Cu nanoparticles, while the metabolizability of crude fat was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T4 compared among all treatment groups. Catalase concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in T3 and T4 compared to other treatments, while the concentration of superoxide dismutase was high in T2 and T4. The water-holding capacity of meat was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T4. The findings of the present study concluded that dietary supplementation of Cu nanoparticles at 12mg/kg feed can be practiced to get better broiler performance. According to the current study's findings, broiler performance can be improved by supplementing the food with 12mg/kg of Cu nanoparticles.

Influence of different levels of black soldier fly larvae meal on growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chickens

A study was conducted to examine the impact of two inclusion levels of Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) replacing soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers. Three experimental diets based on corn-soybean meal were developed to contain 0 (control), 6 (BSF 6) and 12% (BSF 12) BSFLMfor both starter and grower phases. Each experimental diet was randomly allotted to six replicate pens (eight birds per pen). The birds were offered starter pellets from 0 to 14 day post-hatch and grower pellets from 15 to 28 day post-hatch. The experimental diets were tested for pellet durability index (PDI). There was an interaction between diet and growth phase (P < 0.001) for pellet durability index where starter diets had always a higher PDI than the grower diets, but the difference was greater for control diet than BSF 6 and BSF 12 diets. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of diets and coefficients of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of nutrients were measured on day 28 using titanium dioxide marker ratios in the diet and excreta/ileal digesta. On day 28, the weights of live body, carcass, fat pad, breast and gizzard were recorded, and then breast meat quality (meat pH, drip loss and cooking loss) was examined. Inclusion of BSFLM of up to 12% did not reduce live weight gain or feed intake. Live weight and carcass weight were heavier in broilers fed 12% BSFLM than controls (P < 0.02), but were not different than those fed 6%, while controls were not different than those fed 6%. Breast weight (percentage live weight) was lower in birds offered 12% BSFL than in others (P < 0.04). No differences were observed between diets for the percentage weight as carcass, fat, pad and gizzard. The AME and AMEc of diets were the highest in broilers fed 6% BSFLM diet (P < 0.005), but there were no differences between controls and those fed 12% BSFLM. The CAID of DM, ash and N in birds fed 6% BSFLM were greater than (P < 0.03) birds fed 12%, but were not different than controls, which were also not different than those fed 12%. Broiler breast meat quality was unaffected by dietary treatments. In conclusion, BSFLM at 12% can be used effectively as a SBM replacement in starter and grower diets, without affecting the growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens.

RNA m6A-mediated post-transcriptional repression of glucocorticoid receptor in LPS-activated Kupffer cells on broilers

Glucocorticoid receptors are distributed in various cells of the body and participate in the regulation of metabolism and immunity in response to glucocorticoids. RNA m6A methylation participates in various metabolic and inflammatory responses, yet it remains elusive whether m6A is involved in GR regulation during immune activation. Here, we observed uncoupled GR responses with increased mRNA yet suppressed protein levels in the LPS-challenged broilers chicken liver, in association with global elevation of RNA m6A methylation, especially in the expression of METTL3 and YTHDF2. Further analysis using isolated primary hepatocytes and Kupffer cells revealed that such uncoupled GR responses and m6A hypermethylation occurred specifically in KCs. The same GR and m6A responses were reproduced in LPS-activated KC cell line, implying a possible role of m6A in the post-transcriptional suppression of GR in KC. Indeed, m6A inhibitor cycloleucine alleviated LPS-induced GR protein suppression, whilst GR antagonist RU486 had no effect on global m6A methylation in KC. We observed that YTHDF2 siRNA can alleviate LPS-induced GR mRNA stability decrease. Subsequently, specific m6A sites on GR were predicted and verified. Mutation m6A sites and luciferase reporter assay was also applied to validate these findings. Mechanistically, m6A methylation on the transcripts of GR impairs its mRNA stability in a YTHDF2-dependent manner, which leads to the decrease of its protein. Our study indicates successive roles of RNA m6A modification in the down regulation of GR expression, which provides new drug targets for epigenetic therapy of liver inflammation.

Bacillus licheniformis and phytase combination in broiler chicken diets: Effects on growth performance, digestibility coefficients, gut microbiome activities, and bone quality

In the present study, B. licheniformis was added to broiler chicken diets alone or in combination with 6-phytase and the effects on growth performance, coefficients of ileal nutrient digestibility, morphometrical measurements of selected internal organs, gut microbial activity, and bone quality were determined. Four hundred 1-day-old female birds (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (10 replicate pens, 10 birds each). The trial was set up as follows: negative control (NC), basal diet without any feed additive; NC+Pro, basal diet with B. licheniformis (500 g/t of diet); NC+Phy, basal diet with 6-phytase (400 g/t of diet); and NC+Pro+Phy, basal diet in which both experimental factors were added at the same levels as above. The interaction between treatments was noted in each evaluated period regarding BWG and FI. In the entire experiment, an increased body weight gain (P < 0.001) was observed in the NC+Pro+Phy treatment compared to the other groups. The birds that received both feed additives combined were characterized by an increased feed intake (P < 0.001), contrary to NC+Pro and NC+Phy. Moreover, in terms of microenvironment modulations, interactions (P < 0.05) were observed in the jejunal and cecal digesta pH, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) level, and microbial enzyme activities. However, the impacts of B. licheniformis and phytase on cecal SCFA concentrations and bacterial enzymes were mainly opposite. There were no interactions (P < 0.05) in terms of geometrical, mechanical, and structural selected tibia and femur indices. However, 6-phytase addition improved bone structure, stiffness, and elasticity. In conclusion, the interactions between 6-phytase and B. licheniformis positively affect growth performance via microbial activity changes; however, the supportive bone quality maintenance properties are only connected to 6-phytase supplementation.

Dose dependent effect of phytase supplementation on hematological parameters, serum biochemical analysis, carcass characteristics, and chemical meat analysis of Hubbard broiler chickens

Dose dependent effect of phytase supplementation on hematological parameters, serum biochemical analysis, carcass characteristics, and chemical meat analysis of Hubbard broiler chickens